WO2010059034A1

WO2010059034A1 - Computer simulation control system

Info

Publication number: WO2010059034A1
Application number: PCT/NL2008/050733
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fernando Smit
Original assignee: F Smit Holding BV
Current assignee: F Smit Holding BV
Priority date: 2008-11-19
Filing date: 2008-11-19
Publication date: 2010-05-27
Anticipated expiration: 2011-05-19

Abstract

Computer simulation control system, comprising: - at least one control module (1) for manually controlling a computer simulator program, for example one or more of a steering wheel, joystick, keypad, flightstick, keyboard, and switch; - a seat (3), configured to be positioned onto a support (supporting surface); wherein the system comprises a positioning member (35) extending upwards from the seat to an area located in front of the seat, the positioning member being configured to position the control module (1) with respect to the seat, such, that a user can be seated on the seat for handling the at least one control module (1) there-from.

Description

Title: Computer simulation control system

The present invention relates to a computer simulation control system, comprising at least one control module for manually controlling a computer simulator program, as well as a seat, configured to be positioned onto a support. Such a computer simulation control system is known from

European patent EP 1750820. The control module comprises, for example, a steering wheel which is positioned in front of the seat -in a suitable driving position- for a race simulation, a flight simulation, or in a different manner. The computer may be, for instance, an external home computer, personal computer, gaming computer, and the like.

During use, a user takes place in the seat for handling said at least one control module. Furthermore, during use, the control module is usually connected to a computer which runs said simulator program, for controlling that program. One or more display devices (for example a display screen) can be located in front of the seat to display a virtual computer simulator environment. Alternatively, the user can carry a display device (for example a head mounted display device). The assembled control system provides a high reality simulator environment and, particularly, a relatively real experience of the simulator environment during the control of the simulator program.

The present invention aims to improve the computer simulation control system. Particularly, the invention aims to provide a relatively compact and durable computer simulation control system

To this aim, the computer simulation system according to the present invention is characterized by the features of claim 1.

Advantageously, the system includes a positioning member that extends upwards from the seat to an area located in front of the seat, the positioning member being configured to position the control module with respect to the seat, such, that a user can be seated on the seat for handling the at least one control module there-from.

Thus, the system requires relatively little space during operation. Besides, the present system can be made relatively strong and durable compared to known simulator control systems. Moreover, since the positioning member extends upwards from the seat to an area located in front of the seat, a user seated on the seat can experience a more intense simulator experience. Also, assembly (and optional disassembly) of the present simulator system can be carried out in a relatively simple manner, using relatively little components and relatively few assembly steps.

The positioning member can provide a direct link between the seat and the manually controllable control module. Surprisingly, this can considerably improve the reality experience of the simulation during operation of the system. Also, the positioning member can provide aesthetic improvement of the system. Besides, the present invention can allow adjusting a control module position to a position that is comfortable to a respective user, depending on the user's dimensions (for example the user' age).

In this application, the term "upwards" should be broadly interpreted. Particularly, "upwards" includes inclined directions, for example a direction at a certain angle with respect to a horizontal plane. Also, the upwardly extending positioning member can extend in a single direction (for example in case the positioning member extends in a straight line), or in different directions (for example in case the positioning member is curved, and/or in case the positioning member includes subsequent sections that extend in mutually different directions). For example, "upwards" can be a direction that includes an angle in the range of about 20° to 80° with a horizontal plane (and/or for example with a supporting plane to support the seat), particularly an angle in the range of about 30° to 70°. In the preferred embodiment, the positioning member is configured to position the control module in different operating positions with respect to the seat. Particularly, the control module can be positioned between at least a first and a second position, the second position being closer to the seat than the first position. In this way, the user can reposition the control module, for example when the user is already sitting on the seat, to improve manual handling of the control module, and to improve simulator sensation.

The positioning member as such can be made in different ways, and can include various materials. Preferably, the positioning member is made in one piece, for example, the positioning member can consist of a single component, for example a tube or tube-like structure. The positioning member can be a massive, solid element, or it can be a hollow component. Preferably, the positioning member is entirely made of aluminum or steel, although the positioning member can also be made of different materials, for example plastic, fiber reinforced plastic.

According to a preferred embodiment, the system comprises a holder configured to hold the positioning member, the holder being part of the seat or being detachable connected to the seat.

In this way, the seat as such can include a holder to directly hold the positioning member, leading to a more compact and robust system. Thus, the seat as such can directly support the positioning member, to position the manually controllable control module at a suitable location in front of the seat, without requiring any other (dedicated) supporting means for supporting the positioning member. The holder can have various configurations.

According to an embodiment, the holder may simply contain an aperture to receive or engage part of the positioning member (for example an end section of the positioning member). Such a holder can provide a firm grip on the positioning member, is easy to operate, can be made strong and durable, and can be made with relatively low manufacturing costs. Preferably, the holder is an integral part of the seat. For example, the seat may include a rigid seat frame (carrying for example upholstering, supporting springs, seat cushioning, and the-like), wherein the holder is part of the seat frame. Alternatively, the holder can be configured to be attached to a frame of a seat, for example to mount the positioning member to an existing seat.

According to a preferred embodiment, the holder is made of a metal or alloy, for example aluminum, steel, or a different material. Alternatively, the holder can be made of plastic, for example fiber reinforced plastic. An embodiment of the invention provides a mechanism for coupling a seat and at least one manually operable computer simulation control module to each, the mechanism being characterized in that it includes a positioning member that is connectable to the seat, the positioning member being configured to position the control module in an operating position in front of the seat.

Also, there is provided a seat, provided with a holder to detachably receive a positioning member to position a manually operable control module in front of the seat. For example, the holder can be an integral part of the seat. Also, the holder can be attached to a seat, to provide a seat according to the invention.

An embodiment provides the use of the mechanism according to any of the claims 11-13, the use including:

-connecting the positioning member to a seat; and

-providing the positioning member with a manually operable control module, such that a user seated on the seat, can handle control module there-from.

This can provide the above-mentioned advantages.

Further embodiments of the present invention are described in the accompanying claims. Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts.

Fig. 1 is a side view of an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a similar view as fig. 1, indicating an adjusted position of the control module;

Fig. 3 is a side view of part of the embodiment of the invention, also showing an example of a control module;

Fig. 4 is a side view of a further embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 5 is a side view of part of the Fig. 4 embodiment, wherein the position of the support table has been adjusted.

The same or corresponding features are denoted by the same or corresponding reference signs in this application.

Figures 1-3 show an embodiment of a computer simulation control system that includes a control module 1 (see Fig. 3) for manually controlling a computer simulator program. Figures 1-2 show the system without the control module.

The control module 1 as such can be configured in various ways, for example comprising one or more of a steering wheel, joystick, a switch (for example a gear box lever), a keypad, flightstick,keyboard, or a different type of control device.

The computer simulation control system also includes a seat 3, configured to be positioned onto a support, for example a supporting surface. Preferably, the seat is displaceable (for example from a computer simulation operating location to a stowed away location). The present seat comprises a lower seat part 3, having a back support 4. Said lower seat part may also comprise substantially upwardly extending side parts, particularly for forming a bucket seat. Besides, the back support 4 may comprise shoulder supports. The lower seat part 3 can be supported directly onto a supporting surface, for example a floor, or indirectly via an optional seat support member 15 (see Fig. 1) that can extend below the lower seat part 3. For example, the lower seat part 3 can be releasably connectable to the support member 15.

The present seat 3 resembles a professional racing seat. However, the seat can also be a common household seat, dinner table seat, an office chair, a coach, a multi-person seat, or a different type of seat.

For example, the seat as such can include a frame (not shown), for example a frame that is assembled from suitable metal tubes, plastic parts, or the like. In a further embodiment, the seat frame may have support springs to improve comfort. The seat can also be provided with a suitable upholstering comprising a cover. A suitable filling, padding, and the like, can extend between the covering and the frame and said support springs, for providing comfort. Besides, for example, the entire seat 3 can be made of plastic. For example the seat 3 can be made of one or more plastic parts (for example two parts that have been made by blow moulding, joined to form the seat), that may provide rigidity as well as comfort to a user.

In the present embodiment, the system may also include at least a second control module (not shown) for controlling the computer simulator program, the second control module being controllable by foot. According to a preferred embodiment, the second control module is a foot pedal device, preferably having at least two foot pedals, for example a breaking pedal and a throttle pedal.

As an example, a second coupling mechanism 5 is provided to position the second control module such, that the user seating on the seat can handling the second control module 2 (for example foot pedals) therefrom. As is shown in Fig 1, for example, the second coupling mechanism can include a rigid rod or frame 5 which extends from the seat (in this case from the additional seat support part 15) in a horizontal direction, for example over a supporting surface. The present the second coupling mechanism 5 is provided with a holder 5a, for example a table, configured to hold a foot pedal device (or another type of second control module).

During use, the first control module 1 and (optional) second control module are connected to computing means or the like for controlling one or more computer programs being run thereon. In particular, the present embodiment of the control system is arranged for controlling a computer racing simulation. Also, during use, one or more displays are provided for displaying a virtual simulator environment. Said computing means and display are not shown in the present figures. A mechanism 35 is provided for positioning the one control module

1 in front of the seat 3. Advantageously, following the present invention, the system comprises a positioning member 35 extending upwards from the seat to an area located in front of the seat, the positioning member being configured to position the first control module 1 with respect to the seat, such, that a user can be seated on the seat 3 for handling the at least one control module 1 there-from.

For example, the positioning member 35 can be connected to or near a front part of the seat 3 itself, as in the present embodiment. Preferably, the positioning member 35 is located centrally with respect to the seat, so that the user (sitting on the seat) can maintain the positioning member between both his legs. This can also improve simulator experience, since it provides the user with a closer (and more) true contact with the system. For example, a longitudinal centre line of the positioning member 35 can extend in a virtual vertical plane that is a virtual (vertical) centre plane of the seat 3.

The positioning member 35 is not directly connected to (and is no part of) the second coupling mechanism 5, that is, the positioning member 35 is spaced apart from the second coupling mechanism 5. This has the advantage, that foot controlling of the simulator and manual controlling of the simulator are mechanically decoupled to a certain extent, which leads to a more real simulator experience. Also, the present positioning member 35 can provide a direct, relatively short link between the seat and a manually controllable control module 1, leading to a firm and relatively stiff positioning of that control module 1. Preferably, the positioning member 35 is coupled to the internal seat frame. Besides, in the present embodiment, the positioning member extends to the area in front of the seat in a direction that includes an angle in the range of about 20° to 80° with a horizontal plane, particularly an angle in the range of about 35° to 55°. According to a further embodiment, the positioning member 35 can be adjustable between different orientations with respect to the seat, for example between different upwardly extending orientations. Alternatively, the orientation of the positioning member 35 with respect to the seat is fixed, at least in case the positioning member 35 is connected to the seat 3. As follows from the drawings, the present positioning member 35 is configured to position the control module 1 in different operating positions with respect to the seat.

The positioning member preferably comprises a control module holder 36 configured to hold (for example to grip, carry, and/or support) the control module 1. Optional connecting means, for example clamping means, adhesive means, bolting means, may be used in connecting the holder 36 and the control module 1. Preferably, the control module 1 can be detachably connected to the respective holder 36. Besides, in a further embodiment, the control module holder 36 can be removably connected to the positioning member 35.

Preferably, an orientation of the control module holder 36 with respect to the positioning member 35 is adjustable between various orientations, for example different tilting orientations, when the control module holder 36 is connected to the positioning member 35. Also, in a further embodiment (see Figures 4-5), the control module holder 36 can be translated with respect to the positioning member 35 between various positions, for example longitudinal positions or transversal positions, when the control module holder 36 is connected to the positioning member 35.

The present control module holder 36 is provided with a flat, upper control module support surface 36a. For example, the surface 36a can measure at least 10x10 cm, to support a control module 1. For example, the holder 36 can be a table for supporting the control module 1. In the present embodiment, the support surface 36a and positioning member 35 do not extend in parallel. The holder 36 can also be configured in a different manner.

In the present embodiment, the control module holder 36 includes a coupling member 34 (for example a base member extending below the holder 36) to couple the holder 36 to the positioning member 35. For example, the coupling member 34 can include a guiding aperture 38a configured to receive the positioning member 35, such, that the holder 36 can be guided along the positioning member 35. In a further embodiment (not shown), the control module holder 36 can be tilted and/or translated with respect to the coupling member 34, to set a desired tilting position of the control module holder 36.

For example, a position of the control module holder 36 with respect to seat 3 may be adjustable. Figure 1 depicts a first operating position, in which the control module holder 36 is located at or near an upper end part of the positioning member 35, away from the seat 3. In Fig. 2, the control module holder 36 is located near the seat 3, in a second operating position. Repositioning of the holder 36 with respect to the positioning member 35 (for example slinging the holder 36 along the member 35) is indicated by an arrow R in Fig. 3. In the present embodiment, a locking system is provided to lock the holder 36 in respective operating positions to the positioning member 35. The locking system can be configured in various ways. Preferably, the locking system is a quick-release locking assembly, that can be configured to clamp the holder 36 (for example its coupling part 34) and positioning member 35 together. The locking assembly may includes a lever 51 (see Fig. 1, 2) that is pivotally connected to the coupling part 34, the lever 51 having an engagement cam to grip the positioning member 35 when the lever 51 is in a locking position (as in the drawings). The lever 51 is pivotable (indicated by arrow P) from the locking positing to a release state to unlock to coupling part 34, so that the position of the control module holder (along the positioning member 35) can be adjusted.

Alternatively, for example, the locking system may having a locking bolt which can be inserted into suitable bolt passages of the coupling part and through-holes and the positioning member.

In the present embodiment, the positioning member is an elongated element 35, having a first end that is connected to the seat 3, after assembly. Also, after assembly, the opposite second end of the element 35 is located in front of the seat at a level that is higher than a supporting surface supporting the seat. The present positioning element 35 extends in a straight line, however, the element can also have a different configuration.

The elongated element 35 can have different forms. For example, the external surface of the element 35 can have a circular, oval, angular and/or different cross-section. The embodiment preferably includes a positioning member having an oval cross- section, which provides good rigidity during handling of the control module 1.

Also, according to a further embodiment, the positioning member 35 may be detachably coupled to the seat 3.

Preferably, a holder 38 is provided, the holder being configured to hold the positioning member 35. The holder 38 can be part of the seat, for example being made in one piece with a component of the seat. Also, the holder 38 can being detachable connected to the seat.

An example of the holder 38 is shown in figure 3. The holder may be integral part of the seat, for example of the lower seat part 3, or be a separate part. For example, the holder 38 can be integrally connected to a frame part of the seat, for example to a front tube or a front section of such a frame. In an embodiment, the holder 38 has been integrally connected to the seat by a welding process. For example, the holder 38 can be configured to be mounted to a seat, using suitable mounting means, for example bolting means, attachment screws, a clamp, and/or different connectors. Also, for example, the seat 3 itself can integrally comprise the holder 38. In a further embodiment, the seat is made of plastic (for example one or more plastic parts made by blow moulding), the holder being made in one piece with those plastic parts. Preferably, the holder 38 is configured to detachably receive a part of the positioning element 35. In the present embodiment, the holder 38 contains an aperture 38a to slidingly receive or engage a lower end part of the positioning element 35. Preferably, the holder 38 can provide a rotation- fixed coupling of the positioning member 35 (to prevent turning of that member around a longitudinal centre-line). For example, the aperture 38a of the positioning member can have an oval cross-section to firmly grip a positioning member 35 having an oval cross-section.

Besides, a removable locking means 39, for example a screw, bolt, clamp, or locking pin, is provided to lock the positioning element 35 to the holder after the lower end of the element 35 has been inserted into the holder 38. Preferably, the holder 38 can firmly hold the element 35 in a respective operating position when the element and holder are locked to each other. For example, the locking means 39 can be inserted into the holder 38 (via a respective passage) to engage a locking passage 39a in the positioning member 35 (when the end section of that member 35 has been placed into the holder 38).

Figures 4-5 show a further embodiment of the computer simulation control system, comprising the control module 1, and the seat 103 having a back support 104. In this second embodiment, particularly, the seat 103 and back supportl04 have been made by blow-moulding. The seat 103 integrally comprises a plastic holder 138, having an aperture 138a to receive a lower part of the positioning member 135. A locking means 139 locks the positioning element 135 to the seat. The control module holder 136 of the second embodiment can be translated (for example shifted) with respect to the respective base member 134 (coupling the holder 136 to the positioning member 135) between various longitudinal positions (the longitudinal translation being indicated by arrow T in Fig. 4, and consisting of translations away from and towards the back support 104). A first position of the control module holder 136 is shown in Figure 4, and a respective second position in Figure 5. In this way, a position of the holder 136 can be adjusted depending on a type of control module 1 to be supported. Preferably, the control module holder 136 can be locked in desired longitudinal positions (to the base part), for example using a respective locking or blocking construction. Besides, the second embodiment comprises a locking system 151 to lock the base part 134 of the control module holder in respective operating positions with respect to the positioning member 138.

The present system can provide a user with a very good, true, simulator experience; the position of the manually controllable control module 1 can be preferably set with respect to the seat by the user, for an even more enhanced simulator experience. Additionally, the system is compact, can be stored in a relatively small storage compartment (when the system is disassembled), and is very durable. Also, the system has an improved aesthetic appearance over certain existing simulator systems. Even-more, the coupling member 35, 135 can be mounted to an existing seat, for example utilizing a respective holder 38, to provide a system according to the invention. Thus, as an example, a removable coupling member 35, 135 can be used in combination with a plurality of seats having different locations, which provides for travelling around to use the simulator control system in the different locations without having to transfer the seat.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been described above, it will be appreciated that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as described. The description is not intended to limit the invention.

For instance, the computer simulation control system can be suitable for use in combination with a driving simulator program, a racing simulator program, a flying simulator program or the like. The system may comprise one or more control modules, wherein each module may be provided with one or more controls, for instance a wheel, pedal, force-feedback controls, flight stick, keyboard, and/or the like.

For example, the positioning member 35, 135 can be a single component, or it can include a plurality of interconnected parts. In a further embodiment, the positioning member can be modular. For example, it can include a plurality of modular sections, which can be connected and to each other and disconnected, to adjust a length of the positioning member. In an alternative embodiment, the positioning member can be a telescopically adjustable positioning member.

Besides, the system can include a plurality of positioning members 35, 135 having different lengths. As an example, there can be provided a first positioning member having a first length and a second positioning member having a second length, the second length being larger than the first length. Similarly, several positioning members 35, 135 having different shapes can be provided. Moreover, an embodiment includes a positioning member 35, 135 having an adjustable shape. As an example, the positioning member 35, 135 can include several sections that are pivotally connected to each other, to adjust the shape or orientation of the positioning member.

Claims

1. Computer simulation control system, comprising:

- at least one control module (1) for manually controlling a computer simulator program, for example one or more of a steering wheel, joystick, keypad, flightstick, keyboard, and switch; - a seat (3; 103), configured to be positioned onto a support; wherein the system is characterized by a positioning member (35; 135) extending upwards from the seat to an area located in front of the seat, the positioning member being configured to position the control module (1) with respect to the seat, such, that a user can be seated on the seat for handling the at least one control module (1) there-from.

2. Control system according to claim 1, wherein the positioning member (35; 135) is configured to position the control module (1) in different operating positions with respect to the seat.

3. Control system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning member comprises a control module holder (36; 136) configured to hold the control module (1).

4. Control system according to claim 3, wherein a position of the control module holder (36; 136) with respect to seat (3; 103) is adjustable, wherein preferably a locking system is provided to lock the holder in respective operating positions.

5. Control system according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the control module holder is provided with an upper control module support surface

6. Control system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning member (35; 135) is detachably coupled to the seat (3; 103).

7. Control system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the positioning member is an elongated element (35; 135), having a first end that is connected or connectable to the seat (3; 103), and a second end that is located in front of the seat at a level that is higher than a supporting surface supporting the seat.

8. Control system according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a holder (38; 138) configured to hold the positioning member (35; 135), the holder (38; 138) being part of the seat or being detachable connected to the seat, wherein the holder (38; 138) preferably contains an aperture (38a; 138a) to receive or engage part of the positioning member.

9. Control system according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a locking system to lock the positioning member in a respective operating position.

10. Control system according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least a second control module for controlling the computer simulator program, the second control module being controllable by foot, wherein a coupling mechanism (5) is provided to couple the seat and the at least second control module (2) to each other in such a way, that a user can handle the at least one second control module (2) from the seat.

11. A mechanism (35; 135) for coupling a seat and at least one manually operable computer simulation control module (1) to each, characterized in that the mechanism includes a positioning member (35; 135) connectable to the seat, the positioning member being configured to position the control module (1) in an operating position in front of the seat.

12. The mechanism according to claim 11, comprising a holder (38; 138) configured to hold the positioning member (35; 135), the holder (38; 138) being connected or connectable to the seat, wherein the holder is configured to detachably receive a part of the positioning member.

13. The mechanism according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the positioning member is an elongated element comprising a control module holder (36; 136) configured to hold the control module (1), a position of the control module holder (36; 136) with respect to the elongated element is adjustable, wherein preferably a locking system (51) is provided to lock the holder in respective operating positions.

14. Seat, provided with a holder (38; 138) to detachably receive a positioning member (35; 135) to position a manually operable control module (1) in front of the seat.

15. Use of a mechanism according to any of the claims 11-13, including -connecting the positioning member (35; 135) to a seat;

-providing the positioning member (35; 135) with a manually operable control module, such that a user seated on the seat, can handle control module (1) there-from.