Abstract:
A system for establishing fuel accountability and optimization for a vehicle. The apparatus can include a fuel tank containing hydrocarbon fuels operably engaged to a fuel sensor, an engine positioned inside the vehicle adapted to power the vehicle which is operable with the hydrocarbon fuels supplied from the fuel tank into the engine through a fuel supply line directed from the fuel tank to the engine, a flow meter operably engaged to the fuel supply line which measures the flow rate of the hydrocarbon fuels moving through the fuel supply line from the fuel tank into the engine, a communication network for transmitting data interfacing with the first flow meter, a computer defining a server having a memory and interfacing with the communication network to communicate with the first flow meter and adapted to interface with a user, and a computer program stored in the memory of the computer with instructions.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention relates generally to fuel measurement and accountability, and more particularly to accounting for fuel on a boat or other vehicle and providing information regarding fuel economy and optimization. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   With regard to businesses that utilize vehicles, such as a boat, truck, or automobile, it is often the case that the fuel bill can exceed payroll expenses for the business operation. When there is no process of accounting for all of the fuel on a boat or other vehicle, the possibility exists for accidental waste or intentional removal of the fuel. If waste or removal of fuel occurs, often there is no system of accountability to identify or prevent such waste or removal of fuel. The accidental waste or intentional removal of fuel on a boat or other vehicle often becomes very expensive, because the wasted or removed fuel must be replaced with additional fuel that can have to be purchased at a high cost. 
   Additionally, boats or other vehicles often perform at velocities or fuel burn rates that produce less than desirable fuel efficiencies. The inefficient operation of the boat or other vehicle also contributes to the waste of fuel that can otherwise be conserved or used more efficiently. 
   Therefore, a system is desired for accounting for all fuel available, and for conserving as much fuel as possible through efficient fuel economy and fuel optimization of the boat, truck, automobile, or other vehicle. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The invention includes a system for establishing fuel accountability and optimization for a vehicle. The system includes a fuel tank containing hydrocarbon fuels. A fuel sensor is operably engaged to the fuel tank. The system also includes an engine positioned inside the vehicle that is adapted to power the vehicle. The engine is operable with the hydrocarbon fuels supplied from the fuel tank into the engine through a fuel supply line directed from the fuel tank to the engine. The system also includes a flow meter, which is operably engaged to the fuel supply line. The flow meter measures the flow rate of the hydrocarbon fuels that move through the fuel supply line from the fuel tank into the engine. The system also includes a communication network for transmitting data that interfaces with the first flow meter. The system also includes a computer defining a server with a memory. The computer interfaces with the communication network to communicate with the flow meter and can interface with a user. 
   A computer program is stored in the memory of the computer. The program includes instructions to measure with the fuel sensor an amount of fuel in the fuel at a first point in time. The amount of fuel is determined through communication with the fuel sensor. The program also includes instruction to determine the amount of fuel burned by the engine between the first point in time and the second point in time. The amount of fuel burned by the engine is determined by utilizing information obtained from communication with the flow meter. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Some of the features and advantages of the present invention having been stated, others will become apparent as the description proceeds when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
       FIG. 1  illustrates the system components according to the invention; 
       FIG. 2  illustrates a flow chart of the fuel measurement system according to the invention; 
       FIG. 3  illustrates another flow chart of the fuel measurement system according to the invention; and 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary graph of burn rate versus velocity according to the invention. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the invention. This invention can, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the illustrated embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The prime notation, if used, indicates similar elements in alternative embodiments. 
     FIG. 1  shows a diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the invention, which can be programmed to perform the functionality or method of the invention. The system of the invention includes a computer system  15  and an engine system  25 . A communication network  18  interconnects the computer system  15  and the engine system  25 . The engine system  25  resides in the engine room  4 , and includes engines  22  to drive the propellers and generators of the vehicle, a fuel tank  24  containing fuel, and flow meters  28 ,  30  to measure fuel flow conditions. In the preferred embodiment, the computer  15  has components in both the wheelhouse  6  and the engine room  4  of the boat, and the computer  15  can include a client component  14  and a server component  16 . 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , the client component  14  of the computer  15  is a laptop computer component with a graphical user interface, and the server component  16  of the computer  15  is an electronics unit located in a stainless steel electronics box. Alternatively, the client component  14  and server component  16  can be in the form of other embodiments. For example, the client component  14  and the server component  16  can alternatively be a personal computer, mid-range computer, or a mainframe computer. Each of the computer components  14 ,  16  can include a display or monitor such as a HMI, CRT, LCD, or other monitor screen. Each of the computer components  14 ,  16  has a hard drive including a database to store information and a memory in which computer programs are embodied. The computer components  14 ,  16  can also include user interfaces such as a keyboard, mouse, data collection, touch-screen, graphical display, or other device, with which information and data are transferred to and from the computer components  14 ,  16  and the user. Other output devices can also be included such as printers, fascimile machines, and other such devices as understood by those skilled in the art. 
   The client component  14  and the server component  16  of the computer  15  preferably include a central processing unit (CPU), a read-only memory (ROM), and a random-access memory (RAM), as understood by those skilled in the art. The computer components  14 ,  16  can also comprise a stand-alone system or part of a network such as a local-area-network (LAN) or a wide-area-network (WAN). The client component  14  can be interconnected among each other via a global communication network such as the Internet, or a local communication Intranet network accessible only within a particular organization. In the preferred embodiment, because the client component  14  is located in the wheelhouse of the boat and the server component  16  is located in the engine room of the boat, the client component  14  is interconnected with the server component  16  via a fiber-optic cable  20  running from the engine room  4  to the wheelhouse  6 . 
   The client component  14 , the fiber-optic cable  20 , and the server component  16  are collectively referred to as the computer  15 . The computer  15  interfaces with a communication network  18 , and the communication network  18  interfaces with the engine system  25 . 
   Other computer system configurations can also be employed to perform the functionality of the invention, and to the extent that a particular system configuration is capable of performing the method of this invention, it is equivalent to the representative computer system of  FIG. 1 , and within the scope of this invention. 
   Once the computers are programmed to perform particular functions pursuant to instructions from program software that implements the functionality or method of this invention, such computer systems in effect become special-purpose computer systems particular to the functionality or method of this invention. The techniques necessary for this are well known to those skilled in the art of computer systems. 
   In addition, computer programs implementing the functionality or method of this invention will commonly be distributed to users on a distribution medium, such as floppy disk, CD-ROM, or other computer-readable medium. The term “computer-readable medium” encompasses distribution media, intermediate storage media, execution memory of a computer, and any other medium or device capable of storing a computer program implementing the functionality or method of the invention for later reading by a computer system. The computer program will often be copied from the computer-readable medium to a hard disk or a similar intermediate storage medium. When the programs are to be run, they will be loaded either from their distribution medium or their intermediate storage medium into the execution memory of the computer, configuring the computer to act in accordance with the functionality or method of this invention. All such operations are well known to those skilled in the art of computer systems. 
   Various software modules can be used within the computer  15  in the embodiments of the invention. The client component  14  has client software stored thereon that preferably includes software modules such as a client graphical user interface (GUI), a data generator, a data requester, a secure client connector, and a database of information and memory, each of which is understood by those skilled in the art. The data requester requests data from a user, and the data generator compiles the information into the database, which stores the information. The client component GUI provides a visually pleasing graphical user interface on a monitor to facilitate the input and output of data by a user who is using the client software within the client component  14 . The secure client connector establishes a private communication session between the client component  14  and the server component  16 . 
   The server component  16  can include software modules such as a secure server connector, a client confirmer, a security component, a data mover, and a transmission confirmer. The secure server connector allows the client component  14  to communicate with the server component  16  while keeping the nature of the communications private. The client confirmer and the security component confirm the identity of the client component  14 , and effectively detect the specific user accessing the server database at a particular point in time. The data mover receives data from the client component  14 , and transmits data between the client component  14  and the server component  16 . The transmission confirmer can verify that particular information in the database has been transmitted to the client component  14 . 
   The databases within the client component  14  and server component  16  can contain independent blocks of information. For example, one sub-database can include data relating to the fuel measurement and accountability process, and another sub-database can include data relating to the fuel economy and optimization process. In addition, the computer components  14 ,  16  can each have an independent memory to contain unique computer programs. For example, one sub-memory can contain computer programs relating to the fuel measurement and accountability process, and another sub-memory can include computer programs relating to the fuel economy and optimization process. 
   Each of the software programs is preferably compatible with a Microsoft operating system, but each can also coordinate with other operating systems. The computer  15  typically utilizes two pieces of software, including a generic brand such as Iconix, and a communication server such as Modbus. 
   The fuel measurement and accountability system can be used on boats such as commercial work boats or tug boats, but can alternatively be used in connection with cars, trucks, planes or other suitable transport vehicles. The preferred embodiment utilizes and measures diesel fuel, but alternative embodiments can use and measure other types of fuel or other fluid. 
   The computer  15  computes the fuel accountability results based upon several factors, including the rate at which fuel is burned in the engine  22 , the relative fluid level of fuel in the fuel tank  24 , and the amount of fuel transferred off the boat or other vehicle. The measurements regarding fuel burn rate, fuel tank level, and fuel transferred off the boat are used to maintain account of the fuel used or fuel available to assist the captain and crew of a boat. 
   In the preferred embodiment, the computer  15  includes a client component  14  and a server component  16 , both of which include a database to store information and a memory containing software programs with instructions for the system to perform fuel measurement and accountability calculations as well as to perform fuel economy and optimization calculations receives data and performs algorithmic calculations. 
   The server component  16  of the computer  15  includes an electronics component that can be manufactured, for example, by Rugid. An analog or digital tachometer is also used congruently with the electronics unit  30  to produce a pulse train of electrical signals proportional to the rotational speed of the rotating shaft in the engine  20 . 
   The engine system  25  includes an engine  22  for driving the propellers and generators of the boat (or other vehicle). Alternatively, the engine  22  can be understood as being multiple cylinders, multiple engine parts, multiple engines, and also other means besides conventional engines that operate to power a vehicle. A fuel tank  24  contains fuel for consumption and burning by the engine  22 . A fuel input supply line  27  interfaces with the input-side of the engine  22  and the fuel tank, and supplies fuel from the fuel tank to the engine  22  to drive the boat (or other vehicle). Generally the engine  22  does not consume or burn all the fuel that is supplied to it, thus typically there is some remaining fuel that must be removed from the engine  22 . As such, a fuel output supply line  29  interfaces with the output-side of the engine  22  and the fuel tank  24 , and directs the unconsumed or unburned fuel from the engine  22  and directs the fuel back to the fuel tank  24  for recycling. Further, sometimes there is the need or desire to transfer fuel from the fuel tank  24  to a remote location from the vehicle. For this reason, a fuel transfer supply line  31  interfaces with the fuel tank  24 , and directs any desired or needed fuel to the remote location from the vehicle. 
   Flow meters  28 ,  30  are installed on both the input side and the output side of the engine to measure flow rate in the engine  22  and out from the engine  22 . An input flow meter  28  is operably engaged to the fuel input supply line  27  to measure the flow rate of the fuel into the engine  22 . Similarly, an output flow meter  30  is operably engaged to the fuel output supply line  29  to measure the flow rate of the fuel from the engine  22 . Furthermore, a fuel transfer flow meter  32  is operably engaged to the fuel transfer supply line  31  to measure the flow rate to determine the amount of fuel being transferred from the fuel tank  24  to a remote location from the vehicle. 
   The data from the flow meters  28 ,  30 ,  32  is transmitted through the communication network  18  into the database of the computer  15 . The memory of the computer  15  includes instructions to evaluate the differential of the values from the input flow meter  28  and the output flow meter  30 , thus instructing the computer  15  to calculate or determine the fuel burn rate inside the engine  22 . The flow meters include a battery-operated monitor and can be manufactured, for example, by Tatio. 
   A fuel sensor  26  operably engaged to the fuel tank  24  measures the amount of fuel existing in the fuel tank  24  at both a first point in time and a second point in time. Alternatively, several sensors can be utilized to measure the amount of fuel in the fuel tank  24 , wherein a first fuel sensor measures the amount of fuel in the fuel tank  24  at the first point in time, and wherein a second fuel sensor measures the amount of fuel in the fuel tank  24  at a second point in time. 
   The fuel sensor  26  can comprise many different forms of sensors utilized in a variety of ways. For example, the fuel sensor  26  can include a strain gage sensor, which is positioned flat along the bottom portion of the fuel tank  24 . The strain gage sensor measures the effective pressure operating upon the sensor at the bottom of the fuel tank  24 . The determination of the effective pressure at the bottom of the fuel tank  24 , along with the dimensions of the fuel tank  26  and other variables, are then used to compute the resultant amount of fuel in the fuel tank  24  at the first point in time and the second point in time. 
   The flow rates from the flow meters  28 ,  30  and the determination of the average burn rate are established over a specific and particularized interval of time in order to determine the amount of fuel burned during that interval or period of time. The fuel tank level is measured in order to determine the decrease in the amount of fuel in the fuel tank  24  over the same interval or period of time, whether directed from the fuel tank  24  through the fuel supply lines  27 ,  29  into the engine  22 , or whether physically removed from the fuel tank  24  off the boat. The amount of fuel transferred off the boat is also measured over the same interval of time. The operation of manipulation by the software programs of the data from the database is typically computed every few seconds, so that the aforementioned determinations are calculated and displayed to the captain and/or crew in real-time. 
   The embodiment described utilizes one singlular component of each of the engine  22 , input flow meter  28 , output flow meter  30 , transfer flow meter  32 , fuel tank  24 , and fuel sensor  26 . However, it is well understood by those skilled in the art that multiple engines, multiple flow meters, multiple fuel tanks, and multiple sensors can be utilized when necessary or desirable. 
   After the engine system  25  makes all the proper measurements, the computer system  15  completes all the instructions from the software to make the proper fuel accountability determinations, as shown in the flow charts in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . In making the proper determinations, the fuel amount can be understood as the sum of the amount of fuel burned in the engine  22  and the amount of fuel transferred off the boat. Similarly, the fuel amount can be understood as being the net decrease in the amount of fuel in the fuel tank  24 . Proper fuel accountability is achieved if the sum of the amount of fuel burned in the engine  22  and the amount of fuel transferred off the boat is substantially equal to the decrease in the amount of fuel in the fuel tank  24 . 
   If the sum of the amount of fuel burned in the engine  22  and the amount of fuel transferred off the boat is not substantially equal to the amount of fuel decrease in the fuel tank, then a visual or audio alert signal is provided to the captain and/or crew through the graphical user interface of the client component  14  of the computer  15 , in order to warn them of the inconsistency in fuel measurement accountability. After receiving an alert signal, the captain and/or crew can initiate an investigation as to the cause of such an inconsistency, including inquiries into engine performance and inquiries into whether crew members or others accidentally or illicitly siphoned fuel off the boat (or other vehicle). 
   Measurements such as the fuel burn rate are utilized for other calculations as well, including determinations of conditions of fuel economy and optimization. For example, a Global Positioning System (GPS) can be used to assist in computing various parameters of the invention, such as conditions of the distance the boat (or other vehicle) has traveled for a particular interval of time. The distance traveled divided by the amount of fuel burned in the engine  22  equals the average fuel economy during the interval of time, for example, in miles per gallon. 
   The boat (or other vehicle) can operate at differing fuel economies when varying the burn rate of the engine  22  or the velocity of the boat (or other vehicle). To make the most efficient use of the fuel in the fuel tank  24 , the computer program in the computer  15  can include a calculation for determining the burn rate or velocity at any particular point in time that provides the corresponding fuel economy. The system alerts the captain through the graphical user interface of the fuel economies of various burn rates and velocities at various points in time, so that the captain can operate the boat (or other vehicle) at the optimum burn rate or velocity that best conserves fuel. 
   Other determinations of vehicle conditions, such as optimum fuel economy and optimum velocity, will likely depend upon many unpredictable variables that are also measured in real-time and included in the calculations, such as friction forces, wind forces, wave and current forces, and load forces, among other factors or considerations. The calculations include such factors or considerations in a least squares calculation that produces a graph illustrated by the exemplary graph in  FIG. 4 . In the graph, the x-axis represents burn rate and the y-axis represents velocity. The maximum slope of the curve in the graph represents the “best fuel economy,” and the point in the graph where the slope becomes zero represents the “best velocity.” The values of burn rate and velocity corresponding to “best fuel economy” and “best velocity” are relayed to the captain in the wheelhouse to assist the captain in guiding the boat (or other vehicle). 
   Additionally, the computer programs in the computer  15  can include other calculations for the purpose of assisting the captain of the boat (or other vehicle), including conditions such as distance until the fuel tank  24  is empty, time until the fuel tank  24  is empty, and other alternative determinations of vehicle conditions. 
   The invention provides important advantages. The accountability system minimizes the likelihood that fuel will be accidentally wasted or intentionally siphoned off the boat or other vehicle. Additionally, the fuel economy and fuel optimization determinations provide conditions of feedback from which the captain can best conserve fuel while operating the vehicle. 
   In the drawings and specification, there have been disclosed a typical preferred embodiment of the invention, and although specific terms are employed, the terms are used in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being set forth in the following claims. The invention has been described in considerable detail with specific reference to the illustrated embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that various modifications and changes can be made within the spirit and scope of the invention as described in the foregoing specification.