Education and demonstration – Vehicle operator instruction or testing – Automobile or truck
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-13
2001-08-07
Ackun, Jr., Jacob K. (Department: 3712)
Education and demonstration
Vehicle operator instruction or testing
Automobile or truck
C434S067000, C434S069000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06270349
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for training novice drivers to scan the driving area with an effective eye-movement pattern.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Indoor training aids for driver training instruction are known in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 3,657,457 discloses a simulated wheel and dashboard from which the driver can maneuver a miniature car. U.S. Pat. No. 5,184,956 discloses an indoor simulator with a wheel, dashboard, screen opposite the driver and at least one synthetic image in a rear view mirror. U.S. Pat. No. 4,323,249 discloses a board game for learning to solve defensive driving problems. What is needed beyond the prior art is an instructional tool for training a student driver in the specific technique of scanning while viewing multiple objects such as the dashboard, rear view mirrors and multiple objects in the forward area of vision. Such a device should be designed so that it supports teaching one particular skill of achieving effective eye movement patterns.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention meets the needs and solves the problems identified above by providing an apparatus and method consisting of a model of a vehicle dashboard, steering wheel, windshield area and illustration of a driving situation or location attached to and extending in front of the vehicle simulator. The student driver is monitored by an instructor and follows highlighted arrows imprinted on the illustration to view the driving area and the dashboard instruments with a specific eye movement pattern. The specific eye movement pattern taught is to look at the center, scan left, look to the center, scan right, look to the center, check the mirror, look to the center, and check the instruments. The windshield of the apparatus contains a center mark comprising a small hole directly in front of the student driver that indicates the very small area of central vision that can be viewed and maneuvered effectively simulating a scanning eye movement pattern. The student driver moves his “central vision” from area to area systematically in order to be aware of all that is happening in the surrounding driving vicinity. This awareness will prepare the driver to effectively respond to upcoming situations. A selection of road pictures allows the student driver to practice with different driving situations such as night driving, driving in cities, and driving with four lanes.
The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more particular description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numbers represent like parts of the invention.
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Ackun Jr. Jacob K.
Fernstrom Kent
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