GB2290903A

GB2290903A - Driving aid

Info

Publication number: GB2290903A
Application number: GB9413178A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Cherie Wendy Goode
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-06-30
Filing date: 1994-06-30
Publication date: 1996-01-10
Also published as: GB9413178D0

Abstract

The aid is for drivers who are at a disadvantage regarding hearing and language problems. The aid enables these drivers to be given driving instructions in a clear, concise manner, using two identical consoles linked by a single cable. These provide visual instructions in an easy to understand form in a manner designed to encourage safety and confidence in the driver. Also an emergency sign may be placed on the window operable by an independent button which lights up when help is required. The aid has an optional awareness alarm that can be set by the driver to help combat driving fatigue. <IMAGE>

Description

THE 'GOODE DRIVER'S COMPANION' (also known as 'The Goode Auto Aid') this invention relates to a driving aid primarily, but not essentially, for car drivers.

This invention is an instructional colour coded device to be used when teaching new drivers who have hearing defects, who are deaf, or unable to understand the native language of the instructor. It can also be used as a guide for unimpaired new drivers who need extra reassurance whilst learning to drive. Upon obtaining a driving licence it can be used for giving instruction to people who have hearing problems in every day lite, or difficulty in understanding the native language.

An optional extra facility with this invention is an awareness alarm whith can pe pre-set when required to alert the driver should he/she become f@tigued when driving. A separate add-on facility is an 'emergency' sign which can be activated from inside the vehicle should the need for help arise during a journey.

It is a compact visual panel which is placed in front of the driver on, or these to the windscreen, but in such a position that does not impair the driver's view of the road. A duplicate console used by the instructor or passenger, is linked to the driver's panel by a single ca@le containing all the relevant wiring. Both the console and panel can be operated from the vehicle's own electrical power supply or from batteries. Communication with the driver is by colour coding and numbers selected by the instructor or passenger from his console and transmitted through the connecting cable instantaneously to the driver's panel. a larger version of the instructional console can be used by new drivers before they learn to drive and which enables them to get used to the console before entering the vehicle.This unit is operated from the sta@@ard domestic power supply.

The tas@ technical features of the 'Goode Driver's Companion' are interpqrated in the driver's panel and the instructor's console the @@ther beln@ an exact duplicate of the fermer in terms of instructions.

@@@@@@@@ and information. Bo@n the panel and console can be portable or @@@@@ and @@@orperate a fatility for positioning in the front @@ the V@@@@@@@ for tase of vision and operation. Both panel and console will be @@nred togeher @v a single lead tnrough which the instructions are fed it the driver. The awareness alarm facility is incorporated within the main panel and operated from the same power supply. The emergency sign @@ @@@ached to the drivers window and worked bv a separate button. The @@@@ is battery operated and connetted to the button by a single cable @@ntarning the relevant wiring.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows the colour coded information panel which is to be placed in front of the driver. A larger version of this is used for practice purpsses.

Figure 2 shows the information console which is used by the instructor, or by the passenger, accompanying the driver.

Figure 3 is the emergency sign placed on the driver's window which lights up when help is required. This unit is separate from the main console and worked by an independent button.

Refering to the drawings will show the 'Goode Driver's Companion' comprising three separate sections, two of which assist with instructions for drivers, while the third can be actiated to summon help in an emergency situation The first section consists of a console which is placed on or close to tne windscreen In front of the driver, but in a position not to impair he driver's visibility. This console comprises a middle section divided into two rings The outer ring. represents a roundabout and works in conjunction with the numbered panel above that section.It lights up simultaneously with the relevant exit number thus advising the driver which exit to take from the roundabout. the solid middle ring in this section will show a red light to be used as an 'emergency stop' instruction.

Underneath the middie section are the figures 1 to 4 inclusive representing the vehicle's gears and the ietter 'R' for reverse gear.

each one of which @ ights up when activated.

Bach side of the middle section has identical panels which comprise a column With numbers 1 to 6 inclusive, representing the choice of net turning left, or right, for the driver to take; a second column will light up amber when activated in conjunction with either columns three (green) an sour (red) to instruct the driver to either reduce, or increase speed: the third column will light up green when individually activated to instruct the driver to go forward and the fourth column will light up red when individually activated to instruct the driver to stop Direction instructions, left, ringht, forward and reverse, are signalled through four @@@uminated arrows, one on each of the four console sides.

Therefore @f the driver was instructed to take the third turning on the @e@t, the @rrew on the left side of the console would light up followed @@number three in the first column of the left recttion of the console in @@@@@@on thre are three individual control buttons situated two a@@ve the middle section and one below this section. The top twe buttone @@@ be adapted to incorporate extra instruction specification an individual instructor's or driver's requirements. The bottom button is a fail-@ale facility for checking that both consoles are working.

Note This driver's console can be reproduced exactly in a larger form for use as a practice console for potential drivers, prior to them phveically taking the wheel of a car.

continued The second section of the 'Goode Driver's Companion' is an exact replica of the driver's console, in terms of layout, but with instruction 'buttons'. which, when pushed, light up the corresponding instruction on the driver' console. This second section, the instructor's console, is attached to the driver's console by a single lead, which contains all relevant wiring. The instructor's console is portable and can be attached to the dashboard or placed on the lap, whichever is easier for personal use. Both consoles can be used by day, or by nIght through a built-in brightness control.

The third section of the 'Goode Driver's Companion' comprises a rectangular panel wit the words 'HELP, PLEASE'. This is attached to the driver's window and activated by a button placed on the driver's door.

This button is connected to the pane bv a single cable which contains all the relevant wiring. This panel 15 operated 5y battery. In an emergency, she button 15 pushed and the panel lights up the words to draw attention to the situation.

Claims

1. The 'Goode Driver's Companion ' will be an invaluable visual aid ior disabled drivers who suffer from acute deafness or who are hard of hearing. It enables instructions to be transmitted without the need to divert the driver's attentIon by way of sign language or other recognised methods of communication. This, in turn, will develop confidence within the driver as he, or she, will virtually be in total control of the vehicle. and therefore, able to react quicker and more positively to driving situations. To further assist the driver, a screen brightness control allows adjustment to the prevailing light conditions and a backlight facility is designed to similarly help the instructor or passenger operating the duplicate console.Incorporated into the console a a fail safe test facility.

2. The 'Goode Driver's Companion ' will be an invaluable aid to drIvers wit language difficulties as the instructions are all visual and. when used, little or no verbal communication is necessary.

3 The 'Goode Dr-ver's Companion ' practice console will be an invaluable aid to drivers who wish to familiarise themselves with driving instructions before actually getting behind the wheel of a vehicle This will help, in particular, potential drivers who mav be nitially nervous and worried about learning to drive.

4 The 'Goode Driver's Companion ' has an extra, but separate facilitv that can be activated b the driver, for drawing attention to anv Emergency situation that may arise. This facility will give extra re assurance o the driver should they be unfortunate enough to experience such a situation.

Lilt in to the console is an optional awareness alarm which can be set by the driver to help combat driving fatigue.