Selective control of an optional vehicle mode

• US 20110029356A1
• Filed: 09/28/2009
• Published: 02/03/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 07/29/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Enterprise Science Fund, LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: Searete LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Inventors: Wood, Victoria Y. H., Ishikawa, Muriel Y., Nugent, Thomas J. JR., Tegreene, Clarence T., Whitmer, Charles, Wood, Lowell L. JR., Hyde, Roderick A., Kare, Jordin T.
• Granted Patent: US 8,412,454 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/14.1
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 50/082 Selecting or switching between different modes of propelling
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0207 Discounts or incentives, e.g. coupons or rebates

Abstract

Exemplary methods, systems and components enable selective control of an operational mode for a vehicle that is subject to an administrative standard. In some instances a qualified person or entity may attain a preferred consequential result related to a user-selected vehicle operation mode that may involve a vehicle operation paradigm and/or a vehicle travel route and/or a vehicle travel destination. In some embodiments, implementation of the selected vehicle operation mode may modify a conformity status of the vehicle relative to the administrative standard.

Claims

1. A method for selective control of a vehicle operational mode, comprising:

obtaining information regarding a compliance state relative to a given administrative standard defining a predetermined vehicle operation mode of a vehicle traveling via a particular route or area, the compliance state corresponding to a first benefit that accrues based on conformity with the given administrative standard;

identifying a preferred consequential result that includes an award or value or advantage correlated with one or more optional vehicle operational modes, wherein the preferred consequential result is available to a qualified recipient associated with the vehicle; and

making a user-selection to implement the one or more optional vehicle operational modes in a manner to attain the preferred consequential result, wherein the implemented vehicle operational mode modifies a conformity status regarding the given administrative standard.

33. The method of claim 1 wherein said obtaining information regarding the compliance state relative to the given administrative standard includes:

obtaining information regarding one or more applicable compliance states and/or their respective accrued benefit based on a temporal period of travel subject to the given administrative standard.

34. The method of claim 33 further comprising:

obtaining information regarding one or more possible temporal periods of travel having different respective compliance states and/or different respective accrued benefits.

35. The method of claim 33 wherein said making a user-selected implementation of the one or more optional vehicle operational modes prevents the vehicle from qualifying with the compliance state applicable during the temporal period of travel subject to the administrative standard.

36. The method of claim 33 further comprising:

forfeiting all or part of the corresponding first benefit, responsive to the modified conformity status arising from the temporal period of travel for the vehicle, wherein the modified conformity status does not prevent attainment of the identified preferred consequential result that is different from the corresponding first benefit.

37. The method of claim 33 further comprising:

obtaining information for the given administrative standard that defines the predetermined vehicle operation mode of the vehicle traveling during one or more of the following types of temporal periods;

seasonal, storm occurrence, weather warning, weather situation, smog alert, time-of-day, night-time, commuter hours, imminent event, ongoing event, traffic congestion, road closure, dangerous road condition, road construction, road repair, travel accident.

38. The method of claim 33 further comprising;

obtaining information for the given administrative standard that defines the predetermined vehicle operation mode of the vehicle traveling during the temporal time period that includes a designated high-traffic time period or a designated air quality time period or a designated natural phenomenon time period.

39. The method of claim 1 wherein said making the user-selection to implement the one or more optional vehicle operation modes includes:

selecting one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters to maintain a preferable vehicle paradigm during all or a portion of travel via the particular route or area and/or during a temporal travel period that is subject to the given administrative standard.

40. The method of claim 39 further comprising:

obtaining information regarding the one or more possible travel routes or possible travel areas having different respective compliance states and/or different respective accrued benefits, wherein said maintaining the preferable vehicle paradigm prevents qualifying for the respective compliance state applicable to a chosen travel route or chosen travel area.

42. The method of claim 39 further comprising:

forfeiting all or part of the corresponding first benefit due to the modified conformity status that occurs in connection with maintaining the preferable vehicle paradigm that includes a safety mode or environmental mode, wherein the modified conformity status caused by the preferable vehicle paradigm does not prevent attainment of the identified preferred consequential result that is different from the corresponding first benefit.

43. The method of claim 39 wherein said selecting one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters includes:

enabling implementation in an electric/combustion hybrid vehicle of a preferable battery charging/discharging paradigm in a manner to attain the consequential result that is different from the corresponding first benefit.

53. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

receiving confirmation of the identified preferred consequential result that includes an actual award or value or advantage based on implementation of one or more of the following types of configurable vehicle operation parameter;

number of passengers, battery-powered mode, combustion-powered mode, bio-fuel mode, bio-fuel blend mode, natural gas mode, electric power mode, low emission mode, calibrated miles/per/gallon mode, battery-charge mode, battery-discharge mode, low-temperature engine mode, electric/combustion hybrid mode, solely electric power mode, primarily electric power mode, solely fuel combustion mode, primarily fuel combustion mode, safety certification mode. environmental certification mode, emission content, zero emissions, approved catalytic converter, speed-limiter activated, turned-on headlights, safety factor.

54. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

receiving confirmation of one or more of the following types of actual vehicle battery benefits included as part of the identified preferred consequential result;

priority access to battery recharge station, priority battery servicing, reduced cost for battery recharge, free battery renewal service, customized battery recharge, discounted cost for battery replacement, special warranty on new battery purchase, higher quality battery purchase at standard price.

55. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

receiving confirmation for one or more of the following types of actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result;

reduced vehicle registration fees, reduced fuel price, priority fuel purchase, preferred parking location, reduced parking fee, tax credit, traffic lane usage, bridge usage, reduced toll rate, financial rebate, store discount, product discount, membership offer.

56. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

receiving confirmation of an actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result, which confirmation is received at one or more of the following types of destination;

parking lot, road exit, traffic lane entry, traffic lane exit, bridge entry, bridge exit, retail store, service store, event location, event ticket office, transit station.

57. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

receiving certification of the identified preferred consequential result that includes an actual award or value or advantage, which certification is provided by or on behalf of a person or entity associated with the identified preferred consequential result.

58. The method of claim 57 further comprising:

receiving confirmation of the actual award or value or advantage, which confirmation is encoded on an electronic record associated with the vehicle.

59. The method of claim 57 further comprising:

receiving confirmation of the actual award or value or advantage, wherein such confirmation is encoded on an electronic record associated with an operator or driver or passenger or owner or lessor or lessee or fleet manager of the vehicle.

60. The method of claim 57 further comprising:

receiving confirmation of the actual award or value or advantage, which confirmation is posted to an account record or an electronic card associated with the vehicle.

61. The method of claim 57 further comprising:

receiving confirmation of the actual award or value or advantage, wherein such confirmation is posted to an account record or an electronic card associated with an operator or driver or passenger or owner or lessor or lessee or fleet manager of the vehicle.

62. The method of claim 57 further comprising:

receiving confirmation of the actual award or value or advantage provided by or on behalf of one or more of the following;

vehicle manufacturer, vehicle sales entity, governmental entity, environmental entity, insurance company, insurance sales agent, fuel manufacturer, fuel sales entity, vehicle engine/component manufacturer, vehicle engine/component sales entity, “

green”

product company, “

green”

services company, “

green”

rebate entity.

63. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

receiving certification of an actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result, which certification is received upon arrival at a specified destination associated with the identified preferred consequential result.

64. The method of claim 1 wherein said making the user-selection to implement the one or more optional vehicle operation modes includes:

making one or more of the following type of user-initiated control actions;

voice command, tactile touching, gesture, hand manipulation, foot manipulation.

65. The method of claim 1 wherein said making the user-selection to implement the one or more optional vehicle operation modes includes:

activating one or more of the following types of device;

button, lever, dial, switch, keyboard, mouse, pedal, lever, switch.

66. The method of claim 1 wherein said making the user-selection to implement the one or more optional vehicle operation modes includes:

causing an over-ride or cancellation of a default vehicle operational mode during travel on the particular route or area and/or during travel during a temporal period, which is subject to the given administrative standard.

67. The method of claim 1 further comprising;

communicating a notification of the user-selected implementation of the one or more optional vehicle operational modes, wherein the notification is provided to a person or entity associated with the identified preferred consequential result.

68. The method of claim 67 further comprising:

receiving certification of an actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result, which certification is responsive to the communicated notification.

69. The method of claim 68 wherein said receiving certification of the actual award or value or advantage includes:

receiving certification via a communication device accessible in the vehicle.

70. The method of claim 68 wherein said receiving certification of the actual award or value or advantage includes:

receiving certification that delineates a qualified recipient of the actual award or value or advantage.

71. The method of claim 68 wherein said receiving certification of the actual award or value or advantage includes:

receiving certification that includes a description of the actual award or value or advantage that is different from the corresponding first benefit.

72. The method of claim 1 wherein said making the user selection to implement the one or more optional vehicle operation modes includes:

selecting one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters to attain the identified preferred consequential result, wherein such selected vehicle operating parameter also enables conformity with one or more possible compliance states relative to the given administrative standard.

73. The method of claim 72 wherein said selecting one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters to attain the identified preferred consequential result includes:

causing a modified conformity status that provides an accrued second benefit of different or lesser value as compared to the accrued first benefit.

2-32. -32. (canceled)

41. (canceled)

44-52. -52. (canceled)

74. (canceled)

75. A computer program product comprising computer-readable media having encoded instructions for executing the following method for selective control of a vehicle operational mode:

obtaining information regarding a compliance state relative to a given administrative standard defining a predetermined vehicle operation mode of a vehicle traveling via a particular route or area, wherein the compliance state corresponds to a first benefit that accrues based on conformity with the given administrative standard;

identifying a preferred consequential result that includes an award or value or advantage correlated with one or more optional vehicle operation modes, wherein the preferred consequential result is available to a qualified recipient associated with the vehicle; and

implementing a user-selection of the one or more optional vehicle operational modes in a manner to attain the identified preferred consequential result, wherein the implemented vehicle operational mode modifies a conformity status of the given administrative standard.

107. The computer program product of claim 75 wherein said method further includes:

obtaining information regarding one or more applicable compliance states and/or their respective accrued benefit based on a temporal period of travel subject to the given administrative standard.

108. The computer program product of claim 107 wherein said method further includes:

obtaining information regarding one or more possible temporal periods of travel having different respective compliance states and/or different respective accrued benefits.

109. The computer program product of claim 107 wherein said method feature implementing the user-selection of the optional vehicle operational mode prevents the vehicle from qualifying with the compliance state applicable during the temporal period of travel subject to the administrative standard.

110. The computer program product of claim 107 wherein said method further includes:

obtaining information indicative of forfeiting all or part of the corresponding first benefit, due to the modified conformity status arising from the temporal period of travel for the vehicle, wherein the modified conformity status does not prevent attainment of the identified preferred consequential result that is different from the corresponding first benefit.

111. The computer program product of claim 107 wherein said method further includes:

obtaining information for the given administrative standard that defines the predetermined vehicle operation mode of the vehicle traveling during one or more of the following types of temporal periods;

seasonal, storm occurrence, weather warning, weather situation, smog alert, time-of-day, night-time, commuter hours, imminent event, ongoing event, traffic congestion, road closure, dangerous road condition, road construction, road repair, travel accident.

112. The computer program product of claim 107 wherein said method further includes;

obtaining information for the given administrative standard that defines the predetermined vehicle operation mode of the vehicle traveling during the temporal time period that includes a designated high-traffic time period or a designated air quality time period or a designated natural phenomenon time period.

113. The computer program product of claim 75 wherein said method feature implementing the user-selection of the optional vehicle operation mode includes:

implementing one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters to maintain a preferable vehicle paradigm during all or a portion of travel via the particular route or area and/or during a temporal travel period that is subject to the given administrative standard.

114. The computer program product of claim 113 wherein said method further includes:

obtaining information regarding the one or more possible travel routes or possible travel areas having different respective compliance states and/or different respective accrued benefits, wherein said maintaining the preferable vehicle paradigm prevents qualifying for the respective compliance state applicable to a chosen travel route or chosen travel area.

116. The computer program product of claim 113 wherein said method further includes:

obtaining information indicative of forfeiting all or part of the corresponding benefit, due to the modified conformity status that occurs in connection with maintaining the preferable vehicle paradigm that includes a safety mode or environmental mode, wherein the modified conformity status caused by the preferable vehicle paradigm does not prevent attainment of the identified preferred consequential result that is different from the corresponding first benefit.

117. The computer program product of claim 113 wherein said method feature implementing one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters includes:

enabling implementation in an electric/combustion hybrid vehicle of a preferable battery charging/discharging paradigm in a manner to attain the consequential result that is different from the corresponding first benefit.

127. The computer program product of claim 75 wherein said method further includes:

obtaining information indicative of confirmation of the identified preferred consequential result that includes an actual award or value or advantage based on implementation of one or more of the following types of configurable vehicle operation parameter number of passengers, battery-powered mode, combustion-powered mode, bio-fuel mode, bio-fuel blend mode, natural gas mode, electric power mode, low emission mode, calibrated miles/per/gallon mode, battery-charge mode, battery-discharge mode, low-temperature engine mode, electric/combustion hybrid mode, solely electric power mode, primarily electric power mode, solely fuel combustion mode, primarily fuel combustion mode, safety certification mode, environmental certification mode, emission content, zero emissions, approved catalytic converter, speed-limiter activated, turned-on headlights safety factor.

128. The computer program product of claim 75 wherein said method further includes:

obtaining information indicative of confirmation of one or more of the following types of actual vehicle battery benefits included as part of the identified preferred consequential result;

priority access to battery recharge station, priority battery servicing, reduced cost for battery recharge, free battery renewal service, customized battery recharge, discounted cost for battery replacement, special warranty on new battery purchase, higher quality battery purchase at standard price.

129. The computer program product of claim 75 wherein said method further includes:

obtaining information indicative of confirmation for one or more of the following types of actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result;

reduced vehicle registration fees, reduced fuel price, priority fuel purchase, preferred parking location, reduced parking fee, tax credit, traffic lane usage, bridge usage, reduced toll rate, financial rebate, store discount, product discount, membership offer.

130. The computer program product of claim 75 wherein said method further includes:

obtaining information indicative of confirmation of an actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result, which confirmation is received at one or more of the following types of destination;

parking lot, road exit, traffic lane entry, traffic lane exit, bridge entry, bridge exit, retail store, service store, event location, event ticket office, transit station.

131. The computer program product of claim 75 wherein said method further includes:

obtaining information indicative of certification of the identified preferred consequential result that includes an actual award or value or advantage, which certification is provided by or on behalf of a person or entity associated with the identified preferred consequential result.

132. The computer program product of claim 131 wherein said method further includes:

receiving confirmation of the actual award or value or advantage, which confirmation is encoded on an electronic record associated with the vehicle.

133. The computer program product of claim 131 wherein said method further includes:

receiving confirmation of the actual award or value or advantage, wherein such confirmation is encoded on an electronic record associated with an operator or driver or passenger or owner or lessor or lessee or fleet manager of the vehicle.

134. The computer program product of claim 131 wherein said method further includes:

receiving confirmation of the actual award or value or advantage, which confirmation is posted to an account record or electronic card associated with the vehicle.

135. The computer program product of claim 131 wherein said method further includes:

receiving confirmation of the actual award or value or advantage, wherein such confirmation is posted to an account record or electronic card associated with an operator or driver or passenger or owner or lessor or lessee or fleet manager of the vehicle.

136. The computer program product of claim 131 wherein said method further includes:

receiving confirmation of the actual award or value or advantage provided by or on behalf of one or more of the following;

vehicle manufacturer, vehicle sales entity, governmental entity, environmental entity, insurance company, insurance sales agent, fuel manufacturer, fuel sales entity, vehicle engine/component manufacturer, vehicle engine/component sales entity, “

green”

product company, “

green”

services company. “

green”

rebate entity.

137. The computer program product of claim 75 wherein said method further includes:

obtaining information indicative of certification of an actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result, which certification is received upon arrival at a specified destination associated with the identified preferred consequential result.

138. The computer program product of claim 75 wherein said implementing the user-selection of the optional vehicle operation mode includes:

implementing one or more of the following type of user-initiated control actions;

voice command, tactile touching, gesture, hand manipulation, foot manipulation.

139. The computer program product of claim 75 wherein said implementing the user-selection of the optional vehicle operation mode includes:

implementing the optional vehicle operation mode based on user-activation of one or more of the following types of device;

button, lever, dial, switch, keyboard, mouse, pedal, lever, switch.

140. The computer program product of claim 75 wherein said implementing the user-selection of the optional vehicle operation mode includes:

implementing an over-ride or cancellation of a default vehicle operational mode during travel on the particular route or area and/or during travel during a temporal period, which is subject to the given administrative standard.

141. The computer program product of claim 75 wherein said method further includes;

communicating a notification of the user-selected implementation of the one or more optional vehicle operational modes, wherein the notification is provided to a person or entity associated with the identified preferred consequential result.

142. The computer program product of claim 141 wherein said method further includes:

obtaining information indicative of certification of an actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result, which certification is responsive to the communicated notification.

143. The computer program product of claim 142 wherein said obtaining information indicative of certification of the actual award or value or advantage includes:

obtaining information indicative of certification via a communication device accessible in the vehicle.

144. The computer program product of claim 142 wherein said obtaining information indicative of certification of the actual award or value or advantage includes:

obtaining information indicative of certification that delineates a qualified recipient of the actual award or value or advantage.

145. The computer program product of claim 142 wherein said obtaining information indicative of certification of the actual award or value or advantage includes:

obtaining information indicative of certification that includes a description of the actual award or value or advantage that is different from the corresponding first benefit.

146. The computer program product of claim 75 wherein said implementing the user-selection of the optional vehicle operation mode includes:

implementing one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters to attain the identified preferred consequential result, wherein such selected vehicle operating parameter also enables conformity with one or more possible compliance states relative to the given administrative standard.

147. The computer program product of claim 146 wherein said implementing one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters to attain the identified preferred consequential result includes:

causing a modified conformity status that provides an accrued second benefit of different or lesser value as compared to the accrued first benefit.

76-106. -106. (canceled)

115. (canceled)

118-126. -126. (canceled)

148. (canceled)