Modular Simulator System and Apparatus

Abstract

A modular multi-axis simulator system for use in concert with a graphical display, gaming console/computer at an affordable scale is described. The simulator is equipped with at least one modular seat, which may be easily interchanged by the owner for differing seats which correspond to the programmed experience. The seat is disposed within a set of rings, which are configured to rotate, facilitating shift and rotation of the seat(s) about multiple axes. The shifting, rotating, and vibrating of the seat(s) occurs such that the movements correspond to visual stimuli presented via the computer/console and graphical display. Additional features such as wind simulation, a odor emission, a solenoid-equipped body suit, and a VR headset may be added to further enhance the experience, providing enhanced realistic simulation within one's home.

Claims

1. A simulator system comprising: motors, each motor in communication with at least one belt; rings, said motors disposed in communication with said rings via said at least one belt; at least one seat, said at least one seat disposed within said rings; wherein said rings have the appearance of large ball bearings; wherein said at least one seat is housed within a cockpit; a support, said support disposed beneath said rings; connecting axes, said connecting axes disposed between said rings, linking said rings to one another; bearings, said bearings disposed at said connecting axes; at least one microprocessor, said at least one microprocessor in communication with said motors; at least one graphical display; wherein said at least one microprocessor is configured to control the speed of said motors such that movement of said rings effected by said motors corresponds to visual stimuli presented on said at least one graphical display;

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one graphical display is disposed in front of said seat; and wherein said at least one graphical display is disposed behind said seat.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein said at least one graphical display is spherical.

4. The system of claim 2, further comprising: a seat belt, said seat belt in communication with said seat; and wherein said seatbelt is a four-point dual shoulder harness.

5. The system of claim 1, further comprising: at least one fan, said at least one fan disposed beneath said at least one graphical display; and wherein said at least one fan is configured to direct air towards said at least one seat to simulate wind.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein for each instance of motor there is at least one belt in communication with said motor.

6. The system of claim 5, further comprising: a helmet, said helmet equipped with a headset and microphone; and wherein said headset and microphone are integrated into said helmet.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one seat is modular such that it may be swapped for a different compatible seat; and wherein said at least one seat is designed for use with specific software.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein said at least one seat is a bucket-styled racing seat.

9. The system of claim 7, wherein said at least one seat is a motorcycle-styled seat; wherein said motorcycle-styled seat is configured to function as a user interface device such that, a lean to the left effects a change towards the left on the graphical display; and wherein said motorcycle-styled seat is configured to function as a user interface device such that, a lean to the right effects a change towards the right on the graphical display.

10. The system of claim 9, further comprising: a left piston, said left piston configured to regulate the lean of said motorcycle-styled seat when leaning to the left; and a right piston, said right piston configured to regulate the lean of said motorcycle-styled seat when leaning to the right.

11. The system of claim 5, wherein said rings are composed of aircraft-grade aluminum; and wherein an outermost ring has more internal resistance an said innermost ring of said rings.

12. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a body suit, said body suit configured to be worn when seated within said at least one seat; solenoids, said solenoids disposed within fabric of said body suit; rods, said rods in communication with said solenoids; and wherein said rods are configured to extend towards an inside of said body suit when said solenoids are activated by said software.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

[0013] The present invention will be better understood with reference to the appended drawing sheets, wherein:

[0014] FIG. 1 depicts a schematic of the system of the present invention, detailing the preferred placement of the components of the system of the present invention.

[0015] FIG. 2 depicts a close-up view of a front of the cockpit, seat, and counterweight of the mount of the present invention.

[0016] FIG. 3 shows a flow chart detailing the process of use of the present invention by a user.

[0017] FIG. 4 details a rear side view of the present invention, detailing the multi-axis mount, motors, and sled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0018] The present specification discloses one or more embodiments that incorporate the features of the invention. The disclosed embodiment(s) merely exemplify the invention. The scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment(s). The invention is defined by the claims appended hereto.

[0019] References in the specification to one embodiment, an embodiment, an example embodiment, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment, Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0020] The present invention is an affordable simulator solution configured for use within homes and businesses to provide accurate simulations in accordance with films and simulator programs (software/games). The preferred embodiment of the present invention is equipped with at least one seat (10), disposed within a central cockpit area (20). The central cockpit area (20) is disposed at a center of a multi-axis mount (30), comprising a first axis (40) and a second axis (50). The first axis (40) is equipped with a first inner rotator (60) configured to rotate the user within the circular center of the first axis (40). Additionally, the second axis is equipped with a second inner rotator (70), configured to enable the rotation of the entirety of the first axis (40) and cockpit area (20) of the simulator.

[0021] Each of the rings (95) are preferably equipped with an inner portion (185) and an outer portion (195) as seen in FIG. 1. The inner portion (185) is separated, and buffered by, a series of metallic balls (170), which enable the inner portion (185) to rotate freely within (and against the reference of) the outer portion (195) of each ring, facilitating stability and additional range of movement. The inner portion (185) is configured to rotate in a direction opposing the outer portion (195).

[0022] It should be understood that the first inner rotator (60), second inner rotator (70), and outer rotator (85) amount to rings (95), which are preferably made of aircraft grade aluminum which are present around the cockpit area (20), facilitating motion of the cockpit area (20) during use of the present invention. Aluminum is preferably used to keep the cost of the system down, as well as to keep the weight of the apparatus low. It is envisioned that at least one of the rings may be composed of a durable nylon material. The cockpit area (20) is preferably equipped with speakers (125) which are ideally oriented to cast sound in the direction of the user, and provide an immersive, three-dimensional surround sound audio experience. The cockpit area (20) is preferably equipped with a plastic shell. Motors (80) are configured to convey motion to junctions (90) of each axis, providing the system of the present invention with mechanized movement in accordance with visual stimulus, which is provided via a graphical display (100).

[0023] The graphical display (100) of the present invention is preferably one or more display screens, or in some embodiments, a VR headset is used. The graphical display (100) may be a form of one or more curved screens disposed in the front and the rear of the user within the central cockpit area (20). A computer (110) is preferably disposed in communication with the motors (80) as well as the graphical display (100) in order to coordinate the movement of the axes in accordance with the visual cues depicted on the graphical display (100). The graphical display (100) may exhibit a global radius screen capable of occupying at least of the view area of the user. The computer (110) may be a conventional computer or gaming console. A human interface device (120) may also be present to enable the user manipulation of the content.

[0024] The at least one seat (10) is preferably modular such that it may easily be removed from the system by the user, and replaced with a suitable seat compatible with the system of the present invention. For example, the user may opt to exchange a bucket-style racing or flight seat for a motorcycle or bike seat equipped with handlebars. In such embodiments, the handlebars embody the human interface device (120), providing for manipulation of speed and direction of a motorcycle simulation.

[0025] To facilitate control of the software via the motorcycle-styled seat via leaning, a first air piston is disposed at a left side of the motorcycle-styled seat, and a second air piston (air cylinders) is present at a right side of the motorcycle-styled seat. The air pistons/cylinders ensure that the user cannot lean too far to one side, causing injury or damage to the present invention. The air pistons also prevent rapid leaning, and enable the user to gradually lean, in an analog motion, to facilitate precise control over the software.

[0026] The at least one seat (10) is preferably equipped with a four-point shoulder harness (15) to ensure the safety of the user, especially during inverted movement. The shoulder harness (15) preferably straps over both shoulders of the user, to keep him or her in position during use. Optionally, some uses of the present invention may indicate a lack of seat, and instead, the user may employ a treadmill to traverse a simulated landscape. In such embodiments, the treadmill acts as the human interface device (20), permitting manipulation of the graphical presentation portrayed on the graphical display (100) in accordance with steps taken on the treadmill. In such embodiments employing a treadmill deck, a curved display screen is preferably used as the graphical display (100) to provide an immersive experience.

[0027] A robust support and mounting system is required to ensure that the present invention remains stationary (in relative position) when in use, ensuring the prevention of injury. A one-piece lever (65) is preferably present to facilitate balancing of the cockpit area (20) about a pivot point (75), as shown in FIG. 2. On one end of the one-piece lever (65) rests the counter-weight(s) (55), and on a second end of the one-piece lever (65) rests the cockpit area (20) surrounded by the rings (95). The counter-weight(s) (55) preferably stabilize and balance the cockpit area (20), including the rings (95), ensuring that use of the present invention is safe even during vigorous movement/maneuvers provided by the simulation. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, a camshaft wheel is disposed under the seat (10), which is configured to compensate for turbulence and vibration of the motors (80) when they are in operation.

[0028] Seven variable speed motors (80) are preferably employed by the system of the present invention, however additional motors (80) may be purchased with upgraded (add-on) components of the present invention to add additional features. The motors (80) may be configured to jump from 110 v to 220 v depending on the demand. Each motor (80) is in communication with at least one belt (65) configured to convey motion to one or more rings (95) of the present invention. In the preferred embodiments of the present invention, there are two motors (80), each with at least one belt (65), for each the second inner rotator (70) and the outer rotator (85) of the rings (95). Movement of the central cockpit area (20) itself is preferably gear driven, whereas up and down movement of the entirety of the apparatus is driven by motors (80) with threaded shafts, or may be hydraulic.

[0029] Counterweight(s) (55), preferably in the form of batteries, are present to maintain stability of the system and apparatus of the present invention during use. The counterweights (55) are preferably integrated into a sled housing (150) disposed at a rear of the present invention. However, in alternate embodiments of the present invention, the counterweights (55) may be disposed at any point of the rear of the assembly of the present invention.

[0030] Brakes are preferably disposed on a main drive rod for safety and to facilitate gradual slowing (or emergency stopping) of the rings (95). The brakes are preferably rounded, and need not be hydraulic; however, some embodiments of the present invention may employ a hydraulic brake. Hydraulics may be employed to facilitate movement of the apparatus as a whole up and down, with the counterweight(s) maintaining stability during movement.

[0031] The seat (10) of the present invention is preferably affixed to a quick release mounting plate (135), which is held in position by bolts (25) and nuts. Preferably at least four bolts (25) are required to ensure that the seat (10) remains in a safe position during use. Each alternative seat (10) compatible with the present invention is similarly equipped with a quick release mounting plate (135) to enable the user to exchange seats without additional assistance or tools. As such, latches may alternatively be employed, similar to those used in the mounting of a vehicle seat within a motor vehicle (such as a minivan with removable seats) to facilitate easy exchange of seats (10) within the cockpit area (20) of the present invention. In other embodiments, metal prongs may be used to secure the seat (10) within the cockpit area (20), which are preferably secured with cotter pins.

[0032] Each embodiment of the seat (10) of the present invention is equipped with vibration motors (145) which are configured to provide vibration feedback to the user during active use of the present invention. The vibration feedback accomplished via the vibration motors (145) correlates to events displayed on the graphical display (100). Additionally, some embodiments of the present invention may be equipped with an electrical feedback mechanism, which facilitates the transmission of an electric shock to the advanced (18 and up) user.

[0033] Additionally, the present invention is preferably equipped with a smell feedback system, which is accomplished via an odor displacement box (175). The odor displacement box (175) is configured to circulate specific odors/aromas that correlate to the simulated experience.

[0034] The process of use of the system of the present invention, as experienced by the user, as shown in FIG. 3, is preferably as follows:

[0035] 1. First, the user selects a gaming system, such as a console or computer, to connect to the system of the present invention via a wireless interface. The gaming system is connected to the system of the present invention wirelessly, or via a wire such as a USB cable. (200)

[0036] 2. Next, the user selects software to enjoy. This may be in the form of an interactive film, game, or educational/learning software. (210)

[0037] 3. Then, the user selects an appropriate seat compatible with the selected software. The seat is installed by the user if needed. (220) If only one form of seat is available, the user uses the available seat until a new modular seat (for potentially different software) is purchased as an add-on.

[0038] 4. Next, the user boots the software on the selected console or computer, sits down in the seat, and fastens the safety harness. (230)

[0039] 5. The system then interfaces with the console or computer, and is directed by the software to provide a simulated experience to the user using wind simulation, motion simulation, vibration feedback, bodysuit feedback (if purchased), surround sound feedback, and visual feedback (via at least one graphical display). (240)

[0040] It should be understood that the preferred embodiment of the present invention is configured to move laterally via a sled (140) which slides within a sled housing (150). This facilitates forwards and backwards movement of the entirety of the rings (95) and cockpit area (20) of the present invention. The rings (95) are preferably welded to a mount of the sled (140) to facilitate safe and stable motion of the user within the cockpit area (20) of the present invention.

[0041] Alternate embodiments of the present invention preferably include variations on the sizing, material composition, coloration, and aesthetic design of the present invention. It is envisioned that the preferable materials include fiberglass and lightweight metals such as aircraft-grade aluminum.

[0042] An optional addition to the system of the present invention is a solenoid-equipped bodysuit to be worn by the user during use of the present invention. The bodysuit has solenoids distributed throughout the fabric of the bodysuit, which are configured to poke into the skin of the user while not piercing the fabric of the bodysuit. The solenoids of the bodysuit are configured to react to in-game stimulus to further enhance the simulation experience. For example, the solenoids are configured to extend if the user is shot in a shooting game, or crashes in a driving game. With appropriate mapping of the solenoids of the bodysuit, specific solenoids can be activated which correlate to the in-game location of the user's body avatar (character) such that the user feels a sensation at the same bodily location at which his/her character is shot in the game simulation. The bodysuit preferably amounts to a fiber-wired matrix suit, and is preferably available in a variety of sizes to best suit the user.

[0043] Having illustrated the present invention, it should be understood that various adjustments and versions might be implemented without venturing away from the essence of the present invention. Further, it should be understood that the present invention is not solely limited to the invention as described in the embodiments above, but further comprises any and all embodiments within the scope of this application.

[0044] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.