Atari Games Corporation

Jacques D Aknin

Rick L Moncrief

Wade O Winblad

Max L Behensky

Gerald J Lichac

Erik J Durfey

Bonnie J Smithson

Erik J Durfy

A system for simulating bicycle riding which incorporates a conventionally-appearing bicycle physically maneuverable by a system user. Front and rear bicycle wheels are provided solely for visual authenticity. The simulating system provides electrical communication between mechanical maneuvering of the bicycle and a video display to visually reflect changes in speed and bicycle position on a variable-terrain track in response to pedaling, braking and steering changes by the user. Specifically, the system permits simultaneous lateral displacement and leaning of the bicycle away from the vertical plane to simulate travel about a curve. The system also permits rotation in a vertical plane about a pivot point proximate to the rear bicycle tire to simulate 'wheelie' motion. These changes are monitored by sensors which transmit information to a computer which, in turn, correspondingly adjusts the position of an animated bicycle on the track using computer animation made possible by a unique bicycle model program. The computer considers the influence of the forces of nature on the bicycle and user. In addition, a computer-controlled motor simulates changing conditions of the track terrain, including downhill coasting by applying power assistance to bicyclist pedaling action. Finally, an audio system and a variable-speed air blower are provided, both interfaced with the computer to enhance riding simulation.

System and method for bicycle riding simulation

An apparatus for creating a realistic feel for a simulated gearshift includes a simulated gearshift for a simulated transmission in a simulated vehicle and has a gearshift lever and a simulated shift pattern for simulating the look and movements through an actual shift pattern of an actual gearshift in a actual vehicle. A pivoting mechanical coupling couples the gearshift lever to a housing for allowing the gearshift lever to pivot about at least two axes. A solenoid is coupled to the pivoting mechanism and has a control signal input for receiving a control signal that controls the amount of force applied to the pivoting mechanism to cause resistance to movement by the shift lever along at least one of the axes. A control computer generates to apply an amount of force to the pivoting mechanical coupling which simulates the actual forces which would be felt by said operator in making the corresponding movement of the gearshift in an actual vehicle.

Gearshift for a vehicle simulator having a solenoid for imposing a

An apparatus for creating a realistic feel for a simulated gearshift, comprising a simulated gearshift for a simulated transmission in a simulated vehicle and having a gearshift lever and a simulated shift pattern for simulating the look and movements through an actual shift pattern of an actual gearshift in a vehicle. A pivoting mechanism allows the gearshift lever to pivot about at least two axes. An electrically operable clutch receives a control signal controlling the amount of force applied to the pivoting mechanism to cause resistance to movement by said shift lever along at one of the axes. A positional sensor array generates a signal from which the position of the shift lever in the simulated gearshift pattern may be ascertained. A strain gauge coupled to the gearshift lever senses the degree of strain in the gearshift lever and generates a signal telling whether an operator is pulling or pushing on the gearshift lever and in what direction. A control computer is coupled to the strain gauge and controls the operation of the clutch to provide a realistic feel.

Gearshift for a vehicle simulator using computer controlled realistic

Growing community of inventors

San Carlos, CA, United States of America

Jacques D Aknin