WO2001052958A1

WO2001052958A1 - Simulation game apparatus for motor race and its shaking device

Info

Publication number: WO2001052958A1
Application number: PCT/KR2001/000101
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ock-Joon Kim
Original assignee: Kim Ock Joon
Priority date: 2000-01-24
Filing date: 2001-01-19
Publication date: 2001-07-26
Also published as: AU3062101A

Abstract

Disclosed herewith is a simulation game apparatus for motor racing. The simulation game apparatus functions and is operated in the same manner as an actual racing car functions and is operated owing to the same interior structure and shape as those of an actual racing car, which allows a player to sit in an apparatus, and which provides feelings sensed during actual driving according to the degree of the rotation of a steering wheel, the degree of braking and acceleration and accidents to a player, thereby allowing a player to learn the skills of motor racing while sensing the feeling of an actual motor race and to enjoy motor races similar to actual motor races even in a small space. Accordingly, motor racing can be enjoyed economically and by a lot of people.

Description

SIMULATION GAME APPARATUS FOR MOTOR RACE AND ITS

SHAKING DEVICE

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to a simulation game apparatus for a motor race and its shaking device, and more particularly to a simulation game apparatus for a motor race and its shaking device, which functions and is operated the same as an actual racing car functions and is operated, owing to the same interior structure and shape as an actual racing car, which allows one player to be seated in the apparatus, and which provides feelings sensed during actual driving to the player according to the degree of the rotation of a steering wheel, the degree of braking and acceleration and accidents, thereby allowing the player to learn the skills of actual race car drivers while sensing the feeling of actual motor races, and to enjoy motor races similar to actual motor races even in a small space.

Background Art

Motor racing is not popular in Korea, but is one of the three biggest sports

(that is, soccer, Olympics and motor racing) in the world. Of a variety of motor races, Formula One (hereinafter, referred to as F-1) is likened to the World Cup of motor sport. The F-1 audience exceeds thirty billion a year. Five or more F-1 racers are usually included in the top ten annual salary ranking in the field of sports.

According to the classifications of FIA (Federation Internationale de L'Automobile), motor races are generally divided into Rally, Touring Race, Group-C Race and Formula Race.

Rally is again divided into an unmodified division and a modified division, and is a motor race in which automobiles are driven over rough roads, such as a jungle, a mountain path, a valley road, a desert path, a snowy road and a unpaved road. This race requires the high performance of an automobile and the skill of a driver, which can stand various unfavorable conditions. A touring race is only open to vehicles that have sold a certain minimum number to general consumers. A touring race is divided into a modified division and an unmodified division, and prohibits automobiles equipped with a turbo converter. A touring race is different from a Rally in that a touring race is a circuit race, the same as a

Formula or Group-C Race.

A Group-C Race is a circuit race in which sports prototype cars are driven. A prototype car is different from a formula car in that wheels are not projected from a body but are retracted into the body and a driver's seat is sealed. The sports prototype car is not sold to the public, and is a racing car specially manufactured for a speed race on a circuit. Group-C Race has been popular for some time, as has the Formula Race. The Formula Race is a circuit race in which formula cars with wheels projected from their bodies are driven, and includes races, such as F-1, Formula 3000, Formula 3 and Formula 4, in which formula cars are driven. A formula car is designed differently from a general car. The formula car has a low center of gravity and a small power-to-weight ratio, so that the formula car is capable of superior acceleration and high-speed cornering. The formula car has wheels projected from its narrow and long body. Kart and Indianapolis 500 belong to the Formula Race, and are different from the others in that they are performed not in circuits (various bent race courses), but on oval tracks (oval, inclined race courses).

The kart utilized in Kart has a shape similar to that of the formula car, but is a relatively small size and usually driven by amateurs who are chiefly children who may become future racers. In particular, Formula Racing began in the 1950s. In Formula Racing, sixteen races are performed on the circuits of sixteen countries throughout the world under the supervision of FIA. The formula race is classified into F-1, Formula Two (hereinafter, referred to as F-2, Formula 3000) and a Formula Three (hereinafter, referred to as F-3). In F-1, cars are restricted to naturally aspirated (hereinafter, referred to as NA), twelve or less-cylindered engines having a displacement volume of 3500cc. An F-1 car has a maximum output of 550 horse power, an aerodynamic body, a seven stage transmission and a tire width of 457 mm. In F-1, cars are restricted to an NA, twelve or less-cylindered engine having a displacement volume of 3000cc and the maximum number of rotations of 9,000rpm. An F-2 car has a maximum output of 450 horse power. In F-3, cars are restricted to an NA, four or less-cylindered engine having a displacement volume of 2000cc and a maximum output of 170 horse power.

Karts were first made by Art Engels of California. The karts are developed and differentiated into go-carts, sports carts and racing carts. Race car drivers train on karts to improve their racing abilities prior to entering into full- scale racing, so the karts can be called miniaturized cars for full-scale racing. A kart is equipped with a two-stroke engine, and is controlled by a brake and an acceleration pedal without gears, thus being easily driven.

Various motor races described above require a variety of racing cars according to the kinds of races, and are very dangerous, so the public watches racing rather than participating. A large area is required to construct a motor racing ground, so few racing grounds are constructed in Korea, thereby preventing even professional racers from using the racing grounds. Accordingly, there are shortcomings that the racing abilities of racers and the number of enthusiasts cannot be considerably increased in Korea. In order to overcome the above problems, a variety of motor racing games are made and the public play the motor racing games utilizing personal computers.

However, motor racing games, which have been disclosed up to now, are performed while the keys of a computer keyboard or a joy stick are manipulated with the hands, so players cannot have the feeling as actual racers, and cannot practice racing skills through the motor racing games, thereby making the motor racing games only children's games. Additionally, the racing games do not have various constructions, so they are very simple.

In addition, motor racing games that are played by manipulating a steering wheel with the hands have been developed, but the motor racing games are considered to be driving practice software, because the racing games are operated at low speeds, thereby preventing users from feeling the excitement of actual racing. The road conditions and car constructions of the racing games are not sufficiently various, so the racing games are crude as racing games.

People desire to drive racing cars that are used for motor races. However, it is impossible to actually drive such racing cars, so people satisfy their desires through game apparatuses in video game arcades. The game apparatuses are disadvantageous in that the reality and vividness of actual motor races are not sensed because the game apparatuses are operated by a steering wheel according to previously inputted images.

One of virtual reality techniques using computers is a computer game. A driving simulation apparatus is a type of virtual reality technique. Currently, virtual reality techniques are widely utilized in the fields of architecture, medical science, education, industry, space science and defense. The study of simulation techniques is currently very active, along with the development of virtual reality techniques. The term "simulation" denotes a "trial or virtual experiment".

Simulation are used to prepare for various actual circumstances in such a way that various conditions and situations that can occur in reality are input, virtual realities are constructed and operation techniques are exercised to handle the virtual realities. Simulations are chiefly utilized to practice the operation of a car and an aircraft. Recently, simulation has been applied to game apparatuses, and utilized to provide the reality and vividness of a racing course.

A great number of parts are required to provide realism and vividness through a simulator, and a hydraulic cylinder is utilized as the effecter of the motion of every simulator, so the structure of the simulator becomes complicated and the high costs of the simulator prevent them from being commercially used as applied to a game apparatus. Even though such a simulator is applied to a game apparatus, high costs are imposed upon a consumer and a large installation space requirement causes difficulty to a business owner.

Disclosure of the Invention Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a simulation game apparatus for motor racing, which is capable of allowing a player to learn the skills of motor racing while sensing the feeling of actual motor races and to enjoy motor races similar to actual motor races even in a small space, thereby permitting motor racing to be enjoyed economically and by a lot of people.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a shaking apparatus, which is capable of shaking the simulation game apparatus for a motor race, in which a player is seated, to the front, rear, right or left according to the conditions of a road shown on a display, the operation of a steering wheel, and the degree of acceleration and deceleration, so that the shaking device is advantageous in that a player is able to get the feelings of actual motor racing; and which produces little noise, and is inexpensive, easily manufactured and installed, simple in structure and does not requires an excessive installation space.

In order to accomplish the above object, the present invention provides a simulation game apparatus for a motor race and its shaking apparatus, which functions and is operated the same as an actual racing car functions and is operated, owing to the same interior structure and shape as an actual racing car, which allows one player to sit in the apparatus, and which provides to a player feelings sensed during actual driving according to the degree of the rotation of a steering wheel, the degree of braking and acceleration and accidents, so that the player can learn the skills of motor racing while sensing the feeling of actual motor races and enjoy motor racing similar to actual motor races even in a small space, thereby allowing motor races to be enjoyed economically and by a lot of people.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description simulation apparatus in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of a simulation game apparatus in accordance with the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a shaking device for the simulation game apparatus in accordance with the primary embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the shaking device simulation apparatus along the line A-A of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a sectional view of the shaking device simulation apparatus along the line B-B of Fig. 2;

Figs. 5A and 5B are views showing an operation of the shaking device of Fig. 2, in which:

Fig. 5A is a side view showing an axial swinging action of the shaking device; and

Fig. 5B is a front view showing a lateral swinging action of the shaking device;

Fig. 6 is a partially broken perspective view of a shaking device for the simulation game apparatus in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 7 is a side view of the shaking device of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a side view showing an axial swinging action of the shaking device of Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 is a front view showing a lateral swinging action of the shaking device of Fig. 6; and

Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of the portion "A" of Fig. 9.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

A simulation game apparatus for motor race of the present invention includes an operation unit 10 for allowing a player to perform all operations that can be performed in an actual motor race; a detection unit 20 for sensing the operational conditions of the operating unit, the deviation of a racing car from a racing course and the occurrence of car accidents; a conversion unit 30 for digitalizing detected data; a display unit 40 for showing the situations of the player and a road using data converted by the conversion unit; an evaluation unit 50 for determining the degree of proficiency of a player while the motor racing game and the result scores of the motor racing game in advancing the motor racing game; and a feedback unit 60 for operating the simulation game apparatus in accordance with current circumstances using data converted by the conversion unit. The operation unit 10 is comprised of a door unit 1 1 , a player recognizing unit 12, a car and course selecting unit 13, a steering wheel operating unit 14, an accelerator operating unit 15, a brake operating unit 16, a clutch operating unit 17, a shift lever unit 18, and a car seat unit 19.

The door unit 1 1 consists of means 1 1 1 for recognizing the amount of paid money when a motor race player pays for game fees by credit card or coin, means 1 12 for confirming whether the recognized amount is correct or not, means 113 for opening an entrance when it is confirmed that the recognized amount is correct, means 1 14 for recognizing that the motor race player is properly positioned in the apparatus, means 115 for receiving data from the player's seating recognizing means 1 14 and closing the entrance, means 1 16 for automatically opening the entrance when the motor racing game is terminated, and means 1 17 for automatically opening the entrance in case of emergency during a game.

The means 1 1 1 for recognizing the amount of paid money when a motor race player pays for game fees by credit card or coin, the means 1 12 for confirming whether the recognized amount is correct or not, and the means 1 13 for opening an entrance when it is confirmed that the recognized amount is correct can be constructed by properly combining devices used in the technical field to which the present invention pertains, such as devices used in a vending machine. The means 1 14 for recognizing that the motor race player sits in the apparatus can be constructed using a recognizing device, such as a weight sensor. The means for receiving data from the player's seating recognizing means 1 14 and closing the entrance can be constructed using an automatic locking system. The automatic opening means 1 16 automatically opens the entrance when the motor racing game is terminated. The means 1 17 for automatically opening the entrance in case of emergency during a game is constructed to be operated by the player in a one- touch manner. The door unit 1 1 can be constructed so that the means 1 1 1 for recognizing the amount of paid money when the motor race player pays for game fees and the means 1 12 for confirming whether the recognized amount is correct or not are omitted, and the entrance is opened by a game apparatus manager in a one-touch manner. That is, when a motor race player pays a game apparatus manager for the motor race game, the game apparatus manager opens the entrance of the game apparatus by turning on the switch of the game apparatus.

The player recognizing unit 12 is used to manage the personal game records of a player and distinguish a player from the other players. The player recognizing unit 12 distinguishes the player by a finger print recognizer or his personal ID and password. The player recognizing unit 12 can be constructed to allow the image of a player to be shown to third parties. The player recognizing unit 12 is constructed so that the management of the game records and recognition of the player can be carried out when a player is registered once. The car and course selection unit 13 allows a player to select a car and a course. The player first selects the kind of a car according to the divisions of Rally, Touring Race, Group-C Race and a Formula Race, and then secondly selects one of the cars of the kind. The player selects one of various courses previously inputted. The steering wheel operating unit 14 allows a player to steer the selected car in a clockwise and counterclockwise directions to the previously inputted extent by operating a steering wheel in a clockwise and counterclockwise direction. The accelerator operating unit 15, the brake operating unit 16, the clutch operating unit 17, and the shift lever unit 18 allow a player to operate an acceleration pedal, a brake pedal, a clutch pedal and a shift lever to the extent previously inputted according to the kind of a car by operating the acceleration pedal, the brake pedal, the clutch pedal and the shift lever with feet or hands.

The car seat unit 19 is provided with a seat for allowing a player to sit on it and a safety belt 192 for tightly holding a player. Additionally, a helmet 193 is provided to allow a player to have the feeling of an actual motor racer, a pair of spectacles are provided to give two-dimensional effect, a headphone is provided to output all the sounds of the racing car, and a pair of gloves 194 are provided to grip the steering wheel and the shift lever.

The detection unit 20 for sensing the operational conditions of the operating unit includes a plurality of means 21 for monitoring the operations of all the operation devices of the operating unit 10, which are connected to the operation devices, respectively. For example, means for sensing the degree of the rotation of the steering wheel is connected to the steering wheel operating unit 14, means for sensing force used to move the acceleration pedal or the distance of the movement of the acceleration pedal is connected to the accelerator operating unit 15, means for sensing force used to move the brake pedal or the distance of the movement of the brake pedal is connected to the brake operating unit 16, means for sensing force used to move the clutch pedal or the distance of the movement of the clutch pedal is connected to the clutch operating unit 17, and means for sensing the position of the shift lever is connected to the shift lever unit 18. A variety of sensing means, which are used in the technical field to which the present invention pertains, such as sensors, can be employed as the means for monitoring the operations of the operation devices of the operation unit 10.

In addition, the detection unit 20 is designed to detect the operational conditions of the operating unit, the deviation of a racing car from a racing course and the occurrence of car accidents while playing the motor race simulation game.

For example, the player is easily informed of his mileage while driving the car since the total distance of the curved sections of the racing course and the curvature of the curved sections are stored in the program. In addition, when there is any curved section in the past course, it is possible for the apparatus to determine whether the racing car is in the course or not by calculating both the velocity of the car and the total steered angle of the steering wheel.

The data concerning the deviation of the racing car from a racing course and the occurrence of car accidents during a race, in addition to data detected and measured by the monitoring means 21 of the detection unit 20, is transmitted to the conversion unit 30 for digitalizing detected data. The digitalized data is displayed on the display unit 40, thus allowing the player to know his racing conditions including the road conditions. The evaluation unit 50 determines the degree of proficiency in playing the motor racing game and the result scores of the motor racing game in advancing the motor racing game. The feedback unit 60 operates the simulation game apparatus in accordance with current circumstances using data converted by the conversion unit, and so the unit 60 allows the motor race simulation apparatus shaking device of this invention to be optimally operated. The player thus feels active and real driving sensations as if he drove a real car on a real road.

The operational sequence of the motor race simulation game apparatus will be described in more detail herein below.

At first, a new player, wanting to play the motor race stimulation game, inputs his personal information, such as personal ID, password, digitalized photograph, name, sex, age, job, address, phone number, cellular phone number, E-mail address, and etc., and receives his membership card number using a fingerprint recognizer, and receives a membership card. In such a case, the membership card number may consist of cord numbers designating national ID number, sex, age, etc.

Thereafter, the player pays for game fees by credit card or coin. When the player pays for game fees by credit card or coin as described above, the recognizing means 1 11 recognizes the amount of paid money, while the confirmation means 1 12 confirms whether the recognized amount is correct or not. When it is confirmed that the recognized amount is correct, the opening means 1 13 opens the entrance, thus allowing the player to enter the apparatus.

When the player enters the apparatus, the player's seating recognizing means 114 determines whether the player is stably seated in the apparatus or not.

When it is confirmed that the player is stably seated in the apparatus, the data receiving means 1 15 receives data from the player's seating recognizing means

1 14, and closes the entrance.

Thereafter, the player allows the player recognizing unit 12 to distinguish the player from the other players. In such a case, the player recognizing unit 12 distinguishes the player by a finger print recognizer or the player's personal ID and password. After completing the personal identification, the player puts on the safety belt 192, the helmet 193 and the gloves 194, thus completely preparing for the playing of the motor race simulation game. When the player is ready to play the simulation game as described above, the readiness for playing is detected by a sensing means provided on the safety belt 192, helmet 193 and gloves 194.

Thereafter, the car and course selection unit 13 allows the player to select a car and a racing course. In such a case, the player first selects the kind of car according to the divisions of Rally, Touring Race, Group-C Race and Formula Race, and then secondly selects one of a variety of cars. In such a case, the player also selects the transmission style of his car between the automatic and manual transmission styles. In addition, the player selects one of various racing courses.

After selecting a desired racing course, the player starts his race at the time the start flag is waved on the display unit. During the race, the player manipulates the steering handle, acceleration pedal, brake, clutch, and a variety of control levers, such as a shift lever, so as to drive the car along a selected racing course displayed on the display unit 40.

When the player manipulates the steering handle, acceleration pedal, brake, clutch, and a variety of control levers, such as the shift lever, during the race, the detection unit 20 detects the manipulation levels in response to signals output from the steering wheel operating unit 14, the accelerator operating unit 15, the brake operating unit 16, the clutch operating unit 17, and the shift lever unit 18, and displays the velocity of the car and rpm on associated gauges. In addition, the data detected by the detection unit 20 is output to the conversion unit 30 so as to be digitalized. The digitalized data is displayed on the display unit 40, thus allowing the player to know his racing conditions including the road conditions. The evaluation unit 50 calculates the degree of proficiency in playing the motor racing game and the result scores of the motor racing game in advancing the motor racing game. The feedback unit 60 operates the simulation game apparatus in accordance with current circumstances using data converted by the conversion unit, and so the unit 60 allows the motor race simulation apparatus shaking device to be optimally operated. The player thus feels active and real driving sensations as if he drove a real car on a real road.

During the race, the display unit 40 continuously displays the front view including the conditions of the racing course in front of the racing car, while the rearview mirror parts of the display unit 40 display the rear view. In addition, the simulation apparatus generates active sounds in response to the signals output from the steering wheel operating unit 14, the accelerator operating unit 15, the brake operating unit 16, the clutch operating unit 17, and the shift lever unit 18, thus allowing the player to feel active and real driving sensations as if he drove a real car on a real road.

The sounds are generated from both the headphone provided on the ears of the helmet 193 and the speakers installed in the simulation apparatus, thus allowing the player to feel active and real driving sensations. In addition, a variety of levels of exhaust gas odor may be preset in the program to allow the simulation apparatus to give out a predetermined level of exhaust gas odor to allow the player to sense the exhaust gas odor in accordance with the different manipulation levels of the steering wheel operating unit 14, the accelerator operating unit 15, the brake operating unit 16, the clutch operating unit 17, and the shift lever unit 18. In such a case, the detection unit 20 detects such manipulation levels, and so the exhaust gas odor is given out in response to a signal output from the detection unit 20.

In addition, the display unit 40 displays a variety of flags which have been typically used during real races, and displays a variety of protective fences and safety zones around the racing course, thus allowing the player to feel active and real sensations as if he drove a real car along a real racing course.

The evaluation unit 50 is used for calculating the degree of proficiency in playing the motor racing game and the result scores of the motor racing game in advancing the motor racing game. This evaluation unit 50 scores the driving skill of the player in accordance with the velocity of the car, selected racing course, and player's ranking. In addition, the evaluation unit 50 has a penalty count system so as to give the player a demerit mark in the case of a deviation of the racing car from the selected racing course and a variety of car accidents, including intentional accidents and unavoidable accidents. The penalty count system may give the player different demerit marks in accordance with a severity of the accidents, particularly in the case of a car collision. The basic score of a player, provided by the evaluation unit 50, may be changed in accordance with the displacement volume of a selected racing car. In addition, when a player perpetrates a dirty intentional accident while racing, the penalty count system may prohibit the player from gaming, in addition to giving the player a demerit mark, thus allowing the game to be performed under rigid and fair regulations. The evaluation unit 50 may connect the simulation apparatus to another simulation apparatus, thus allowing a player to play the motor race simulation game in a variety of race styles, such as a single race or a team race. In addition, damage to the car, expected in the case of a car collision due to excessive speed, is preset in the program such that the car may be differently damaged in accordance with the velocity of the car at the time of collision. The program is also preset such that the velocity of the car is abruptly reduced in the case of a collision. In addition, the control units of the car in the collision are not appropriately controlled, in addition to generating abnormal noises. The program is also preset such that a car is turned over when the car runs at a high speed while colliding with a protective fence. In such a case, the race is stopped. When a car directly collides with a fence at a very high speed, the car is burnt to stop the race.

The program is also preset such that the car is easily and simply repaired in the case of a slight collision. When the car enters pit to be repaired, the display unit 40 displays the entry and repair of the car into the pit, thus allowing the player to know the situation. The program is also preset such that a player can drive round his course prior to starting the race. In addition, the starting position of the player is automatically designated in accordance with the driving skill, driving grade, and gaming career of the player. The evaluation unit 50 is also preset such that it performs a variety of events, such as a ceremony of awarding prizes, national flag or team flag raising, floral gift, and drinking champagne in honor of the winner, after the race. Such events performed by the evaluation unit 50 are displayed on the display unit 40.

It is also possible for the simulation game apparatus to introduce the entries before the race. In such a case, the controller cooperates with the player recognizing unit to display the digitalized photograph of the player on the display unit 40. The information of the entries is stored in the memory, thus allowing the player to know the information about the entries when necessary. Of course, the information about any entry may be offered to the entries including the player during a race.

The feedback unit 60 automatically controls the racing car in accordance with data detected by the detection unit 20.

For example, when the player rotates the steering wheel using the steering wheel operating unit 14, the feedback unit 60 controls the apparatus shaking device so as to make the player within the game apparatus lean to the left, thus forcing the player to restore his physical balance. In such a case, the feedback unit 60 makes the racing car turn to the right, in addition to making sounds expected from frictional contact between tires and road surface.

When the player accelerates the racing car by manipulating the accelerator operating unit 15, the feedback unit makes the racing course more quickly past on the display unit 40, in addition to controlling the shaking device such that the player within the game apparatus leans backward. The game apparatus also generates different dynamic sounds in accordance with the manipulation levels of the acceleration pedal. In addition, the motor race simulation game apparatus creates a variety of dynamic situations, in addition to generating a variety of sounds and changing the speed of the car, in response to signals output from the brake operating unit 16, the clutch operating unit 17 and the shift lever unit 18.

In such a case, the shaking device is controlled in response to the signals, thus actively tilting the game apparatus to force the player's body to actively move in accordance with the law of inertia during a race.

As shown in Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 5, the shaking device for the motor race simulation game apparatus according to the primary embodiment of the present invention, comprises a frame 210, and a motion base 212 mounted to the top of the frame 210 while being vertically spaced apart from the motion base 212, and holding a base 215 thereon. The above base 215 is used for supporting a racing car-shaped simulation apparatus thereon. An axial swinging unit is mounted on the top of the frame 210, and is used for swinging the motion base 212 in an axial direction in response to a steering wheel input signal, a deceleration signal or an acceleration signal. In addition, a lateral swinging unit is installed on the middle portion of the axial swinging unit, and is used for swinging the motion base 212 in a lateral direction in response to a steering wheel input signal.

In the shaking device of this embodiment, the axial swinging unit comprises two link units 220a and 220b provided on the frame 210 at opposite sides of the frame 210. Each of the two link units 220a and 220b consists of two support links 221a and 221b, which are hinged to two holding brackets 21 1 of the frame 210 at their lower ends and extend upwardly. Each link unit 220a or 220b also has a reversed triangular movable link 222a or 222b, which is hinged to the upper ends of the two support links 221a and 221b at two upper corners thereof using two upper hinges. Two transverse shafts 223a and 223b transversely extend between the two sets of upper hinges of the two link units 220a and 220b. Each of the two transverse shafts 223 a and 223 b has a connection bracket 224a or 224b on its upper surface at a middle portion. A first drive motor 231 is installed at a position between the two link units 220a and 220b, and generates axial swinging drive force used for swinging the motion base 212 in the axial direction. A ball screw 233 is connected to the output shaft 231 ' of the first drive motor 231 through a coupling 232, and axially extends on the frame 210. Two guides 234a and 234b are axially and parallely arranged on the frame 210 at opposite sides of the ball screw 233. A forward and backward moving plate 228 is threaded to the ball screw 233, and is moved forward and backward by the first drive motor 231. This forward and backward moving plate 228 has a support bracket 229 on its upper surface. A rolling base 225 has a lower transverse shaft 226, and is hinged to the lower corners of the reversed triangular movable links 222a and 222b of the two link units 220a and 220b at opposite ends of the lower transverse shaft 226, thus being supported by the two link units 220a and 220b. Two guide rails 230a and 230b are axially and parallely arranged on the top of the frame 210 at a position under the rolling base 225. Two rollers 227a and 227b are held on the opposite ends of the lower transverse shaft 226 of the rolling base 225, and are movably seated on the two guide rails 230a and 230b so as to axially move the rolling base 225 along the two guide rails 230a and 230b in response to an operation of the first drive motor 231.

In the shaking device of this embodiment, the lateral swinging unit comprises a second drive motor 241, which is installed on the rolling base 225 held on the upper surface of the forward and backward moving plate 228 and generates the lateral swinging drive force used for swinging the motion base 212 in the lateral direction. A ball screw 243 is connected to the output shaft 241 ' of the second drive motor 241 through a coupling 242, and transversely extends between the two link units 220a and 220b. Two guides 244a and 244b are transversely and parallely arranged at opposite sides of the ball screw 243. A sideward moving plate 245 is threaded to the ball screw 243, and is moved to the left and right by the driving force of the second drive motor 241. The sideward moving plate 245 has two shaft connection brackets 246a and 246b on its upper surface.

The motion base 212 comprises two vertically extending connection shafts 213a and 213b, which are hinged to the two shaft connection brackets 246a and 246b of the sideward moving plate 245 at their lower ends. Two hinge brackets 214a and 214b are hinged to the two connection brackets 224a and 224b of the two transverse shafts 223a and 223b transversely extending between the two link units 220a and 220b.

In order to fabricate the shaking device of the primary embodiment, the frame 210 is primarily laid on a support surface, while the holding brackets 211 are fixed to the corners on the top surface of the frame 210.

Thereafter, the axial swinging unit, used for swinging the motion base 212 in the axial direction in response to a steering wheel input signal, a deceleration signal or an acceleration signal, is mounted on the holding brackets 211 of the frame 210.

In order to mount the axial swinging unit on the frame 210, two support links 221a and 221b are hinged to two holding brackets 21 1 at each side of the frame 210, and are assembled with a reversed triangular movable link 222a or 222b. In such a case, the reversed triangular movable link 222a or 222b is hinged to the upper ends of the two support links 221a and 221b at two upper corners thereof using two upper hinges. Therefore, the two link units 220a and 220b are mounted on the frame 210 at opposite sides of the frame 210. Thereafter, the two transverse shafts 223 a and 223 b are transversely shafted to the upper hinges of the two link units 220a and 220b. Each of the two transverse shafts 223a and 223b has one connection bracket 224a or 224b on its upper surface at a middle portion. In such a case, the reversed triangular movable link 222a or 222b is hinged to the upper ends of the two support links 221a and 221b at the two upper corners, and so the movable link 222a or 222b is movable relative to the two support links 221a and 221b. In the present invention, it is preferable to provide ball bearings at the hinged joints of the support links 221a and 221b, the reversed triangular movable links 222a and 222b, and the transverse shafts 223a and 223b.

Thereafter, the rolling base 225, having the lower transverse shaft 226, is hinged to the lower corners of the reversed triangular movable links 222a and 222b of the two link units 220a and 220b at opposite ends of the lower transverse shaft 226, thus being supported by the two link units 220a and 220b. In addition, the two rollers 227a and 227b are held on the opposite ends of the lower transverse shaft 226 of the rolling base 225.

In order to movably support the two rollers 227a and 227b of the lower transverse shaft 226 of the rolling base 225, the two guide rails 230a and 230b are axially and parallely arranged on the top of the frame 210 at a position under the rolling base 225. In addition, the forward and backward moving plate 228 is positioned between the two rails 230a and 230b, and is movable in an axial direction by a rolling action of the two rollers 227a and 227b along the two rails 230a and 230b.

This forward and backward moving plate 228 has two support brackets 229 on its upper surface so as to support the lower transverse shaft 226 of the rolling base 225. The two guide rails 230a and 230b, axially and parallely arranged on the top of the frame 210 at a position under the rolling base 225 and movably supporting the rollers 227a and 227b of the shaft 226, are curved on their top surfaces to become convex so as to meet a trace of the two rollers 227a and 227b. Thereafter, the first drive motor 231 is installed at a position between the two link units 220a and 220b. This motor 231 is used for generating axial swinging drive force used for swinging the motion base 212 in the axial direction. The ball screw 233, used for transmitting the drive force of the first drive motor 231 to the forward and backward moving plate 228, is connected to the output shaft 231 ' of the first drive motor 231 through the coupling 232. In addition, the two guides 234a and 234b are axially and parallely arranged on the frame 210 at opposite sides of the ball screw 233 so as to guide a movement of the forward and backward moving plate 228.

Thereafter, the lateral swinging unit is installed on the middle portion of the axial swinging unit. This lateral swinging unit is mounted on the upper surface of the rolling base 225 provided on the forward and backward moving plate 228, and swings the motion base 212 in the lateral direction in response to a steering wheel input signal.

In order to install the lateral swinging unit on the axial swinging unit, the second drive motor 241 is installed on the rolling base 225 held on the upper surface of the forward and backward moving plate 228. This second drive motor 241 is used for generating the lateral swinging drive force used for swinging the motion base 212 in the lateral direction. The sideward moving plate 245 is moved to the left and right by the second drive motor 241, thus swinging the motion base 212 in the lateral direction.

Thereafter, the two shaft connection brackets 246a and 246b are attached on the upper surface of the sideward moving plate 245, and are used for transmitting the drive force of the second drive motor 241 to the motion base 212.

The ball screw 243, used for transmitting the drive force of the motor 241 to the sideward moving plate 245, is connected to the output shaft 241 ' of the second drive motor 241 through the coupling 242. The two guides 244a and 244b are transversely and parallely arranged at the opposite sides of the ball screw 243.

Thereafter, the motion base 212, used for swinging the base 215 in the axial direction and in the lateral direction, is mounted to the two shaft connection brackets 246a and 246b of the sideward moving plate 245. In such a case, the motion base 212 is installed as follows. That is, the two vertically extending connection shafts 213a and 213b fixedly extending from the lower surface of the motion base 212 are hinged to the two shaft connection brackets 246a and 246b of the sideward moving plate 245 at their lower ends. The two hinge brackets 214a and 214b of the motion base 212 are hinged to the two connection brackets 224a and 224b of the two transverse shafts 223a and

223b, which transversely extend between the two link units 220a and 220b.

As shown in Figs. 5 A and 5B, the shaking device of this invention is used for performing a motor race simulation game. In such a case, the base 215 is held on the motion base 212, with a racing car-shaped simulation apparatus held on the base 215. In order to perform the motor race simulation game, a player sits in the simulation apparatus prior to starting the game while seeing the images displayed on a variety of displays installed within the simulation apparatus. During a performance of the motor race simulation game, the shaking device actively swings the simulation apparatus in the axial direction and in the lateral direction in accordance with road conditions displayed on the display unit and a steering action performed by the player.

When a rough surface road is displayed on the display unit, the first and second drive motors 231 and 241 are alternately rotated in opposite directions, thus allowing the player within the simulation apparatus to feel active vibrations as if he drove on a real rough surface road. When the player actuates a deceleration pedal or an acceleration pedal installed in the simulation apparatus, the first drive motor is rotated in opposite directions in accordance with input signals applied from the pedals, thus allowing the simulation apparatus to move in accordance with the law of inertia. When the player rotates the steering wheel to the left or right, the second drive motor 241 is operated to swing the simulation apparatus to the left or right. When a rough surface road is displayed on the display unit, the first drive motor 231 is rotated in a reverse direction.

When the first drive motor 231 is rotated in the reverse direction, the ball screw 233 connected to the output shaft 231' of the first drive motor 231 through the coupling 232 as shown in Fig. 4 is rotated in the reverse direction.

When the ball screw 233 is rotated in the reverse direction as described above, the forward and backward moving plate 228 threaded to the ball screw 233 is moved backward relative to both the ball screw 233 and the two guides 234a and 234b by the drive force of the first drive motor 231. When the forward and backward moving plate 228 is moved backward relative to the ball screw 233, the rolling base 225, supported on the support brackets 229 of the forward and backward moving plate 228 at its lower transverse shaft 226, moves backward along the rails 230a and 230b of the frame 210 by the rollers 227a and 227b mounted to the opposite ends of the shaft 226. Therefore, the front portion of both the support links 221a and 221b and the movable links 222a and 222b hinged to the support links 221a and 221b is inclined forward and downward around the rear one of the upper hinges of the two link units 220a and 220b. The motion base 212 is thus tilted forward.

When a smooth surface road is displayed on the display unit, the first drive motor 231 is rotated in a forward direction.

When the first drive motor 231 is rotated in the forward direction, the ball screw 233 connected to the output shaft 231 ' of the first drive motor 231 through the coupling 232 is rotated in the forward direction.

When the ball screw 233 is rotated in the forward direction as described above, the forward and backward moving plate 228 threaded to the ball screw 233 is moved forward relative to both the ball screw 233 and the two guides 234a and 234b by the drive force of the first drive motor 231.

When the forward and backward moving plate 228 is moved forward relative to the ball screw 233, the rolling base 225, supported on the support brackets 229 of the forward and backward moving plate 228 at its lower transverse shaft 226, moves forward along the rails 230a and 230b of the frame 210 by the rollers 227a and 227b mounted to the opposite ends of the shaft 226.

Therefore, the rear portion of both the support links 221a and 221b and the movable links 222a and 222b hinged to the support links 221a and 221b is inclined backward and downward around the front one of the upper hinges of the two link units 220a and 220b. The motion base 212 is thus tilted backward.

Therefore, it is possible for the player to feel active vibrations as if he drove a car on a real road.

When the player actuates the deceleration pedal or the acceleration pedal while performing the motor race simulation game within the simulation apparatus, the rotating speed of the first drive motor 231 is changed over a predetermined time interval, thus allowing the player to lean forward or backward as if he drove a real car on a street.

When the player steers the steering wheel to perform a cornering in accordance with the curve of a road displayed on the display unit, the second drive motor 241 of the lateral swinging unit is rotated in the reverse direction or the forward direction, thus swinging the motion base 212 in the lateral direction.

Therefore, the simulation apparatus leans to the left or the right.

When the player rotates the steering wheel to the left, the second drive motor 241 is rotated in the forward direction. That is, the second drive motor 241 is rotated to the right in Fig. 5A. Therefore, the ball screw 243 connected to the output shaft 241 ' of the second drive motor 241 through the coupling 242 is rotated in the forward direction.

When the ball screw 243 is rotated in the forward direction as described above, the sideward moving plate 245 threaded to the ball screw 243 is moved forward relative to both the ball screw 243 and the two guides 244a and 244b by the drive force of the second drive motor 241. That is, the sideward moving plate

245 is moved to the right in Fig. 5B.

When the sideward moving plate 245 is moved to the right as described above, the two vertically extending connection shafts 213a and 213b of the motion base 212, which are hinged to the two shaft connection brackets 246a and 246b of the sideward moving plate 245 at their lower ends, in addition to the two hinge brackets 214a and 214b of the motion base 212 hinged to the two connection brackets 224a and 224b of the two transverse shafts 223 a and 223 b transversely extending between the two link units 220a and 220b, lean to the right around their hinged joints. Therefore, the motion base 212 is tilted to the left. When the player rotates the steering wheel to the right, the second drive motor 241 is rotated in the reverse direction. That is, the second drive motor 241 is rotated to the left in Fig. 5A. Therefore, the ball screw 243 connected to the output shaft 241' of the second drive motor 241 through the coupling 242 is rotated in the reverse direction. When the ball screw 243 is rotated in the reverse direction as described above, the sideward moving plate 245 threaded to the ball screw 243 is moved backward relative to both the ball screw 243 and the two guides 244a and 244b by the drive force of the second drive motor 241. That is, the sideward moving plate 245 is moved to the left in Fig. 5B. When the sideward moving plate 245 is moved to the left as described above, the two vertically extending connection shafts 213a and 213b of the motion base 212, which are hinged to the two shaft connection brackets 246a and 246b of the sideward moving plate 245 at their lower ends, in addition to the two hinge brackets 214a and 214b of the motion base 212 hinged to the two connection brackets 224a and 224b of the two transverse shafts 223 a and 223 b transversely extending between the two link units 220a and 220b, lean to the left around their hinged joints. Therefore, the motion base 212 is tilted to the right. Therefore, the shaking device of this invention tilts the simulation apparatus to the left or right in accordance with a steering action performed by the player. Figs. 6 to 10 show a shaking device for the motor race simulation game apparatus in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the drawings, the shaking device according to the second embodiment includes a flat lower base panel 310 laid on a support surface. A flat upper support panel 311 is mounted to the top of the base panel 310 while being vertically spaced apart from the base panel 310, and is used for supporting a racing car-shaped simulation apparatus thereon. The shaking device also has a drive unit, which is mounted to the top surface of the base panel 310 and generates drive force. First and second axial swinging units are mounted on the top of the base panel 310 while being linearly aligned with the drive unit. The first and second axial swinging units swing the upper support panel 31 1 in an axial direction using the drive force of the drive unit in response to a steering wheel input signal. The shaking device also includes a lateral swinging unit, which is installed on the top of the base panel 310 at the edge of the central portion of the base panel 310 and is used for swinging the upper support panel 311 in a lateral direction in response to a steering wheel input signal. In the shaking device of this embodiment, the drive unit comprises a fixed plate 321 bolted to the base panel 310, two vertical support columns 322a and 322b parallely standing upright on the fixed plate 321, and a drive motor 323 held between the two vertical support columns 322a and 322b and generating the drive force. The drive unit also has a rotating shaft 325, which is connected to the output shaft 323' of the drive motor 323 through a coupling 324 and transmits the drive force of the drive motor 323 to the first and second axial swinging units.

The first axial swinging unit includes an upper fixing plate 331, which is mounted to the lower surface of the upper support panel 311 and has a bearing 331 '. A lower fixing plate 332 is mounted to the upper surface of the base panel 310, and has a bearing 332'. Two connection rods 333a and 333b are hinged to the bearing 331' of the upper fixing plate 331 at their upper ends using a hinge shaft 334, and to the bearing 332' of the lower fixing plate 332 at their lower ends using a hinge shaft 334. A longitudinal hole 335 is formed on the middle portion of each of the two connection rods 333a and 333b. The first axial swinging unit also includes a movable block 336, which has two guide pins 337 at opposite ends thereof, and movably engages with the longitudinal holes 335 of the two connection rods 333a and 333b at the two guide pins 337, thus being linearly movable within the longitudinal holes 335 in response to a rotating action of the rotating shaft 325 of the drive motor 323. In the shaking device of the second embodiment, the second axial swinging unit includes an upper fixing plate 341, which is mounted to the lower surface of the upper support panel 311 and has a bearing 341 '. A lower fixing plate 342 is mounted to the upper surface of the base panel 310, and has a bearing 342'. Two lower connection rods 343a and 343b are commonly hinged to the bearing 342' of the lower fixing plate 342 at their lower ends. A movable block 348 is hinged to the middle portions of the two lower connection rods 343a and

343b, and is used for swinging the two lower connection rods 343a and 343b in response to a rotating action of the rotating shaft 325 of the drive motor 323. The second axial swinging unit also includes an upper connection rod 345, which is hinged to the upper ends of the two lower connection rods 343a and 343b at its lower end, and is hinged to the bearing 341 ' of the upper fixing plate 341 at its upper end using a hinge shaft 344.

The lateral swinging unit of the shaking device according to this embodiment includes a lower fixing plate 352, which is mounted to the upper surface of the base panel 310 at the edge of the middle portion of the base panel 310. This lower fixing plate 352 has two bearings 352'. A motor holder 353 is hinged to the two bearings 352' of the lower fixing plate 352, and has two bearings 356, and holds a motor 354. A pinion 358 is rotatably held by the two bearings 356 of the motor holder 353, and engages with a vertical rack 357. A worm 355 is mounted to the end of the rotating shaft 354' of the pinion 358, and engages with the externally-threaded shaft 354' of the motor 354. This lateral swinging unit also includes an upper fixing plate 351, which is mounted to the lower surface of the upper support panel 311 and has a bearing 351 '. The bearing 351 ' of the upper fixing plate 351 is hinged to the upper end of the rack 357.

In order to fabricate the shaking device of this second embodiment, the flat lower base panel 310 is primarily laid on a support surface. Thereafter, the drive unit is mounted to the base panel 310. In order to mount the drive unit on the panel 310, the fixed plate 321 is bolted to the base panel 310, while the two vertical support columns 322a and 322b are parallely mounted to the fixed plate 321 such that the support columns 322a and 322b stand upright on the fixed plate 321.

Thereafter, the drive motor 323, used for and generating the drive force, is held between the two vertical support columns 322a and 322b. The rotating shaft 325, used for transmitting the drive force of the drive motor 323 to the first and second axial swinging units, is connected to the output shaft 323' of the drive motor 323 through the coupling 324. After the drive unit is installed on the base panel 310, the first and second axial swinging units are mounted on the top of the base panel 310 while being linearly aligned with the drive unit. The above first and second axial swinging units are used for swinging the upper support panel 311 in the axial direction using the drive force of the drive unit in response to a steering wheel input signal. In such a case, the first axial swinging unit is installed as follows. That is, the upper fixing plate 331, having the bearing 331', is mounted to the lower surface of the upper support panel 311 using bolts. The lower fixing plate 332, having the bearing 332', is mounted to the upper surface of the base panel 310 using bolts. Thereafter, the two connection rods 333a and 333b are hinged to the bearing 331 ' of the upper fixing plate 331 at their upper ends using the hinge shaft

334, and to the bearing 332' of the lower fixing plate 332 at their lower ends using the hinge shaft 334. As described above, each of the two connection rods 333a and 333b has one longitudinal hole 335 at its middle portion.

Thereafter, the movable block 336, having the two guide pins 337 at its opposite ends, movably engages with the longitudinal holes 335 of the two connection rods 333a and 333b at the two guide pins 337. The movable block 336 is connected to the rotating shaft 325 of the drive motor 323, and so the block 336 is linearly movable within the longitudinal holes 335 in response to a rotating action of the rotating shaft 325 of the drive motor 323. On the other hand, the second axial swinging unit is installed as follows.

That is, the upper fixing plate 341, having the bearing 341', is mounted to the lower surface of the upper support panel 31 1 using bolts. In addition, the lower fixing plate 342, having the bearing 342', is mounted to the upper surface of the base panel 310. Thereafter, the two lower connection rods 343a and 343b are commonly hinged to the bearing 342' of the lower fixing plate 342 at their lower ends. In addition, the upper connection rod 345 is hinged to the upper ends of the two lower connection rods 343a and 343b at its lower end, and is hinged to the bearing 341' of the upper fixing plate 341 at its upper end using the hinge shaft 344.

The movable block 348 is hinged to the middle portions of the two lower connection rods 343a and 343b. This block 348 is connected to the output shaft

325 of the motor 323 and swings the two lower connection rods 343a and 343b in response to a rotating action of the rotating shaft 325 of the drive motor 323.

In addition, the lateral swinging unit is installed on the base panel 310 as follows. That is, the lower fixing plate 352, having the two bearings 352', is mounted to the upper surface of the base panel 310 at the edge of the middle portion of the base panel 310. Thereafter, the motor holder 353 is hinged to the two bearings 352' of the lower fixing plate 352. In such a case, the motor holder 353 has the two bearings 356, and holds the motor 354.

Thereafter, the pinion 358 is rotatably held by the two bearings 356 of the motor holder 353, while the rack 357 is vertically installed such that rack 357 engages with the pinion 358. In addition, the worm 355 is mounted to the end of the rotating shaft 354' of the pinion 358 such that the worm 355 engages with the externally-threaded shaft 354' of the motor 354.

The upper end of the rack 357 is hinged to the bearing 351' of the upper fixing plate 351, and so the upper support panel 311 is tilted to the left or right in accordance with a vertical movement of the rack 357.

As shown in Figs. 7 to 10, the shaking device of this second embodiment is preferably used for performing a motor race simulation game. In such a case, the base panel 310 assembled with the upper support panel 311 is laid on a support surface, with a racing car-shaped simulation apparatus held on the upper support panel 311. In order to perform the motor race simulation game, a player sits in the simulation apparatus prior to starting the game while seeing the images displayed on a variety of displays installed within the simulation apparatus. During a performance of the motor race simulation game, the shaking device actively swings the simulation apparatus in the axial direction and in the lateral direction in accordance with road conditions displayed on the display unit and a steering action performed by the player.

When a rough surface road is displayed on the display unit, the drive motor 323 of the drive unit is alternately rotated in opposite directions, thus allowing the player within the simulation apparatus to feel active vibrations as if he drove on a real rough surface road. When the player actuates a deceleration pedal or an acceleration pedal installed in the simulation apparatus, the drive motor 323 is rotated in opposite directions in accordance with input signals applied from the pedals, thus allowing the simulation apparatus to move in accordance with the law of inertia. When the player rotates the steering wheel to the left or right, the lateral swinging unit is operated to swing the simulation apparatus to the left or right.

When a rough surface road is displayed on the display unit, the drive motor 323 of the drive unit is rotated in a reverse direction.

When the drive motor 323 is rotated in the reverse direction, the rotating shaft 325, connected to the output shaft 323' of the drive motor 323 through the coupling 324 as shown in Fig. 8, is rotated in the reverse direction.

When the rotating shaft 325 is rotated in the reverse direction as described above, the movable block 336 of the first axial swinging unit connected to the rotating shaft 325, in addition to the movable block 348 of the second axial swinging unit, is moved backward along the rotating shaft 325 by the drive force of the drive motor 323.

When the movable block 336 of the first axial swinging unit is moved backward along the rotating shaft 325 as described above, the two guide pins 337 provided at the opposite ends of the movable block 336 of the first axial swinging unit move upward within the longitudinal holes 335 of the two connection rods

333a and 333b, and so the two connection rods 333a and 333b are rotated backward around the hinged joints between the lower ends of the rods 333a and 333b and the bearing 332' of the lower fixing plate 332. Therefore, the front part of the upper support panel 311, hinged to the upper ends of the two connection rods 333a and 333b through the bearing 331 ' of the upper fixing plate 331, is tilted forward and downward. In addition, the movable block 348 of the second axial swinging unit is moved backward along the rotating shaft 325 in response to the reverse directional rotating action of the drive motor 323 of the drive unit.

When the movable block 348 of the second axial swinging unit is moved backward along the rotating shaft 325 as described above, the two lower connection rods 343a and 343b, hinged to the movable block 348, are rotated backward around their lower hinged joints to make the upper ends thereof moved to higher positions. Therefore, the upper connection rod 345, which is hinged to the upper ends of the two lower connection rods 343a and 343b at its lower end and is hinged to the bearing 341 ' of the upper fixing plate 341 at its upper end, pushes the rear part of the upper support panel 311 upward, thus tilting the rear part of the panel 341 upward.

In a brief description, in response to a reverse directional rotating action of the drive motor 323 of the drive unit, the front part of the upper support panel 311 around the upper fixing plate 331 of the first axial swinging unit is tilted downward, while the rear part of the upper support panel 311 around the upper fixing plate 341 of the second axial swinging unit is tilted upward. Therefore, the upper support panel 311 is entirely tilted forward and downward.

When a smooth surface road is displayed on the display unit, the drive motor 323 is rotated in a forward direction.

When the drive motor 323 is rotated in the forward direction, the rotating shaft 325, connected to the output shaft 323' of the drive motor 323 through the coupling 324, is rotated in the forward direction.

When the rotating shaft 325 is rotated in the forward direction as described above, the movable block 336 of the first axial swinging unit connected to the rotating shaft 325, in addition to the movable block 348 of the second axial swinging unit, is moved forward along the rotating shaft 325 by the drive force of the drive motor 323.

When the movable block 336 of the first axial swinging unit is moved forward along the rotating shaft 325 as described above, the two guide pins 337 of the movable block 336 of the first axial swinging unit move downward within the longitudinal holes 335 of the two connection rods 333a and 333b, and so the two connection rods 333a and 333b are rotated forward around the hinged joints between the lower ends of the rods 333a and 333b and the bearing 332' of the lower fixing plate 332. Therefore, the two connection rods 333a and 333b vertically stand upright on the base panel 310, while the upper fixing plate 331, hinged to the upper ends of the two connection rods 333a and 333b through its bearing 331 ', is positioned horizontally.

In addition, the movable block 348 of the second axial swinging unit is moved forward along the rotating shaft 325 in response to the forward directional rotating action of the drive motor 323.

When the movable block 348 of the second axial swinging unit is moved forward along the rotating shaft 325 as described above, the two lower connection rods 343a and 343b, hinged to the movable block 348, are rotated forward around their lower hinged joints. Therefore, the upper connection rod 345, which is hinged to the upper ends of the two lower connection rods 343a and 343b at its lower end and is hinged to the bearing 341 ' of the upper fixing plate 341 at its upper end, pulls the upper fixing plate 341 downward, thus positioning the upper fixing plate 341 horizontally relative to the base panel 310.

In a brief description, in response to a forward directional rotating action of the drive motor 323, the front part of the upper support panel 311 around the upper fixing plate 331 of the first axial swinging unit is raised, while the rear part of the upper support panel 31 1 around the upper fixing plate 341 of the second axial swinging unit is lowered. Therefore, the upper support panel 311 is positioned horizontally relative to the base panel 310. When the drive motor 323 is repeatedly rotated in opposite directions as described above, the lateral swinging unit, which is mounted to the upper surface of the base panel 310 at the edge of the middle portion of the base panel 310, is moved as follows. That is, the motor holder 353 is hinged to the two bearings 352' of the lower fixing plate 352 mounted to base panel 310, while the rack 357 is hinged to the bearing 351' of the upper fixing plate 351 mounted to the upper support panel 311. Therefore, when the upper support panel 311 is tilted forward and backward by the first and second axial swinging units, the lateral swinging unit is smoothly moved in the same direction as that of the tilted direction of the upper support panel 311.

When the player actuates the deceleration pedal or the acceleration pedal while performing the motor race simulation game within the simulation apparatus, the rotating speed of the drive motor 323 is changed over a predetermined time interval, thus allowing the player to lean forward or backward as if he drove a real car on a street.

When the player steers the steering wheel to perform a cornering in accordance with the curve of a road displayed on the display unit, the drive motor

354 of the lateral swinging unit is rotated in the reverse direction or the forward direction, thus swinging the upper support panel 311 in the lateral direction.

Therefore, the simulation apparatus leans to the left or the right.

When the player rotates the steering wheel to the left, the drive motor 354 of the lateral swinging unit is rotated in the forward direction. That is, the drive motor 354 is rotated to the right in Fig. 9. Therefore, the worm 355 engaging with the externally-threaded output shaft 354' of the motor 354 is rotated along with the pinion 358, thus moving the rack 357 upward in a vertical direction.

When the rack 357 is moved upward in the vertical direction as described above, the upper fixing plate 351 hinged to the upper end of the rack 357 through the bearing 351 ' is moved upward, and so the part of the panel 31 1 opposite to the lateral swinging unit is tilted downward around the two axial swinging units.

When the player rotates the steering wheel to the right, the drive motor

354 of the lateral swinging unit is rotated in the reverse direction. That is, the drive motor 354 is rotated to the left in Fig. 9. Therefore, the worm 355 engaging with the externally-threaded output shaft 354' of the motor 354 is rotated along with the pinion 358, thus moving the rack 357 downward in the vertical direction.

When the rack 357 is moved downward in the vertical direction as described above, the upper fixing plate 351 hinged to the upper end of the rack 357 through the bearing 351' is moved downward, and so the part of the panel 311 opposite to the lateral swinging unit is tilted upward around the two axial swinging units.

In a brief description, when the player rotates the steering wheel to the left, the rack 357, hinged to the bearing 351 ' of the upper fixing plate 351 at its upper end and engaging with the pinion 358, is moved upward in the vertical direction by the drive motor 354. Therefore, the part of the panel 311 opposite to the lateral swinging unit is tilted downward around the two axial swinging units. When the player rotates the steering wheel to the right, the rack 357 is moved downward in the vertical direction by the drive motor 354, and so the part of the panel 311 opposite to the lateral swinging unit is tilted upward around the two axial swinging units.

During a lateral swinging action of the lateral swinging unit, it is necessary for the upper support panel 311 to be smoothly tilted to the left or right around the first and second axial swinging units. In order to accomplish the above object, the two connection rods 333a and 333b of the first axial swinging unit must be flexibly hinged to the bearing 331' of the upper fixing plate 331 mounted to the lower surface of the upper support panel 311. In addition, when the upper connection rod 345 of the second axial swinging unit is hinged to the bearing 341 ' of the upper fixing plate 341 mounted to the lower surface of the upper support panel 311 , it is preferable to set a bearing 347 within the hinge hole 346 of the connection rod 345 so as to allow the hinge shaft 344 to be flexibly set within the hinge hole 346. Therefore, the upper support panel 311 may be smoothly tilted to the left or right around the first and second axial swinging units without being disturbed by the first or second axial swinging unit during a lateral swinging action of the lateral swinging unit.

Industrial Applicability

As described above, the present invention provides a simulation game apparatus for motor racing, which functions and is operated the same as an actual racing car functions and is operated, owing to the same interior structure and shape as those of an actual racing car, which allows one player to sit in the apparatus, and which provides to a player feelings sensed during actual driving according to the degree of the rotation of a steering wheel, the degree of braking and acceleration and accidents, thereby allowing the player to learn the skills of motor racing while sensing the feeling of actual motor races and to enjoy motor races similar to actual motor races even in a small space. Accordingly, motor racing can be enjoyed economically and by a lot of people.

In addition, the present invention provides a shaking device, which is capable of shaking the simulation game apparatus for motor racing, in which a player sits, to the front, rear, right or left according to the conditions of a road shown on a display, the operation of a steering wheel, and the degree of acceleration and deceleration. Accordingly, the shaking device is advantageous in that a player is able to experience the sensation of actual motor races, and little noise is generated, and the device is inexpensive, easily manufactured and installed, simple in structure and does not requires an excessive installation space.

Claims

1. A simulation game apparatus for a motor race, comprising: an operation unit (10) for allowing a player to perform all operations that can be performed in an actual motor race; a detection unit (20) for sensing the operational conditions of said operating unit, the deviation of a racing car from a racing course and the occurrence of car accidents; a conversion unit (30) for digitalizing detected data; a display unit (40) for showing the conditions of the player and a road using data converted by said conversion unit; an evaluation unit (50) for determining the degree of proficiency in playing the motor racing game and the result scores of the motor racing game in advancing the motor racing game; and a feedback unit (60) for operating said simulation game apparatus in accordance with current circumstances using data converted by said conversion unit.

2. The simulation game apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said operation unit (10) is comprised of a door unit (11), a player recognizing unit (12), a car and course selecting unit (13), a steering wheel operating unit (14) an accelerator operating unit (15), a brake operating unit (16), a clutch operating unit (17), a shift lever unit (18), and a car seat unit (19).

3. A shaking device for motor race simulation game apparatuses, comprising: a frame (210); a motion base (212) mounted to a top of said frame (210) while being vertically spaced apart from said motion base (212), and holding a base (215) thereon, said base (215) being used for supporting a car-shaped simulation apparatus thereon; an axial swinging unit mounted on the top of said frame (210) and used for swinging the motion base (212) in an axial direction in response to a steering wheel input signal, a deceleration signal or an acceleration signal; and a lateral swinging unit installed on a middle portion of said axial swinging unit and used for swinging the motion base (212) in a lateral direction in response to a steering wheel input signal.

4. The shaking device according to claim 3, wherein said axial swinging unit comprises: two link units (220a) and (220b) provided on the frame (210) at opposite sides of the frame (210), each of said two link unit (220a) and (220b) consisting of: two support links (221a) and (221b) hinged to two holding brackets (211) of said frame (210) at their lower ends and extending upwardly; and a reversed triangular movable link (222a) or (222b) hinged to upper ends of said two support links (221a) and (221b) at two upper corners thereof using two upper hinges; two transverse shafts (223 a) and (223 b) transversely extending between the two sets of upper hinges of the two link units (220a) and (220b), each of said two transverse shafts (223a) and (223b) having a connection bracket (224a) or

(224b) on its upper surface at a middle portion; a first drive motor (231) installed at a position between the two link units (220a) and (220b) and generating axial swinging drive force used for swinging the motion base (212) in the axial direction; a ball screw (233) connected to an output shaft (231 ') of the first drive motor (231) through a coupling (232) and axially extending on the frame (210); two guides (234a) and (234b) axially and parallely arranged on the frame (210) at opposite sides of the ball screw (233); a forward and backward moving plate (228) threaded to the ball screw (233) and moved forward and backward by the first drive motor (231), said forward and backward moving plate (228) having a support bracket (229) on its upper surface; a rolling base (225) having a lower transverse shaft (226) and hinged to lower corners of the reversed triangular movable links (222a) and (222b) of the two link units (220a) and (220b) at opposite ends of said lower transverse shaft (226), thus being supported by the two link units (220a) and (220b); two guide rails (230a) and (230b) axially and parallely arranged on the top of the frame (210) at a position under the rolling base (225); and two rollers (227a) and (227b) held on the opposite ends of said lower transverse shaft (226) of the rolling base (225) and movably seated on the two guide rails (230a) and (230b) so as to axially move the rolling base (225) along the two guide rails (230a) and (230b) in response to an operation of the first drive motor (231).

5. The shaking device according to claim 3, wherein the two guide rails (230a) and (230b), axially and parallely arranged on the top of the frame (210), are curved on their top surfaces to become convex so as to meet a trace of the two rollers (227a) and (227b).

6. The shaking device according to claim 3, wherein said lateral swinging unit comprises: a second drive motor (241) installed on the rolling base (225) held on the upper surface of the forward and backward moving plate (228), and generating lateral swinging drive force used for swinging the motion base (212) in the lateral direction; a ball screw (243) connected to an output shaft (241 ') of the second drive motor (241) through a coupling (242), and transversely extending between the two link units (220a) and (220b); two guides (244a) and (244b) transversely and parallely arranged at opposite sides of the ball screw (243); and a sideward moving plate (245) threaded to the ball screw (243) and moved to the left and right by the second drive motor (241), said sideward moving plate

(245) having two shaft connection brackets (246a) and (246b) on its upper surface.

7. The shaking device according to claim 3, wherein said motion base (212) comprises: two vertically extending connection shafts (213a) and (213b) hinged to the two shaft connection brackets (246a) and (246b) of the sideward moving plate (245) at their lower ends; and two hinge brackets (214a) and (214b) hinged to the two connection brackets (224a) and (224b) of said two transverse shafts (223a) and (223b) transversely extending between the two link units (220a) and (220b).

8. A shaking device for motor race simulation game apparatuses, comprising: a flat lower base panel (310); a flat upper support panel (311) mounted to a top of said base panel (310) while being vertically spaced apart from said base panel (310), and used for supporting a car-shaped simulation apparatus thereon; a drive unit mounted to the top surface of said base panel (310) and generating drive force; first and second axial swinging units mounted on the top of said base panel (310) while being linearly aligned with the drive unit, said axial swinging units swinging the upper support panel (311) in an axial direction using the drive force of the drive unit in response to a steering wheel input signal; and a lateral swinging unit installed on the top of the base panel (310) at an edge of a central portion of the base panel (310), and used for swinging the upper support panel (311) in a lateral direction in response to a steering wheel input signal.

9. The shaking device according to claim 8, wherein said drive unit comprises: a fixed plate (321) bolted to said base panel (310); two vertical support columns (322a) and (322b) parallely standing upright on said fixed plate (321); a drive motor (323) held between the two vertical support columns (322a) and (322b) and generating the drive force; and a rotating shaft (325) connected to an output shaft (323') of said drive motor (323) through a coupling (324) and transmitting the drive force of the drive motor (323) to the first and second axial swinging units.

10. The shaking device according to claim 8, wherein said first axial swinging unit comprises: an upper fixing plate (331) mounted to a lower surface of said upper support panel (311) and having a bearing (331'); a lower fixing plate (332) mounted to an upper surface of said base panel (310) and having a bearing (332'); two connection rods (333a) and (333b) hinged to the bearing (331') of the upper fixing plate (331) at their upper ends using a hinge shaft (334), and to the bearing (332') of the lower fixing plate (332) at their lower ends using a hinge shaft (334), with a longitudinal hole (335) formed on a middle portion of each of said two connection rods (333 a) and (333b); and a movable block (336) having two guide pins (337) at opposite ends thereof, and movably engaging with the longitudinal holes (335) of the two connection rods (333a) and (333b) at the two guide pins (337), and being linearly movable within the longitudinal holes (335) in response to a rotating action of the rotating shaft (325) of the drive motor (323).

1 1. The shaking device according to claim 8, wherein said second axial swinging unit comprises: an upper fixing plate (341) mounted to a lower surface of said upper support panel (311) and having a bearing (341'); a lower fixing plate (342) mounted to an upper surface of said base panel (310) and having a bearing (342 '); two lower connection rods (343a) and (343b) commonly hinged to the bearing (342') of the lower fixing plate (342) at their lower ends; a movable block (348) hinged to middle portions of said two lower connection rods (343a) and (343b), and used for swinging the two lower connection rods (343a) and (343b) in response to a rotating action of the rotating shaft (325) of the drive motor (323); and an upper connection rod (345) hinged to upper ends of said two lower connection rods (343a) and (343b) at its lower end, and hinged to the bearing (341 ') of the upper fixing plate (341) at its upper end using a hinge shaft (344).

12. The shaking device according to claim 8, wherein said lateral swinging unit comprises: a lower fixing plate (352) mounted to an upper surface of said base panel (310) at an edge of a middle portion of the base panel (310), and having two bearings (352'); a motor holder (353) hinged to the two bearings (352') of the lower fixing plate (352), said motor holder (353) having two bearings (356) and holding a motor (354); a pinion (358) rotatably shafted on the two bearings (356) of the motor holder (353) and engaging with a vertical rack (357); a worm (355) mounted to an end of a rotating shaft (354') of said pinion (358) and engaging with an externally-threaded shaft (354') of said motor (354); and an upper fixing plate (351) mounted to a lower surface of said upper support panel (311) and having a bearing (351'), said bearing (351') of the upper fixing plate (351) being hinged to an upper end of said rack (357).