Patent Publication Number: US-8972163-B2

Title: Vehicle fuel efficiency optimization based on vehicle usage patterns

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of, and claims the benefit of, co-pending and co-owned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/634,712, filed Dec. 10, 2009, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to vehicle fuel analysis, and more specifically, to vehicle fuel efficiency of vehicle usage patterns. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     There are currently approximately 750 million passenger cars worldwide, and that number is only expected to increase. With rising fuel costs and environmental effects due to inefficient fuel consumption, an important design goal of vehicle information systems is to provide users with information about fuel economy during operation of the vehicle. Many vehicles display a measure of fuel economy, such as the gas mileage in miles per gallon. However, current systems only perform simple calculations on fuel usage and do not analyze vehicle usage patterns to detect inefficient fuel consumption patterns. Users are less likely to get information that can help them improve fuel economy from these fuel economy measures, and thus, are more likely to ignore them. Modern motor vehicles are typically equipped with a variety of onboard computers for measuring and recording vehicle performance and diagnostic data. These devices provide a large amount of information about the performance of the vehicle during operation. However, current systems fail to notify users of driving patterns that cause excess fuel consumption, and to provide incentives to users for improving vehicle fuel efficiency. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, there is a method for indicating a vehicle fuel efficiency for at least one vehicle usage pattern, the method comprising: analyzing, via a computing device, a set of vehicle usage patterns of a vehicle; calculating, via the computing device, a vehicle fuel efficiency for each of the usage patterns of the vehicle; and providing, via the computing device, a real-time notification to a user of the vehicle indicating each of the following via a feedback device within the vehicle: a numerical representation of the vehicle fuel efficiency calculated for each of the plurality of the set of vehicle usage patterns; and a monetary value indicating an amount of money sacrificed by at least one vehicle usage pattern from the set of the vehicle usage patterns that is contributing to inefficient vehicle fuel consumption. 
     In a second embodiment, there is a system for indicating a vehicle fuel efficiency for at least one vehicle usage pattern, the system comprising: at least one processing unit; memory operably associated with the at least one processing unit; and a fuel efficiency tool storable in memory and executable by the at least one processing unit, the fuel efficiency tool comprising: an analysis component configured to analyze a set of vehicle usage patterns of a vehicle; a calculation component configured to calculate a vehicle fuel efficiency for each of the usage patterns of the vehicle; and a notification component configured to: provide a real-time notification to a user of the vehicle indicating each of the following via a feedback device within the vehicle: a numerical representation of the vehicle fuel efficiency calculated for each of the plurality of recurring driver habits; and a monetary value indicating an amount of money sacrificed by at least one vehicle usage pattern from the set of the vehicle usage patterns that is contributing to inefficient vehicle fuel consumption. 
     In a third embodiment, there is a computer-readable tangible storage device storing computer instructions, which when executed, enables a computer system to indicate a vehicle fuel efficiency for at least one vehicle usage pattern, the computer instructions comprising: analyzing a set of vehicle usage patterns of a vehicle; calculating a vehicle fuel efficiency for each of the usage patterns of the vehicle; and providing a real-time notification to a user of the vehicle indicating each of the following via a feedback device within the vehicle: a numerical representation of the vehicle fuel efficiency calculated for each of the plurality of the set of vehicle usage patterns; and a monetary value indicating an amount of money sacrificed by at least one vehicle usage pattern from the set of the vehicle usage patterns that is contributing to inefficient vehicle fuel consumption. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  shows a schematic of an exemplary computing environment in which elements of the present invention may operate; 
         FIG. 2  shows a fuel efficiency tool that operates in the environment shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  shows a flow diagram of a method for indicating a vehicle fuel efficiency for at least one vehicle usage pattern according to embodiments of the invention; and 
         FIG. 4  shows a flow diagram of a method for indicating a vehicle fuel efficiency for at least one vehicle usage pattern according to embodiments of the invention. 
     
    
    
     The drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are merely schematic representations, not intended to portray every parameter of the invention. The drawings are intended to depict only typical embodiments of the invention, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. In the drawings, like numbering represents like elements. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Embodiments of this invention are directed to methods and system for indicating a vehicle fuel efficiency for vehicle usage patterns. The invention analyzes vehicle usage patterns to discern if the vehicle is being operated in a fuel efficient manner. Patterns of inefficient operation are detected and conveyed to the user to inform the user of the impact of his/her inefficient operation. In these embodiments, a fuel efficiency tool provides this capability. Specifically, The fuel efficiency tool comprises: an analysis component configured to analyze a set (i.e., one or more) of vehicle usage patterns of a vehicle, and a calculation component configured to calculate a vehicle fuel efficiency for each of the set of vehicle usage patterns. The fuel efficiency tool further comprises a notification component configured to provide a notification to a user (e.g., a driver) of the vehicle indicating a vehicle fuel efficiency calculated for at least one of the set of vehicle usage patterns. 
     It will be appreciated that the term “vehicle” or other similar term as used herein is inclusive of motor vehicles in general, such as passenger automobiles including sports utility vehicles (SUV), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, motorcycles, watercraft including a variety of boats and ships, aircraft, and the like, and includes hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles and other alternative fuel vehicles (e.g. fuels derived from resources other than petroleum). 
       FIG. 1  illustrates a computerized implementation  100  of the present invention. As depicted, implementation  100  includes computer system  104  deployed within a computer infrastructure  102 , which is present within a vehicle  101 . This is intended to demonstrate, among other things, that the present invention could be implemented within a network environment (e.g., the Internet, a wide area network (WAN), a local area network (LAN), a virtual private network (VPN), etc.), or on a stand-alone computer system. In the case of the former, communication throughout the network can occur via any combination of various types of communications links. For example, the communication links can comprise addressable connections that may utilize any combination of wired and/or wireless transmission methods. Where communications occur via the Internet, connectivity could be provided by conventional TCP/IP sockets-based protocol, and an Internet service provider could be used to establish connectivity to the Internet. Still yet, computer infrastructure  102  is intended to demonstrate that some or all of the components of implementation  100  could be deployed, managed, serviced, etc., by a service provider who offers to implement, deploy, and/or perform the process of the present invention for others. 
     Computer system  104  is intended to represent any type of computer system that may be implemented in deploying/realizing the teachings recited herein, including a computer capable of operating within vehicle  101 . In this particular example, computer system  104  represents an illustrative system for generating a coding scheme for indicating a vehicle fuel efficiency. It should be understood that any other computers implemented under the present invention may have different components/software, but will perform similar processes. As further shown, computer system  104  includes a processing unit  106  capable of analyzing and comparing data from external devices  115 , as will be further described below. Also shown is memory  108  for storing a fuel efficiency tool  153 , a bus  110 , and device interfaces  112 . 
     Processing unit  106  collects and routes signals representing data collected from external devices  115 . The signals can be transmitted over a LAN and/or a WAN (e.g., T1, T3, 56 kb, X.25), broadband connections (ISDN, Frame Relay, ATM), wireless links (802.11, Bluetooth, etc.), and so on. In some embodiments, the data may be encrypted using, for example, trusted key-pair encryption. Different systems may transmit information using different communication pathways, such as Ethernet or wireless networks, direct serial or parallel connections, USB, Firewire®, Bluetooth®, or other proprietary interfaces. (Firewire is a registered trademark of Apple Computer, Inc. Bluetooth is a registered trademark of Bluetooth Special Interest Group (SIG)). Computer system  104  is shown communicating with sensor devices  120  that communicate with bus  110  via device interfaces  112 . Sensor devices  120  includes any sensor devices for capturing data regarding the operation of vehicle  101 . Sensor devices  120  can include virtually any type of sensor capable of capturing sensor data of sufficient quality to support the methods of the invention as described herein, including capturing vehicle usage patterns. 
     In general, processing unit  106  executes computer program code, such as program code for operating fuel efficiency tool  153 , which is stored in memory  108  and/or storage system  116 . While executing computer program code, processing unit  106  can read and/or write data to/from memory  108  and storage system  116 . It will be appreciated that storage system  116  can include VCRs, DVRs, RAID arrays, USB hard drives, optical disk recorders, flash storage devices, general purpose computers, and/or other data processing and storage elements for storing and/or processing data. 
       FIG. 2  shows a more detailed view of fuel efficiency tool  153  according to embodiments of the invention. Fuel efficiency tool  153  operates with sensor devices  120  and a feedback device  124  to detect patterns of inefficient vehicle operation, and to convey the results to a user  134  of vehicle  101 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , fuel efficiency tool  153  comprises an analysis component  155  configured to analyze a set of vehicle usage patterns  150  of vehicle  101 . Data is received from sensor devices  120  and sent to analysis component  155  to track vehicle operation over periods of time to develop or discern the user&#39;s driving patterns. For example, analysis component  155  collects vehicle driving information, including rapid acceleration and/or deceleration, extended periods of engine idling, driving in an improper gear for a given speed, navigating steep grades, excessive use of low gears, towing often and/or hauling excessive weight, poor traction and/or wheel slip, exceeding fuel efficient highway speeds, a high number of short-distance trips, frequent cold-engine driving, etc. It will be appreciated that any number or combination of sensor devices and collection techniques may be used for gathering vehicle driving information. 
     Next, the vehicle usage patterns  150  are tracked over predetermined periods of time to ascertain the user&#39;s efficiency (i.e., the relationship between vehicle use and the amount of fuel consumed). Specifically, fuel efficiency tool  153  comprises a calculation component  160  configured to calculate a vehicle fuel efficiency for each of the set of vehicle usage patterns  150 . Fuel efficiency of vehicle  101  may be monitored in real-time using telemetry transmitted from the vehicle. In one embodiment, the telemetry may be analyzed in combination with a fuel efficiency model in order to determine whether the real-time fuel efficiency determination deviates from a baseline fuel efficiency. However, it will be appreciated that occasional inefficient operations would not constitute overall inefficient driving as there may be reasons for inefficient vehicle usage patterns (e.g., special cases requiring a high revolutions per minute, including passing, climbing steep grades, down shifting, etc.). 
     Next, user  134  is notified through visual and/or auditory methods that vehicle  101  is being operated in an inefficient manner. To accomplish this, fuel efficiency tool  153  comprises a notification component  165  configured to provide a notification to user  134  of vehicle  101  indicating the vehicle fuel efficiency calculated by calculation component  160  for at least one of vehicle usage patterns  150 . Specifically, notification component  165  provides feedback (via feedback device  124 ) to user  134  of vehicle  101  identifying at least one vehicle usage pattern from set of vehicle usage patterns  150  that is contributing to inefficient vehicle fuel consumption. During operation, feedback device  124  indicates a measure of excess fuel consumed due to inefficient driving patterns. Feedback device  124  provides user  134  with real-time messages indicating the inefficient vehicle usage pattern so that user  134  may take corrective action to increase fuel efficiency. The feedback is dynamically presented to user  134 , and may comprise a variety of audio and/or visual indicators presented on any number of feedback devices. For example, feedback device  124  may comprise a visual indicator such as an LED, a multicolor LED, an LCD display, or a dial with a needle. Feedback device  124  may also comprise a factory-installed automobile feedback device (e.g., AM/FM/CD/MP3 display and stereo speakers, navigation system display, etc.), or may be an after-market audio/visual feedback device that can be installed and configured for use with fuel efficiency tool  153 . Furthermore, feedback device  124  may comprise an audio indicator such as a beeping sound, a set of words indicating the inefficient driving pattern, instructions for avoiding or improving the inefficient driving pattern, etc. 
     In another embodiment, the driver may be notified as to an impact caused by the driver&#39;s inefficient vehicle operation. In this way, user  134  may better appreciate the positive or negative impact(s) of various vehicle usage patterns when presented with more tangible feedback. For example, instead of simply displaying a miles per gallon (mpg) for a particular vehicle usage pattern, user  134  may be presented with a mpg value, along with an indication of emission pollutants (e.g., oxides of nitrogen, oxides of sulfur (NOx and SOx) and greenhouse gases) released during patterns of inefficient driving. Additionally, user  134  may be presented with a monetary value, which represents an approximate amount of money lost due to the inefficient driving pattern. User  134  may also be presented with the monetary amount to be gained if user  134  increases driving efficiency by modifying one or more vehicle usage patterns. To accomplish this, calculation component  160  is configured to calculate an environmental impact and/or a monetary impact caused by the at least one vehicle usage pattern from set of the vehicle usage patterns  150  that is contributing to inefficient vehicle fuel consumption. Following this, notification component  165  is configured to notify user  134  of the environmental and/or monetary impact caused by the at least one vehicle usage pattern from the set of the vehicle usage patterns  150  that is contributing to inefficient vehicle fuel consumption. As such, notification component  165  presents the user with a real-world impact(s) caused by excess fuel consumption in terms that user  134  is more likely to appreciate. 
     In yet another embodiment, data representing vehicle fuel efficiency may also be sent to a third party  130  (e.g., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Motor Vehicles, vehicle manufacturers, highway billing systems, etc.) for analysis. In this embodiment, notification component  165  is configured to provide a notification to third party  130  indicating the vehicle fuel efficiency calculated for at least one of the set of vehicle usage patterns  150  for user  134 . In another example, the notification may indicate the vehicle fuel efficiency calculated for each of set of vehicle usage patterns  150 , the environmental impact caused by at least one vehicle usage pattern from set of vehicle usage patterns  150  that is contributing to inefficient vehicle fuel consumption, or the monetary impact caused by at least one vehicle usage pattern from set of the vehicle usage patterns  150  that is contributing to inefficient vehicle fuel consumption. Communication between fuel efficiency tool  153  and third party  130  can occur via any combination of various types of communications links. In this embodiment, a wireless system may be used for transmitting the fuel efficiency data of vehicle  101  to third party  130 . Where communications occur via the Internet, connectivity could be provided by conventional TCP/IP sockets-based protocol, and an Internet service provider could be used to establish connectivity to the Internet. Data may be sent from fuel efficiency tool  153  while vehicle  101  is in use, or may be transmitted and/or viewed at a service or diagnostic station. 
     In another embodiment, third party  130  operates with an incentive component  170  to provide an assessment to user  134  based on the vehicle fuel efficiency data that is collected. Specifically, fuel efficiency tool  153  comprises incentive component  170 , which is configured to generate a monetary incentive (i.e., an assessment, fee, etc.) to user  134  of vehicle  101  to modify the at least one vehicle usage pattern from set of the vehicle usage patterns  150  that is contributing to inefficient vehicle fuel consumption. Incentive component  170  operates with third party  130 , which may monitor notifications from notification component  165  to charge fees to users responsible for higher fuel consumption. In one example, state taxing authority regulations/tables may be used for calculating an appropriate fee, which may increase as fuel consumption increases. Incentive component  170  may automatically debit a bank account of user  134  to cover any fees generated on the basis of inefficient driving patterns. However, it will be appreciated that incentive component  170  can also provide positive benefits to drivers who display efficient driving patterns. For example, credits or rewards may be provided to a user who maintains efficient vehicle usage patterns, or who modifies his/her driving habits to effect an improvement in vehicle fuel efficiency. 
     It can be appreciated that the methodologies disclosed herein can be used within a computer system to indicating a vehicle fuel efficiency for at least one vehicle usage pattern, as shown in  FIG. 1 . In this case, fuel efficiency tool  153  can be provided, and one or more systems for performing the processes described in the invention can be obtained and deployed to computer infrastructure  102 . To this extent, the deployment can comprise one or more of (1) installing program code on a computing device, such as a computer system, from a computer-readable medium; (2) adding one or more computing devices to the infrastructure; and (3) incorporating and/or modifying one or more existing systems of the infrastructure to enable the infrastructure to perform the process actions of the invention. 
     The exemplary computer system  104  may be described in the general context of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules, being executed by a computer. Generally, program modules include routines, programs, people, components, logic, data structures, and so on that perform particular tasks or implements particular abstract data types. Exemplary computer system  104  may be practiced in distributed computing environments where tasks are performed by remote processing devices that are linked through a communications network. In a distributed computing environment, program modules may be located in both local and remote computer storage media including memory storage devices. 
     The program modules carry out the methodologies disclosed herein, as shown in  FIG. 3 . According to one embodiment, at S 1 , a set of vehicle usage patterns is analyzed. At S 2 , a vehicle fuel efficiency is calculated for each of the set of vehicle usage patterns. In an alternative embodiment, at S 2 . 1 , the environmental impact and a monetary impact caused by the at least one vehicle usage pattern from the set of vehicle usage patterns that is contributing to inefficient vehicle operation is calculated. At S 3 , a notification is provided to the user of the vehicle indicating a vehicle fuel efficiency calculated for at least one of the set of vehicle usage patterns. In an alternative embodiment, at S 3 . 1 , the user of the vehicle is also notified of the environmental impact and the monetary impact caused by the at least one vehicle usage pattern from the set of vehicle usage patterns that is contributing to inefficient vehicle fuel consumption. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates an alternative methodology for encouraging efficient vehicle usage patterns, as described herein. According to one embodiment, at S 1 , a set of vehicle usage patterns is analyzed. At S 2 , a vehicle fuel efficiency is calculated for each of the set of vehicle usage patterns. At S 3 , a notification is provided to the user of the vehicle indicating a vehicle fuel efficiency calculated for at least one of the set of vehicle usage patterns. At S 4 , a notification is provided to a third party indicating the vehicle fuel efficiency calculated for each of the set of vehicle usage patterns. At S 5 , a monetary incentive to modify the at least one vehicle usage pattern from the set of the vehicle usage patterns that is contributing to inefficient vehicle fuel consumption the user of the vehicle is generated. 
     The flowcharts of  FIGS. 3-4  illustrate the architecture and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical process(s). It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the process noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently. It will also be noted that each block of flowchart illustration can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified process or acts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions. 
     Furthermore, an implementation of exemplary computer system  104  ( FIG. 1 ) may be stored on or transmitted across some form of computer readable media. Computer readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable media may comprise “computer storage media” and “communications media.” 
     “Computer storage media” include volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by a computer. 
     “Communication media” typically embodies computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as carrier wave or other transport mechanism. Communication media also includes any information delivery media. 
     The term “modulated data signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above are also included within the scope of computer readable media. 
     It is apparent that there has been provided with this invention an approach for indicating a vehicle fuel efficiency for at least one vehicle usage pattern. While the invention has been particularly shown and described in conjunction with a preferred embodiment thereof, it will be appreciated that variations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it is to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the invention.