Hang gliding simulation system with a stereoscopic display and method of simulating hang gliding

• US 5,584,696 A
• Filed: 07/28/1994
• Issued: 12/17/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 07/28/1994
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Evans & Sutherland Computer Corp. (Elevate Entertainment, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Evans & Sutherland Computer Corp. (Elevate Entertainment, Inc.)
• Inventors: Cox, Clifford N., Linton, Richard B., Lyon, Paul C., Nye, Rulon, Fisher, Ralph W., Edwards, Jeffrey B., Walker, Joe L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Bennett, Christopher A.
• Application Number:
  US08/282,925
• Time in Patent Office: 873 Days
• Field of Search: 434/29, 434/30, 434/38, 434/40, 434/43, 434/44, 434/69, 359/13, 359/14, 359/330, 359/331, 359/472
• US Class Current: 434/43
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 2027/0134 of stereoscopic type
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/017 Head mounted
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 27/0172 characterised by optical features
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 9/085 Special purpose teaching, e.g. alighting on water, aerial photography
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 9/34 by cathode-ray screen display G09B9/307, G09B9/36 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/117 the virtual viewpoint locations being selected by the viewers or determined by viewer tracking
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/167 Synchronising or controlling image signals
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/279 the virtual viewpoint locations being selected by the viewers or determined by tracking
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/289 Switching between monoscopic and stereoscopic modes
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/296 Synchronisation thereof; Control thereof
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/344 with head-mounted left-right displays
• CPC Class Codes: H04N 13/398 Synchronisation thereof; Control thereof

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a simulation system for simulating virtual reality experiences such as for the sport of hang gliding or the like. The simulation system has a stereoscopic and collimated virtual image display, for providing pupil forming simulated images to a rider at a fixed point of reference relative to the stereoscopic display. In the disclosed embodiment, the simulation system comprises a mechanical support structure for suspending the rider in a harness so as to allow freedom of movement. The rider is suspended to face a visual display over a movable control bar coupled to the mechanical support structure. By maneuvering the control bar, riders may view the results of their actions as by a simulated display. The visual display is coupled to the control bar to receive electrical signals indicative of the movements initiated by the riders as they maneuver through a programmed environment. The visual display provides stereoscopic "pupil forming" images of positional states of the hang glider to the riders at a fixed point of reference relative to the visual display. The fixed point of reference is provided by limiting movement of the rider'"'"'s head relative to the visual display, as for example with a head rest disposed directly above the viewing area of the visual display.

Claims

1. A system for use by a person to simulate real time experiences in a hang glider or the like:

a mechanical support structure for suspending a person in mid-air;

control means associated with said mechanical structure and actuable to provide control signals representative of shifting movements of said mechanical support structure initiated by the person; and

display means coupled to said control means to receive electrical signals indicative of said shifting movements in a programmed environment and to provide stereoscopic pupil forming images of positional states of said hang glider to the person at a critical point of reference fixed relative to said display means, said display means comprising a positioning means and a viewing area, said positioning means for locating the person'"'"'s head relative to said viewing area, thereby enabling said stereoscopic pupil forming images to be focused directly into the person'"'"'s eyes.

2. A system according to claim 1, wherein said control means further comprises:

a movable control bar maneuverable by the person in at least one of forward, backwards or side movements to simulate movements of a hang glider.

3. A system according to claim 1, further comprising;

a harness for suspending the person in mid-air to allow the person with freedom of movement to maneuver said control means.

4. A system according to claim 1, wherein

said positioning means is disposed above said viewing area for providing the person with said point of reference fixed relative to said viewing area.

5. A system according to claim 4, wherein said positioning means is a head rest configured to accommodate the person'"'"'s forehead and limit undue movement thereof.

6. A system according to claim 1, wherein said display means is coupled to an interactive computer, said interactive computer providing said programmed environment with flight simulation software.

7. A system according to claim 1, further comprising:

an interactive computer coupled to said display means and said control means, said interactive computer providing said programmed environment and further comprising;

at least two CRTs for providing left and right eye images of simulated movement in said programmed environment;

at least two lenses arranged relative to said CRTs to focus the left and right eye images;

a spherical mirror for reflecting said left and right eye images to left and right eyes, respectively, of the person; and

a beamsplitter arranged relative to said lenses to superimpose said left and right eye images and transmit said images to said spherical mirror for subsequent reflection to said left and right eyes of the person.

8. A method for simulating real time hang gliding or like experiences in a computer interactive system, comprising the steps of:

suspending a person in a harness supported by a mechanical support structure;

providing control means associated with said mechanical structure and actuable by the person to provide control signals representative of shifting movements of said control means initiated by the person;

transmitting electrical signals representative of said shifting movements to a display monitor;

displaying stereoscopic pupil forming images indicative of positional states of said hang glider responsive to said electrical signals to the person at a critical reference point fixed relative to said display monitor; and

locating the person'"'"'s head at said critical reference point fixed relative to said display means with a positioning means, thereby focusing the stereoscopic pupil forming images directly into the person'"'"'s eyes through a viewing area of said display means.