METHOD OF SELECTING MODES OF OPERATION FOR A HYBRID VEHICLE
First Claim
1. A method for use with a hybrid vehicle, comprising the steps of:
- (a) receiving route information from a user;
(b) using the route information to develop a route;
(c) receiving an operating mode selection from the user; and
(d) using the operating mode selection to assign a certain operating mode of the hybrid vehicle to a certain segment of the route, wherein the route includes a plurality of individual segments.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method for enabling a user of a hybrid vehicle to assign different modes of operation to different segments of a particular route instead of, for example, simply operating the vehicle in an electric mode until its battery is depleted and then switching to an engine or charge-sustaining mode. This method may be useful in situations where a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is being frequently driven on a particular route whose distance exceeds the PHEV'"'"'s electric mode range. The customized route, complete with operating mode selections for certain route segments, can be stored at the vehicle and automatically implemented when the vehicle recognizes the stored route. Other potential features include evaluating the route after it has been developed and/or driven and providing the user with some feedback so that they can make it more efficient.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A method for use with a hybrid vehicle, comprising the steps of:
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(a) receiving route information from a user; (b) using the route information to develop a route; (c) receiving an operating mode selection from the user; and (d) using the operating mode selection to assign a certain operating mode of the hybrid vehicle to a certain segment of the route, wherein the route includes a plurality of individual segments. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification