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.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for fuel control systems using inertial measurement data are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method for controlling a fuel flow includes comparing an acceleration condition of the aircraft with a predetermined threshold at which normal fuel fluid characteristics begin to become unpredictable, and comparing the acceleration condition with a time-based acceleration profile for a given flight profile. Next, the method determines whether the aircraft is about to enter a prolonged negative acceleration regime. The method further includes maintaining normal fuel control and, after a predetermined amount of time has passed, initiating an alternate fuel source to the engine.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and device for characterizing a vehicle's fuel efficiency and amount of fuel consumed. The method features the steps of: 1) generating a data set from the vehicle that includes vehicle speed, odometer calculation, engine speed, load, mass air flow; 2) transferring the data set to a wireless appliance that includes i) a microprocessor, and ii) a wireless transmitter in electrical contact with the microprocessor; 3) transmitting a data packet comprising the data set or a version thereof with the wireless transmitter over an airlink to a host computer system; and 4) analyzing the data set with the host computer system to determine a status of the vehicle's fuel efficiency.

Abstract: An evaluation system for vehicle operating conditions which is applied to a vehicle provided with an engine (1) and a manual transmission (8) connected to the engine (1) comprises a sensor (21, 24) for detecting the operating conditions of the engine (1) and a controller (30). On the basis of the operating conditions of the engine (1), the controller (30) determines whether or not the fuel economy of the vehicle would be improved by shifting the transmission (8) upward from the current gear position to a gear position one step further toward a HIGH side, and instructs a driver to shift the transmission (8) upward when it is determined that the fuel economy of the vehicle would be improved by shifting the transmission (8) upward.

Abstract: A vehicle fuel mileage meter capable of displaying a value approximate to a fuel mileage obtained from actual driving only is provided. The fuel mileage meter includes a fuel mileage display and a control unit. The control unit controls display of a fuel mileage on the fuel mileage display based on a distance traveled and an amount of fuel consumed after a vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: In an apparatus and a method for indicating initial distance to empty (DTE) at completion of fueling, the initial DTE is calculated based on a fluctuating fuel consumption rate and is compensated by a compensation value so that DTE can be determined with more accuracy compared with an initial DTE calculated based on the fixed fuel consumption rate. The DTE to be confirmed can be thereby prevented from abruptly changing.

Abstract: A customizable low fuel indicator system for a motor vehicle having an engine control unit storing the average fuel economy of the motor vehicle. A fuel tank sensor is in electronic communication with the engine control unit and is adapted to sense the amount of fuel remaining in a fuel tank of the motor vehicle. An indicator is in electronic communication with the engine control unit. An input device is in communication with the electronic control unit for selecting a threshold distance to empty. The engine control unit calculates a distance to empty value based on the average fuel economy and the amount of fuel sensed by the fuel tank sensor. The indicator is activated by the engine control unit when the distance to empty is less than the threshold distance to empty.

Abstract: A method for automatic, decentralized coordination of the movement paths of mobile robots in order to prevent collisions and to detect and resolve mutual blockings. According to the method, a robot receives position information from other robots and establishes a coordinating connection with another robot if the position falls below a minimum allowable distance. One of the robots is then chosen as coordinator and the other robot is chosen as partner. The coordinator initiates an algorithm for the prevention of collisions, wherein a time sequence diagram is determined for the motion path segments of the coordinator and the partner. A robot for detecting robots that are mutually blocking one another in a circuit initiates an algorithm for detecting blocking if the robot has not been given authorization to execute its next motion path segment. An algorithm for resolving the blocking is initiated if robots mutually blocking each other in a circuit are detected by the detecting robot.

Abstract: In this system for managing information concerning the fuel consumption of an engine fitted with a purifier of its exhaust gases and operating under the control of a controller adapted to determine a first fuel quantity for injection into the engine during normal operation and a second fuel quantity for injection into the engine in order to trigger a stage of regenerating the purifier and connected via a data transmission network to a management unit for managing fuel consumption information including a display and a calculator, the controller is associated with an emitter for acting during a stage of regenerating the purifier to emit first and second fuel quantities in succession over the network and destined for corresponding receiver means of the management unit so as to deliver the first fuel quantity to the display and the second fuel quantity to the calculator.

Abstract: The operation of an internal combustion engine under unfavorable operating conditions can lead to the formation of deposits in the combustion chamber (4). A method and an arrangement for operating an internal combustion engine (1), especially of a motor vehicle, is suggested, wherein fuel is conducted into a combustion chamber (4) and is there combusted. When deposits are detected in the combustion chamber (4), measures are initiated in a targeted manner for cleansing the combustion chamber (4). A knocking combustion is especially introduced and/or a cleansing liquid is added to the inducted combustion air.

Abstract: A process is provided by which the operator of a marine vessel can invoke the operation of a computer program that investigates various alternatives that can improve the range of the marine vessel. The distance between the current location of the marine vessel and a desired waypoint is determined and compared to a range of the marine vessel which is determined as a function of available fuel, vessel speed, fuel usage rate, and engine speed. The computer program investigates the results that would be achieved, theoretically, from a change in engine speed. Both increases and decreases in engine speed are reviewed and additional theoretical ranges are calculated as a function of those new engine speeds. The operator of the marine vessel is informed when an advantageous change in engine speed is determined.

Abstract: An autonomous multi-platform robot system (100, 1100) for performing at least one functional task in an environment is provided. The system includes at least one navigator platform (110, 1110) providing mapping, localization, planning, and control functions for itself and at least one other platform within the environment and at least one functional robot platform (120, 1120) in communication with one or more navigator platforms for performing one or more functional tasks. In one embodiment, one or more navigator platforms (1110) are stationary and include sensors (202) for sensing information about the environment. In another embodiment, one or more functional robot platforms (1120) include sensors (304) for sending information about the environment. In still another embodiment, the system includes one or more stationary platforms (124) with sensors (310) for sensing information about the environment.

Abstract: A system for managing power cell information resources of a non-petroleum fueled vehicle, particularly electric or fuel cell vehicles of a fleet of vehicles. Such vehicles have power pack instrumentation for wirelessly reporting data to a base station computer including power pack charge parameters and GPS location in real-time. This data is applied to a database which documents past vehicle performance as well as contains minimal acceptable vehicle parameters. A prediction is made regarding remaining range, state of charge and vehicle scheduling, considering vehicle load or mileage efficiency and GPS location of the vehicle for appropriate dispatch.

Abstract: The vehicle comprises an engine (1), a transmission (8) connected to the engine (1), a detecting device (23) for detecting the current vehicle speed, a detecting device (26) for detecting the current gear position of the transmission (8), and a controller (10). The controller (10) functions to set the difference between the maximum drive force of the vehicle at the current vehicle speed and transmission gear position, and the running resistance at the current speed as the spare drive force; to set the difference between the current drive force of the vehicle and the running resistance at the current vehicle speed as the excess drive force; and to control the engine (1) or the transmission (8) so as to reduce the ratio of the excess drive force to the spare drive force.

Abstract: Provided is a method for optimizing golf car usage and deployment including the steps of recording golf car usage record based on axle revolutions, associating a golf car identification with the usage record, communicating the usage record and associated identification to a data store, calculating total usage data for each golf car identification and transmitting total usage data to a display device.

Abstract: A fuel pump monitoring system (10) for monitoring fuel pumps (16) and a method for using the system are provided. The fuel pump monitoring system includes a display device (22), an information network (20), a data communication network (18), a monitoring device (12), and an information server (14). The monitoring device collects environmental parameters and operates independent from the vehicle. In one embodiment, the monitoring device uses GPS technology. The fuel pump information server provides fuel pump information and related information to a subscriber. In one embodiment, the monitoring device is in communication with an Iridium satellite constellation (28) and the information is displayed to the subscriber when the fuel pump is substantially anywhere in the world.

Abstract: A meter microcomputer provided in the fuel quantity display device is connected to a battery through an ignition switch. The meter microcomputer obtains an ON/OFF signal for an accessory terminal and an ignition terminal so as to detect an engine start based on the result. Thereafter, the meter microcomputer compares the remaining fuel quantity detected by fuel quantity detection devices and the remaining fuel quantity stored immediately before the previous turn-OFF operation of the ignition terminal. Based on the result of comparison, the meter microcomputer determines whether the fuel is fed or not. In addition, the meter microcomputer determines a gradient based on an estimated gradient value detected by an AT control microcomputer, and calculates a value indicating the remaining fuel quantity, based on the result of determination for fueling and the determination result of a gradient so as to display it on the display meter.

Abstract: In this system for managing information concerning the fuel consumption of an engine fitted with purification means for purifying its exhaust gases and operating under the control of a controller adapted to determine a first fuel quantity for injection into the engine during normal operation and a second fuel quantity for injection into the engine in order to trigger a stage of regenerating the purification means and connected via a data transmission network to management means for managing fuel consumption information and comprising display means for displaying information concerning instantaneous fuel consumption and calculation means for calculating average fuel consumption and vehicle range, the controller is associated with emitter means for acting during a stage of regenerating the purification means to emit first and second fuel quantities in succession over the network and destined for corresponding receiver means of the management means so as to deliver the first fuel quantity to the display means an

Abstract: A fuel cell vehicle comprises a fuel cell system (50), a fuel tank (12) which stores fuel supplied to the fuel cell system (50), and a sensor (22) which detects a remaining fuel amount in the fuel tank (12). A controller (23) of the fuel cell system (50) predicts a possible running distance of the vehicle based on an energy amount obtained by subtracting the energy required to start the fuel cell system (50) from the energy amount corresponding to the detected remaining fuel amount.

Abstract: An alert method capable of preventing problems due to excessive lowering of a remaining fuel amount of a fuel cell system is provided. The alert method includes the following steps of: switching over operation/stopped states of the fuel cell system, detecting that the state of the fuel cell system is switched over to a stopped side, and communicating information related to the remaining fuel amount to a user when fuel of the fuel cell system is consumed in a state where the switch is switched over to a stopped side. According to the alert method, information related to the remaining fuel amount is communicated to the user when fuel is consumed by the fuel cell system while in a practically stopped state. Therefore, it is possible to prevent excessive lowering of the remaining fuel amount of the fuel cell system.

Abstract: A monitoring system that determines vehicle position and fuel consumption in a jurisdiction, and jurisdiction crossings. The system includes a vehicle having a fuel reservoir from which fuel is consumed as an energy source. The system also includes a positioning system for generating the present position information of the vehicle. The information includes latitude and longitude data points. Additionally, the system includes a fuel monitoring device in the fuel reservoir, whereby the fuel monitoring means generates information including the present level of fuel in the fuel reservoir. Also, a data collection device for collecting the present position information and the present level of fuel information. Finally, the system includes a processor located at a remote site from the vehicle, the processor receives data from the collecting device.

Abstract: A vehicle data display system, method and article of manufacture are provided. The vehicle data display system of the present invention communicates with a vehicle network through a connector located in the vehicle passenger compartment and displays and manipulates the data obtained from the vehicle network. One embodiment of the present invention includes a computer program product for directing a general purpose digital computer to obtain specific vehicle data from the vehicle network and manipulate the data to obtain a vehicle power. The vehicle power represents a power that is generated at a driving wheel of the vehicle, thereby allowing an enthusiast or technician to obtain a power value that represents the power delivered to the vehicle's wheels.

Abstract: A computing unit 3 of an analysis device 1 calculates a weight of fuel consumed by an engine 10 based on the weight of intake air and air fuel ratio of an engine of a vehicle to be analyzed detected by an air flow meter 14 and an air-fuel ratio sensor 16, and computes a fuel consumption rate based thereon and the running distance. The computation of fuel consumption rate does not require an injection pulse signal, so the fuel consumption rate can be precisely computed even for a vehicle which does not have an injection pulse signal such as a non-EGI vehicle or a diesel engine vehicle.

Abstract: A system for monitoring fuel consumption and optimizing refueling of a vehicle. The system includes a fuel level sensor designed to be mounted on a fuel tank. The fuel sensor has a transducer, such as an ultrasonic transducer, for generating a distance signal that represents the distance between the sensor and the surface of the fuel in the fuel tank. A processor coupled to the transducer is programmed to convert the distance signal to a percentage of capacity signal, calculate the volume of fuel within the fuel tank, and create a message that includes information regarding the volume of fuel in the fuel tank. The processor of the fuel level sensor is coupled to a network that may include a dispatch terminal, a fuel optimization server, and a fuel-price-by-location service. The network calculates an optimal location for refilling the fuel tank and a route to travel to the location.

Abstract: An operating strategy for the components of the drive train is defined as a function of data which characterizes a route to be traveled along. Depending on the operating strategy and the route data, expected energy consumption and a time period for which the energy can be made available are calculated. If the time period is detected as being sufficient, the drive train is controlled in accordance with the operating strategy. If the calculated time period is detected as not being sufficient, an alternative operating strategy is defined and the resulting time period is checked again.

Abstract: The system comprises a control unit which, when the engine is stopped, memorises the level indicated by a display device upon stopping and then the level indicated by a sensor a predetermined time after stopping. The unit then memorises the level indicated by the sensor a predetermined time after the subsequent restarting of the engine. The unit controls the display device in a predetermined manner depending on the relative values of the memorised levels.

Abstract: A fuel and vehicle monitoring system for use with one or more vehicles of a business, which includes a computer system; a system for monitoring vehicle location and distance traveled by the vehicle; a system for monitoring fuel usage of the vehicle; a system for entering user information into the computer; and a system for downloading information from the computer to a remote business site.

Abstract: A method of managing power cell information resources of a non-petroleum fueled vehicle, particularly electric or fuel cell vehicles of a fleet of vehicles. Such vehicles have power pack instrumentation for wirelessly reporting data to a base station computer including power pack charge parameters and GPS location in real-time. This data is applied to a database which documents past vehicle performance as well as contains minimal acceptable vehicle parameters. A prediction is made regarding remaining range, state of charge and vehicle scheduling, considering vehicle load or mileage efficiency. The remaining range is viewed in combination with the GPS location of the vehicle so that judgments can be made regarding whether particular vehicles can take a job request, complete the job without recharging, then go to a recharging location, or have the vehicle dispatched for service.

Abstract: A monitoring system that determines vehicle position and fuel consumption in a jurisdiction, and jurisdiction crossings. The system includes a vehicle having a fuel reservoir from which fuel is consumed as an energy source. The system also includes a positioning system for generating the present position information of the vehicle. The information includes latitude and longitude data points. Additionally, the system includes a fuel monitoring device in the fuel reservoir, whereby the fuel monitoring means generates information including the present level of fuel in the fuel reservoir. Also, a data collection device for collecting the present position information and the present level of fuel information. Finally, the system includes a processor located at a remote site from the vehicle, the processor receives data from the collecting device.

Abstract: A method for characterizing a vehicle's fuel efficiency including generating parameter-related data from the vehicle that describes at least one of a plurality of vehicle parameters including: vehicle speed, fuel level, engine speed, load, mass air flow, manifold air pressure, odometer reading; transferring the parameter-related data to a wireless appliance including a wireless transmitter; transmitting the parameter-related data with the wireless transmitter over an airlink to a host computer system; and analyzing the transmitted parameter-related data with the host computer system to calculate the vehicle's fuel efficiency, wherein the analyzing involves determining an amount of fuel consumed by the vehicle during an interval, determining a distance traveled by the vehicle during the interval, and calculating the vehicle's fuel efficiency from the amount of fuel consumed and the distance traveled during the interval.

Abstract: A system for determining fuel usage within a jurisdiction includes a control computer operable to control fueling of an internal combustion engine and an auxiliary computer coupled thereto, wherein the auxiliary computer forms part of an operator interface unit. The control computer is operable to broadcast current fuel usage information in a number of fuel usage categories, and the auxiliary computer is operable to accumulate such fuel usage information within each jurisdiction traveled by the vehicle. In one embodiment, a GPS receiver provides the auxiliary computer with information relating to a current vehicle jurisdiction, and in an alternate embodiment, an auxiliary switch is provided wherein manual actuation of the auxiliary switch indicates entrance into a new jurisdiction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inserting a waypoint into a preexisting flight plan which includes selecting a waypoint on a graphical display of a portion of the flight plan and automatically generating a proposed changed flight plan based upon inserting the waypoint into the nearest leg of the flight plan.

Abstract: A system for automatically resetting an oil condition alarm light after an oil change includes an in-vehicle digital processing apparatus electrically coupled to a warning lamp and to an oil sensor installed in an engine oil pan. The digital processing apparatus further includes a warning lamp reset module to automatically reset the oil sensor following an oil change, based on an oil parameter difference value.

Abstract: A system for monitoring fuel consumption and optimizing refueling of a vehicle. The system includes a fuel level sensor designed to be mounted on a fuel tank. The fuel sensor has a transducer, such as an ultrasonic transducer, for generating a distance signal that represents the distance between the sensor and the surface of the fuel in the fuel tank. A processor coupled to the transducer is programmed to convert the distance signal to a percentage of capacity signal, calculate the volume of fuel within the fuel tank, and create a message that includes information regarding the volume of fuel in the fuel tank.

Abstract: An engine control system for managing lean NOx trap decontamination uses associated fuel economy impacts to determine when decontamination is enabled. In particular, a maximum achievable benefit provided by lean operation with a decontaminated NOx trap, a present fuel economy benefit being provided by lean operation, and a fuel economy penalty for performing decontamination are used. When a resulting benefit is greater than a penalty, decontamination is enabled.

Abstract: The instant invention provides a system and method for controlling the flight of an aircraft to meet an RTA. The system comprises a speed profile generator that communicates with a trajectory generator to produce a speed profile signal that enables the aircraft to reach a waypoint substantially at a predetermined time. In the system of the instant invention, the speed profile generator receives a nominal speed command signal, a time error signal and a sensitivity signal. Based on these inputs, the speed profile generator produces a speed profile signal. The trajectory generator receives the speed profile signal and a required time of arrival signal. Based on these signals, the trajectory generator produces a time error signal and a sensitivity signal. This sensitivity signal represents the sensitivity of the time error signal to changes in the speed profile signal.

Abstract: An autonomous mobile robot system allocates mapping, localization, planning and control functions to at least one navigator robot and allocates task performance functions to one or more functional robots. The at least one navigator robot maps the work environment, localizes itself and the functional robots within the map, plans the tasks to be performed by the at least one functional robot, and controls and tracks the functional robot during task performance. The navigator robot performs substantially all calculations for mapping, localization, planning and control for both itself and the functional robots. In one implementation, the navigator robot remains stationary while controlling and moving the functional robot in order to simplify localization calculations. In one embodiment, the navigator robot is equipped with sensors and sensor processing hardware required for these tasks, while the functional robot is not equipped with sensors or hardware employed for these purposes.

Abstract: The present invention integrates an on-board navigation system to provide energy management for an electric vehicle (EV) and a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). The HEV control strategy of the present invention accommodates the goals of fuel economy while always meeting driver demand for power and maintaining the functionality of the traction motor battery system using battery parameter controllers. In the preferred embodiment of the present strategy, a vehicle system controller tightly integrates the navigation system information with energy management while en route to a known destination. Present vehicle location is continuously monitored, expectations of driver demand are determined, and vehicle accommodations are made. The system can be configured to includes as part of its present vehicle location data on road patterns, geography with date and time, altitude changes, speed limits, driving patterns of a vehicle driver, and weather.

Abstract: A system for monitoring fuel consumption and optimizing refueling of a vehicle. The system includes a fuel level sensor designed to be mounted on a fuel tank. The fuel sensor has a transducer, such as an ultrasonic transducer, for generating a distance signal that represents the distance between the sensor and the surface of the fuel in the fuel tank. A processor coupled to the transducer is programmed to convert the distance signal to a percentage of capacity signal, calculate the volume of fuel within the fuel tank, and create a message that includes information regarding the volume of fuel in the fuel tank. The processor of the fuel level sensor is coupled to a network that may include a dispatch terminal, a fuel optimization server, and a fuel-price-by-location service. The network calculates an optimal location for refilling the fuel tank and a route to travel to the location.

Abstract: A remaining fuel Z is calculated by subtracting a fuel injection amount J supplied to an engine 14 from stored fuel F measured by a fuel meter 12. A fuel economy Fm is calculated by dividing a running distance M of a vehicle by a fuel injection amount J. A cruising distance K is calculated by multiplying the remaining fuel Z and the fuel economy Fm.

Abstract: A computing unit 3 of an analysis device 1 calculates a weight of fuel consumed by an engine 10 based on the weight of intake air and air fuel ratio of an engine of a vehicle to be analyzed detected by an air flow meter 14 and an air-fuel ratio sensor 16, and computes a fuel consumption rate based thereon and the running distance. The computation of fuel consumption rate does not require an injection pulse signal, so the fuel consumption rate can be precisely computed even for a vehicle which does not have an injection pulse signal such as a non-EGI vehicle or a diesel engine vehicle.

Abstract: An information offering apparatus for a vehicle includes: a device for setting at least one piece of vehicle information relating to fuel consumption of a vehicle, the vehicle information being output from a vehicle information detector when a predetermined time elapses after the beginning of use of the vehicle; a device for calculating a histogram of vehicle information or a standard deviation during the use of the vehicle based on the set vehicle information; a device for marking the vehicle information based on a point set in the histogram or the standard deviation; a device for calculating an evaluation result based on the point of each of the marked vehicle information; and an notifying device for notifying a driver of the evaluation result.

Abstract: A method of providing an incentive in the form of increased allowable vehicle operating speed for meeting a minimum fuel economy goal. The operation of the vehicle is limited to speeds below the allowable vehicle operating speed. Signals indicative of vehicle fuel economy over a predetermined distance of vehicle travel are collected and stored. A determination is made as to whether the operator has met the minimum fuel economy based on the collected signals, such as percentage of operating time spent idling. The allowable vehicle operating speed is increased to an incentive speed when said operator has met the minimum fuel economy. The collected signals are replaced with newly collected signals after the vehicle has traveled the predetermined distance. The allowable vehicle operating speed is equal to the incentive speed during the interval in which the vehicle has not yet traveled the predetermined distance of vehicle travel.

Abstract: A method of generating a shift schedule and combustion mode schedule to optimize performance characteristics of a lean capable, multiple combustion mode engine associated with a manual transmission with a time-variant after-treatment system is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of generating a lowest cost value for fuel economy and vehicle emissions as a function of an engine operating mode, wherein the engine operating mode is selected from a group consisting of a homogeneous stoichiometric mode, a homogeneous lean mode, and a stratified mode. The lowest cost value is stored in a shift schedule and combustion mode schedule along with the engine operating parameters that achieved the lowest cost value. Then, at a particular vehicle speed and wheel torque, the actual transmission gear is compared to the optimal transmission gear as determined by the shift schedule and combustion mode schedule.

Abstract: A commercial vehicle fleet management system which integrates a vehicle on-board computer, a precise positioning system, and communication system to provide automated calculating and reporting of jurisdictional fuel taxes, road use taxes, vehicle registration fees, and the like. Also disclosed is an online mobile communication system and a system for monitoring carrier vehicle efficiency and vehicle and driver performance.

Abstract: A fuel dispensing pump capable of calculating and reporting specific fuel consumption of motor vehicles after refueling. The fuel pump has a computer, and a fuel measuring device, a keypad, and a display screen all functionally connected to the computer. A user enters the distance traveled or time of travel. The computer utilizes the entered distance or time value together with the quantity of measured dispensed fuel to derive a specific consumption value. This value is optionally displayed on the display screen. In a further option, the computer retains records for each user and calculates and reports specific fuel consumption over the period of time that the user has refueled in the past at the pump. Preferably, the pump has a printer for printing receipts, and the calculated value is printed on the receipt.

Abstract: An attitude control system and method operative with a thruster controls the attitude of a vehicle carrying the thruster, wherein the thruster has a valve enabling the formation of pulses of expelled gas from a source of compressed gas. Data of the attitude of the vehicle is gathered, wherein the vehicle is located within a force field tending to orient the vehicle in a first attitude different from a desired attitude. The attitude data is evaluated to determine a pattern of values of attitude of the vehicle in response to the gas pulses of the thruster and in response to the force field. The system and the method maintain the attitude within a predetermined band of values of attitude which includes the desired attitude. Computation circuitry establishes an optimal duration of each of the gas pulses based on the pattern of values of attitude, the optimal duration providing for a minimal number of opening and closure operations of the valve.

Abstract: If an IC card unit detects when an inherent IC card is inserted in an IC card slot, then the IC card unit outputs a signal to a vehicle control unit to inhibit a vehicle from being automatically driven. If the IC card unit detects when no inherent IC card is inserted in the IC card slot, then the IC card unit outputs a signal to the vehicle control unit to permit a vehicle to be automatically driven upon elapse of a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: When a user enters a destination using a touch panel display unit, a system control unit calculates a predicted travel distance from a present position to the destination, determines an electric vehicle having a remaining battery capacity required to travel the calculated predicted travel distance, and supplies the determined electric vehicle to the user.