Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods are implemented for characterizing one or more driver inputs. As may be relevant to one or more embodiments herein, particular aspects are directed to determining a driver input characteristic and using the determined input characteristic to assess a risk metric to the driver. In some implementations, the driver input characteristic is determined based upon a prediction of one or more of actual fuel used and torque. In some implementations, the prediction is determined in real-time and may be transmitted to a remote terminal for storage and/or analysis. The data for the prediction is obtained from a vehicle diagnostic system, and is used to determine (e.g., predict and/or infer) information as presented by other vehicle systems to the vehicle diagnostic system, without necessarily communicating directly with the respective other vehicle systems. In various implementations, the driver risk characteristic is used for assessing an insurance-based risk metric.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring device (VMO) in accordance with the invention comprises a microprocessor programmed to simulate a vehicle's powertrain, that is arranged to receive signals from a vehicle's engine management system to produce a real-time simulated model of the vehicle's powertrain operation when the vehicle's actual instantaneous fuel consumption and/or emissions can be accurately predicted during operation of the vehicle and compared with predetermined or calculated performance characteristics for the powertrain under the pertaining conditions in order to display the instantaneous operating conditions in relation to the optimum under any driving condition. The VMO is advantageously arranged to receive the signals from the on-board diagnostics (OBO or OBO-II or equivalent) port. The VMO is preferably programmed so that the performance coefficient is used to calculate the instantaneous and/or cumulative quantity or percentage of fuel wasted as a result of non-optimum operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods are implemented for characterizing one or more driver inputs. As may be relevant to one or more embodiments herein, particular aspects are directed to determining a driver input characteristic and using the determined input characteristic to assess a risk metric to the driver. In some implementations, the driver input characteristic is determined based upon a prediction of one or more of actual fuel used and torque. In some implementations, the prediction is determined in real-time and may be transmitted to a remote terminal for storage and/or analysis. The data for the prediction is obtained from a vehicle diagnostic system, and is used to determine (e.g., predict and/or infer) information as presented by other vehicle systems to the vehicle diagnostic system, without necessarily communicating directly with the respective other vehicle systems. In various implementations, the driver risk characteristic is used for assessing an insurance-based risk metric.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods are implemented for characterizing one or more driver inputs. As may be relevant to one or more embodiments herein, particular aspects are directed to determining a driver input characteristic and using the determined input characteristic to assess a risk metric to the driver. In some implementations, the driver input characteristic is determined based upon a prediction of one or more of actual fuel used and torque. In some implementations, the prediction is determined in real-time and may be transmitted to a remote terminal for storage and/or analysis. The data for the prediction is obtained from a vehicle diagnostic system, and is used to determine (e.g., predict and/or infer) information as presented by other vehicle systems to the vehicle diagnostic system, without necessarily communicating directly with the respective other vehicle systems. In various implementations, the driver risk characteristic is used for assessing an insurance-based risk metric.

Abstract: A vehicle monitoring device (VMD) in accordance with the invention comprises a microprocessor programmed to simulate a vehicle's powertrain, that is arranged to receive signals from a vehicle's engine management system in order to produce a real-time simulated model of the vehicle's powertrain operation whence the vehicle's actual instantaneous fuel consumption and/or emissions can be accurately predicted during operation of the vehicle and compared with predetermined or calculated optimum performance characteristics for the powertrain under the pertaining conditions in order to display the instantaneous operating conditions in relation to the optimum under any driving condition. The VMD is advantageously arranged to receive the signals from the on-board diagnostics (OBD or OBD-II or equivalent) port.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods are implemented for characterizing one or more driver inputs. As may be relevant to one or more embodiments herein, particular aspects are directed to determining a driver input characteristic and using the determined input characteristic to assess a risk metric to the driver. In some implementations, the driver input characteristic is determined based upon a prediction of one or more of actual fuel used and torque. In some implementations, the prediction is determined in real-time and may be transmitted to a remote terminal for storage and/or analysis. The data for the prediction is obtained from a vehicle diagnostic system, and is used to determine (e.g., predict and/or infer) information as presented by other vehicle systems to the vehicle diagnostic system, without necessarily communicating directly with the respective other vehicle systems. In various implementations, the driver risk characteristic is used for assessing an insurance-based risk metric.