[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of virtual reality simulation. More
particularly, the present disclosure relates to a driving test simulation apparatus.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In India, a driving license is issued by the Regional Transport Authority (RTA)
or Regional Transport Office (RTO) of that particular state. The Motor Vehicles Act of 1988 states that no individual without the Driving license is authorized to drive a motor vehicle in a public place. For a four-wheeler driving license, the Motor Vehicle Inspector will ask you to ride the car in a track with different curves and will note your skills. But the problem here is that how can we test the driving skills and judgement of an individual in the real-life road scenario by evaluating them on a vacant track without any actual life-based challenges. One cannot also ignore the loophole that was highlighted by a survey conducted by road safety advocacy group Save LIFE Foundation. It states that 6 out of every 10 people with a driving license in India never actually sat behind a wheel to get it. This sample survey was done across 10 cities, including the five metros, which have the highest vehicle population. This indicates that authenticity of a person attending the test cannot be proved with just submission of the essential documents.
[0003] Other possible solution is that the driving test inspector besides from
evaluating the driver from outside the track, sits with the driver inside the car. After that, the
inspector instructs the driver to drive the car to a specific point from the office and back. By
doing this, the inspector will inspect driver's judgement and efficiency to follow rules and
regulations in the real-world scenario. But as India is a country with a large population, this
technique calls for a major drawback. It will consume a lot of time of the driving instructor
and the people appearing for the test, as there is whole lot of people which appear for the test.
[0004] There is therefore a need in the art to provide a driving test simulation
apparatus that enables evaluating skills of a user for driving a vehicle that does not require the user to drive a vehicle on road thereby avoiding possible risks due to limited driving skills of the user.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0005] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment
herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[0006] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a driving test simulation
apparatus.
[0007] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a driving test
simulation apparatus that enables a user to evaluate and/or enhance his/her skills for driving
vehicle.
[0008] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a driving test
simulation apparatus that enables government to determine if skills of the user for driving
vehicle is sufficient to issue driving license.
[0009] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a driving test
simulation apparatus that requires the user to verify his/her biometrics to initiate the driving
test, thereby enhancing authenticity of said driving test.
[00010] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a driving test
simulation apparatus that provides real-life based scenarios and challenges for evaluating user
on driving test.
[00011] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a driving test
simulation apparatus that enables evaluating driving skills of the user at reduced time-period
compared to traditional techniques.
[00012] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a driving test
simulation apparatus that enables transmitting evaluation of the driving test to computing
device associated with the user.
[00013] It is yet another object of the present disclosure to provide a driving test
simulation apparatus that is cost effective and easy to implement.
SUMMARY
[00014] The present disclosure relates to the field of virtual reality simulation. More
particularly, the present disclosure relates to a driving test simulation apparatus.
[00015] An aspect of the present disclosure related to a driving test simulation
apparatus. The apparatus can include: a Virtual Reality (VR) headset having a processor that is operatively coupled with a memory, the memory storing computer-implemented instructions which when executed by the processor enables a user that is wearing the VR headset to undertake simulation of a driving test; a 3D-printing based steering wheel

operatively coupled with the VR headset, the steering wheel being used by the user to
manoeuvre driving route that forms part of the driving test; and at least two 3D-printing
based pedals operatively coupled with the VR headset and the steering wheel, the pedals
being used by the user to control acceleration or braking during driving along the route.
[00016] In an aspect, the apparatus comprises a control unit operatively coupled with
the VR headset, the control unit enables controlling of one or more attributes of the driving
test, wherein the one or more attributes comprises any or a combination of traffic, time of
day, weather and obstacles that forms part of the driving test.
[00017] In an aspect, the apparatus comprises a biometric sensor operatively coupled
with the steering wheel and the processor to enable authentication of the user, and wherein
based on positive authentication of the user the driving test is initiated.
[00018] In an aspect, the apparatus comprises a transceiver operatively coupled with
the processor to enable transmitting of result of the driving test generated by the processor to
a computing device associated with the user.
[00019] In an aspect, the steering wheel is operatively coupled with a potentiometer to
determine extent of turning of the steering wheel for calibration of the steering wheel.
[00020] In an aspect, each of the at least two pedals comprises a push button to enable
control of the acceleration or the braking.
[00021] In an aspect, the VR headset comprises a display unit operatively coupled with
the processor to display VR simulation of the driving test.
[00022] In an aspect, the VR headset comprises a set of sensors operatively coupled
with the processor to track direction and movement of head of the user to enable simulation
of direction and movement of head of the user during the driving test.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[00023] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same
reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
[00024] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary driving test simulation apparatus in accordance
with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00025] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure
depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[00026] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details.
[00027] Embodiments of the present invention include various steps, which will be
described below. The steps may be performed by hardware components or may be embodied in machine-executable instructions, which may be used to cause a general-purpose or special-purpose processor programmed with the instructions to perform the steps. Alternatively, steps may be performed by a combination of hardware, software, and firmware and/or by human operators.
[00028] Various methods described herein may be practiced by combining one or more
machine-readable storage media containing the code according to the present invention with
appropriate standard computer hardware to execute the code contained therein. An apparatus
for practicing various embodiments of the present invention may involve one or more
computers (or one or more processors within a single computer) and storage systems
containing or having network access to computer program(s) coded in accordance with
various methods described herein, and the method steps of the invention could be
accomplished by modules, routines, subroutines, or subparts of a computer program product.
[00029] If the specification states a component or feature "may", "can", "could", or
"might" be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[00030] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the
meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[00031] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully hereinafter with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which exemplary embodiments are shown. These

exemplary embodiments are provided only for illustrative purposes and so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention disclosed may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Various modifications will be readily apparent to persons skilled in the art. The general principles defined herein may be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Moreover, all statements herein reciting embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents thereof. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future (i.e., any elements developed that perform the same function, regardless of structure). Also, the terminology and phraseology used is for the purpose of describing exemplary embodiments and should not be considered limiting. Thus, the present invention is to be accorded the widest scope encompassing numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents consistent with the principles and features disclosed. For purpose of clarity, details relating to technical material that is known in the technical fields related to the invention have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present invention.
[00032] Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art
that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named element.
[00033] Embodiments of the present invention may be provided as a computer program
product, which may include a machine-readable storage medium tangibly embodying thereon instructions, which may be used to program a computer (or other electronic devices) to perform a process. The term “machine-readable storage medium” or “computer-readable
6

storage medium” includes, but is not limited to, fixed (hard) drives, magnetic tape, floppy diskettes, optical disks, compact disc read-only memories (CD-ROMs), and magneto-optical disks, semiconductor memories, such as ROMs, PROMs, random access memories (RAMs), programmable read-only memories (PROMs), erasable PROMs (EPROMs), electrically erasable PROMs (EEPROMs), flash memory, magnetic or optical cards, or other type of media/machine-readable medium suitable for storing electronic instructions (e.g., computer programming code, such as software or firmware).A machine-readable medium may include a non-transitory medium in which data may be stored and that does not include carrier waves and/or transitory electronic signals propagating wirelessly or over wired connections. Examples of a non-transitory medium may include, but are not limited to, a magnetic disk or tape, optical storage media such as compact disk (CD) or digital versatile disk (DVD), flash memory, memory or memory devices. A computer-program product may include code and/or machine-executable instructions that may represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment may be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents. Information, arguments, parameters, data, etc. may be passed, forwarded, or transmitted via any suitable means including memory sharing, message passing, token passing, network transmission, etc.
[00034] Furthermore, embodiments may be implemented by hardware, software,
firmware, middleware, microcode, hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. When implemented in software, firmware, middleware or microcode, the program code or code segments to perform the necessary tasks (e.g., a computer-program product) may be stored in a machine-readable medium. A processor(s) may perform the necessary tasks.
[00035] Systems depicted in some of the figures may be provided in various
configurations. In some embodiments, the systems may be configured as a distributed system where one or more components of the system are distributed across one or more networks in a cloud computing system.
[00036] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for
infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases it
7

will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one
or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[00037] All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless
otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and
all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided with respect to certain
embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a
limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification
should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the
invention.
[00038] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term used in a
claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent
art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of
filing.
[00039] The present disclosure relates to the field of virtual reality simulation. More
particularly, the present disclosure relates to a driving test simulation apparatus.
[00040] An aspect of the present disclosure related to a driving test simulation
apparatus. The apparatus can include: a Virtual Reality (VR) headset having a processor that
is operatively coupled with a memory, the memory storing computer-implemented
instructions which when executed by the processor enables a user that is wearing the VR
headset to undertake simulation of a driving test; a 3D-printing based steering wheel
operatively coupled with the VR headset, the steering wheel being used by the user to
manoeuvre driving route that forms part of the driving test; and at least two 3D-printing
based pedals operatively coupled with the VR headset and the steering wheel, the pedals
being used by the user to control acceleration or braking during driving along the route.
[00041] In an aspect, the apparatus comprises a control unit operatively coupled with
the VR headset, the control unit enables controlling of one or more attributes of the driving
test, wherein the one or more attributes comprises any or a combination of traffic, time of
day, weather and obstacles that forms part of the driving test.
[00042] In an aspect, the apparatus comprises a biometric sensor operatively coupled
with the steering wheel and the processor to enable authentication of the user, and wherein
based on positive authentication of the user the driving test is initiated.
[00043] In an aspect, the apparatus comprises a transceiver operatively coupled with
the processor to enable transmitting of result of the driving test generated by the processor to
a computing device associated with the user.
8

[00044] In an aspect, the steering wheel is operatively coupled with a potentiometer to
determine extent of turning of the steering wheel for calibration of the steering wheel.
[00045] In an aspect, each of the at least two pedals comprises a push button to enable
control of the acceleration or the braking.
[00046] In an aspect, the VR headset comprises a display unit operatively coupled with
the processor to display VR simulation of the driving test.
[00047] In an aspect, the VR headset comprises a set of sensors operatively coupled
with the processor to track direction and movement of head of the user to enable simulation
of direction and movement of head of the user during the driving test.
[00048] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary driving test simulation apparatus in accordance
with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[00049] In an embodiment, a driving test simulation apparatus 100 comprises a Virtual
Reality (VR) headset 102. The VR headset 102 comprises a display to provide a visual
simulation of a driving test to a user wearing the VR headset 102. In an embodiment, the
display of the VR headset 102 can include a computing device with integrated display to
provide a visual simulation of a driving test to a user wearing the VR headset 102.
[00050] In an embodiment, the VR headset 102 can include a processor that is
operatively coupled with a memory, the memory storing computer-implemented instructions
which when executed by the processor can enable a user that is wearing the VR headset 102
to undertake simulation of a driving test.
[00051] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 comprises a 3D-printing based steering
wheel 104. The steering wheel 104 can be operatively coupled with the VR headset 102. The
steering wheel 104 can be used by the user to manoeuvre driving route that forms part of the
driving test. The steering wheel 104 can be coupled with a system box 108. The system box
108 can include a potentiometer to operatively coupled with the steering wheel 104. The
potentiometer 108 can be used to calibrate the steering wheel on the extent of turning during
the simulation of the driving test.
[00052] In an embodiment, the steering wheel 104 can be operatively coupled with a
biometric sensor to validate the authenticity of the user undertaking the driving test. In an
exemplary embodiment, the apparatus 100 can be operatively coupled with a server to access
the biometric data of the user undertaking the driving test to validate that the user undertaking
the test is the user who is entitled to undertake the driving test. The biometric sensor can
include a finger-print sensor, a retina sensor and the like.
9

[00053] It would be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that integration of the
biometric sensor with the steering wheel can be used to make sure that only the user entitled is undertaking the test.
[00054] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 can include at least two 3D printing-
based pedals 106-1, 106-2 (collectively referred to as pedals 106 and individually referred to
as pedal 106 hereinafter) to control acceleration or braking during driving along a route of the
driving test. In an exemplary embodiment, the pedals 106 can include push button
arrangement to actuate acceleration or braking operation during driving along the route.
[00055] In an embodiment, the VR headset 102 can include a set of sensors. The set of
sensors can be operatively coupled with the VR headset 102. The set of sensors can include any or combination of a gyro sensor, an accelerometer and the like. The set of sensors can be used track the movement of the head of the user wearing the VR headset 102. Now, based on the sensed head rotation or movement of the head of the user can be used to simulate the same during the driving test.
[00056] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 comprises a control unit operatively
coupled with the VR headset 102, the control unit can enable controlling of one or more
attributes of the driving test, wherein the one or more attributes comprises any or a
combination of traffic, time of day, weather and obstacles that forms part of the driving test.
[00057] In an embodiment, the control unit can include one or more processors or
controllers. Examples of controllers include, but are not limited to PIC® 16F877A microcontroller, AVR ® ATmega8 & ATmega16, Renesas® microcontroller and the like. Examples of processor can include, but are not limited to, an Intel® Itanium® or Itanium 2 processor(s), or AMD® Opteron® or Athlon MP® processor(s), Motorola® lines of processors, FortiSOC™ system on a chip processors or other future processors. In a preferred embodiment, the control unit can include Arduino.
[00058] It would be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that controlling of one
or more attributes of the driving test can be varied by the driving instructor/examiner during an ongoing driving test such that the driving proficiency of the user can be tested under various circumstances or scenarios.
[00059] In an embodiment, the apparatus 100 can include a transceiver operatively
coupled with the processor to enable transmitting of result of the driving test generated by the processor to a computing device associated with the user.
10

[00060] In an embodiment, the processor can be used to monitor and analyse
proficiency of driving of the user during the driving test and can be used to generate the result based on the analysis.
[00061] It would be appreciated by the person skilled in the art that the apparatus 100
can be used to assess driving proficiency of the user without the user driving a vehicle on the road thereby averting any hazard due to limited driving proficiency of the user.
[00062] Although the proposed system has been elaborated as above to include all the
main parts, it is completely possible that actual implementations may include only a part of the proposed modules/engines or a combination of those or a division of those in various combinations across multiple devices that can be operatively coupled with each other, including in the cloud. Further the modules/engines can be configured in any sequence to achieve objectives elaborated. Also, it can be appreciated that proposed system can be configured in a computing device or across a plurality of computing devices operatively connected with each other, wherein the computing devices can be any of a computer, a laptop, a smart phone, an Internet enabled mobile device and the like. All such modifications and embodiments are completely within the scope of the present disclosure.
[00063] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented entirely
hardware, entirely software (including firmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or
combining software and hardware implementation that may all generally be referred to herein
as a “circuit,” “module,” “component,” or “system.” Furthermore, aspects of the present
disclosure may take the form of a computer program product comprising one or more
computer readable media having computer readable program code embodied thereon.
[00064] Thus, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the
diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named.
11

[00065] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled
to" is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Within the context of this document terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are also used euphemistically to mean “communicatively coupled with” over a network, where two or more devices are able to exchange data with each other over the network, possibly via one or more intermediary device.
[00066] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications
besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and “comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refers to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C …. and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.
[00067] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and
further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable people having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[00068] The present disclosure provides a driving test simulation apparatus.
[00069] The present disclosure provides a driving test simulation apparatus that
enables a user to evaluate and/or enhance his/her skills for driving vehicle.
[00070] The present disclosure provides a driving test simulation apparatus that
enables government to determine if skills of the user for driving vehicle is sufficient to issue
driving license.
12

[00071] The present disclosure provides a driving test simulation apparatus that
requires the user to verify his/her biometrics to initiate the driving test, thereby enhancing
authenticity of said driving test.
[00072] The present disclosure provides a driving test simulation apparatus that
provides real-life based scenarios and challenges for evaluating user on driving test.
[00073] The present disclosure provides a driving test simulation apparatus that
enables evaluating driving skills of the user at reduced time-period compared to traditional
techniques.
[00074] The present disclosure provides a driving test simulation apparatus that
enables transmitting evaluation of the driving test to computing device associated with the
user.
[00075] The present disclosure provides a driving test simulation apparatus that is cost
effective and easy to implement.

We Claim:

A driving test simulation apparatus, said apparatus comprising:
a Virtual Reality (VR) headset having a processor that is operatively coupled with
a memory, said memory storing computer-implemented instructions which when
executed by said processor enables a user that is wearing the VR headset to undertake
simulation of a driving test;
a 3D-printing based steering wheel operatively coupled with said VR headset,
said steering wheel being used by said user to manoeuvre driving route that forms part
of the driving test; and
at least two 3D-printing based pedals operatively coupled with said VR headset
and said steering wheel, said pedals being used by said user to control acceleration or
braking during driving along said route. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus comprises a control unit operatively coupled with said VR headset, said control unit enables controlling of one or more attributes of said driving test, wherein said one or more attributes comprises any or a combination of traffic, time of day, weather and obstacles that forms part of the driving test.
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus comprises a biometric sensor operatively coupled with the steering wheel and the processor to enable authentication of the user, and wherein based on positive authentication of said user the driving test is initiated.
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said apparatus comprises a transceiver operatively coupled with the processor to enable transmitting of result of the driving test generated by said processor to a computing device associated with said user. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said steering wheel is operatively coupled with a potentiometer to determine extent of turning of said steering wheel for calibration of said steering wheel.
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said at least two pedals comprises a push button to enable control of said acceleration or said braking.
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said VR headset comprises a display unit operatively coupled with said processor to display VR simulation of the driving test.

The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein said VR headset comprises a set of sensors operatively coupled with the processor to track direction and movement of head of the user to enable simulation of direction and movement of head of the user during said driving test.