DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ENCOURAGING FUEL EFFICIENT DRIVING BEHAVIOR

The invention discloses methods and devices for improving the fuel economy of a trip in a vehicle. Sensors are located in and around a vehicle so as to provide at least one computing element a plurality of date for analysis. The computing element may determine the driving environment in which the car is presently located and suggest through an appropriate interface changes in driving behavior so as to optimize fuel use over the coming seconds to minutes. The system allows for best possible fuel consumption during all phases of a trip, whether short or long.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention, in some embodiments thereof, relates to systems and devices for allowing for significant fuel economy when operating a vehicle. Without being bound by any particular theory, the following discussion is offered to facilitate understanding of the invention. The present invention, in some embodiments, provides for increased fuel efficiency through providing driving suggestions to a driver, the suggestions based on car, driver, and driving condition specific data.

For purposes of better understanding, some embodiments of the present invention are illustrated in the figures of the drawings.

First Embodiment

Attention is turned toFIG. 1which shows an embodiment of the instant invention. As shown in the figure, multiple factors contribute to produce a real-time model of care driving behavior and associated immediate-future fuel consumption. A brief summary of the factors are herewith included:

Road conditions: Climbing, going horizontal, or going down. Rolling resistance depending on the road surface.

The Driver: Different drivers have different driving behaviors. By knowing the driver and his/her driving tendencies, one may more accurately model both expected future driving behavior (turning with high speed, speeding up to get through a yellow light; changing lanes frequently, etc.) as well as design suggested behavior accordingly. Driver details are optional inputs, where data concerning a given driver are lacking

The Car: Vendor, model, year of manufacturing. Type of the engine/car: internal combustion, diesel/hybrid/electric. Gear type: automatic/manual. Cold engine. Rolling resistance depends not only on road conditions, but on tires type, air pressure, how many passengers or in general car weight.

Nothing contributes more to the overall efficiency of fuel use than the car or other vehicle itself. A system using an On-Board Diagnostic (OBD or OBD-II) protocol has a plethora of real-time data regarding the engine and the various electronic, pneumatic, and drive systems of the car. These data may optionally be employed by some embodiments of the instant invention. Knowing how the car is running, how well the engine is performing may be of use for constructing an accurate model for suggested future driving actions.

Weather Conditions: Inclement weather (snow, rain-slick streets, etc.), wind, extreme heat—these and other factors can significantly affect tires as well as engine/fuel performance. Extreme weather also may require heating or cooling of the passenger cabin, demanding more fuel use by the car. By including weather conditions outside, on the road, and their impact in the car, a model of future fuel use may more accurately suggest actions/activities for optimized fuel consumption. Optimized means best possible, not some abstract absolute very good.

Traffic Conditions: It is well-known in the art that idling, start/stop driving and frequent braking reduce fuel efficiency. It is critical for constructing an accurate immediate-future fuel consumption model that all known traffic conditions be known. Such factors include but are not limited to presence, number, and location, speed and direction of other vehicles, pedestrians, two-wheeled (motored or pedal-powered) vehicles, the position of pedestrians, the condition of the roadway, and both the allowable speed limit and the realistic speed limit for the prevailing conditions.

Street Signs and Street Lights: Any model for optimized near-future fuel consumption should take into account street signs, traffic lights, and prevailing laws (like right turn on red). Today, such information must be gleaned from sensors and converted to information for a model; in the future, street signs, traffic lights and the like may be able to communicate wirelessly with the in-vehicle system or similar computing device to warn or inform of present traffic regulations. The importance of such information is clear: if fuel efficiency would be improved by speeding up, but the onboard computing systems determine that a red light is up ahead, the model developed for immediate-future driving must tell the driver to slow down and/or prepare to stop. If 30 mph would be the optimal speed at a certain location of a road in bad repair, but the minimum speed is 45 mph, the model will suggest 45 mph, the lowest allowable speed that gives the optimal fuel efficiency for the conditions present.

Once the model has been constructed for all of the relevant factors outlined above, a suggestion is passed along to a driver. The suggestion may be in a spoken, visual, text or other format. The suggestion will be as clear and simple as possible: change lanes, decrease speed (by braking or removing foot from pedal, either possibly leading to reduced speed) to 50 mph, prepare to stop, brake more evenly, etc. The suggestions are kept simple so as not to confuse the driver; thus, the driver is unaware of the enormous data required and computing power used to give simple suggestions like braking, turning, or increasing speed. Once the suggestion is proffered, it is up to the driver to decide whether to implement the suggestion. If it is implemented and the result for improved fuel efficiency is achieved, the system may give positive feedback to the driver so as to encourage future acceptance of suggestions. The driver may decline to implement a suggestion based on his/her own read of the driving conditions and personal needs (running late, etc.).

Not shown inFIG. 1is a navigation system. GPS like navigation system is not required for the instant invention, but in cases where GPS is applied, information from a GPS device may aid in more efficient driving. By additionally knowing the intended route, the types of streets involved as well as the presence of stop lights, stop signs, and the like, the computing device can potentially build a more accurate model for fuel consumption and also make more accurate suggestions earlier and more frequently. A GPS-type antenna may be useful for knowing vehicle direction and speed.

Second Embodiment

Attention is turned toFIG. 2which shows a schematic drawing of an embodiment according to the instant invention, as seen from above. A first car100is travelling at relatively high speed105on a two lane highway110separated by a broken white line115. A second car120is travelling in the same direction as the first car100, but at a significantly reduced speed125. A third car130is travelling in an opposite direction133as shown. The first car includes a plurality of sensors135providing raw optical and other data for analysis of the driving situation by a dedicated computing device160that may be realized as an independent element as shown or as a component of the first car's100in-vehicle computer or diagnostic systems (not shown). Specifically, the sensors135may include RADAR, cameras, sensors, forward-looking sensors, motion detectors, and other elements that allow for as complete a picture of the driving, street, and weather conditions around the first car100as is possible. Sensors135may be a permanent part of the first car100or they optionally may be transiently brought to and removed from the first car100via a mobile computing device, mobile phone or the like. Alternatively, some elements of the instant invention may be permanently installed in a vehicle, while other elements may be brought and removed. It is understood that said sensors135, while described as being forward-directed, may also make measurements relative to the side of the first car100or in some cases even behind it. The sensors135analyze the condition of the highway110, other cars120&130, passing rules (as per the broken white line115), street signs140, weather and other driving-related parameters. The driver (not shown) of the first car110would like to pass180the slower second car120(whose speed is identified by said sensors135), but the sensors135detect the presence of the third car130as well as the street sign140identifying a stop sign150one hundred meters forward. The sensors send raw data to a computing device160which analyzes the data, identifies elements, enters data from the OBD or from predetermined fuel consumption models and then provides driving suggestions to a driver interface170. The suggestions may be sent wirelessly or through a wired connection and represent the actions (or lack of actions) which will yield the optimal fuel consumption for the first car100over the next seconds to minutes of driving time. The driver interface170may provide verbal suggestions, presentation of information on an appropriate display or graphical user interface, or a combination thereof. The suggestions are relayed to driver, namely to slow down according to the situation as shown inFIG. 2, as passing180is highly dangerous and a stop sign150has been identified as being close through the presence of an informative street sign140. The driver can choose what to do, but should he/she slow down, the computing device160may give positive feedback to the driver via the driver interface170, the positive feedback possibly including data as to improved or optimized fuel consumption.

The sensors135associated with the instant embodiment can measure a plurality of events and phenomena. Cameras, RADAR devices, motion sensors, and the like continually record the environment immediately in front of and around the first car100. The raw data are passed to the computing device160where software converts the raw images and signal data into detailed information regarding the driving environment. The software allows for the identification of elements such as cars, street signs, stop lights, surface type, weather, presence of wet roads, and much more. As suggested inFIG. 2, cars120&130in proximity to the first car100may be identified by the computing device160, their direction and speed determined. Additionally, street signs140, lane rules (as represented by the line115) may optionally be determined. Atmospheric conditions such as rain and by extension a wet driving surface (not shown) may be identified, such information having an impact on optimal speed and braking distances. The computing device160is adapted to either work alone or with inputs from the various computers and systems associated with the OBD (not shown). In some embodiments, the computing device160may be a component of the OBD (not shown). The computing device160receives the raw data from the sensors135, processes the data, determines the parameters that may be taken from the data and builds a model of the current and anticipated immediate-future driving situation. The computing device160may then create suggestions for driving actions that will lead to improved fuel economy. The computing device160may transmit these suggestions to the driver interface170, where they are presented to the driver in a manner so as not to distract the driver from driving the car100. The driver may choose to implement the suggestions or ignore them. Should the driver implement the suggestions, positive feedback may be delivered from the computing device160to the driver interface for presentation to the driver.

A fuel consumption model may be used for comparing present driving phenomena to optimized driving parameters. Such a model may be proprietary, car-specific or may be “off-the-shelf” (for example: http://www.enm.bris.ac.uk/teaching/projects/2009—10/tg5412/Poster.pdf). The fuel consumption model is used in conjunction with data from said sensors135to allow said computing device160to suggest via the driver interface170the optimal action in the coming few seconds to tens of seconds of driving.

The car100may be realized as any form of vehicle, including but not limited to a car, a bus, a truck, a moped, a motorcycle, a train, or a military vehicle. The car100may have a regular combustion engine, be a hybrid, have an electric engine or run on alternative fuels. The driver may be a human being or it may be a computer, as has been accomplished with cars from Google, for example (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_driverless_car).

Third Embodiment

Attention is turned toFIG. 3, which shows a method associated with an embodiment of the instant invention. The figure details a method for allowing optimal immediate-future driving behavior associated with a vehicle, including the following: installing in a vehicle a plurality of forward-looking sensors, motion and orientation sensors, computing elements, and a driver interface at optionally predetermined positions in said vehicle; providing said computing elements GPS coordinates; allowing said forward-looking sensors, motion and orientation sensors to analyze the driving environment immediately in front of and to the sides of said vehicle as said vehicle travels from a starting position to said final driving destination; analyzing data from said sensors with said computing elements to determine optimal immediate-future driving behavior for best fuel economy for said vehicle in said environment; and, providing to said driver via said driver interface optimal immediate-future driving tactics via said driver interface so as to minimize fuel consumption by said vehicle. The sensors may be embedded on the inside or outside of the vehicle or both. The sensors are adapted to be linked either through wires or wirelessly to the computing elements. The computing elements are adapted to accept data from the sensors and interpret said data to determine specific predetermined pieces of information relating to the driving environment around the car. The GPS coordinates may be provided by an external GPS device or one associated with either the vehicle or the computing elements. A vehicle may have all of the sensor types listed above or may sport some but not all. The sensors may be realized as separate elements or may be realized as one device with forward-looking sensors, motion and orientations sensors components of a single device.

EXAMPLE

An individual driving a Cadillac Escalade has an embodiment of the instant invention associated with her vehicle. Specifically, forward- and side-looking RADAR and motion sensors are installed at fixed points on the outside of the car, while the individual drive's Samsung smartphone is adapted with both hardware and software elements to provide the following: GPS for position sensing; a camera for continuously photographing the driving environment in front of and around the car; a computing element for receiving and processing raw data, comparing said data to a predetermined fuel economy model for the Escalade and for determining driving actions to be taken in the next 1 to 60 seconds of driving; and, a voice-based driver interface for suggesting to said driver what actions would best keep fuel efficiency in driving. Other cameras may be hardwired into predetermined positions on the car.

The driver enters the Escalade and places her smartphone on a fixed holder at a predetermined position in the car. The holder is positioned so as to allow for optimal smartphone camera action in continually photographing the environment around the car; additionally, RADAR and any other sensors are hard-wired to provide the smartphone data at its fixed holder. The driver begins her trip to work, and the embodiment of the instant invention allows for camera, RADAR, GPS, and motion sensor data to be fed to the computing element associated with the Samsung Smartphone; the computing element converts the raw data to driving environment parameters which may be compared to the predetermined fuel efficiency model specific for the Escalade. Escalade in-vehicle diagnostic data are also fed into the Samsung smartphone to provide a more complete picture of the car and its environment. The computing element determines the optimal driver behavior--brake, speed up, keep current speed, turn to a different strip, etc.--and provides suggestions to said driver via the driver interface component associated with the smartphone. The driver may choose to implement the suggestions or ignore them. Should the driver implement a suggestion--to pull foot off of the gas pedal early for a traffic light turning from green to red, for example--the computing element may give her a compliment. The computing element analyzes new real-time data throughout the trip and continuously compares the data to the fuel consumption model so as to give optimal suggestions for achieving best possible fuel consumption on the trip. When the half-hour trip to work is finished, the computing element determines the savings in fuel usage and informs the driver on the touch screen of the smartphone that she saved 15% fuel during the trip by employing the suggestions given throughout the trip.

Attention is turned toFIG. 4which shows a schematic view of a dashboard490of the Escalade described in this example. RADAR-based sensors435are positioned above the dashboard facing the front window (not shown). The smartphone495is placed in a holder496that allows for a clear forward view. The smartphone495provides the following capabilities: computing element for receiving and processing all relevant data; forward-looking camera; GPS; maps; fuel consumption model for the Escalade; and, driver interface where it can make an audible sounds497to provide suggestions to driver as to what immediate-future steps should be taken for optimal fuel economy. The smartphone495may optionally receive data from the car's onboard diagnostic systems and the smartphone495may be either the sole computing element or joined with others that are hard-wired into the car. The sensors435may optionally be hard-wired498to the smartphone495holder496. The smartphone495is removed by driver when driver exists the Escalade.

As used herein the term “about” refers to ±10%.

The term“consisting of means “including and limited to”.

The term “consisting essentially of” means that the, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure.

Forward-looking devices/elements may include any of the following: video camera module, RADAR module, IR Camera module and combination thereof. Forward-looking devices/elements may be integrated into mobile and/or cellular device.

Forward-looking devices may cover a solid angle in the range of 0 to 2pi steradian [sr] with distance r [m].

Motion sensors may generally include any of the following: Accelerometer(x), Accelerometer(y), Accelerometer (z), gyroscope(x), gyroscope(y), gyroscope (z), magnetometer(x), magnetometer(y), magnetometer(z) and combination thereof. Motion sensors may be integrated into mobile and/or cellular device.

Position sensors are generally realized as devices with GPS capabilities. Orientation sensors may be integrated in mobile and/or cellular device

Computing systems or elements may be integrated with an OBD protocol, in-vehicle computing device, a smartphone, handheld computer, tablet computer, or other device. Computing systems or elements may be a part of the vehicle in which they are used or they may be separate units that may be routinely removed from the vehicle.

Computing elements generally may be described with the following attributes:Responsible for video frames acquisition and real time image processing that identifies driving related environment factors. Identify vehicles ahead, their speed and acceleration, road conditions, road signs, etc. (Techniques: vanishing points finding, RANSAC, thresholds, histogram, optical flow, etc.).Evaluating current status of the vehicle from plurality of sensors (speed, acceleration, orientation, horizontal or not etc.) & OBD.Estimating future driver behavior based on above, and providing driver with feedback in order to minimize fuel consumption, based on vehicle fuel consumption model (for example same car models, from the same year)

Fuel consumption model may be along the lines of the following equation: for example, but not limited to:

In order to calculate the vehicle's instantaneous fuel consumption Q we need to find the power that the engine needs to supply, given by

Where Pe is the actual power delivered to the wheels that can be modeled as the power obtained from the fuel Pf scaled down by the efficiencies of the transmission system (t and the efficiency of the engine (e can be extracted from a related engine efficiency map, that is

Preq is the power required to keep the car moving in a given speed and it takes into account the external powers work on the car like gravity aerodynamics act'. The amount of fuel Q required for a given engine power will then be

Where Ef is the energy density in J/m3 for a given type of fuel (petrol or diesel).

The model may be calculated by different equations and/or algorithms, using one or a plurality of inputs to determined optimal driving behavior for the immediate future.

Examples of the driver interface include but are not limited to: mobile or cellular, screen, GUI, HUI by vision, sound, or vibration-era combination of any of these means.

Driving environment factors analyzed by the computing elements include but are not limited to stop signs, other cars constant speed, other cars breaking, lane changing, traffic lights, rain, up or down hill, pedestrians, vehicles, trees, Road signs (separation line, margin, stop line.)

OBD-II standard device may allow reading data from plurality of in-vehicle sensors; such as but not limited to engine RPM, engine load, Fuel flow rate, throttle position, fuel trim.

Engine behavior data, as above will allow providing driver with feedback in order to minimize fuel consumption, based on vehicle fuel consumption model, and improved fuel consumption model (and therefore improve fuel consumption optimization) based on specific car behavior (and not only based on average fuel consumption for same car vendor, car model, and car manufacturing year).

Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. The present invention could be employed for a wide variety of vehicles, with human or non-human drivers. All vehicle engine types are amenable to the instant invention.

GPS position and real-time traffic conditions may also be used to allow for greater fuel efficiency.