VEHICLE SPEED, FUEL, AND REVENUE OPTIMIZER
First Claim
1. A system for determining optimum vehicle speed, comprising:
- an input for receiving vehicle speed information and engine data;
a memory; and
a processor operative to perform the following functions;
a) receive the vehicle speed information and engine data, and automatically compute and store in the memory, steady-speed fuel consumption characteristics of the vehicle,b) compute vehicle revenue and cost of operation as a function of the steady-speed fuel consumption characteristics, andc) compute the optimum speed associated with the operation of the vehicle, the optimum speed being defined as the speed which maximizes net revenue or profitability.
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Abstract
Apparatus and methods are used to sense powered vehicle operating conditions, and compute and display to the operator the instant, most advantageous or optimum speed for conditions based on variable and fixed costs for that particular vehicle. Instead of the conventional or traditional display of fuel consumption relative to distance, the invention computes and displays the speed at which all cost factors result in optimal utilization of resources. If adhered to by the operator, either manually or through direct interface with vehicle speed control, this speed will provide the best balance between distance traveled per unit time with minimum negative impact from fixed and operating costs, resulting in minimum overall operating cost as well as maximum profit potential for the commercial operator. In addition, waste of valuable and limited-supply fossil fuel is minimized by encouraging avoidance of excessive speeds that waste fuel.
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Citations
25 Claims
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1. A system for determining optimum vehicle speed, comprising:
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an input for receiving vehicle speed information and engine data; a memory; and a processor operative to perform the following functions; a) receive the vehicle speed information and engine data, and automatically compute and store in the memory, steady-speed fuel consumption characteristics of the vehicle, b) compute vehicle revenue and cost of operation as a function of the steady-speed fuel consumption characteristics, and c) compute the optimum speed associated with the operation of the vehicle, the optimum speed being defined as the speed which maximizes net revenue or profitability. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method of determining optimum vehicle speed, comprising the steps of:
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receive vehicle speed information and engine data at a programmed processor; automatically compute and store steady-speed fuel consumption characteristics of the vehicle, automatically compute vehicle revenue and cost of operation as a function of the steady-speed fuel consumption characteristics, automatically compute the optimum speed associated with the operation of the vehicle, the optimum speed being defined as the speed which maximizes net revenue or profitability; and display information regarding the optimum speed to a vehicle operator. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification