Abstract: The apparatus described is computer controlled and includes a visual display system with a triple screen arrangement in front of and on the sides of a driver of a vehicle positioned on a chassis dynamometer. Three projectors project virtual scenic imagery onto the triple screen arrangement which spans at least 180° relative to the driver. The virtual scenic imagery has a progression which is dependent upon the speed of at least one of the drive wheels of the motor vehicle, as controlled by the driver, when the motor vehicle is positioned on rollers of the dynamometer. The apparatus may include a steering sensing arrangement for providing signals of steering actions by the driver, which signals are used to deflect the virtual scenic imagery in synchronism with the steering actions of the driver.

Abstract: A steering sensing apparatus for measuring steering actions of a driver of a motor vehicle for use in an apparatus for simulated driving of the vehicle in which the motor vehicle remains stationary. The apparatus includes two ultrasonic transducers which are mountable relative to a steerable wheel of the vehicle to each transmit an ultrasonic signal to a target location on the steerable wheel, which target locations are on the same side of and equally oppositely spaced from the centre of the steerable wheel along a generally horizontal diametrical line. Each transducer provides an output electrical signal representative of the magnitude of steering movements of the steerable wheel. The signal representative of the steering movements can be used in the apparatus for simulated driving to deflect computer driven virtual scenic imagery to simulate turning of the vehicle in synchronism with the steering actions of the driver.

Abstract: A securing mechanism for attachment to a chassis dynamometer for securing a motor vehicle on the chassis dynamometer, the securing mechanism including a vehicle engaging component which, when the securing mechanism is attached to the chassis dynamometer, is engageable with a vehicle on the dynamometer to thereby secure the vehicle to ensure it remains substantially stationary on the dynamometer, at least one actuator and a load beam for moving the vehicle engaging component in three orthogonal directions and into engagement with the vehicle for securing the vehicle wherein the actuator is for use with a remotely operable control system. The vehicle engaging component may be a pin for engaging hook shaped bracket that is fixed to the vehicle's axle housing of the vehicle.

Abstract: A steering sensing apparatus for measuring steering actions of a driver of a motor vehicle for use in an apparatus for simulated driving of the vehicle in which the motor vehicle remains stationary. The apparatus includes two ultrasonic transducers which are mountable relative to a steerable wheel of the vehicle to each transmit an ultrasonic signal to a target location on the steerable wheel, which target locations are on the same side of and equally oppositely spaced from the centre of the steerable wheel along a generally horizontal diametrical line. Each transducer provides an output electrical signal representative of the magnitude of steering movements of the steerable wheel. The signal representative of the steering movements can be used in the apparatus for simulated driving to deflect computer driven virtual scenic imagery to simulate turning of the vehicle in synchronism with the steering actions of the driver.

Abstract: The apparatus described is computer controlled and includes a visual display system with a triple screen arrangement in front of and on the sides of a driver of a vehicle positioned on a chassis dynamometer. Three projectors project virtual scenic imagery onto the triple screen arrangement which spans at least 180° relative to the driver. The virtual scenic imagery has a progression which is dependent upon the speed of at least one of the drive wheels of the motor vehicle, as controlled by the driver, when the motor vehicle is positioned on rollers of the dynamometer. The apparatus may include a steering sensing arrangement for providing signals of steering actions by the driver, which signals are used to deflect the virtual scenic imagery in synchronism with the steering actions of the driver.

Abstract: A securing mechanism for attachment to a chassis dynamometer for securing a motor vehicle on the chassis dynamometer, the securing mechanism including a vehicle engaging component which, when the securing mechanism is attached to the chassis dynamometer, is engageable with a vehicle on the dynamometer to thereby secure the vehicle to ensure it remains substantially stationary on the dynamometer, at least one actuator and a load beam for moving the vehicle engaging component in three orthogonal directions and into engagement with the vehicle for securing the vehicle wherein the actuator is for use with a remotely operable control system. The vehicle engaging component may be a pin for engaging hook shaped bracket that is fixed to the vehicle's axle housing of the vehicle.