Mobile automobile safety simulator

Abstract

A mobile automobile safety simulation system enables a passenger to assess and improve a driver's skills in real time using wireless sensor devices and a connected mobile application. The system includes a mobile device running a simulation app, a wireless steering wheel with motion sensors, and wireless pedals with pressure sensors. The mobile device communicates with the vehicle's infotainment system via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to access live video feeds and mapping data. The application analyzes sensor and video input to evaluate steering, braking, and driving performance, generating real-time feedback and performance reports. Driver profiles and results can be stored or transmitted to a parent, instructor, or supervisor.

Description

MOBILE AUTOMOBILE SAFETY SIMULATORBACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONField of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates generally to driving simulators and, more particularly, to an automobile safety simulation system that enables a passenger to assess and develop driving skills of the driver in real time using connected wireless sensor devices and software integrated with the vehicle’s infotainment system.Description of the Related Art

[0002] Driver training has traditionally been conducted through a combination of in-class education, virtual driving simulators, and supervised road experience. While effective, these methods do not provide real-time, dynamic assessments of driver performance. With the advancement of automotive infotainment systems, sensors, and mobile technology, new opportunities exist to provide real-time driving simulations and assessments from within the vehicle itself.

[0003] The Mobile Automobile Safety Simulator (M.A.S.S.) seeks to address this need by providing a system that allows a passenger, such as a driving instructor or parent, to assess the driver’s skills in real-time. Using a combination of wireless steering wheel and pedal accessories equipped with sensors, a smart device application, and integration with a vehicle’s infotainment system, M.A.S.S. provides an interactive and adaptive training platform for drivers.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a mobile automobile safety system that allows a person seated in the passenger seat of a vehicle to simulate a driving experience in real time.

[0005] The present invention meets these objects by providing a mobile automobile safety system that consists of several interconnected components designed to facilitate real-time driving simulations. The key components of the system include:

[0006] Mobile Application (M.A.S.S. App): An application installed on a smart device (phone or tablet) that serves as the central processing and control hub. The app tracks and analyzes data from connected devices, provides visual and audio feedback to users, and stores driver performance metrics.

[0007] Wireless Steering Wheel and Pedals: These components feature embedded sensors to detect and measure the user's inputs. They are wirelessly connected to the M.A.S.S. app via Bluetooth and / or Wi-Fi.

[0008] Vehicle Infotainment System Integration: The system connects to the vehicle’s infotainment system to utilize the existing cameras, GPS, Google Earth / Maps, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). It syncs with the smart device and enables the use of live video feeds to track road conditions, driver behavior, and skill performance.

[0009] Sensor-Based Assessment System: The system utilizes input from the wireless steering wheel, pedals, and vehicle sensors to evaluate the driver's performance. The assessment includes steering precision, braking response time, and other key driving skills.

[0010] Data Storage and Sharing: The M.A.S.S. system stores driver profiles and performance data, which can be shared with a parent, supervisor, or instructor through email or the app’s sharing features. Up to five player profiles can be stored on the system at a time.

[0011] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a mobile automobile safety simulator system comprising a wireless steering wheel having embedded motion sensors to track steering input; a wireless brake and gas pedal system with pressure sensors to track foot input; a mobile application running on a smart device, configured to receive data from the steering wheel and the pedal system; a connection to the vehicle’s infotainment system for access to live video feeds and ADAS features; and a processing system that evaluates and scores driver performance in real time based on sensor and video data.

[0012] The mobile application provides a live video feed of the road ahead and records driving performance for review. Multiple player profiles may be stored by the system, allowing for the tracking of individual driver progress and performance. The system is capable of transmitting performance reports to a registered parental email or other supervisory system. The system may incorporate Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity to pair the wireless steering wheel, pedals, and smart device.

[0013] According to a further aspect of the invention, there is provided a mobile automobile safety simulator system comprising: a mobile computing device configured to execute a driving simulation application; a wireless steering wheel input device having motion sensors and accelerometers for detecting steering movements; a wireless pedal input device including at least a brake pedal and an accelerator pedal each having pressure sensors to detect foot input; a vehicle infotainment system communicatively coupled to the mobile computing device via wireless connection; a video capture subsystem including a camera of the mobile computingdevice and one or more vehicle-mounted cameras integrated with the infotainment system; and a processor configured to receive sensor data from the steering wheel input device, the pedal input device, and video data from the cameras to evaluate driver performance, generate skill ratings, and output a performance report through the mobile computing device.

[0014] The system processor may generate a skill rating based on steering precision, braking response time, and adherence to lane position. The mobile computing device application may synchronize with third-party mapping services to provide simulated navigation routes and realtime environmental data. The vehicle infotainment system may provide live video feed integration using both the infotainment system cameras and the mobile device camera. The wireless connection between the steering wheel input device, pedal input device, and mobile computing device may be established using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi communication protocols.

[0015] The simulation application may store multiple user profdes each containing driver performance data, recorded videos, and progress reports. The mobile application may transmit driver performance data to a parent, supervisor, or instructor via email or cloud service. The infotainment system may include gesture recognition sensors, proximity sensors, and camera sensors for detecting driver and environmental conditions.

[0016] The system may further comprise a mobile device holder mounted on a vehicle dashboard to align the mobile device camera toward the vehicle’s windshield for live road video capture. The mobile application may generate real-time driving skill games or testing scenarios based on previously recorded driver weaknesses. The mobile application may integrate voice control functionality to allow hands-free operation of the simulator system.

[0017] The infotainment system and mobile device may be configured to synchronize third party user accounts for data sharing and live environment simulation. The mobile applicationmay include a parental control feature that limits access to stored driver data or restricts simulation use during active vehicle motion. The mobile device may record and store real-time video and sensor data locally and optionally uploads the data to a cloud server for remote analysis.

[0018] These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a review of the following drawings and detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] The present invention can best be understood in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown in the drawings, in which:

[0020] FIG. 1 is a diagram of the component parts of a mobile automobile safety system according to a presently preferred embodiment of the invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principles of the embodiments described herein, reference is now made to the drawings and descriptions in the following written specification. No limitation to the scope of the subject matter is intended by the references. This disclosure also includes any alterations and modifications to the illustrated embodiments and includes further applications of the principles of the described embodiments as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which this document pertains.

[0022] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary mobile automobile safety simulator 10. The simulator 10 includes a mobile computing device 20, a vehicle infotainment system 30, a steering wheel input device 40, and a pedal input device 50. The mobile device 20, infotainment system 30, steering wheel input device 40 and pedal input device 50 are configured to communicate wirelessly with one another. The wireless connection can be made through common connection methods currently known, including, but not limited to WiFi, Bluetooth and cellular. A user interacts with the steering wheel input device 40 and pedal input device 50 which communicate information regarding the user’s movements to the mobile device 10 and / or infotainment system 30. The user may be a vehicle passenger and is typically a front seat passenger in the vehicle who has a clear view of the surroundings through the front windshield of the vehicle similar to the view of the driver.

[0023] The mobile device 20 includes a display 22 configured to provide graphical and textual images to the user. The mobile device 20 may further include a processor 24 configured to fetch instructions from a computer-readable medium and execute the instructions. The processor 24 may be connectable to the display 22 and may execute instructions that cause images to be rendered on the display 22. The mobile device may further include a camera configured to capture images that are received and processed by the processor 24 for rendering on the display 22. The mobile device 20 may include a communication port (USB) for connecting to the vehicle’s infotainment system 30. Alternatively, the mobile device 20 may connect to the infotainment system 30 via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

[0024] The mobile device 20 may be removably held in a mobile device holder 60. The mobile device holder 60 may removably mounted on the dashboard 70 of the vehicle such that the lens of the camera 26 is pointed toward the front of the vehicle through the windshield and thedisplay 22 is facing the user, enabling hands-free operation and a clear display of feedback from the app.

[0025] The infotainment system 30 is typically integrated into the vehicle being driven and includes a display 31, control unit 32, head unit 33, operating controls 34, sensors 35, and connectivity modules 36. The display 31 may be a high-resolution screen that's typically a touchscreen but can also be operated with a joystick or wheel. The screen typically shows visual displays for the radio, navigation, A / C and other vehicle functions. The control unit 32 comprises central hardware that includes a CPU and RAM modules. It also may include a GPS receiver for navigation. The head unit 33 is the main operating unit that has buttons for entertainment, navigation, settings, and more. Operating controls 34 including buttons, knobs, rotary or pressure switches, touch screens, and steering wheel buttons are provided to allow a user to operate the system. Sensors 35 including proximity sensors 35a, gesture recognition sensors 35b, and camera sensors 35c may be provided to communicate information about the surroundings to the system. One or more connectivity modules 36 (e g. Bluetooth module 36a, USB module 36b, WiFi module 36c) may be provided to communicate (wireless or wired) with other devices such as the mobile device 20, steering wheel 40 and pedals 50 by typical wireless communication methods (GPS, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth). The infotainment system 30 may further include advanced vehicular functions (parking assistance, daytime running lights, and climate control), and voice controls that allow a driver / user to use IVI features while keeping his / her hands on the wheel and eyes on the road.

[0026] The steering wheel input device 40 is a portable, wireless steering wheel with motion sensors and accelerometers to capture data on steering input, rotations, and smoothness of handling. The steering wheel input device 40 may further include a gear shift, directional lightlevers or buttons, headlight controls, windshield wipers controls, mirror selection controls, cruise control or the like. Driving Force-Wheel rotation capabilities 900 degree rotation. The steering wheel input device 40 may include a battery charging port (USB) for connecting to the vehicle’s infotainment system 30 for communication and / or charging the batteries of the steering wheel input device 40. Preferably, the steering wheel input device 40 may connect to the mobile device 20 and / or infotainment system 30 via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

[0027] The pedal input device 50 is portable and includes a gas pedal 52 and a brake pedal 54.The pedals 52, 54 include pressure sensors to measure the timing and intensity of the user's responses. The pedals 52, 54 also have adjustable faces. The pedal input device 50 may further include a third pedal (not shown) to simulate a clutch pedal used in vehicles with a manual transmission. Separate input devices may also be utilized that provide these controls. Additional controls such as an emergency brake, radio controls, or the like may also be included. The pedal input device 50 may include a battery charging port (USB) for connecting to the vehicle’s infotainment system 30 for communication and / or charging the batteries of the pedal input device 50. Preferably, the pedal input device 50 may connect to the mobile device 20 and / or infotainment system 30 via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.

[0028] The mobile automobile safety system operates as an interactive driving simulation tool. The system allows a passenger to track, assess, and improve the driving skills of a driver in real time. The passenger operates the mobile automobile safety system mobile application on the mobile device 20, which is connected to the vehicle’s infotainment system 30 and the wireless steering wheel 40 and pedals 50. Through real-time video and sensor data, the system captures, processes, and stores performance metrics on the driver’s ability to steer, brake, and navigate road conditions.

[0029] In operation, the user uses the steering wheel input device 40 and the pedal input device 50 to simulate driving a vehicle while the user is sitting in the passenger seat of the vehicle. The input devices 40 and 50 provide signals to the mobile device 20 indicating their movement or position, broadly referred to as “use” by the user. The processor 24 associated with the mobile device 20 uses the signals to modify the simulated driving environment, including a simulated vehicle, displayed on the display 60. For example, if the user 58 turns the steering wheel input device 54 to the left, the simulated vehicle in the simulated driving environment moves toward the left, as would an actual vehicle.

[0030] The simulator will track the user’s real time movements and driving skill level by using the motion sensored steering wheel 40 and foot pedal controls 50 synced with the vehicle’s infotainment center 30. With both the steering wheel 40 and foot pedal controls 50 connected to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, via the mobile automobile safety system app on the mobile device 20, the system has access to other third-party services and applications including but not limited to Google Earth / Maps live street view. The connection to these third-party apps aids the mobile automobile safety system software in tracking real time road conditions and creating skill level ratings of passenger driver results to be analyzed and recorded accurately.

[0031] The mobile automobile safety system has access to real time videos being recorded through the camera 26 on the mobile device 20 and the mobile auto safety system app located on the mobile device 20. The live feed is displayed in the app and stored for playback and analysis. The mobile device 20 and app can be synced to the camera(s) 35a in the cars infotainment system 30 thru Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Once paired, the user turns on the live video feed by pressing a button on the steering wheel 40, which causes the mobile device camera 26 and vehicle infotainment system camera(s) 35a to sync and begin assisting the mobile automobilesafety system software in ranking the safety of the user / operator by calculating the two live feed cameras paired with the wheel and brake accessories. The vehicle’s infotainment system 30, and the components thereof (e.g. proximity sensor 35a, gesture sensor 35b, camera(s) 35c) and the mobile device 20 may be connected to WiFi or Bluetooth, or both. By connecting to WiFi, the mobile device 20 and / or infotainment system 30 can receive accurate road conditions, making an individualized experience and skill rankings for each profded driver / player. The skills and level modifier will provide the results and create driving games or testing scenarios based on passenger's strengths / weaknesses with the proper driving techniques, (including BMV driving standards), and testing scenarios.

[0032] Many third-party apps such as Google apps and services are built into the infotainment system 30 of modern vehicles, providing services such as Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play. A user / operator need only sign into his / her Google account in the vehicle linked to the profile used in the mobile auto safety system app on the mobile device 20. Other apps / systems that are available as a part of the vehicle infotainment system may include Apple Car Play, Android Auto & a Wi-Fi connected sendee plan. Either a Wi-Fi data plan, or hot-spot compatibility is required to connect. When using Google in particular, the user must set up the same Google Account in both the control settings of the vehicle infotainment system 30 and the handheld smart phone device 20 for the two to sync. Bluetooth must be scanned and connected to both devices for audio and video to record and document skill level.

[0033] Once the user has downloaded the mobile automobile safety system app, he / she will need to set up a user profile. The application is capable of storing multiple user profiles to track the performance of multiple users / drivers in training. According to a presently preferred embodiment, the system may hold and store data for up to five (5) users. Once the user profile(s)is set up, Bluetooth capabilities must be enabled under settings / connections / Bluetooth / scan / select device. For each user, the app may record and store individual driving data / scores, performance history, and progress reports. Video and performance data are recorded and stored locally on the smart device, and reports can be sent to registered email addresses or uploaded to a cloud storage system for backup.

[0034] The vehicle may then be started. It must be in park for controls to connect / function correctly for user safety. The user then need only follow the on-screen instructions to set up the infotainment system 30 and link it to the account on the mobile automobile safety system app. The user must allow access to Bluetooth audio-system and connect a Bluetooth-capable device by pressing the Media Button until Audio is selected. Once the Bluetooth audio appears the devices are connected.

[0035] The mobile automobile safety system application also includes sharing capabilities for parents / supervisors to view skill rankings and live feed. This feature can be set up and linked to a parent email. Parents can link their email accounts to the system to receive live updates and driving reports of their child’s performance.

[0036] The system measures driving proficiency in several areas, such as turning, braking, lane discipline, and response to road conditions. Skill ratings are calculated based on input from sensors in the steering wheel 40 and pedals 50, as well as video and sensor data from the infotainment system 30 and / or mobile device 20.

[0037] This detailed description, and particularly the specific details of the exemplary embodiment disclosed, is given primarily for clearness of understanding and no unnecessary limitations are to be understood therefrom, for modifications will become evident to those skilledin the art upon reading this disclosure and may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention.

Claims

CLAIMSaim:

1. A mobile automobile safety simulator system comprising:a wireless steering wheel having embedded motion sensors to track steering input;a wireless brake and gas pedal system with pressure sensors to track foot input;a mobile application running on a smart device, configured to receive data from the steering wheel and the pedal system;a connection to the vehicle’s infotainment system for access to live video feeds and ADAS features; anda processing system that evaluates and scores driver performance in real time based on sensor and video data.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the mobile application provides a live video feed of the road ahead and records driving performance for review.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein multiple player profiles are stored, allowing for the tracking of individual driver progress and performance.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the system transmits performance reports to a registered parental email or other supervisory system.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the system incorporates Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity to pair the wireless steering wheel, pedals, and smart device.

6. A mobile automobile safety simulator system comprising:a mobile computing device configured to execute a driving simulation application;a wireless steering wheel input device having motion sensors and accelerometers for detecting steering movements;a wireless pedal input device including at least a brake pedal and an accelerator pedal each having pressure sensors to detect foot input;a vehicle infotainment system communicatively coupled to the mobile computing device via wireless connection;a video capture subsystem including a camera of the mobile computing device and one or more vehicle-mounted cameras integrated with the infotainment system; anda processor configured to receive sensor data from the steering wheel input device, the pedal input device, and video data from the cameras to evaluate driver performance, generate skill ratings, and output a performance report through the mobile computing device.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the processor generates a skill rating based on steering precision, braking response time, and adherence to lane position.

8. The system of claim 6, wherein the mobile computing device application synchronizes with third-party mapping services to provide simulated navigation routes and real-time environmental data.

9. The system of claim 6, wherein the vehicle infotainment system provides live video feed integration using both the infotainment system cameras and the mobile device camera.

10. The system of claim 6, wherein the wireless connection between the steering wheel input device, pedal input device, and mobile computing device is established using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi communication protocols.

11. The system of claim 6, wherein the simulation application stores multiple user profiles each containing driver performance data, recorded videos, and progress reports.

12. The system of claim 6, wherein the mobile application transmits driver performance data to a parent, supervisor, or instructor via email or cloud service.

13. The system of claim 6, wherein the infotainment system includes gesture recognition sensors, proximity sensors, and camera sensors for detecting driver and environmental conditions.

14. The system of claim 6, further comprising a mobile device holder mounted on a vehicle dashboard to align the mobile device camera toward the vehicle’s windshield for live road video capture.

15. The system of claim 6, wherein the mobile application generates real-time driving skill games or testing scenarios based on previously recorded driver weaknesses.

16. The system of claim 6, wherein the mobile application integrates voice control functionality to allow hands-free operation of the simulator system.

17. The system of claim 6, wherein the infotainment system and mobile device are configured to synchronize third party user accounts for data sharing and live environment simulation.

18. The system of claim 6, wherein the mobile application includes a parental control feature that limits access to stored driver data or restricts simulation use during active vehicle motion.

19. The system of claim 6, wherein the mobile device records and stores real-time video and sensor data locally and optionally uploads the data to a cloud server for remote analysis.

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