Motion simulating device

Abstract

A motion simulating device includes a positioning unit, at least one carrier unit adapted for carrying at least one user, at least one motion mechanism, and a display unit for displaying image information for viewing by the at least one user. The at least one motion mechanism includes a motion arm, a first driver, and a second driver. The motion arm has a first end portion connected to the positioning unit and pivotable relative to the positioning unit about a first axis, and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion. The at least one carrier unit is connected to the second end portion of the motion arm and pivotable relative to the motion arm about a second axis.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A motion simulating device comprising:
 a positioning unit;   at least one carrier unit connected to said positioning unit and adapted for carrying at least one user;   at least one motion mechanism including
 a motion arm that has a first end portion connected to said positioning unit and pivotable relative to said positioning unit about a first axis, and a second end portion opposite to said first end portion, said at least one carrier unit being connected to said second end portion of said motion arm and being pivotable relative to said motion arm about a second axis, 
 a first driver that is disposed for driving the pivot action of said motion arm about the first axis relative to said positioning unit, and 
 a second driver that is disposed for driving the pivot action of said at least one carrier unit about the second axis relative to said motion arm; and 
   a display unit for displaying image information for viewing by the at least one user.   
     
     
         2 . The motion simulating device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said at least one carrier unit includes a load platform connected to said second end portion of said motion arm of said at least one motion mechanism, and a plurality of seat bodies connected to said load platform and adapted to be seated on by a plurality of the users. 
     
     
         3 . The motion simulating device as claimed in  claim 2 , wherein said at least one carrier unit further includes a linkage member interconnecting said seat bodies, and a third driver operable to move said linkage member back and forth such that said seat bodies tilt to the left and right thereof and relative to said load platform. 
     
     
         4 . The motion simulating device as claimed in  claim 3 , wherein each of said seat bodies is pivotable about a third axis which extends in a front-rear direction of said seat bodies and which is substantially perpendicular to the first and second axes. 
     
     
         5 . The motion simulating device as claimed in  claim 4 , wherein said at least one motion mechanism further includes a support arm having two end portions that are respectively and pivotally connected to said positioning unit and said at least one carrier unit, said support arm and said motion arm being respectively and pivotally connected to opposite left and right sides of said at least one carrier unit. 
     
     
         6 . The motion simulating device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said at least one carrier unit includes a load platform connected to said second end portion of said motion arm of said at least one motion mechanism, and a seat body connected to said load platform and adapted to be seated on by the at least one user. 
     
     
         7 . The motion simulation device as claimed in  claim 6 , wherein said at least one carrier unit further includes a linkage member connected to said seat body, and a third driver operable to move said linkage member back and forth such that said seat body tilts to the left and right thereof and relative to said load platform. 
     
     
         8 . The motion simulating device as claimed in  claim 7 , wherein said seat body is pivotable about a third axis which extends in a front-rear direction of said seat body and which is substantially perpendicular to the first and second axis. 
     
     
         9 . The motion simulating device as claimed in  claim 8 , wherein said at least one motion mechanism further includes a support arm having two end portions that are respectively and pivotally connected to said positioning unit and said at least one carrier unit, said support arm and said motion arm being respectively and pivotally connected to opposite left and right sides of said at least one carrier unit. 
     
     
         10 . The motion simulating device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said positioning unit includes at least one movable vehicle mounted to said motion arm of said at least one motion mechanism for moving said at least one motion mechanism between different locations. 
     
     
         11 . The motion simulating device as claimed in  claim 1 , wherein said display unit includes at least one head-mounted display adapted to be worn by the at least one user.