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).

  • Patent number: 11407370
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: PACCAR INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Seger, Zachary Slaton
  • Patent number: 10678963
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: PACCAR INC.
    Inventors: Erik S. Johnson, Richard Hampson, Zachary Slaton
  • Publication number: 20200114845
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2019
    Publication date: April 16, 2020
    Applicant: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Matthew Seger, Zachary Slaton
  • Patent number: 10449916
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: PACCAR INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Seger, Zachary Slaton
  • Publication number: 20180345885
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2017
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Matthew Seger, Zachary Slaton
  • Patent number: 10096052
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2018
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Zachary Slaton, Richard Hampson, Todd Wickstrum
  • Patent number: 10089670
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: PACCAR INC
    Inventors: Zachary Slaton, Richard Hampson, Todd Wickstrum
  • Patent number: 10055908
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2018
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Zachary Slaton, Steven Karl Jahns, Josef Lotz, Jennifer Kim, Jason Morrow, John William Arthur Doll
  • Patent number: 9988049
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Zachary Slaton, Floris van der Meijs, Steven Karl Jahns, John William Arthur Doll, Josef Lotz, Andrew Paul Harbach, Wesley M. Mays, Cas Droogendijk
  • Patent number: 9828925
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Zachary Slaton, Brett Alan Grothen
  • Publication number: 20170206307
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2017
    Publication date: July 20, 2017
    Applicant: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Erik S. Johnson, Richard Hampson, Zachary Slaton
  • Patent number: 9694827
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Phu Tran, David Randall Wrigley, Suresh Kumar, Zachary Slaton, Michael T. Russell
  • Patent number: 9659144
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2017
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Erik S. Johnson, Richard Hampson, Zachary Slaton
  • Publication number: 20170008520
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Zachary Slaton, Floris van der Meijs, Steven Karl Jahns, John William Arthur Doll, Josef Lotz, Andrew Paul Harbach, Wesley M. Mays, Cas Droogendijk
  • Publication number: 20170011569
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 8, 2016
    Publication date: January 12, 2017
    Applicant: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Zachary Slaton, Steven Karl Jahns, Josef Lotz, Jennifer Kim, Jason Morrow, John William Arthur Doll
  • Patent number: 9399465
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2016
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Zachary Slaton, Floris van der Meijs, Steven Karl Jahns, John William Arthur Doll, Josef Lotz, Andrew Paul Harbach, Wesley M. Mays, Cas Droogendijk
  • Patent number: 9393963
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Zachary Slaton, Floris van der Meijs, Steven Karl Jahns, John William Arthur Doll, Josef Lotz, Andrew Paul Harbach, Wesley M. Mays, Cas Droogendijk
  • Patent number: 9393868
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Zachary Slaton, Steven Karl Jahns, Josef Lotz, Jennifer Kim, Jason Morrow, John William Arthur Doll
  • Patent number: 9387856
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2016
    Assignee: PACCAR Inc
    Inventors: Zachary Slaton, Jason Potter, Erin Luke, Cindi Vangel
  • Publication number: 20160176411
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2014
    Publication date: June 23, 2016
    Applicant: PACCAR INC
    Inventors: Phu Tran, David Randall Wrigley, Suresh Kumar, Zachary Slaton, Michael T. Russell