Patents by Inventor Zachary Slaton
Zachary Slaton has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11407370Abstract: A vehicle computer system (e.g., on-board vehicle computer system) obtains a fuel economy performance goal for a vehicle (e.g., an engine speed goal or a vehicle speed goal) that is based on a configuration of the vehicle; calculates a count of events in which a current value exceeds the goal; compares the count of events with a threshold count; and generates one or more notifications based at least in part on the comparison (e.g., for display on an operator interface). The vehicle computer system also calculates an engine speed and a vehicle speed score for a driver of the vehicle based at least in part on comparisons of current speeds with the speed goals. Scoring and other data may be displayed or stored for further processing.Type: GrantFiled: October 21, 2019Date of Patent: August 9, 2022Assignee: PACCAR INC.Inventors: Matthew Seger, Zachary Slaton
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Patent number: 10678963Abstract: Methods and devices for determining speed control management settings are provided. A vehicle configuration is obtained, specifying at least a transmission, including a number of gears present in the transmission. One or more speed control management modules, such as progressive shift and/or gear down protection modules, are selected by a customer. One or more default progressive shift limits and a default gear down protection limit are calculated, along with gears for which they are active. Performance of the vehicle using the default speed control management settings is simulated and compared to typical vehicle performance. The customer may alter the speed control management settings within dynamically determined valid ranges. The speed control management settings are used in the manufacture or other configuration of the vehicle for the customer.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2017Date of Patent: June 9, 2020Assignee: PACCAR INC.Inventors: Erik S. Johnson, Richard Hampson, Zachary Slaton
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Publication number: 20200114845Abstract: A vehicle computer system (e.g., on-board vehicle computer system) obtains a fuel economy performance goal for a vehicle (e.g., an engine speed goal or a vehicle speed goal) that is based on a configuration of the vehicle; calculates a count of events in which a current value exceeds the goal; compares the count of events with a threshold count; and generates one or more notifications based at least in part on the comparison (e.g., for display on an operator interface). The vehicle computer system also calculates an engine speed and a vehicle speed score for a driver of the vehicle based at least in part on comparisons of current speeds with the speed goals. Scoring and other data may be displayed or stored for further processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2019Publication date: April 16, 2020Applicant: PACCAR IncInventors: Matthew Seger, Zachary Slaton
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Patent number: 10449916Abstract: A vehicle computer system (e.g., on-board vehicle computer system) obtains a fuel economy performance goal for a vehicle (e.g., an engine speed goal or a vehicle speed goal) that is based on a configuration of the vehicle; calculates a count of events in which a current value exceeds the goal; compares the count of events with a threshold count; and generates one or more notifications based at least in part on the comparison (e.g., for display on an operator interface). The vehicle computer system also calculates an engine speed and a vehicle speed score for a driver of the vehicle based at least in part on comparisons of current speeds with the speed goals. Scoring and other data may be displayed or stored for further processing.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2017Date of Patent: October 22, 2019Assignee: PACCAR INC.Inventors: Matthew Seger, Zachary Slaton
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Publication number: 20180345885Abstract: A vehicle computer system (e.g., on-board vehicle computer system) obtains a fuel economy performance goal for a vehicle (e.g., an engine speed goal or a vehicle speed goal) that is based on a configuration of the vehicle; calculates a count of events in which a current value exceeds the goal; compares the count of events with a threshold count; and generates one or more notifications based at least in part on the comparison (e.g., for display on an operator interface). The vehicle computer system also calculates an engine speed and a vehicle speed score for a driver of the vehicle based at least in part on comparisons of current speeds with the speed goals. Scoring and other data may be displayed or stored for further processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2017Publication date: December 6, 2018Applicant: PACCAR IncInventors: Matthew Seger, Zachary Slaton
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Patent number: 10096052Abstract: A powertrain optimization device and method that compares a predicted performance of customer-selected vehicle components to a customer-selected optimization goal. The optimization goal is used to determine dynamic performance thresholds. The method compares gradability at cruise, gradability at peak torque, engine speed, and startability to the dynamic thresholds to determine whether the vehicle performance will be satisfactory. The customer selections of vehicle components, selections of optimization goals, and any acknowledgements of failed performance checks are stored for later use.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2016Date of Patent: October 9, 2018Assignee: PACCAR IncInventors: Zachary Slaton, Richard Hampson, Todd Wickstrum
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Patent number: 10089670Abstract: A powertrain optimization device and method that compares a predicted performance of customer-selected vehicle components to a customer-selected optimization goal. The optimization goal is used to determine dynamic performance thresholds. The method compares gradability at cruise, gradability at peak torque, engine speed, and startability to the dynamic thresholds to determine whether the vehicle performance will be satisfactory. The customer selections of vehicle components, selections of optimization goals, and any acknowledgements of failed performance checks are stored for later use.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2016Date of Patent: October 2, 2018Assignee: PACCAR INCInventors: Zachary Slaton, Richard Hampson, Todd Wickstrum
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Patent number: 10055908Abstract: A method and system for improved driver reward display functionality. A driver reward is calculated based on inputs, such as freight fuel, fuel economy, and % idle. The driver reward system configures and displays a primary driver reward image for various menu selections. The primary driver reward image is configured to indicate whether the driver reward is at full penalty, partial penalty, neutral, partial bonus, or full bonus. The image is displayed in one color if above an expected value and another color if below the expected level. Images that indicate to the operator of the vehicle the impact of each input on the overall driver reward or whether each input is improving or worsening may be displayed. A secondary driver reward image may also be displayed to indicate a specific bonus or penalty in miles per hour and speed limit.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2016Date of Patent: August 21, 2018Assignee: PACCAR IncInventors: Zachary Slaton, Steven Karl Jahns, Josef Lotz, Jennifer Kim, Jason Morrow, John William Arthur Doll
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Patent number: 9988049Abstract: An on-board vehicle computer system for a vehicle includes at least one processing unit and a memory having stored therein computer-executable instructions configured to cause the on-board vehicle computer system to implement various aspects of a predictive cruise control (PCC) system. In one aspect, the computer system provides a plurality of available speed control bands in a PCC system, and the available speed control bands are selectable by an operator of the vehicle. In another aspect, the computer system provides an upper speed margin and a lower speed margin for a PCC system, and the upper and lower speed margins are adjustable by an operator of the vehicle. Related notifications may be presented via an operator interface (e.g., a touchscreen display provided in a vehicle dashboard or other easily accessible area).Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2016Date of Patent: June 5, 2018Assignee: PACCAR IncInventors: Zachary Slaton, Floris van der Meijs, Steven Karl Jahns, John William Arthur Doll, Josef Lotz, Andrew Paul Harbach, Wesley M. Mays, Cas Droogendijk
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Patent number: 9828925Abstract: An on-board vehicle computer system is configured to detect a condition of a vehicle; identify a de-rate cause for the vehicle in a hierarchical set of de-rate causes, wherein the de-rate cause is associated with the condition; select a de-rate type from a set of possible de-rate types based at least in part on the de-rate cause; select an initial de-rate level from a set of possible de-rate levels based at least in part on the de-rate cause; present an operator notification associated with the de-rate cause via an operator interface; activate a de-rate for the vehicle according to the de-rate type and the initial de-rate level; detect a change in the vehicle condition; and update the initial de-rate level based at least in part on the change in the vehicle condition.Type: GrantFiled: March 13, 2013Date of Patent: November 28, 2017Assignee: PACCAR IncInventors: Zachary Slaton, Brett Alan Grothen
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Publication number: 20170206307Abstract: Methods and devices for determining speed control management settings are provided. A vehicle configuration is obtained, specifying at least a transmission, including a number of gears present in the transmission. One or more speed control management modules, such as progressive shift and/or gear down protection modules, are selected by a customer. One or more default progressive shift limits and a default gear down protection limit are calculated, along with gears for which they are active. Performance of the vehicle using the default speed control management settings is simulated and compared to typical vehicle performance. The customer may alter the speed control management settings within dynamically determined valid ranges. The speed control management settings are used in the manufacture or other configuration of the vehicle for the customer.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2017Publication date: July 20, 2017Applicant: PACCAR IncInventors: Erik S. Johnson, Richard Hampson, Zachary Slaton
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Patent number: 9694827Abstract: An on-board vehicle computing system stores values in a memory of a first engine control unit (ECU) and stores corresponding backup values in a memory of a second ECU. In this way, the second ECU provides data backup functionality for the first ECU's data. The system may retrieve a backup value from the first ECU and restore the corresponding value in the second ECU using the backup value. In one illustrative scenario, if an original engine ECU (EECU) fails and a replacement EECU is installed, the system can retrieve backup values for vehicle speed limiter (VSL) parameters from memory in a cab ECU (CECU) and update the corresponding data in the replacement EECU with the backup values.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2014Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: PACCAR IncInventors: Phu Tran, David Randall Wrigley, Suresh Kumar, Zachary Slaton, Michael T. Russell
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Patent number: 9659144Abstract: Methods and devices for determining speed control management settings are provided. A vehicle configuration is obtained, specifying at least a transmission, including a number of gears present in the transmission. One or more speed control management modules, such as progressive shift and/or gear down protection modules, are selected by a customer. One or more default progressive shift limits and a default gear down protection limit are calculated, along with gears for which they are active. Performance of the vehicle using the default speed control management settings is simulated and compared to typical vehicle performance. The customer may alter the speed control management settings within dynamically determined valid ranges. The speed control management settings are used in the manufacture or other configuration of the vehicle for the customer.Type: GrantFiled: April 6, 2015Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: PACCAR IncInventors: Erik S. Johnson, Richard Hampson, Zachary Slaton
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Publication number: 20170008520Abstract: An on-board vehicle computer system for a vehicle includes at least one processing unit and a memory having stored therein computer-executable instructions configured to cause the on-board vehicle computer system to implement various aspects of a predictive cruise control (PCC) system. In one aspect, the computer system provides a plurality of available speed control bands in a PCC system, and the available speed control bands are selectable by an operator of the vehicle. In another aspect, the computer system provides an upper speed margin and a lower speed margin for a PCC system, and the upper and lower speed margins are adjustable by an operator of the vehicle. Related notifications may be presented via an operator interface (e.g., a touchscreen display provided in a vehicle dashboard or other easily accessible area).Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2016Publication date: January 12, 2017Applicant: PACCAR IncInventors: Zachary Slaton, Floris van der Meijs, Steven Karl Jahns, John William Arthur Doll, Josef Lotz, Andrew Paul Harbach, Wesley M. Mays, Cas Droogendijk
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Publication number: 20170011569Abstract: A method and system for improved driver reward display functionality. A driver reward is calculated based on inputs, such as freight fuel, fuel economy, and % idle. The driver reward system configures and displays a primary driver reward image for various menu selections. The primary driver reward image is configured to indicate whether the driver reward is at full penalty, partial penalty, neutral, partial bonus, or full bonus. The image is displayed in one color if above an expected value and another color if below the expected level. Images that indicate to the operator of the vehicle the impact of each input on the overall driver reward or whether each input is improving or worsening may be displayed. A secondary driver reward image may also be displayed to indicate a specific bonus or penalty in miles per hour and speed limit.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2016Publication date: January 12, 2017Applicant: PACCAR IncInventors: Zachary Slaton, Steven Karl Jahns, Josef Lotz, Jennifer Kim, Jason Morrow, John William Arthur Doll
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Patent number: 9399465Abstract: An on-board vehicle computer system for a vehicle includes at least one processing unit and a memory having stored therein computer-executable instructions configured to cause the on-board vehicle computer system to implement various aspects of a predictive cruise control (PCC) system. In one aspect, the computer system provides a plurality of available speed control bands in a PCC system, and the available speed control bands are selectable by an operator of the vehicle. In another aspect, the computer system provides an upper speed margin and a lower speed margin for a PCC system, and the upper and lower speed margins are adjustable by an operator of the vehicle. Related notifications may be presented via an operator interface (e.g., a touchscreen display provided in a vehicle dashboard or other easily accessible area).Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2014Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: PACCAR IncInventors: Zachary Slaton, Floris van der Meijs, Steven Karl Jahns, John William Arthur Doll, Josef Lotz, Andrew Paul Harbach, Wesley M. Mays, Cas Droogendijk
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Patent number: 9393963Abstract: An on-board vehicle computer system for a vehicle includes at least one processing unit and a memory having stored therein computer-executable instructions configured to cause the on-board vehicle computer system to implement various aspects of a predictive cruise control (PCC) system. In one aspect, the computer system provides a plurality of available speed control bands in a PCC system, and the available speed control bands are selectable by an operator of the vehicle. In another aspect, the computer system provides an upper speed margin and a lower speed margin for a PCC system, and the upper and lower speed margins are adjustable by an operator of the vehicle. Related notifications may be presented via an operator interface (e.g., a touchscreen display provided in a vehicle dashboard or other easily accessible area).Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2014Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: PACCAR IncInventors: Zachary Slaton, Floris van der Meijs, Steven Karl Jahns, John William Arthur Doll, Josef Lotz, Andrew Paul Harbach, Wesley M. Mays, Cas Droogendijk
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Patent number: 9393868Abstract: A method and system for improved driver reward display functionality. A driver reward is calculated based on inputs, such as freight fuel, fuel economy, and % idle. The driver reward system configures and displays a primary driver reward image for various menu selections. The primary driver reward image is configured to indicate whether the driver reward is at full penalty, partial penalty, neutral, partial bonus, or full bonus. The image is displayed in one color if above an expected value and another color if below the expected level. Images that indicate to the operator of the vehicle the impact of each input on the overall driver reward or whether each input is improving or worsening may be displayed. A secondary driver reward image may also be displayed to indicate a specific bonus or penalty in miles per hour and speed limit.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2013Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: PACCAR IncInventors: Zachary Slaton, Steven Karl Jahns, Josef Lotz, Jennifer Kim, Jason Morrow, John William Arthur Doll
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Patent number: 9387856Abstract: A computing device (e.g., a server computer hosted by a vehicle manufacturer or retailer) receives vehicle configuration information obtained via a user interface of a user device. The vehicle configuration information includes one or more user-adjustable settings. The computing device determines whether a conflict exists between the user-adjustable settings and a regulated vehicle parameter (e.g., a vehicle speed limit), which may be associated with greenhouse gas emissions of the vehicle. The computing device transmits feedback information to the user device. The feedback information may include a description of one or more conflicts between the user-adjustable settings and the regulated vehicle parameter, recommended adjustments to the settings, or the like. The recommended adjustments to the settings may, if accepted by a user, improve regulatory compliance for the vehicle, and may remove or reduce the degree of conflicts between the user-adjustable setting and the regulated vehicle parameter.Type: GrantFiled: May 20, 2014Date of Patent: July 12, 2016Assignee: PACCAR IncInventors: Zachary Slaton, Jason Potter, Erin Luke, Cindi Vangel
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Publication number: 20160176411Abstract: An on-board vehicle computing system stores values in a memory of a first engine control unit (ECU) and stores corresponding backup values in a memory of a second ECU. In this way, the second ECU provides data backup functionality for the first ECU's data. The system may retrieve a backup value from the first ECU and restore the corresponding value in the second ECU using the backup value. In one illustrative scenario, if an original engine ECU (EECU) fails and a replacement EECU is installed, the system can retrieve backup values for vehicle speed limiter (VSL) parameters from memory in a cab ECU (CECU) and update the corresponding data in the replacement EECU with the backup values.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2014Publication date: June 23, 2016Applicant: PACCAR INCInventors: Phu Tran, David Randall Wrigley, Suresh Kumar, Zachary Slaton, Michael T. Russell