Abstract: A method for providing in-vehicle fuel-related information is disclosed. A geographic location of a vehicle is determined. A driving distance remaining for the vehicle is estimated based on a current fuel level and a fuel consumption rate of the vehicle. Fuel providers are located within a search area of the driving distance remaining for the vehicle, and one or more of the fuel providers are output. A travel cost for the vehicle may also be calculated.

Abstract: A method of controlling the operation of a railroad train having a locomotive consist comprising one or more railroad locomotives to improve locomotive consist fuel efficiency, the method including calculating on-board the locomotive consist a load of the train being moved by the locomotive consist based on measuring the movement of the train in response to locomotive consist power settings, determining on-board the locomotive consist a current location of the train, identifying on-board the locomotive consist a change in condition of the track prior to the train reaching the change in track condition, and adjusting on-board the locomotive consist the locomotive consist power setting to optimize locomotive consist fuel consumption based on the calculated load of the train as the train is proximate to the change in track condition.

Abstract: To assist the driver of a vehicle in driving the vehicle in an improved, environmentally conscious way, a first consumption profile of a first predetermined instantaneous consumption and/or pollutant emissions over a predefined route is displayed on the display device, and at the same time a second consumption profile of an actual instantaneous consumption over a route section of the predefined route that has been traveled along by the vehicle, is displayed on the display device. Furthermore, it is proposed that a first pollutant emission profile of a first predetermined instantaneous amount of pollutant emissions over the predefined route is displayed on the display device and at the same time a second pollutant emission profile of an actual instantaneous amount of pollutant emissions over the route section traveled along by the vehicle, of the predefined route is displayed on the display device.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for limiting the driving speed of a motor vehicle that allow a selectable, fixed fuel consumption per distance traveled to be maintained without limiting short-term acceleration. In this context, the driving speed is limited to a maximum value (vmaxbe), at which a predefined maximum fuel consumption (Besetpoint) for steady driving speed is not exceeded.

Abstract: A method for determining how well configurations for a gas turbine propulsion system attain selected acoustic wave energy emissions criteria based on acquiring a plurality of acoustic frequency spectra representations of a noise representation therefor over an operating duration. Relative peaks in the acoustic frequency spectra representations are then located and the forms of at least one of those peaks is altered with respect to acoustic frequency in manners substantially matching acoustic wave energy emissions changes corresponding to configuration changes in gas turbine propulsion systems which are then evaluated to provide an operating parameter noise value. One of those operating parameter noise values that best meets the selected acoustic wave energy emissions criteria is used to aid in determining corresponding configurations changes to thereby better meet those criteria.

Abstract: A method for determining driver efficiency in a vehicle includes the steps of measuring a vehicle parameter, and calculating the driver efficiency based, at least in part, on the vehicle parameter. The vehicle parameter is influenced, at least in part, by an action taken by a driver.

Abstract: A fuel efficiency degradation amount displaying device detects a tire air pressure and calculates an amount of degradation of fuel efficiency of the vehicle compared to fuel efficiency in a case that the tire air pressure is appropriate. Then the fuel efficiency degradation amount displaying device indicates not only a warning of the decrease of the tire air pressure but also the amount of the fuel efficiency degradation. Therefore the driver can recognize the amount of the degradation clearly and intuitively. As a result, it is possible to prevent drivability of the vehicle from getting worse, because the driver can adjust, knowing a relation between the tire air pressure and the fuel efficiency, the tire air pressure to the appropriate tire air pressure.

Abstract: A control system is provided for controlling the fueling system (402) of a combustion engine. The control system includes a sensing arrangement for measuring a plurality of engine and vehicle conditions (404, 406, 408, 410, 412) in real time. The control system also includes a fuel map that defines engine fueling parameters corresponding to engine operating conditions. The control system also includes a control module (102) that determines engine load from the sensed conditions, and controls the fueling parameters of the fueling system for optimized fuel consumption by selecting fueling parameters from the fuel map based on current engine load.

Abstract: Parameters which change depending on driving method of a vehicle driver are inputted to a fuel consumption estimation model. This fuel consumption estimation model estimates fuel consumption of a vehicle based on the parameter. The fuel consumption of a vehicle estimated by the fuel consumption estimation model is outputted to an output portion.

Abstract: A system for indicating, recording and evaluating a driving-data mode under three conditions of acceleration, speed maintenance and deceleration, in which the evaluated results are displayed on an LCD so that the vehicle is driven at a ¾ point of engine load capacity, serving as an acceleration point representing the maximum efficiency in designing a vehicle engine, at a ? point of engine load capacity, serving as a static load point, and at a fuel-cutting point, thereby allowing the vehicle to be driven at the maximum efficiency point and maximizing a fuel efficiency. The system includes a fuel-injection amount-detecting unit, a maximum point-assigning unit, an engine idle driving fuel-injection amount driving point-assigning unit, ¾ and ? point-assigning units, a fuel-injection amount cutting point-assigning unit, a fuel-injection amount display-indicating unit, a fuel-injection amount graph-regulating unit, and a liquid crystal display unit.

Abstract: A fuel efficiency measurement system includes a fuel supply tank for supplying hydrogen to be used as a fuel to a fuel cell of the vehicle during measurement of fuel efficiency and a precision electronic balance for detecting a weight of the fuel supply tank so as to perform the measurement of fuel efficiency based on a vehicle driving distance and a change in weight of the fuel supply tank measured by the electronic balance during measurement of fuel efficiency. According to the fuel efficiency measurement system, it is possible to more accurately calculate fuel efficiency without using hydrogen of a hydrogen tank installed in the vehicle.

Abstract: An idle control system for a vehicle is provided.

Abstract: A fuel consumption device is suitable for insertion into a diagnostic port of a motor vehicle. The device is operable to receive a fuel gauge signal and one or more powertrain signals. The device estimates fuel consumption based on said one or more powertrain signals and uses the estimated fuel consumption data to generate a fuel consumption database. The database indicates a relationship between a fuel gauge signal and actual amounts of fuel. Upon detecting a refueling event, the device consults a fuel consumption database to determine an estimated amount of fuel associated with the refueling event. The powertrain signals may include a mass air flow signal. The device may be able to store the fuel consumption database locally and transmit the database remotely. The device is still further preferably operable to record and transmit a record of the refueling event that includes an estimated amount of fuel.

Abstract: A method and system for controlling a continuously variable transmission (CVT). In one embodiment, the method includes receiving vehicle operation data. The method also includes controlling engine and transmission operations based on the vehicle operation data, fuel efficiency data, and CVT efficiency data.

Abstract: An electronic fueling data acquisition and wireless communications delivery system. The unit is mounted on Aircraft Fueling Vehicles and Aircraft Fuel Servicing Hydrant Vehicles (Hydrant Vehicles) and is hardwired to an external pulse transmitter. The pulse transmitter transmits pulse signals proportional to the volume of fuel that is being pumped. A software configurable hardware filter attenuates the input signal which is then counted by a pulse accumulator. When fueling ceases, the application software can convert the pulse signal values to an equivalent volumetric total. The information can then be wirelessly communicated to other devices without the need for maintaining paper hard copies.

Abstract: An automatic transmission control system includes a shift map that includes predetermined ranges of vehicle speeds at which vehicle engine speeds require gear shifts for the automatic transmission based on requests for torque. The predetermined ranges include upper bounds that correspond to gear upshifts and lower bounds that correspond to gear down shifts. A shift map control module varies at least one of the predetermined ranges of vehicle speeds based on at least one vehicle condition that affects movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: A navigation system includes a control circuit that controls scrolling of a navigation route together with economical driving information pertaining to a part of the navigation route on a display unit so as to match a moving point along the navigation route to a standard point of the display unit (e.g., a center of the display), thereby allowing a user of the navigation system to recognize the economical driving information of the navigation route prior to the travel of the navigation route in the course of confirmation of the navigation route and enabling the user to imagine required operation condition of economic driving.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for optimizing the fuel consumption of an aircraft during flight. At a given point of the flight, a fuel excess (EXTRA) is determined relative to the statutory loads depending on the flight profile and weather conditions forecast for the rest of the flight. If the excess (EXTRA) is less than a given value (EXTRA-mini), for at least one of the forthcoming flight phases ({circle around (1)}, {circle around (2)}, {circle around (3)}), the speed of the aircraft is adjusted so as to increase the excess (EXTRA).

Abstract: A navigation system and method provides travel routes for a vehicle The method includes receiving an origin (62) destination (66) for the vehicle The method also includes determining a shortest distance route (70), a fastest time route (68), an optimal fuel efficient route, and a fuel economy of each route The method also includes comparing the fuel economy of the shortest distance route, the fastest time route, and the optimal fuel efficient route (82) Additionally, the method includes outputting the fuel economy savings of the shortest distance route, the fastest time route, and the optimal fuel efficient route to a navigation system display (84).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An intelligent fuel oil monitoring system includes a fuel level detector coupled to a fuel tank of a motor vehicle to detect the amount of the fuel oil in the fuel tank, a microcontroller coupled to the fuel level detector to receive traveling data of the motor vehicle and to establish an average speed-fuel consumption relationship curve and fuel consumption and travel distance relationship curves at different speeds and to calculate the distance the motor vehicle can travel based on the amount of the fuel oil detected by the fuel level detector subject to the fuel consumption and travel distance relationship curve, and a display unit coupled to the microcontroller and controlled by the microcontroller to display data.

Abstract: A device and method for assisting in the management of an engine failure on an aircraft. The device (1) comprises means (7) for determining, when an engine failure occurs, flight profiles allowing the closest airports to be reached according to flight strategies, and means (13) for presenting, on a screen (13A), the airports associated with certain of said flight profiles, together with corresponding predictions.

Abstract: A method for computing significant characteristic parameters of fuel consumption of a vehicle. Fuel consumption data (20) on the one hand and travel distance data (22) or an equivalent thereof on the other hand are collected over time to be processed by a fuel usage procedure. The processing can be done on (24) or off (32) board the vehicle. Distance traveled can be calculated using data obtained on or off board the vehicle.

Abstract: An engine-powered vehicle includes a measuring instrument that registers the actual value for fuel consumption for the vehicle and a device for presetting a setpoint value for the fuel consumption. The actual value of the fuel consumption for the vehicle that is registered is used to control, and adjust, the output of the engine for controlling the vehicle's speed.

Abstract: A system and method to provide navigational maintenance assistance for a vehicle includes a first step of estimating when the vehicle will require maintenance. A next step includes establishing a location and direction of travel of the vehicle. A next step includes searching a database for any service stations within a range of the vehicle and ahead of the location of the vehicle in the direction of travel of the vehicle before the vehicle becomes disabled. This step can be provided by a remote service provider. A next step includes presenting the found service stations from the searching step to a driver of the vehicle via a user interface.

Abstract: In response to simultaneous ON settings of a heater switch signal HSW and an eco switch signal ESW, an eco priority map is set to an intermittent operation permission map (step S350). The heater switch signal HSW is output from a heater switch that is operated to warm up a passenger compartment, while the eco switch signal ESW is output from an eco switch that is operated to give preference to improvement in fuel consumption of the vehicle over the heater function. The eco priority map is designed to allow intermittent operation of an engine in a lower range of cooling water temperature Tw of the engine than that in a heater-on state map set in response to OFF setting of the eco switch signal ESW and ON setting of the heater switch signal HSW.

Abstract: A shift map switching control unit includes a fuel level sensor 72, plural shift maps for deriving the shift timing of an automatic transmission 1b, and a controller 101 that selects one shift map out of the plural shift maps and controls the shift of the automatic transmission 1b according to the selected shift map. The controller 101 switches a standard shift map 103 to a high fuel economy shift map 104 in which fuel consumption is reduced when it is sensed that the residual quantity of fuel is equal to or below a predetermined value. An operational mode display lamp 99 displays the selected shift map. As the residual quantity of fuel is sensed, based upon a mean value of output signals from the fuel level sensor 72 in predetermined time, the shift maps can be prevented from being frequently switched.

Abstract: A system and method for predicting a route to be authorized by a dispatcher for a vehicle to travel on a route network comprises a computer system that has a database having stored data relative to interconnecting route segments that make up the route network. Data relative to the origination location and the destination location is input into the computer system. The processor accesses the database and generates a predicted route with an origination location and destination location.

Abstract: An attitude angle control apparatus, an attitude angle control method, and an attitude angle control apparatus control program select an optimum attitude angle in a short period of time without being affected by disturbances at sea by measuring attitude angles and specific fuel consumption during navigation for any combination of a hull and propeller, create a statistical model based on the measured data, and select an optimum attitude angle on the statistical model. A marine vessel navigation control apparatus includes a constant-speed navigation controller and a trim angle controller.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method provides a sequence of travel instructions that reports fuel-efficient routes calculated with regard to vehicle specifications, geography of terrain, and complexity of travel route. An operator selects the desired starting and ending location via a client interface of a software application. When the user selects “most fuel efficient route,” the fuel-efficient route (FER) utility of the application prompts for entry of the make, model, and year of the operator's vehicle. If the FER utility is embedded in an in-car navigation system, the information about the vehicle characteristics is preprogrammed during installation (e.g., at the factory). The FER utility uses a number of metrics and the vehicle's characteristics, to generate an optimal route for efficient fuel consumption. The invention provides means for an operator of a route planning application to optimize the driving directions for optimally predicted fuel usage.

Abstract: This disclosure outlines a method, which enables a vehicle driver to achieve increased fuel efficiency by implementing least-cost route planning based on terrain data and derived from advanced mapping, logging and location based services. Actual fuel efficiency is recorded and correlated by vehicle conditions, time of day and date, and then referenced to achieve the most accurate least-cost route plan for the intended destination.

Abstract: A method for obtaining vehicle-related data from a vehicle equipped with a telematics unit and making that data temporarily available to a third party that has been approved by an authorized user, such as the vehicle owner. This enables the authorized user to decide which third parties, if any at all, are to receive vehicle-related data so that they may take advantage of any promotions or other services that are offered by the third parties. The vehicle-related data is preferably maintained on a temporary basis so that after the occurrence of an event, such as the expiration of a predetermined period of time or after the authorized third party has already accessed the vehicle-related data, the data is deleted.

Abstract: A method of driver training to improve fuel economy performance of a vehicle, the method including, receiving selected vehicle and driver operating data indicative of driving conditions and operator inputs captured during previous vehicle operation, processing the received selected vehicle and driver operating data, and generating driving recommendations to improve fuel economy performance based on the processed vehicle and driver operating data.

Abstract: At least one aspect of the invention provides an improved fuel sensing system for a generator, in addition, one or more other aspects of the invention provide improved systems and methods for determining remaining run-time of a generator system.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An alternative fuel vehicle having a fuel economy control module with associated logic that allows the vehicle to operate in a fuel economy mode based on a desired fuel economy preference. The fuel economy control logic is in electrical communication with a vehicle system controller (VSC) and may be integrally formed as a sub-module within the VSC. A fuel economy control switch controlled by the fuel economy control logic toggles between an on and an off position to enable or disable a fuel economy mode. A fuel economy control selector allows a user to select a desired fuel economy mode preference once the fuel economy control switch is on. The fuel economy mode selected represents a predefined desired fuel economy preference such as a distance per amount of fuel consumed, or alternatively, a percentage of a balance between a fuel economy operation and a fuel performance operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods, apparatus, and systems for improving the fuel economy of an automobile. An automobile may be configured to receive data relating to a path traversed by the automobile from a server or from other automobiles traveling the path. The path data may indicate one or more road conditions such as traffic patterns, slopes, and the like. In response to receiving the path data, the automobile may automatically adjust the contribution of one or more components of the automobile configured to set the automobile in motion, to conserve fuel or otherwise improve some other performance characteristic of the automobile. For example, the number of cylinders used to operate the vehicle and the electric motor assistance ratios may be adjusted.

Abstract: A system and method for making a decision of whether to carry additional fuel on an aircraft for a particular flight based on a forecast, such as for low visibility and ceiling. Preferably, observations-based probabilistic forecasts are utilized. The forecast probability of the weather at the planned aerodrome being below a prescribed minimum level is calculated using statistical regression analysis of past data. An optimal probability is estimated using cost parameters on an individual flight bases. If this forecast probability is greater than the optimal probability for a particular flight, then extra fuel is carried by that flight. This is in contrast to current practice whereby the same categorical forecast is applied to all flights. The combination of improved short-term forecasts and identification of optimal forecast probabilities minimizes the financial impact of errors and weather forecasts on airline operations thereby providing a superior financial outcome.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that includes a haptic actuator operatively associated with a pedal assembly of the vehicle, a human-machine interface (HMI) for enabling the driver to select between a plurality of fuel savings settings, and a controller coupled to a data interface in the vehicle and the HMI interface for causing the haptic actuator to provide feedback to the driver when an aspect of vehicle operation crosses at least one of a plurality of speed and acceleration thresholds responsive to the HMI setting. Additionally, a coaching method provides haptic-based feedback that will not interfere with the operation of the vehicle. This method of closed-loop feedback provides a timely signal to the driver in a way that will encourage a change in driver style over time, such as backing off the accelerator pedal to accelerate at a lower rate and braking earlier with less intensity.

Abstract: A procedure to diagnose a fuel tank ventilation system of a motor vehicle and a device to implement the procedure are proposed. The fuel tank ventilation system contains at least one first ventilation pathway discharging into the air intake area of the internal combustion engine downstream behind a supercharger as well as at least one second ventilation pathway discharging into the air intake area upstream in front of the supercharger. Provision is made for a diagnosis with at least two partial diagnoses, whereby the first partial diagnosis pertaining to the first ventilation pathway is implemented, if the intake manifold pressure in the discharge area of the first ventilation pathway is smaller than the fuel tank system pressure; and the second partial diagnosis pertaining to the second ventilation pathway is implemented, if the intake manifold pressure in the discharge area of the first ventilation pathway is greater than the fuel tank system pressure.

Abstract: When detecting and recording vehicle data items corresponding to evaluation parameters for fuel-efficient driving (the parameters may include, for example, the speed of the vehicle, the average engine speed during an upshift, or an idle time), it is determined which one of first to N-th preliminarily-set traveling conditions (which may be, for example, highway driving, open-road driving, or idling) a current traveling condition belongs to. The vehicle data items are then recorded according to the determined traveling condition. The amount of fuel consumed in the corresponding traveling condition is also recorded. Each of the vehicle data items of the corresponding traveling condition is given an evaluation score with respect to an evaluation standard. Each evaluation score is then corrected based on a rate of fuel consumption in the corresponding traveling condition. Thus, the evaluation score is corrected in view of the traveling condition.

Abstract: In a process and device for visual display of information in motor vehicles with an electronically controllable display, the display is controlled in such a manner that at least two sets of information, having an interrelated effect, are displayed as a comparison by graphical representation. Examples of information having an interrelated effect are the value pairs—range/distance, current fuel consumption/average fuel consumption, tank content/range, total travel time/time traveled. In this respect the information is displayed at the same place alternating with the same type of graphics, but with different labels.

Abstract: This invention is directed toward a computer-controlled auxiliary fuel tank system that works with both gas and diesel-fueled vehicles, and can operate independently, or in combination with an auxiliary fuel tank, auxiliary fuel pump, sending unit, check valves, inlet and outlet fuel lines, wiring harness, computer module, auxiliary emissions canister assembly, vehicle installation means, and LCD and LED display devices. The invention is not dependent upon any other computer systems and is fully transparent to any on-board systems. In addition to overseeing the transfer of fuel from the auxiliary tank to the OEM tank, the fuel monitoring system (FMS) monitors a variety of functions of the vehicle, and from that data can calculate and display a wide range of information for the user, and is fully user calibratable. The invention not only warns of low fuel situations, but also provides a wide range of diagnostic tools to analyze and display problems with the fuel system.

Abstract: A method for optimizing fuel consumption in a machine powered by an internal combustion engine includes providing a fuel economy map associated at least in part with the internal combustion engine, the fuel economy map defining a fuel economy at a plurality of operating points of the internal combustion engine; determining a reserve need associated with the machine; determining an available reserve of the internal combustion engine for the plurality of operating points; identifying each operating point of the plurality of operating points having an acceptable reserve, the acceptable reserve being the available reserve that satisfies the reserve need; evaluating the fuel economy for the each operating point; and defining an output value for the each operating point based on the fuel economy and the acceptable reserve.

Abstract: A tire pressure warning system has an air pressure detecting device 3, a low pressure warning display unit 5 and a fuel consumption deterioration warning display unit 4. The air pressure detecting device 3 detects an air pressure of each tire 2 of a vehicle. The low pressure warning display unit 5 warns an occupant of a reduced air pressure when an air pressure detected by the air pressure detecting device 3 is lower than a running inhibition tire pressure 11 set in advance. The fuel consumption deterioration warning display unit 4 warns the occupant of a deterioration in a fuel consumption when the air pressure is lower than a fuel consumption deteriorating tire pressure 12 which is set higher than the running inhibition tire pressure 11.

Abstract: The evaluation system for vehicle operating conditions comprises an automatic control device (10, 27) for setting target vehicle operating conditions and controlling the vehicle so as to achieve the target operating conditions, and a display device (4) mounted on the vehicle. The system determines whether operation that worsens fuel economy has been performed or not on the basis of the operating conditions of the vehicle; determines the operating state of the automatic control device (10, 27) based on the operating conditions of the vehicle; computes the excess fuel consumption, which is the fuel amount consumed in excess by operation that worsens the fuel economy, based on operating conditions of the vehicle and the operating state of the automatic control device (10, 27); and displays the computed excess fuel consumption to the display device (4).

Abstract: A system for allocating fuel stations to movable bodies includes an onboard unit, a station unit and a server. The onboard unit stores and updates information about a movable body. The station unit disposed at a fuel station which supplies fuel to the movable body stores and updates information about the fuel station. The server, which is connected to the onboard unit and the station unit through networks, allocates certain fuel stations to the movable body which requires fueling, based on the information about the movable body and the fuel station. When a difference of distance resulting from a subtraction, a movable distance minus a station distance, is smaller than a certain threshold, the server determines a necessity of supplying fuel to the movable body, allocating a fuel station which keeps an amount of stored fuel necessary for fuelling the movable body.

Abstract: A method for computing the quantity of injected fuel for an automobile engine equipped with an electronically controlled fuel injection system and an apparatus for detecting an exchange period for lubricating oils and constitutional parts are capable of informing a driver of an exchange period for an engine oil per use of a proper fuel quantity by calculating a total of the accumulated quantity of injected fuel for the automobile engine equipped with the electronically controlled fuel injection system. The method and apparatus are also capable of informing the driver of the exchange period for various lubricating oils and constitutional parts in accordance with the number of exchange of the engine oil and of allowing-the driver to exchange various lubricating oils and constitutional parts on a basis of accurate information under in an optimum condition. The method and apparatus also prevent the driver from being confused and extend the life span of the automobile engine.

Abstract: A calculation unit (3) determines whether or not an operation which worsens fuel economy has been performed, and if it is determined that an operation which worsens fuel economy has been performed, the calculation unit (3) respectively calculates the actual amount of consumed fuel and an amount of fuel that would have been consumed had the operation that worsens fuel economy not been performed. The calculation unit (3) then calculates an amount of fuel consumed in excess due to the operation which worsens fuel economy by subtracting the amount of fuel that would have been consumed had the operation that worsens fuel economy not been performed from the actual amount of consumed fuel. A display (4) displays the calculated excess fuel consumption amount.