WO2013018115A1

WO2013018115A1 - Dynamic active simulator

Info

Publication number: WO2013018115A1
Application number: PCT/IT2011/000287
Authority: WO
Inventors: Roberto CAPUANO
Original assignee: Tecnomatic S.R.L.
Priority date: 2011-08-03
Filing date: 2011-08-03
Publication date: 2013-02-07

Abstract

The present description refers to a structure for a dynamic active simulator, particularly suitable for the realization of playing stations for simulation, which may reconcile the required simplicity and inexpensiveness of apparatuses intended for playing, in particular for kids, with the desire of proposing to the kids themselves ever-more engaging and realistic, and therefore funnier and more enticing experiences.

Description

T/IT2011/000287

DYNAMIC ACTIVE SIMULATOR

DESCRIPTION

The present description refers to a structure for a dynamic active simulator, particularly suitable for the realization of playing stations for simulation.

The object of the present invention stems from the need to reconcile the required simplicity and inexpensiveness of apparatuses intended for playing, in particular for kids, with the desire of proposing to the kids themselves ever-more engaging and realistic, and therefore funnier and more enticing experiences.

One of the typologies of playing stations most appreciated, especially in the last years is surely that of dynamic active simulators, i.e., of actuated supports that, moved coherently with respect to an external event (a film, a path, etc.), returns to users the emotion and sensations typical of being immersed in the event itself, to the point of being part of it.

For instance, in this category (vehicle and/or aircraft) driving simulators are well- known.

However, as can well be imagined, such apparatuses envisage complex actuation and control systems, especially due to the numerous variables that have to be taken into account in the simulation itself, in order to return an effect as realistic and engaging as possible.

This entails that it is actually unconceivable to contrive such apparatuses, as intended for the prearranging of playing stations for kids, in replacement, e.g., of classic kiddie ride-type games.

Such games, the classic kiddie rides, represent the solution to date nearer to a simulator, of course within the scope of playing solutions intended for kids.

Classic kiddie rides envisage an actuated structure, driven by an electric motor and a crankshaft mechanism. This mechanism imparts to the structure, e.g. a small car, a motion that however is not realistic in the least and, above all, is independent of any external event and always unvaried and repetitive for all the preset length of the game. Therefore, object of the present invention is to provide an innovative solution to the problems still left open by the known art, by providing a structure for dynamic active simulator as defined in independent claim 1.

Therefore, a further object of the present invention is a dynamic active simulator comprising a structure as that set forth in claim 1.

Secondary features of the present invention are instead set forth in the corresponding dependent claims thereof.

As will be illustrated hereinafter in this description, the present invention entails several advantages, first of all that of conjugating technical simplicity, and therefore inexpensiveness in terms of production, with a particularly realistic effect.

Hence, it follows that the installation and use of simulators of this type can, without problems, be provided in playing environments intended for kids' amusement, like e.g. playgrounds, malls, etc.

These and further advantages, as well as the features and operation steps of the present invention, will be made apparent in the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, given by way of example and not for limitative purposes. Reference will be made to the figures of the annexed drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a structure for simulator according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the structure of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a partially sectional perspective view, exemplarily showing the inside of the structure;

Figure 4 is a cutaway view of a detail of the structure of Figure 1 ;

Figure 5 is a detail view of one of the actuators, and

Figure 6 is an exemplary block diagram of a simulator according to the present invention.

The present invention will be detailed hereinafter, making reference to the above- indicated figures.

Referring initially to Figure 1 , it shows a structure 1 for simulator according to the present invention. Of course, it is understood that the exterior shapes of the structure, which in this case represent a helmet, shall in no case be construed to be limitative. These, in fact, could be modified depending on the specific game that is to be implemented for integrating the structure itseif in a setting suitable for the simulation event that is to be performed.

In general, the structure 1 should be suitable to accommodate and therefore hold at least one person. The structure 1 could be of closed type, as shown in figure, or partially or completely open, e.g. reproducing the shapes of a convertible car, etc. For this purpose, the structure 1 comprises a station 1' apt to accommodate a user utilizing it.

Next Figure 2 shows, always by way of example, the same structure 1 seen from the rear.

The station 1 ' rests preferably on a base 2, on which is located a support 3 supporting the station 1 '. One or more optional further supporting elements 4 may be provided for ensuring greater stability to the structure.

E.g., such a supporting element 4 could advantageously be a suspension element, such as a shock absorber or the like, e.g. for vibration dampening.

Next Figure 3 is a partially sectional perspective view, exemplarily showing the inside of structure 1.

From this figure it may be appreciated how the structure 1 is suitable to the realization of a dynamic active simulator, managed, as will be described hereinafter, by a managing system 30.

In fact, the structure 1 is suitable to accommodate at least one person, who for instance could find place on a seat 10, inside the station 1'. Always inside the station 1 ', a monitor 11 could be provided for transmitting images of a specific event, such as to immerse the user into the event itself.

A simulator for which a structure of this type is to be used could of course provide actuators 5, 6, preferably connected between the station 1 ' and the base 2.

Therefore, the structure 1 advantageously provides connecting means 7, 8, 17, 18 for the connection of the actuators 5, 6.

In particular, the actuators 5, 6 can be preferably connected to the station 1 ' through first hinged joints 7, 8, at the station 1', capable of allowing a mutual rotation about respective first rotation axes a , β.

Moreover, such connecting means 7, 8, 17, 18 comprises second hinged joints 17, 18, at the base 2, for the connection of the actuators 5, 6 to the base itself, so as to allow in this case as well a mutual rotation about respective second axes of rotation y, 0.

However, preferably, the joints 7, 8, 17, 18 can be of ball-and-socket type, i.e. such as to give to the station, besides the above-described rotation, a greater number of degrees of freedom, for instance allowing rotations even with respect to axes orthogonal to the axes , β , y, δ. This, advantageously, improves simulator performances as it allows an independent driving of the actuators and therefore also sideways tilting of the station 1 '.

Referring now to Figure 5, it shows a cutaway view of the support 3, specifically highlighting its structure.

According to the present invention, in fact, the support 3 comprises a single ball- and-socket joint 13, 14, 15, 16.

The ball-and-socket joint is preferably comprised of plural parts 13, 14, 15, 16, and comprises a first joint element 13, made integral to the base 2 and having a substantially hemispherical concave seat.

A second joint element 15, substantially spherical, abuts inside this hemispherical seat. Said second joint element 15 is connected to the station V and supports it.

One or more slide elements 16 are preferably interposed between the first joint element 13 and the second joint element 15, in order to reduce friction during the motion of the latter. Therefore, it will be preferable that such elements be at least partly made in the form of straps of a low friction material, preferably of Teflon^®

Lastly, the ball-and-socket joint comprises a third joint element 14. This element is shaped so as to perfectly fit to the first joint element and to the second joint element, and their cooperation constitutes a continuation of the hemispherical concave seat, in which the ball-and-socket joint element 15 is located, continuation apt to retain the second joint element 15.

The structure 1 is preferably made, entirely or partly, of fiberglass.

One of the advantages of this embodiment consists in the fact of availing oneself of a greater surface on which to distribute all the weight of the station (and therefore of its user) with the result of having a more fluid and gentler motion with respect to commercial ball-and-socket joints.

As indicated hereto, the structure 1 is suitable for the realization of a dynamic active simulator.

For this purpose, a simulator according to the present invention will comprise a structure as described hereto.

Having to accommodate a user, the station V can advantageously provide a seat

10.

Therefore, the simulator according to the present invention comprises a pair of actuators 5, 6 connected between the base 2 and the station 1 ', at the hinged joints 7, 8, 17, 18 described above.

Thus, the movement of the actuators can impart a motion to the station 1 ' with respect to the base 2.

Preferably, the actuators 5, 6 are linear actuators of electric type.

For the managing of the simulator, and in particular of the actuators, the simulator comprises a managing system 30, equipped with a control unit 20, e.g. a computer equipped with cards for the driving of the actuators 5, 6.

Advantageously, to make the simulator more realistic and engaging, the managing system 30 may provide user interaction means 19, like, e.g., a control stick, a steering wheel, a joystick, etc., for allowing the user to actively intervene in the controlling of the actuators, when taking part to the game and/or to the event.

Therefore, the control unit 20 is advantageously equipped with means for receiving data from the user interaction means 19 and/or from the actuators 5, 6, which in turn can return a feedback signal to the control unit 20. Such means for receiving data can, e.g., be data acquisition cards.

It is understood that the simulator may accommodate more than one person. Therefore, plural users can take part in the game at the same time, interacting with the machine and/or with each other, depending on the event being reproduced.

Moreover, the managing system 30 can further comprise a monitor 1 1 , or even more than one, for the reproduction of images and/or filmed sequences, for viewing by the user. The monitor is it also driven by the control unit 20.

Of course, it is understood that the monitor may be of a type adequate to the technology used, e.g. suitable for the reproduction of 3D filmed sequences, of the type to be used with or without suitable glasses.

Moreover, the system can also provide the presence of a monitor placed outside of the structure, for the reproduction of images and/or videos taken inside the station, e.g. by means of a suitably positioned video camera. This allows the public to appreciate simulator user's reactions from the outside.

Lastly, the control unit 20 comprises means, hardware and software ones, for processing the received and/or acquired data, and means, software ones and driving cards, for outputting a control signal for the actuators 5, 6 and/or a video signal for the monitor 11 , depending on the results of the data processing. This creates an effective involvement of the user in the event that is reproduced on the monitor, through motions of the structure, and in particular of the station 1', which are absolutely coherent and realistic with respect to the images that are reproduced on the monitor. Moreover, the option of interacting with the controls increases still more the level of realism and involvement, like in a video game.

The simulator according to the present invention may further comprise devices for connecting to a data network, for the interconnection of plural simulators, managed by a main controller.

Thus, plural simulators can be used concomitantly, both on different events and therefore for experiences independent from each other, and on the same event and therefore for an experience shared by plural users.

As already indicated, the present invention is particularly advantageous for the realization of simulation stations for amusement and playing.

Since such stations also have, among other things, a commercial purpose, it is foreseeable that their use be subject to payment by users.

To this end, advantageously, the present invention may be equipped with a built-in payment system, which may accept payments in different forms (coins, banknotes, electronic cards, tokens, etc.).

In particular, it may also be provided a payment system by means of a pay-per-use prepaid card, utilizable in combination with a system for controlling and managing the machine taking into account the number of uses available.

The present invention has hereto been described with reference to preferred embodiments thereof. It is understood that other embodiments might exist, all falling within the concept of the same invention, and all comprised within the protective scope of the claims hereinafter.

Claims

1. A structure (1.) for a dynamic active simulator, comprising a base (2), a station (V) apt to accommodate a user and a support (3), made integral to said base (2) and apt to support the station (1 '),

the structure being characterized in that said support (3) comprises a single ball- and-socket joint (13, 14, 15, 16).

2. The structure according to claim 1 , further comprising one or more supporting elements (4) for ensuring greater stability to the structure.

3. The structure according to claim 2, wherein said one or more support element (4) comprises a suspension element, a shock absorber or the like, suitable for vibration dampening.

4. The structure according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising connecting means (7, 8, 17, 18) for the connection of one or more actuators (5, 6).

5. The structure according to claim 4, wherein said connecting means (7, 8, 17, 18) comprises first hinged joints (7, 8) at said station (1') for the connection of said actuators (5, 6) to said station (1').

6. The structure according to claim 4 or 5, wherein said connecting means (7, 8, 17, 18) comprises second hinged joints (17, 18) at said base (2) for the connection of the actuators (5, 6) to said base (2).

7. The structure according to claims 5 and 6, wherein said first and second hinged joints (7, 8, 17, 18) are of ball-and-socket type.

8. The structure according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said ball-and- socket joint (13, 14, 15, 16) comprises a first joint element (13) having a substantially hemispherical concave seat.

9. The structure according to claim 8, wherein said ball-and-socket joint (13, 14, 15, 16) comprises a second joint element (15), substantially spherical apt to abut inside the concave seat and connected to said station (1 ').

10. The structure according to claim 9, wherein said ball-and-socket joint (13, 1 , 15, 16) comprises one or more slide elements (16), interposed between said concave seat and said second joint element (15), apt to reduce friction during the motion of the latter.

11. The structure according to claim 10, wherein said slide elements (16) comprise straps of a low friction material, preferably of Teflon^®.

12. The structure according to one of the claims 8 to 11 , wherein said ball-and- socket joint (13, 14, 15, 16) comprises a third joint element (14), apt to cooperate with said first and second joint elements (13, 15), so as to constitute a continuation of said hem/spherical concave seat, apt to retain said second joint element (15).

13. The structure according to one of the preceding claims, made at least partly of fiberglass.

14. A dynamic active simulator comprising a structure according to one of the preceding claims.

15. The simulator according to claim 14, wherein said station (1 ') comprises a seat (10) for the user.

16. The simulator according to claim 14 or 15, further comprising a pair of actuators (5, 6), connected between said base (2) and said station (1 '), so as to be capable of imparting a motion to said station (1') with respect to said base (2).

17. The simulator according to claim 16, wherein said actuators (5, 6) are linear actuators of electric- type.

18. The simulator according to claim 16 or 17, further comprising a system (30) for managing said actuators (5, 6).

19. The simulator according to claim 18, wherein said managing system (30) comprises a control unit (20).

20. The simulator according to claim 18 or 19, wherein said managing system (30) comprises user interaction means (19) for allowing the user to actively intervene in the controlling of the actuators.

21. The simulator according to one of the claims 18 to 20, wherein said managing system (30) comprises at least one monitor (11) for the reproduction of images and/or filmed sequences, for viewing by the user, driven by said control unit (20).

22. The simulator according to claim 21 , wherein said control unit comprises means for receiving data from said user interaction means (19) and/or from said actuators (5, 6), means for processing said data and means for outputting a control signal for said actuators (5, 6) and/or a video signal to said monitor (11), depending on said processed data.

23. The simulator according to one of the claims 14 to 22, further comprising a device for connecting to a data network, for the interconnection of plural simulators, managed by a main controller.