U.S. patent application number 16/994068 was filed with the patent office on 2021-04-01 for route-based vehicle selection.
The applicant listed for this patent is XL Hybrids. Invention is credited to Justin Ashton, Neal Ennis Brenner.
Application Number | 20210097781 16/994068 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005263920 |
Filed Date | 2021-04-01 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20210097781 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ashton; Justin ; et
al. |
April 1, 2021 |
ROUTE-BASED VEHICLE SELECTION
Abstract
A system includes a computing device that includes a memory
configured to store instructions. The computing device also
includes a processor to execute the instructions to perform
operations that include receiving data representative of one or
more travel parameters for one or more vehicles. The data for each
of the one or more travel parameters being represented with
distribution ranges. For each of the one or more vehicles,
operations include calculating one or more metric values based on
the one or more travel parameter data distributions. Operations
also include assigning a score to each of the one or more vehicles
based on the calculated one or more metric values, and, presenting
a ranking of the one or more vehicles based on the assigned
scores.
Inventors: |
Ashton; Justin; (Boston,
MA) ; Brenner; Neal Ennis; (Needham, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
XL Hybrids |
Boston |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000005263920 |
Appl. No.: |
16/994068 |
Filed: |
August 14, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15924975 |
Mar 19, 2018 |
10748355 |
|
|
16994068 |
|
|
|
|
14074272 |
Nov 7, 2013 |
9922469 |
|
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15924975 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07C 5/008 20130101;
G06Q 10/047 20130101; G07C 5/08 20130101; G07C 5/0825 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G07C 5/08 20060101
G07C005/08; G07C 5/00 20060101 G07C005/00; G06Q 10/04 20060101
G06Q010/04 |
Claims
1. A computing device-implemented method comprising: receiving data
representative of one or more travel parameters for one or more
vehicles, the data for each of the one or more travel parameters
being represented with distribution ranges; for each of the one or
more vehicles, calculating one or more metric values based on the
one or more travel parameter data distributions; assigning a score
to each of the one or more vehicles based on the calculated one or
more metric values; and presenting a ranking of the one or more
vehicles based on the assigned scores.
2. The computing device-implemented method of claim 1, wherein the
data collected from the one or more vehicles represents at least
one of vehicle position, vehicle speed and time and wherein vehicle
speed is greater than or equal to zero.
3. The computing device-implemented method of claim 1, wherein at
least one of the travel parameters represents distance traveled by
the vehicle.
4. The computing device-implemented method of claim 1, wherein one
of the performance metric values represents a percentage of
distance traveled by the vehicle below a particular speed.
5. The computing device-implemented method of claim 1, wherein one
of the performance metric values is based on distance traveled by
the vehicle for a period of time.
6. The computing device-implemented method of claim 1, wherein one
of the performance metric values represents vehicle
acceleration.
7. The computing device-implemented method of claim 1, further
comprising: determining one or more vehicle control strategies from
the data distributions.
8. The computing device-implemented method of claim 1, wherein one
of the performance metric values represents fuel efficiency.
9. The computing device-implemented method of claim 1, wherein one
of the performance metric values represents operating cost.
10. The computing device-implemented method of claim 1, further
comprising transmitting a control command from the remote data
server to the respective information management device of the
vehicle selected.
11. The computing device-implemented method of claim 1, further
comprising controlling an operation of a propulsion system of the
vehicle selected using the control command.
13. A system comprising: a computing device comprising: a memory
configured to store instructions; and a processor to execute the
instructions to perform operations comprising: causing one or more
sensors of a plurality of vehicles to transmit data representative
of one or more travel parameters for each vehicle traveling a route
to a respective information management device of each vehicle in
the plurality of vehicles, the plurality of vehicles having a
plurality of distinct propulsion system types; cataloging the data
at a remote server into a plurality of distribution ranges for each
of the one or more travel parameters; calculating one or more
performance metric values for each vehicle in the plurality of
vehicles based on the one or more travel parameters, wherein each
performance metric value in the one or more performance metric
values is assigned a weighted value based on the plurality of
distribution ranges; assigning a score to each of the one or more
vehicles based on the calculated one or more metric values; ranking
the vehicles in the plurality of vehicles for traveling along the
route based on the assigned scores; and identifying, based on the
ranking, a vehicle selected from the plurality of vehicles for
operation along the route.
14. The system of claim 13, wherein the data collected from the one
or more vehicles represents at least one of vehicle position,
vehicle speed and time and wherein vehicle speed is greater than or
equal to zero.
15. The computing device-implemented method of claim 1, wherein at
least one of the travel parameters represents distance traveled by
the vehicle.
16. The system of claim 13, wherein one of the performance metric
values represents a percentage of distance traveled by the vehicle
below a particular speed.
17. The system of claim 13, wherein one of the performance metric
values is based on distance traveled by the vehicle for a period of
time.
18. The system of claim 13, wherein one of the performance metric
values represents vehicle acceleration.
19. The system of claim 13, wherein one of the performance metric
values represents fuel efficiency.
20. The system of claim 13, wherein one of the performance metric
values represents operating cost.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a continuation of and claims
priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/924,975, filed on
Mar. 19, 2018, which is a continuation application U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/074,272, filed on Nov. 7, 2013 (now U.S.
Pat. No. 9,922,469), entitled "ROUTE-BASED VEHICLE SELECTION,"
which applications are incorporated herein by reference in their
entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] This description relates to techniques for processing data
to identify vehicles and types of vehicles for travel routes.
[0003] With the increased interest in reducing dependency on fossil
fuels, the use of alternative energy sources has been incorporated
into various applications, such as transportation. Both public and
private transportation vehicles have been developed to run on fuels
other than traditional petroleum based fuels (i.e., petrol, diesel,
etc.). Some vehicles solely use alternative energy sources while
others combine the functionality of petroleum based systems with
alternative energy based systems (e.g., electrical, biofuel,
natural gas, etc.). Along with being potentially more
cost-effective and having more abundant resources, such alternative
energy sources and their byproducts are considered to be more
environmentally friendly.
SUMMARY
[0004] The systems and techniques described here relate to
computing and presenting rankings of vehicles, vehicle types, etc.
based on traveled routes. Metrics computed from distributions of
data (e.g., distributed over ranges of vehicle speeds) for one or
more travel parameters (e.g., distance traveled, fuel consumed,
operating time, etc.) allow scores to be assigned to each vehicle,
vehicle type, etc. Once ranked and presented for analysis, vehicle
use, operations, etc. may be adjusted to achieve performance
improvements (e.g., fuel economy) for the individual vehicles and
potentially vehicle fleets (e.g., identify particular combustion
engine vehicles for conversion to alternative energy based
vehicles).
[0005] In one aspect, a computing device-implemented method
includes receiving data representative of one or more travel
parameters for one or more vehicles. The data for each of the one
or more travel parameters being represented with distribution
ranges. For each of the one or more vehicles, the method includes
calculating one or more metric values based on the one or more
travel parameter data distributions. The method also includes
assigning a score to each of the one or more vehicles based on the
calculated one or more metric values, and, presenting a ranking of
the one or more vehicles based on the assigned scores.
[0006] Implementations may include one or more of the following
features. The data representative of one or more travel parameters
for one or more vehicles may be calculated from data collected from
the one or more vehicles. The data collected from the one or more
vehicles may represent at least one of vehicle position, vehicle
speed or time. At least one of the travel parameters may represent
distance traveled by the vehicle. One of the metrics may represent
a percentage of distance traveled by the vehicle below a particular
speed. One of the metrics may be based on correlating one of the
travel parameter distributions and distribution data representing a
standard. One of the metrics may be based on distance traveled by
the vehicle for a period of time. The distribution ranges may
represent vehicle speeds, vehicle acceleration, etc. The assigned
score may represent vehicle performance for a drive cycle. The
presented ranking may represent potential conversion candidate
vehicles. The data representative of one or more travel parameters
may be received from a data service provider.
[0007] In another aspect, a system includes a computing device that
includes a memory configured to store instructions. The computing
device also includes a processor to execute the instructions to
perform operations that include receiving data representative of
one or more travel parameters for one or more vehicles. The data
for each of the one or more travel parameters being represented
with distribution ranges. For each of the one or more vehicles,
operations include calculating one or more metric values based on
the one or more travel parameter data distributions. Operations
also include assigning a score to each of the one or more vehicles
based on the calculated one or more metric values, and, presenting
a ranking of the one or more vehicles based on the assigned
scores.
[0008] Implementations may include one or more of the following
features. The data representative of one or more travel parameters
for one or more vehicles may be calculated from data collected from
the one or more vehicles. The data collected from the one or more
vehicles may represent at least one of vehicle position, vehicle
speed or time. At least one of the travel parameters may represent
distance traveled by the vehicle. One of the metrics may represent
a percentage of distance traveled by the vehicle below a particular
speed. One of the metrics may be based on correlating one of the
travel parameter distributions and distribution data representing a
standard. One of the metrics may be based on distance traveled by
the vehicle for a period of time. The distribution ranges may
represent vehicle speeds, vehicle acceleration, etc. The assigned
score may represent vehicle performance for a drive cycle. The
presented ranking may represent potential conversion candidate
vehicles. The data representative of one or more travel parameters
may be received from a data service provider.
[0009] In another aspect, one or more computer readable media
storing instructions that are executable by a processing device,
and upon such execution cause the processing device to perform
operations that include receiving data representative of one or
more travel parameters for one or more vehicles. The data for each
of the one or more travel parameters being represented with
distribution ranges. For each of the one or more vehicles,
operations also include calculating one or more metric values based
on the one or more travel parameter data distributions. Operations
also include assigning a score to each of the one or more vehicles
based on the calculated one or more metric values, and, presenting
a ranking of the one or more vehicles based on the assigned
scores.
[0010] Implementations may include one or more of the following
features. The data representative of one or more travel parameters
for one or more vehicles may be calculated from data collected from
the one or more vehicles. The data collected from the one or more
vehicles may represent at least one of vehicle position, vehicle
speed or time. At least one of the travel parameters may represent
distance traveled by the vehicle. One of the metrics may represent
a percentage of distance traveled by the vehicle below a particular
speed. One of the metrics may be based on correlating one of the
travel parameter distributions and distribution data representing a
standard. One of the metrics may be based on distance traveled by
the vehicle for a period of time. The distribution ranges may
represent vehicle speeds, vehicle acceleration, etc. The assigned
score may represent vehicle performance for a drive cycle. The
presented ranking may represent potential conversion candidate
vehicles. The data representative of one or more travel parameters
may be received from a data service provider.
[0011] These and other aspects, features and various combinations
may be expressed as methods, apparatus, systems, means for
performing functions, program products, and in other ways.
[0012] Other features and advantages will be apparent from the
description and the claims.
DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle that includes a vehicle
information manager.
[0014] FIG. 2 illustrates a network-based vehicle analyzer for
processing data to rank vehicles.
[0015] FIG. 3 illustrates the input and output data flow of a
vehicle information manager.
[0016] FIG. 4 illustrates charts of travel parameters for a
combustion engine vehicle and an alternative energy vehicle.
[0017] FIG. 5 illustrates histograms of travel parameters for a
collection of vehicles.
[0018] FIG. 6 is a chart of a ranked list of vehicles.
[0019] FIG. 7 is a flow chart of representative operations for a
vehicle analyzer.
[0020] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a system for
providing hosted storage and accessing the hosted storage from a
client device.
[0021] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of a computing device and a
mobile computing device that can be used to implement the
techniques described here.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] Referring to FIG. 1, based upon the traveled routes and
environments (e.g., highway, city, rural, etc.) the use of
different vehicles, types of vehicles, etc. may prove optimum. Some
environments and driving conditions may lend well for conventional
internal combustion based vehicles while alternative fuel vehicles,
which may solely rely upon non-petroleum energy sources (e.g.,
electricity, natural gas, biofuels etc.), may be better suited for
other environments. Other vehicles that may prove to be optimum
include hybrid vehicles that employ two or more distinct power
sources (e.g., an electric motor and an internal combustion
engine--referred to as a hybrid electric vehicle or HEV). Some
hybrid vehicles (referred to as plug-in hybrid vehicles) may
operate by using energy storage devices that can be replenished
(e.g., rechargeable batteries). In some arrangements, for
electrical energy storage devices, one or more techniques may be
implemented for charging and recharging the devices. For example,
batteries may be charged through regenerative braking, strategic
charging techniques, etc. during appropriate operating periods of
the vehicle. In general, energy is typically lost as heat in
conventional braking systems, however a regenerative braking system
may recover this energy by using an electric generator to assist
braking operations. Some systems and techniques may also
strategically collect (e.g., leech) energy from the combustion
engine during periods of efficient operation (e.g., coasting,
traveling, etc.) and later assist the engine during periods of
lesser efficiency. For such vehicles, the electric generator can be
a device separate from the electric motor, considered as a second
operating mode of the electric motor, or implemented through one or
more other techniques, individually or in combination. Energy
recovered by regenerative braking may be considered insufficient to
provide the power needed by the vehicle. To counteract this lack of
energy, the electric motor may be engaged during defined periods to
assist the combustion engine. One or more control strategies may be
used to determine these time periods. Similarly, periods of time
may also be determined to engage regenerative braking and strategic
charging in order to replenish energy storage. Other operations of
the vehicle (e.g., accelerate, decelerate, gear changes, etc.) may
also be defined for the control strategies. By developing such
strategies to control the assistance provided to combustion engines
(e.g., during low efficiency periods), energy may be conserved
without negatively impacting vehicle performance. Along with such
strategies, individual vehicles, types of vehicles, etc. may be
selected for use based on the operational environment, travel
route, etc.
[0023] Some vehicle manufacturers may recommend operations and
control strategies for entire classes of vehicles or other types of
large vehicle groups (e.g., based on same vehicle model, vehicle
line, etc.) at particular times (e.g., at the release of the
vehicle line). Similarly, the level of assistance provided by an
electric motor or other type of alternative fuel system may be a
constant. Being rather static, such recommendations do not account
for the environment in which the vehicle is operated. Route
specific information (e.g., vehicle is driven under highway, city,
rural, etc. conditions), driver information (e.g., driver
accelerating and braking tendencies, etc.) and other types of
environmental information (e.g., time of day, season, etc.) are not
accounted for in determining the appropriate operational
strategies. Furthermore, vehicle selection is typically determined
without consulting such route and environmental information.
Typically a vehicle is selected absent this information because
there is no other option (e.g., the driver has access to a single
vehicle) or no information is provided for vehicle management
(e.g., a vehicle is randomly assigned to a driver, such as a
delivery truck). Absent taking steps to attain, analyze and use
such information for vehicle selection, poor performance may occur
along with related negative impacts (e.g., reduced fuel efficiency,
increased operating costs, etc.). One or more techniques may be
implemented for appropriately selecting a vehicle, type of vehicle,
etc. for operating in a particular environment. For example, data
reflective of vehicles operating in the environment may be used for
selecting a vehicle, which type of vehicle, etc. For such
determinations, one or more techniques may be implemented. For
example, data such as operating speeds, fuel economy, etc. may be
used for calculating one or more performance metrics. In turn, the
metrics may be utilized to determine a numerical score for the
vehicle. Once assigned, the score can be used to rank the vehicle
for being operated in that environment and for performing further
analysis. For example, the score or rank may be used to identify
which vehicle is appropriate for the environment. Further, the
appropriate type of vehicle may be selected. For example,
converting one vehicle type (e.g., a combustion engine based
vehicle) into another vehicle type (e.g., hybrid vehicle) may
provide performance improvements in fuel efficiency, costs, etc.
Such improvements may be incorporated into recommended operations
and control strategies. For example, hybrid conversions may be more
advantageous (e.g., reduced fuel consumption) for lower speed
environments and less advantageous in high speed environments.
[0024] As shown in FIG. 1, an example vehicle 100 (e.g., a hybrid
automobile) is capable of collecting data for use in identifying
the appropriate vehicle, type of vehicle, etc. for operating in a
particular environment, travel route, etc. To provide this
capability, the vehicle includes an information manager 102 (here
embedded in the dashboard of the vehicle 100) that may be
implemented in hardware (e.g., a controller 104), software (e.g.,
executable instructions residing on a computing device contained in
the vehicle), a combination of hardware and software, etc. In some
arrangements, the information manager 102 may operate in a
generally autonomous manner for data collection, transmission and
other types of functionality. To collect vehicle performance
related information, data may be collected from one or more inputs.
For example, the information manager 102 may communicate with one
or more portions of the vehicle. A variety of sensors, components,
processing units, etc. of the vehicle may exchange data with the
information manager 102. For example, operational information of
the vehicle such as speed, acceleration, etc., may be collected
over time (e.g., as the vehicle operates) and provided to the
informational manager 102. Location information (e.g., from a
global positioning system receiver present in the vehicle) may also
be collected by the information manager 102 to provide a record of
the ground covered during vehicle operation. One or more timing
signals can be collected, generated, etc. by the information
manager 102. For example, a timing signal may be produced that
represents the instances in which the vehicle's speed, location,
etc. was sampled (e.g., every two seconds, etc.). Other type of
operational information may also be provided from the vehicle; for
example, data representing braking, steering, etc. may also be
provided to the information manager 102. Vehicle components that
provide information to the information manager 102 may also include
interface modules, circuitry, etc. for controlling the operations
of the combustion engine, the electrical motor, etc.
[0025] In some situations, data from sources other than the vehicle
may also be collected. For example, user input may be provided. In
this arrangement, the vehicle 100 includes an electronic display
106 that has been incorporated into its dashboard to present
information such as selectable entries regarding different topics
(e.g., operator ID, planned vehicle operations, trip destination,
etc.). Upon selection, representative information may be gathered
and provided to the information manager 102. To interact with the
electronic display 106, a knob 108 illustrates a potential control
device; however, one or more other types of devices may be used for
user interaction (e.g., a touch screen display, etc.). Similar to
using one or more sensors to collect operational data, other types
of information may also be gathered; for example, a sensor 110
(here embedded in the dashboard of the vehicle 100) may collect
information such as cabin temperature, location of the vehicle
(e.g., the sensor being a GPS receiver) and other types of
information. By collecting information such as GPS location,
additional information may be provided to the information manager
102 (e.g., current location, start location, destination
information) which may be used for quantifying vehicle performance.
In some arrangements, information from other vehicles may be used
by the information manager 102. For example, data may be collected
from a fleet of vehicles (e.g., similar or dissimilar to the
vehicle 100) and used, for example, for data comparisons. While one
sensor 110 is illustrated in this example, multiple sensors may be
located internally or externally to the vehicle for information
collection (e.g., internal or external temperature, etc.). One or
more devices present in the vehicle 100 may also be used for
information collection; for example, handheld devices (e.g., a
smart phone 112, etc.) may collect and provide information (e.g.,
location information, identify individuals present in the vehicle
such as vehicle operators, etc.) for use by the information manager
102 (e.g., identify driving characteristics of a vehicle operator).
Similarly, portions of the vehicle itself (e.g., vehicle
components) may collect information for the information manager
102; for example, one or more of the seats of the vehicle 100
(e.g., driver seat 114) may collect information (e.g., position of
the seat to estimate the driver's weight) to provide to the
information manager 102. Similar to data directly provided by one
or more sensors, processed data may also be provided to the
information manager 102. For example, gathered information may be
processed by one or more computing devices (e.g., processors
included in the controller 104) before being provided to the
information manager 102.
[0026] In general, the collected operational information (vehicle
speed, acceleration, etc.) can be used for defining one or more
data distributions. For example, the vehicle may operate over a
range of speeds, accelerations, etc., based on the operational
environment. For highways, remote rural settings, etc. the vehicle
may be driven at relatively high speeds for long periods of time.
Alternatively, in a busy urban setting, the vehicle may be operated
over a larger range of speeds (e.g., slow speeds due to congested
traffic) for relatively short periods of time. Data from the
vehicle may be associated with these ranges of operating speeds,
accelerations, etc. For example, time spent operating within a
speed range, distance covered while operating within the speed
range, fuel consumed while operating within the speed range, etc.
may be collected from the vehicle (or calculated from the collected
information) and associated with a speed range. By viewing this
data (e.g., time spent, distance driven, fuel consumed, etc.) as a
distribution defined by the speed ranges, vehicle performance may
be quantified and analyzed for speed ranges. From the analysis,
fuel economy and other types of performance measures can be
determined. Metrics may also be calculated from the data
distributions for applying a score to the vehicle. This score,
which reflects the operating environment through the vehicle's
distribution data, can be used for vehicle ranking. Along with
identifying one or more vehicles whose performance is appropriate
for the environment, the ranking may also identify vehicle
adjustments to improve performance (e.g., vehicle conversion, type
of propulsion system to employ, etc.). One or more control
strategies may also be developed from the data distributions and
analysis. For example, strategies may be developed from the data
distributes for controlling an alternative fuel system of a hybrid
vehicle (e.g., an electric motor) in order to assist the combustion
engine of the vehicle.
[0027] In some arrangements, along with collecting information at
the vehicle, remotely located information sources may be accessed
by the vehicle. Along with collection remotely located information,
some or all of the functionality of the information manager 102 may
be provided from a remote location. While residing onboard the
vehicle 100 in illustrated figure, the information manager 102 or a
portion of the performance manager may, in some arrangements, be
located and executed at one or more other locations. In such
situations, vehicle equipment (e.g., sensors) may provide (e.g.,
stream) raw data to a remotely located information manager by
employing one or more communication techniques and methodologies.
For example, one or more wireless communication techniques (e.g.,
radio frequency, infrared, etc.) may be utilized that call upon one
or more protocols and/or standards (e.g., the IEEE 802.11 family of
standards such as Wi-Fi, the International Mobile
Telecommunications-2000 (IMT-2000) specifications such as 3rd
generation mobile telecommunications (3G), 4th generation cellular
wireless standards (4G), wireless technology standards for
exchanging data over relatively short distances such as Bluetooth,
etc.).
[0028] Referring to FIG. 2, an information exchanging environment
200 is presented that allows information to be provided to a
central location for storage and analysis (e.g., ranking vehicle
for operating in particular environments). In general, the
information is collected from individual vehicles or other
information sources for the analysis. One or more techniques and
methodologies may be implemented; for example, one or more
communication techniques and network architectures may be used to
exchange information. In the illustrated example a vehicle
information provider 202 communicates through a network 204 (e.g.,
the Internet, an intranet, a combination of networks, etc.) to
exchange information with a collection of vehicles (e.g., a small
fleet of supply trucks 206, 208, 210, and an automobile 212). Each
of the vehicles may employ one type of propulsion system (e.g., a
combustion engine, an electric motor, etc.) or a combination of
system (e.g., a hybrid vehicle).
[0029] In some arrangements, the network architecture 204 may be
considered as including one or more of the vehicles. For example,
vehicles may include equipment for providing one or more network
nodes (e.g., supply truck 208 functions as a node for exchanging
information between the supply truck 210 and the network 204). As
such, the information exchanging capability may include the
vehicles exchanging information with the vehicle information
provider 202 and other potential network components (e.g., other
vehicles, etc.).
[0030] One or more technologies may be used to exchange information
among the vehicle information provider 202, the network 204 (or
networks) and the collection of vehicles. For example, wireless
technology (capable of two-way communication) may be incorporated
into the vehicles to exchange information with the vehicle
information provider 202. Along with providing and collecting
information from the vehicles, the vehicle information provider 202
may be capable of processing information (e.g., in concert with a
vehicle analyzer 214 to analyze data and rank vehicles for possible
selection, conversion, etc.) and executing related operations
(e.g., store collected and processed information).
[0031] In some arrangements, the vehicle information provider 202
may operate as a single entity; however, operations may be
distributed among various entities to provide the functionality. In
some arrangements, some functionality (e.g., operations of the
vehicle analyzer 214) may be considered a service, rather than a
product, and may be attained by entering into a relationship with
the vehicle information provider 202 (e.g., purchase a
subscription, enter into a contractual agreement, etc.). As such,
the vehicle information provider 202 may be considered as being
implemented as a cloud computing architecture in which its
functionality is perceived by users (e.g., vehicle operators,
business operators, vehicle designers and manufacturers, etc.) as a
service rather than a product. For such arrangements, users may be
provided information (e.g., vehicle or vehicle type selections for
operating in particular environments, vehicle selections for
conversion into hybrid vehicles, etc.) from one or more shared
resources (e.g., hardware, software, etc.) used by the vehicle
information provider 202. For service compensation, one or more
techniques may be utilized; for example, subscription plans for
various time periods may be implemented (e.g., a time period for
monitoring use of vehicles or vehicle types in particular
environments, analyzing if new technology should be incorporated
into or used to replace vehicles, etc.).
[0032] Along with information being provided by one or more
vehicles (e.g., received through the network 204, etc.), the
vehicle information provider 202 may utilize data from other
sources. For example, information sources 216 external to the
vehicle information provider 202 may provide vehicle related
information (e.g., manufacturer recommendations for performance,
vehicle load conditions, etc.), environmental information (e.g.,
current road conditions where the vehicle is operating, traffic
conditions, topographical information, weather conditions and
forecasts, etc.). In some arrangements, the information sources 216
may be in direct communication with the vehicle information
provider 202; however, other communication techniques may also be
implemented (e.g., information from the information sources 216 may
be provided through one or more networks such as network 204).
[0033] In the illustrated example, to provide such functionality,
the vehicle information provider 202 includes a server 218 that is
capable of being provided information by the network 204 and the
information sources 216. Additionally, the server 218 is
illustrated as being in direct communication with a storage device
220 that is located at the vehicle information provider 202
(however, remotely located storage may be accessed by the server
218). In this example, the functionality of the vehicle analyzer
214 is located off-board the vehicle while the functionality of the
information manager 102 (shown in FIG. 1) is located on-board the
vehicle. In some examples, some functionality of the vehicle
analyzer 214 and the information manager 102 may be executed at
other locations, distributed across multiple locations, etc. In one
arrangement, a portion of the functionality of the vehicle analyzer
214 may be executed on-board a vehicle or a portion of the
information manager 102 may executed at the vehicle information
provider 202. Provided the information from the one or more of
sources, data distributions and metrics may be developed by the
vehicle analyzer 214. For example, one or more metrics may be
determined that provide a measure of how often the vehicle was able
to operate in particle speed ranges. Correlations may also be
calculated using data that represents a vehicle's operating
performance and one or more performance standards. From the
calculated metrics, the vehicle analyzer 214 may score and rank
vehicles for comparisons. Along with determining such metrics,
rankings, etc., functionality of the vehicle analyzer 214 may
appropriately manage collected data, data distributions, rankings,
etc. for delivery (e.g., to service subscribers, entities,
vehicles, etc.). For example, one or more database systems, data
management architectures and communication schemes may be utilized
by the vehicle analyzer 214 for information distribution. In some
arrangements, such distribution functionality may be provided
partially or fully by the vehicle analyzer 214 or external to the
vehicle analyzer. In some arrangements this distribution
functionality may be provided by other portions of the vehicle
information provider 202 or one or more other entities (separate
from the information provider) for distributing metrics and/or
rankings, etc. Further, while a single server (e.g., server 218) is
implemented in this arrangement to provide the functionality for
the vehicle information provider 202, additional servers or other
types of computing devices may be used to provide the
functionality. For example, operations of the vehicle analyzer 214
may be distributed among multiple computing devices in one or more
locations.
[0034] Upon the metrics, rankings, etc. being produced, one or more
operations may be executed to provide appropriate information
(e.g., for presentation at one or more entities, vehicles, etc.).
By employing one or more data transition techniques, information
may be delivered through the network 204 along with other types of
communication systems. In some arrangements, one or more trigger
events may initiate the information being sent. For example, upon
one or more messages, signals, etc. being received at the vehicle
information provider 202 (e.g., a request for particular vehicle
rankings), data representing the requested information may be
provided.
[0035] Referring to FIG. 3, a graphical representation 300
illustrates data that may be provided to the vehicle analyzer 214
and data correspondingly produced (e.g., for presentation,
transmission, etc.). In general, data representing operational
information (e.g., speed, acceleration, etc.) from one or more
vehicles (e.g., combustion engine based vehicles, alternative
energy based vehicles, etc.) is provided to the vehicle analyzer
214. Potentially, other types of information such as
environmental-related information (e.g., GPS location of the
vehicles, road conditions, etc.) may also be provided. In some
arrangements, the information is provided as a time series of data
along with timing information (e.g., time stamps) for allowing the
vehicle analyzer 214 to perform calculations (e.g., determined
distance traveled for each speed, acceleration, etc.). In some
arrangements, processed data (e.g., from the information manager
102) may also be provided. For example, operating ranges of the
vehicle (e.g., speed ranges, acceleration ranges, etc.) may be
provided. In one arrangement, the provided ranges may be operating
speeds of the vehicle (e.g., 0 MPH, 0-10 MPH, 10-20 MPH, 20-30 MPH,
30-40 MPH, 40-50 MPH, 50-60 MPH, 60-70 MPH, over 70 MPH). Similar
data and ranges may also be provided for acceleration ranges or
other types of operational information. In one arrangement, such
ranges may be provided from the vehicle (e.g., the information
manager 102) to the vehicle information provider 202 for the
production of data distributions (e.g., distributions of time spent
operating at particular speeds, distance covered while operating at
particular accelerations, etc.). Such ranges and distributions may,
however, be defined and produced at the vehicle information
provider 202 from vehicle provided data (e.g., time series data
representing vehicle speed, GPS position, data collection timing,
etc.). Along with being provided such data from vehicles under
operation (e.g., data transmitted, streamed in real-time, etc.),
such data may be provided from other sources. For example, vehicle
data (e.g., time series data) may be stored (in one or more storage
devices), later retrieved and provided to the vehicle information
provider 202.
[0036] Once identified, the ranges (e.g., speed ranges,
acceleration ranges, etc.) can be used to produce distributions for
different travel parameters associated with the operating state of
the vehicle. Travel parameters may be calculated from the received
operational information and represented in distributions based upon
the ranges. For example, the amount of time that the vehicle
operates in each range (e.g., time spent traveling between 10 and
20 MPH), distance traveled for each range (e.g., distance covered
while traveling between 20 and 40 MPH), fuel consumed while
operating within each range (e.g., gallons of fuel consumed while
operating between 60 and 70 MPH), etc. may be represented by travel
parameters. In some arrangements, data is provided from one or more
vehicles that represents the travel parameters (e.g., the amount of
fuel consumed over time). Travel parameters may also be determined
external to the vehicle (e.g., at the vehicle information provider
202) or in concert with the vehicle (e.g., by the information
manager 102).
[0037] Such travel parameters may represent quantities that are not
tied to a specific type of vehicle. For example, the time that a
vehicle operates within a particular speed range (e.g., time spent
traveling between 10 and 20 MPH) can be considered a travel
parameter that holds for practically all types of vehicles (e.g.,
combustion engine vehicles, electric motor vehicles, hybrid
vehicles, etc.). Other types of travel parameters may represent
quantities related to particular types of vehicles; for example, a
travel parameter may represent the amount of alternative energy
(from an electric motor) applied to a driveline for a particular
speed range or may represent the amount of alternative energy
regenerated (e.g., electric energy for battery recharging) while
the vehicle is operating in a particular speed range. In some
arrangements, distribution data (e.g., for a travel parameter over
a range of speeds) may be produced on-board the vehicle (e.g., by
the information manager 102) and provided to the vehicle analyzer
214. In other arrangements, one or more of the distributions may be
produced by the vehicle analyzer 214. For example, provided time
series data that represents the operating speeds, accelerations,
etc. of a vehicle, the vehicle analyzer 214 may determine a number
of appropriate ranges along with the distribution of the times that
the vehicle operated within each of the ranges.
[0038] Once travel parameter distributions are produced (e.g., time
spent, distance covered, fuel consumed, etc. for each speed range),
one or more operations may be executed by the vehicle analyzer 214.
For example, other data distributions, metrics, etc. may be
produced that represent the performance of the vehicle. For
example, for each distribution range, a performance metric, such as
average fuel economy (e.g., represented in miles-per-gallon),
average consumed fuel rate (e.g., represented in gallons-per-hour),
percentage total distance travelled, etc., may be computed for each
vehicle. From these distributions, other types of metrics may be
calculated and used to determine scores and ranking for
vehicles.
[0039] Once calculated, one or more techniques and methodologies
may be implemented to present the distributions, performance
metrics, etc. For example, graphical representations, such as one
or more histograms, may be used to present data distributions.
Other types of graphical representations may also be used to assist
a viewer in identifying particular performance features of a
vehicle (e.g., for visually comparing with similar information from
two or more other vehicles). Along with presenting this information
(e.g., on a display device connected to the server 218, a vehicle
display, a display located remote from the vehicle information
provider), the information may also be stored (e.g., on the storage
device 220) at the vehicle information provider 202, at one or more
remote locations, etc. Upon being provided the information (e.g.,
by using the network 204), further processing of the metrics,
distributions, etc. may also be executed at the vehicle information
provider 202 or at multiple locations.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 4, two charts 400, 402 are presented that
include distribution data collected and processed for two different
vehicles. In this arrangement, similar types of data are collected
from each vehicle while under operation (e.g., time series data
representing travel speed, GPS position, fuel consumed etc.). From
the collected data, travel parameters are calculated for the first
vehicle, identified as "Vehicle A", and presented in chart 400. In
this example, vehicle A is a combustion engine based vehicle and
includes an information manager (such as performance manager 102
shown in FIG. 1) for collecting operational information from the
vehicle. As represented in the chart 400, the collected operating
speeds of the vehicle are used to define multiple speed ranges. In
this particular example, nine ranges (e.g., 0 MPH, 0-10 MPH, 10-20
MPH, 20-30 MPH, 30-40 MPH, 50-60 MPG, 60-70 MPH, and +70 MPG) are
defined in column 404; however, more or less ranges be used in
other arrangements. Along with the operating speeds of the vehicle,
the calculated travel parameters (or collected travel parameters in
some arrangements) are also represented in the chart. For the
ranges of speeds provided, column 406 represents fuel consumed by
the vehicle (in gallons), column 408 represents the time (in hours)
spent within each of the speed ranges, and column 410 represents
the distance driven for each speed range. The chart 400 also
includes other calculated travel parameters. For example, column
412 represents the fuel economy in miles-per-gallon (MPG)
determined by dividing distance driven by the time spent within the
corresponding speed range of the distribution data. Fuel rate
(measured in gallons per hour) is provided by column 414 and is
calculated by dividing the fuel consumed by the time spent in the
corresponding speed range. The percentage of distance traveled by
the vehicle is provided by dividing the distance driven while
within the corresponding speed range by the sum of distances
traveled for all of the speed ranges (e.g., the sum of the distance
values included in column 410). From these travel parameters in
columns 406-416, which may be collected, calculated, etc.,
performance information of the combustion engine based vehicle is
determined and presented. Once determined, the scores may be
assigned to rank the vehicle, for example, with other vehicles that
have traveled in a similar environment (e.g., driven in a similar
area, route, etc. under similar conditions).
[0041] Chart 402 provides similar distribution data for a vehicle
that employs an alternative fuel system, such as a hybrid vehicle,
and is identified as "Vehicle B". In some instances, the Vehicle A
may also be a hybrid vehicle (e.g., Vehicle B) in which the
alternative fuel system (e.g., electric motor) has been deactivated
and Vehicle B represents when the alternative fuel system is
active. In particular, the chart 402 includes equivalent speed
ranges in column 418 and travel parameters determined from
operational information collected from the vehicle (e.g., time
series data representing travel speed, GPS position, fuel consumed
etc.). From the collected data, similar travel parameters are
calculated and presented in column 420 (fuel consumed in gallons),
column 422 (time spent in hours) and column 424 (distance driven in
miles). Also similar to chart 400, chart 402 includes calculated
travel parameters in column 426, which provides the fuel economy
(in MPG) for each of the speed ranges of the distribution, column
428, which provides the calculated fuel rate (in gallons per hour)
for each range, and column 430, which provides the calculated
percentage distance traveled within each of the speed ranges.
Similar to the distribution data presented in chart 400, the data
presented in chart 402 may be used to develop one or more metrics
for scoring and ranking the Vehicle B. By using data collected by
both vehicles that were operated in similar environment (e.g.,
driven in the same area, across the same routes, etc.) and both
under similar conditions (e.g., driven the same time of day, season
of the year, similar weather conditions, etc.), the ranking of the
vehicles may suggest which of the two (or another type of vehicle)
is better suited for the area, performs better (e.g., conserves
fuel while not degrading operations), etc. From the analysis
provided by the vehicle analyzer 214, the ranking may represent if
another type of fleet vehicle (e.g., a hybrid vehicle) may
outperform the current type fleet vehicle operating in the general
area or on particular routes.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 5, distribution data produced by the
vehicle analyzer 214 (shown in FIG. 3) is presented for a
collection of vehicles. In this illustration, one sheet presents
distribution data that corresponds to one of the vehicles (e.g.,
sheet 500 presents distribution data for Vehicle A, sheet 502
presents distribution data for Vehicle B and sheet 504 presents
distribution data for Vehicle 504). On each sheet, histograms
represent data distributions for each produced travel parameter.
For example, histograms 506, 508, 510, 512, 514, and 516
correspondingly represent travel parameter distributions for
Vehicle A: fuel consumed (in gallons), time spent (in hours),
distance driven (in miles), fuel economy (in MPG), fuel rate (in
gallons per hour) and percentage of total distance traveled. In
this example, equivalent speed ranges are used to represent each
histogram, however, in some arrangements the ranges may be match
for each of the travel parameter distributions. From the data
provided by the distributions, one or more metric may be developed
that can be used for comparing the performance of different
vehicles, different types of vehicles, etc. The metrics may use
information provided by one or more of the histograms 506-516 and
may also employ information from other sources.
[0043] One exemplary metric may represent the percentage of total
distance traveled by each vehicle below a particular speed (e.g.,
below 40 mph). Such a metric may represent a measure of lower speed
travel in which certain types of vehicles (e.g., electric vehicles,
hybrid vehicles utilizing their electric motor, etc.) may be
considered more efficient. One or more operations may be executed
by the vehicle analyzer 214 to attain such a metric; for example,
appropriate data may be aggregated from the histogram 516 to
determine the percentage distance traveled below a speed (e.g., sum
distribution data for ranges 0-10, 10-20, and 20-30 mph).
[0044] One or more other metrics may also be developed related to
distance traveled. For example, the total distance driven for a
period of time (e.g., a week, month, six-month period, year, etc.)
may be calculated. From some time periods, data from only a single
distribution (e.g., represented in histogram 510) may be needed.
For example, if a distribution represents distance data collected
for a three-month period, the distribution may be used for
determining the total distance traveled by the vehicle for a week
or a month. For situations in which a considerable amount of
information is needed (e.g., total distance traveled for a year, a
five-year period, etc.) data from multiple distributions,
histograms, etc. may be utilized. Similar to travel distance, other
types of distribution data may be used for developing one or more
metrics.
[0045] Metrics may also be defined by using information from other
sources along with distribution data. For example, one or more
standards, models, etc. may be used to compare the vehicle
generated data with simulated data that represents drive cycles
typically experienced by an operated vehicle. For example, data may
be used that represents city driving conditions for a light duty
vehicle (and is referred to as the Urban Dynamometer Driving
Schedule--UDDS). The UDDS drive cycle data may be represented by a
velocity time series (e.g., velocity as a function of time). The
data represents a traveled distance of 7.5 miles and an average
speed of 19.6 mph. One or more techniques may be employed for
developing a performance metric using these data sets. For example,
one or more data distributions could be produced from the UDDS data
and compared to similar data distributions of the vehicle. Similar
to the data distribution represented in the histogram 510, a
distribution may be computed (e.g., by the vehicle analyzer 214)
that represents distance driven as reflected in the UDDS drive
cycle data. As also presented in the histogram 510, matching speed
ranges (e.g., 0-10, 10-20, . . . 60-70, +70 mph) could be used for
producing the distribution data for the UDDS drive cycle. Similar
to producing distribution data that represented driven distance,
other types of data distributions may also be computed from the
UDDS drive cycle data (e.g., time spent distribution similar to the
data in histogram 508, percentage of total distance traveled
distribution similar to the data in histogram 516, etc.). Once the
UDDS distribution is produced for distance driven, one or more
techniques may be implemented to compare the distribution data sets
of the vehicle and the UDDS drive cycle. For example, a correlation
function may be computed in which both distribution data sets are
used as input. Based on the computed correlation of the
distributions, one or more recommendations may be reflected in the
comparison. For example, since the UDDS drive cycle data reflects
city driving conditions, a relatively high correlation between the
data sets may suggest that the vehicle has been traveling in a city
environment. Further, if the vehicle is a convention combustion
engine vehicle, a high correlation may suggest converting to a
hybrid vehicle to improve fuel economy for a low-speed driving
environment. Other distribution comparison techniques and
computations with other types of distribution data may also be
utilized to assist with recommending an appropriate vehicle,
vehicle type for fleet, etc. for the driving environment. Other
standards may also be reflected in distribution data. For example,
standard drive cycle test data (e.g., from Federal Test Procedure
(FTP)) such as highway driving (HWFET), aggressive driving (SFTP
US06), optional air conditioning test data (SFTP SC030) may be
utilized from one or more groups (e.g., US Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA), etc.).
[0046] Referring to FIG. 6, a chart 600 presents calculated
information in the form of three performance metrics for eight
different vehicles. Based upon the calculated metrics, the vehicles
are scored and ranked to allow for determining which are
appropriate candidates for converting to include alternative fuel
system for operating in this environment (e.g., convert a
combustion engine based vehicle into a hybrid vehicle). In this
particular example, three columns 602, 604, 606 in the chart 600
provide three performance metrics calculated from corresponding
vehicle distribution data. For example, column 602 provides the
percentage of distance traveled by each vehicle while operating
less than 40 mph. As represented in the column 602, numerical
values may range from significant amounts (e.g., 73% of distance
traveled) to relatively small percentages (e.g., 28% of the
traveled distance). Column 604 presents numerical values that
represent the level of correlation between the distance traveled
distribution data and the distribution data of a UDDS drive cycle.
In general, a vehicle having a drive cycle that is highly
correlated to the UDDS drive may be a probable candidate for
conversion (to a hybrid vehicle). However, if another standardized
drive cycle is employed that closely reflects highway travel, high
correlation levels may suggest that the vehicle is generally
operating efficiently and may not warrant a conversion (from a
combustion engine based system to a hybrid system). For the third
performance metric in this example, the total distance traveled by
each vehicle for a particular time period (e.g., 1 year) is
represented in column 606. While three metrics are utilized in this
example, more or less metrics may be employed. Furthermore,
different types of vehicle performance metrics may be used.
[0047] Upon the performance metrics being quantified, one or more
types of techniques may be used for scoring and eventually ranking
the vehicles (e.g., to identify potential conversion targets). For
example, one or more of the performance metrics may be weighted to
prioritize the metrics. In one instance, the percentage of distance
traveled under 40 mph values (e.g., in column 602) may be weighted
heavier than the total distance travelled values (e.g., represented
in column 606). Once weighted (if weighting is employed), the
metric values may be processed (e.g., averaged) to attain a metric
average for each vehicle (as represented in column 608). From these
average metric values, a score may be applied to each vehicle (as
represented in column 610). In this illustrated example, the scores
in column 610 are sorted from largest to smallest for ranking the
vehicles. In general, a higher score reflects that the vehicle can
be considered a conversion candidate while lower scores reflect
that the vehicle can be considered as operating efficiently for the
environment (and should not be converted). Upon assigning the
scores, the vehicles may be ranked and presented (in a ranked form)
using a unique vehicle identifier as illustrated in column 612.
Processing may continue, in some arrangements, using the vehicle
ranking. For example, one or more thresholds may be defined to
indicate which vehicles are recommended for conversion (e.g., a
hybrid conversion). For example, as represented by the dashed line
614, vehicles assigned scores larger than 83 can be considered
conversion candidates. To highlight such vehicles, the line 614 can
be placed at a vertical position below the candidates. Other
graphical techniques may be employed to draw attention to this
distinction between the vehicles.
[0048] Similar to the ranking presented in the chart 600, one or
more other bases may be employed. For example, rankings may be
determined from other types of performance metrics that may be used
separate or in concert with the percentage of distance traveled
under 40 mph values (represented in column 602). For example,
performance metrics associated with vehicle loading, greenhouse
emissions, idling time, etc. may be used for assigning a score and
ranking each vehicle. Ranking may be determined for a variety of
applications, for example, vehicles may be ranked for various types
of drive cycles to allow appropriate vehicles to be matched to the
drives cycles. For example, one type of vehicle (e.g., a
diesel-engine vehicle) may be highly ranked for one type of drive
cycle (e.g., associated with highway travel) while not highly
ranked for another type of drive cycle (e.g., local road travel).
As such, rankings for a vehicle can be considered multi-dimensional
to provide information for a number of drive cycles and other types
of scenarios. In some implementations, one or more rules may be
applied as part of the scoring and ranking process (e.g., applying
a rule before, during or after assigning scores). For example,
based upon loading effects, the employed propulsion system, etc.
one or more vehicle types may be deemed not appropriate for
particular drive cycles. Scoring and/or ranking may be based upon
return on investment (ROI) or another type of measure (or multiple
measures) that may constrain rankings to include or not include
some vehicle types. For example, use of particular vehicle types
may be prohibited (e.g., natural gas powered vehicles may be
prohibited in some areas). As such, a process of matching
appropriate vehicles to one or more drive cycles, environmental
conditions, etc. may include application of one or more rules. For
example, for some conditions, purchasing a new vehicle may be
recommended.
[0049] Referring to FIG. 7, a flowchart 700 represents operations
of a computing device, such as a server (e.g., the server 218 shown
in FIG. 3) executing a vehicle analyzer 214 (also shown in FIG. 3).
In general, executed operations use data distributions to determine
values for one or more performance metrics (e.g., percentage of
distance traveled under 40 mph). The metrics are used to score and
rank vehicles and potentially provide recommendations (e.g.,
assigning vehicles for particular routes, converting vehicle
propulsion systems, etc.). Such operations (e.g., of the vehicle
analyzer 214) are typically executed by components (e.g.,
processors, etc.) included in a single computing device (e.g., a
computing device such as the server 218 shown in FIG. 3, or an
on-board vehicle device such as controller 104 as shown in FIG. 1);
however, operations may be executed by multiple computing devices.
Along with being executed at a single site (e.g., at the vehicle
information manager 202, onboard a vehicle, etc.), operation
execution may be distributed among two or more locations.
[0050] Operations may include receiving 702 data representative of
one or more travel parameters for one or more vehicles. The data
for each of the one or more travel parameters is represented with
distribution ranges. For example, based upon operational
information received from a vehicle (e.g., vehicle speed,
acceleration, GPS location of the vehicle, fuel being consumed, a
timing signal, etc.) distributions of data may be received by the
vehicle analyzer. The data distributions may be defined by ranges
that represent bands of operating speeds (e.g., 0-10 mph, 20-30 mph
. . . 60-70 mph, over 70 mph, etc.), acceleration bands, etc. The
travel parameters represented by the data distributions may
represent distance traveled within each range, fuel consumed within
each range, time spent operating within each range, etc. (as
presented in the charts 400 and 402 in FIG. 4). Operations may also
include, for each of the one or more vehicles, calculating 704 one
or more metric values based on the one or more travel parameter
data distributions. For example, metric values such as the
percentage of distance traveled by the vehicle at less than a
particular speed (e.g., 40 mph) may be calculated. Such metric
values may be calculated by also using other information sources.
For example, a data distribution that represents the distance
traveled within each range may be correlated to distribution data
attained from a standard (e.g., UDDS data). In still another
example, a metric value may represent the total distance traveled
by the vehicle for a particular time period (e.g., one year). Many
other types of metrics may be defined and used to determine
corresponding values for vehicles. Operations may also include
assigning 706 a score to each of the one or more vehicles based on
the calculated one or more metric values. For example, for each
vehicle, weights may be applied to each of the calculated metric
values and a score may be assigned based upon a combination of the
weighted metric values (e.g., a calculated average). Operations may
also include presenting 708 a ranking of the one or more vehicles
based on the assigned scores. For example, a listing may be
presented on the display of a computing device (e.g., at a location
where vehicles are assigned delivery routes or selected to perform
other types of tasks). The vehicle ranking included in the listing
may assist with a number of determinations. Vehicles may be
identified from the performance ranking for task assignments. The
vehicle performance ranking may also assist with identifying
candidate vehicles for particular adjustments. For example, when
identified as being inefficient (e.g., poor fuel economy) for city
environment travel, a vehicle may be identified for conversion from
a combustion engine based vehicle to a hybrid vehicle.
[0051] FIG. 8 is a block diagram that shows an example of a system
800 for providing hosted storage and accessing the hosted storage
from a client device 802 (e.g., a computing device, a computing
device incorporated into a vehicle, etc.). In some implementations,
a hosted storage service 820 may provide access to stored data
(e.g., distribution data, performance metric values, etc.) by
applications (e.g., web browsers, dedicated applications) running
on computing devices operating separately from one another, provide
offsite data backup and restore functionality, provide data storage
to a computing device with limited storage capabilities, and/or
provide storage functionality not implemented on a computing
device.
[0052] The system 800 may provide scalable stores for storing data
resources. The client device 802 may upload data resources to the
hosted storage service 820 and control access to the uploaded data
resources. Access control may include a range of sharing levels
(e.g., private, shared with one or more individuals, shared with
one or more groups, public, etc.). Data stored in hosted storage
service 820 can be secured from unauthorized access. The hosted
storage service 820 can use a simple and consistent application
programming interface, or API, which can allow arbitrary quantities
of structured or unstructured data to be kept private or shared
between individuals, organizations, and/or with the world at
large.
[0053] The client device 802 may be implemented using a computing
device, such as the computing device 900 or the mobile device 950
described with respect to FIG. 9. The client device 802 may
communicate with the hosted storage service 820 (e.g., located at
the vehicle information provider 202) via a network 804, such as
the Internet. The client device 802 may communicate across the
network using communication protocols. Electronic mail (e-mail)
protocols may also be utilized. For example, one or more e-mail
protocols may be used to provide assets (e.g., distributions,
metrics, etc.) to an imaging device (e.g., a display) from the
hosted storage service 820, a computing device such as the
computing device 900 or the mobile device 950, etc. While only a
single client device 802 is shown, there may be multiple client
devices communicating across the network 804 with the hosted
storage service 820 and/or other services and devices.
[0054] The hosted storage service 820 may be implemented such that
client applications executing on client device 802, such as a
client application 803, may store, retrieve, or otherwise
manipulate data resources in the hosted storage service 820.
[0055] The hosted storage service 820 generally includes an
interface frontend 806, an interface backend 808, a storage backend
810, and metadata 816 for resources stored in the storage backend
810. The hosted storage service 820 may also include an
authenticator 809 to verify that a user requesting vehicle
identification, distribution data, performance metrics, comparison
metrics, etc. should be provided access to the data (e.g., based on
a service subscription, rental period, etc.).
[0056] In general, the interface frontend 806 may receive requests
from and send responses to the client device 802. For instance, the
hosted storage service 820 may be implemented as a Web Service.
Interface frontend 806 may receive messages from the client 802 and
parse the requests into a format usable by the hosted storage
service 820, such as a remote procedure call (RPC) to an interface
backend 808. The interface frontend 806 may write responses
generated by the hosted storage service 820 for transmission to the
client 802. In some implementations, multiple interface frontends
806 may be implemented (e.g., to support multiple access
protocols).
[0057] The interface frontend 806 may include a graphical front
end, for example, to display on a web browser for data access. The
interface frontend 806 may include a sub-system to enable managed
uploads and downloads of files (e.g., for functionality such as
pause, resume, and recover from time-out).
[0058] In some arrangements, a data resource is accessed as a
resource, uniquely named using a uniform resource identifier (URI),
and the client application 803 and service 820 exchange
representations of resource state using a defined set of
operations. For example, requested actions may be represented as
verbs, such as by HTTP GET, PUT, and DELETE. The GET verb may be
used to retrieve a resource. The DELETE verb may be used to delete
a resource from the hosted storage service 820. The PUT verb may be
used to upload a resource to the service 820. PUT requests may come
from the client 802 and contain authentication, authorization
credentials, and resource metadata in a header.
[0059] In general, resources stored in the hosted storage service
820 may be referenced by resource identifiers. The hosted storage
service 820 may define namespaces to which a valid resource
identifier must conform. As another example, the namespace may
require that resource identifiers be globally unique identifiers
(GUIDs).
[0060] Resources (e.g., distributions, performance metrics,
comparison metrics, etc.) may be stored in hosted storage service
820 in buckets. In some examples, each bucket is uniquely named in
the hosted storage service 820, each data resource is uniquely
named in a bucket, and every bucket and data resource combination
is unique. Data resources may be uniquely identified by a URI that
includes the bucket name and the resource name, and identifies the
hosted storage service 820. For example, a resource named
"/performance_metrics.dat" in a bucket named "metrics" could be
specified using a URI pattern such as
http://s.hostedstoragesystem.com/metrics/performance_metrics.dat or
http://fonts.s.hostedstoragesystem.com/performance_metrics.dat.
[0061] The interface backend 808, along with the authenticator 809,
may handle request authentication and authorization, manage data
and metadata, and track activity, such as for billing. For example,
the interface backend 1208 may query the authenticator 809 when a
request for one or more fonts is received. The interface backend
808 may also provide additional or alternative functionality. For
example, the interface backend 808 may provide functionality for
independent frontend/backend scaling for resource utilization and
responsiveness under localized heavy loads. Data management may be
encapsulated in the interface backend 808 while communication
serving may be encapsulated in the interface frontend 806. The
interface backend 808 may isolate certain security mechanisms from
the client-facing interface frontend 806.
[0062] The interface backend 808 may expose an interface usable by
both the interface frontend 806 and other systems. In some
examples, some features of the interface backend 808 are accessible
only by an interface frontend (not shown) used by the owners of the
hosted storage service 820 (internal users). Such features may
include those needed for administrative tasks (e.g., resolving a
resource reference to a low level disk address). The interface
backend 808 may handle request authentication (e.g., ensuring a
user's credentials are valid) and authorization (e.g., verifying
that a requested operation is permitted). The interface backend may
also provide encryption and decryption services to prevent
unauthorized access to data, even by internal users.
[0063] The interface backend 808 may manage metadata 816 associated
with data resources. User-specified names can be completely defined
within the metadata 816, and resource metadata 816 can map a
resource name to one or more datastores 812 storing the resource.
The metadata 816 can also contain resource creation times, resource
sizes, hashes, and access control lists (ACL) 818 for
resources.
[0064] The ACLs 818 may generally define who is authorized to
perform actions on corresponding resources, and the nature of the
permitted actions. The scope may define a user or group of users
and the role may define the access permissions for the user or
group.
[0065] The storage backend 810 may contain multiple datastores
812a-812c. Although three datastores 812 are shown, more or fewer
are possible. Each of the datastores 812a-812c may store data
resources 814a-814c in a particular format. For example, data store
812a may store a data resource 814a as a binary object, data store
812b may store a data resource 814b in a distributed file system,
and data store 812c may store a data resource 814c in a
database.
[0066] FIG. 9 shows an example computer device 900 and example
mobile computer device 950, which can be used to implement the
techniques described herein. For example, a portion or all of the
operations of an information manager (e.g., the information manger
102 shown in FIG. 1) and/or an analyzer (e.g., the vehicle analyzer
214 shown in FIG. 2) may be executed by the computer device 900
and/or the mobile computer device 950. Computing device 900 is
intended to represent various forms of digital computers,
including, e.g., laptops, desktops, workstations, personal digital
assistants, servers, blade servers, mainframes, and other
appropriate computers. Computing device 950 is intended to
represent various forms of mobile devices, including, e.g.,
personal digital assistants, cellular telephones, smartphones, and
other similar computing devices. The components shown here, their
connections and relationships, and their functions, are meant to be
examples only, and are not meant to limit implementations of the
techniques described and/or claimed in this document.
[0067] Computing device 900 includes processor 902, memory 904,
storage device 906, high-speed interface 908 connecting to memory
904 and high-speed expansion ports 910, and low speed interface 912
connecting to low speed bus 914 and storage device 906. Each of
components 902, 904, 906, 908, 910, and 912, are interconnected
using various busses, and can be mounted on a common motherboard or
in other manners as appropriate. Processor 902 can process
instructions for execution within computing device 900, including
instructions stored in memory 904 or on storage device 906, to
display graphical data for a GUI on an external input/output
device, including, e.g., display 916 coupled to high speed
interface 908. In other implementations, multiple processors and/or
multiple buses can be used, as appropriate, along with multiple
memories and types of memory. Also, multiple computing devices 900
can be connected, with each device providing portions of the
necessary operations (e.g., as a server bank, a group of blade
servers, or a multi-processor system).
[0068] Memory 804 stores data within computing device 900. In one
implementation, memory 904 is a volatile memory unit or units. In
another implementation, memory 904 is a non-volatile memory unit or
units. Memory 904 also can be another form of computer-readable
medium, including, e.g., a magnetic or optical disk.
[0069] Storage device 906 is capable of providing mass storage for
computing device 900. In one implementation, storage device 906 can
be or contain a computer-readable medium, including, e.g., a floppy
disk device, a hard disk device, an optical disk device, a tape
device, a flash memory or other similar solid state memory device,
or an array of devices, including devices in a storage area network
or other configurations. A computer program product can be tangibly
embodied in a data carrier. The computer program product also can
contain instructions that, when executed, perform one or more
methods, including, e.g., those described above. The data carrier
is a computer- or machine-readable medium, including, e.g., memory
904, storage device 906, memory on processor 902, and the like.
[0070] High-speed controller 908 manages bandwidth-intensive
operations for computing device 900, while low speed controller 912
manages lower bandwidth-intensive operations. Such allocation of
functions is an example only. In one implementation, high-speed
controller 908 is coupled to memory 904, display 916 (e.g., through
a graphics processor or accelerator), and to high-speed expansion
ports 910, which can accept various expansion cards (not shown). In
the implementation, the low-speed controller 912 is coupled to
storage device 806 and low-speed expansion port 914. The low-speed
expansion port, which can include various communication ports
(e.g., USB, Bluetooth.RTM., Ethernet, wireless Ethernet), can be
coupled to one or more input/output devices, including, e.g., a
keyboard, a pointing device, a scanner, or a networking device
including, e.g., a switch or router (e.g., through a network
adapter).
[0071] Computing device 900 can be implemented in a number of
different forms, as shown in the figure. For example, it can be
implemented as standard server 920, or multiple times in a group of
such servers. It also can be implemented as part of rack server
system 924. In addition or as an alternative, it can be implemented
in a personal computer (e.g., laptop computer 922). In some
examples, components from computing device 900 can be combined with
other components in a mobile device (not shown) (e.g., device 950).
Each of such devices can contain one or more of computing device
900, 950, and an entire system can be made up of multiple computing
devices 900, 950 communicating with each other.
[0072] Computing device 950 includes processor 952, memory 964, and
an input/output device including, e.g., display 954, communication
interface 966, and transceiver 968, among other components. Device
950 also can be provided with a storage device, including, e.g., a
microdrive or other device, to provide additional storage.
Components 950, 952, 964, 954, 966, and 968, may each be
interconnected using various buses, and several of the components
can be mounted on a common motherboard or in other manners as
appropriate.
[0073] Processor 952 can execute instructions within computing
device 950, including instructions stored in memory 964. The
processor can be implemented as a chipset of chips that include
separate and multiple analog and digital processors. The processor
can provide, for example, for the coordination of the other
components of device 950, including, e.g., control of user
interfaces, applications run by device 950, and wireless
communication by device 950.
[0074] Processor 952 can communicate with a user through control
interface 958 and display interface 956 coupled to display 954.
Display 954 can be, for example, a TFT LCD (Thin-Film-Transistor
Liquid Crystal Display) or an OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode)
display, or other appropriate display technology. Display interface
956 can comprise appropriate circuitry for driving display 954 to
present graphical and other data to a user. Control interface 958
can receive commands from a user and convert them for submission to
processor 952. In addition, external interface 962 can communicate
with processor 942, so as to enable near area communication of
device 950 with other devices. External interface 962 can provide,
for example, for wired communication in some implementations, or
for wireless communication in other implementations. Multiple
interfaces also can be used.
[0075] Memory 964 stores data within computing device 950. Memory
964 can be implemented as one or more of a computer-readable medium
or media, a volatile memory unit or units, or a non-volatile memory
unit or units. Expansion memory 974 also can be provided and
connected to device 850 through expansion interface 972, which can
include, for example, a SIMM (Single In Line Memory Module) card
interface. Such expansion memory 974 can provide extra storage
space for device 950, and/or may store applications or other data
for device 950. Specifically, expansion memory 974 can also include
instructions to carry out or supplement the processes described
above and can include secure data. Thus, for example, expansion
memory 974 can be provided as a security module for device 950 and
can be programmed with instructions that permit secure use of
device 950. In addition, secure applications can be provided
through the SIMM cards, along with additional data, including,
e.g., placing identifying data on the SIMM card in a non-hackable
manner.
[0076] The memory can include, for example, flash memory and/or
NVRAM memory, as discussed below. In one implementation, a computer
program product is tangibly embodied in a data carrier. The
computer program product contains instructions that, when executed,
perform one or more methods, including, e.g., those described
above. The data carrier is a computer- or machine-readable medium,
including, e.g., memory 964, expansion memory 974, and/or memory on
processor 952, which can be received, for example, over transceiver
968 or external interface 962.
[0077] Device 950 can communicate wirelessly through communication
interface 966, which can include digital signal processing
circuitry where necessary. Communication interface 966 can provide
for communications under various modes or protocols, including,
e.g., GSM voice calls, SMS, EMS, or MMS messaging, CDMA, TDMA, PDC,
WCDMA, CDMA2000, or GPRS, among others. Such communication can
occur, for example, through radio-frequency transceiver 968. In
addition, short-range communication can occur, including, e.g.,
using a Bluetooth.RTM., WiFi, or other such transceiver (not
shown). In addition, GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver
module 970 can provide additional navigation- and location-related
wireless data to device 950, which can be used as appropriate by
applications running on device 950.
[0078] Device 950 also can communicate audibly using audio codec
960, which can receive spoken data from a user and convert it to
usable digital data. Audio codec 960 can likewise generate audible
sound for a user, including, e.g., through a speaker, e.g., in a
handset of device 950. Such sound can include sound from voice
telephone calls, recorded sound (e.g., voice messages, music files,
and the like) and also sound generated by applications operating on
device 950.
[0079] Computing device 950 can be implemented in a number of
different forms, as shown in the figure. For example, it can be
implemented as cellular telephone 980. It also can be implemented
as part of smartphone 982, personal digital assistant, or other
similar mobile device.
[0080] Various implementations of the systems and techniques
described here can be realized in digital electronic circuitry,
integrated circuitry, specially designed ASICs (application
specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware,
software, and/or combinations thereof. These various
implementations can include one or more computer programs that are
executable and/or interpretable on a programmable system. This
includes at least one programmable processor, which can be special
or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from,
and to transmit data and instructions to, a storage system, at
least one input device, and at least one output device.
[0081] These computer programs (also known as programs, software,
software applications or code) include machine instructions for a
programmable processor, and can be implemented in a high-level
procedural and/or object-oriented programming language, and/or in
assembly/machine language. As used herein, the terms
machine-readable medium and computer-readable medium refer to a
computer program product, apparatus and/or device (e.g., magnetic
discs, optical disks, memory, Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs))
used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable
processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives
machine instructions.
[0082] To provide for interaction with a user, the systems and
techniques described here can be implemented on a computer having a
display device (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid
crystal display) monitor) for presenting data to the user, and a
keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse or a trackball) by
which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of
devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well.
For example, feedback provided to the user can be a form of sensory
feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile
feedback). Input from the user can be received in a form, including
acoustic, speech, or tactile input.
[0083] The systems and techniques described here can be implemented
in a computing system that includes a backend component (e.g., as a
data server), or that includes a middleware component (e.g., an
application server), or that includes a frontend component (e.g., a
client computer having a user interface or a Web browser through
which a user can interact with an implementation of the systems and
techniques described here), or a combination of such backend,
middleware, or frontend components. The components of the system
can be interconnected by a form or medium of digital data
communication (e.g., a communication network). Examples of
communication networks include a local area network (LAN), a wide
area network (WAN), and the Internet.
[0084] The computing system can include clients and servers. A
client and server are generally remote from each other and
typically interact through a communication network. The
relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer
programs running on the respective computers and having a
client-server relationship to each other.
[0085] In some implementations, the engines described herein can be
separated, combined or incorporated into a single or combined
engine. The engines depicted in the figures are not intended to
limit the systems described here to the software architectures
shown in the figures.
[0086] A number of embodiments have been described. Nevertheless,
it will be understood that various modifications can be made
without departing from the spirit and scope of the processes and
techniques described herein. In addition, the logic flows depicted
in the figures do not require the particular order shown, or
sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In addition, other
steps can be provided, or steps can be eliminated, from the
described flows, and other components can be added to, or removed
from, the described systems. Accordingly, other embodiments are
within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *
References