Forum Discussion
Chair-based motion platform
I've looked at motion platforms in the past in connection with multiple monitor/projector displays, and the good ones run to $100K plus with 6DOF, skew etc.
It occurs to me that although FPS players will use the frictionless treadmill, racers and flight sim players will need a chair manipulator of some kind.
In the same way that Oculus has democratised head mounted VR, someone needs to do the same for domestic scale motion platforms.
Physical motion feedback will go a long way to ameliorate motion sickness in users if their mental motion sensations are matched by actual physical sensations.
It occurs to me that although FPS players will use the frictionless treadmill, racers and flight sim players will need a chair manipulator of some kind.
In the same way that Oculus has democratised head mounted VR, someone needs to do the same for domestic scale motion platforms.
Physical motion feedback will go a long way to ameliorate motion sickness in users if their mental motion sensations are matched by actual physical sensations.
37 Replies
- I thought people had decided to use the wii balance board for this (viewtopic.php?f=25&t=219)? Of course it wouldn't have everything, but I remember someone saying you could use another controller/mouse with it.
"fudspong" wrote:
I've looked at motion platforms in the past in connection with multiple monitor/projector displays, and the good ones run to $100K plus with 6DOF, skew etc.
It occurs to me that although FPS players will use the frictionless treadmill, racers and flight sim players will need a chair manipulator of some kind.
In the same way that Oculus has democratised head mounted VR, someone needs to do the same for domestic scale motion platforms.
Physical motion feedback will go a long way to ameliorate motion sickness in users if their mental motion sensations are matched by actual physical sensations.
One of MANY "works-in-progress" that I would love to see make faster progress:
ExoHaptic EasyChair:
http://www.mtbs3d.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?f=140&t=16484&p=104159#p104159
I also want a simple motorized office chair, with integrated wireless (and/or slip-ring) Rift connections, that rotates to match the in-game orientation, with foot-rests and perhaps foot-pedal game controllers. Great for "cockpit" based (aircraft/automobile/boat/submarine) games. No more unnecessary "Vestibulo-Ocular Dissonance" motion sickness.- SimXperience makes some nice looking chairs for "only" a few grand.
GS4 seat: http://simxperience.com/Products/MotionSimulatorKits/SimXperienceGS4GSeat.aspx
Motion sim kit: http://simxperience.com/Products/MotionSimulatorKits/Stage1MotionSimulatorKit.aspx
I've never personally tried one of these, so I can't vouch for them. The reviews seem favorable though. Definitely not cheap, but also not 100k. :) "scsioverdrive" wrote:
SimXperience makes some nice looking chairs for "only" a few grand.
GS4 seat: http://simxperience.com/Products/MotionSimulatorKits/SimXperienceGS4GSeat.aspx
Motion sim kit: http://simxperience.com/Products/MotionSimulatorKits/Stage1MotionSimulatorKit.aspx
I've never personally tried one of these, so I can't vouch for them. The reviews seem favorable though. Definitely not cheap, but also not 100k. :)
Thanks heaps for those links scsioverdrive, you would not believe how many hours I've spent looking for 'affordable' motion simulation, I can't believe I never saw these before. Their Stage 2 platform with a seat and an Oculus Rift would be incredible! Make sure you keep some sick bags handy though :mrgreen:"ncwolf" wrote:
I thought people had decided to use the wii balance board for this (viewtopic.php?f=25&t=219)? Of course it wouldn't have everything, but I remember someone saying you could use another controller/mouse with it.
Hi ncwolf, motion simulation is when a physical device moves the person in accordance with the on-screen action, and not as an input device. Think flight sims and racing sims where you experience simulated g-forces and other sensations because your chair is being moved.- I have the GS3 (precursor to GS4) mounted in a formula one cockpit and it is fantastic. I'm using triple monitors right now but can't wait to chuck them for the rift.
- @fudspong -
I've looked at motion platforms in the past in connection with multiple monitor/projector displays, and the good ones run to $100K plus with 6DOF, skew etc.
Think you may be a little out of date. The motion simulation sector has come along some way - we use a lot of the latest motion systems in the DOE (Digital Out-of-Home Entertainment) sector. We have a wide mix now:
- Numatic
- Electric Actuation
- Hydraulic
We also have the usual g-induced belt systems, and the motion seat systems that induce the sensation of thrust.
I would point you to systems such as PlayMotion (that is under $60,000):
http://playmotion.com.tr/en/product/6dof-full-motion-racing-simulator-pro-1.html#!prettyPhoto[gallery1]/1/ - I really feel that a enclosure motion based system will be a important platform for the RIFT, as has been suggested from the RSI 'Star Citizen' concept. Though I know there is some resentment as these kind of driving or flying simulators will not be practical for home application and falls straight into the scope of our industry in DOE.
- I use a 2dof race setup with SCN5 actuators..check out
http://www.x-sim.de
or
http://www.x-simulator.de
for great DIY forums on making your own :) - If you want a hell of an experience check out the Force Dynamics 401cr. http://www.force-dynamics.com/
I worked with them years ago through another company on a modded version of the 301 model. When I was out at their shop I tried both the 301 and 401, the added rotations on the 401 platform are amazing.
That GS4 is an interesting approach to a seat as well, I'd be interested in giving that a go and see how it feels.
