METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ADJUSTING A CHARGE RELATED TO USE OF A VEHICLE DURING A PERIOD BASED ON OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE DATA

• US 20110125363A1
• Filed: 11/23/2009
• Published: 05/26/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 11/23/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Incorporated (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Original Assignee: HTI IP LLC (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Inventors: Blumer, Frederick T., Berkobin, Eric C., Holmes, Randy
• Granted Patent: US 8,423,239 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/33
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/06 Buying, selling or leasing transactions
• CPC Class Codes: G07B 15/063 using wireless information transmission between the vehicle and a fixed station identification of vehicles G08G
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/008 communicating information to a remotely located station transmission systems for measured values G08C
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/085 using electronic data carriers

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.

Claims

1. A method for adjusting a charge related to use of a vehicle during a period based on performance demands, 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;

comparing the operational data stored in first memory with predetermined criteria;

transmitting the operational data towards a central computer;

determining whether the operational data falls outside the predetermined criteria; and

adjusting the charge if the operational data falls outside the criteria.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein the operational data includes an average miles per gallon associated with the use during the predetermined period.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the predetermined period is one month.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein the average miles per gallon is derived from a measured amount of fuel used and mileage traveled during the period.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the operational data includes the total number of engine revolutions during the period.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the operational data includes an amount of fuel used in the vehicle during the period.

7. A method for adjusting a charge related to use of a vehicle during a period based on performance demands, comprising:

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 criteria.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein the operational data includes an average miles per gallon associated with the use during the predetermined period.

9. The method of claim 7 wherein the predetermined period is one month.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein the average miles per gallon is derived from a measured amount of fuel used and mileage traveled during the period.

11. The method of claim 7 wherein the operational data includes the total number of engine revolutions during the period.

12. The method of claim 7 wherein the operational data includes an amount of fuel used in the vehicle during the period.

13. A central computer configured to perform a method for adjusting a charge related to use of a vehicle during a period based on performance demands, comprising:

means for 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;

means for storing the operational data to a first memory portion in the central computer;

means for comparing the operational data stored in the first memory portion with predetermined criteria stored in a second memory portion in the central computer;

means for determining whether the operational data falls outside the predetermined criteria; and

means for adjusting the charge if the operational data falls outside the criteria.

14. The central computer of claim 13 wherein the means for receiving operational data is a computer coupled to an internetwork and is operated by a telematics services provider.

15. The central computer of claim 14 wherein a software component running on the central computer is the means for storing, the means for comparing, the means for determining, and the means for adjusting is a software component running on the central computer.

16. The central computer of claim 14 wherein the central computer, under the control of a software component running there on, is the means for storing, the means for comparing, the means for determining, and the means for adjusting.