Selective control system for vehicle operating parameters

• US 8,326,485 B2
• Filed: 11/23/2009
• Issued: 12/04/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 07/29/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• 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): Nguyen, Kim T
• Application Number:
  US12/592,438
• Publication Number:
  US 20110029171A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,107 Days
• Field of Search: 701/22, 701/29.1, 701/29.3, 701/32.1, 701/32.3, 701/32.5, 701/34.2, 701/36
• US Class Current: 701/36
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/008 communicating information to a remotely located station transmission systems for measured values G08C

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 control system for vehicle operating parameters, comprising:

data record means for providing accessible information regarding a compliance state and its corresponding benefit relative to a given administrative standard that defines a predetermined vehicle operation mode of a vehicle traveling via a particular route or area;

communication means for identifying a preferred consequential result that is different from the corresponding benefit, which preferred consequential result correlates with one or more vehicle operating parameters;

selection means for implementing the one or more vehicle operating parameters during all or a portion of travel via the particular route or area in a manner to qualify for the preferred consequential result; and

compliance means for processing confirmation of at least one implemented vehicle operating parameter to determine a conformity status for the vehicle pursuant to the given administrative standard.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said compliance means includes:

a compliance module operably connected with said data record for determining the conformity status of the vehicle based on the one or more implemented vehicle operating parameters, wherein the modified conformity status does not prevent attainment of the identified preferred consequential result available upon arrival at the specified destination.

3. The system of claim 1 wherein said compliance means includes:

a compliance module operably connected with a vehicle detection or monitoring device to determine the conformity status of the vehicle based on the one or more implemented vehicle operating parameters, wherein the modified conformity status does not prevent attainment of the identified preferred consequential result available upon arrival at the specified destination.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said compliance means includes:

a compliance module configured to determine the conformity status including whether the one or more vehicle operating parameters prevent full conformity with the given administrative standard by the vehicle.

5. The system of claim 1 wherein said compliance means includes:

a compliance module configured to determine the conformity status including whether the one or more implemented vehicle operating parameters cause forfeiture of all or part of the corresponding benefit pursuant to the given administrative standard.

6. The system of claim 1 wherein said compliance means includes:

a compliance module configured to determine the conformity status including whether the one or more implemented vehicle operating parameters cause a different benefit that accrues based on qualification with another compliance state applicable to the vehicle.

7. The system of claim 1 wherein said compliance means include:

a compliance module configured to determine the conformity status including whether the one or more implemented vehicle operating parameters cause a different benefit that accrues based on qualification with two or more compliance states applicable to the vehicle.

8. The system of claim 1 wherein said compliance means includes:

a compliance module configured to determine the conformity status including whether the vehicle qualifies for an exemption from the predetermined vehicle operation mode, which exemption requires additional payment or other consideration to qualify for the exemption.

9. The system of claim 1 wherein said data record means includes:

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

10. The system of claim 1 wherein said data record means includes:

a data table linked to a communication device configured to indicate conformity status information regarding one or more applicable compliance states and/or their respective accrued benefit pursuant to the given administrative standard.

11. The system of claim 10 further comprising:

said data table linked to the communication device accessible in the vehicle.

12. The system of claim 10 further comprising:

said data table linked to a mobile communication device.

13. The system of claim 10 further comprising:

said data table linked to the communication device accessible to an operator or driver or passenger or owner or lessor or lessee or fleet owner or fleet manager of the vehicle.

14. The system of claim 10 further comprising:

a mobile communication device or vehicle communication device linked to the data table and configured to make the conformity status information accessible prior to implementation of the one or more vehicle operating parameters.

15. The system of claim 10 further comprising:

a mobile communication device or vehicle communication device linked to the data table and configured to make the conformity status information accessible prior to choosing a type of vehicle to travel via the particular route or area subject to the given administrative standard.

16. The system of claim 10 further comprising:

a mobile communication device or vehicle communication device linked to the data table and configured to make the conformity status information accessible prior to the vehicle proceeding along the particular route or area subject to the given administrative standard.

17. The system of claim 1 wherein said data record means includes:

a data table indicating a compliance state that includes 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.

18. The system of claim 1 wherein said communication means includes:

communication means for identifying one or more possible consequential results which are respectively based on selective implementation of a same or different correlated vehicle operating parameter.

19. The system of claim 18 wherein said communication means includes:

a communication unit accessible in the vehicle for identifying one or more possible consequential results and their respective correlated vehicle operating parameters.

20. The system of claim 18 wherein said communication means includes:

a communication unit for identifying one or more possible consequential results and their respective correlated vehicle operating parameters, wherein the communication unit is accessible to an operator or driver or passenger or owner or lessor or lessee or fleet owner fleet manager of the vehicle.

21. The system of claim 18 wherein said communication means includes:

a communication unit for identifying information regarding one or more possible consequential results and their respective correlated vehicle operating parameters, wherein such identified information is accessible prior to making a user-selected implementation of the one or more vehicle operating parameters.

22. The system of claim 18 wherein said communication means includes:

a communication unit for identifying information regarding one or more possible consequential results and their respective correlated vehicle operating parameters, wherein such identified information is accessible prior to choosing a type of vehicle to travel via the particular route or area subject to the given administrative standard.

23. The system of claim 18 wherein said communication means includes:

a communication unit for identifying information regarding one or more possible consequential results and their respective correlated vehicle operating parameters, wherein such identified information is accessible prior to the vehicle proceeding along the particular route or area subject to the given administrative standard.

24. The system of claim 1 wherein said communication means includes:

a communication unit for identifying information regarding one or more possible consequential results that include an award or value or advantage to one or more of the following type of qualified recipients;

vehicle, operator, driver, passenger, vehicle owner, vehicle lessor, vehicle lessee, vehicle fleet owner, vehicle fleet manager.

25. The system of claim 24 wherein said communication unit includes:

a communication unit accessible in the vehicle.

26. The system of claim 24 wherein said communication unit includes:

a communication unit located remotely from the vehicle.

27. The system of claim 24 wherein said communication unit includes:

a mobile communication unit.

28. The system of claim 24 wherein said communication unit includes:

a communication unit accessible to one or more of the following;

operator, driver, passenger, vehicle owner, vehicle lessor, vehicle lessee, vehicle fleet owner, vehicle fleet manager.

29. The system of claim 1 wherein said communication means includes:

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

30. The system of claim 29 wherein said data record means includes:

data record means for providing accessible information regarding travel to the specified destination via alternative routes or areas which have different respective compliance states and/or accrued benefits based on an applicable given administrative standard.

31. The system of claim 30 wherein said compliance means includes:

a compliance module configured to determine the conformity status including whether the modified conformity status that occurs from traveling via a chosen alternative route or area to the specified destination causes forfeiture of all or part of the corresponding benefit pursuant to the applicable administrative standard.

32. The system of claim 29 wherein said communication means includes:

a communication unit configured to receive information regarding one or more possible consequential results respectively available at one or more of the following types of alternate specified destinations;

primary destination, secondary destination, alternate destination, intermediate destination; and

wherein the modified conformity status does not prevent attainment of the identified preferred consequential result available upon arrival at the specified destination.

33. The system of claim 1 wherein said communication means includes:

a communication unit configured to confirm the availability at a 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.

34. The system of claim 1 wherein said communication means includes:

a communication unit configured to confirm the availability of the identified preferred consequential 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.

35. The system of claim 1 wherein said data record means includes:

data record means for providing accessible information for the given administrative standard that defines the predetermined vehicle operation mode of the vehicle traveling during one or more possible temporal periods of travel having different respective compliance states and/or different respective accrued benefits.

36. The system of claim 1 wherein said data record means includes:

data record means for providing accessible information for the given administrative standard that defines 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.

37. The system of claim 1 wherein said data record means includes:

data record means for providing accessible information for the given administrative standard that defines the predetermined vehicle operation mode of the vehicle traveling during a temporal period that includes a designated high-traffic time period or a designated air quality time period or a designated natural phenomenon time period.

38. The system of claim 1 wherein said selection means includes:

controller module configured to maintain a preferable vehicle paradigm during all or a portion of travel via the particular route or area that is subject to the given administrative standard.

39. The system of claim 38 wherein said compliance means includes:

a compliance module configured to determine the conformity status including whether the preferable vehicle paradigm prevents full conformity with the given administrative standard by the vehicle.

40. The system of claim 38 wherein said compliance means includes:

a compliance module configured to determine the conformity status including whether the preferable vehicle paradigm prevents qualifying for the respective compliance state applicable to a chosen travel route or chosen travel area for the vehicle.

41. The system of claim 38 wherein said compliance means includes:

a compliance module configured to determine the conformity status including whether the preferable vehicle paradigm causes forfeiture of all or part of the corresponding benefit due to the modified conformity status that occurs in connection with maintaining the preferable vehicle paradigm.

42. The system of claim 38 wherein said compliance means includes:

a compliance module configured to determine the conformity status, wherein the modified conformity status caused by the preferable vehicle paradigm does not prevent attainment of the identified preferred consequential result.

43. The system of claim 38 wherein said controller module includes:

controller module configured to enable implementation of a preferable battery charging/discharging paradigm in a manner to attain the consequential result.

44. The system of claim 38 wherein said controller module includes:

controller module configured to enable implementation of a preferable exhaust paradigm for fuel emissions in a manner to attain the consequential result.

45. The system of claim 38 wherein said controller module includes:

controller module configured to enable implementation of preferable fuel composition paradigm for a combustion engine in a manner to attain the consequential result.

46. The system of claim 38 wherein said controller module includes:

controller module configured to enable implementation of an electrical power paradigm for a hybrid engine in a manner to attain the consequential result.

47. The system of claim 38 wherein said controller module includes:

controller module configured to enable implementation of a combustion power paradigm for a hybrid engine in a manner to attain the consequential result.

48. The system of claim 38 wherein said controller module includes:

controller module configured to enable implementation of calibrated temperature paradigm for a vehicle component in a manner to attain the consequential result.

49. The system of claim 38 wherein said controller module includes:

controller module configured to enable implementation of a limited velocity paradigm based on a maximum speed or minimum speed or speed range in a manner to attain the consequential result.

50. The system of claim 38 wherein said controller module includes:

controller module configured to enable implementation of a preferred vehicle velocity paradigm in a manner to achieve a proposed targeted arrival time at a chosen destination.

51. The system of claim 38 wherein said controller module includes:

controller module configured to enable implementation of a preferred vehicle power paradigm in a manner to achieve 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.

52. The system of claim 38 wherein said controller module includes:

controller module configured to enable implementation of the preferred vehicle power paradigm in an electric/combustion hybrid vehicle.

53. The system of claim 1 wherein said selection means includes:

selection means for implementing one or more of the following types of configurable vehicle operation parameter to attain one or more preferred consequential results;

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.

54. The system of claim 1 wherein said communication means includes:

a communication unit configured to receive confirmation of one or more of the following types of actual 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.

55. The system of claim 1 wherein said communication means includes:

a communication unit configured to receive confirmation for one or more of the following types of actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified 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.

56. The system of claim 1 wherein said communication means includes:

a communication unit 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 upon arrival 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.

57. The system of claim 1 wherein said communication means includes:

a communication unit configured to receive confirmation of an actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result 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.

58. The system of claim 1 wherein said selection means includes:

a user interface including one or more of the following type of elements;

keyboard, voice receiver, audio speaker, mouse, touch screen, scanner, printer, data status display, messaging display, GPS travel map.

59. The system of claim 1 wherein said selection means includes:

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.

60. The system of claim 1 wherein said selection means includes:

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.

61. The system of claim 1 wherein said selection means includes:

an application program having instructions encoded on computer-readable media for implementing the one or more vehicle operating parameters.

62. A control system for vehicle operating parameters, comprising:

data record means for providing accessible information regarding a compliance state and its corresponding benefit relative to a given administrative standard that defines a predetermined vehicle operation mode of a vehicle traveling via a particular route or area;

communication means for identifying a preferred consequential result that is different from the corresponding benefit, which preferred consequential result correlates with one or more vehicle operating parameters;

selection means for implementing the one or more vehicle operating parameters during all or a portion of travel via the particular route or area in a manner to qualify for the preferred consequential result; and

certification means operatively connected to a vehicle detection or monitoring device to confirm implementation of the one or more vehicle operating parameters during travel via the particular route or area and/or during travel during an applicable temporal period, wherein at least one implemented vehicle operating parameter modifies a conformity status regarding the given administrative standard.