Patent Application
20070194171
2004 through 2006, Rocket Racing, Inc. A portion of the disclosure of this patent document and of the related applications listed above contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyrights whatsoever.
1. Field of Invention (Technical Field)
Embodiments of this invention relate generally to racing competitions, display methods and systems related to racing competitions, and methods for generating revenue with respect to racing competitions. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to rocket-powered vehicle racing competitions comprising racing methods, rocket-powered vehicles, spaceports, methods of observer interaction, methods of pilot navigation, methods of providing separation between rocket powered vehicles, safety monitoring, adaptive display and, virtual participation in a rocket-powered vehicle racing competition and related apparatus. In addition, embodiments of the invention relate to integrated avionics and simulation systems that combine the real world with the virtual word in real-time, and allow for variable porting, such as a hybrid format, to a wide variety of viewing and interactive display formats and architectures.
2. Description of Related Art
Car racing is a well-established industry with such variants as the INDIANAPOLIS 500 races, NASCAR races and FORMULA-1 races. These racing competitions include a pre-specified car design, a specially designed track and direct viewing of the race by the general public in a stadium setting. Automobile races have been extremely successful in attracting very large corporate sponsorship and significant revenue from broadcast rights. These races have also lead to significant breakthroughs in automotive design and performance. Car racing, however, appeals to a limited audience that primarily comprises race enthusiasts.
Yacht racing is also a well-established industry with variants such as the LOUIS VUITTON AMERICA'S CUP competition. Similar to car racing, yacht racing competitions involve a pre-specified yacht design, a specially designed track and direct observation by the general public. Yacht races have also been extremely successful in attracting corporate sponsorship and significant revenue from broadcast rights, and have lead to significant breakthroughs in boating design and performance.
Manned rocket launches have traditionally been high visibility events that garner tremendous public interest beyond enthusiast groups, but which have never attracted significant sponsorships or media/broadcast rights. This is because rocket launches typically cannot be ‘scheduled’, as their actual launch time and date depend on when the payload and rocket are ready for deployment, and on weather conditions. Launch delays are commonplace and lead to great difficulty when scheduling network broadcast time. Networks may only pay for the broadcast of events that they know may occur as scheduled (e.g., football games, Olympic events, etc.). With regard to sponsorships, sponsors enjoy regularity and repeatability in the events that they sponsor (e.g., car races, golf classics, etc.). They also enjoy standardization in the event and in the location of their logos on the hardware or participants. They may require that the events have network coverage in order to extend the value of their sponsorship dollars to millions of viewers worldwide. Further, they desire that the events involve people (e.g., heroes) that participate in the events, which can make the launch of satellites by unmanned rockets uninteresting and inconsequential to the public.
Unfortunately, conventional manned rockets have been government owned and operated (e.g., the U.S. Space Shuttle and the Russian Soyuz), which do not actively market sponsorships. To promote the development and flight of rocket-powered vehicles able to provide low-cost commercial transport of humans into space outside of government sponsorship, the non-profit X PRIZE foundation has established the X PRIZE COMPETITION. The X PRIZE COMPETITION is a competition with a US $10,000,000 prize directed to jump starting the space tourism industry through competition between the most talented entrepreneurs and rocket experts in the world. The $10 million cash prize was awarded on Oct. 4, 2004 to Mojave Aerospace Ventures for being the first team that privately financed, built and launched a rocket-powered vehicle able to carry three people to 100 kilometers (62.5 miles), returned the rocket-powered vehicle safely to Earth, and repeated the launch with the same vehicle within two weeks.
Referring now to
An embodiment of the present invention relates to a system for providing information from a plurality of rocket-powered vehicles engaged in a race to at least one group of end users including a plurality of sensors on board each of the vehicles in the race, each of the sensors gathering information from its respective vehicle; at least one transmitter on each of the vehicles in communication with the sensors and operable to transmit the information from the sensors; at least one ground-receiving station for receiving the transmission from the transmitters; a processing capability operable to collect and process the information contained in the transmissions, the processing capability operable to display the collected and processed information as race information to at least one group of the end users of the race information.
In the system, the sensors can include at one or more of the following: a GPS receiver, a GPS recorder, an inertial navigation system, a digital video recorder, a radio/com system, a RLG/GPS box, a Mission Data Recorder (MDR), a MDR Control and Display, a control display unit, and combinations thereof. The processing capability can optionally be located on board at least one of the rocket powered vehicles and/or at the ground receiving station. The processing capability can be located at the ground receiving station and on board of at least one of the vehicles. The race information can include virtual data comprising virtual depictions of the vehicles, and data containing information of position of the vehicles within the race. The virtual data overlay can also include vehicle performance information, predictive artificial intelligence for improving pilot performance.
In the system, the race information can include at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of airborne geospatial parameters, performance parameters, video feeds, virtual tunnel data and safety bubble data. The transmitter can include compress/encrypt package and a datalink antenna. Each of the vehicles can include an in-cockpit or heads-up display (HUD).
In addition, the processing capability of the system can include at least one hub/pod establishing a constant, two-way data link with the vehicles and with at least one ground team and with a race network. The hub/pod can optionally manage aspects of the race, safety protocols, and serve as a broadcast and media center for creation and transmittal of official race broadcast streams to both spectators and at-home fans. The hub/pod can be operable to allow spectators to connect wireless devices to the race network for access and interface customizations available to the spectators. The end users can be spectators of the race, occupants of the vehicles, race officials, and combinations thereof. The end users can optionally receive the race information via the Internet. In one aspect of the invention, the end users optionally interact with participants of the race.
In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for generating revenue from a race between rocket powered vehicles, including the steps of providing a system for gathering and processing information gathered from a plurality of rocket-powered vehicles engaged in a race; rebroadcasting the processed information as race information to a plurality of end users of the race information; identifying at least one revenue stream from the race information; and charging at least some of the end users for the at least one revenue stream from the race information.
In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for providing a race course which includes providing computer-generated visual indicators to at least one pilot of a rocket-powered vehicle, wherein the computer-generated visual indicators include portions of the race course. Providing computer-generated visual indicators can include displaying the visual indicators to one or more of the pilots on a heads-up-display. The visual indicators can include racecourse obstacles. The visual indicators can include a race course path. The visual indicators can optionally include symbolic indications of specific maneuvers which must be performed by the one or more pilots. The method can include providing a symbolic representation of one or more rocket-powered vehicles to one or more of the pilots.
The method of the present invention can include displaying the race course to one or more spectators, which can include displaying the race course with a symbolic representation of at least one rocket-powered vehicle. Displaying the race course to one or more spectators can include electronically transmitting an image of the race course. Transmitting an image can optionally include transmitting an image of the race course via electromagnetic waves, the Internet, a local area network, and/or combinations thereof.
In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for entertaining one or more persons which includes: providing a plurality of rocket-powered vehicles; providing a first race course, the race course including computer-generated visual indicators which at least partially define the race course in a predetermined physical space; and racing the plurality of rocket-powered vehicles at least partially through the race course. The rocket-powered vehicles preferably physically travel within the predetermined space while racing.
The method can also include displaying a visual representation of the rocket-powered vehicles racing to at least one of the one or more persons. In addition, one or more of the persons can be provided with the ability to maneuver a computer-generated image at least partially through a second race course. The first and second race courses can be at least partially separated from one another, or the first and second race courses can optionally comprise a single race course.
Aspects of the present invention provide a method for racing rocket-powered vehicles directly against one another, in which a first rocket-powered vehicle simultaneously races against a second rocket-powered vehicle to complete a pre-determined course. The method may include the first and second rocket-powered vehicles performing a pre-determined maneuver while proximate to a group of spectators, and/or the rocket-powered vehicles strategically performing the steps of accelerating, gliding and boosting rocket-powered vehicle flight in accordance with pre-determined maximum fuel, maximum engine burn time, and/or maximum thrust parameters for the racing participants.
Aspects of the invention further provide a spaceport for supporting a rocket-powered vehicle racing competition, providing spectator observation of the racing competition, and/or providing spectator interaction with participants of the racing competition. The spaceport may include rapid refueling stations for rapidly refueling participant rocket-powered vehicles during racing pit stops, one or more displays showing the racing competition to spectators in real-time with data overlays from various simulation sources, a spectator interactivity server for permitting spectators to interact with racing participants, and/or a gaming server to permit spectators to virtually compete against racing participants.
In addition, aspects of the invention provide a rocket-powered vehicle having selectively applied primary and secondary rocket engines for strategically accelerating, gliding and boosting rocket-powered vehicle flight in accordance with pre-determined maximum fuel, maximum engine burn time, and/or maximum thrust parameters for the racing participants. Other aspects of the invention provide a rocket-powered vehicle having identification features comprising audible and/or visual signatures. Yet other aspects of the invention provide a rocket-powered vehicle having a control console displaying three-dimensional virtual racecourse information, which may also display real-time, physical views along with the virtual racecourse information. The three-dimensional data that combines the real world with the virtual world are to be made available in a variety of formats suitable for display in an in-panel cockpit display, such as a cockpit mounted heads-up display, a helmet or visor-mounted display, hand held displays and devices, large screen displays, broadcast to TV networks, broadcast over the Internet, and broadcasts of local area wireless networks.
Other features and advantages of various aspects of the invention may become apparent with reference to the following detailed description and figures.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating one or more preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. In the drawings:
The various aspects of the invention may be embodied in various forms. The following description shows, by way of illustration, various embodiments in which aspects of the invention may be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural and functional modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Example Rocket-Powered Vehicle Competition
Although multiple embodiments of the present invention describe a preferred minimum height of 100 km, the multiple embodiments of the present invention are not to be construed as limited to this height, rater the multiple embodiments of the present invention can comprise any distance from about 0.5 km to about 250 km, or any other distance further described herein. In embodiments of the present inventor, this distance is preferably from about 255 km to about 200 km and more preferably from about 50 km to about 150 km. Further, the term “rocket” as used throughout the specification and claims is used to maintain simplicity and is intended to include not only rocket-powered vehicles, but also jet-powered and propeller driven vehicles. In addition, disclosures made herein relating to rocket fuel or its components is also intended to include jet fuel, or any other vehicle fuel, and/or their components. Although embodiments of the present invention preferably relate to manned vehicles, unmanned and/or remote-controlled vehicles also provide desirable results. Referring now to
An embodiment of the present invention relates to rocket-powered vehicle competition wherein two or more rocket-powered vehicles race.
The following is one embodiment for practicing rocket-powered vehicle competition. In this embodiment, the competition may occur as an annual event occurring at a single spaceport, or it may also or alternatively occur at other intervals and at a plurality of spaceports. Winners of the competition may be presented with cash awards and a trophy, which can optionally be held by the winning team until the next competition. A panel of judges (not shown) may oversee the competition to make sure the rules of the competition are being upheld by participants.
A panel of judges (not shown) may be in charge of scoring during the event. The panel of judges may authorize teams of one or more rocket-powered vehicles 12 to enroll in the competition based on certain pre-determined criteria discussed later. Each team may have one or more rocket-powered vehicles 12 and associated crewmembers with which to perform racing activities.
The panel of judges may include an odd number of independent judges, and the total number of judges each year may be twice the number of teams registered plus a chief judge. The chief judge preferably oversees and coordinates the activities of the judges and reports the results. Any decision rendered by not less than two thirds of the judges may be final and binding on the teams. The timing of the appointment of judges may be 60 days before the first launching day of the competition.
The judges may monitor all flight attempts and vehicles during the competition, and the teams optionally agree to cooperate fully with the judges in monitoring flight attempts and competition requirements. Any challenge to a judge's independence or impartiality is preferably deemed waived by the parties if not made timely and prior to 30 days of the event. The judges should be unbiased and not belong or be affiliated with any of the competing teams.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the panel of judges is optionally in charge of taking necessary measurements during the competition in order to evaluate each team's progress. If a team wishes to make an appeal of a decision made by the judges, they may fill out a redress form within one hour of that decision. A hearing may be held for the requests one hour after the landing of the last launch of that day.
The following describes an optional set of rules for the competition according to an embodiment of the present invention. This set of rules can of course be altered to provide more desirable results for alternative embodiments of the present invention as will be observed by those skilled in the art upon practicing the present invention. In accordance therewith, each flight of the competition preferably carries at least three people, and each rocket-powered vehicle is preferably built with the capacity to safely carry about three persons, each of a height of about 188 centimeters and weighing about 90 kilograms. In the event that a rocket-powered vehicle flies with fewer than three persons, equivalent ballast (passenger and required life support, e.g. pressure suit) is preferably carried in-flight to bring the total passenger payload mass to a referred minimum mass. To encourage safety on the flights, teams preferably credit the mass of ejection seats or other crew escape systems against the required payload capacity.
For this embodiment, each flight preferably reaches a minimum altitude of 100 kilometers above mean sea level. In other scenarios, competition flights may occur at other altitudes, such as about 5 kilometers to 25 kilometers above mean sea level or more. Each team is preferably responsible for providing the judges and mission control (not shown) with information that may allow the rocket-powered vehicle to be properly tracked to verify the altitude achieved by the vehicle. Methods for tracking rocket-powered vehicles are discussed later along with
In one embodiment in any flight attempt, no more than about 10% of a rocket-powered vehicle's non-propellant mass may be replaced between the two consecutive flights. For multi-stage vehicles, the 10% figure preferably applies to the combined stages. The vehicle may return from both flights substantially intact, as determined by and in the sole judgment of the judges, such that the vehicle is reusable.
In an embodiment of the present invention, all stages of each team's rocket-powered vehicle preferably return and safely land within a landing zone. Failure to do so may result in the respective team's disqualification from the flight. Further, the flight should not be counted and the running clock for “turn around” will not be stopped unless the team abandons that attempt and requests a new launch slot.
In one embodiment, each team preferably accomplishes a minimum of two flights (as determined above) throughout the entire competition to be officially entered in the category scoring and overall scoring.
In an embodiment of the present invention, during the competition, each team may be allocated a specific GMT time, or other common time, to start their launch until they have landed, which preferably constitutes a launch slot. The launch slot duration is optionally the shorter of two hours or until the rocket-powered vehicle has landed. During this launch slot, no other team can launch. A rocket-powered vehicle is deemed to have landed when all components of the rocket-powered vehicle comes to rest. Each team may be provided with a specified area within a landing zone within which the rocket-powered vehicle is required to land. For a horizontal landing vehicle, this is a specific runway. For a vertical landing vehicle, this is a region of land or water.
As discussed later and as illustrated in
In one embodiment of competition 10, the terms “vehicle,” “ship,” or “rocket-powered vehicle” refers to all stages or parts of the launch system (e.g., tow vehicles, balloons, descent chutes, etc.). Exemplary rocket-powered vehicles 12 are described later along with
In one embodiment, there may be 28 days in a daily schedule for the competition with 14 of those days being launch days (e.g., days 11-24) for actual competition. There may be six launch slots every two hours of each launch day of the competition's 14 days totaling a minimum of 84 during the competition. The launch slots may commence at 8 a.m. local time (8 am, 10 am, 12 pm, 2 pm, 4 pm, and 6 pm).
In one embodiment, five days before the launches start, a draw may decide an order for teams to select launch slots and immediately following there may be a draft pick for all 84 slots. The 84 slots can comprise a launching order. The teams optionally own the launch slot numbers they choose in the draft pick but the precise time can be changed if a judge calls a delay. Each team may be given 72 hours, starting from the beginning of the draft pick, to trade slots.
In one embodiment included in each team's registration information may be both the expected and the longest launch time interval for its rocket-powered vehicle. These times may grant the possibility of obtaining an advanced launch time.
In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, if a team finishes its launch attempt with time remaining in the two-hour period, the next team in the order of launching can request to launch. This second team can launch if its pre-submitted materials prove that it can accomplish the launch before the end of that two-hour window. If the next team is not interested in an advanced launch, the next team after it may have the same opportunity. The order of opportunity is preferably the same as the launch slot order. If a subsequent team does launch, then its launch slot optionally becomes vacant and the team with the next launch slot has the right of first decision to whether it wants to advance its slot.
In one embodiment, in the event that a delay is called by the judges, which causes the launches to be postponed over night, any rocket-powered vehicle competing in Category 1: Turn Around Time (described below), may be quarantined to prevent adjustments and the clock may be “paused” immediately for those teams
In one embodiment of the present invention, only in the situation where a delay has caused a team to have multiple launch slots on a single day and that team does not to wish to fly in this many slots, that team submit a request to trade launch slots with another team or withdraw its slot and be put on a waiting list for advanced launches. If an advance launch opportunity does not arise, that team which failed to trade its launch may not be given additional time after the 84 slots.
In one embodiment, the schedule may include “reserve days,” which can compensate for potential delays. The judges have the right to decide a fair end of the competition if many delays have occurred and not all 84 slots can be used. This decision may be based upon an equal number of attempts, and/or successful flights, by the teams.
In one embodiment, before being registered for the competition, each team should prove that it is capable of flying its rocket-powered vehicle to a minimum altitude of 100 kilometers with a minimum crew size of three people and should re-fly the same vehicle within two weeks. These qualification flights may be done within six months of the competition. Each team may be allowed to enter the competition with two identical vehicles. However, only one vehicle may be used in the qualifying flight if information is submitted proving that the second is identical. The second ship may only be used if the first ship is deemed to be disqualified and/or incapacitated, in which case it cannot be used again in the competition.
In one embodiment, every competing team may be scored in the following five categories. They may make as many flight attempts as possible during the length of the competition and within the guidelines of the competition.
Category 1 entitled “Turn Around Time” is preferably the fastest time from first take-off (deemed as the start of the assigned Launch Slot) to rocket-powered vehicle 12 landing in landing zone 20 on its second successful flight. These two successful flights need not be consecutive. Both flights preferably carry a minimum of three people and reach a minimum of 100 km. Only one vehicle, however, can be used to win this category. If a team uses new vehicle 12, then the clock preferably restarts for Category 1.
Category 2 entitled “Max PAX” is the largest number of crew carried to a minimum of 100 km altitude on a single flight. Category 3 entitled “Total PAX” is the largest number of crew carried by a same vehicle to a minimum of 100 km during entire period of the competition. If both ships are used during the competition, for scoring in Category 3, Max PAX, the crew totals are not combined and the team's results may be taken from the higher total of the two ships.
Category 4 entitled “Max Altitude” is preferably the highest altitude reached during a single flight carrying a minimum of three crewmembers. Category 5 entitled “Fastest Flight Time” is the fastest time from first take-off (deemed as the start of the assigned launch slot) to rocket-powered vehicle 12 landing in landing zone 20 on its first successful flight. The flight may carry three people and reach a minimum of 100 km. For any flight to count for a category, the crew should return to the Earth's surface in good health according to a definition set forth by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale or an alternative destination which is preferably predetermined.
In one embodiment, the competition may be scored using a low point scoring system. The finishing position in each category may be the team's point score (for example, first place optionally receives one point and forth place optionally receives four points). The team with the lowest combined point score from all the four categories is the competition champion.
In one embodiment, if a team fails to complete the minimum of two flights during the competition, that team may be scored as “DNC” for “Did Not Complete” and its point score for all categories may be the total number of competitors for the entire competition plus one (if there are five teams that are competing the team that scores a DNC may receive six points in each category totaling 30 points). This is preferably done to recognize the fact that a team went through the proper pre-qualifications and application procedures and to recognize its involvement in the competition.
In one embodiment, for each of the five categories the same tiebreaking procedure may be followed. If two or more teams are tied in a category, the team that demonstrates the closest landing to the center of landing target 78 (see
In one embodiment, if there is a tie for the overall competition, the teams in question may have their scores compared in the following manner: The team with the most first place finishes may become the competition champion. If the amount of firsts is the same then it may go the number of second place finishes, followed by third and so on.
In one embodiment, in the event that two or more teams have the exact same results from all of the categories, the target accuracy performance from throughout the competition may be compared. Closest finisher to the target bull's-eye wins the target accuracy performance criteria. If the tied teams all acquired the bull's-eye, then the total number of successful flights to the bull's-eye is optionally used to judge the target performance. If the teams have the exact same target performance in the competition, the competition may be awarded to the tied teams, the prize may be shared and the trophy may be time-shared.
In an embodiment at the present invention, for tiebreaker purposes, the landing accuracy record may be each team's complete efforts with both ships for Categories 2, 4 and 5 only. The landing accuracy record for Category 1 and 3 may be chosen by each team for the ship it wants to be scored.
In an embodiment at the present invention, judges may postpone launches due to weather conditions, accidents or hazardous situations at their discretion. Judges may declare the duration of postponement within five minutes. The Judges may provide an update half way through the postponement with an option to end the postponement or declare an extension.
In an embodiment at the present invention, in advance of the competition, all teams may submit the weather condition restrictions of their vehicles they deem safe and unsafe to launch. A team can petition the judges for a launch delay due to weather, however, the judges may base their decision on the weather conditions submitted in advance by the team.
The invention is further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.
Referring now to
Examples of rocket-powered vehicle 12 include rocket-powered vehicles developed for the X PRIZE COMPETITION (discussed in the Background). As shown in
One embodiment of rocket-powered vehicle 12 is a rocket-powered vehicle named “SPACESHIP ONE” (SS1) (see
SS1 is a three-person rocket-powered vehicle designed to be attached to a turbojet launch aircraft. One of the launch aircraft was named “WHITE KNIGHT” (WK) (see
Other configurations or embodiments of rocket-powered vehicles are contemplated for use with the present invention. For instance, at least twelve teams competed in the X PRIZE COMPETITION with rocket-powered vehicles of various configurations and styles, which may be used in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. Rocket-powered vehicles include but are not limited to multiple stage rockets with reusable vehicles and single stage vehicles. Moreover, the flight system of each rocket-powered vehicle preferably comprises telemetry unit 34, sensors 36 comprising cameras 38, mode switches 40, and transmitter 42. Flight system 32 is preferably able to record and/or provide accurate measurements of flight conditions to the judges. As discussed later, flight system 32 may also provide real-time information to spectators as they monitor the competition.
Sensors 36 optionally include a variety of sensing equipment such as accelerometers, altimeters, velocimeters, gimbals, transponders, global positioning systems (GPS) and position sensors, etc., which may include one or more cameras 38, for recording and/or transmitting images during flights. Cameras 38 may be positioned to view both inside and outside vehicle 26. For instance, cameras 38 may be directed toward crewmembers inside vehicle 26 and down toward the earth. Mode switches 40 may be used as necessary to select data feeds received from various sensors and provide it to recording equipment (not shown) or to transmitter 42 for transmission to a ground system 44.
In embodiments of the present invention, each team of the competition may carry telemetry unit 34 on any of their competing rocket-powered vehicles. Telemetry unit 34 preferably provides an integrated device that is independently calibrated and verified before and after qualifying flights. Each telemetry unit 34 may receive data from at least two externally mounted cameras 38 and two internally mounted cameras 38, and is preferably connected to associated video recording hardware (not shown) and transmitting hardware. The telemetry unit weight and volume may be counted towards the crew requirement mass if desired. On multistage entries, the judges may have the option to place a telemetry unit on each stage of the rocket-powered vehicle. It is the responsibility of each team to properly install and operate the telemetry unit. Teams may petition to use their own video recording and transmitting hardware so long as the hardware meets the required technical and operational requirements.
As shown in an embodiment of the present invention illustrated in
Referring now to
In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in
Spectator portion 18 may include a variety of facilities and areas that are appropriate for the general public, such as fair grounds, exhibition grounds, campgrounds, etc. Further, spectator portion 18 may include viewing facilities located close enough to launch portion 16 and landing zone 20 to permit direct viewing of rocket-powered vehicles 12 as they takeoff and land during competitions. Spaceport 18 preferably comprises general viewing area 82 and box seats viewing area 84. General viewing area 80 is preferably located a relatively safe distance from launch pads 76 and landing zone 20. Viewing area 82 may be located about two to five miles from launch pads 76, and for better viewing, general viewing area 82 may be located from about two to five miles from launch pads 76. From these distances, spectators can directly view the launch of rocket-powered vehicles 12 with or without viewing aids (including but not limited to binoculars) without significant risks from launch failures. Viewing area 80 may be located a greater distance from landing zone 20 than from launch portion 16 due to the generally increased safety risk associated with landing rocket-powered vehicles 12 compared with launching them. To further enhance safety, general viewing area 82 may include debris shutters (not shown), which may be closed quickly in the event of an actual or anticipated unsafe incident (e.g., rocket-powered vehicle crash).
Box seats viewing area 84 is preferably located closer to launch portion 16 and landing zone 20 than general viewing area 80, which increases the risk to the spectators located in this area. As such, box seats viewing area 84 may be enclosed to protect spectators therein, and may provide viewing via view ports made of shatter-resistant transparent materials. To enhance viewing in spectator portion 18, televisions 86 may be provided that show close views of rocket-powered vehicles 12 during launch and landing or at other times, and to show information about competition 10. Televisions 86 may also show substantially real-time status of rocket-powered vehicles 12 during the competitions. For example, televisions 86 may show a graphical representation of a competing rocket-powered vehicle 12 at its present location as it advances along its flight path 22 so that spectators may monitor its progress as it occurs. This information may be obtained via information acquired by the rocket-powered vehicle's telemetry unit 34 (see also
Information shown on televisions 86 may be provided from a media center 88 and/or from mission control 96 (discussed later). Media center 88 processes and collates information for display on television 86 and for providing it to spectators at other locations, media outlets, etc. As such, media center 88 may have its own satellite uplink (not shown) for sharing information related to rocket-powered vehicle competition 10. Media center 88 may include a server or other computer 87, which creates graphical representations of the status of rocket-powered vehicles 12 in relation to their flight paths 22, other rocket-powered vehicles, and/or virtual pylons. The term virtual pylon as used herein means a three-dimensional location above the earth's surface. For example, a three-dimensional location may be identified by the judges (e.g., 3-dimensional geographical coordinates for a point in space) as a virtual pylon that a rocket-powered vehicle should encounter within a given distance in order to meet a criterion of passing through the virtual pylon. Computer 87 may use location information provided by telemetry units 34 of each rocket-powered vehicle 22 via ground system 44 to provide substantially real-time status and location information to the spectators. Media center 88 may also provide information to a wireless hub 92 for dissemination to spectators located at spaceport 14 and/or for transmission to others via the Internet. For example, spectators may be able to access information personally that is provided on televisions 86 and/or other information via wireless hub 92. For instance, a first spectator may be able to monitor progress of a first team via wireless hub 92 while a second spectator monitors progress of a second team via wireless hub 92. In one configuration, televisions 86 display a virtual crash when a team fails to maneuver around a required virtual pylon.
Much of the information provided to spectators is preferably provided via control facilities 72. Control facilities 72 include a control tower 94 and mission control 96. Control tower 94 provides a birds-eye view of spaceport 14 to operational control personnel, such as aircraft controllers, to assist command and control of competition 10. Mission control 96 comprises equipment such as RADAR, tracking and telemetry equipment, ground system 44 (illustrated in
Spaceport 14 provides a controlled venue, which when combined with rocket-powered vehicle competition 10 occurring over a defined time period, creates an exciting atmosphere that appeals to a broad cross-section of the public and to corporate sponsors, and which increases interest in the development of public space travel. To further promote a festive atmosphere at rocket-powered vehicle competitions 10, spaceport 14 may support spaceflight-related activities that keep spectators engaged and provide hands-on experiences to involve them personally in the public spaceflight industry.
For example, spaceport 14 participating in a rocket-powered vehicle competition may support an overall mix of events and activities focused on those areas that directly compliment the public spaceflight industry. As such, a Public Spaceflight Exhibition (not shown) may be included in rocket-powered vehicle competition 10 to provide spectators the opportunity to participate in sub-orbital flights, parabolic (zero gravity) flights, and high-fidelity simulations that build public excitement as well as public acceptance of this market arena. In another embodiment, integrating public spaceflight related rides and unique astronaut training opportunities greatly enhances the competition. For a fee, spectators are preferably able to experience the sensations of space flight in rides and simulators. For instance, the Zero Gravity Corporation (ZERO-G) may provide parabolic flights in its Boeing 727 airplane and offer customers a number of parabolas, each with 30 seconds of zero-g time. ZERO-G has the capacity to carry more than 100 paying passengers per day. Additional weightlessness experiences may include neutral buoyancy simulations, which are essentially large water tanks that re-create a spacewalk in a spacesuit. Simulations of the launch and re-entry of the rocket-powered vehicles may be provided by a centrifuge to simulate the gravitational forces that the rocket-powered vehicles experience. Additionally, a full-motion interactive flight simulator, similar to the ones used for airline and military flight training, may provide additional spaceflight experiences.
Further, rocket-powered vehicle competition 10 optionally incorporates an astronaut training facility akin to SPACE CAMP that simulates the full astronaut training experience. In addition, an Air and Rocket Show segment of the rocket-powered vehicle competition is optionally provided to provide further entertainment and draw large numbers of spectators. The Exhibition can optionally include a demonstration of Unlimited Class Vehicles, which are piloted non-X PRIZE class rockets and rocket-powered vehicles. A thrilling exhibition of rocket vehicles may also be featured during the air show. For example, XCOR Aerospace's rocket powered Long EZ airplane can be a featured attraction. These exciting ships, although not directly eligible for the rocket-powered vehicle competition, may nonetheless provide an exciting and memorable demonstration of the endless possibilities and unique applications of rocket propulsion. Additionally, the teams may optionally be given the opportunity to display mock-up or partially constructed vehicles.
Referring now to
Rocket-powered vehicle competition 110 may also optionally include racing of two or more rocket-powered vehicles 112 and 113 substantially simultaneously on the same flight path 122 (i.e., racecourse). The racecourse may be formed and navigated using virtual pylons 115. For example, each rocket-powered vehicle 112 or 113 may be provided with the three-dimensional locations of virtual pylons 115 prior to and/or during rocket-powered vehicle competition 110. The racecourse may also optionally include virtual tunnels described by three-dimensional locations, within which the rocket-powered vehicles should remain during the race. Optionally, each rocket-powered vehicle and/or team may be provided with its own virtual tunnel within which it should remain during the race. Thus, in various combinations, the racecourse may include virtual pylons, racecourse virtual tunnels, and individual team/vehicle virtual tunnels located within a racecourse virtual tunnel. In one embodiment, the pilots of the rocket-powered vehicles may then navigate their respective rocket-powered vehicles around, through and/or proximate to the pylons according to the race criteria and the racecourse data. The pilots may use global positioning technology to determine their precise three-dimensional location with respect to the pylons and the racecourse. Each rocket-powered vehicle's three-dimensional position during the race may be provided to telemetry unit 34 during competition and may be transmitted to ground system 44 for monitoring by the judges and spectators.
In an embodiment, rocket-powered vehicles 112 and 113 preferably race by competing with one another according to pre-determined criteria and along the same three-dimensional flight path 122. In this embodiment, at least two rocket-powered vehicles preferably launch and land from spaceport 114 within view of stadium 118 and competing along flight path 122 at substantially the same time. First rocket-powered vehicle 112 vertically launches from launch portion 116 and a second rocket-powered vehicle 113 also preferably launches from launch portion 116 at substantially the same time or within a short time period after the launch of rocket-powered vehicle 112 on the same day. Both rocket-powered vehicles 112 and 113 preferably maneuver along flight path 122 and vertically land at launch portion 116. Depending on the pre-determined criteria for the competition, rocket-powered vehicles 112 and 113 optionally repeat flight path 122 several times via several launches and landings.
Stadium 118 is preferably a large arena designed to hold a large number of spectators. For instance, in one embodiment, stadium 118 may be able to hold about 1 million spectators. Stadium 118 may be a semicircle design that provides good viewability of launch pads 121 to most spectators located therein. To provide safe premises in the event of an emergency, a bunker (not shown) may be provided or stadium 118 may be substantially built within a bunker. Other safety mechanisms may exist, such as protective louvers that may be rapidly closed to provide protection, or protective transparent materials that shield spectators from debris in the event of a rocket-powered vehicle crash or collision. To improve viewability of the rocket-powered vehicle competition 110, stadium 118 may include multiple high-definition displays that show various views of the rocket-powered vehicles. Further, seats within stadium 118 may include personal displays, which individual spectators may control to view status of the competition, information about various rocket-powered vehicles, etc. As described above with spaceport 14 in
Based on the location information received for the rocket-powered vehicles, which may be received on a substantially constant, real-time basis from each competing rocket-powered vehicle, CPU 95 generates a graphical display such as display 200 showing the location of each competitor rocket-powered vehicle. In one embodiment, the graphical display may be a three-dimensional display. As illustrated in
In addition to being shown on displays within spaceports 14 and 114, displays generated by telemetry computer 87 may be provided to spectators via the Internet or wireless hub 92 (see
Rocket-powered vehicle competition 110, sand spaceport 114 provide an exciting event with which spectators may feel a sense of participation. This is partially because racecourse tunnel 122 is a closed flight path within direct viewing by spectators (e.g., via eyesight, binoculars and telescopes) and via equipment (e.g., graphical representations of race status). To enhance the level of excitement further, rocket-powered vehicle competition may require rocket-powered vehicles 112 and 113 to complete multiple laps on racecourse 122. This may include staying on the ground for periods of time to re-fuel and prepare the rocket-powered vehicles for further flight and multiple takeoffs and landings, which provide many opportunities for spectators to view varied aspects of the competition. Spectators may also be able to view the rocket-powered vehicles on their respective launch pads prior to the beginning of the competition.
Rocket-powered vehicles 112 and 113 (as well as rocket-powered vehicles 12 in competition 10) may be controlled by the human occupants; although, certain aspects may be computer controlled as determined by race criteria (e.g., blast off may be largely computer controlled). This makes the competition very exciting to spectators and provides “heroes” that may be created of exceptional pilots. Add to that the excitement of supersonic, rocket-propelled rocket-powered vehicles competing with one another substantially simultaneously, and a thrilling competition is created that should appeal to a large segment of society and attract corporate sponsors.
Referring now to FIGS. 14A-C, 15 and 16, a rocket-powered vehicle competition 1410 (
Rocket-powered vehicle competition 1410 provides a high level of excitement for spectators and participants alike via direct, head-to-head racing between the race participants to be the first to complete a race course. The exciting atmosphere can be further enhanced for the spectators through various aspects of the racing method that may be practiced alone or in a variety of combinations comprising: vertical take-offs near the spectator portion 1422; visual and audible mechanisms for clearly identifying participant rocket-powered vehicles; pre-determined racing parameters comprising rapid refueling and limited fuel quantity, engine burn time and/or thrust options; rocket-powered vehicle configurations based on the parameters and strategic options for the participants in response to the parameters (e.g., choices involving fuel quantity and thrust management); spectator interactivity with the race participants; and user participation in real-time races via virtual rocket-powered vehicles.
In the embodiment illustrated in
In an alternative embodiment, groups of two or more preferably race along the same course. Optionally, the racing may be performed in “heats” where small groups of participants race to qualify, the winners of which progress to the next level. The racing may optionally be performed as comprehensive racing between all participants. The rocket-powered vehicles may be launched abreast or in a staggered fashion, which can be advantageous for logistical and safety reasons. As illustrated in
Racecourses 1429, as illustrated in
In the embodiment illustrated in
For example, in accordance with the navigational monitoring aspects of an embodiment of the invention discussed along with the description of rocket-powered vehicle 12 in
As discussed further along with
As illustrated in
In one configuration of rocket-powered vehicle competition 1410, each rocket-powered vehicle preferably has a pre-determined maximum quantity of rocket fuel as measured by mass or an estimated engine burn time at a certain thrust. Each rocket-powered vehicle may also be limited to a pre-determined maximum burn time for its rocket engine(s), which may be provided in concert with pre-determined maximum thrust parameters. The pre-determined maximums will be selected to ensure periodic refueling of each rocket-powered vehicle during the competition.
Rapid refueling via team-specific pits may be an option or a requirement for rocket-powered vehicle competition 1410. Rapid refueling can permit long duration races while providing the spectators with a close look at the race teams, which can occur during the actual race as the rocket-powered vehicles are being refueled and serviced. For instance, a quantity of rocket fuel sufficient for a burn time of four minutes may be established for the pre-determined maximums, which may permit a rocket-powered vehicle to navigate a single lap of racecourse 1429 in a rapid timeframe if the pilot burns the rocket engine continuously. However, based on this choice, the pilot may need to refuel relatively quickly. A second pilot can strategically choose to proceed at a slower rate that comprises gliding and periodically burning the fuel to maintain speed or to boost the rocket-powered vehicle speed when needed. The second pilot is preferably able to navigate two laps of racecourse 1429 without refueling, but at an overall slower rate than the rate at which the first pilot can complete each lap and undergo rapid refueling therebetween. The pre-determined maximums may be established to ensure each rocket-powered vehicle must refuel at least once during the competition or to ensure each rocket-powered vehicle must alternate between boosting and gliding. It will be up to the individual rocket-powered vehicle pilot to decide how to use the fuel throughout the race to conserve fuel, vary thrust, sustain velocity, taxi, etc. The race may be a collection of boost and glide modes as the pilot works to optimally manage the application of rocket thrust while conserving scarce fuel. After the fuel is expended, the pilot preferably glides to land the rocket-powered vehicle and undergo a rapid refueling.
In one embodiment of rocket-powered vehicle competition 1410, each participant may optionally be able to strategically develop his propulsion system to provide a selectively-applied booster engine configuration based on anticipated management of the limited supply of fuel and desired engine performance. Various combinations of rocket engines, types of propellants, and nozzle configurations, comprising various nozzle sizes, types and styles, may optionally be developed by each team to strategically meet the pre-selected maximums while attempting to maximize rocket-powered vehicle performance. For example, a participant team may develop a rocket-powered vehicle that has one or two primary rocket engines for vertical takeoff, as well as one or more smaller engines that can be selectively ignited and/or strategically controlled for navigating the racecourse.
Refueling station 1444 is preferably proximate the maintenance station 1442 for logistical advantages and to provide parallel maintenance and refueling operations during a pit stop of the competition, such as a rapid refueling stop. Alternatively, the refueling station may be separated a safe distance from the maintenance station 1442 and other structures to reduce the likelihood of a fuel accident affecting a large number of people.
Refueling station 1444 may include filled replacement fuel tanks 1446, standard rate refueling equipment 1448, and rapid refueling equipment 1450. In a configuration in which the supported rocket-powered vehicle comprises removable fuel tanks and/or banks of fuel tanks (discussed below along with an example rocket-powered vehicle shown in
For fixed tank rocket-powered vehicle configurations, rapid refueling equipment 1450 may include high-flow rate refueling equipment that provides fuel and oxidizer as needed to the tanks at a high-flow rate, which may also be at a high pressure to support the rapid refueling. In order to avoid potential safety issues that may be associated with high pressure/high velocity refueling, the high-flow rate equipment may have large cross-sectional conduits, which can provide a rapid volumetric flow rate without pumping the fuel at high velocities and/or at high pressures (beyond pressures required to maintained certain fuels and oxidizers in a liquid state). In conjunction with the rapid volumetric flow rate equipment, a corresponding rocket-powered vehicle would preferably have large cross-sectional ports to avoid narrowing the fuel flow and thereby increasing the flow velocity to maintain the rapid volumetric flow rate. The large cross-sectional ports may be in addition to standard fuel ports used for standard refueling procedures.
Propellant 1630 may include a variety of rocket fuels, including but not limited to an oxidizer (e.g., liquid oxygen, nitrogen tetroxide, nitrous oxide, air, hydrogen peroxide, perchlorate, ammonium perchlorate, etc.) plus a fuel (e.g., light methane, hydrazine-UDMH, kerosene, hydroxy-terminated polybutadiene (HPTB), jet fuel, alcohol, asphalt, special oils, polymer binders, solid rocket fuel, etc.). The fuel is preferably stored in fuel tank 1644 and the oxidizer is stored in another fuel tank 1646. The fuel tanks may be disposed within wings of the rocket-powered vehicle, within the body of the rocket-powered vehicle, or may be carried underneath the rocket-powered vehicle. In one configuration, the fuel tanks may be removable tanks, such as a single tank or a bank of smaller tanks that can be removed and installed on the rocket-powered vehicle relatively quickly. For example, rocket-powered vehicle 1610 may include a pair of storage bays (not shown) into which a bank of tanks 1644 or 1646 may be secured. Rocket-powered vehicle 1610 may also include detachable couplings (not shown) for connecting to the bank of tanks. The detachable couplings may include a variety of clamps with seals (e.g., O-rings) connecting pressurized piping between the bank of tanks and the rocket-powered vehicle propulsion system. In another configuration, the fuel tanks may be fixedly attached or formed within the rocket-powered vehicle, such as being formed within the wings
As shown in
In one configuration, the primary rocket engine is used mainly for vertical takeoff while the secondary rocket engine is principally used for maneuvering through the course, maintaining velocity, and boosting velocity. In another configuration, the primary rocket engine has selectively controllable thrust settings and provides both thrust for vertical takeoff and for maneuvering through the course, whereas the secondary rocket engine provides thrust for taxiing along runways. Both engines can be used simultaneously in other configurations to provide a maximum amount of thrust, but at the expense of consuming fuel at the maximum rate. Alternatively, one engine can be run to conserve fuel while still maintaining a reasonable velocity. Generally, any desired configuration of the primary and secondary rocket engines is possible.
In one configuration, options for the engines may be dictated for the race to limit the variety of propulsion systems. For instance, the primary rocket engine may be required to be an on-off engine for all participants, which provides primary thrust for vertical take-off. The secondary rocket engine may be directed to have a finite number of thrust levels, such as low, medium and full thrust. It is understood that a wide variety of rocket engine types with a wide variety of thrust levels and control features may be possible for the rocket-powered vehicles. However, mandating parameters such as the number of rocket engines, the maximum thrust for the engines, thrust levels for the engines, controllability of the engines comprising directional controls, etc. can significantly add to the amount of strategic considerations for the race participants and can, therefore, add to the excitement for the event. Thrust levels may be controlled by adjusting the flow rate of fuel and oxidizer into the combustion chamber via controlling pumps 1652 and valves 1654 illustrated in
As desired, one or both engines can have movable nozzles 1660 and thrust vector control mechanisms for maneuvering the rocket-powered vehicle based on the orientation and magnitude of the rocket thrust vector. The selection of engine configurations and controls may be significant for a particular team according to their strategy for winning the race. As noted above, the secondary engine may be adapted to primarily provide boost augmentation rather than to taxi or sustain velocity. For example, once fired, the secondary rocket engine can generate a significant boost and remain ignited until the propellant burns out. In another configuration, the secondary rocket engine can include a pair of small rocket boosters that are fired at various times as selected by the race team and pilots. In another example, the secondary rocket engine can include a bank of small rocket boosters, such as about five boosters. In a further example configuration, the secondary rocket engine can be powered via a solid propellant alone while relying upon atmospheric oxygen to be an oxidizer. However, such a configuration may have limited applicability to low altitude uses at which sufficient oxygen can be obtained when needed.
As further shown in
As further shown in
Referring now to
As shown in
The visual identifier may be generated via a chemical reaction that occurs in response to the heat of the plume, which causes the chemicals to burn or radiate a particular color. In one configuration, the intensity of the color may vary according the thrust level of the engine. This may be accomplished by providing temperature-sensitive chemicals to the plume that cause radiant light energy at different temperatures, thereby displaying to spectators a piecewise spectrum of colors that vary in wavelength according to thrust level. For instance, as shown in
In another configuration, the intensity of color may be deliberately varied based on the flow rate of plume seed sprayed from the injector nozzles. For example, an intense color may deliberately be provided during vertical take off or as a rocket-powered vehicle crosses a finish line marker. The pilot may be able to control plume visualization system 1712 via controls of the flight system. Alternatively, plume visualization 1712 system may be controlled remotely via ground control communications to the flight system. In another configuration, the flight system may be programmed to control automatically plume visualization system 1712 according to location of the rocket-powered vehicle.
The chemicals of the plume seed may include one or more metal salts. When metal salts are exposed to the flame of the rocket plume, they typically give off light characteristic of the metal. The metal ions combine with electrons in the flame, which are raised to excited states because of the high flame temperature. Upon returning to their ground state, they give off energy in form of light (including but not limited to a line spectrum) that is characteristic of that metal. Several metal salts, for example alkali metal salts, give off a characteristic color visible to the human eye. Examples of chemicals that may be used various combinations include sodium, potassium, aluminum chloride, boric acid, calcium chloride, cobalt chloride, copper chloride, lithium chloride, magnesium chloride, manganese chloride, sodium chloride, strontium chloride. Pyrotechnic chemicals commonly used in fireworks displays may used as well, comprising antimony trisulfide, ammonium perchlorate, ammonium chloride, aluminum, and more.
In an alternative configuration (not shown), rocket-powered vehicle 1710 comprises a non-reactive smoke generator, which provides non-reactive identification smoke when the rocket engine is not being fired. The non-reactive smoke generator preferably turns off when the rocket engine is being fired to capture the natural combustion colors, such as the yellow color of burning kerosene or the violet/blue of burning alcohol. When the rocket engine turns off and the vehicle is gliding, the smoke generator may emit identification smoke to demonstrate the rocket-powered vehicle's glide path. Thus, rocket engine combustion highlights the rocket-powered vehicle's flight path when powered, and the non-reactive smoke generator highlights its flight path when gliding. In another configuration, a plume visualization system may be used during rocket firing to identify the plume of the particular rocket-powered vehicle or team, and a non-reactive smoke generator may be used by the same rocket-powered vehicle while gliding to produce identification smoke that generally matches the colors produced by the plume visualization system. Thus, regardless of the firing status of rocket engines, a visual signature may be constantly provided that highlights the rocket-powered vehicle's flight path.
Referring now to
Competition information 1922 may include warnings 1926, such as a warning when a pilot approaches or enters bubbles of other vehicles, moves out of their vehicle-specific tunnel, moves out of the racecourse tunnel, or misses a virtual pylon or other waypoint of the race, etc. The warning can flash red on the display for certain warnings. In addition, tactile and audible warnings can be provided to the pilot, such as vibrating a control handle the pilot is using or playing a warning sound. Similarly, positive indications (not shown) can be provided when the vehicle successfully hits a waypoint, such as navigating around a virtual pylon or flying through a virtual gate. For instance, a green light or message can flash on the display to show the vehicle successfully passed a virtual pylon. In addition, tactile or audible indications can also be provided for successfully completing the task. Overall view 1928 may also include warnings 1926 and positive visual indicators, such as flashing in red a missed virtual pylon or flashing the same pylon in green when the pilot successfully navigates around it.
Referring now to
As shown in
As shown in
Browser-based software and/or racing specific software stored on the spectator computing device may allow spectators to accomplish a wide variety of functions related to rocket-powered vehicle races, which may be selectable in an interactive manner to provide the user with a hands-on experience. In one configuration, a spectator may select a soft key that brings up an actual racecourse and shows a virtual vehicle thereon for the spectator to race. The display would preferably show computer generated images depicting the actual rocket racers, driven by differential GPS or the equivalent, so that the placement of the computer generated vehicles on the screen matches that which is taking place in the real live race. If the user clicks on a specific vehicle, the spectator may then select from a number of functions that might include listening in on the cockpit conversation and other audibles, viewing either a virtual instrument cluster driven with real-time telemetry data, or viewing a live video feed of the actual instrument cluster. Other options might allow the spectator to stream a video of the pilot's face, or stream a variety of video feed from a number of different cameras or telemetry stream from various instrumentation suites installed on the rocket vehicles. The spectator can bring up multiple pilots on the screen and pit one against the other.
In one configuration, preferably operated under stringent safety protocol, a spectator using the computing device may compete via the spectator server for the opportunity to speak with a pilot during the race. Optionally, with safety being a primary concern, spectators can even compete for the opportunity to ignite remotely a rocket engine boost from their laptop computer by hitting a specific button during a pre-selected timeframe and after providing the winning username and password. Thus, spectators could actually and virtually participate in a rocket-powered vehicle competition.
A system to enable the implementation of an immersive piloting, safety and entertainment experience may be referred to as a Rangeless Air Racing Maneuvering Instrumentation Network. It preferably involves the capture, processing, distribution and display of data in a variety of formats with varying degrees of end-user interactivity.
Users of the Rangeless Air Racing Maneuvering Instrumentation Network include, but are not limited to, pilots, navigators, co-pilots, air crew, ground crew, race teams, race league officials, safety officials, Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) personnel, training personnel, on-site fans, remote fans, gamers, technology developers, TV stations, satellite broadcast stations, mobile content providers, archival agencies, news broadcaster, online media sources, camera operators and automated data collection and data redistribution infrastructure.
The technological worldview of the Rangeless Air Racing Maneuvering Instrumentation Network embraces convergence of the real and virtual worlds to lift spectator perceptions of excitement, awe, thrill and danger to entirely new levels. Fans of rocket powered racing events will be able to access the sport both live and remotely via use of the Network—and will be rewarded with an accessible, information-rich environment no matter what their chosen interface with the sport.
The Rangeless Air Racing Maneuvering Instrumentation Network preferably uses simulation technology to enhance the experience of rocket racing for all audiences. Simulation technology is an aspect of the Network that can contribute to bringing the revolutionary sport of rocket powered vehicle race competition to millions of fans worldwide.
The Rangeless Air Racing Maneuvering Instrumentation network is preferably a hybrid of live and virtual simulation action that blends live action with a virtual world of rich data overlays to create a hybridized form of entertainment the world has never experienced.
Referring to
Each rocket powered vehicle 2200 may also carry a camera or Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) 2210 for the recording of digital video. Transmitter/receiver 2212 in the rocket powered vehicle 2200 can send the position and orientation data, the digital video data and other data to a ground station (not shown) at the broadcast center, and receive pertinent information for display and processing inside rocket powered vehicle 2200. The transmitter/receiver may optionally include a compress/encrypt package 2214, a datalink antenna 2216, and/or a removable memory module 2218.
Each rocket powered vehicle may carry Radio/Com system 2210 for two-way interface, RLG/GPS box 2222 that is in direct link to a Mission Data Recorder (MDR) 2204, a MDR Control and Display 2224 as well as a Control Display Unit (“CDU”) and Display 2226.
Each rocket powered vehicle 2200 may have an in-cockpit or heads-up display (HUD) or head-mounted display, each equipped with a multi-function display (MFD) capability able to display simulated data overlay information from the onboard computer, as well as any received data from the ground.
As part of each ground station support infrastructure, there may be an information hub/pod that keeps a constant, two-way data link with each racer, and with each ground team.
The hub/pod can be configured to manage all aspects of the race, the safety protocols, and also serve as a broadcast and media center for creation and transmittal of the official race broadcast streams to both spectators and at-home fans.
Each hub/pod preferably allows fans to connect wireless devices the race network for access and interface customizations available to the at-home fans. Each Race Site may be able to monitor racers in real-time that are within a designated radius.
All pods may be capable of GPS position determination, may have data recording capability, and may utilize pod-to-pod UHF data communications to facilitate rangeless communication.
All data transmissions may be unclassified or encrypted for secure transmission of sensitive data.
The system may accommodate at least two race participants, but may be capable of supporting many more vehicles of varying design, whether airborne or ground vehicles.
The hub/pod may execute race simulations and transmit results to the race site hub as well as wirelessly to spectator handsets or other devices.
The processing capability may be located either onboard the vehicle, on the ground, or draw from the combination of both, can enable the real-time merging of real-time video with rich data overlays. The processing capability preferably enables the real-time insertion of synthetic objects into real-time video using sophisticated occlusion dynamics to designate what objects, real or synthetic, appear in the foreground, and what objects appear in the background. The data overlays preferably will depict a virtual world that possesses rules, properties and dynamics that make it appear as through it is real, not an afterthought generated through computer simulation. In one configuration, the virtual data overlay preferably contains a series of parallel three dimensional tunnels in the sky, inside of which, individual rocket powered vehicles are directed to remain in order to affect vehicle to vehicle separation and guide the pilots of such vehicles through the sky on a race track that is both exciting to watch from the perspective of a viewer and, from an absolute level, is safe.
The virtual tunnel may be depicted by a series of rings that are either connected along longitudinal paths about the ring circumference, or other means of connectivity, or stand alone. The rings may be positioned in three-dimensional space, along the desired track at intervals that give the pilot and viewers a good presentation of where the rocket powered vehicle should be traveling in this three dimensional space inside of which the rocket powered vehicle race is intended to occur.
The data characterizing the virtual tunnel system can be made available to a variety of sources for a variety of purposes. In one configuration, pilots of the rocket powered vehicles can be delivered to the virtual tunnel system on an in-panel, heads-up or head mounted display with the objective of providing the pilot with a visual guide inside of which he would be directed to pilot his rocket power aircraft for the purpose of maintaining separation from other vehicles engaged in the race, and for the purpose of flying a race course that is both entertaining for spectators to watch and safe to fly within the performance capabilities of the particular rocket powered vehicles.
In another configuration, the data characterizing the three-dimensional tunnel system may be made available to various display outlets on the ground, for processing and display to a variety of end users. In such a case, the data characterizing the virtual tunnel system can be generated precisely in three dimensional space with a fixed earth reference system. Then, based on the location and orientation of various ground or airborne cameras, the virtual tunnel system may be accurately overlaid in three dimensional space. If the camera angle or location were to change in real time, the manner in which the three-dimensional virtual tunnel system would also be adjusted.
One particular implementation feature of the virtual tunnel system is to preferably use the process of occlusion dynamics to portray the rocket powered vehicles as flying through the virtual rings that comprise the virtual tunnel.
In another configuration, the virtual overlay preferably contains not only the virtual tunnel, but additionally, a virtual bubble around each rocket powered vehicle depicting a safety bubble.
In yet another configuration, the data overlay may contain, in addition to the aforementioned overlay elements, virtual depictions of other rocket powered vehicles, data containing information of position within the race, vehicle performance information, predictive artificial intelligence designed to improve pilot performance, general race information and other artificially generated synthetic objects that tend to improve the race safety posture or deliver enhanced visual entertainment to fans.
The Rangeless Air Racing Maneuvering Instrumentation Network can operate as part of business process leading to revenue generation through rocket racing competition. Such an infrastructure ultimately yields a model where the rocket racing property takes on value as a form of entertainment.
Rocket racing competitions can allow for the generation of revenue from a multitude of traditional sources comprising media (broadcast, theatrical, internet, reality, cartoon, documentary, etc.), sponsorship (races, venues, ships), ticket sales, merchandise (toys, apparel, etc.), land development, video games, and touring exhibitions. Each of these can be enabled and enhanced via the Rangeless Air Racing Maneuvering Instrumentation Network, such as the example Network discussed above and illustrated in
Sponsorships can be a major revenue driver for rocket racing events, rocket racing teams and rocket racing promoters. Rocket racing competitions are expected to attract racing fans of all ages, ranging from 8-year old children enthralled with the idea of spaceflight, to 40-year old car race fans looking for bigger thrills, to 70-year-old grandparents inspired by Sputnik and the Apollo moon landings. Sponsorship opportunities can be available both in exclusive and non-exclusive categories. Sponsors can have the opportunity to be “official” rocket racing sponsors and/or sponsors of individual vehicles. Sponsors can also serve as “race event sponsors,” “racing series sponsors,” and/or could sponsor race awards similar to race car events such as “fastest lap,” “fastest pit stop,” “half way leader,” and “overall series champ,” as examples.
Revenues from sanctioning fees and ticket sales may be generated when promoters pay an annual fee or a portion of ticket sales and race revenues to the owners of the rocket racing competition for the rights to host a sanctioned rocket racing competition event at their facility. In exchange, promoters may recoup their investment and profit from ticket sales, concessions, merchandise, corporate sales, and sponsorship.
Revenues generated from media and broadcast venues may offer a broad range of opportunities to increase awareness about the rocket racing competitions and to drive revenue from the packaging of media comprising, for example, reality television, an animation series, a feature film, an IMAX documentary, dramatic series and broadcast rights to the rocket racing competitive series. The rocket racing competitions may support a media strategy with the production and distribution of a number of DVDs following the race events and series, rocket race vehicle development, and profiles of independent teams/pilots. The rocket racing competition may establish these opportunities as revenue opportunities independently and may also explore “packaged deals” with major producers.
Revenue may be generated through merchandising and licensing of rocket racing competition brands and may serve the market's demand for rocket racing-branded items memorabilia such as hats, t-shirts, posters, bomber jackets, etc. The rocket racing competition may market these offerings both at racing events and through a variety of websites. The rocket racing competition may also license trademark and marketing rights to merchandisers for the production and distribution of toys and other related merchandise.
Revenues may be generated through related rocket racing touring and theme parks. A rocket racing competition tour of major U.S. cities may be instituted where rocket racing fans may be able to see a rocket racing vehicle up-close, meet pilots and enjoy educational initiatives that focus on aviation and aeronautics. The rocket racing competition may pursue theme park sales through offerings such as a rocket racing ride and a rocket racing interactive package comprising film, simulators and games.
Revenues may be generated through gaming. A rocket racing-based video game and flight simulation package may operate on popular platforms such as the X-BOX, GAME CUBE, PLAYSTATION and personal computers (PCs). Video gaming and flight simulators may enable fans and enthusiasts to race their own virtual rocket race vehicles and compete against friends online while learning about aviation and aerospace.
Revenues may be generated through the licensing of intellectual property associated with technologies realized throughout the development and evolution of rocket racing competitions, such as, aircraft designs, navigation systems, fueling capability, and other research and development (R&D) initiatives. This may lead to licensing agreements and the opportunity to sell different applications of the intellectual property.
Revenue may be generated through a variety of other ancillary manners as well. Rocket racing competitions may cause technical developments that may have markets outside of the entertainment industry. NASA and the US Department of Defense may be interested in developments in airframes, engines, electronic systems as well as in navigation and position systems.
Many, if not most, of the revenue sources may benefit significantly from use of a Rangeless Air Racing Maneuvering Instrumentation Network, such as the example Network discussed above. Sponsors may target specific audiences by tailoring messages in the virtual world that makes up a significant element of the rocket racing competition. By manipulating synthetic objects, images or messages and combining with real time video of the rocket competition, sponsors gain a new and unmatched level of flexibility of controlling what they display, when it is displayed and to what selective audience certain information is channeled.
While the present invention has been described in connection with the illustrated embodiments, it may be appreciated and understood that modifications may be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. In particular, the invention may apply to various types of racing competitions, comprising races between vehicles on land, on water, in the air, and/or in outer space. In addition, the invention may apply to manned vehicles (human occupied) and to unmanned vehicles, such as remotely controlled vehicles.
Although the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to these preferred embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and modifications of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover in the appended claims all such modifications and equivalents. The entire disclosures of all references, applications, patents, and publications cited above are hereby incorporated by reference.
This application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/240,638, entitled “Rocket-Powered Vehicle Racing”, to Diamandis et al, filed on Oct. 3, 2005, and the specification and claims thereof are incorporated herein by reference. This application also claims priority to and the benefit of the filing of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/747,856, entitled “Rocket-Powered Vehicle Racing, to Diamandis et al”, filed on May 22, 2006, and the specification and claims thereof are incorporated herein by reference. This application is related in subject matter to commonly-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/843,297 entitled “Spaceship Competition to Diamandis et al”, filed on May 12, 2004. The specification and claims thereof are incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60747856 | May 2006 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 11240638 | Oct 2005 | US |
| Child | 11538014 | Oct 2006 | US |
