Motion Simulator Using Programmable Motors for VR Fidelity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motion simulators lack the fidelity to match real accelerations with virtual accelerations, causing nausea and limiting the immersive experience in virtual reality applications, and traditional rollercoasters are static, time-consuming, and expensive to design and manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic motion simulator system with programmable linear and rotary motors, providing six or seven degrees of freedom, allowing for precise control of translational and rotational movements to synchronize virtual and real motion experiences, enabling realistic simulations of various environments and experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional motion simulators use hydraulic motors and cylinders to produce small accelerations, then the system can provide motion sensation, but the fidelity to match real accelerations is insufficient causing nausea and reducing immersion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic motion simulator system with programmable linear and rotary motors that can adaptively adjust motion parameters in real-time to match virtual acceleration profiles, transitioning from fixed hydraulic acceleration to dynamically controllable acceleration that synchronizes with virtual reality stimuli, thereby improving acceleration fidelity and reducing user nausea
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the motion simulator by using programmable motors that can precisely control acceleration magnitude and direction across six or seven degrees of freedom, allowing the acceleration profile to be dynamically adjusted to match virtual reality scenarios, thus improving fidelity without being constrained by fixed hydraulic system limitations
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional rollercoasters use fixed tracks with permanent steel formations, then the mechanical structure is stable, but the design and manufacturing process is time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static fixed track structure with a dynamic programmable motion system where the platform can be controlled to follow any desired path in three-dimensional space through software programming, eliminating the need for permanent steel track formations while maintaining structural stability through controlled motion along defined trajectories
Solution Approach 2:
The system substitutes the complex mechanical track structure with a programmable control system that guides the motion platform along virtual paths, replacing permanent steel formations with software-defined trajectories, thereby dramatically reducing manufacturing time and cost while maintaining structural integrity through controlled motion
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional rollercoasters use permanent steel track formations, then the ride path is fixed, but the adaptability to provide different acceleration experiences is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic motion control system where the platform's position and orientation can be programmatically adjusted in real-time, allowing the same physical platform to traverse different paths and provide varied acceleration experiences, replacing the fixed mechanical track with software-controlled adaptive trajectories
Solution Approach 2:
The motion simulator platform serves multiple functions by being able to follow any desired path in three-dimensional space through programming, allowing a single system to replace multiple fixed-track rollercoasters, providing diverse ride experiences including loops, corkscrews, and other maneuvers that would require separate permanent track structures
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system provides a high-fidelity, dynamic motion experience that can simulate any desired path in three-dimensional space, improving user immersion and reducing design and manufacturing complexities compared to traditional rollercoasters.
Implementation Method 1
Each degree of freedom in the apparatus is precisely controlled and programmable to copy a component of the actual motion... utilizing linear and rotary motors
Implementation Method 2
Each degree of freedom in the apparatus is precisely controlled and programmable to copy a component of the actual motion... utilizing linear and rotary motors
Data Source
AI summary
A versatile translational and rotational motion simulator comprising a first apparatus to translate a user in a first linear direction; a second apparatus to translate the user in a second linear direction; a third apparatus to translate the user in a third linear direction; a fourth apparatus disposed on the third apparatus to support the user throughout the first, second, and third linear translations; a gimbal assembly disposed on the fourth apparatus and including a positional tracking sensor and/or reference device to track the position of a user's head; a virtual reality device to create a virtual reality scene within the mind of the user; a sound system to create an auditory sensation within the mind of the user; microelectronics; and a programmable controller, the simulator being operable to translate the user forward and backward in the first, second, and third linear directions and the first, second, and third rotational directions simultaneously.