Systems and methods for providing selective control of a vehicle operational mode

• US 9,073,554 B2
• Filed: 11/20/2009
• Issued: 07/07/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 07/29/2009
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Enterprise Science Fund, LLC (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Original Assignee: The Invention Science Fund I, L.L.C. (Intellectual Ventures LLC)
• Inventors: Hyde, Roderick A., Ishikawa, Muriel Y., Kare, Jordin T., Nugent, Thomas J. Jr., Tegreene, Clarence T., Whitmer, Charles, Wood, Lowell L. Jr., Wood, Victoria Y. H.
• Primary Examiner(s): Black, Thomas G
• Assistant Examiner(s): Kong, Sze-Hon
• Application Number:
  US12/592,276
• Publication Number:
  US 20110029170A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,055 Days
• Field of Search: 705/5, 705/14.1, 705/14.11, 705/14.13, 705/14.14, 705/14.15, 705/14.19, 705/14.2, 705/14.25, 705/14.27, 705/14.31, 705/14.32, 705/345, 701/36, 701/48, 701/53, 701/99, 701/1, 701/2, 701/22, 330/127
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 2556/50 of positioning data, e.g. GPS [Global Positioning System] data
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 30/182 Selecting between different operative modes, e.g. comfort and performance modes
• CPC Class Codes: B60W 50/082 Selecting or switching between different modes of propelling
• 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 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. Various accessible records may be maintained regarding administrative compliance states and their respective benefits, as well as regarding certification of preferable consequential results available to qualified recipients based on a correlated vehicle operational mode.

Claims

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

means for providing accessible 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 defined vehicle operation mode comprises a power source for the vehicle, and wherein the compliance state corresponds to a first benefit that accrues based on conformity with the given administrative standard in a first vehicle operation mode that comprises a first power source for the vehicle;

means for communicating information identifying a preferred consequential result that includes an award or value or advantage correlated with at least one optional vehicle operational mode, wherein the preferred consequential result is available to a qualified recipient associated with the vehicle, wherein the preferred consequential result is different than the first benefit; and

means for implementing a user-selection of a second vehicle operational mode, including a means for selecting a second power source for the vehicle that is different than the first power source, during travel via the particular route or area in a manner to attain the preferred consequential result, wherein the implemented vehicle operational mode modifies a conformity status regarding the given administrative standard, such that the first benefit is forfeited and the preferred consequential result is attained.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said means for implementing the user-selection of the at least one optional operation mode includes:

controller means configured to implement the at least one optional vehicle operational mode that prevents full conformity with the given administrative standard by the vehicle.

3. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a mobile or vehicle communication unit configured to be accessible to one or more of the following;

an operator or driver or passenger or owner or lessor or lessee or fleet owner or fleet manager of the vehicle.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said means for communicating information identifying the preferred consequential result includes:

a communication unit configured to provide preferred consequential result information which is accessible prior to the user-selection of the at least one optional vehicle operational modes.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein said means for communicating information identifying the preferred consequential result includes:

a communication unit configured to provide preferred consequential result information which is accessible prior to choosing a type of vehicle to travel via the particular route or area subject to the given administrative standard.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein said means for communicating information identifying the preferred consequential result includes:

a communication unit configured to provide preferred consequential information which is accessible prior to proceeding along the particular route or area subject to the given administrative standard.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein said means for providing accessible information regarding a compliance state relative to the given administrative standard includes:

an accessible data record indicating compliance states that include one or more of the following types of qualification requirements;

number of passengers, HOV lane account status, toll road account status, public road standard, public area standard, private road standard, private area standard, electric power mode, combustion/electric hybrid mode, combustion fuel content, bio-fuel content, natural gas fuel, engine efficiency, miles/per/gallon calibration, combustion emission, zero-emissions, exhaust content, maximum speed limitation, safety factor, safety mode, safety certification, environmental mode, environmental certification.

8. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a communication device configured to confirm availability of the identified preferred consequential result to one or more of the following type of qualified recipients;

an operator or driver or passenger or owner or lessor or lessee or fleet owner or fleet manager of the vehicle.

9. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a communication device configured to confirm availability of the identified preferred consequential result that is dependent upon arrival of the vehicle at a specified destination.

10. The system of claim 9 wherein said communication device includes:

a communication device configured to confirm the availability at the specified destination of the identified preferred consequential result that includes one or more of the following;

battery recharge station, battery renewal facility, high-voltage recharge station, low-voltage recharge station, battery replacement station, priority battery service, fuel supply station, diesel combustion fuel station, gasoline combustion fuel station, natural gas fuel station, bio-fuel station, priority fuel service.

11. The system of claim 9 wherein said communication device includes:

a communication device configured to confirm the availability of the identified preferred consequential result at one or more of the following types of specified destination;

parking facility, overnight accommodation, residence, office facility, vehicle repair station, vehicle accessory store, Internet access location, public transit station, private transit site, rented-vehicle return site, vehicle inspection location, jurisdictional border, licensing authority, tax assessment site, monitoring unit, detection lane.

12. The system of claim 1 wherein said means for providing accessible information regarding a compliance state relative to the given administrative standard includes:

a communication unit configured to provide accessible 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.

13. The system of claim 1 wherein said means for providing accessible information regarding the compliance state relative to the given administrative standard includes:

a communication unit configured to provide accessible information regarding one or more possible temporal periods of travel having different respective compliance states and/or different respective accrued benefits.

14. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a compliance module operatively linked to a data table record that indicates whether the implemented vehicle operation mode prevents the vehicle from qualifying with the compliance state for the given administrative standard.

15. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a compliance module operatively linked to a data table record that indicates whether the implemented vehicle operation mode causes forfeiture of all or part of the corresponding first benefit that accrues pursuant to the given administrative standard.

16. The system of claim 1 wherein said means for communicating information identifying the preferred consequential result includes:

data table means for communicating information identifying the preferred consequential result that is different from the corresponding first benefit that accrues pursuant to the given administrative standard.

17. The system of claim 1 wherein said means for providing accessible information regarding the compliance state relative to the given administrative standard includes:

an accessible data record indicating one or more possible travel routes or possible travel areas having different respective compliance states and/or different respective accrued benefits pursuant to the given administrative standard.

18. The system of claim 1 wherein said means for providing accessible information regarding the compliance state relative to the given administrative standard includes:

a communication unit configured to provide accessible information regarding the compliance state relative to the given administrative standard defining 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.

19. The system of claim 1 wherein said means for providing accessible information regarding the compliance state relative to the given administrative standard includes:

a communication unit configured to provide accessible information regarding the compliance state applicable during the predetermined vehicle operation mode of the vehicle traveling during a 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.

20. The system of claim 1 wherein said means for implementing the at least one optional vehicle operation modes includes:

controller means configured to implement the at least one optional operational mode 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.

21. The system of claim 20 further comprising:

a compliance module operably linked to a data table record that indicates whether maintaining the preferable vehicle paradigm prevents qualifying for the respective compliance state applicable to a chosen travel route or chosen travel area.

22. The system of claim 20 wherein said means for implementing the at least one optional operational mode includes:

controller means configured to maintain the preferable vehicle paradigm, wherein the modified conformity status caused by the preferable vehicle paradigm does not prevent attainment of the identified preferred consequential result.

23. The system of claim 20 wherein said means for implementing the at least one optional operation mode includes:

controller means configured to maintain in an electric/combustion hybrid vehicle a preferable battery charging/discharging paradigm in a manner to attain the consequential result.

24. The system of claim 20 wherein said means for implementing the at least one optional operation mode includes:

controller means configured to maintain one or more of the following type of preferable vehicle paradigms in a manner to attain the consequential result;

exhaust paradigm for fuel emissions, fuel composition paradigm for a combustion engine, electrical power paradigm for a hybrid engine, combustion power paradigm for a hybrid engine, calibrated temperature paradigm for a vehicle component, limited velocity paradigm based on a maximum speed or minimum speed or speed range, vehicle velocity paradigm to achieve a proposed targeted arrival time at a chosen destination.

25. The system of claim 20 wherein said means for implementing the at least one optional operation mode includes:

controller means configured to maintain a preferable vehicle power paradigm for achieving an appropriate vehicle acceleration or vehicle speed range based on current travel conditions on a particular route or in a particular area or during a temporal period of travel subject to the given administrative standard.

26. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a certification module operatively connected to a vehicle detection or monitoring device to confirm implementation of one or more of the following types of optional operational modes sufficient to attain the identified preferred consequential result;

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.

27. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a communication module configured to receive confirmation of one or more of the following types of available 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.

28. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a communication module configured to receive confirmation for one or more of the following types of available award or value or advantage included as part of the identities 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.

29. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a communication module configured to receive 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.

30. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a certification module operably linked to a data record that indicates certification of an actual award or value or advantage correlated with the implemented optional operational mode, which certification is provided by or on behalf of a person or entity associated with the identified preferred consequential result.

31. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a certification module operatively connected to a vehicle detection or monitoring device to confirm implementation of the at least one optional operational mode correlated with the award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result.

32. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

an electronic record operably linked to a certification module, wherein the electronic record includes confirmation of an actual award or value or advantage for the qualified recipient.

33. The system of claim 32 wherein the electronic record includes:

an electronic data record associated with the vehicle.

34. The system of claim 32 wherein the electronic record includes:

an electronic data record associated with an operator or driver or passenger or owner or lessor or lessee or fleet owner or fleet manager of the vehicle.

35. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a communication unit configured to receive 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.

36. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a certification module configured to provide certification of the actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result, which certification is provided to the qualified recipient upon arrival at a specified destination associated with the identified preferred consequential result.

37. The system of claim 1 wherein said means for implementing the user-selection of the at least one optional operation mode includes:

a controller module including a user interface activated by one or more of the following type of user-initiated control actions;

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

38. The system of claim 1 wherein said means for implementing the user-selection the at least one optional vehicle operation modes includes:

a controller module configured to be activated by one or more of the following types of device;

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

39. The system of claim 1 wherein said means for implementing the user-selection of the at least optional vehicle operation mode includes:

a controller module configured to cause 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.

40. The system of claim 1 further comprising;

a transceiver configured to transmit 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.

41. The system of claim 40 further comprising:

a communication unit configured to receive a certification of an actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result, which certification is responsive to the transmitted notification.

42. The system of claim 40 wherein said communication unit includes a communication device accessible in the vehicle.

43. The system of claim 40 wherein said communication unit includes a communication device accessible at a remote location relative to the vehicle.

44. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a communication unit operably linked to a certification module and configured to receive a certification that delineates the qualified recipient of the actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result.

45. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a communication unit operably linked to a certification module and configured to receive a certification that delineates the vehicle and/or a person or entity associated with the vehicle as the qualified recipient of the actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result.

46. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a communication unit configured to receive a certification that includes a description of the identified preferred consequential result that includes an actual award or value or advantage that is different from the corresponding first benefit.

47. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a certification module operatively connected to a vehicle detection or monitoring device to confirm implementation of the at least one optional operational mode which also enables conformity with one or more possible compliance states relative to the given administrative standard.

48. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a compliance module operably linked to a data table record that indicates the modified conformity status provides an accrued second benefit of different value as compared to the accrued first benefit.

49. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a compliance module operably linked to a data table record that indicates the modified conformity status provides an accrued second benefit of lesser value as compared to the accrued first benefit.

50. A system for selective control of a vehicle operational mode, comprising:

a data table for providing accessible 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 defined vehicle operation mode comprises a power source for the vehicle, and wherein the compliance state corresponds to a first benefit that accrues based on conformity with the given administrative standard in a first vehicle operation mode that comprises a first power source for the vehicle;

a mobile communication unit or vehicle communication unit for communicating information identifying a preferred consequential result that includes an award or value or advantage correlated with at least one optional vehicle operational mode, wherein the preferred consequential result is available to a qualified recipient associated with the vehicle, wherein the preferred consequential result is different than the first benefit; and

a vehicle controller module for implementing a user-selection of a second vehicle operational mode, including the implementation of a user-selection of a second power source that is different than the first power source, during travel via the particular route or area in a manner to attain the preferred consequential result wherein the implemented vehicle operational mode modifies a conformity status regarding the given administrative standard, such that the first benefit is forfeited and the preferred consequential result is attained.