Motion Platform Synchronization via Centralized Decoding and Hub Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for synchronizing motion platforms with video programs become complex and cumbersome when managing a large number of users, as they require centralized control and data distribution, leading to challenges in synchronization and fault management.

Innovation Solution

A decentralized system with a centralized synchronization unit that distributes synchronized motion samples to multiple motion platforms through hubs, each managing a reduced number of platforms, using a single processing unit and eliminating the need for PCs at each platform interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a centralized motion decoding unit controls a large number of motion platforms, then synchronization with video programs is achieved, but system complexity increases accordingly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesynchronizationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the motion platform control into hierarchical levels: a centralized motion decoding unit handles synchronization with video programs, while intermediate distribution units manage groups of motion platforms. This segmentation allows the centralized unit to focus on synchronization reliability while distributing platform-specific control to reduce overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Distribution units act as intermediaries between the centralized motion decoding unit and individual motion platforms. These intermediaries receive synchronized motion data streams and distribute them to multiple platforms, reducing the complexity burden on the centralized unit while maintaining synchronization reliability across all platforms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If each motion platform interface requires a PC for control, then platform management is flexible, but system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatform management flexibilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution units are designed as multi-functional devices that can control multiple motion platforms simultaneously. Each distribution unit can manage several platforms with a single interface, eliminating the need for separate PCs at each platform while maintaining management flexibility through centralized control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple platform control functions are merged into single distribution units. Instead of having separate control systems for each motion platform, the patent combines control capabilities for multiple platforms into unified distribution units, reducing overall system cost while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS9138656B2Control of a plurality of motion platforms in synchrony with a sequence of images

Publication Date: 2015.09.22 D-BOX TECHNOLOGIES

AI summary

There is provided a system to provide a sequence of motion samples to a plurality of motion platforms, such as the plurality of seats in a movie theatre, such that the motion is synchronized with a sequence of images, such as a movie. In order to reduce the cost of the system, synchronization of a motion data signal with the sequence of images is centralized at a unique synchronizing unit. The synchronized sequence of motion samples is distributed to a plurality of motion platform hubs, each controlling and managing a reduced number of motion platforms.