With Indication Of Fuel Consumption Rate Or Economy Of Usage Patents (Class 701/123)
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Publication number: 20110276260Abstract: A vehicle mileage calculation device includes a travel distance calculation unit for calculating a travel distance of a vehicle, an actual fuel consumption amount calculation unit for calculating an actual amount of fuel consumed in an engine, a mileage calculation unit for calculating a mileage based on the travel distance and the actual fuel consumption amount, a stored energy change amount calculation unit for calculating a change amount of stored energy including one of kinetic energy, potential energy and electric energy, and a consumed energy amount calculation unit for calculating an amount of energy consumed when storing the stored energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2009Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: BLUEPOINT CO., LTD.Inventor: Song Sim
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Publication number: 20110276261Abstract: A crane operation evaluation device for evaluating an operation status of an operator of a crane performing a crane work by using drive power of an engine. The crane operation evaluation device includes: a display device provided at a position of the crane that is visible to the operator and serving to display predetermined data; a detector for detecting a state of a given part of the crane; and a data control unit that, after a stopping operation of the engine, derives a first fuel consumption index for analyzing a fuel consumption efficiency of the crane work performed between the most recent start of the engine and the stop of the engine by the stopping operation and a first work index for analyzing content of such crane work, on the basis of detection data of the detector, and causes the display device to display the derived first fuel consumption index and first work index.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 24, 2009Publication date: November 10, 2011Applicant: Kobelco Cranes Co., Ltd.Inventor: Motohiko Mizutani
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Patent number: 8055439Abstract: A system for providing fuel-efficient driving information for a vehicle includes a fuel-efficient driving area calculation unit and a display unit. The fuel-efficient driving area calculation unit calculates a variable fuel-efficient driving area, which is divided into economical, semi-economical, and uneconomical regions, depending on the increase or decrease of the speed of the vehicle, calculates a current fuel efficiency of the vehicle, receives information about the type and condition of a road from a GPS, and adjusts the regions in the fuel-efficient driving area to prompt the driver to increase or decrease the vehicle speed in advance. The display unit displays the fuel-efficient driving area using information calculated by the fuel-efficient driving area calculation unit, and indicates the current fuel efficiency using the regions.Type: GrantFiled: November 24, 2008Date of Patent: November 8, 2011Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventors: Sang Woo Ji, Dong Jin Shin, Jae Hoon Jeong
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Publication number: 20110270515Abstract: The invention discloses a continuous driving mileage calculation control system and a calculation control method. The calculation control system comprises an MCU microprocessor, a continuous driving mileage digital display, a vehicle speed signal sampling circuit, an instantaneous fuel consumption signal sampling circuit and a fuel signal sampling circuit. According to the received instantaneous fuel consumption signal and the vehicle speed signal, the MCU microprocessor calculates the average fuel consumption, and then calculates the continuous driving mileage according to the average fuel consumption and the current remaining fuel amount. The digital display is used for displaying the continuous driving mileage.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2009Publication date: November 3, 2011Applicant: Chery Automobile Co., LTDInventors: Xuejian Gu, Jianyou Ba, Yuejin Sun, Songling Zhao, Lvgen Fang, Jun Deng, Xinhua Gao
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Patent number: 8050856Abstract: The technology described herein provides methods and systems for powertrain optimization and improved fuel economy including multiple displacement engine modeling and control optimization, automotive powertrain matching for fuel economy, cycle-based automotive shift and lock-up scheduling for fuel economy, and engine performance requirements based on vehicle attributes and drive cycle characteristics. Also provided is a reverse tractive road load demand simulation algorithm used to propagate a reverse tractive road load demand and a corresponding component torque and speed, derived from a vehicle speed trace, in a reverse direction through a powertrain system. Also provided is a dynamic optimization algorithm. The dynamic programming algorithm is applied to a matrix of fuel flow rates to find the optimal control path that maximizes the powertrain efficiency over a cycle.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2007Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: Chrysler Group LLCInventors: Mark J. Duty, Melody Papke
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Patent number: 8050849Abstract: A mixed-mode method for operating a vehicle's propulsion plant to travel at a selected average speed using the minimum amount of fuel. The method involves travelling in one mode at high speed part of the time, and in a different mode at low speed part of the time, in such a way that the average speed is the selected value.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2009Date of Patent: November 1, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Gerald Gerard Brown, Jeffrey Eugene Kline, Richard Edwin Rosenthal, Pascale Menconi, legal representative, Alan R. Washburn
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Publication number: 20110257875Abstract: A process and system are provided for determining fuel consumption of a motor vehicle. A first mean fuel consumption, which cannot be reset under a user's influence, is determined. A second mean fuel consumption, which can be reset under a user's influence, is determined as a function of several measured values. A third mean fuel consumption is determined as follows: (a) at the beginning of a predefined time period, which starts with a resetting of the second mean fuel consumption, the third mean fuel consumption is set to be equal to the first mean fuel consumption; (b) between the beginning and the end of the predefined time period, the third mean fuel consumption is set to be a weighted mean of the first mean fuel consumption and the second mean fuel consumption; and, (c) starting at an end of the predefined time period, the third mean fuel consumption is set to be equal to the second mean fuel consumption. A signal indicative of the third mean fuel consumption is provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke AktiengesellschaftInventors: Janus COGIEL, Herbert Jilg, Wolfgang Rieger
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Patent number: 8041511Abstract: Described herein is a method for optimizing a plurality of calibration maps for an algorithm of estimation of a control quantity of an internal combustion engine, each of the maps comprising a plurality of calibration values of said control quantity estimated by said algorithm. The optimization method comprises measuring the control quantity, estimating the control quantity, and individually optimizing each calibration map based on the measured control quantity and the estimated control quantity.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2008Date of Patent: October 18, 2011Assignee: Fiat Group Automobiles S.p.A.Inventors: Alessandro Riegel, Dario Sacco, Fabio Garofalo
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Publication number: 20110251782Abstract: A method for determining and comparing vehicle fuel economy for several different preselected vehicles. The method includes selecting a plurality of vehicles to compare. The user inputs a driving route and a driving style through a user interface into the system. The system utilizes predetermined vehicle fuel economy information along with the driving route and driving style to calculate fuel economy values for each of the selected vehicle models. The system then displays the fuel economy values for each of the selected vehicles to provide a comparison between the selected vehicles over the predetermined driving route using the selected driving style.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2010Publication date: October 13, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: William Paul Perkins, Fazal Urrahman Syed, Derek Hartl, Matthew Fleming
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Patent number: 8036785Abstract: A method for controlling a powertrain of a hybrid vehicle having an engine, a motor/generator, a battery that is rechargeable using at least one of the engine and the motor/generator, and a powertrain control module (PCM) includes determining a current location of the vehicle as a starting point of a preferred route, recording a user-selected ending point of the preferred route, and processing route information using the PCM to thereby determine an optimally fuel efficient route for reaching the ending point. The method includes automatically executing the powertrain control strategy over the optimally fuel efficient route by substantially depleting a charge level of the battery as the vehicle travels over the optimally fuel efficient route such that the charge level of the battery is depleted when the vehicle reaches the ending point. When the ending point is not recorded, the PCM can default to a charge-sustaining mode.Type: GrantFiled: March 23, 2009Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Joel M. Maguire, Madhusudan Raghavan, Robert P. Roesser
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Patent number: 8026801Abstract: A disclosed accelerator level display device 1 includes an accelerator level detection unit 12 configured to detect an accelerator level; a target accelerator level determining unit 14b configured to determine a target accelerator level for the accelerator level; and a display unit 15a, 20 configured to display a target accelerator level indicator corresponding to the target accelerator level and an accelerator level indicator corresponding to the detected accelerator level. The display unit is configured to display the target accelerator level indicator as a fixed value regardless of the target accelerator level determined by the target accelerator level determining unit.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2007Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kan Saito, Akito Adachi, Hatsuo Nakao, Hiroshi Tsujii, Osamu Komeda, Haruyuki Kodera
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Publication number: 20110224894Abstract: A vehicle information system operating method performs operations comprising determining an operational period, determining a movement period, determining a modification factor, determining a fuel economy value and determining an adjusted fuel economy value. The determining of the operational period determines the operational period during which a vehicle is running. The determining of the movement period determines the movement period during which the vehicle is in motion. The determining of the modification factor determines the modification factor based on respective durations of the operational period and the movement period. The determining of the fuel economy value determines the fuel economy value associated with the operational period. The determining of the adjusted fuel economy value determines the adjusted fuel economy value based on the fuel economy value and the modification factor.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 12, 2010Publication date: September 15, 2011Applicant: NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Chris Henderson, Daryl Smith
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Patent number: 8014914Abstract: Methods, including service methods, articles of manufacture, systems, articles and programmable devices are provided for vehicle route planning as a function of vehicle type. A plurality of different routes for travel by a vehicle from a trip origin to a destination is determined, and the vehicle identified as either an internal combustion engine vehicle type or a hybrid vehicle type. A programmable device is caused to recommend a route of the determined plurality of routes to an operator of the identified vehicle as a function of the identified vehicle type, wherein a route recommended to the identified internal combustion engine vehicle type is different from a route recommended to the identified hybrid vehicle type. In some examples, identifying the vehicle as configured to generate operative energy through a regenerative braking energy component results in recommending a route will cause more breaking over a faster route.Type: GrantFiled: December 5, 2008Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Gregory J. Boss, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Brian M. O'Connell, Clifford A. Pickover, Keith R. Walker
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Patent number: 8014938Abstract: A module that calculates power loss for an internal combustion engine includes an air intake calculation module that determines a final air per cylinder (APC) value. A fuel mass rate calculation module that determines a fuel mass rate value based on the final APC value. A power loss calculation module that determines a power loss value for the internal combustion engine based on the fuel mass rate value.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2006Date of Patent: September 6, 2011Inventors: Michael Livshiz, John P. Blanchard, John L. Lahti, Anthony H. Heap
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Publication number: 20110208415Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an evaluation system onboard an aircraft connected with a flight plan (13) defining a cruising level and a minimum fuel reserve to destination objective, including: calculating means (5) for calculating a fuel consumption deviation between flight at a selected cruising altitude level (15) and flight at an altitude level initially planned (17) by the flight plan, said selected altitude level (15) being lower than the altitude level initially planned (17), calculating means (5) for determining a climb limit point (19) from said selected cruising altitude level (15) as a function of said fuel consumption deviation and said minimum fuel reserve objective, said climb limit point (19) representing the last climb point respecting said minimum fuel reserve to destination objective, and interface means (9) for providing said climb limit point (19) and anticipative information (21) concerning said climb limit point.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 27, 2011Publication date: August 25, 2011Applicant: Airbus Operations S.A.S.Inventors: Jean-Claude Mere, Julien Dramet
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Patent number: 7999664Abstract: A method is provided for determining when to provide a refueling notification to a driver of a vehicle. A refueling behavior is determined for refueling the vehicle. The refueling behavior is associated at least in part to an amount of fuel customarily remaining in the vehicle when the vehicle is customarily refueled. A remaining amount of fuel in the vehicle and a fuel economy of the vehicle are determined. A distance the vehicle will travel to a next driving destination is estimated. An amount of fuel that will be used to travel to the next driving destination is estimated based on the estimated distance the vehicle will travel to the next driving destination and the fuel economy. A determination is made whether the amount of fuel that will be remaining in the vehicle after the vehicle travels to the next driving destination is less than the amount of a fuel customarily remaining in the vehicle when the vehicle is refueled.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLCInventor: Leandro G. Barajas
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Publication number: 20110196600Abstract: A vehicle occupant information controller includes a fuel volume determining section, a fuel economy determining section, a first distance determining section, a traveled distance determining section and a second distance determining section. The first distance determining section determines a first obtainable travel distance based on a remaining fuel volume from the fuel volume determining section and a fuel consumption rate from the fuel economy determining section. The traveled distance determining section determines a vehicle traveled distance between two locations.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 8, 2010Publication date: August 11, 2011Applicant: NISSAN TECHNICAL CENTER NORTH AMERICA, INC.Inventors: Chris Henderson, Daryl Smith
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Patent number: 7996125Abstract: A system and method for determining and displaying an overall efficiency value of a vehicle. The vehicle may include an engine and an electric machine that operates to provide torque to propel the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle may have an electric power source that provides electric power to the electric machine. A controller may determine and transmit the overall efficiency value so that the information display displays the number of efficiency indicators. Also, the number of efficiency indicators displayed may be based on the overall efficiency value.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2010Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ryan J. Skaff, Robert Jay Louch, Anthony Howard, Stephen Burke, David Watson, Angela L. Watson, Derek Hartl, Paul Stephen Bryan
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Patent number: 7983807Abstract: A system and method for determining and displaying an overall efficiency value of a vehicle. The vehicle may include an engine and an electric machine that operates to provide torque to propel the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle may have an electric power source that provides electric power to the electric machine. A controller may determine and transmit the overall efficiency value so that the information display displays the number of efficiency indicators. Also, the number of efficiency indicators displayed may be based on the overall efficiency value.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2010Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ryan J. Skaff, Robert Jay Louch, Anthony Howard, Stephen Burke, David Watson, Angela L. Watson, Derek Hartl, Paul Stephen Bryan
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Publication number: 20110172864Abstract: A vehicle powertrain controller includes a fuzzy logic-based adaptive algorithm with a learning capability that estimates a driver's long term driving preferences. An adaptive algorithm arbitrates competing requirements for good fuel economy, avoidance of intrusiveness and vehicle drivability. Vehicle performance is maintained in accordance with a driver's driving style.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 8, 2010Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Fazal Urrahman Syed, Dimitar Petrov Filev, Fling Tseng
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Publication number: 20110166773Abstract: A method is provided for evaluating fuel consumption efficiency of a vehicle driven by a driver. The method comprises the steps of: a) collecting data associated with said driver's driving performance from a plurality of sensors comprised in the vehicle; b) identifying a plurality of driving events based on the collected data; c) estimating the driver's performance in at least one driving event from among the identified plurality of driving events, wherein that at least one event if poorly performed is associated with increased fuel consumption; and d) based on the estimated driver's performance of the at least one driving event, evaluating a fuel consumption efficiency of the vehicle driven by that driver.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2010Publication date: July 7, 2011Applicant: GREENROAD DRIVING TECHNOLOGIES LTD.Inventors: OFER RAZ, OREN MUSICANT
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Patent number: 7974774Abstract: A system for operating a vehicle including an engine operating on at least one type of fuel is provided. The system includes a locator element to determine a location of the vehicle, a characterization element to provide information about a terrain of the vehicle, a database to store characteristic information for each type of fuel, and a processor operable to receive information from the locator element, the characterization element, and the database. An algorithm is embodied within the processor with access to the information for creating a trip plan that optimizes performance of the vehicle in accordance with one or more operational criteria for the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 6, 2007Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Ajith Kuttannair Kumar
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Publication number: 20110160992Abstract: A method and system are described for extending an operating range of a motor vehicle, the vehicle having a first mode of operation and an economy mode of operation. A vehicle range may be estimated based on a vehicle fuel level and the first mode of operation. A distance to a fuel location may also be estimated. The economy mode of vehicle operation may be automatically entered a predetermined period of time after the estimated vehicle range based on the vehicle fuel level and the first operating mode decreases to within a predetermined threshold of the estimated distance to a fuel location.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2011Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventor: Dale Scott Crombez
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Publication number: 20110160991Abstract: A method and system are described for extending an operating range of a motor vehicle, the vehicle having an economy mode of operation. When the vehicle fuel level decreases below a first threshold, an indication is provided to a vehicle user that the vehicle will enter the economy mode of vehicle operation. The economy mode of vehicle operation is automatically entered a predetermined period of time after providing the indication to the vehicle user. The economy mode of vehicle operation is exited in response to a user command to exit the economy mode of vehicle operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2011Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Dale Scott Crombez, Ryan Skaff
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Publication number: 20110160990Abstract: A route searching device according to an embodiment of the invention includes an estimated fuel consumption amount computing unit that computes an estimated fuel consumption amount of each interval constituting plural routes from a departure point to a destination and an optimum route selecting unit that selects a route in which a total of the estimated fuel consumption amount from the departure point to the destination is minimized. The estimated fuel consumption amount may be obtained by adding a cruise fuel consumption amount, a gradient fuel consumption amount, and a vehicle-speed fluctuation fuel consumption amount. In a further aspect, an average fuel consumption value for each speed range of an interval may be determined based on limited fuel consumption data, and fuel consumption values may be updated using measured probe data.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2011Publication date: June 30, 2011Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kenichi Mineta
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Patent number: 7966121Abstract: This fuel efficiency display device for a fuel cell vehicle includes: a first interval vehicle efficiency obtaining device which obtains a first interval vehicle efficiency being a fraction of a generated traveling energy with respect to a consumed fuel amount in a predetermined first time-interval; a second interval traveling energy obtaining device which obtains a second interval traveling energy being a traveling energy generated in a predetermined second time-interval which is shorter than the first time-interval; and a second interval fuel efficiency obtaining device which obtains a second interval fuel efficiency being a fuel efficiency in the second time-interval, based on at least the first interval vehicle efficiency and the second interval traveling energy.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2007Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Satoshi Aoyagi, Kenichiro Kimura, Sachito Fujimoto
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Publication number: 20110145042Abstract: An invention for indicating a vehicle fuel efficiency for at least one vehicle usage pattern is provided. 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 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 of the vehicle indicating a vehicle fuel efficiency calculated for at least one of the set of vehicle usage patterns.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2009Publication date: June 16, 2011Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Rendell L. Green, Rick A. Hamilton, II, Brian M. O'Connell, James W. Seaman, Richard H. Stephan
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Patent number: 7962256Abstract: A controller and methods for controlling the speed of a vehicle having an electric motorized drive is provided. In one embodiment, a method involves determining a steady state average torque and a torque during acceleration or deceleration of the vehicle traveling over an underlying surface. Speed of the vehicle is controlled based on the steady state average torque, the torque during acceleration or deceleration the measured regeneration current generated by a motorized drive arrangement of the vehicle that applies torque to at least one ground-contacting element of the vehicle for traveling over the underlying surface, weight of the vehicle and payload, the torque applied to the ground-contacting element, acceleration of the vehicle and the speed of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2007Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Segway Inc.Inventors: Jon M. Stevens, David Robinson
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Publication number: 20110133921Abstract: An accelerator-off, fuel-cut traveling determining unit determines whether the number of engine revolutions of a vehicle is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, whether an accelerator opening rate is equal to or lower than a predetermined value, and whether a traveling state is an accelerator-off, fuel-cut traveling state where a quantity of fuel injection to an engine is 0. When it is determined that the traveling state is the accelerator-off, fuel-cut traveling state, the traveling distance adding-up unit adds up accelerator-off, fuel-cut traveling distances. A fuel-saving driving rating unit rates driving by a driver based on each of the added-up values which were added up by the traveling distance adding-up unit. A fuel-saving driving advice generating unit notifies the driver of a fuel-saving driving advice together with a rating result in accordance with the rating result.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2009Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicants: FUJITSU TEN LIMITED, TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA, AISIN AW CO., LTD., DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Satoshi Harumoto, Kouei Kiyo, Shojiro Takeuchi, Naoki Miura, Masaki Nakamura, Hiroaki Sugiura, Yoshio Yamatani, Junichi Nonomura, Nobutaka Tauchi
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Publication number: 20110137508Abstract: Device for monitoring the process of driving a vehicle consisting of at least the following: a first means of processing a signal; a second means of detecting the vehicle movement; a means for providing an HMI type of interactive display of information for the user; and a means configured for knowing the consumption characteristics of the vehicle and its technical characteristics as far as optimum theoretical behaviour; where the means for processing are configured for calculating the optimum consumption according to the characteristics of the vehicle, establishing the driving parameters required for equating the actual consumption to the optimum consumption, displaying this information to the user in the means available for display.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2009Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicants: CRAMBO, S.A.Inventor: Nilo Garcia Manchado
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Patent number: 7953530Abstract: An analysis tool which extracts all the available parameter identifications (i.e. PIDS) from a vehicle's power train control module for diagnostic decisions. This is done by checking these PIDS and other information (e.g., calculated PIDS, Break Points, charts and algorithms) in three states; key on engine off, key on engine cranking, key on engine running. In all three modes the tool is comparing the live data from PIDS and voltage to the other information (e.g, Break Points). If any of this data are outside the programmed values a flag is assigned to the failure or control problem. The relationship between a particular PID and its associated preprogrammed value(s) may be indicated by a light. The depth of the problem (if any) is conveyed by the color of the light. Also included are tests/charts for fuel trim, engine volumetric efficiency, simulated injector, power, catalyst efficiency, and engine coolant range.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2007Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Inventors: Neal R. Pederson, Bernie C. Thompson
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Patent number: 7953529Abstract: The present invention provides a scheme for determining an abnormality of an intake air system with higher accuracy in an engine an intake air amount is controlled by adjusting a lift amount of an intake valve. A throttle opening area is determined based on a current intake air amount. A feedback correction is performed on the throttle opening area. The feedback correction includes determining a correction amount of the throttle opening area such that the gauge pressure inside the intake manifold converges to a desired gauge pressure and then adding the correction amount to the throttle opening area. A feedback control is performed on an air-fuel ratio. The feedback control includes determining a correction amount of the air-fuel ratio based on a detection value of an air-fuel ratio detecting means provided in an exhaust manifold.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2008Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideharu Takamiya, Isao Komoriya, Hiroyuki Ando
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Publication number: 20110112749Abstract: A fuel-saving driving diagnosis apparatus detects that a vehicle stopped, counts the number of stops, and determines whether the vehicle raced after detection that the vehicle stopped. After that, in the case where it is determined that the stopped vehicle raced, the fuel-saving driving diagnosis apparatus calculates the number of times of stop followed by racing done by the vehicle. The fuel-saving driving diagnosis apparatus diagnoses fuel-saving driving of a driver based on the counted number of stops and the counted number of times of stop followed by racing.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2009Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Satoshi Harumoto, Kouei Kiyo, Shojiro Takeuchi, Nobutaka Tauchi
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Publication number: 20110112719Abstract: The vehicle traveling information recording device of the present invention comprises a camera unit for acquiring image information relating to outside of a vehicle; a recording unit for recording the image information from the camera unit; an abnormality detection unit for detecting an abnormal vehicle state; an auxiliary data detection unit for acquiring auxiliary data when the abnormality detection unit has detected an abnormality; and a control unit for combining the auxiliary data with the image information in the recording unit when the abnormality detection unit has detected the abnormality, and recording image information after the combination related to abnormality detection.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2009Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: ROHM CO., LTD.Inventors: Kyoji Marumoto, Masahide Tanaka
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Patent number: 7937215Abstract: An improved system for delivering propane or other consumable liquid to remotely located storage tanks including a novel combination of remote monitoring of customer tanks and an improved method of using the remote monitoring data to optimally schedule deliveries, improve safety, and more efficiently operate a propane dealership. More accurate and timely information concerning the status of customer tanks serves to improve operational efficiencies and increase safety. Data received from remote sensors can be collected and organized so that it is easily understood and utilized through the implementation of a user interface accessible via the Internet that allows the information to be presented in an efficient graphical and contextual fashion. Operational efficiencies can also be improved by taking historical propane usage for each tank, weather conditions, and projected fuel usage into account.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2009Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Inventor: Richard L. Humphrey
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Patent number: 7937216Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for monitoring the levels of propane or other consumable liquid in remotely located storage tanks and coordinating delivery of liquid to those tanks, including an improved method of using the remote monitoring data to identify out-of-ordinary conditions at remote tanks, optimally schedule purchases or deliveries, improve safety, and more efficiently operate a propane dealership. More accurate and timely information concerning the status of customer tanks serves to improve operational efficiencies and increase safety. Data received from remote sensors can be collected and organized so that it is easily understood and utilized through the implementation of a user interface accessible via the Internet that allows the information to be presented in an efficient graphical and contextual fashion.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2010Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Inventor: Richard L. Humphrey
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Patent number: 7933713Abstract: A method for supplying two types of fuel to an engine of a vehicle is disclosed. In one embodiment, an amount of a first fuel supplied to the engine is adjusted in response to a condition of a fuel separator. The method can improve vehicle drivability at least during some conditions.Type: GrantFiled: March 17, 2006Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventor: Thomas G. Leone
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Publication number: 20110093187Abstract: A system and method for determining and displaying an overall efficiency value of a vehicle. The vehicle may include an engine and an electric machine that operates to provide torque to propel the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle may have an electric power source that provides electric power to the electric machine. A controller may determine and transmit the overall efficiency value so that the information display displays the number of efficiency indicators. Also, the number of efficiency indicators displayed may be based on the overall efficiency value.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2010Publication date: April 21, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Ryan J. Skaff, Robert Jay Louch, Anthony Howard, Stephen Burke, David Watson, Angela L. Watson, Derek Hartl, Paul Stephen Bryan
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Patent number: 7925426Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems, and methods for managing the power consumption of an automotive vehicle, and thereby for optimizing the power consumption of the vehicle. The devices and systems for managing the power consumption of the vehicle typically include power management logic that can calculate an applied power for the vehicle engine based on information provided from the external environment of the vehicle, the operational status of the vehicle, one or more command inputs from a driver, and one or more operational parameters of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2005Date of Patent: April 12, 2011Assignee: Motility SystemsInventors: Martin Koebler, Nicole G. Goldstein, Stephen J. Brown, Jason H. Harper
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Publication number: 20110060517Abstract: A car navigation system solves the problem that the emission test cycle fuel consumption rate indicates the energy consumption per unit distance covered following a prescribed emission test cycle procedure, and therefore, cannot produce a highly accurate prediction value reflecting the landform and the traffics along a route. So, the test cycle characteristic values independent of the vehicle model for vehicle energy consumption in a specified running condition are calculated, and the vehicle energy consumption parameter of the engine or the motor is estimated from the basic vehicle specifications such as the vehicle weight, the power supply type, the emission test cycle fuel consumption rate, the test cycle characteristic values in the emission test cycle and the vehicle characteristics. Using the basic vehicle specifications and the energy consumption parameter, the energy consumption is predicted taking the landform and traffics into consideration.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Inventors: Toshiaki Kono, Takumi Fushiki
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Publication number: 20110060493Abstract: Navigation devices, methods, and programs acquire a reference position related to the traveling of a host vehicle and acquire a host vehicle condition at the reference position. The devices, methods, and programs accesses a travel information storage unit that stores travel sequences. The stored data for each travel sequences includes at least one position along the travel sequence, operation information that specifies a vehicle operation at each stored position, and vehicle condition information that specifies a vehicle condition at each stored position.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Applicant: AISIN AW CO., LTD.Inventors: Naoki MIURA, Junichi Nonomura
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Patent number: 7904235Abstract: There are provided a driving evaluation method for evaluating a fuel consumption rate of driving a vehicle in certain driving interval on the basis of driving data acquired at time of driving in the driving interval, including: calculating an energy consumption efficiency in the driving interval; calculating a driving environment variable indicative of an environment factor which exerts an influence on energy consumption by driving in the driving interval; selecting a probability density function or a cumulative distribution function corresponding to the calculated driving environment variable from a plurality of probability density functions or cumulative distribution functions having the energy consumption efficiency as a probability variable; and calculating an evaluation value for evaluating a fuel consumption rate of driving in the driving interval by using the selected probability density function or the selected cumulative distribution function and the calculated energy consumption efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2008Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventor: Makoto Sato
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Publication number: 20110054768Abstract: A method for optimizing the fuel efficiency of a motor vehicle includes electronically receiving data on an ambient environment of a motor vehicle. The data is electronically compared to a current operational status of the vehicle. The current operational status is automatically adjusted based on the comparing to optimize the fuel efficiency of the motor vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 27, 2009Publication date: March 3, 2011Inventor: Joshua Ward SULLIVAN
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Publication number: 20110054769Abstract: A control module for a vehicle for increasing fuel efficiency can include a controller configured to receive at least one input signal containing at least one vehicle operating parameter and to generate at least one output signal based upon the vehicle operating parameters. The output signal is configured to modify at least one of the operating characteristics of the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2010Publication date: March 3, 2011Applicants: Sexton Partners LLC, JBNK EnterprisesInventor: Nick Krengiel
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Publication number: 20110046834Abstract: A vehicle may include an engine and electric machine each configured to generate motive power for the vehicle, a battery configured to store energy for the electric machine, and a tank configured to store fuel for the engine. The vehicle may further include one or more controllers configured to determine a vehicle drive range based on an amount of fuel in the tank and an available charge depletion energy in the battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2010Publication date: February 24, 2011Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLCInventors: Duane M. Grider, Bruce Carvell Blakemore
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Patent number: 7877198Abstract: A system and method of identify fuel savings opportunity in a fleet of vehicles based on a determination of fuel consumption due to modifiable use conditions is described. Modifiable use conditions, such as unauthorized usage, speeding and excessive idling, which represent opportunities for fuel savings are identified and fuel consumption based on the modifiable use conditions is determined. A user-defined statistical metric for the fleet, or a portion of the fleet, can be determined for each of the modifiable use conditions evaluated. Fuel consumption of an individual vehicle, or a group of vehicles, resulting from modifiable use conditions can be compared with a larger group of vehicle, or the fleet, to determine vehicles which correspond to a metric of the fleet. Fleet managers can use this information to modify the use conditions of individual or group of vehicles to provide fuel savings for the fleet.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2006Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Stephen Tenzer, Benjamin J. Nielsen, Jon Passman
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Publication number: 20110000726Abstract: Provided is a practical plug-in hybrid vehicle or an electric vehicle as well as a charge system, a fuel consumption measurement system, and an environment protection system for the vehicles. The charge system includes an electric power source charging a vehicle having a battery, a power supply unit for supplying electric power from the electric power source to the vehicle, and a power cable communication unit for performing power cable communication concerning the vehicle and the charging via the power supply unit. The vehicle includes a fuel tank for receiving oil from outside, a storage unit for storing oil supply information, a power source which consumes the fuel in the fuel tank and provides a travel power, a travel distance information acquisition unit, and a control unit which automatically calculates the fuel consumption according to the oil supply information in the storage unit and the travel distance information in the travel distance acquisition unit.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2009Publication date: January 6, 2011Applicant: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masahide Tanaka
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Patent number: 7865298Abstract: A system and method for providing route information to a driver of a vehicle given a predetermined destination having more than one route available to reach the predetermined destination includes receiving a driver input indicating a vehicle operating preference. Operating characteristics for the vehicle, such as a predicted time to reach the predetermined destination, are determined for at least some of the routes. One of the routes is selected based at least in part on the determined operating characteristics and the vehicle operating preference. An informational output is provided to the driver indicating the selected route.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2007Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Ford Motor CompanyInventors: Perry Robinson Macneille, Michael Edward Loftus
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Patent number: 7865276Abstract: A system and method for determining and displaying an overall efficiency value of a vehicle. The vehicle may include an engine and an electric machine that operates to provide torque to propel the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle may have an electric power source that provides electric power to the electric machine. A controller may determine and transmit the overall efficiency value so that the information display displays the number of efficiency indicators. Also, the number of efficiency indicators displayed may be based on the overall efficiency value.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2008Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Ryan J. Skaff, Robert Jay Louch, Anthony Howard, Stephen Burke, David Watson, Angela L. Watson, Derek Hartl, Paul Stephen Bryan
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Patent number: 7861518Abstract: An engine controller determines the cost of operating a combustion engine and the cost of operating an emissions after-treatment device. Accordingly, the engine controller adjusts parameters for operation of the engine and the after-treatment device to ensure cost-effective use of the engine and the after-treatment device while complying with exhaust emissions requirements. In particular, the engine controller receives the price of fuel consumed by the engine and the price of reductant used by the after-treatment device to determine the respective cost of operation. Specifically, the fuel is diesel fuel used in a diesel engine; the reductant is urea use in a urea-based Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system; and the regulated exhaust emissions is nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The engine operating parameters may include cooled exhaust gas recirculation airflow, fuel injection timing, fuel injection pressure, and air-to-fuel ratio.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2006Date of Patent: January 4, 2011Assignee: Cummins Inc.Inventor: Ken R. Federle