Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique for inducing economic driving of a hybrid vehicle. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention is to provide an apparatus and method for inducing economic driving of a hybrid vehicle, which can efficiently induce economic driving by stimulating a driver's desire to achieve better fuel efficiency by calculating an accumulated mileage based on both fuel consumption and battery consumption, displaying the accumulated mileage as a grade, and assigning score according to that particular driver's grade.

Abstract: Energy costs which are assigned to area segments are used when calculating the range and/or consumption for a vehicle.

Abstract: Determining remaining vehicle range by adjusting measured estimates on the fly accounting for road effects, the state of vehicle accessories, and other conditions.

Abstract: A method and system for analyzing and improving driver and vehicle performance are described. Detailed vehicle data, including high frequency time series data, which was collected during a trip, is obtained, as well as external data regarding trip route and environment. Using the data and a model of the physics of the vehicle, driver and vehicle time series may be obtained for the trip. These time series may allocate fuel consumption to various factor costs relating to the driver (e.g., rate of acceleration, choice of gear) and to the vehicle (e.g., choice of engine, aerodynamic improvements). From trip simulations run with virtual drivers, an optimal (relative to some criterion) virtual driver (i.e., control choices) can be obtained. Simulations with the optimal driver can find an optimal vehicle from a set of virtual vehicles. Losses due to driver behavior and to vehicle configuration can be computed by comparisons, and alternatives suggested.

Abstract: Disclosed is a navigation device including a traveling route estimating unit 1 for estimating a route along which a moving object will travel and which falls within a predetermined region from a current position, a first recommended speed arithmetic unit 10 for computing a recommended speed in each of road sections on the route estimated by the traveling route estimating unit 1 on the basis of road state information showing a road state, and a second recommended speed arithmetic unit 20 for computing a recommended speed in a road section between the road sections for each of which the recommended speed is computed by the first recommended speed arithmetic unit 10 according to a predetermined speed variation function.

Abstract: A process and system is provided for anticipatory energy management in vehicles, including providing a driver with anticipatory driving style information. The system includes a sensor interface that acquires vehicle sensor data, a position interface that acquires position data of the vehicle, a storage module that stores an event databank, and an output unit that outputs information concerning an imminent driving event to the driver. A driving event is detected from the acquired position and sensor data, and is stored as an event dataset in the event databank, the driving event being associated with an event position. The system may also recognize from the acquired position data that the vehicle is driving on a current route that includes the event position, and may output information concerning the stored driving event from the output unit before the vehicle reaches the event position.

Abstract: A mobile communication device includes a global positioning system (GPS) capability, a digital processor, digital memory, a display screen, and a software (SW) application executing by the processor, the SW providing determining and recording a start of a trip, tracking location of the vehicle after trip start, interpreting data and recording an acceleration event, a deceleration event or a speeding event, recording fuel volume during the trip, determining and recording an end of the trip; and an interactive display including an address at the start and the end of the trip, separated by a timeline for the trip, a vehicle icon moveable along the timeline, icons specific to event type at locations along the timeline representing the acceleration, deceleration and speeding events determined during the trip, and a summary box providing a distance and duration of the trip and fuel efficiency and fuel cost for the trip.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to predict energy consumptions of a vehicle, using geographic characteristic values which are independent from particular driving patterns and vehicle parameters and unique to respective links. A navigation server predicts energies which are consumed when a vehicle runs on links. The navigation server calculates geographic characteristic values of respective links, the geography of the each link affecting the consumption energy with the geographic characteristic values, the calculation being based on energy consumptions collected from probe vehicles, and calculates predicted energy consumption of each link selected as a processing target, based on the geographic characteristic values. A navigation terminal obtains these predicted energy consumptions and performs route search with the obtained predicted energy consumptions as costs.

Abstract: An evaluation method and an evaluation system onboard an aircraft in communication with a flight management system to access a flight plan stored in memory of the flight management system, where the flight plan defines a cruising level and a minimum fuel reserve to destination objective. The evaluation system comprises circuitry to calculate a fuel consumption deviation between flight at a selected cruising altitude level and flight at an altitude level initially planned by the flight plan, where the selected altitude level is lower than the altitude level initially planned, and to determine a climb limit point from the selected cruising altitude level as a function of the fuel consumption deviation and the minimum fuel reserve objective, where the climb limit point represents the last climb point respecting the minimum fuel reserve to destination objective; and interface circuitry to provide the climb limit point and anticipative information concerning the climb limit point.

Abstract: This method is for managing fuel consumption of a hybrid vehicle on a given trip, the vehicle including an internal combustion engine, an electric energy storage arrangement and at least an electric machine adapted to work as a generator or as a motor. This method includes: a) determination, for the given trip, of a target value of a parameter representative of fuel economy resulting from the use of the electric machine, b) determination of an actual value of the parameter when the vehicle is running on the trip, c) comparison of said target value and the actual value, and d) information of a user of the result of the comparison, at least at the end of the trip. The vehicle is provided with a computation arrangement and display for allowing steps c) and d) to take place onboard.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of selecting and implementing a shift schedule for a transmission in a vehicle that includes an output speed sensor and a controller. The method includes measuring output speed with the output speed sensor and comparing the measured output speed to an output speed threshold. The controller receives throttle percentage and compares the throttle percentage to a throttle threshold. The method also includes calculating output acceleration and transmission gear ratio with the controller. The shift schedule is selected based on the measured output speed, calculated output acceleration, calculated transmission gear ratio, and throttle percentage.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for computing distance to empty (DTE) based on available energy computed using a battery SOC vs open circuit voltage (OCV) table, battery temperature vs energy efficiency, an energy efficiency vs energy table, etc., to enable a more accurate calculation of the DTE in consideration of the temperature of the battery, which is one of disturbance elements.

Abstract: A method determines a partial area of a map which is described by features, the partial area describing the remaining range of a motor vehicle. An energy-storage system supplies a drive system which acts on at least one wheel of the motor vehicle. The remaining range is determined as a function of energy stored in the energy-storage system using an algorithm which expands from a current position of the motor vehicle. The method uses divides the map into geometric, in particular rectangular, structures of equal size. Whenever, in the context of the expansion, a feature lying in a structure or corresponding to a structure is added, the structure is added to the partial area.

Abstract: Various embodiments relating to driving behavior of a driver of a motor vehicle are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method may include assessing driving behavior of the driver according to a comparison of a current value of a coasting characteristic relative to a reference value. The current value may be determined during operation of the motor vehicle. The reference value of the coasting characteristic may be determined from operation of the motor vehicle during at least one past operating phase or another duration. The method further includes displaying a visualization representative of assessed driving behavior of the driver.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is provided for use on a recreational or utility vehicle. The CVT is electronically controlled by at least one control unit of the vehicle. The CVT includes a primary clutch having a first sheave and a second sheave moveable relative to the first sheave. An actuator controls movement of the second sheave.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle battery life evaluating apparatus 1 includes an actual traveling measuring section 2 measuring, for each driving pattern, actual gasoline mileage data on a hybrid vehicle equipped with a battery as a power source, a test traveling storage section 3a storing test gasoline mileage data set for each driving pattern on the basis of a traveling test on the vehicle, a battery life evaluating section 5 comparing the measured actual gasoline mileage data with the test gasoline mileage data on the corresponding driving pattern to evaluate a degradation level of the battery on the basis of a value of a decrease in gasoline mileage set for each degradation level of the battery and transmitting information on battery degradation to a battery life display section 6, and the battery life display section 6 displaying the information on battery degradation.

Abstract: A charge point reachability determination system includes a center device and an in-vehicle device disposed in an electric vehicle. The center device includes road map information that has node information regarding a node. The node information includes a required energy of the electric vehicle for reaching a nearby charge point from the node when the node has at least one nearby charge point. The in-vehicle device generates vehicle information regarding the electric vehicle. When the electric vehicle is positioned close to the node that has the nearby charge point, the system determines, based on the node and vehicle information, the required energy for reaching the node. The system further determines whether the nearby charge point is reachable by the electric vehicle based on a comparison of the required energy determined and a remaining energy of the electric vehicle.

Abstract: Guidance control device, methods and programs control an in-vehicle apparatus of a vehicle. The devices, methods, and programs access vehicle state information that specifies a state of the vehicle and determine whether a vehicle state condition is established based on the accessed vehicle state information. The devices, methods, and programs access driving environment information that specifies a driving environment of the vehicle and determine whether a driving environment condition is established based on the accessed driving environment information. The devices, methods, and programs generate guidance based on whether the vehicle state condition is established and whether the driving environment condition is established and cause the generated guidance to be output on a display.

Abstract: Example systems and methods for estimating range for a vehicle are provided. In an example, a server remotely located from a vehicle receives vehicle status information from the vehicle as well as reference data from sources other than the vehicle. An estimated range for the vehicle is computed based on both the vehicle status information and the reference data, and then this estimated range is transmitted to the vehicle.

Abstract: A system includes a vehicle control module, an operating information module, and a fuel analysis module. The vehicle control module is configured to obtain a trip plan for the vehicle. The operating information module is configured to be disposed on-board the vehicle and to autonomously obtain operating information describing one or more of tractive events or braking events performed during the trip. The fuel analysis module is configured to be disposed on-board the vehicle, to receive the operating information from the operating information module, and to autonomously determine a fuel consumption for at least a portion of the trip using the operating information received from the operating information module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining at least one eco-driving indicator wherein at least a first indicator (IND) is determined as an optimal speed (Vopt) that minimizes the energy consumption. Calculation of optimal speed Vopt is constrained by measured instant speeds Vmes at breakpoints of the travel where the driver has to adapt his driving according to conditions external to the travel. Once the eco-driving indicator is determined, it can be displayed (AFF) and/or the vehicle can be controlled (COM) in accordance with the indicator.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique for calculating Distance to Empty (DTE) in an electric vehicle. In the disclosed technique, a past driving average fuel efficiency is calculated. An air conditioning average energy consumption rate during past driving is calculated. A past driving average fuel efficiency when assuming an air conditioning apparatus is not used from the past driving average fuel efficiency and the air conditioning average energy consumption rate is calculated. A current driving fuel efficiency is calculated. Then the past driving average fuel efficiency when assuming the air conditioning apparatus is not used and the current driving fuel efficiency are blended, and the DTE is calculated from the blended driving fuel efficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and a system for cutting fuel for a hybrid vehicle. More specifically, a control unit in the vehicle is configured to determine margin torque according to each driving mode, determine whether a current vehicle driving condition is a coasting driving condition, compare a engine torque and a sum of friction torque and the margin torque to determine whether the engine torque is greater than the sum of the friction torque and the margin torque and cut fuel injection to the engine when the engine torque is equal to or less than the sum of the friction torque and the margin torque.

Abstract: Systems and methods for displaying a driver shift aid are disclosed. In one aspect, an electronic control unit causes a shift indicator to be presented if a need for a shift is detected and vehicle performance after the shift would not be unduly impacted. If the vehicle operator follows the guidance of the shift indicator, vehicle fuel efficiency may be improved while vehicle performance remains adequate. In one aspect, a different indicator may be displayed to prompt the vehicle operator to shift either one gear or two gears.

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: An apparatus is provided for providing users diagnosis on driving operations in the same manner as diagnosing vehicle failures and for presenting evaluation with supporting data so that users may recognize their driving operations. The apparatus reads out driving data for a plurality of driving cycles from an electronic control unit on board the vehicle. The electronic control unit includes a memory for storing driving data representing fuel efficiency condition of the vehicle in accordance with driving operation by a user in each driving cycle of the vehicle. Charts are produced representing fuel efficiency condition for each driving operation by the user for each driving cycle, based on the read out driving data. The charts are output as comparison results for each one of the driving cycles.

Abstract: A low fuel notification system for use in association with a vehicular navigation system is operable to generate and provide notifications to the vehicle operator of low fuel conditions and provide information regarding available refueling stations based on the station's location and the vehicle's estimated driving range.

Abstract: A fuel-saving drive recommendation system is mounted on a vehicle that includes a step-gear automatic transmission of which a gear is shifted in response to a gear instruction signal. The fuel-saving drive recommendation system calculates a required driving force based on an amount by which an output operating component is operated by a driver and a gear of the automatic transmission, makes determination for fuel-saving drive for the vehicle based on the required driving force and notifies the determination result. The fuel-saving drive recommendation system calculates a required driving force for performing output control on an engine and a required driving force for determining whether it is a fuel-saving drive state. A determination gear signal different from the gear instruction signal is used when the determination required driving force is calculated, and is changed to coincide with the gear instruction signal that has been changed.

Abstract: A vehicle power indication status quantity display unit displays on an indicator a vehicle power indication status quantity obtained by dividing the torque required for driving a hybrid vehicle by the upper limit value of the torque that does not excessively increase the fuel consumption. A HV eco zone of the vehicle power indication status quantity display unit is the zone that is determined by the upper limit value and the lower limit value of the HV eco zone that indicates the motor is being effectively used to drive the vehicle. A check is made to determine whether the vehicle power indication status quantity is within the HV eco zone, and, if it is determined to be within the HV eco zone, the driving being performed is diagnosed as fuel-saving driving.

Abstract: A system to optimize performance of a powered system, the system including a data device configured to provide current information about current operating conditions of the powered system and/or prior information about the powered system, a controller configured to control operation of the powered system, and a processor configured to provide at least one control command to the controller for use in operating the powered system and/or user information with at least one recommended command to a user to control the powered system, wherein the at least one control command and/or user information are based at least in part on the current information and/or the prior information. A system and computer software code, stored on a computer readable media and executable with a processor, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing acceleration as a road segment characteristic in a vehicle are provided for determining information about a route including for example, the estimated fuel consumption of the route. An example of a system includes a data storage medium for storing map data having road segments, a bus interface to a data bus for receiving measured values of a velocity or an acceleration from a velocity or acceleration sensor, a position data receiver configured to receive position data for determining a current position, and a system controller. The system controller is configured to identify a road segment associated with the current position. The system controller retrieves parameters of a probability distribution of acceleration associated with the identified road segment from the data storage medium. Updated parameters of the probability distribution of acceleration are determined from the measured values of the velocity or acceleration.

Abstract: An amount of propellant remaining in an orbiting satellite can be estimated in a more accurate manner than is possible with conventional approached. Pressure and temperature telemetry data received from the satellite can be analyzed using a maximum likelihood estimation approach that reconstructs a predicted tank pressure signal using the temperature data and determines a pressurant volume necessary to make the reconstructed pressure signal match the received pressure signal. Drift of the pressure data received from pressure transducers in the satellite can also be addressed using the current subject matter, as can issues including but not limited to inaccessible propellant due to satellite spin, tank expansion under pressure, and the like. Independent determinations of the amounts of propellant remaining can be made using moment of inertia calculations in situations in which an axis of spin of the satellite is known a priori.

Abstract: A vehicle driver is provided with a display interface a smartphone, tablet, PC, or any telematics or in-vehicle device installed in the vehicle. The display interface presents a real-time target for the driver to follow to maximize fuel economy and safety, achieved by modulating the accelerator pedal appropriately.

Abstract: Utilizing a database of route segments, calculating optimal velocity and acceleration profiles, and suggesting these profiles to a user or the cruise control system of the vehicle, based on a route analysis and incorporating external and local data sources relating to environmental (e.g. topographic, meteorological) conditions, traffic conditions and user preferences and characteristics.

Abstract: Systems and methods of vehicle fuel quantity management are provided to assist in determining an optimal quantity of fuel to carry on-board a vehicle. Certain routes are sufficiently short so to not require a completely filled fuel tank to traverse. Additionally, most routes have an abundance of vehicle fueling stations that provide ample refueling opportunities, thus permitting an operator to carry less fuel than might be required to complete a route. Exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure balance initial fuel loading and fuel stops to optimize the amount of freight weight that can be carried for a given route. The benefit is increased freight efficiency in transporting cargo from source to destination while maintaining drivability.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to systems and methods for tracking data during operation of a power transfer device. A system may include an electrical relay and a switch. The switch may be coupled to each of the electrical relay and a power transfer device and may be configured to couple the electrical relay to a reference voltage upon engagement of the power transfer device. The system may further include a processing unit configured to receive a signal from the electrical relay while the power transfer device is engaged.

Abstract: Vehicle operating conditions are computed and the instant variable cost of operation is displayed, enabling operators to learn to operate the vehicle in ways that maximize value, minimize fuel consumption, and reduce or avoid operations that are excessively costly or wasteful. The display quantity is termed “Dynamic Fuel Cost” or DFC, usually measured and displayed in currency (such as Dollars or Euros) per hour. Once every second or so, up to six modes of vehicle operation are detected, including steady speed, acceleration, deceleration by coasting (reduced power or parasitic drag), regenerative braking (in vehicles so equipped such as hybrids), friction braking, and zero speed idling. Then DFC is computed and displayed to the operator. Operators can choose to operate the vehicle in ways that maximize the value of their time and minimize fuel consumption and resulting emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases.

Abstract: A vehicle route guidance system is provided that may dynamically determine one or more possible destinations within a predetermined distance of a current location of a vehicle having the vehicle route guidance system. The vehicle route guidance system may determine respective routes to the one or more possible destinations and may access price information with respect to the one or more possible destinations. For each of the one or more possible destinations, the vehicle route guidance system may estimate a cost of fuel to be consumed by the vehicle to reach respective ones of the one or more possible destination based on received traffic information, a respective route, and vehicle fuel consumption information. The vehicle route guidance system may provide information for guiding the vehicle to one of the one or more possible destinations having a lowest total overall cost.

Abstract: A method for data communication between a vehicle and fuel pump includes storing vehicle operating data on an onboard recorder in the vehicle, and transmitting the vehicle operating data from the onboard recorder to the fuel pump. The vehicle operating data includes vehicle identification information.

Abstract: A system for controlling a marine vessel includes a processor, a propulsion system, and a directional system. The processor is disposed onboard the marine vessel and obtains a trip plan that includes designated operational settings of the marine vessel for a trip along a waterway. The propulsion system is communicatively coupled with the processor and generates propulsion to move the marine vessel according to the designated operational settings of the trip plan. The directional system is communicatively coupled with the processor and steers the marine vessel according to the designated operational settings of the trip plan. Operating the propulsion system and the directional system according to the designated operational settings of the trip plan reduces at least one of fuel consumed or emissions generated by the marine vessel relative to the marine vessel being propelled or steered according to one or more plans other than the trip plan.

Abstract: A method, system or computer usable program product for computing fuel economy for a vehicle by fuel source location including monitoring a fuel level for the vehicle, responsive to determining a first increase of the fuel level at a first fuel source location, computing a first fuel economy based on the first increase of the fuel level and a first distance travelled by the vehicle since a previous fuel source location, and allocating the first fuel economy to the previous fuel source location in a database.

Abstract: Computer-implemented systems, methods, and computer-readable media for reducing operational costs relating to fuel burn of aircraft include receiving trip data specifying an origin, an intermediate destination, and a final destination from a client device; receiving operational data from one or more computing device; performing optimization logic to determine an optimized route having a minimized fuel cost, the optimized route specifying how much fuel to purchase at each of an origin airport, an intermediate destination airport, and a final destination airport; and transmitting the optimized route to the client device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method, system and program product for monitoring the rate of deflation or inflation in vehicular tires to determine the time or distance it takes before the tire pressure of one or more tires enters an undesirable state. Under the present invention, tire specifications, environmental modifiers, vehicular modifiers, road and weather conditions, and current tire pressure for each tire are recorded as input to provide an alert with a route plan for a driver to bring a vehicle to a service station before tire pressure reaches an undesirable condition. In one embodiment, the system can inform the driver at what time in the future a tire will reach an undesirable condition. In another embodiment, the system can inform the driver at what distance (measured in miles, for example) a tire will reach an undesirable condition. In yet another embodiment, the system can modify a route in order to avoid an unsafe tire condition.

Abstract: The described method and system improve electric-power driving range for electric vehicles, i.e., electric-only, hybrid electric, and other vehicles that draw electrical power from an on-board storage system for propulsion. The described system uses synergy among selected data sources to provide charging prompts and route assistance to allow the vehicle user to operate his or her vehicle in a more economical fashion by ensuring timely and cost effective charging.

Abstract: A system and method for receiving, from a data source, at least one type of information for a plurality of aircraft, calculating efficiency data based on the received information, distributing the efficiency data to users of the system and storing the calculated efficiency data, the efficiency data including an average separation between arriving aircraft, an arrival rate an airport, an elapsed time from a point of interest to an arrival of the aircraft at an airport, a comparison of an actual base leg initiation to an optimal base leg initiation for an aircraft and a comparison of an estimated time for passing fixed points on an arrival path and the actual time for passing the fixed points.

Abstract: A path-dependent control of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) includes segmenting an original route into segments. A virtual route based on the remaining portion of the original route is generated once the HEV reaches a current segment of the original route. The virtual route includes a first segment corresponding to the current segment of the original route and a last segment representing at least two other segments of the remaining portion of the original route. Battery SoC set-points for the segments of the virtual route are generated. The vehicle is controlled according to the battery SoC set-point for the first segment of the virtual route as the vehicle travels along the current segment of the original route.

Abstract: This disclosure is concerned with a method of detecting conflicts between aircraft passing through managed airspace, and to resolving the detected conflicts strategically. The method may include obtaining intended trajectories of aircraft through the airspace, detecting conflicts in the intended trajectories, forming a set of the conflicted aircraft, calculating one or more revised trajectories for the conflicted aircraft such that the conflicts are resolved, and advising the conflicted aircraft subject to revised trajectories of the revised trajectories.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for propelling an articulated tracked vehicle (1) provided with at least a front and rear vehicle portion (2, 4), comprising a front drive shaft (6), which rotates a front track (8) on the front vehicle portion (2); a rear drive shaft (10), which rotates a rear track (12) on the rear vehicle portion (4), the front drive shaft (6) being disposed in the front vehicle portion (2) and the rear drive shaft (10) being disposed in the rear vehicle portion (4). At least one motor (20, 34, 36) rotates the respective front and rear drive shaft (6, 10) in order thus to propel the vehicle (1) at a speed in relation to a ground surface (16). The front drive shaft (6) is rotated at a first speed and the rear drive shaft (10) is rotated at a second speed, which first and second speeds are different, so that the front and rear tracks (8, 12) rotate at different speeds.