DRIVER TRAINER SIMULATOR HEAD UNIT

• US 3,577,857 A
• Filed: 10/31/1968
• Issued: 05/11/1971
• Est. Priority Date: 10/31/1968
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Donald H. Schuster, Russ S. Vaught
• Original Assignee: Donald H. Schuster, Russ S. Vaught
• Inventors: Schuster, Donald H., Vaught, Russ S.
• Application Number:
  US04/772,082
• Time in Patent Office: 922 Days
• US Class Current: 434/69
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 9/05 the view from a vehicle being simulated G09B9/052, G09B9/058 take precedence

Abstract

A driver trainer unit having a head unit including a blinder operable between raised and lowered positions, a speaker operative with the blinder and actuated by a computer responsive to the driving actions of the student operating the driver trainer simulator in response to driving situations projected on a screen. A solenoid may be used to move the blinder between raised and lowered positions. A microphone may also be provided for receiving the audible responses from the student when reacting to a simulated crash situation.

Claims

1. A driver trainer simulator head unit, comprising:

a frame for engaging a person'"'"''"'"'s head, a blinder on said frame for extending in front of the wearer'"'"''"'"'s eyes at times in a blinding position, power means for moving said blinder to a blinding position in front of the wearer'"'"''"'"'s eyes, a computer being operatively connected to said blinder power means for actuating said blinder to said blinding position, and an audio speaker being secured to said frame and being adapted to be positioned at an ear of the wearer, and said computer being operatively connected to said speaker to transmit simulated crash sounds at approximately the time the power means is actuated to move said blinder to said blinding position.

2. The structure of claim 1 wherein said power means is an electrical solenoid and said blinder is carried on a rotatable shaft rotatably secured to said frame, said solenoid adapted to move said blinder between approximately horizontal and vertical positions.

3. The structure of claim 1 wherein said power means is an electrical solenoid and a protective helmet is secured to said frame for covering the wearer'"'"''"'"'head.

4. The structure of claim 1 wherein a microphone is carried on said frame and is adapted to be positioned adjacent said wearer'"'"''"'"'s mouth to receive audible responses from the wearer upon said blinder being actuated to a blinding position and said crash sounds being transmitted to the wearer'"'"''"'"'S ear.

5. The structure of claim 4 wherein a driver trainer simulator and visual screen are coordinated with said computer for the actuation of said blinder and the audio speaker.

6. The structure of claim 5 wherein projection means is provided for a showing a predetermined driving program on said screen and predetermined incorrect responses on said driver trainer simulator actuate said computer to actuate said blinder and said speaker.

7. The structure of claim 6 wherein said computer and said projection means are interconnected to stop said projection means upon said blinder and speaker being actuated by said computer.

8. The structure of claim 2 wherein a protective helmet is secured to said frame for covering the wearer'"'"''"'"'s head, and said blinder is formed of opaque plastic.