Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
213D980
TITLE OF THE lNvL..llON
CONTROL APPARATUS FOR A VIDEO DISPLAY OR VIRTUAL REALITY SYSTEM
R~CKr,~OUND OF THE lwvL.llON
This invention relates to a control apparatus for a video
game or virtual reality system, which is physically and inter-
actively operated by the user. In particular, it relates to a body
weight controlled apparatus which is designed to accommodate
commercially available effectors one of which is commonly known as
a joystick. By definition an effector is an input and output
sensor that either comml~nlcates a user's or users' movements or
commands to the computer or provides sensory stimulation from the
computer to the user(s).
There are other types of effectors such as remote sensing
or tracking devices. Some types of tracking systems are optical,
inertial, mechanical, magnetic, or acoustic linkage (ultrasonic).
The source transmits a signal that is picked up by the sensor and
converted to position and orientation information. All trackers
work by measuring changes in position or orientation relative to
some source, which generates a signal; a sensor, which receives the
signal, and a control box, which processes the signal and
communicates with the computer. Some trackers, presently in
development do not require a sending device. After the sensor is
attached to an object and both the source and sensor are correctly
oriented, the control box is sent an initialization signal from the
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reality engine. This establishes the current orientation and
position to the reference point. There are trackers currently
available which provide sensing of movements to the accuracy of
0.01 to 0.25 inches and rotational values which vary from 0.1 to
1.0 degrees.
Objects can move forward or backward (x axis), up or down
(y axis), and left or right (z axis) - these are known as
translations. In addition, objects can rotate about any of these
axes. Borrowing from flight terminology, these rotations are
called roll (x axis), yaw (y axis), and pitch (z axis).
Altogether, they add up to six different degrees of freedom in
which the object can move.
Recreational machines which combine entertainment,
exercise, and skill training are known. However, the majority
offer only limited physical participation for the user and
generally lack any significant element of entertainment.
Furthermore, the recreational machines that do provide both
physical participation combined with a significant amount of
entertainment are usually very expensive and/or unsuitable for home
use.
Two U.S. patents of background interest are U.S. Patent
No. 4,817,960 and U.S. Patent No. 4,448,017.
Both U.S. patents use a vertical cylinder with electrical
contacts around its circumference as the effector. It is apparent
that these effectors are included in the U.S. patents as vital
components in the operation of either design.
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Boyd's patent (U.S. Patent No. 4,817,960) is a
specialized apparatus and requires discussion because the design of
the present invention can be applied to the same use as Boyd's
design. Boyd's invention is a video display control apparatus for
controlling the movement of an electronic image on a video display.
It includes a base member, a seat for an operator, a support
assembly for mounting the seat on the base member in facing
relation to the video display, such that the seat can be tilted
relative to the base member.
It seems evident from the Boyd patent that the
controlling platform will tilt only to a maximum of 5 to 10 degrees
from the horizontal neutral position; as well the platform is
apparently allowed to rotate on the vertical axis. The latter of
these observations is derived in the absence of information
supporting the consideration of the user's induced vertical axis
torsional forces (yaw) exerted upon the user platform. The Boyd
patent shows no evidence of providing for the possibility of
increasing or decreasing the bias influence of the front and rear
as compared to the sides of the apparatus, nor does the patent
provide for impact absorption of the user's input.
The Goo patent (U.S. Patent No.4,448,017) is similar to
the present invention in some of its uses. The Goo invention is a
video game control unit and attitude sensor. The apparatus
controls a video game in which a surfing figure on a monitor moves
over simulated waves to gain playing rewards. It is controlled by
a foot actuated surf board simulator.
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Goo's patent does not allow for the use of a joystick. In
the present invention, the joystick provides an accurate
directionally progressive control effector. The joystick operates
on leverage principles. The joystick provides directional input,
which the U.S. patents apparently offer, but the U.S. patents do
not offer progression in a certain direction.
The base of Goo's machine does not imply, in its design,
the absorption of impact forces delivered by the generally downward
momentum of the user's weight. Not only does the lack of this
consideration negatively affect the realistic feel to the user(s),
it also contributes to unnecessary impact stress experienced by the
user(s).
The base of the Goo machine as depicted in Figure 3 of
his patent shows a contradiction when compared to the description
of that area where the fulcrum rests upon it. Figure 3 shows the
fulcrum recessed slightly into the base's surface as if it is to
slide directionally when tilted, the fulcrum remaining located in
the recess provided for it. Lines 41 - 45 column 3 of the Goo
patent specifies that the fulcrum is intended to "roll in all
directions" suggesting that the fulcrum has frictional adhesion
with the base, instead of sliding in its recess as depicted in
figure 3 of his patent. This contradiction in data, disclosed in
the Goo patent suggests that the Goo design was underdeveloped at
the time of patent application.
The preferred method of the Goo patent regarding the
fastening of components is through the utilization of Velcro
(trade-mark). Some of these components are interchangeable and
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some are permanent components of Goo's apparatus. Velcro as a
fastener is not capable of withstanding substantial lateral,
diagonal or draft forces without separating. Therefore the Goo
apparatus would not withstand the exertion of such forces because
of this deficiency of the Velcro fasteners.
Exclusive of the fastening design's inherent problems of
the Goo patent, there is a design problem that is, of its own, and
yet related to the previous problem because of its lack of
effectively controlling the vertical axis torsional or rotary
forces (yaw). These problems are amplified when a momentum,
inertia, rebound, etc. sensitive effector which transfers
electrical data to the computer is implemented as described in the
Goo patent. Goo's design does not seem to have any concern for the
control of these torsional forces (yaw).
Goo's patent provides for no extra bias influence toward
the front and rear of the machine as compared to the sides.
Another deficiency of the Goo invention is that the
rolling point of the fulcrum on the base is the pivot point for the
controlling platform and provides the pivoting movement too low on
the support apparatus to simulate a realistic feel to the user.
The control platform moves laterally as it tilts. The Goo patent's
only suggested effector influences are "dependent only on its own
weight and the attitude of the board" (lines 15 to 17, column 2 of
the Goo patent). The effector implemented in the Goo patent does
not allow for progressive directional input to the computer, only
directional control. The Goo patent lacks the application of some
type of tilt limiting mechanism. There is nothing to stop the
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tilting motion before the platform touches the floor.
Goo's patent depicts the design as being solely for foot
operation by the user. The front and rear wobbling of the control
platform in Goo's patent combined with rapid control input of the
user and a computer control effector that is susceptible to
rebound, centrifugal, etc. forces, would predictably, send the
control mechanism into a frenzy which would be incomprehensible to
the computer.
Further development of the Goo patent would surely evolve
rapidly into a much different design than the patent identifies, or
into failure of the design in general. The Goo patent's apparatus
does not appear feasible for manufacture or operation.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a video game or virtual reality control apparatus which is
actuated by a user(s)/surfaceboard interface. It is another object
of the present invention to provide a signal to a computer through
a commercially available joystick effector or remote sensing device
to determine the orientation of the board and to translate the
change in orientation along an x-axis / z-axis path to a video game
control unit and display or virtual reality system. It is still a
further object of the invention to provide a user(s) actuated video
control apparatus which provides the user with a variety of levels
of physical challenge.
21309~0
SUMMARY OF THE lNvL~.llON
These and other objects are accomplished in accordance
with the present invention. Accordingly, the invention herein
comprises an apparatus for use in association with an effector to
control movement of an electronic image on a video display or the
reciprocal control of the surfaceboard by the computer or a virtual
reality system, comprising a surfaceboard/user interface, a base
platform, a support and tilt control pedestal mounted between said
surfaceboard and said base platform, adapted to support the
surfaceboard while permitting it to be tilted radially thereabouts
relative to said base platform, and a control means to accommodate
an effector, the arrangement being such that the tilting of the
surfaceboard by the operator imparts a corresponding movement to
the effector when in place.
The invention further comprises an apparatus for use in
association with an effector to control movement of an electronic
image on a video display or the reciprocal control of the surface-
board by the computer or a virtual reality system, comprising: a
surfaceboard/user interface, a base platform, a support and tilt
control pedestal mounted between said surfaceboard and said base
platform, adapted to support the surfaceboard while permitting it
to be tilted radially thereabouts relative to said base platform,
a tilt-bias means to resiliently resist movement of the surface-
board about the support and tilt control pedestal, and a control
means to accommodate an effector, the arrangement being such that
the tilting of the surfaceboard by the operator imparts a
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corresponding movement to the effector when in place.
The invention still further comprises an apparatus for
use in association with an effector to control movement of an
electronic image on a video display or the reciprocal control of
the surfaceboard by the computer or a virtual reality system,
comprising: a surfaceboard/user interface, a base platform, a
support and tilt control pedestal mounted between said surfaceboard
and said base platform, adapted to support the surfaceboard while
permitting it to be tilted radially thereabouts relative to said
base platform, a tilt-bias and limiting means consisting of a
plurality of elastic and non-elastic members mounted between the
surfaceboard and the base platform, a joy stick effector and a
control means to accommodate an effector and/or a remote sensing
device, the arrangement being such that the tilting of the
surfaceboard by the operator about the tilt and control pedestal
imparts a corresponding movement to the effector when in place.
The present invention offers many differences that result
in significant advantages of operation and in a much wider variety
of purposes or uses over the above mentioned conflicting existing
patents.
While the purposes and uses of the present invention
include those of the referenced U.S. patents, the present invention
exceeds the simulations produced by those of the U.S. patents in
both quality and quantity. The two U.S. patents are more similar
to each other than the present invention is to either of them.
The control apparatus of the present invention is ideally
suited for use with simulated sporting activity computer programs
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or virtual reality systems or video games such as surfing, snow
boarding, tobogganing and the like. It may also be used with
attachments and thus also be used for simulated activities such as
jet skiing and water skiing. As such, the apparatus allows the
user to exercise and develop his or her skill at the simulated
sporting activity while being entertained at the same time. The
apparatus is also compact and can easily be stored when not in use.
The joystick provides directional input, which the U.S.
patents apparently provide, but the U.S. patents do not offer
progression in a certain direction as does the present invention.
The method of information transfer discussed in the
disclosure of the present invention is referred to only as one
possible effector (joystick) to be utilized, and this effector's
inner workings are not included as a claim in the disclosure of the
present invention. The current preferred developmental effector
(joystick) of the present invention is well established in the
field of computer input hardware and is less expensive than either
of the U.S. patents' effectors.
The present invention is superior to Boyd's machine in
operation and can be produced at less cost. Obviously the
adaptability and expandability of the present invention are far
superior. Boyd's machine would indubitably be inferior to the
design of the present invention if Boyd's machine attempted all of
the simulations of which the present invention is capable.
The fact that the Boyd patent does not show evidence of
differentiating the bias influence from front and rear to the sides
and that there is no provision for impact absorption would
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theoretically make Boyd's machine inferior to the present invention
in all simulations. From an overall analysis by the author of the
Boyd invention compared to the present invention - the Boyd
invention appears to be rendered obsolete by the present invention.
The Goo design presents its bias method as a partial
support mechanism as well as a tilt angle bias. Control of
torsional forces (yaw) is of high priority in the design of the
present invention. The present invention presents its bias method
as its means of tilt angle bias, and as a means of assisting the
limiting of vertical axis rotary movement (yaw) when relating the
surfaceboard component motion compared to the base.
The present invention provides downward impact absorption
through the design of its base. The Goo patent does not show any
capability of lessening downward impact.
Goo's patent does not allow for the use of a joystick.
In the present invention, the joystick provides an accurate
directionally progressive control effector. The joystick operates
on leverage principles.
The adaptability and expandability of the disclosed
design of the present invention, in the aspect of attaching
components to its surfaceboard is one of the most advantageous
features of the present invention. It is possible to replace the
surfaceboard with other surfaceboards having different shapes.
Additional attachments can be made to any of the surfaceboards
without reducing the strength, stability and operating qualities of
the present invention. Attachments to attachments are possible
with the design of the present invention.
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One example of a simulation of which Goo's design would
not be capable, and in which the present invention adapts to quite
easily, is a wall mounted (surfaceboard positioned on a vertical
plane instead of horizontal) punch, kick and body blow simulator
with computer measured strength of blow video displays.
The previous statements show evidence that the Goo
design, if operable, is inferior to the realistic feel to the user
of the present invention. In the opinion of the author, realism to
the user is the main priority of any simulation.
In the apparatus of the present invention translations
along the x, y and z axes are limited to near zero movement. Free
rotation is allowed about the x axis (roll) and the z axis (pitch).
Rotation about the y axis (yaw) is limited to near zero. It may be
desirable for certain simulations to induce a yaw movement. This
could be a computer controlled or user induced movement about the
y axis to produce a more realistic physical sensation to the user
corresponding to the simulation on the video display unit or the
virtual reality system.
The basic principles and theories of the present
invention differ greatly from either of the above referenced U.S.
patents. Some uses are similar but are accomplished through
different methods of design. The design of the present invention
operates naturally, simply and precisely. The prior art devices
employ relatively sophisticated and unproven effectors or
orientation sensors and do not accommodate commercially available
joysticks or remote sensing devices as in the design of the present
invention. Furthermore, they offer neither the exercise component
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or tactile sensations or realistic "feel" of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other objects and advantages of the invention
will become apparent upon reading the following detailed
description and upon referring to the drawings in which:
FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of the video game or
virtual reality control apparatus of the present invention;
FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of the embodiment of
Figure 1 with the surfaceboard removed and inverted to show its
underside and the upper surface of the base board;
FIGURE 3 is a side view of the embodiment of Figure 1
with the user shown in ghost;
FIGURE 4 is a side view! partly in cross section, of the
support and tilt control pedestal and the effector assembly;
FIGURE 5 is a perspective view of the embodiment of
Figure 1 with the user shown in ghost and the simulated user's
image appearing on the video display unit and a computer game base;
and
FIGURE 6 is a perspective view of the embodiment of
Figure 1 showing a hand control, two remote sensing devices, the
signal processor, computer game base, and head mounted display
unit. The edges of the surfaceboard are designated as the source
for the remote sensing device.
It is important to note that the wires appearing in
Figures 1 through to Figure 6 are shown as possible linkages
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between components. It is important to note further, that signals
between components may be transmitted without wires.
While the invention will be described in conjunction with
illustrated embodiments, it will be understood that it is not
intended to limit the invention to such embodiments. On the
contrary, it is intended to cover all the alternatives,
modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit
and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
DET~TT~T~'n DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the drawings, similar features have been given
similar reference numerals.
The present invention allows for user(s) input control
to the machine through the use of many body parts and attached
components.
The principal components of the video game control
apparatus 10 include a tilt board or surfaceboard 12, support and
tilt control pedestal 14, tilt bias and limiting means 16,
effector assembly 18 and base board or base platform 20.
The surfaceboard 12 can be any shape providing it has a
surface that allows for an operational connection with the
machine's components between the surfaceboard and the base board.
The surfaceboard 12 is mounted on a support and tilt control
pedestal 14 and is substantially parallel to the base board 20.
The surfaceboard 12 is constructed from materials such as
plastics, fibreglass, wood or the like and may be provided with
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rigidity supports 11. The actual surface 15 of the surfaceboard
is a non-slip surface. Holes 45 are provided in the surfaceboard
to secure any desired attachments.
The base board 20 is also generally rectangular in
shape and constructed from similar materials as the surfaceboard
12. In addition, feet 13 can be added with a non-slip coating or
a padded underlay (not shown) can be added under the base board
20 to cushion the apparatus when in use to absorb some of the
impact from the user. The base board 20 should for certain
applications, preferably be fitted with outrigger legs (not
shown) as a safety feature to ensure that the base board, and
thus the apparatus, remains in a stable position.
The apparatus 10 is operated by a user(s) 22 who in the
interaction with the apparatus 10 may stand, kneel, sit or lie on
the surfaceboard 12. In these interactions with the surfaceboard
12 the user(s) 22 operate the apparatus by shifting body weight
on the surfaceboard 12. The user(s) 22 may also interact with
the apparatus 10 by delivering forces other than body weight when
the apparatus 10 is in a variety of positions. Interaction with
the apparatus 10 will vary with the attachments to the
surfaceboard 12 and/or the shape of the surfaceboard 12 itself.
The applied forces tilt the surfaceboard 12 radially
about the support and tilt control pedestal 14 from side to side,
front to back or at a diagonal relative to the base board 20.
The movement of the surfaceboard is converted into signals by the
effector assembly 18 which are transmitted by a line 24 or by
other means to a computer or other similar device where, for
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example, the movement of the user 22 is translated into that of
the simulated activity on a video display screen or a virtual
reality system. An optional hand control 26 may also be provided
to control additional game functions.
Control of torsional forces (yaw) is of high priority
in the design of the present invention. The present invention
presents its bias method as its means of tilt angle bias, and as
a means of assisting the limiting of vertical axis rotary
movement (yaw) when relating the surfaceboard component motion
compared to the base.
When in place the surfaceboard 12 is mounted on the
base board 20 by the support and tilt control pedestal 14, which
is centrally located between both boards. The support and tilt
control pedestal 14 consists of the upper pedestal mount 22a,
fastened to the inner face of the surfaceboard 12; lower pedestal
mount 22b, fastened to the inner face of the base board 20, and a
universal joint 24, as best seen in Figure 2. Referring to
Figures 2 and 4, it will be seen that the universal joint 25
consists of upper and lower shafts 28a and 28b respectively. The
square male section of the upper shaft 28a of the universal joint
25 engages a square female recess 30a in the upper pedestal mount
22a, while the square male section of the lower shaft 28b engages
a square female recess 30b in the lower pedestal mount 22b. This
connecting mechanism prevents any induced rotary movement about
the vertical axis (yaw). In this way the surfaceboard 12 is
firmly supported and held in place above the base board 20, yet
is also easily removed for ease of storage, adjustment or for
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other reasons.
The effector assembly 18 consists of a commercially
available joystick apparatus 32 having a control box 34, shaft
36, control knob 38 and controller tube or control means 40
having a control knob bore 42. In a variation, the shaft 36 of
control box 34 is resiliently flexible to permit movement of the
shaft beyond the range of movement normally permitted by the joy
stick apparatus. This prevents damage to the joystick apparatus
should the range of movement of the surfaceboard 12 exceed that
normally permitted by the apparatus. The control box 34 is
mounted in a position perpendicular to the base board 20
immediately in front of and in line with the lower pedestal mount
22b, while the controller tube 40 is mounted in similar
relationship to the upper pedestal plate 22a on the surfaceboard
12, as best seen in Figure 2. The arrangement is such that when
the inner face of the surfaceboard 12 is placed over the base
board 20, the upper pedestal plate 22a aligns with shaft 28a of
the universal joint 24 and is engageably received into the bore
3Oa. At the same time, controller knob 38 of the joy stick
apparatus 32 aligns with and is engageably received within the
control knob bore 42 of the controller tube 40. The effector
assembly can be reversed with the control box of the joystick
mounted on the surfaceboard 12 and the controller tube mounted on
the base board 20.
The tilt-bias and limiting means consists of a series
of elastic members or tubular elastic loops 44 and relatively
non-elastic series of members as tilt limiters 45. These are
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secured to upper and lower non-abrasive fasteners 46a and 46b
which are located around the periphery of the inner face of the
surfaceboard 12 and the inner face of the base board 20 to form a
somewhat oval shaped ring around the support and tilt control
pedestal 14. The loops serve to level the surfaceboard 12 and
provide resistance to its movement by the user(s) away from the
plane of the base board. Using this arrangement there is more
resistance at the ends of the surfaceboard 20 than at the sides.
This is because loops must expand a greater distance for a given
amount of tilt, to simulate a sports board's actual tilt
resistance tendency, The density and elasticity of loops 44 may
be varied depending upon the application required to provide a
high level of resistance, or tension, and thus a fast return from
a tilted position, or a slower more exaggerated response with
reduced resistance.
The present invention is capable of this and provides
many required adjustments to the extra bias influence toward the
front and rear of the apparatus, in consideration of different
simulation requirements. The progression of the strength of the
bias may be adjusted using the present invention's design, or the
strength of the bias may be adjusted in many formations of
strengths for different effects.
The apparatus can be connected to any computer or game
control capable of receiving signals from an effector. This
apparatus is preferably used with sporting game programs which
simulate activity of the participant. For example, a snowboarder
will be presented with a number of challenges while boarding down
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a slope and the user(s) on the control apparatus will have to
respond to these by shifting weight to manipulate the board, to
avoid from falling or hitting obstacles. The desired degree of
resistance of the tilt-bias can be varied to accommodate the
weight of the user(s). The elastic members can be changed to
stronger or more members for heavier users or weaker or fewer
bands for lighter weight users.
The present invention is capable of operating precisely
with attached components even though there would be an increase
in said forces because of the increase in leverage due to the
attached components.
As best seen in Figure 5 the user 22 is operating the
apparatus 10 to manipulate the simulated image 52 on the video
display or TV 50. The computer base 66 converts the electrical
signal from the apparatus 10 to the TV 50.
Referring to Figure 6 a typical configuration for a
virtual reality system is shown. The system is comprised of the
apparatus 10, hand control 26, and the edges 60 of the
surfaceboard 12 which are designated as the sources of
information for the sensors 62. The signal processor 64 receives
a signal from the sensors 62 and modulates the signal before
sending it to the computer base 66. The virtual reality
simulation is created by the computer base 66 and viewed by the
user through a head mounted display unit 68 or other video
display devices. The aforementioned remote sensing system could
be used in combination with other effectors such as a joystick.
Joysticks are used to produce input data to a computer
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corresponding to the attitude, or "tilt" of the joystick control,
which is moved along an x-axis / z-axis path to control movement
of a display character on a video display screen or virtual
reality system. Most joysticks are adapted to provide signals
corresponding to radial movements around their circumference and
progressive movements along the same radial. When used in
combination with a joystick, or other effector, the control
apparatus of the present invention acts as an orientation sensing
device which determines the angle of tilt of the surfaceboard,
and the surfaceboard provides the interface with the user. In
turn, the vertical angle and radial direction of tilt is relayed
as a signal to a video game control unit or a virtual reality
system.
The joystick provides progressive directional input.
An example for a requirement of progression is when controlling a
simulation that may turn in a simulated way to the left or right,
the effector should be capable of providing input in a way that
allows the simulation to turn slightly through to turning
sharply. The joystick allows this required progression.
The joystick operates mainly on leverage and need not
be in a vertical position to be capable of naturally returning to
a neutral position. It may be used at any angle to gravity,
including an inverted position, without complications.
Neither of the U.S. patents implement a universal joint
in their design. The universal joint is a primary component of
the present invention with many of its principles and claims
stemming from said universal joint. The author has no
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recollection of any design for any purpose that utilizes a
universal joint as a support mechanism. Most dictionaries
describe a universal joint as a mechanism used to transmit rotary
power by a shaft at any selected angle. It is submitted by the
author that the discovery of a new use for a veteran geometric
mechanism may be exposed in this disclosure.
The present invention is capable of at least 30 degrees
tilt angle of the platform from a horizontal neutral position, in
any direction. The universal joint is the component used with
the design of the present invention that contributes mainly to
limiting the induced vertical axis rotating tendency (yaw), which
deserves consideration for most simulations.
Thus it is apparent that there has been provided in
accordance with the invention an entertainment/exercise apparatus
that fully satisfies the objects, aims and advantages set forth
above. While the invention has been described in conjunction
with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many
alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to
those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description.
Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives,
modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and broad
scope of the invention.
