 |
 |
Features of New Riding Simulators |
|
A entirely new model was developed, maintaining the high performance
spoken highly of the previous model, for the purpose of further
spread and improvement in functions. Outstanding features as
compared with the type before are "substantial reduction in
price", "riding unit easily changeable to scooter", "lightweight
and compact design" enabling easy installation, "images and
sound with improved feeling of appearance on the scenes" and
"completion of various educational functions".
|
|
Thoroughly Compact Design |
|
As compared with the previous model, the new model is made
compact by 600mm in length, 140mm in width and weight reduced
to a half. Contributed largely to this is the reduction of the
number of parts by re-design of the motion base, which reproduces
the motion of motorcycles, and the aluminum cast projector box.
As for the structural layout, the adoption of a projector equipped
with short focus lens of new design and the optimum layout in
the box of control system equipment has enabled to achieve compact
project box despite of enlarged screen.
 |
|
 Comparison
with Conventional Machines
L: 2940 mm 
2330 mm
W: 1320 mm 1182 mm
H: 2010 mm 1740 mm
|
|
|
Substantial Change in Movable Systems |
|
The largest change was made in the motion base, movable unit.
Exclusive motors and reduction box were used before for the
roll or the tilt in the direction of left and right and for
the pitch or the tilt in the direction of fore and aft. Highly
rigid bearings and sturdy frame were required for this because
of large load imposed since the motor for roll had to move the
motor for pitch. In the new model, the same pitch and roll centers
were maintained by arranging bearings at the locations where
exclusive motors and reduction box were positioned before, and
similar roll and pitch motions were reproduced by locating drive
motors on the left and right of the front. As the result, a
substantial reduction of weight was achieved.
|
|
Motion Base |
|
Roll and pitch shafts are arranged between a T-shaped base
frame and the body frame. Since the positions of shafts largely
affect the bodily feeling on riding, layout is so made to agree
with the shaft centers before. An arm is arranged in the front
of body frame to hold the hollow servomotor. A hollow motor
proper is connected to the arm through a universal joint. The
shaft of ball screw is connected to the base frame with the
universal joint. As the result, the body is supported at three
points to determine its posture. With the motors on the left
and right moving up and down in the same directions, pitching
is reproduced. Rolling is reproduced with the motion of motors
on the left and right in opposite directions.
|
|
Control System |
|
The operation of the rider is taken in from sensors with the
host computer at its center and kinetic computation of motorcycles
is made. The results of computation are conveyed to each device
as information such as engine revolution, speed and body posture.
The meter indicates speed; the sound device generates engine
sound and environmental sounds and the image generating device
will prepare images corresponding to the positions and postures
of the rider. At the same time, the servomotor will change the
posture of motorcycle body to give the rider illusion as if
he is actually riding.
|
|
Educational Functions |
|
Shown on the former operation screen was the composite of
speed and the operations of rider like braking and the images
of vision in the front. In addition to them, bird-eye views
and a message window were added in the new model. Locations
selected at one's option can be magnified and shown on the map,
and traffic conditions in surroundings can be confirmed. The
message window, on the other hand, will show real time the area
presently driven through and the reasons for accidents (collision,
brake lock, etc.)
Evolution of Operation Screen
 |
| Conditions of operations by riders and front
images were combined and indicated before. |
|
In addition to the manipulation by riders and
front images, bird-eye view showing traffic conditions
(magnified indication possible) and message window to
show the reasons of accidents. |
|
|
Multi-eye |
|
By a regeneration function called multi-eye, images can be
reproduced from various points of views after completion of
training, so it can be effectively utilized for guidance. Furthermore,
a function was added to the multi-eye to measure and display
the distance between two optional points during replay and temporary
stop, to enable easy measurement by clicking the screen.
 |
| This is an example of measuring the distance
between an oncoming sedan turning to the right in a blind
spot and one's own bike. This function is considered effective
for giving scientific education on the necessity of distance
between vehicles going in the same direction in accordance
with the speed. |
|
|
|
