Selective implementation of an optional vehicle mode

• US 8,751,058 B2
• Filed: 11/25/2009
• Issued: 06/10/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 09/29/2009
• 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): Tran, Khoi
• Assistant Examiner(s): Figueroa, Jaime
• Application Number:
  US12/592,546
• Publication Number:
  US 20110077805A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,658 Days
• Field of Search: 701/1, 701/22, 701/31.4, 701/102, 701/103, 701/424, 701/425, 701/439, 903/903, 705/14, 705/14.1, 180/65.31
• US Class Current: 701/1
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/26 specially adapted for navigation in a road network
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/047 Optimisation of routes or paths, e.g. travelling salesman problem
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management

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 method for selective implementation of an operating parameter in a vehicle, comprising:

storing information regarding a vehicle compliance state and its corresponding first benefit, wherein the vehicle compliance state is determined relative to a given administrative standard defining a predetermined vehicle operation mode applicable to a particular route or area;

obtaining access to information that identifies a preferred consequential result that is different from the first benefit; and

implementing a configurable operating parameter in the vehicle during travel via the particular route or area to (1) forfeit the first benefit and (2) attain the identified preferred consequential result instead, wherein the implemented configurable operating parameter modifies a conformity status of the vehicle relative to the given administrative standard, such that the first benefit is forfeited.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein said storing information regarding the vehicle compliance state and its corresponding benefit includes:

storing information regarding the compliance state that includes one or more of the following types of 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.

3. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

confirming 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.

4. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

confirming 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.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein said storing information regarding the vehicle compliance state and its corresponding benefit includes:

storing 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.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein said implementing the configurable operating parameter includes:

implementing one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters to maintain the preferable vehicle mode 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.

7. The method of claim 6 wherein said implementing one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters includes:

enabling implementation of a battery charging/discharging mode in a manner to attain the identified preferred consequential result.

8. The method of claim 6 wherein said implementing one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters includes:

enabling implementation of a preferable exhaust mode for fuel emissions in a manner to attain the identified preferred consequential result.

9. The method of claim 6 wherein said implementing one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters includes:

enabling implementation of preferable fuel composition mode for a combustion engine in a manner to attain the identified preferred consequential result.

10. The method of claim 6 wherein said implementing one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters includes:

enabling implementation of an electrical power mode or a combustion power mode for a hybrid engine in a manner to attain the identified preferred consequential result.

11. The method of claim 6 wherein said implementing one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters includes:

enabling implementation of at least one configurable vehicle operating parameter to maintain one or more of the following types of preferable vehicle modes;

safety factor mode, environmental benchmark mode, multiple passenger threshold mode, engine efficiency mode based on miles-per-gallon calibration.

12. The method of claim 6 wherein said implementing one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters includes:

enabling implementation of calibrated temperature mode for a vehicle component in a manner to attain the identified preferred consequential result.

13. The method of claim 6 wherein said implementing one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters includes:

enabling implementation of a limited velocity mode based on a maximum speed or minimum speed or speed range in a manner to attain the identified preferred consequential result.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein said enabling implementation of the limited velocity mode includes:

enabling implementation of a preferred vehicle velocity mode to achieve a proposed targeted arrival time at a chosen destination.

15. The method of claim 6 wherein said implementing one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters includes:

enabling implementation of a preferred vehicle power mode 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 the given administrative standard.

16. The method of claim 6 wherein said implementing one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters includes:

implementing one or more of the following types of configurable vehicle operation parameter to attain one or more identified 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.

17. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

receiving 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.

18. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

receiving 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.

19. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

receiving 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.

20. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

receiving certification of an actual award or value or advantage included as part the identified preferred consequential result, which certification is provided by or on behalf of a person or entity associated with the identified preferred consequential result.

21. The method of claim 20 further comprising:

encoding confirmation of the actual award or value or advantage on an electronic record associated with the vehicle or an electronic record associated with an operator or driver or passenger or owner or lessor or lessee or fleet manager of the vehicle.

22. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

receiving certification of an actual award or value or advantage included as part 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.

23. The method of claim 1 further comprising:

receiving certification of an actual award or value or advantage included as part the identified preferred consequential result, which certification is received upon arrival at a specified destination associated with the identified preferred consequential result.

24. The method of claim 1 wherein said implementing the configurable operating parameter includes:

implementing one or more of the following type of user-initiated control actions;

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

25. The method of claim 1 wherein said implementing the configurable operating parameter includes:

implementing the optional vehicle operation mode based on user-activation of one or more of the following types of device;

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

26. The method of claim 1 wherein said implementing the configurable operating parameter includes:

causing 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.

27. The method of claim 1 further comprising;

communicating a notification of the implementation of the configurable operating parameter, wherein the notification is provided to a person or entity associated with the identified preferred consequential result.

28. The method of claim 27 further comprising:

receiving certification of an actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result, which certification is responsive to the communicated notification.

29. The method of claim 1 wherein said implementing the configurable operating parameter includes:

implementing one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters to attain the identified preferred consequential result, wherein such selected implemented vehicle operating parameter also enables conformity with one or more possible compliance states relative to the given administrative standard.

30. The method of claim 29 wherein said implementing one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters to attain the identified preferred consequential result includes:

causing a modified conformity status that provides an accrued second benefit of different or lesser value as compared to the accrued first benefit.

62. The method of claim 1 wherein said implementing the configurable operating parameter includes:

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

31. A computer program product comprising non-transitory computer-readable media having encoded instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform operations for a selective implementation of an operating parameter in a vehicle, the operations comprising:

storing information regarding a compliance state and its corresponding first benefit relative to a given administrative standard defining a predetermined vehicle operation mode applicable to a particular route or area;

obtaining access to information that identifies a preferred consequential result that is different from the first benefit; and

implementing a configurable operating parameter in the vehicle during travel via the particular route or area to (1) forfeit the first benefit and (2) attain the identified preferred consequential result instead, wherein the implemented configurable operating parameter modifies a conformity status of the vehicle relative to the given administrative standard, such that the first benefit is forfeited.

32. The computer program product of claim 31 wherein said operations further include:

obtaining information regarding a compliance state and its corresponding benefit 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.

33. The computer program product of claim 31 wherein said operations further include:

obtaining information indicative of confirming 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 computer program product of claim 31 wherein said operations further include:

obtaining information indicative of confirming 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 computer program product of claim 31 wherein said operations further include:

obtaining 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.

36. The computer program product of claim 31 wherein implementing the user-selection of the configurable operating parameter includes:

implementing one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters to maintain a preferable vehicle mode 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.

37. The computer program product of claim 36 wherein said operations further include:

obtaining information indicative of forfeiting all or part of the corresponding benefit, due to the modified conformity status that occurs in connection with maintaining the preferable vehicle mode, wherein the modified conformity status caused by the preferable vehicle mode does not prevent attainment of the identified preferred consequential result.

38. The computer program product of claim 36 wherein implementing one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters includes:

enabling implementation of a preferable battery charging/discharging mode in a manner to attain the identified preferred consequential result.

39. The computer program product of claim 36 wherein implementing one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters includes:

enabling implementation of a preferable exhaust mode for fuel emissions in a manner to attain the identified preferred consequential result.

40. The computer program product of claim 36 wherein implementing one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters includes:

enabling implementation of preferable fuel composition mode for a combustion engine in a manner to attain the identified preferred consequential result.

41. The computer program product of claim 36 wherein implementing one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters includes:

enabling implementation of an electrical power mode or a combustion power mode for a hybrid engine in a manner to attain the identified preferred consequential result.

42. The computer program product of claim 36 wherein implementing one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters includes:

enabling implementation of at least one configurable vehicle operating parameter to maintain one or more of the following types of preferable vehicle mode;

safety factor mode, environmental benchmark mode, multiple passenger threshold mode, engine efficiency mode based on miles-per-gallon calibration.

43. The computer program product of claim 36 wherein implementing one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters includes:

enabling implementation of calibrated temperature mode for a vehicle component in a manner to attain the identified preferred consequential result.

44. The computer program product of claim 36 wherein implementing one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters includes:

enabling implementation of a limited velocity mode based on a maximum speed or minimum speed or speed range in a manner to attain the consequential result.

45. The computer program product of claim 36 wherein implementing one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters includes:

enabling implementation of a preferred vehicle velocity mode to achieve a proposed targeted arrival time at a chosen destination.

46. The computer program product of claim 36 wherein implementing one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters includes:

enabling implementation of a preferred vehicle power mode 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.

47. The computer program product of claim 36 wherein implementing one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters includes:

implementing one or more of the following types of configurable vehicle operation parameter to attain one or more identified 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.

48. The computer program product of claim 31 wherein said operations further include

obtaining information indicative of 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.

49. The computer program product of claim 31 wherein said operations further include:

obtaining information indicative of 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.

50. The computer program product of claim 31 wherein said operations further include:

obtaining information indicative of 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.

51. The computer program product of claim 31 wherein said operations further include:

obtaining information indicative of certification of an actual award or value or advantage, which certification is provided by or on behalf of a person or entity associated with the identified preferred consequential result.

52. The computer program product of claim 51 wherein said operations further include:

encoding confirmation of the actual award or value or advantage on an electronic record associated with the vehicle or an electronic record associated with an operator or driver or passenger or owner or lessor or lessee or fleet manager of the vehicle.

53. The computer program product of claim 31 wherein said operations further include:

receiving confirmation of the 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.

54. The computer program product of claim 31 wherein said operations further include:

obtaining information indicative of certification of an actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result, which certification is received upon arrival at a specified destination associated with the identified preferred consequential result.

55. The computer program product of claim 31 wherein said implementing the user-selection of the configurable operating parameter includes:

implementing one or more of the following type of user-initiated control actions;

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

56. The computer program product of claim 31 wherein said implementing the user-selection of the configurable operating parameter includes:

implementing the optional vehicle operation mode based on user-activation of one or more of the following types of device;

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

57. The computer program product of claim 31 wherein said implementing the user-selection of the configurable operating parameter includes:

implementing 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.

58. The computer program product of claim 31 wherein said operations further include:

communicating a notification of the user-selected implementation of the one or more configurable operating parameters, wherein the notification is provided to a person or entity associated with the identified preferred consequential result.

59. The computer program product of claim 58 wherein said operations further include:

obtaining information indicative of certification of an actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result, which certification is responsive to the communicated notification.

60. The computer program product of claim 31 wherein said implementing the user-selection of the configurable operating parameter includes:

implementing one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters to attain the preferred consequential result, wherein such selected vehicle operating parameter also enables conformity with one or more possible compliance states relative to the given administrative standard.

61. The computer program product of claim 60 wherein said implementing one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters to attain the preferred consequential result includes:

causing a modified conformity status that provides an accrued second benefit of different or lesser value as compared to the accrued first benefit.