GB2525872A

GB2525872A - A system for preparing a user for driving test

Info

Publication number: GB2525872A
Application number: GB1407992.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Samuel Vaughan
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-05-06
Filing date: 2014-05-06
Publication date: 2015-11-11
Also published as: GB201407992D0

Abstract

A system suitable for preparing a user for a driving test, where the user controls a virtual car via an input means such as keys from a keyboard, a touch screen or voice control that can be driven through a number of virtual roads providing different driving scenarios that can be accessed from a database via a menu; these can include a free driving mode, and a test mode that allows the driving capability of the user to be assessed. Preferably the input means include keys on a keyboard, a touch screen and voice commands. Preferably the system allows the user to have a first person viewpoint from the virtual vehicle. The system may also provide a test mode where the user may answer driving associated questions.

Description

The invention relates to a system for preparing users for the UK driving test by simulating driving and traffic scenarios and a virtual practical driving test in real-life locations.

To obtain full driving license in United Kingdom a learner driver has to sit for UK Driving test to demonstrate competency to drive vehicle. Age eligibility to take the test and content of tests depend on the class of vehicle candidate wants to drive. Currently UK Driving Test comprises two tests which need to be passed in order to obtain full driving license.

Successfully passing theory test is a prerequisite to take practical driving test. However, it is estimated that pass rate of practical test in 2013 was on average 53% for males and 47% for females drivers.

Such a high failure in the practical test clearly shows that the learner drivers do not have sufficient experience on how to manoeuvre /control vehicles in various traffic scenarios, they might lack knowledge about traffic rules and signs or confidence how to behave as a driver in different situations.

There are systems known in the prior art which can simulate various traffic scenarios and some aspects of the UK driving test however, these systems require installation from DVD, hence they are not suitable for small portable devices such as tablets, smart phones, notebooks and the like. Moreover, virtual maps and navigation routes used by these systems are predefined and not based on real-life location thus the users cannot choose map of real-life area they would like to get familiar with or navigate through.

To overcome this the present invention discloses a system for preparing users for UK driving test by simulating a virtual UK driving test and various driving and traffic scenarios in an area familiar to them in the real world. The present invention familiarises learner drivers with potential test routes, traffic rules, signs, traffic and driving scenarios thus allowing them to feel more confident when they take the real test.

The present invention discloses a system for preparing a user for driving test comprising a graphical interface said interface including a Main Menu, a number of virtual road maps illustrating a number of real-life locations, a virtual vehicle enabling the user to navigate through the number of virtual maps, a controlling means enabling the user to control functions of the virtual vehicle, a simulation means simulating a number of modules, said modules including a Driving Module' enabling the user to follow a number of instructions how to control and manoeuvre the virtual vehicle during a number of driving manoeuvres and traffic scenarios, a Driving Test Module' enabling the user to take part in a simulated practical driving test, a Free Roam' Module enabling the user to manoeuvre the virtual vehicle in any direction through the virtual map wherein a number of random traffic scenarios are generated to which the user reacts by controlling the virtual vehicle in accordance with the traffic rules, an Instructor Test Module' enabling user to instruct a virtual learner driver how to manoeuvre the virtual car during a number of driving and traffic scenarios and enabling the user to identify mistakes of the virtual learned driver if he fails to comply with the traffic rules and an input means enabling the user to interact with the graphical interface and the simulation means.

In the present invention user downloads the number real-life locations from a database. All location includes roads, buildings and traffic signs as in real-life. In another embodiment of the present invention the system simulates driving in different weather condition and various driving and traffic scenarios which include interaction with cars, pedestrians and other hazard conditions.

The invention will now be described solely by way of example.

The user accesses the system which is disclosed in the present invention on various portable devices which support different platforms such as Android, 105 and others. A graphical interface of the system displays a Main Menu which enables the user to select from a number of training modules and download a virtual map of the real-life area he or she would like to navigate through. Alternatively the user can use the virtual map provided of the default location. Virtual maps are three-dimensional graphical illustrations of particular real-life areas which includes roads, traffic lights, traffic signs, and names of streets which are displayed in the user interface once the user drives through virtual street.

Said virtual maps might also include buildings, pavements any sites such as monuments or bridges particular for that area. Any specific traffic rules such as speed limitations, overtaking rules or intersection priority rules which are associated with particular area are simulated by the system. If the user downloads a number of virtual maps on his device the system prompts the user to choose one from the downloaded locations after selecting particular module.

Simulation means of the system simulates a number of random traffic scenarios which include but are not limited to stopping distances, all weather driving, dual carriageway driving, encountering different junctions (unmarked junctions, marked junctions, controlled junctions and box junctions, overtaking, stopping at traffic lights, roundabouts, turn in the road, driving whilst applying the two second rule and general interaction with a number of vehicles, following the road signs and interaction with pedestrians in all embodiments of the present invention.

A number of driving manoeuvres which are predefined by the simulation means includes but are not limited to pre-drive safety checks, moving off procedure (Six point check) , hill starts including uphill and downhill start, reversing around the corner, bay parking, parallel parking, emergency stops, mirror signal manoeuvre,use of gears 1-5 and reverse, clutch control and speed limits in all embodiments of the present invention.

In all embodiments of the present invention graphical interface displays navigating virtual vehicle through virtual map from first person viewpoint of the car. Further, graphical interface displays a number of commands via text, audio and videos which given to the user by the virtual instructor'.

In the first embodiment of the present invention Driving Module' enables the user to follow instructions from a virtual instructor on how to control and manoeuvre the virtual vehicle during a number of driving manoeuvres and traffic scenarios in accordance with the traffic rules. The user's interface displays a sub-menu with a number of tasks such as driving manoeuvres and traffic scenarios.

If during simulation of a particular manoeuvre or traffic scenario user breaks traffic rules the system evaluates this instance as failure, stops the simulation and displays notification thereof. The system prompts user to repeat the task until user successfully completes it.

The menu displayed by the graphical interface indicates which tasks have been completed and which are due. The user can exit the Driving Module' anytime.

Second embodiment of the present invention enables user to take virtual driving test he! she chooses respective option in the Main Menu of the user's interface Driving Test Module'. The user selects a test centre from a desired real-world location (default or downloaded). The test will take place through a random test route surrounding the test centre the user has chosen. The virtual tests comprises a number of requirements as follows: the user will have 40 minutes to complete the test, the user is allowed up to 15 minor faults but 0 serious faults and 0 dangerous faults, user will have to perform 10 minutes of independent driving, whereby the virtual instructor will tell the user where they would like to be driven to, the user will be expected to follow directional signs and display good road awareness in accordance with traffic rules, the user will have to perform at least one driving manoeuvre and the user will have to answer "Show Me Tell Me" Questions, which consist of pre-car safety checks.The answers will be indicated by input means.

Once the user completes the module, the user interface displays result of user's performance and allows user either to repeat test or return to the Main Menu.

Third embodiment of the present invention enables users, who are hoping to become real-life driving instructors, to practice their teaching skills. The graphical interface displays a virtual driver and a virtual vehicle whereas the virtual learner controls the virtual car, whilst undertaking a number of driving manoeuvres and traffic scenarios that a learner is expected to undertake during driving lessons. The user will have to identify mistakes that the virtual learner makes via the input means. The graphical interface will display the instructor module as two screen, one of which displays view from a third-person perspective whereas the second smaller portion of the screen displays the virtual learner.

The user will have to observe the virtual learner, how the virtual driver manoeuvres the virtual vehicle in various traftic scenarios and it virtual driver check mirrors and blind spots regularly.

When the user wishes the virtual learner to perform a number of driving manoeuvres such as turn in the road, reverse around the corner, parallel parking, bay parking, user selects it from a menu in the graphical interface. Once the user exits the session, a result screen will display user's performance how many minor, serious and/or dangerous faults the user has successfully noticed and how many mistakes were missed. Once the user exits the module results are saved for later viewing and the graphical interface displays the Main Menu.

Fourth embodiment of the present invention Free Roam Module' enables the user to manoeuvre the virtual vehicle anywhere throughout the virtual map in accordance with the tratfic rules for an unlimited period of time. In certain locations of the virtual map a number of coloured neon markers appear. If the user passes through these markers the instructor will instruct the user to perform a driving manoeuvre. If the user makes a serious mistake, the simulated driving or traffic scenario will pause and the virtual instructor will ask a question as to what was done incorrectly. The user has to choose a correct answer displayed by the graphical interface from 3 options by using input means. It the user makes a minor mistake the simulation will continue followed by a brief description of the minor fault displayed by the graphical interface. Summary of user's performance such as all minor and serious faults will be displayed when the user decides to exit the module.

In all embodiments of the present invention the input means enables users to interact with the system and controlling means of virtual vehicle by standard input means such as mouse, keys on the keyboard, a touch screen or via voice commands.

In all embodiments of the present invention virtual vehicle is controlled by the controlling means including a clutch, an accelerator, a gear, a steering wheel, a number of mirrors, dashboard and wipers. Moreover, portable devices supporting Smart Scroll' function, enable users to avail this tunction to check mirrors during the simulation.

Although the present invention has been described in respect to a preferred embodiment; it is not to be limited to this particular embodiment, since modifications and changes can be made therein which are within the tull intended scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims 1. A system for preparing a user for driving test comprising: a graphical interface said interface including a Main Menu, a number of virtual road maps illustrating a number of real-life locations, a virtual vehicle enabling the user to navigate through the number of virtual maps, a controlling means enabling the user to control functions of the virtual vehicle; a simulation means simulating a number of modules, said modules including a Driving Module' enabling the user to follow a number of instructions how to control and manoeuvre the virtual vehicle during a number of driving manoeuvres and traffic scenarios a Driving Test Module' enabling the user to take part in a simulated practical driving test, a Free Roam' Module enabling the user to manoeuvre the virtual vehicle in any direction through the virtual map wherein a number of random traffic scenarios are generated to which the user reacts by controlling the virtual vehicle in accordance with the traffic rules, an Instructor Test Module' enabling user to instruct a virtual learner driver how to manoeuvre the virtual car during a number of driving and traffic scenarios and enabling the user to identify mistakes of the virtual learned driver if he fails to comply with the traffic rules; and an input means enabling the user to interact with the graphical interface and the simulation means.
2. The system for preparing the user for driving test according to claim 1, in which the user downloads a number of the virtual maps from a database.
3. The system for preparing the user for driving test according to claim 1, in which the virtual road map includes roads, buildings and traffic signs as in real-life.
4. The system for preparing the user for driving test according to claim 1, in which the user manoeuvres the virtual vehicle during a number of driving and traffic scenarios in accordance with a number of traffic rules.
5. The system for preparing the user for driving test according to claim 1, in which the driving manoeuvres are predefined by the simulation means.
6. The system for preparing the user for driving test according to claim 1, in which the traffic scenarios are randomly generated by the simulation means.
7. The system for preparing the user for driving test according to claim 1, in which the traffic scenarios include interaction with a number of virtual vehicles, pedestrians.
8. The system for preparing the user for driving test according to claim 1, in which the graphical interface indicates a number of instructions in text, video and audio format.
9. The system for preparing the user for driving test according to claim 1, in which the input means include a number of keys on a keyboard, a touch screen and a number of voice commands.
10. The system for preparing the user for driving test according to claim 1, in which the simulation means evaluates user's compliance with the number of traffic rules as a user performance.
11. The system for preparing the user for driving test according to claim 1, in which the graphical interface displays a result of the user performance.
12. The system for preparing the user for driving test according to claim 1, in which the virtual vehicle enables the user to have first person viewpoint from the virtual vehicle.
13. The system for preparing the user for driving test according to claim 1, in which the simulation of a particular driving manoeuvre and traffic scenario simulated by Driving Module' is stopped if the user does not navigate the virtual vehicle in accordance to the traffic rules.
14. The system for preparing the user for driving test according to claim 13, in which the graphical interface displays user's performance.
15. The system for preparing the user for driving test according to claim 13, in which the Driving Test Module' prompts the user to repeat the driving manoeuvre or traffic scenario until the user navigate the virtual vehicle in accordance with the traffic rules.
16. The system for preparing the user for driving test according to claim 1, in which the Driving Test Module' simulate the practical driving test which lasts for a given period of time.
17. The system for preparing the user for driving test according to claim 1, in which the Driving Test Module' instruct the user to follow predetermined navigation route through the virtual map for given period of time.
18. The system for preparing the user for driving test according to claim 1, in which the Driving Test Module' instruct the user to follow his own route through the virtual map for a given period of time.
19. The system for preparing the user for driving test according to claim 1, in which the Driving Test Module' monitors the user performance.
20. The system for preparing the user for driving test according to claim 1, in which the Driving Test Module' instructs the user to perform a number of driving manoeuvres.
21. The system for preparing the user for driving test according to claim 1, in which the Driving Test Module' asks the user a number of questions.
22. The system for preparing the user for driving test according to claim 20, in which the user indicates a number of answers by input means.
23. The system for preparing the user for driving test according to claim 1, in which the Free Roam Module' the simulation is stopped if the user navigates the virtual vehicle not in accordance with the traffic rules.
24. The system for preparing the user for driving test according to claim 22, in which the graphical interface displays user's performance.
25. The system for preparing the user for driving test according to claim 1, in which the Free Roam Module' the user is randomly instructed to conduct a number driving manoeuvres.
26. The system for preparing the user for driving test according to claim 1, in which the Instructor Test Module' the simulation means simulate the virtual learner.
27. The system for preparing the user for driving test according to claim 1, in which the Instructor Test Module' the user monitors performance of the virtual learner.
28. The system for preparing the user for driving test according to claim 1, which in the Instructor Test Module' the user indicates the performance of the virtual learner by input means.
29. The system for preparing the user for driving test according to claim 1, in which the Instructor Test Module' the simulating means monitors how many instances of non-conformances with the traffic rules done by the virtual learner, were noticed and indicated by the user.
30. The system for preparing the user for driving test according to claim 24, in which the Instructor Test Module' the graphical interface displays the result of the user's performance.
31. A method for preparing a user for driving test comprising: accessing a system on a device; accessing Main Menu displayed by a graphical interface; downloading a number of virtual maps illustrating real-life locations; choosing at least one module from a number of modules from the Main Menu whereas after choosing a module selecting one virtual map from a plurality of virtual maps if said maps are saved on the device; controlling a virtual vehicle whilst undertaking a number of driving manoeuvres and traffic scenarios which are predetermined and generated by the module's simulation means; displaying user's performance by the graphical interface; repeating a number of driving manoeuvres and traffic scenarios within the module if desirable; exiting the module; accessing the Main Menu; and choosing from the number of modules or exiting the system.