Portable multiple module simulator apparatus

• US 5,316,480 A
• Filed: 02/10/1993
• Issued: 05/31/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 02/10/1993
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Joseph W. Roberts
• Original Assignee: Thayne N. Ellsworth
• Inventors: Ellsworth, Thayne N.
• Primary Examiner(s): Mancene, Gene
• Assistant Examiner(s): Smith, Jeffrey A.
• Application Number:
  US08/016,117
• Time in Patent Office: 475 Days
• Field of Search: 434/30, 434/32, 434/34, 434/35, 434/37, 434/38, 434/44, 434/47, 434/29, 472/59, 472/60, 472/61, 472/130
• US Class Current: 434/29
• CPC Class Codes: A63G 31/16 creating illusions of travel
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 33/425 Toy space systems, e.g. satellites, space ships
• CPC Class Codes: F41G 7/006 Guided missiles training or simulation devices
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 19/00 Teaching not covered by other main groups of this subclass teaching or practice apparatus for gun-aiming or gun-laying F41G3/26
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 9/02 for teaching control of vehicles or other craft
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 9/08 for teaching control of aircraft, e.g. Link trainer
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 9/30 Simulation of view from aircraft

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.

Claims

1. A portable multiple module simulator apparatus comprising:

multiple roadable trailers attached together to form a platform;

an exoskeleton covering enclosing said multiple roadable trailers;

multiple simulator modules formed on said roadable trailers;

said simulator modules having means for accommodating more than one person;

said simulator modules having means for providing visual, auditory, and motion stimuli which simulate various real-life and pre-recorded experiences;

said simulator modules having image gathering means attached to external supports with means that provide movement for said external supports;

viewing screens are located within said modules and connected to said external image gathering means to impart real-time point-of-access imagery from the environment surrounding said simulator.

2. The portable multiple module simulator apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

said visual means is a video display and said means for accommodating more than one person is a seating arrangement.

3. The portable multiple module simulator apparatus of claim 2 wherein:

an area in said modules simulates a lateral transport elevator that exits into said modules.

4. The portable multiple module simulator apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

said image gathering system comprises at least one video camera.

5. The portable multiple module simulator apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

said external supports for said image gathering means include platforms;

power means are mounted on said platforms to provide 360 degree rotation in all directions.

6. The portable multiple module simulator apparatus of claim 5 wherein boom mechanisms for raising and lowering said platforms are attached to said external supports and said platforms.

7. The portable multiple module simulator apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

hydraulic rams are located under floors of said modules and connected to said trailers to cause movement of said modules.

8. The portable multiple module simulator apparatus of claim 1 wherein:

one or more of said trailers contains or supports a retail marketing area.

9. A method for simulation of actual real-life experiences comprising:

positioning persons to experience said simulations in a portable multiple module simulator apparatus comprising;

multiple roadable trailers attached together to form a platform;

an exoskeleton covering enclosing said multiple roadable trailers;

multiple simulator modules formed on said roadable trailers;

said simulator modules having means for accommodating more than one person;

said simulator modules having means for providing visual, auditory, and motion stimuli which simulate various real-life and pre-recorded experiences;

said simulator modules having image gathering means attached to external supports with means that provide movement for said external supports;

viewing screens are located within said modules and connected to said external image gathering means to impart real-time point-of-access imagery from the environment surrounding said simulator;

moving said external image gathering means to view adjacent areas to provide point-of-access imagery and the appearance of relative movement between said person in said module and said adjacent areas;

conducting said point-of-access imagery into said modules and displaying it to said persons in said modules on the said viewing screens.

10. The method for simulation of actual real-life experiences as set forth in claim 9 including:

positioning said modules on roadable trailers;

joining said roadable trailers together to form a platform or support;

covering said joined roadable trailers with a shaped exoskeleton.

11. The method for simulation of actual real-life experiences as set forth in claim 10 including:

providing said modules with sound, sight, and motion means for additional simulation stimuli;

coordinating said point-of access imagery and said sound, sight, and motion means to provide a realistic representative of said real-life experiences.