Driver measurement and incentive system for improving fuel-efficiency
First Claim
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1. A method to assist an operator to control a vehicle in a fuel-efficient manner, the vehicle including a throttle, comprising:
- providing to the operator a display interface identifying two or more target zones, and a display pointer, the target zones defined by a baseline that represents a set of zero acceleration fuel rate versus vehicle speed data points;
receiving data generated during operation of the vehicle and, in response, to generate, continuously, values representing a current fuel rate;
converting the values to control signals that drive the display pointer with respect to the two or more target zones to provide the operator visual feedback of current fuel rate against the baseline; and
in response to providing the operator visual feedback, receiving information indicating a change in an amount of throttle applied by the operator, wherein the change in the amount of throttle adjusts fuel consumption by the vehicle.
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Abstract
A vehicle driver is provided with a display interface a smartphone, tablet, PC, or any telematics or in-vehicle device installed in the vehicle. The display interface presents a real-time target for the driver to follow to maximize fuel economy and safety, achieved by modulating the accelerator pedal appropriately.
35 Citations
12 Claims
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1. A method to assist an operator to control a vehicle in a fuel-efficient manner, the vehicle including a throttle, comprising:
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providing to the operator a display interface identifying two or more target zones, and a display pointer, the target zones defined by a baseline that represents a set of zero acceleration fuel rate versus vehicle speed data points; receiving data generated during operation of the vehicle and, in response, to generate, continuously, values representing a current fuel rate; converting the values to control signals that drive the display pointer with respect to the two or more target zones to provide the operator visual feedback of current fuel rate against the baseline; and in response to providing the operator visual feedback, receiving information indicating a change in an amount of throttle applied by the operator, wherein the change in the amount of throttle adjusts fuel consumption by the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method to assist an operator to control a vehicle in a fuel-efficient manner, the vehicle having a throttle, comprising:
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for a given vehicle class of which the vehicle is a member, generating a baseline that represents a set of zero acceleration fuel rate versus vehicle speed data points; during operation of the vehicle, generating a display interface that provides visual feedback to the operator with respect to the operator'"'"'s ability to maintain an indicator in a given position with respect to the baseline; and in response to providing the operator visual feedback, receiving information indicating a change in an amount of throttle applied by the operator, wherein the change in the amount of throttle adjusts fuel consumption by the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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Specification