Steven Jay Conroy

US Patent:

20020018982, Feb 14, 2002

Filed:

May 11, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/853493

Inventors:

Steven Conroy - Sykesville MD, US

International Classification:

G09B009/04
G09B019/16

US Classification:

434/062000

Abstract:

A system for computer dynamometer testing while running an auto racing simulation. The combination increases the entertainment value of testing through a real-time interactive racing simulation. The system includes a vehicle testing station such as a conventional chassis dynamometer with digital feedback and load control for automatically increasing or decreasing the load applied to the vehicle wheels under test, a programmable test controller connected to the digital feedback unit for collecting data, and also connected to the load control assembly for controlling the dynamic load applied to the wheels of the vehicle. In addition, a simulation computer is connected to the programmable test controller and includes diagnostic software for analyzing said data, simulation software for running a synchronized race simulation based on the data, and report generation software for generating the diagnostic report based on the analyzed data. The race simulation is displayed to the driver of the test vehicle on a video display suspended immediately in front. Test data is collected during the simulation and is analyzed to ascertain the engine performance of the test vehicle. Given a proper analysis, a comprehensive driver performance report based on the test data is printed so that the driver can evaluate repair/performance enhancement scenarios. The repair/performance enhancement scenarios are correlated to a database of sponsor/advertiser profiles, and in each report a recommended sponsor is identified to provide the necessary goods and services. The system helps to standardizes and guide the dynamometer sampling to determine existing conditions, and automates the data collection and analysis phase, generating a comprehensive report outlining appropriate performance enhancement/repair scenarios for the customer.