Method and apparatus for distributing motion signals in a multi-seat environment

A method for distributing motion signals synchronized with a sequence of images to a plurality of motion platforms, said method comprising:

• providing a network address for each of multiple motion platforms of at least one array, said at least one array being connected to a respective control port of a distribution network hub according to a control protocol, each of the at least one array consisting of a wired connection connecting one to another the multiple motion platforms of said at least one array;
• receiving an input signal containing said motion signal;
• generating, using the motion signal, client motion signal in said control protocol comprising the motion signal and the provided network address, said client motion signals to be provided individually to each motion platforms of said at least one array as a function of the network address;
• and
• receiving, from at least one of the motion platforms of said at least one array, a feedback signal with the network address.

A system for receiving an input signal according to a control protocol and providing motion to a plurality of seats as a function of the input signal, the system comprising:

• a distribution network hub for providing a motion signal synchronized with a sequence of images and indicative of the motion, said hub comprising:
• an input interface for receiving the input signal including said motion signal;
• and
• at least one motion platform interface comprising at least one control port, the at least one control port for actuating each of said seats of the plurality according to said motion signal in a control protocol;
• and
• at least one array of multiple motion platforms each adapted to support at least one seat of the plurality, each of the at least one array consisting of a wired connection connecting the multiple motion platforms of said at least one array one to another, each of said at least one array being connected to a respective one of the at least one control port, each motion platform of said at least one array being connected one to another by a wired connection according to a control protocol to provide the motion to said seats with said motion signal.