Abstract: A system and method for providing online incentive programs that allows participants in the programs to access hierarchical reports detailing the current status of the incentive programs. The incentive programs include means to restrict access to the various hierarchical reports to prevent the different levels of management from accessing information relating to higher levels of management. Participants may therefore monitor their performance, as well as the performance of those individuals who are under their control.

Abstract: A computer system is configured to administer a psychological profiling test to a participant in a driver education program, or receive such profile from another source; to determine the participant's psychological profile. The system then selects a driver education program for the participant based on the profile. The system also selects a method of delivering the curriculum to the participant based on the profile. The system further selects a method of testing the participant's comprehension and retention of the curriculum material, also based on the profile. The system delivers the selected curriculum to the participant using the selected delivery method, verifies attendance or participation, and tests the participant's comprehension and retention of the curriculum material using the selected testing method.

Abstract: Safety driving evaluation systems, methods, and programs count a frequency of a braking operation of a vehicle and determine whether each braking operation is a sudden braking operation. The systems, methods, and programs calculate a sudden braking percentage. The systems, methods, and programs determine whether a vehicle deceleration frequency is low for a road where the sudden braking occurred, and correct the sudden braking percentage to a higher value if the vehicle deceleration frequency is determined as low. The systems, methods, and programs acquire evaluation information based on the sudden braking percentage.

Abstract: In a driver training program, a manager conducts an observation drive with a program participant. During the observation drive, the manager observes the participant's driving without commenting on the driving. The manager discusses the observations with the participant during the conference, and provides reports to appropriate departments of the company, e.g., human resources, benefits, and fleet maintenance departments. Based on the manager's observations during the observation drive and other information regarding driving skills of the participant, a driver training curriculum is designed for the participant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods of integrating driving simulators, data acquisition systems such as, for example, event data recorders, and/or vehicles, as well as to methods of training or providing instruction to drivers using driving simulators, data acquisition systems and/or vehicles.

Abstract: A driving game, wherein players having various driving skills—from beginners to those advanced—may enjoy both aspects of amusement and simulation in consistency. The game device of the present invention has an element for providing to a player a plurality of different movement modes upon moving the vehicle along a traveling line. Upon selection of a desired movement mode, a vehicle-driving game relating to the driving mode selected by the player is executed. Included in this plurality of driving modes are an assist mode in which auto-brake control is performed and a training mode in which various indications, such as the timing of the braking point, are given.

Abstract: A system and method for computerized competition useful for rewarding a player. The system and method may be utilized in arcade games, personal computer games, dedicated video games, networked games, and simulators. The method may include selecting a target reward level or threshold such as by selecting a score from a list of past scores, and dynamically adjusting the reward level according to the ability of the players of the system. The method may further include adjusting the playback of a previous competition sequence according to the adjusted reward level. In one embodiment, a previous vehicle race sequence is stored and played back as a ghost or phantom vehicle simultaneously with a present vehicle of a player.

Abstract: The subject invention comprises an area that is structured to hold one or more obstacles zones for the maneuvering of motor vehicles through an obstacle or series of obstacles, all requiring skill in the operation of a particular vehicle, with the obstacle zones having a plurality of contact members that are intended to be avoided by the vehicle operator while driving through a particular obstacle zone, which contact members are adapted to sense a vehicle impact that are capable of registering such contact or contacts in order that a score can be attributed to a given rider's relative skill in the drive through such obstacle course.

Abstract: A simulator system including a first agent, at least one second agent and a position server. The first agent represents a first simulated body and each of the second agents represent second simulated bodies. The first agent includes position and orientation information of the first simulated body and is adapted to update the position and orientation information of the first simulated body based on a first set of predetermined control routines and to produce a first output signal indicative thereof. Each of the second agents calculate and recalculate position and orientation information of a respective second simulated body and are adapted to update the position and orientation information of the respective second simulated body based on a predetermined set of control routines and to produce a second output signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: A system and method for providing driver training and education particularly targeted towards teenage drivers. A system and method focus on six major areas that address both driving and lifestyle skills. The six major areas are i) lifestyle, ii) risk and benefit perception, iii) visual search, iv) speed adjustment, v) space management and vi) hazard recognition. The invention is directed to post licensing training and education. Content is embedded in a multi-faceted instructional framework using contemporary learning methods that work with teens using multi-media technologies and integrated and realistic subject matter utilizing three main components, namely workout sessions, computer based training (CBT) and parent-teen activity. The invented system and method encourages and enlists participation of the parents who are recognized as key agents in the development of safe driving practices. There is an ongoing assessment, which provides feedback for remediation.

Abstract: An image display processor displays a real-time three-dimensional image including a player's automobile, a plurality of general automobiles, and a course established in a game space on a display monitor. A driving control assembly is operated by a player to instruct the player's automobile to run on the course. A player's automobile control unit controls the player's automobile to run on the course in response to instructions from the driving control assembly. A rank decision unit ranks the player's automobile using a parameter relative to a skill of the player while the player's automobile is running on the course. The rank decision unit detects whether the player's automobile passes or is passed by one of the general automobiles, and varies the value of the parameter based on the detection of the player's automobile passing or being passed by one of the general automobiles.

Abstract: A system for testing and evaluating driver situational awareness incorporates a device for displaying road and traffic images to a subject being tested, road and traffic image data for simulating operation of a vehicle to be outputted on the display device, instruction data to be outputted at least on the display device, input devices for inputting response data from the test subject in response to road and traffic image data generated on the display means, and a control device for controlling the operation of the system. The control device incorporates a vision test component for conducting a vision test of the subject and a driving reaction test component for conducting a driving reaction test of the subject.

Abstract: This invention enables a bandwidth efficient computer simulation of sustained contact between objects. When an object comes into sustained contact with a second object, it will communicate to the second object a transfer function describing the contact, and vice-versa. The transfer function enables the objects to simulate the sustained contact for as long as the contact continues, eliminating any need for further network communication between the objects regarding the state of the contact until the contact terminates.

Abstract: A driver training system for a user of a simulated vehicle. The system includes input devices for controlling the simulated vehicle, a video display having three-dimensional graphics, modeling software for determining position information based on the input devices, and recursive training software to display a previous route through an environment simultaneously with a present route through the environment. The user then incrementally and recursively maximizes parameters associated with vehicle operation skill. In addition, a present user may compete with one or more previous users by having previously recorded routes played back on the video display simultaneously with the route of the present user. The driver training system may be embodied as an arcade game.

Abstract: A vehicle simulator containing a system for development of vehicle simulation scenarios. The vehicle simulation system includes simulated vehicle controls providing input signals to a computer, and feedback devices, including a video display, providing a user feedback on the operation and location of the simulated vehicle as it is driven through a simulated universe. One aspect of the invention is a scenario development system which uses the vehicle controls, the computer and the output devices to enable a scenario developer develop a simulation scenario which includes other programmed vehicles. The scenario developer can determine when and where the other programmed vehicles become active in a simulated universe in which the scenario takes place, as well as determine when and where the programmed vehicles leave the simulated universe.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting the degree of the operation of the accelerator in an automobile is provided and the display apparatus for expanding shrinking the display detection of the sensor is provided in the automobile so that the display apparatus can be observed from the outside. Apparatus for detecting the number of rotation of engine and the depressing degree of the brake pedal also provided. The number of the engine and the depressing degree of the brake pedal as well as operation degree of the accelerator pedal is displayed inside the car and outside the car by using the light emitting display apparatus. Apparatus for detecting the running speed of vehicle and the apparatus for detecting the acceleration and the deceleration of the vehicle are provided a plurality of different meaningful of character strings are displayed outside the vehicle in accordance with the detection status of the detecting apparatus to that the running status of the automobile is displayed.

Abstract: A driver training system for a user of a simulated vehicle. The system includes input devices for controlling the simulated vehicle, a video display having three dimensional graphics, a computer, modeling software for determining position information based on the input devices, atmospheric effects software to simulate time-of-day and weather conditions, and realistic operating feedback software for simulating on the input devices the feedback normally experienced with operating the vehicle. One aspect of the preferred embodiment is a system including a low frequency speaker mounted on an enclosure adjacent to the simulation user's seat through which road feel cues such as hitting an object are transmitted to the user in response to signals received from the computer. Another aspect of the invention is the a system for simulating the feel to the user of anti-lock brakes on a brake pedal in response to signals received the computer.

Abstract: A driver training system for a user of a simulated vehicle. The system includes input devices for controlling the simulated vehicle, a video display having three-dimensional graphics, modeling software for determining position information based on the input devices, atmospheric effects software to simulate time-of-day and weather conditions, and recursive training software to display a previous route through an environment simultaneously with a present route through the environment together with associated performance data. Another aspect of the recursive training software replays either the previous route or present route and controls one of the input devices to provide "hands-on" feedback to the user. The user then incrementally and recursively maximizes parameters associated with vehicle operation skill. The driver training system may be embodied as a vehicle simulator.

Abstract: A new realistic, inexpensive, adaptable, and portable driver education method that mimics the effects of intoxication in the participants through utilization of a simplified optics device in the form of specialized eyeglasses having binocular, manually-spinnable fresnel prism lenses is provided. The spinnable optics device simulates most of the toxic effects on the central nervous system which are induced by excess alcohol and/or drugs of abuse, resulting in distorted vision and spatial disorientation in the wearer. The driver education method involves the participants wearing the specialized eyeglasses while performing various ambulatory end non-ambulatory tasks.

Abstract: A driver training system for a user of a simulated vehicle. The system includes input devices for controlling the simulated vehicle, a video display having three-dimensional graphics, modeling software for determining position information based on the input devices, and recursive training software to display a previous route through an environment simultaneously with a present route through the environment. The user then incrementally and recursively maximizes parameters associated with vehicle operation skill. In addition, a present user may compete with one or more previous users by having previously recorded routes played back on the video display simultaneously with the route of the present user. The driver training system may be embodied as an arcade game.

Abstract: A method of programming a vehicle simulator to provide an operator of the simulator with exertional and vibrational responses substantially the same as the driver of an actual vehicle would experience when driving the vehicle has been provided. The simulator comprises a frame supporting a vehicle seat from which the operator operates a gear shift, an accelerator pedal, brake pedal, clutch pedal and steering wheel. Inflatable pods are provided under each corner of the simulator to simulate road conditions and turning of the vehicle by selectively deflating them. Each of these controls selectively provides one or more signals to a programmed logic controller (PLC) which provides suitable signals to devices for controlling movement of the simulator to closely simulate movement of a vehicle under similar circumstances. The simulator can be used to determine the tolerance level of a person to the exertional and vibrational levels of a simulated vehicle over a given time period.

Abstract: A driver training system for a user of a simulated vehicle. The system includes input devices for controlling the simulated vehicle, a video display having three-dimensional graphics, modeling software for determining position information based on the input devices, and recursive training software to display a previous route through an environment simultaneously with a present route through the environment. The user then incrementally and recursively maximizes parameters associated with vehicle operation skill. The driver training system may be embodied as an arcade game.

Abstract: A testing method and apparatus for determining the reaction time of machine operators, especially drivers of automotive vehicles. A series of images are projected onto a viewing screen to be observed by a student at a student station. The images comprise one or more visual depictions of various operating conditions, including non-threatening and threatening conditions. After presenting a sequence of non-threatening conditions images, an "action cue image" representing a threatening condition is projected. The elapsed time between the projection of the action cue image and the initiation of the required response of the student is measured to derive the student's reaction time, in terms of seconds or distance traveled at a specified speed.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive control device for a simulated vehicle in a video game or simulator. In the preferred embodiment a brake pedal control device is implemented having a strain gauge which senses the strain in the material of the brake pedal. This strain is amplified by a differential amplifier having a self-adjusting input circuit with a long time constant which causes any variations in the input voltage not due to changing strain on the brake pedal to be applied to both inputs of a differential amplifier in common mode, thereby cancelling the effect thereof. Only voltage differences resulting from variations in the strain on the brake pedal are amplified by the differential amplifier and output for use by the video game or simulator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simulating the forces acting on the steering wheel or other control device of a vehicle. The apparatus uses an electrical motor coupled to a steering wheel in the preferred embodiment. The electrical motor is driven by a computer running software which received data regarding the real world forces which would be acting upon a real steering wheel in a car under similar conditions. A software driver coupled to a position-sensing transducer on the steering wheel calculates the steering wheel position and velocity and sends this data to a model process not forming part of the invention. The model process then calculates the conditions affecting the simulated vehicle and outputs data reflecting the real world forces which would affect the steering wheel of the actual car under similar conditions.

Abstract: A real time video data acquisition system is provided in accordance with the teachings of the present invention wherein one or more blocks of data is stored in serial form on one horizontal scan line of a video picture. Each block of data may consist of a synchronizing word followed by a plurality of data words in the form of an array of digitized analog samples. The data words in eahc block may represent multiplexed data from several measurement instruments or data from a single measurement instrument sampled at a high rate. The video information is presented in remaining horizontal scan lines and audio information is presented in the conventional manner of a video system. Each block of data may be updated once per video field, the data being stored synchronously with a record/recovery clock whose frequency and phase are controlled by the video signal. The invention thus presents, in real time, video and audio information together with data measured.

Abstract: Training in the operation of moving vehicles is provided by an operating station comprising a steering wheel and a television monitor screen placed in front of the trainee driver. Theoretical steering control operations performed by a model driver on a previously recorded moving road landscape are used for producing the images of the road landscape as it moves in front of the trainee driver's control station. Steering errors made by the trainee driver are determined by comparison between the steering control operations performed by the trainee driver and the previously recorded model-driver steering control operations. Displacement of the images with respect to the television monitor screen is produced as a function of the trainee driver' s steering errors.

Abstract: An automotive driving instruction system which comprises a plurality of sensors including a vehicle speed sensor etc. mounted at various parts of the automobile, a computer for reading the outputs of the sensors for calculating the driving conditions of the automobile, and a replaceable external memory unit. The computer calculates a plurality of values representing the driving conditions of the automobile on the basis of the outputs of the sensors, and controls to generate an alarm when any of the values thus calculated becomes to corresponding one of a plurality of predetermined values. Also, the accumulated value of the alarms and the respective accumulated values of the alarms for each of causes of alarming are stored in the external memory unit. At the end of a driving, the external memory unit is demounted, so that any habits of the driver is determined from the data stored in the external memory unit to contribute to the correction thereof.

Abstract: A system (10) for the administration of driver's tests and similar standardized tests has a computer control unit (12). A cathode ray tube (CRT) or other display (14) is connected to the computer control unit (12) by line (15). The display (14) includes at least a numeric input keyboard (16) connected to the remainder of the display by line (17). A camera or other portrait image registering device (18) is connected to the computer control unit (12) by line (20). A fingerprint image registering device (22) is connected to the computer control unit (12) by line (24). At least the display (14), the portrait image registering device (18) and the fingerprint image registering device (22) are located in a booth (30) having a door (32). A switch or other detector (34) for an open door (32) prevents a test from being administered or continuing as long as the door (32) is open. A vision testing device (38) is connected to the computer control unit (12) by line (40).

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a device such as a motor vehicle in which a signal representing a manually controlled function is compared with a function signal, and the manually controlled signal is then modified in accordance with the function signal. The function signal is developed by analyzing human functions of the operator, environmental conditions, and vehicle conditions, etc.