Method and system for adjusting a charge related to use of a vehicle based on operational data
First Claim
1. A method for adjusting a charge related to use of a vehicle, comprising:
- collecting operational data from a vehicle with a data acquisition device configured to interface with an information bus of the vehicle;
storing the operational data to a first memory portion of the data acquisition device;
comparing with the data acquisition device the operational data stored in the first memory with predetermined criteria;
transmitting with the data acquisition device the operational data towards a central computer;
determining with the data acquisition device whether the operational data falls outside the predetermined criteria; and
adjusting with the data acquisition device the charge if the operational data falls outside the predetermined criteria.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A software method controlling a computer device compares operational performance data collected and stored from a vehicle to a predetermined criterion and determines, based on the comparison, whether to adjust a baseline charge for usage of a vehicle during the period. The software may compare data corresponding to one, or more, different parameters to determine the charge adjustment, the parameters including average MPG, engine revolutions, revolution-minutes, or fuel used during the period. The software method may use average values for MPG for the particular vehicle obtained prepared by a governmental agency. The method may also use criterion derived from governmental information. Or, the criterion may be a predetermined value based on a business consideration, such as number of engine revolutions corresponding to a given number of miles traveled. If the vehicle'"'"'s engine turns more than the predetermined number during a period, the charge corresponding to use during period is increased.
46 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A method for adjusting a charge related to use of a vehicle, comprising:
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collecting operational data from a vehicle with a data acquisition device configured to interface with an information bus of the vehicle; storing the operational data to a first memory portion of the data acquisition device; comparing with the data acquisition device the operational data stored in the first memory with predetermined criteria; transmitting with the data acquisition device the operational data towards a central computer; determining with the data acquisition device whether the operational data falls outside the predetermined criteria; and adjusting with the data acquisition device the charge if the operational data falls outside the predetermined criteria. - View Dependent Claims (2, 4, 5, 6, 17, 18, 19, 21, 23)
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3. (canceled)
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7. A method for adjusting a charge related to use of a vehicle, comprising:
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receiving operational data collected and transmitted from a vehicle with a data acquisition device configured to interface with an information bus of the vehicle; storing the operational data to a first memory portion; comparing the operational data stored in first memory with predetermined criteria stored in a second memory portion; determining whether the operational data falls outside the predetermined criteria; and adjusting the charge if the operational data falls outside the predetermined criteria. - View Dependent Claims (8, 10, 11, 12, 20)
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9. (canceled)
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13. A central computer configured to perform a method for adjusting a charge related to use of a vehicle, the steps of the method comprising:
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receiving operational data, the operational data being collected and transmitted from a vehicle using a data acquisition device configured to interface with an information bus of the vehicle; comparing the operational data with predetermined criteria; determining whether the operational data falls outside the predetermined criteria; and adjusting the charge if the operational data falls outside the criteria. - View Dependent Claims (14, 22)
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15-16. -16. (canceled)
Specification