Abstract: According to an embodiment there is provided a method of skill classification comprising receiving data indicative of an activity performed by a person, classifying the type or types of activity performed by the person based on the received data, wherein classifying provides an indication of an activity type or activity types as well as an indication of the confidence that an activity has been classified correctly and classifying a skill level associated with a classified activity or classified activities on the basis of the indication of confidence.

Abstract: The current invention is a driving training tool. The training tool is a combination of a tachometer and speedometer with a stick transmission shifter and pedals. The tachometer and speedometer reflect the input from the pedals and shifter. This can be used by driving schools and learners to practice shifting skills, such as up-shifting, down-shifting, or double-clutching. Each part of the tool can detach for easy storage and folding. The training tool is made of plastic, making it light weight and easy to transport.

Abstract: A method for providing an operator of a vehicle with operating information includes providing at least one predetermined demonstration of the operating information, deciding if one of the at least one predetermined demonstration is desired to be presented to the operator and, if desired, automatically presenting the demonstration to the operator in an operator compartment of the vehicle when the operator is in an operational position.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring device (VMO) in accordance with the invention comprises a microprocessor programmed to simulate a vehicle's powertrain, that is arranged to receive signals from a vehicle's engine management system to produce a real-time simulated model of the vehicle's powertrain operation when the vehicle's actual instantaneous fuel consumption and/or emissions can be accurately predicted during operation of the vehicle and compared with predetermined or calculated performance characteristics for the powertrain under the pertaining conditions in order to display the instantaneous operating conditions in relation to the optimum under any driving condition. The VMO is advantageously arranged to receive the signals from the on-board diagnostics (OBO or OBO-II or equivalent) port. The VMO is preferably programmed so that the performance coefficient is used to calculate the instantaneous and/or cumulative quantity or percentage of fuel wasted as a result of non-optimum operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: Values of a variable affecting the determination of the driver of a shared ride may be calculated. Each value may be associated with a respective potential driver. An optimal value from the calculated values may be selected. A potential driver associated with the selected optimal value may be assigned as the driver of the shared ride. The variable may be carbon emission, electricity consumption, passenger to driver role ratio, driving distance, driving time, vehicle size, fuel efficiency, electricity to gasoline usage ratio, accident occurrence, vehicle safety, vehicle comfort, or vehicle speed. The optimal value may be the lowest value or the highest value from the calculated values. Each value may be calculated based on parameters specified by the respective potential driver.

Abstract: A system for preventing driving skill atrophy comprises a trainer module that determines the driver's current skill level, disables certain automated features based on the determined skill level, and forces the driver to use and hone her driving skills. The system collects data to determine through on-board vehicle sensors how a driver is driving the vehicle. The system then compares the driver's current driving skills with the driver's historical driving skills or the general population's driving skills. Based on the comparison, the system determines whether the driver's skill level is stagnant, improving or deteriorating. If the skill level is improving, for example, the system disables certain automated driving features to give driver more control of the vehicle.

Abstract: A shifter simulator for driver training includes a shaft with a handle affixed to a first end of the shaft and a distal second end of the shaft being interfaced to a shifter mechanism. A first force sensing device is interfaced to the shaft, outputting a value representative of an amount of force applied to the handle in a forward/rearward direction and a second force sensing device is interfaced to the shaft outputting a value representative of an amount of force applied to the handle in a lateral direction.

Abstract: An application for a shifter simulator for driver training includes a shaft with a handle covering an upper end of the shaft. An upper plate is coupled to the shaft and is slideably interfaced to a lower plate by a plurality of linear bearings, allowing the upper plate to slide in a Y direction with respect to the lower plate. There are spring loaded Y ball detents attached to the lower plate which interface to Y detent grooves attached to the upper plate. The spring loaded Y ball detents and Y detent grooves provide a plurality of natural stopping locations similar to those of a transmission of the target vehicle. A shift arm guide is affixed to the shaft and interfaces to an H-gate. The H-gate is affixed to the lower plate and has detents such that the H-gate and shift arm guide simulate gear shifting positions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for a tactile feedback system. The system comprises a transmission indicator having a position, the position adapted to be adjusted by a user, a feedback device coupled to the transmission indicator, the feedback device adapted to produce a vibration in response to a feedback signal, and a control system adapted to detect the position of the transmission indicator and to transmit a feedback signal to the feedback device.

Abstract: A transmission-gear-selection device includes knob means; shaft means coupled to the knob means; and shift means coupled to the shaft means and configured to shift gears for a driving simulator and/or driving game as the knob means and shaft means are manipulated by a user, wherein the knob means and shaft means are configured to be manipulated for gated shifting. Gated shifting includes the simulation of a transmission of a vehicle that is simulated by the driving simulator and/or the driving game.

Abstract: An application for a shifter simulator for driver training includes a shaft with a handle covering an upper end of the shaft. An upper plate is coupled to the shaft and is slideably interfaced to a lower plate by a plurality of linear bearings, allowing the upper plate to slide in a Y direction with respect to the lower plate. There are spring loaded Y ball detents attached to the lower plate which interface to Y detent grooves attached to the upper plate. The spring loaded Y ball detents and Y detent grooves provide a plurality of natural stopping locations similar to those of a transmission of the target vehicle. A shift arm guide is affixed to the shaft and interfaces to an H-gate. The H-gate is affixed to the lower plate and has detents such that the H-gate and shift arm guide simulate gear shifting positions.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein is directed to gear shifting and in particular is related to the field of simulation of gear shifting in a vehicle. The present subject matter proposes a strategic solution to eliminate the challenges experienced in the simulation of conventional gear shifting.

Abstract: A method for determining a driver's driving skill of a vehicle using transmission shift information. The method includes providing an ideal transmission shift map based on throttle position and vehicle speed. The method also includes monitoring an actual transmission shift point performed by the driver and comparing an actual transmission shift point to the transmission shift map to identify a shift-error distance on the map. The method also includes comparing the shift-error distance to a predetermined threshold and classifying the driver's driving skill based on the comparison of the shift-error distance to the threshold.

Abstract: An electronic game includes a housing supporting a pair of handles and a pivotable turn table. A model bulldozer is supported upon the turntable while each handle supports a moveable squeeze activated control lever. A liquid crystal display is positioned upon the housing and includes a miniature bulldozer image element together with a scrolling background image set. A microprocessor control circuit within the game unit responds to the actuation of the control levers to scroll the image display appropriately. A mechanical linkage mechanism coupled to the turntable is operated by the control levers to appropriately pivot the turntable and model bulldozer thereon to further simulate steering of the bulldozer.

Abstract: A dimensionally adjustable vehicle component and/or a simulated entire vehicle includes body panels and vehicle components arranged in a simulated vehicle position and movably mounted on internal support structure for dimensional adjustment in fore/aft, up/down and lateral directions to form a variety of different spatial relationships between the vehicle components. A drive mechanism, typically including a motor and a rotatable drive shaft, is coupled to each dimensionally adjustable vehicle component support structure for adjusting the dimensional position of a selected component via control signals from a central controller. An encoder is coupled to each rotatable shaft output and generates actual travel position information for the controller to determine the actual position of the selected, dimensionally adjusted component.

Abstract: A reconfigurable hardware interface for driving simulators that uses a field programmable gate array for interfacing with driving controls and instruments. The field programmable gate array is interposed between the input/output of the computer system of the driving simulator and the vehicle cab of the driving simulator. This provides convenience in quickly adapting a driving simulator to a particular type of cab and controls, as well as other functions.

Abstract: A reactive ride simulator includes package of sensors along with a telemetry radio transmitter and/or a recorder. This package is carried at a movable remote site, such as aboard an actual vehicle. A radio receiver, or a player for the recorded data from the remote site, is interfaced with a decoder providing a electronic signals which include a replication of the sights, sounds, and motions experienced at the remote site. A motion base is used to provide the accelerations necessary to replicate the G-forces experienced at the remote site, while a cabin on this motion base is associated with audio/visual presentation devices so that a passenger on the reactive ride simulator also receives the audio/visual sensations of being present at the remote site. As a result, the passenger on the reactive ride simulator receives a sensory experience of being at the remote site, or of riding on the actual vehicle, while actually moving only slightly on the motion base.

Abstract: A simulation system which can provide a realistic quasi-experience of operating a conveyance.An output information collecting device 3 is provided with a conveyance model 20 which operates according to the operation information accepted from outside. The conveyance model 20 comprises a television camera 30 which shoots the surrounding scenery and a accelerometer 40 which detects the acceleration. A simulator body 4 is provided with a cockpit device 50, a driving section 70 which changes the cockpit device, and an output section 220 which displays the picture shot by the television camera 30. The cockpit device 50 includes an input section for operating, 60, which accepts the operation information to operate the conveyance model 20. A driving section 70 changes the cockpit device 50 based on the information of acceleration informed by the accelerometer 40.

Abstract: A virtual reality vehicle simulator has a seat for supporting a person in a sitting position. The person wears goggles that present to the person an image of a virtual vehicle, as well as a virtual image of the person's hand and any objects, such as coffee cups, that the person may grasp in his hand. A position sensing system senses the position of a marker that is attached to a marked portion of the person's hand, e.g., the back of the hand. The person may be tasked to manipulate a virtual object, e.g., a virtual pushbutton, with a contact portion of his hand, e.g., the index finger. To calibrate the distance between the marked and contact portions so that a virtual image of the hand accurately may be displayed, a control surface is positioned adjacent the seat such that the person can manipulate the control surface. Based on the manipulation, the distance between the marked and contact portions is determined, thus calibrating the size of the virtual hand to accurately model the person's actual hand.

Abstract: In the simulated steering apparatus, when a steering wheel is turned right or left from its neutral state, a steering reaction force in a direction opposite to the steering direction is transmitted to an operator. A steering shaft that passes through a case and a panel plate is supported rotatably via housings in which are mounted ball bearings. A steering wheel is attached to the front end of the steering shaft, and a powder clutch and an electric motor are located on either side of the steering shaft. An endless output belt is mounted around a coupled pulley that is fitted over the steering shaft, and a drive pulley for the powder clutch, while an endless input belt is mounted around a coupled pulley for the powder clutch and a drive pulley for the electric motor.

Abstract: A motor vehicle has a manual transmission and means for indicating to the operator a point in operation for upshifting to the next higher gear from the present gear. A method of determining the shift point is provided based upon actual operating parameters of the motor vehicle effecting current wheel torque and predicted wheel torque in the next higher gear. Calibration to a single value representing the ratio of predicted wheel torque to current wheel torque allows simple balancing between fuel economy and performance.

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: An apparatus for creating a realistic feel for a simulated gearshift includes a simulated gearshift for a simulated transmission in a simulated vehicle and has a gearshift lever and a simulated shift pattern for simulating the look and movements through an actual shift pattern of an actual gearshift in a actual vehicle. A pivoting mechanical coupling couples the gearshift lever to a housing for allowing the gearshift lever to pivot about at least two axes. A solenoid is coupled to the pivoting mechanism and has a control signal input for receiving a control signal that controls the amount of force applied to the pivoting mechanism to cause resistance to movement by the shift lever along at least one of the axes. A control computer generates to apply an amount of force to the pivoting mechanical coupling which simulates the actual forces which would be felt by said operator in making the corresponding movement of the gearshift in an actual vehicle.

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: An apparatus for creating a realistic feel for a simulated gearshift, comprising a simulated gearshift for a simulated transmission in a simulated vehicle and having a gearshift lever and a simulated shift pattern for simulating the look and movements through an actual shift pattern of an actual gearshift in a vehicle. A pivoting mechanism allows the gearshift lever to pivot about at least two axes. An electrically operable clutch receives a control signal controlling the amount of force applied to the pivoting mechanism to cause resistance to movement by said shift lever along at one of the axes. A positional sensor array generates a signal from which the position of the shift lever in the simulated gearshift pattern may be ascertained. A strain gauge coupled to the gearshift lever senses the degree of strain in the gearshift lever and generates a signal telling whether an operator is pulling or pushing on the gearshift lever and in what direction.

Abstract: A reduced-scale racing apparatus having at least one self-powered, remotely controlled vehicle, and at least one operator's booth containing a control console for operating the vehicle, the vehicle having a wheeled body provided with a first control for controlling the vehicle, a forwardly trained video camera on the body, a rearwardly trained video camera on the body, a transmitter on the body for the wireless transmission of respective signals from the forwardly and rearwardly trained video cameras, and a receiver on the body responsive to wireless signals for operating the first control, while the operator's booth has a housing for containing a driver/operator and the control console, with a second control in the housing for generating wireless signals receivable by the receiver for operating the first control, the housing being further provided with a first video display screen responsive to the transmitted signals from the forwardly trained video camera for displaying the path in front of the vehicle, an

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: A shifting timing indicating system for a vehicle includes a control circuit having an engine rpm sensor for detecting the engine rpm and a rpm comparator which receives the output of the engine rpm sensor and determines whether the engine rpm exceeds a preset value. The control circuit outputs a shift-up signal when the engine rpm exceeds the preset value. A shift-up indicator receives the shift-up signal from the control circuit and makes a shift-up display to direct the operator of the vehicle to shift up. An acceleration detecting circuit detects the rate of increase in engine load and the shift-up indicator is inhibited from making the shift-up display for a predetermined time interval which is extended with increase in the rate of increase in engine load.

Abstract: An optimum shift timing indicating device for a vehicle includes: a speed sensor for detecting a rotational speed of an engine or a running speed of the vehicle; a load sensor for detecting an engine load; a data processing device having a data map or maps fewer in number than gear positions of the vehicle transmission, said data map or maps having a set shift-up region and/or shift-down region selected in accordance with the rotational speed of the engine or the running speed of the vehicle and the engine load, for emitting a shift-up instruction signal and/or a shift-down instruction signal in accordance with the rotational speed of the engine or the running speed of the vehicle and the engine load; and a shift instructing device for giving a driver a shift-up instruction and/or a shift-down instruction in response to an output from said data processing device; so that instruction about the optimum shift timing can be given to the driver with the use of only a small memory capacity.

Abstract: A shift indication apparatus having an engine rotation sensor, a throttle valve sensor, and a shift position sensor, a microcomputer having a ROM and RAM for storing data corresponding to the engine speed, throttle valve openings, and the shift positions therein, and an indicator for indicating preferable shift positions to be performed by a driver in which a torque data map and a fuel consumption rate data map have stored in the ROM for calculating various torque and fuel consumption rates so as to obtain preferable shift positions relating to optimum fuel consumption rate in accordance with said data detected. With this construction, it becomes possible for a driver to run his car in accordance with the indications of the shift operation on the indicator so as to enable the economical running of the car to be realized.

Abstract: A shift-up indicating system for manual speed change gears of an automobile transmission wherein preset values are respectively provided for the speed of the automobile, the engine speed of the engine and the vacuum pressure of the engine to determine a region of running conditions which can provide a good fuel consumption for every shift position of the speed change gears such that when a driver selects one of the predetermined gear positions of the speed change gears, if the condition of fuel consumption is brought out of the determined region, then an indication is given to the driver by an illuminating indicator to thereby urge the driver to shift up the speed change gears to a higher gear.

Abstract: Driving aid apparatus for use with a motor vehicle having a manual gearshift transmission and clutch, and providing the driver with guidance for the correct upshift or downshift timing which can contribute to fuel savings and less mechanical abuse of the vehicle's drive train. The exact upshift or downshift indication is computed from engine speed, gear combination, engine loading, and other influential factors including engine temperature, vehicle speed, vehicle loading, and transmission temperature. The driver is provided with a manual adjustment, in the form of a dashboard mounted control, which enables the selection of driving conditions which best suit the driver's individual needs. Through this adjustable control, the driver can establish a shift timing sequence which leads to maximum fuel economy, or alternatively he can optimize the vehicle's performance in the sense of acceleration and speed.

Abstract: A device for producing a shift instruction has three threshold switches (6, 7, 12) which are dependent on the rpm (speed of rotation). The first threshold shift (6) is connected via an AND gate (5) to an upshift signal indicator (9). This AND gate is conductive only when the gas pedal (1) is depressed less than 20% and the speed threshold of the first threshold transmitter (6) is reached. If the gas pedal (1) is depressed further, the upshift signal indicator (9) only lights up when the speed threshold of the third threshold switch, namely the maximum permissible speed of rotation is reached. The downshift signal indicator (11) lights up when the speed of rotation of the engine drops below the threshold of the second threshold switch (7). By this development shift instructions are given which sufficiently take into account the engine power of the vehicle without the necessity of measuring this engine power.

Abstract: A device for simulating a ride of a road. The device comprises several range wedge generators, each of which generate two rows of spots on the screen of the monitor, meeting at the horizon and being symmetrical to the middle of the road; ceiling area pair generators, plate area pair generators, wall area pair generators for the representation of equidistant rectangular or nearly rectangular areas in the road picture; control devices for these area pair generators; random access memories which store the abscissas of these areas; rectangle generators; a write-read memory storing the abscissas of the middle of the road, line select signals and rectangle coordinates; a digital computer for the computation of the horizontal and vertical movement of the road picture; and a column-and-line-generator, several multipliers, a generator for select pulses, an object coordinate computer, and a partner behavior computer.

Abstract: A vehicle performance sensor that monitors the operation of a vehicle and provides a shift point indicator to inform the vehicle operator when to shift the transmission. When the rotational output from the vehicle torque converter is not within the desired operating range of the transmission gearing, a signal will be generated to notify the operator by a visual indication that the transmission should be shifted and which gear should be selected.

Abstract: For use in combination with "crash type" non-synchronous gear boxes, a gear ratio indicator which not only calculates actual ratio of transmission input shaft speed to output shaft speed, but also compares this determined ratio to the various available gear ratios within the transmission. The actual or determined ratio of input to output speed is then displayed in terms of the available gear ratios so that the operator is provided information as to the precise moment for engaging the transmission and also information as to which gear to engage.