Selective implementation of an optional vehicle mode

• US 8,751,059 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:
  US12/592,549
• Publication Number:
  US 20110077806A1
• 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, 909/903, 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 system for selective implementation of an operational mode in a vehicle, comprising:

data table means for storing information regarding a vehicle compliance state relative to a given administrative standard defining a predetermined vehicle operation mode applicable to a particular route or area;

first data record means for storing information regarding a first benefit that accrues based on the compliance state that is in conformity with the given administrative standard; and

controller means for implementing an optional vehicle operational mode to (1) forfeit the first benefit and instead (2) attain an identified preferred consequential result that is different from the first benefit, wherein the implemented vehicle operational mode modifies a conformity status of the given administrative standard, such that the first benefit is forfeited.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a communication device accessible in the vehicle and configured to indicate one or more applicable compliance states and/or their respective accrued benefit.

3. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

communication means indicating one or more applicable compliance states and/or their respective accrued benefit, wherein said communication means is linked to said data table means and to said first data record means and is accessible to an operator or driver or passenger or owner or lessor or lessee or fleet manager of the vehicle.

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

data table means for 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.

5. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

second data record means for storing accessible information regarding two or more possible consequential results which are respectively based on selective implementation of different optional vehicle operation modes.

6. The system of claim 5 further comprising:

a communication device configured to identify possible consequential results correlated respectively with the optional vehicle operation modes, wherein said communication device is linked to said second data record means and is accessible in the vehicle.

7. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a communication device configured to identify one or more possible consequential results correlated respectively with the optional vehicle operation means, wherein said communication device is linked to said second data record means and is accessible to an operator or driver or passenger or owner or lessor or lessee or fleet manager of the vehicle.

8. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a communication device 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.

9. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a communication device 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.

10. The system of claim 1 further comprises:

a communication device linked to said data table means and said first data record means, said communication device configured to indicate 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.

11. The system of claim 10 further comprising:

a compliance module operatively linked to the data table means that indicates whether the implemented vehicle operational mode prevents the vehicle from qualifying with the compliance state applicable during the temporal period of travel subject to the administrative standard.

12. The system of claim 10 further comprising:

a communication device operatively linked to the data table means 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.

13. The system of claim 10 further comprising;

a communication device linked to said data table means and configured to provide accessible information regarding the compliance state applicable during the predetermined vehicle operation mode of the vehicle traveling during the 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.

14. The system of claim 1 wherein said controller means includes:

controller means for 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.

15. The system of claim 14 further comprising:

a compliance module operatively linked to the data table means that indicates whether the implemented optional vehicle operational modes causes forfeiture of all or part of the first benefit due to the modified conformity status that occurs in connection with maintaining the preferable vehicle mode.

16. The system of claim 14 wherein said controller means includes:

controller means configured for implementation of a preferable battery charging/discharging mode in a manner to attain the identified preferred consequential result.

17. The system of claim 14 wherein said controller means includes:

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

18. The system of claim 14 wherein said controller means includes:

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

19. The system of claim 14 wherein said controller means includes:

controller means configured for 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.

20. The system of claim 14 wherein said controller means includes:

controller means configured for 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.

21. The system of claim 14 wherein said controller means includes:

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

22. The system of claim 14 wherein said controller means includes:

controller means configured for 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.

23. The system of claim 22 wherein said controller means includes:

controller means configured for implementation of a preferred vehicle velocity mode to achieve a proposed targeted arrival time at a chosen destination.

24. The system of claim 14 wherein said controller means includes:

controller means configured for 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.

25. The system of claim 1 wherein said 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 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.

26. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a communication device 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.

27. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a communication device 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.

28. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a communication device 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.

29. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a communication device configured to receive certification of an actual award or value or advantage included as part of 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.

30. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

an electronic record configured to receive certification of the actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result, wherein said electronic record is associated with the vehicle or is associated with an operator or driver or passenger or owner or lessor or lessee or fleet manager of the vehicle.

31. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a communication device configured to receive certification 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.

32. The system of claim 1 further comprising:

a communication device configured to receive 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.

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

a user-interface configured for activation by one or more of the following type of user-initiated control actions;

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

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

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

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

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

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.

36. The system of claim 1 further comprising;

a transceiver linked to a vehicle detection or monitoring device and configured to transmit a notification of the implementation of the optional vehicle operational mode, wherein the notification is provided to a person or entity associated with the identified preferred consequential result.

37. The system of claim 36 further comprising:

a communication unit configured to receive 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.

38. The system of claim 37 wherein said communication unit includes:

a communication device accessible in the vehicle.

39. The system of claim 37 wherein said receiving communication unit includes:

a communication device accessible at a remote location relative to the vehicle.

40. The system of claim 37 wherein said communication unit includes:

a communication device associated with an operator or driver or passenger or owner or lessor or lessee or fleet manager of the vehicle.

41. The system of claim 37 wherein said communication device includes:

a communication device configured to receive a certification that delineates a qualified recipient of the actual award or value or advantage.

42. The system of claim 37 wherein said communication device includes:

a communication device configured to receive a certification that includes a description of the actual award or value or advantage.

43. The system of claim 1 wherein said further comprising:

a certification module operatively connected to a vehicle detection or monitoring device to confirm implementation of 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.

44. The system of claim 43 further comprising:

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

45. The system of claim 1 wherein said controller means includes:

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

46. A system for selective implementation of an operational mode in a vehicle, comprising:

means for providing accessible information regarding a vehicle compliance state relative to a given administrative standard defining a predetermined vehicle operation mode applicable to a particular route or area, wherein said means also includes information regarding a first benefit that accrues based on the compliance state;

controller means for implementing an optional vehicle operational mode to (1) forfeit the first benefit and instead (2) attain an identified preferred consequential result that is different from the first benefit, wherein the implemented vehicle operational mode modifies a conformity status of the given administrative standard, such that the first benefit is forfeited; and

compliance means linked to a vehicle detection or monitoring unit and configured to determine the modified conformity status caused by the implemented optional vehicle operation mode.

47. The system of claim 46 wherein said means for providing accessible information includes:

a mobile communication unit or vehicle communication unit or remotely located communication unit configured to provide accessible information regarding the given administrate standard that includes one or more compliance states and their respective benefits which are applicable to alternative routes or areas and/or applicable to varied temporal travel periods.

48. The system of claim 46 wherein said controller means includes:

a controller module for 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.

49. The system of claim 46 wherein said compliance means includes:

a compliance module configured to determine whether the implemented optional vehicle operational modes causes forfeiture of all or part of the first benefit due to the modified conformity status that occurs in connection with maintaining the preferable vehicle mode.

50. The system of claim 46 further comprising:

a certification module operatively connected to a vehicle detection or monitoring device to confirm implementation of one or more configurable vehicle operating parameters in a manner to attain the identified preferred consequential result.

51. The system of claim 46 further comprising;

a transceiver linked to a vehicle detection or monitoring device and configured to transmit a notification of the implementation of the optional vehicle operational mode, wherein the notification is provided to a person or entity associated with the identified preferred consequential result.

52. The system of claim 51 further comprising:

a communication unit configured to receive 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.

53. The system of claim 46 wherein said controller means includes:

a user-interface configured for activation by one or more of the following type of user-initiated control actions;

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

54. The system of claim 46 wherein said controller means 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.

55. The system of claim 46 wherein said controller means includes:

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

56. The system of claim 46 wherein said includes:

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 are subject to the given administrative standard.

57. The system of claim 46 further comprising:

an electronic record configured to receive certification of the actual award or value or advantage included as part of the identified preferred consequential result, wherein said electronic record is associated with the vehicle or with an operator or driver or passenger or owner or lessor or lessee or fleet manager of the vehicle.

58. The system of claim 46 further comprising:

an electronic record configured to receive certification of an actual award or value or advantage included as part of 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.