Haptic apparatus and coaching method for improving vehicle fuel economy

• US 8,290,697 B2
• Filed: 10/07/2009
• Issued: 10/16/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 05/25/2006
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Original Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC (Ford Motor Company)
• Inventors: Coughlin, Bill
• Primary Examiner(s): Black, Thomas
• Assistant Examiner(s): LOUIE, WAE LENNY
• Application Number:
  US12/575,262
• Publication Number:
  US 20100030458A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,105 Days
• Field of Search: 701/123, 701/301, 701/45, 715/701, 345/157
• US Class Current: 701/123
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 40/09 Driving style or behaviour
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 50/16 Tactile feedback to the driver, e.g. vibration or force feedback to the driver on the steering wheel or the accelerator pedal
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/84 Data processing systems or methods, management, administration
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/2003 Electrical actuator

Abstract

An apparatus is disclosed that includes a haptic actuator operatively associated with a pedal assembly of the vehicle, a human-machine interface (HMI) for enabling the driver to select between a plurality of fuel savings settings, and a controller coupled to a data interface in the vehicle and the HMI interface for causing the haptic actuator to provide feedback to the driver when an aspect of vehicle operation crosses at least one of a plurality of speed and acceleration thresholds responsive to the HMI setting. Additionally, a coaching method provides haptic-based feedback that will not interfere with the operation of the vehicle. This method of closed-loop feedback provides a timely signal to the driver in a way that will encourage a change in driver style over time, such as backing off the accelerator pedal to accelerate at a lower rate and braking earlier with less intensity. As not all driver preferences are the same under all conditions, the HMI selector will help coach the driver by providing feedback that best fits their driving preference at the particular time.

Claims

1. An aftermarket apparatus for encouraging improved vehicle fuel economy, comprising:

a haptic actuator configured for mounting to an accelerator control assembly of the vehicle;

a connector configured for removably coupling to a vehicle controller via a diagnostic port inside a cabin of the vehicle; and

a controller in communication with the connector and the haptic actuator and configured to read a plurality of signals from the diagnostic port and energize the haptic actuator in response.

2. The aftermarket apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the controller is housed in a common enclosure with the connector.

3. The aftermarket apparatus according to claim 1, wherein one of the signals is vehicle speed and the controller also energizes the haptic actuator to encourage the driver to leave more distance for braking.

4. The aftermarket apparatus according to claim 1, further including a human-machine interface in communication with the controller to enable the driver to select between a plurality of fuel saving settings.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plurality of signals form the diagnostic port are communicated over a controller area network.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the controller energizes the haptic actuator in response to a determination of vehicle fuel economy based on the plurality of signals.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the controller energizes the haptic actuator in response to exceeding an acceleration rate threshold.

8. An apparatus for encouraging a driver of a vehicle to improve fuel economy, comprising:

a haptic actuator having a mounting clip to facilitate installation on an accelerator control assembly of the vehicle;

a connector configured to be removably coupled to a diagnostic port inside a cabin of the vehicle; and

a controller in communication with the connector and the haptic actuator and configured to read a plurality of signals from the diagnostic port and energize the haptic actuator.

9. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the controller is housed in a common enclosure with the connector.

10. The apparatus according to claim 8, wherein one of the signals is vehicle speed and the controller also energizes the haptic actuator to encourage the driver to leave more distance for braking.

11. The apparatus according to claim 8, further including a human-machine interface in communication with the controller to enable the driver to select between a plurality of fuel saving settings.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein the human-machine interface comprises a selector switch.

13. A device for providing feedback to a vehicle driver, comprising:

a haptic actuator adapted for mechanically coupling to an accelerator pedal of the vehicle;

a plug adapted for removably connecting to a corresponding receptacle within a cabin of the vehicle to receive vehicle data; and

a controller in communication with the connector and the haptic actuator and configured to energize the haptic actuator when the vehicle data indicates driving behavior that reduces fuel economy.

14. The device of claim 13 further comprising a human-machine interface in communication with the controller and configured to select a desired fuel economy range.

15. The device of claim 13 wherein the vehicle data includes vehicle speed and the controller energizes the haptic actuator when the vehicle speed exceeds a threshold.

16. The device of claim 13 wherein the haptic actuator includes a hook and loop fastener for coupling to the accelerator pedal.