WO2023237867A1

WO2023237867A1 - A skydiving simulator system

Info

Publication number: WO2023237867A1
Application number: PCT/GB2023/051471
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew John GODWIN; David Alan READ; David Henry MARSDEN; Gary Charles CONNERY; Richard Michael Lucas
Original assignee: Wingsuited Ltd
Priority date: 2022-06-07
Filing date: 2023-06-06
Publication date: 2023-12-14
Also published as: GB2619514A; GB202208314D0

Abstract

A skydiving simulator system (10) for providing a simulated skydiving experience is disclosed. The skydiving simulator system (10) comprises a flight zone (FZ), a loading zone (LZ) which is laterally offset from the flight zone (FZ). There is also a lateral movement mechanism (16) having a moveable member (18); and a user suspension means (14) for supporting a user relative to the lateral movement mechanism (16). The skydiving simulator system (10) has a loading condition in which a user is engaged with the user suspension means (14) in the loading zone (LZ), and a flight condition in which said user is suspended by the user suspension means (14) in the flight zone (FZ). The moveable member (18) is moveable between the loading zone (LZ) and the flight zone (FZ) whilst the user is engaged with the user suspension means (14).

Description

A Skydiving Simulator System

The present invention relates to a skydiving simulator system particularly but not necessarily for providing a user with a simulated skydiving experience. The invention further relates to a method of using a skydiving simulator system and to a wingsuit apparatus for use with a skydiving simulator system.

Currently, wingsuit flying is a sport only accessible to highly qualified sky divers. Over 200 conventional skydives in a 12-month period, or 500 skydives in total must be completed to be allowed to partake in wingsuit flying.

Wind tunnel injuries are fairly common due to impact and trauma during flight. Many flyers overestimate their physical fitness and response to the flying simulation. A common cause of injuries is uncontrolled impact with people in the tunnel. For example, in the current wingsuit training facility, whilst the user is walking in their wingsuit into the flight zone, they are likely to fall as they might not be used to walking in the wingsuit. Additionally, injuries may include dislocations from the flyer being forced into a contorted position by the wind, falling from a height due to fans being turned off or down to allow for user change over, impact with the floor, ceiling, walls, front net and rear restraining net of a wingsuit tunnel, or from a medical emergency mid-flight such as fainting or having a seizure whilst in the wind tunnel.

At present wind tunnel safety is managed by controlling the flyer in the tunnel using an instructor and with an operator in the control cubicle operating the fan. The process of flyer exchange in the current skydiving simulator systems is slow, laborious, and potentially dangerous.

The present invention seeks to provide a skydiving simulator system which obviates or overcomes the above-mentioned deficiencies.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a skydiving simulator system for providing a simulated skydiving experience, the skydiving simulator system comprising: a flight zone; a loading zone laterally offset from the flight zone; a lateral movement mechanism having a moveable member; and a user suspension means for supporting a user relative to the lateral movement mechanism; the skydiving simulator system having a loading condition in which a user is engaged with the user suspension means in the loading zone, and a flight condition in which said user is suspended by the user suspension means in the flight zone, the moveable member being moveable between the loading zone and the flight zone whilst the user is engaged with the user suspension means. Having a user engaged in a loading zone external to the flight zone increases the speed of user exchange between flight sessions, whilst also having improved safety benefits. As the user is attached to a user suspension means, the user may be transported by the lateral movement mechanism into the flight zone whilst off the ground, negating the need for the user to be comfortable walking in the wingsuit, and reducing the chance of falls. Additionally, if the user does choose to walk into the flight zone, for example, the user may be a more experienced wingsuit flyer, if they were to fall the user suspension means would reduce the fall and therefore the impact felt by the user.

Preferably the lateral movement mechanism may comprise a static member along which the moveable member is moveable.

The provision of a static member is a simple and practical way of providing a movement mechanism between two zones. A static member may ensure consistent and reliable movement between two fixed points.

The static member may be provided as an overhead rail from which the moveable member depends.

An overhead rail is a relatively simple, easy to use static member. Overhead rails are widely used in weight bearing movement mechanisms. An overhead rail is highly suited for permanent installation between two points.

The moveable member preferably comprises at least one releasable connector engageable with the user suspension means.

At least one releasable connector increases the ease of use of the skydiving simulator system. Releasable connectors are a simple way of easily attaching and detaching a user. A releasable connector may also increase the speed with which users can be changed over. Easy to use connectors are desirable for ease of use, especially for more experienced wingsuit users who may wish to have more autonomy.

Preferably the static member may be positioned in the flight zone and the lateral movement mechanism may further comprise a transition member in the loading zone, the transition member may be engageable or alignable with the static member to permit transfer of the moveable member therebetween.

Having a separate static member and transition member is beneficial as it may increase the speed with which users can be loaded and unloaded. A user may be loaded onto the transition member, whilst another user is in the flight zone. This may be particularly beneficial for users who require additional support whilst being connected to the user suspension means.

Optionally, a plurality of said transition members may be provided which are selectably engageable or alignable with the static member to improve transfer of the moveable member therebetween.

As wingsuit flight simulator flying times are relatively short, and often loading a user into a suspension means and providing the appropriate safety and flying advice takes longer than the flying time, it is beneficial to be able to load multiple users at a time. Having a plurality of transition members allows for multiple users to be connected to the skydiving simulator system at once, which decreases the user exchange time. In turn, as there is a reduced time pressure placed on loading users into the flight zone, user safety is likely to be increased as more time is taken to ensure they are properly loaded, secured and prepared for the flight simulation.

In a preferred embodiment, the lateral movement mechanism may comprise a robotic actuator arm, the moveable member may be a moveable end of the robotic actuator arm, and the user suspension means may be a user harness engaged with the moveable end of the robotic actuator arm.

The use of a robotic actuator arm may increase the level of control a skydiving simulator system operator has over a user’s position. The robotic arm may be programmed and adapted to user’s needs and desired experiences. This may be particularly useful for learners, or users who may need more guidance in the flight zone. Additionally, it may be useful for people who would like to experience the sensation of wingsuiting without necessarily learning how to wingsuit fly.

The user harness may comprise an overhead clamping portion for holding a user in a suspended condition.

An overhead clamping portion may increase the support the user suspension means offers the user. This may be more suited to users with medical conditions, particularly those with physical or mental disabilities, where there is a chance of the user needing increased support from the user suspension means. Additionally, it may be useful for beginners to help them learn how to position their bodies during flight. The overhead clamping may also reduce the risk of injury cause by bodily contortion during flight.

Optionally, the user harness may further comprise a seat portion on which a user can be seated during engagement with the overhead clamping portion. Having a seat portion provided as part of the user harness may increase the accessibility of the skydiving simulator system. The provision of a seat portion may also reduce the risk of injury cause by bodily contortion during flight.

Preferably the user suspension means may comprise a wingsuit having at least one connector engageable with the moveable member.

A connector allows the user to be easily, reversible and simply connected and disconnected to the moveable member.

The connector may further comprise an integral harness of the wingsuit engageable with the moveable member.

The wingsuit containing an integral harness may be beneficial as it may be easier for the user to put on. This may be particularly advantageous if they are new to wingsuit flying. Additionally, it may reduce the loading time as only one item needs to be put on by the user, and harnesses do not need to be fed through the wingsuit.

Optionally, the connector may also comprise a releasable harness of the wingsuit engageable with the moveable member.

Having a releasable harness may allow users to use their own harnesses, to get used to the feel and movement of their own harness in preparation for flying in an external environment. Additionally, having a releasable harness is easier to manufacture, and also to replace parts after wear and tears.

Preferably, the skydiving simulator system may further comprise a tensioning apparatus coupled to the user suspension means in at least the flight zone, for providing a tensioned feedback to the user during the flight condition.

A tensioning apparatus is a simple way of controlling the user’s position within the flight zone. The tensioning apparatus can be used depending on a user’s experience and technical ability. Users with lower abilities may need increased guidance from a tensioning apparatus, however users with higher abilities may need little to no guidance from a tensioning apparatus. It is beneficial to provide as it can be easily adapted and utilised as and when it is needed.

The tensioning apparatus may comprise at least one tensioning actuator. Optionally, a plurality of said tensioning actuators may be provided, the plurality of said tensioning actuators being spaced apart from one another to provide tensioned feedback in a plurality of directions. A tensioning actuator is a simple and easy way to provide tension. A plurality of tensioning actuators may be particularly advantageous as it allows the users position to be dictated in numerous positions. Having an increased number of tensioning point of contacts may also increase the safety of the user due to increase ease of control over the user’s positioning.

Preferably, the tensioning apparatus may comprise at least one cable threaded with the moveable member to permit movement of the moveable memberwithout disengaging the tension apparatus.

Movement from the loading zone into the flight zone may be achieved with the person in a flying position. A flying position defined as a position in which the user is fully suspended by the user suspension means and has no contact with the ground. Therefore, a tensioning apparatus coupled to the user suspension means will apply tension to lift the user off the ground. To avoid the user from dropping as the moveable member moves from the loading zone to the flight zone, it is advantageous to have at least one cable threaded with the moveable member.

Advantageously, the skydiving simulator system may further comprise at least one sensor for detecting at least one flight characteristic of the user during the flight condition. Preferably the at least one flight characteristic may be at least one of: altitude; orientation; location relative to the flight zone; wind force; and wind speed.

Having sensors allows for feedback to be provided to the user about their flying skills. This may be particularly beneficial for training purposes. A user can use the information from the sensors to adapt their body position in flight to ensure they achieve the desired altitude and location in the flight zone. Additionally, it would be beneficial for the user to know the simulated wind force and wind speed, so they are aware of the conditions they wingsuit flew in. Such sensors may be provided as part of the user suspension means, or as part of the wingsuit itself.

Preferably, the flight zone may be defined in a diagonal wind tunnel or a vertical wind tunnel.

Diagonal and vertical wind tunnels provide different wind and flight experiences. The skydiving simulator system is universally applicable to both diagonal and vertical wind chambers. It may be useful for a user to train in both wind tunnels to achieve a well-rounded flight experience.

Optionally, the skydiving simulator system may further comprise a projection or virtual reality apparatus for displaying flight information to the user in the flight zone.

Having a projection or virtual reality apparatus for displaying flight information in the flight zone would be beneficial to the user as it would allow them to adjust their wingsuit flying technique in real time and see the feedback of any changes they make. Users are more likely to learn quickly if they can see positive feedback of changes they make to their wingsuit flying technique. Also it may encourage others to try the sport by making it game like.

The skydiving simulator system may further comprise an air scrubbing system for cleaning air in the flight zone.

The provision of an air scrubbing system allows for the air used to generate the wind to be cleaned with ease. This is beneficial for keeping a clean environment for the users to learn in. One example of an air scrubbing system may be in the form of a UV-C irradiation apparatus, for instance, provided on an air return loop of a wind chamber.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of using a skydiving simulator system, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a wind chamber defining a flight zone in which a user is supported to allow for simulated skydiving; b) providing a lateral movement mechanism having a moveable member capable of moving between the flight zone and a loading zone, the loading zone being external and laterally offset from the wind chamber; c) engaging a user in the loading zone with a user suspension means for supporting the user relative to the lateral movement mechanism; and d) moving the moveable member from the loading zone into the flight zone such that the user is transferred between the loading zone and the flight zone whilst engaged with the user suspension means.

The present invention is particularly suited towards providing an easy to use, reliable, quick and safe user loading mechanism for loading a user into the flight zone of a wind chamber. The user being engaged in a loading zone external to the flight zone increases the safety of the user, and also the speed of user exchange.

The method may further comprise a step e) subsequent to step d), wherein step e) comprising moving the moveable member from the flight zone into the or a further loading zone such that the user is transferred between the flight zone and the or the further loading zone.

Having an additional zone for loading and unloading would be beneficial as it allows for room for user exchange and prevents cross over or users, which could result in collisions.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a wingsuit apparatus for use with a skydiving simulator system, the wingsuit apparatus comprising: a wingsuit body having arm portions, leg portions and wing members; and a harness attachment means for attachment of a user to an associated skydiving simulator system; wherein the wingsuit body and harness attachment means are releasably engageable with one another. A wingsuit having an integral harness may be beneficial as its increases the ease of use for the user. Putting on a complicated harness increases room for error. The more simplistic and easy it is to put on the harness, the decreased chance of error and injury there will be.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a side perspective representation of a first embodiment of a skydiving simulator system in accordance with the first aspect of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a front view of the skydiving simulator system of Figure 1 during a loading condition;

Figure 3 shows a front view of the skydiving simulator system of Figure 1 during moving condition between the loading zone and the flight zone;

Figure 4 shows a front view of the skydiving simulator system of Figure 1 during a flight condition;

Figure 5A shows a front view of the skydiving simulator system of Figure 1 during a flight condition, with the user suspension system being shown in more detail;

Figure 5B shows a perspective representation of the skydiving simulator system of Figure 5A;

Figure 6 shows a front view of skydiving simulator system of Figure 5A, during a second flight condition;

Figure 7 shows a front view of the skydiving simulator system of Figure 5A during moving condition between the loading zone and the flight zone;

Figure 8A shows a front view of a second embodiment of a skydiving simulator system in accordance with first aspect of the invention, during a loading condition;

Figure 8B shows a front view of the skydiving simulator system of Figure 8A, during a lateral movement condition;

Figure 8C shows a front view of the skydiving simulator system of Figure 8A, during a flight condition. Figure 9 shows a front view of a third embodiment of a skydiving simulator system in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, during a loading condition in the loading zone;

Figure 10 shows a front view of the skydiving simulator system of Figure 9, during a loading condition in the flight zone;

Figure 11 shows a front view of the skydiving simulator system of Figure 9, during a flight condition; and

Figure 12 shows a side view of a fourth embodiment of a skydiving simulator system in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

Referring to Figure 1 there is indicated a skydiving simulator system, referencing globally at 10, which is suitable for providing a simulated skydiving experience.

The skydiving simulator system 10 comprises a wind chamber 12, within which a flight zone FZ is defined, and the user is suspended within the wind chamber 12 by a user suspension means 14.

The wind chamber 12 indicated is a diagonal wind chamber. A lower portion of the wind chamber 12 has at least one fan for the provision of wind. The fan directs air from the lower portion towards an upper portion of the wind chamber 12, in which the user can simulate a skydiving experience. The air speed may be dictated by a controller or programmed or automated.

The flight zone FZ is the zone in which the user experiences the simulated skydiving. The top of the wind chamber 12 includes a support, from which the user suspension means 14 depends, which may be engaged with a ceiling of the wind chamber 12. This allows for the user to be assisted by the user suspension means 14 during their flight.

As best shown in Figure 2, a loading zone LZ is provided to allow users to engage with the user suspension means 14. The loading zone LZ is laterally offset from the wind chamber 12. The user is depicted as being in the loading condition in the loading zone LZ. The user suspension means 14 depends from a lateral movement mechanism 16 which here spans the flight and loading zones FZ, LZ.

The lateral movement mechanism 16 has a moveable member 18. The lateral movement mechanism 16 also has a static member 20 along which the moveable member 18 is moveable. In the depicted embodiment, the static member 20 is provided as an overhead rail element. The overhead rail may be attached to the ceiling of the wind chamber 12; alternatively, it may extend from a back or side wall of the wind chamber 12, so long as the user suspension means 14 can extend therefrom appropriately. The position and height of the overhead rail may be fixed, alternatively it may be variable to suit users and their needs. In particular, extension of the overhead rail in the loading zone LZ may assist with the loading of users pre-emptively.

In the depicted embodiment, the overhead rail element extends from the loading zone LZ into the flight zone FZ to allow for ease of transfer of a user between the loading zone LZ and the flight zone FZ. Alternatively, it is envisaged that the static member 20 of the lateral movement mechanism 16 may be positioned solely in the flight zone FZ, with the user suspension means 14 having a sufficient length to be engaged with the user in the loading zone LZ.

The user is connected to the moveable member 18 of the lateral movement mechanism 16 via the user suspension means 14. In the depicted embodiment, the user suspension means 14 includes a wingsuit connector 22. The wingsuit connector 22 in turn is attached to at least one cable 24 attached to the moveable member 18 to permit movement of the user with the moveable member 18. The wingsuit connector 22 may, for example, be a pulley or similar rotatable element to allow the tensioning cables to readily move therewith. The wingsuit connectors 22 may be releasably engagable with the wingsuit 26. Alternatively, the wingsuit connector 22 may comprise fabric ties, carabiner clips, hook-and-loop fasteners, pin-locks, buckles or the like. Various suitable wingsuit connectors 22 can be envisaged.

The user suspension means 14 further comprises a wingsuit 26. The wingsuit connectors 22 may be integrally formed with the wingsuit 26. Alternatively, the wingsuit connectors 22 may be integrally formed with a harness worn under the wingsuit 26. If the wingsuit 26 and wingsuit connectors 22 are not integrally formed, the wingsuit 26 has apertures to allow the wingsuit connectors 22 to pass through the wingsuit 26 and be engageable with the at least one cable 24 attached to the moveable member 18.

As shown in Figure 2, wingsuit connectors 22 may be provided either side of the vertebra of the user to allow for lateral left and right directional movement. Additionally, there may be provided a singular connector point on the front for control over a user’s vertical movement.

Wingsuit connectors 22 may be located on the chest, upper leg, hip, lower back, middle back, or upper back of the user. The use of more than one connector per side of the user may allow for more control over a user’s directional movement, as well as making the movement smoother. There may be multiple wingsuit connectors 22 provided in multiple configurations such as, rectangular, or triangular or figure-of-eight configurations. Although multiple wingsuit connectors 22 may be provided, the amount used may be decided by the competency of the user. The wingsuit connector system is therefore adaptable to a user’s needs. In Figure 3, the user is in the loading condition being moved by the moveable member 18 from the loading zone LZ into the flight zone FZ. The moveable member 18 is moved along the static member 20 without needing to detach the user from the wingsuit connector 22. In Figure 4, the user is in the flight condition. The wind from the fan will maintain the user in a substantially horizontal flight condition, whilst the user suspension means 14 provides a safety mechanism for the user, if they have difficulty during the flight.

The moveable member 18 may move within the rail through the use of pulleys or an automated or manual actuator. The moveable member 18 may be connected to the rail by shackles and/or hooks slidably engageable with the rail. The shackles and/or hooks may be positioned to engage with the internal or external surface of the rail element. A moveable member 18 in the form of a carriage having captive castors or wheels within a hollow rail would seem to represent a straightforward means of providing the movement.

Figure 5A shows the user suspension means 14 in more detail. There may be a pulley system having at least one fixed pulley that forms part of a tensioning means. Each pulley system has a tensioning cable 24 that extends from the user through the moveable member 18 and to a tensioning element 28, typically an actuator for tautening the tensioning cable 24. It will be apparent, however, that a system in which the tensioning means is absent, akin to what is depicted in Figures 2 to 4, may well be feasible, for a system using only the lateral movement mechanism 16.

Figure 5B shows the user suspension means 14 from a perspective angle, which illustrates that there may well be two static members 20, each supporting their own moveable member 18. The two static members 20 are spaced apart from one another in a front-to-back direction, in the form of paired rails.

The tensioning cables 24 may also run in a front-to-back direction, so that each tensioning cable 24 extends from a first tensioning element 28, through a first moveable member 18, via the wingsuit connector 22, back through the second moveable member 18, and to a second tensioning element 28. Left and right tensioning cables 24 are thus provided. Four points of control over the user are provided by the four tensioning elements 28. The dashed lines show the non-visible parts of the two tensioning cables running through the moveable members 18 and underneath the static members 20.

It will be apparent that the same control could be achieved in which the tensioning cables 24 are all routed through a single moveable member 18, though there may be an increased risk of tangling of the tensioning cables 24 as they will be in closer proximity to one another. Figure 5B shows the four-point feedback control system, in that four tensioning elements 28 are provided to control the user’s movement. A five-point control system may be achieved by providing a front mounted wingsuit connector to anchor the user within the flight zone FZ. A one-point feedback control system is described in respect of Figures 9 to 12 below. Two- and three-point control may also be feasible.

Whilst not illustrated, there will likely be some elasticity within the tensioning cables 24 to permit some freedom of movement for the user. In this case, it may be beneficial to provide a non-elastic component of the tensioning cable 24 to act as a hard or dead stop, which maintains some responsiveness of the system to prevent dangerous conditions for a user in uncontrolled flight.

The tensioning cable 24 is attached to the user via the wingsuit connector 22, and a tensioning force can be applied to the user as required from above. The tension can be set in multiple directions, so that, if a dangerous or inappropriate flight condition of the user is achieved, a restorative force can be applied. This is shown in Figure 6. As the user veers off towards the lefthand side of the wind chamber 12, a greater restorative force can be applied via the tensioning element 28 and tensioning cable 24 on the right-hand side, so that the user is brought back towards the centre of the wind chamber 12.

This leads to the concept of force feedback. Sensors may be provided on the user suspension means 14 and/or on the wingsuit 26 which provide feedback information regarding the user’s position and orientation within the flight zone FZ. This may be in the form of position sensors, to detect the user’s x, y, z, position in the flight zone FZ, accelerometers, to measure user acceleration in one or more directions, as well as gyroscopic sensors which allow for the determination of the roll, pitch, and/or yaw of the user in flight. Other sensor types could be considered; for instance, continuous laser-based scanning, such as LIDAR, could be used for realtime monitoring of the user position.

Sensor data can be fed back to the tensioning elements 28, preferably via an automatic controller or processor, and, if a restorative force would be sensible, this can be applied via one or more tensioning elements 28. The degree to which restorative forces may be applied can be determined according to user skill, and this may be programmable into the controller. More experienced users may be provided with little to no restorative feedback, thereby more closely approximating real flight. It is anticipated that in such conditions, wingsuit flying can be achieved which meets the regulatory requirements for assessment of high-altitude wingsuit flight capabilities. On the other hand, inexperienced users will be provided with a significant amount of restorative feedback, whilst they learn how to control the wingsuit behaviour in-flight. When the flight is over, the tension can be released, as shown in Figure 7, and the user can vacate the flight zone FZ. The movable member will then move with the user, as the tension in the tensioning cables 24 slackens.

The method of using the skydiving simulator system 10 can thus be defined as follows. A user puts on a wingsuit 26 and wingsuit harness and is engaged with the user suspension means 14 in the loading zone LZ. Alternatively, the wingsuit 26 may have an integrally formed harness, and so the user simply puts on the wingsuit 26.

The attachment of the user to the user suspension means 14 may be achieved through the use of at least one connector located on the harness preferably in the form of a pulley or similar rotatable mechanism. This could be releasably engagable with the wingsuit in order to aid with transition between users in the loading zone.

The user moves into the wind chamber 12, along with the moveable member 18, to prepare for flight. T ension can be applied to the user suspension means 14 as a mechanism for providing flight feedback and/or control to the user, and the fan activated. Flight can then occur. If the tension is sufficient, then complete restorative force can be applied to the user to maintain their central flight position. This is the preferred scenario for novice fliers. For more experienced fliers, a reduced tension can be applied, up to the point of free-flight, other than in potential crash scenarios.

This tensioning system provides for a great variety of control over the user’s altitude or attitude, and may be one of many flight characteristics which are monitored. Other monitorable flight characteristics include orientation; location relative to the flight zone FZ; wind force; and wind speed, which could be monitored by sensors to provide control feedback.

Once the flight is complete, the tension can be released completely, and the user can vacate the flight zone FZ. At that point, the wingsuit connectors 22 can be released, and the next user connected to the user suspension means 14 in the loading zone LZ. The more rapidly the exchange of the users in the loading zone LZ can be achieved, the greater the throughput in the wind chamber 12, increasing the down time and allowing more time for flight for the users.

Although one rail system is described, two rail members may be provided. The two rail members may be parallel and laterally offset from one another. A transition element may be provided to allow for transition from one rail member to another. The rail members may extend from the loading zone LZ into the flight zone FZ, to allow for two users to be connected to the skydiving simulator system at once. Alternatively, the two rail members may be utilised by one user, to provided additional connection points to a user. The additional connection points would increase control over a user’s position, particularly when coupled to a greater number of tensioning elements 28. A second embodiment of the skydiving simulator system 110 is shown in Figures 8A to 8C. Identical or similar features to those described in respect of the first embodiment of the invention, and identical or similar reference numerals will be utilised. Further detailed description is omitted for brevity.

The skydiving simulator system 110 here is designed to provide improved transition within the loading zone LZ. An overhead rail element may be positioned in the flight zone FZ of the wind chamber 112, and a separate overhead rail may be provided in the loading zone LZ. There may be provided a transition member in the loading zone LZ to transition between the overhead rail in the loading zone LZ and the overhead rail in the flight zone FZ. The transition member is engageable and/or alignable with the static member 120 in the flight zone FZ.

The transition member itself may comprise an overhead rail. The transition member may be provided in part as a carousel 130 within the loading zone LZ. The carousel 130 may have multiple rail elements to allow for multiple users to be attached to the transition member at once, which would aid the switch over of users in the skydiving simulator system 110.

The carousel 130 of rail members may be engageable and/or alignable with the overhead rail of the flight zone FZ to provide smooth transition of a user from the loading zone LZ to the flight zone FZ.

In this embodiment, a first user may be loaded in the loading zone LZ on a first rail element 132a of the transition member, as shown in Figure 8A, and the first user can then be moved into the flight zone FZ, as shown in Figure 8B. A second user can be loaded, as shown in Figure 8C, onto a second rail element 132b of the transition member, so that the loading of the second user has already occurred by the end of the flight time of the first user.

The first user can then be removed from the flight zone FZ, and the carousel 130 activated to engage the second rail element 132b with the overhead rail in the flight zone FZ. The second user can thus be rapidly introduced into the flight zone FZ via their own moveable member 118.

Variants on this theme will be apparent to the skilled person. For instance, a gyratory or similarly looped part of the lateral movement mechanism 116 in the loading zone LZ may allow a plurality of moveable members 118 to be provided in sequence, so that many users can be readied for flight prior to receipt in the loading zone LZ.

A further alternative embodiment of the skydiving simulator system 210 is shown in Figures 9 to

11 . Identical or similar features to those described in respect of the first and second embodiments of the invention, and identical or similar reference numerals will be utilised. Further detailed description is omitted for brevity.

In this embodiment, a robotic actuator arm 234 is provided, which forms both the lateral movement mechanism 216, and the user suspension means 214.

A support of the robotic actuator arm 234 forms the equivalent of the static member 220, and here extends from the ceiling of the wind chamber 212 in the flight zone FZ. It is envisaged however that the static member 220 may extend from the floor of the wind chamber 212 instead. Alternatively, the static member 220 may be provided in the loading zone LZ rather than the flight zone FZ. The static member 220 may be attached to either the ceiling or the floor or a side wall.

In the depicted embodiment, at the end of the support distal to the ceiling attachment is provided a rotation mechanism, such as a gimbal. The rotation mechanism connects and moves the arm of the robotic actuator arm 234, which serves as the moveable member 218 of the skydiving simulator system 210. The rotation mechanism can laterally move the user relative to the static member 220; this process is illustrated in Figures 9 and 10. The user is therefore moveable between the loading zone LZ and flight zone FZ of the skydiving simulator system 210.

The robotic actuator arm 234 comprises a user engagement portion, which may be connected for rotation via a further gimbal, for instance, serving as the user suspension means 214, which is provided at the end of the moveable member 218 opposite to the rotation mechanism. The user engagement portion comprises a user harness 236 to hold the user in a suspended position. The user harness 236 may be integrally formed with the arm, or it may be provided separate from the arm.

In the depicted embodiment, the user harness 236 may include an overhead support clamp. The overhead support clamp may have two arm portions that extend down the back of the user and over the shoulders of the user to clamp the torso of the user in place. The overhead support clamp may have additional securing means to secure the front portion and the back portion to one another.

The method of use of the system 210 is described as follows: a user is engaged with the user suspension means 214 in the loading zone LZ, as shown in Figure 9. The user places their head through a space in between the two harness arm portions, the user then places their back against the back support of the harness and pulls the harness over their head such that a compression force is created against their chest and back so as to hold the user in place. The harness may be provided with additional securing means to hold the harness arm portions in place relative to the back portion. Alternatively, the harness arm portions and back portions may be biased towards each other or may be mechanically drawn together to provide a secure fit. It is envisaged that the user suspension means 214 may also include a seat to allow for users with lower levels of mobility to enjoy the skydiving simulating. In which case, the user is placed, or seats themselves on the seat and the overhead harness is pulled down, or they pull the overhead down until it is secured.

Once the user is secured in the user suspension means 214 in the loading zone LZ, the arm moves relative to support from the loading zone LZ into the flight zone FZ, as shown in Figure 10.

The rotation mechanism can then change orientation to suspend the user in a flight condition, as shown in Figure 11. The robotic actuator arm 234 may support the user in the flight condition, providing variable degrees of feedback control. Sensors on the arm may be used to release the force on the user, so that the force of the wind in the wind chamber 212 provides the feeling of flight. The robotic actuator arm 234 therefore attempts to have minimal impact on the flight experience in most scenarios.

A related embodiment of the skydiving simulator system 310 is shown in Figure 12, in which a floor-mounted robotic actuator arm 334 is provided in the loading zone LZ, for suspending the user in a vertical wind tunnel 312. The fan of the wind tunnel 312 is shown to be an overhead fan, thereby creating an air draw, rather than a force towards the user. The robotic actuator arm 334 in this scenario does not need an overhead mounting point, which means that it can be safely used in a vertical wind tunnel condition, with the user harness 336 holding the user in place. Various additional safety measures can be provided for the user in a more rigid harness, including but not limited to lumbar, head, and neck support to prevent hyperextension of the user’s joints in jerky actions.

The skydiving simulator system of Figure 12 presumes the presence of a vertical or substantially vertical wind source. It will therefore be apparent that, in certain geographic locations such as tall buildings or canyons, that the present invention could be implemented in the absence of a dedicated wind chamber.

This is particularly applicable for the robot arm arrangement; where a portable robotic arm is provided, then the present system can be implemented more for the purpose of entertainment than as skydiving training. In such a scenario, the user may not actively be providing any control over theirattitude or orientation; instead, the robot arm may provide the illusion of flight, effectively flying the user around within a windy region. Both the training mode described above, as well as this more ride-like use, are fully anticipated as being feasible within the scope of the present invention. Indeed, this could be developed towards more of an arcade-like experience, where the user has no control over the flight, but instead the robotic arm provides a flight path which is pre-determined perhaps in keeping with an experienced flyer’s routine. In such a scenario, the real flight path taken, or a virtual equivalent, could be displayed to the user, to give the illusion of flying through a gorge, or between skyscrapers, for instance. A user may have the ability to select from a library of different potential flight routines.

Although not depicted in any of the preceding embodiments, the tensioning means may be in communication with sensors to provided tensioned feedback. The sensors may detect altitude; orientation; location relative to the flight zone. When a user is flying outside of a desired region within the flight zone, the sensors may communicate directly or indirectly with the tensioning means to inform the tensioning means that the position or orientation of the user must be corrected. The tensioning feedback and adjustment may be automated by a system coupled with the sensors, alternatively, it may be manually adjusted. A manually adjusted system may be advantageous in allowing the user time to correct their movement, and to learn how to correct mistakes, whilst still being able to be moved if needed.

There may also be many quality-of-experience upgrades which could be applied to any or all of the embodiments described. For example, recording equipment could be provided to record the flight of the user for replay. The provision of sensing data may provide additional information which could allow for modification of the recorded information, for example, by creating a virtual environment for the recording, to give the impression of a real skydive. Such data could be recorded as 2D data or 3D data, depending on the type of visual reproduction which is desired.

Extending this concept, it may be possible to provide a virtual reality experience in which the user is able to see a projected image of themselves, creating a body transfer illusion within the flight environment, in which the user feels ownership over a projection of themselves flying. A fourdimensional environment could be provided, so that the user experiences the sensations of flight, such as cold air, precipitation, hot wind, without actually necessarily flying in a wind tunnel or wearing a wingsuit. This would be a more entertainment type of experience for novice users.

On the other hand, virtual reality projection may assist experienced flyers safely practice difficult wingsuit runs, by allowing them to control the descent of a controllable aerial device. In practice, this might be a drone, but could equally be a remote flying stunt robot or ‘Stickman’, which is designed to replicate the special dimensions of the wingsuit flyer. This may be particularly useful for the mapping of safe new flightpaths, particularly where there are narrow gaps to be navigated. Overall, this may reduce mortality in dangerous wingsuit flying locations.

Furthermore, there may be provided a, preferably visual, feedback system within the wind chamber which provides information to the user about the quality of their flight. For instance, there could be projected targets on the walls of the wind chamber which illustrate where the user should be aiming for with their flight, providing the user with an opportunity to demonstrate their skills. This could, for instance, be colour-coded. This could be provided in the form of a virtual reality apparatus, for example. Audio and haptic feedback could also be considered.

These additions may further improve the utility of the system as an entertainment apparatus, in which the user has negligible input into the flight itself, but is still controlled by the user suspension means for the purpose of creating a simulation of skydiving as a ride. This could be provided in contexts in which a wind chamber is not present, such as a fairground, shopping mall, or theme park. A mobile unit could be considered, in which the system is provided as part of a flatbed truck or similar, or a more portable region, for example, bounded by mesh or nets, could create a flight zone.

An air scrubbing system may also be provided with the wind chamber, so that there is a reduced risk of contaminated air being passed through the system in use. A UV-C irradiation apparatus configured to provide UV-C radiation into the return air flow of the wind chamber would be one example of how this might be implemented in practice.

There may be provided an unloading zone laterally offset from the wind chamber on the opposite side of the upper portion of the wind tunnel to the loading zone to allow users to disengage with the user suspension means. The static member may extend from the loading zone into the flight zone to the unloading zone. This is advantageous, as it allows for one user to be disengaged from the user suspension means in the unloading zone, whilst another user is engaged with the user suspension means in either the loading zone or the flight zone without personal overlap or the overlap and/or tangling of equipment. The lateral movement mechanism could, in this scenario, loop around the wind chamber to ensure that the moveable member is returned to the correct starting position.

Although a rail element is described and depicted, it is envisaged the static member may be a static rope, a pole member, or any other suitable static member.

Although a diagonal wind chamber has been described, the wind chamber may be a vertical wind chamber. The skydiving simulator system is envisaged to be suited for various wind chamber designs.

Although a roller feeder mechanism in the moveable member has been described, rope clutches may be provided as a feeder mechanism. The rope clutch comprising a toothed cam. When the toothed cam is engaged with the rope a toothed plate keeps the rope in place, the cam can then be released which in turn releases the toothed plate from the rope and the rope can move freely. The rope clutch/pulley may be manual or automatically operated. Automatic operation may be achieved in conjunction with sensors that relay information about the users position, speed and orientation to the tensioning means so as to adjust the user’s flight conditions.

Alternatively, in one embodiment, a lower pulley may be located in the moveable member to act as the feeder mechanism, whilst the fixed pulley is an upper pulley located in the flight zone. The lower pulley may be connected and forms part of the moveable member, and as such is fixed in place but is movable relative to the upper fixed pulley due to the nature of the moveable member. The braid would pass through both the upper and lower pulley.

The flight zone may be provided with mesh safety nets to act as safety measure and prevent users from colliding with floors or walls. The flight zone may also have defined areas in which it is safest to fly. These areas may denote certain distances from the side walls, back wall or ceiling of the wind chamber. The defined areas may vary depending on the experience of the user. The defined areas may be marked on the floor, walls, and ceiling of the wind chamber so that a user can see the marking when in both a flight condition and a loading condition. Different colours may be used to denote different levels of experience, and thus different distances away from the side walls, back wall, ceiling or floor. The vertical markings may be displayed on the wall in front of the user such that the user knows to stay between certain areas. Of course, safety features could all be managed directly from the tensioning apparatus and/or force feedback control, thereby obviating such equipment.

It is therefore possible to provide a skydiving simulator system in which a lateral movement mechanism is provided for improving the throughput of users therethrough. The number of users that can access the wind chamber increases significantly over a given time period, or a given number of users can experience increased flight times over said period.

The words ‘comprises/comprising’ and the words ‘having/including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

1. A skydiving simulator system (10; 110; 210; 310) for providing a simulated skydiving experience, the skydiving simulator system (10; 110; 210; 310) comprising: a flight zone (FZ); a loading zone (LZ) which is laterally offset from the flight zone (FZ); a lateral movement mechanism (16; 116; 216) having a moveable member (18; 118; 218); and a user suspension means (14; 214) for supporting a user relative to the lateral movement mechanism (LZ); the skydiving simulator system (10; 110; 210; 310) having a loading condition in which a user is engaged with the user suspension means (14) in the loading zone (LZ), and a flight condition in which said user is suspended by the user suspension means (14; 214) in the flight zone (FZ), the moveable member (18; 118; 218) being moveable between the loading zone (LZ) and the flight zone (FZ) whilst the user is engaged with the user suspension means (14; 214).

2. A skydiving simulator system (10; 110) as claimed in claim 1 . wherein the lateral movement mechanism (16; 116) comprises a static member (20; 120) along which the moveable member (18; 118) is moveable.

3. A skydiving simulator system (10; 110) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the static member (20; 120) is provided as an overhead rail from which the moveable member (18; 118) depends.

4. A skydiving simulator system (10; 110) as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the moveable member (18; 118) comprises at least one releasable connector engageable with the user suspension means (14).

5. A skydiving simulator system (10; 110) as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the static member (20; 120) is positioned in the flight zone (FZ), the lateral movement mechanism (16; 116) further comprising a transition member in the loading zone (LZ), the transition member being engageable or alignable with the static member (20; 120) to permit transfer of the moveable member (18; 118) therebetween.

6. A skydiving simulator system (10; 110) as claimed in claim 5, wherein a plurality of said transition members is provided which are selectably engageable or alignable with the static member (20; 120) to improve transfer of the moveable member (18; 118) therebetween.

7. A skydiving simulator system (210; 310) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the lateral movement mechanism comprises a robotic actuator arm (234; 334), the moveable member (218) being a moveable end of the robotic actuator arm (234; 334), and the user suspension means (214) being a user harness engaged with the moveable end of the robotic actuator arm (234; 334).

8. A skydiving simulator system (210; 310) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the user harness (236) comprises an overhead clamping portion for holding a user in a suspended condition.

9. A skydiving simulator system (210; 310) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the user harness (236) comprises a seat portion on which a user can be seated during engagement with the overhead clamping portion.

10. A skydiving simulator system (210; 310) as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the robotic actuator arm (234; 334) is fully controlled by a pre-programmed controller having wingsuit flight data stored thereon.

11. A skydiving simulator system (10; 110; 210; 310) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user suspension means (14;) comprises a wingsuit (26) having at least one connector (22) engageable with the moveable member (18; 118; 218).

12. A skydiving simulator system (10; 110; 210; 310) as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the connector (22) comprises an integral harness of the wingsuit (26) engageable with the moveable member (18; 118; 218).

13. A skydiving simulator system (10; 110; 210; 310) as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the connector (22) comprises a releasable harness of the wingsuit (26) engageable with the moveable member (18; 118; 218).

14. A skydiving simulator system (10; 110; 210; 310) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a tensioning apparatus coupled to the user suspension means (14) in at least the flight zone (FZ), for providing a tensioned feedback to the user during the flight condition

15. A skydiving simulator system (10; 110; 210; 310) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the tensioning apparatus comprises at least one tensioning actuator (28).

16. A skydiving simulator system (10; 110; 210; 310) as claimed in claim 15, wherein a plurality of said tensioning actuators (28) is provided, the plurality of said tensioning actuators (28) being spaced apart from one another to provide tensioned feedback in a plurality of directions.

17. A skydiving simulator system (10; 110) as claimed in claim 15 or claim 16, wherein the tensioning apparatus (28) comprises at least one cable (24) threaded with the moveable member (18; 118) to permit movement of the moveable member (18; 118) without disengaging the tension apparatus (28).

18. A skydiving simulator system (10; 110; 210; 310) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one sensor for detecting at least one flight characteristic of the user during the flight condition.

19. A skydiving simulator system (10; 110; 210; 310) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flight zone (FZ) is provided in a diagonal wind tunnel (12) or a vertical wind tunnel.

20. A skydiving simulator system (10; 110; 210; 310) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a projection or virtual reality apparatus for displaying flight information to the user in the flight zone (FZ).

21 . A skydiving simulator system (10; 110; 210; 310) as claimed in claim 20, when dependent on claim 18 or claim 18, further comprising a controllable aerial device which is remote to the flight zone (FZ), the controllable aerial device having an onboard camera device which is communicable with the projection or virtual reality apparatus, wherein an output of the at least one sensor provides control instructions to the controllable aerial device in real-time.

22. A skydiving simulator system (10; 110; 210; 310) as claimed in claim 20, wherein the projection or virtual reality apparatus is configured to display an image of the user in a virtual environment in real-time.

23. A method of using a skydiving simulator system (10; 110; 210; 310), the method comprising the steps of: a. defining a flight zone (FZ) in which a user is supported to allow for simulated skydiving; b. providing a lateral movement mechanism (16; 116; 216) having a moveable member capable of moving between the flight zone (FZ) and a loading zone (LZ), the loading zone (LZ) being external and laterally offset from the flight zone (FZ); c. engaging a user in the loading zone with a user suspension means (14; 214) for supporting the user relative to the lateral movement mechanism (16; 116; 216); d. moving the moveable member (18; 118; 218) from the loading zone (LZ) into the flight zone (FZ) such that the user is transferred between the loading zone (LZ) and the flight zone (FZ) whilst engaged with the user suspension means (14; 214).

24. A method as claimed in claim 23, wherein the method further comprises a step e) subsequent to step d), wherein step e) comprising moving the moveable member (18; 118; 218) from the flight zone (FZ) into the or a further loading zone (LZ) such that the user is transferred between the flight zone (FZ) and the or the further loading zone (LZ).

25. A wingsuit apparatus for use with a skydiving simulator system (10; 110; 210; 310), the wingsuit apparatus comprising: a wingsuit body having arm portions, leg portions and wing members; and a harness attachment means for attachment of a user to an associated skydiving simulator system; wherein the wingsuit body and harness attachment means are releasably engageable with one another.