Reconfigurable simulation structure

• US 7,195,486 B2
• Filed: 08/06/2003
• Issued: 03/27/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/06/2002
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Robert W. Mcgraw
• Original Assignee: Robert W. Mcgraw
• Inventors: McGraw, Robert W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Cheng; Joe H.
• Application Number:
  US10/635,021
• Publication Number:
  US 20040029094A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,329 Days
• Field of Search: 434 28- 71, 434/365, 434/372, 434/373, 472/43, 463/47, 52/10, 428/35.7
• US Class Current: 434/29
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 9/00 Simulators for teaching or training purposes for the use of weapons F41; computing aspects G06; protocols for games, networked simulations or virtual reality H04L67/131

Abstract

A simulator structure with a deck for mounting various components including controls, one or two seats, an instrument panel and an image projector. The components are mounted to the deck using suitable fasteners, such as bolts and nuts. The image projector displays a computer-generated simulated environment. The instrument panel can include actual instruments or a computer-generated image. A dome-shaped image screen can be attached to the structure that can be tiltable on a horizontal axis or, alternatively, can be movable along an arcuate support.

Claims

1. A reconfigurable simulator structure comprising:

a two-tier support frame having;

a main support frame having an upper surface, the upper surface having means for removably supporting a plurality of simulator components; and

a lower tier support frame for adjustably supporting a projection screen and providing a step up to the upper surface of the main support frame;

a plurality of simulator components, including at least one seat, sets of control devices, visual displays, instrument consoles, and image projectors, each simulator component being selectively and removably attached to the upper surface of the main support frame; and

means for adjusting the viewing angle and distance of the projection screen including a pivot and a bayonet assembly moveably connected to the lower tier support frame.

2. A simulator structure according to claim 1, wherein said means for removably supporting a plurality of simulator components comprises a grid deck plate having a plurality of mounting holes therein configured in an array for securing the simulator components to the upper surface with nuts and bolts.

3. A simulator structure according to claim 2, wherein the upper surface is provided with a plastic template allowing said main support frame to support one of several optional vehicle or aircraft configurations.

4. A simulator structure according to claim 1, wherein the upper surface is provided with a plastic template allowing said main support frame to support one of several optional vehicle or aircraft configurations.

5. A simulator structure according to claim 1, further including means for adjusting the viewing angle and distance of the projection screen to optimize the operator'"'"'s field of view.

6. A simulator structure according to claim 5, wherein the means for adjusting includes a pivotal projector mounting assembly providing horizontal, vertical and elevation adjustability along multiple axis angles to optimize display field of regard and operator field of view.

7. A simulator structure according to claim 1, wherein the visual displays include an instrument panel.

8. A simulator structure according to claim 7, wherein the sets of control devices include foot pedal controls mounted onto a bracket attached to a front side of the main support frame.

9. A simulator structure according to claim 8, wherein the main support frame defines an open region adapted for receiving a computer and storage.

10. A simulator structure according to claim 1, wherein the means for adjustment further includes a pair of arcuate supports, and a spider frame moveably connected to the arcuate supports through a mount with an adjustment.

11. A simulator structure according to claim 10, wherein the upper surface, main support frame and the lower tier support frame are constructed of a set of easily assembled frame members.

12. A simulator structure according to claim 11, wherein the main support frame and the lower tier support frame are covered with aluminum skins or plates.

13. The simulator structure according to claim 1, wherein the projection screen is formed as a hemispherical dome.

14. The simulator structure according to claim 1, wherein the visual displays include an LCD display.