GB2489057A

GB2489057A - Determining information relating to at least one characteristic of driving

Info

Publication number: GB2489057A
Application number: GB1113573.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Gurney
Original assignee: ENIGMA ELECTRONICS COM Ltd
Current assignee: ENIGMA ELECTRONICS COM Ltd
Priority date: 2011-08-05
Filing date: 2011-08-05
Publication date: 2012-09-19
Anticipated expiration: 2031-08-05
Also published as: GB2493459B; GB201113573D0; GB201213894D0; GB2489057B; GB2493459A

Abstract

A system for and a method of determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of driving of the vehicle's driver based at least on the received information. The system comprises a position sensor means 22 for providing to a control means 10 information indicative of position of a pedal, which may be an accelerator pedal 12, in the vehicle, and determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of the driving of the vehicle's driver based at least on the received information. The determined information may be displayed on a display 18 and/or stored on a storage device 20. Preferably the position sensor means 22 is auxiliary to a pedal position sensor for use in throttle control. The system may be retrofitted to a vehicle and may be provided in a kit of parts for installation. A method of calibrating a system using a pedal position sensor 22 is also disclosed.

Description

DETERMINING INFORMATION RELATING TO AT LEAST ONE

CHARACTERISTIC OF DRIVING OF A VEHICLE'S DRIVER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a system for determining information relating to at least one characteristic of driving of the vehicle's driver. The invention also relates to apparatus, a kit, a method and a computer program relating to such a system.

BACKGROUND

Drivers of vehicles are often unaware of the impact of their driving style. For example, driving style impacts on the amount of fuel consumed when driving, and the comfort of a journey for passengers.

The cost of vehicle fuel is high. Drivers thus wish to reduce the amount of fuel they use.

The cost of fuel is particularly problematic for operators of large numbers of vehicles.

Drivers may not know when they are driving efficiently. When a driver is not paying for the fuel himself, it may be a problem that the driver might not be incentivised to drive efficiently.

The impact of driving style on comfort or jerkiness is particularly an issue in certain kinds of vehicles, for example buses or goods vehicles carrying fragile goods.

It is known to use accelerometers to determine acceleration of vehicles. However, accelerometers are poor at monitoring driving style since the acceleration of a vehicle is not only due to driver actions.

Vehicles include a pedal position detection system for use with throttle control. Since correct operation of the throttle control is critical for safe use of vehicles, it is highly undesirable to make modifications that might affect the throttle control. Typically, such a modification would only be made by a vehicle manufacturer and would be extremely expensive.

It is an object of the present invention to address the above mentioned problems and issues.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising receiving at a control means from a position sensor means relating to a position of a pedal in a vehicle, and determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of the driving of the vehicle's driver based (at least or only) on the received information. This determined information can be used to address at least some of the above mentioned problems and issues. Advantageously, a characteristic of a driver's driving can be monitored. Also, a characteristic(s) of different driver's driving can be compared. Furthermore, the determined information can be conveyed to the driver in real time to enable the driver to modify or maintain his or her driving style.

The position sensor means is preferably configured for measuring the position of the pedal in a range of positions from a fully depressed position to a non-depressed position.

Preferably, the pedal is an accelerator pedal.

The position sensor means may be auxiliary to a pedal position sensor for use in throttle control. Thus, a throttle control system does not need to be made more complex or altered in order for a driving information system to be provided.

The determining information relating to at least one characteristic of the driving of the vehicle's driver may be performed at time intervals.

The determining at least one characteristic of the driver's driving may comprise determining information indicative of efficiency of fuel usage due to a driver's driving and/or driving style of the driver.

The determining the information may comprise determining an attribute indicative of at least one characteristic of the driver's driving. The attribute is selected from a predetermined plurality of attributes. Thus, for each pedal position, such an attribute may be determined. Each attribute may be associated with a range of pedal positions, such that for each pedal position in a range, the attribute associated with that range is determined.

Alternatively, the information indicative of driving style may be a measure or indication of a degree of the characteristic(s). For example, the information may be an indication of a degree of efficiency of fuel usage due to the driver's driving.

The method may further comprise, when an electrical signal is initially received at the control means from the vehicle feeds, beginning determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of the driving of the vehicle's driver, and, when an electrical signal is not received from the vehicle feeds, ending said determining.

The method may further comprise causing, by the control means, communication to the driver at least one characteristic of the driver's driving. For example, the at least one characteristic may be communicated to the driver visually, such as by display on a display. Alternatively or additionally, the information may be communicated to the driver over a speaker system. An indication of the determined band is preferably communicated.

The method may further comprise controlling storing, by the control means, of data based on the determined information on a computer readable storage medium. Said data may be the determined information. The data stored may include values each corresponding to a respective one of the attributes, for example the values being in dependence on time the pedal has spent in a range of pedal positions corresponding to that attribute. Optionally, each time the control means determines an attribute, the control means may increment at a counter corresponding to a determined attribute (band) and a time counter.

The computer readable storage medium may be removable. The method may further comprise wirelessly transmitting data stored on the computer readable storage medium.

The position sensor means may comprise a non-contacting position sensor. The presence of a connecting line between the generator and the sensor element is avoided. Such a connecting line can disadvantageously be the subject of wear during operation, and thus use of a non-contacting type sensor results in better durability. Use of a non-contacting position sensor also prevents drag on the pedal assembly.

The method may further comprise receiving by the control means a signal from a calibration control means, on operation by a person to initiate said signal, indicating that the pedal is in a fully depressed position, when the pedal is in the fully depressed position, receiving information from the sensing means representative of the pedal position and recording said information as corresponding to the fully depressed position, receiving by the control means another signal from a calibration control means, on operation by a person to initiate said signal, indicating that the pedal is in a non-depressed position when the pedal is in the non-depressed position, receiving information from the sensing means representative of the pedal position and recording said information as corresponding to the non-depressed position, and calibrating at the control means using predetermined information for the range of pedal positions between the fully depressed and the non-depressed pedal positions, so that the control means can determine information indicative of the at least one characteristic based at least on information indicative of pedal position received from the position sensor means. Thus, advantageously, the processor means can be configured to indicate degree of depression of the pedal without accurate placement of position sensor means. The pedal positions corresponding to each of a plurality of predetermined bands may be determined in a calibration process.

There is further provided a computer program comprising computer program code means adapted to perform all the steps of any one of the above mentioned methods when said program is run on processing means. The computer program may be embodied on a computer readable storage medium.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for determining information relating to at least one characteristic of the driving of a driver of a vehicle, comprising a processor means, and a memory including computer program code, the memory and the computer program code, with the processor, being configured to cause the apparatus at least to perform the steps of any one of the above mentioned methods.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit for installation in a vehicle, comprising a position sensor means for providing to a control means information relating to position of a pedal in the vehicle, and a control means for receiving from the position sensor means information indicative of position of a pedal in a vehicle and determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of the driving of the vehicle's driver based at least on the received information.

Optional or preferred features of the kit are set out in dependent claims 17 to 29. There may be further provided a vehicle having installed therein such a kit.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a controller for determining information relating to at least one characteristic of driving of the vehicle's driver, comprising means for receiving from the position sensor means information indicative of position of a pedal in a vehicle, and means for determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of the driving of the vehicle's driver based at least on the received information.

A system for determining information relating to at least one characteristic of driving of the vehicle's driver based at least on the received information may comprise a position sensor means for providing to a control means information indicative of position of a pedal in the vehicle, and such a controller. The system may comprise the features forming part of any one of the kits mentioned above. There may be provided a vehicle including such a system.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of retrofitting a system for determining information relating to at least one characteristic of the driving of the vehicle's driver, comprising fixing a position sensor means for sensing position of a pedal in a vehicle to a vehicle, and arranging a control means in the vehicle to receive information indicative of pedal position from the position sensor means, wherein the control means is configured for receiving from the position sensor means information indicative of the position of the pedal and for determining information relating to at least one characteristic of the driving of the vehicle's driver based at least on the received information.

The method may further comprise coupling the control means to vehicle feeds of the vehicle, wherein the control means is configured to detect when the vehicle is started and stopped based on electric signals from the vehicle feeds.

The method may further comprise locating a display in the vehicle such that the driver can view the display during driving, wherein the control means is configured to control display of the display.

The method may further comprise installing a computer readable storage medium in the vehicle coupled to the control means, wherein the control means is configured to control storing of data on the computer readable storage medium. Preferably the computer readable storage medium is removable from the vehicle.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of calibrating a system for determining information relating to at least one characteristic of the driving of the vehicle's driver, comprising a sensing means coupled to a control means including a processor means and a memory, comprising receiving by the control means a signal from a calibration control means, on operation by a person to initiate said signal, indicating that the pedal is in a fully depressed position, when the pedal is in the fully depressed position, receiving information from the sensing means representative of the pedal position and recording said information as corresponding to the fully depressed position, receiving by the control means another signal from a calibration control means, on operation by a person to initiate said signal, indicating that the pedal is in a non-depressed position when the pedal is in the non-depressed position, receiving information from the sensing means representative of the pedal position and recording said information as corresponding to the non-depressed position, and calibrating at the control means using predetermined information for the range of pedal positions between the fully depressed and the non-depressed pedal positions, so that the control means can determine information relating to the at least one characteristic based at least on information indicative of pedal position received from the position sensor means..

The method may further comprise determining separate, respectively substantially continuous ranges of pedal positions between the substantially fully depressed and the non-depressed positions, wherein each range corresponds to a respective one of a plurality of predetermined bands.

There may be further provided a computer program comprising computer program code means adapted to perform all the steps of the method of calibrating when said program is run on processing means. Such a computer program may be embodied on a computer readable storage medium.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for calibrating a system for determining information relating to at least one characteristic of the driving of a driver of a vehicle, comprising a processor means, and a memory including computer program code, the memory and the computer program code, with the processor, being configured to cause the apparatus at least to perform the steps of the method of calibrating.

Other optional andlor preferred features or steps are set out in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

For better understanding of the invention, embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram indicating parts of a driving information system according to embodiments; Figure 2 shows illustratively how pedal position may be associated with bands; Figure 3 is a flowchart indicating steps that take place at a controller element during calibration of the system; Figure 4 is a flowchart indicating steps that take place during operation of the system; and Figure 5 is a block diagram indicating parts of a driving information system according to further embodiments;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Like parts are denoted by like reference numerals throughout.

In embodiments of the invention, the driving information system is for determining information relating to at least one characteristic of driving of the vehicle's driver. The system comprises at least a sensor arrangement for providing to a controller information indicative of position of a pedal in the vehicle, and a control element for receiving from the sensor arrangement information indicative of position of a pedal in a vehicle and determining information relating to at least one characteristic of the driving of the vehicle's driver based at least on the received information. The embodiments described below mainly discuss implementation in which the at least one characteristic is efficiency of fuel usage. However, one or more other characteristics could alternatively or additionally be determined. For example, jerkiness or comfort level of a ride based on pedal position could be determined.

Referring to Figure 1, the system includes a controller element in the form of a microcontroller 10, which is connected to a pedal unit 12, vehicle feeds 14, a calibration switch 16, a display 18 and a data storage device 20. The system is for use with an accelerator pedal of a vehicle, for example of a car, bus and heavy goods vehicle.

The microcontroller 10 comprises a processor, a memory and input/output interfaces operatively connected by a bus. Computer program codes are stored in the memory which, when executed by the processor, result in the microcontroller 10 performing the steps described herein. The microcontroller 10 is configured with a unique identity number for the particular driving information system.

The memory may likewise comprise any kind of computer readable storage medium(s).

The memory may be, by way of non-exhaustive example: a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store data including executable instructions.

The pedal unit 12 includes a sensor arrangement 22. The sensor arrangement is configured to provide a signal indicative of the position of the pedal to the microcontroller 10. The sensor arrangement 22 includes a signal generator and a sensor element for detecting a signal generated by the signal generator. The signal generator is attached in a fixed position to a pedal assembly comprised of the pedal and a pedal arm to which the pedal is attached. The sensor element is attached in a fixed position to a wall of the interior of the vehicle, in close proximity to the signal generator. The sensor generator may conveniently be located in a recess in the pedal or pedal arm.

Alternatively, the signal element can be attached in a fixed position to the pedal assembly and the signal generator can be attached in a fixed position to the wall. In each case, the pedal unit 12 includes attaching means for attaching each of the sensor element and the signal generator to the wall or pedal assembly. The attaching means may take any suitable form, for example, respective brackets holding the sensor element and signal generator and attached to the wall and pedal assembly using a rivet, screw, bolt or glue.

The sensor arrangement 22 is preferably of the non-contacting position sensor type, which does not require physical contact between the signal generator and the sensor element. For example, the sensor arrangement 22 may comprise a non-contacting type sensor that uses magnetic, capacitive, inductive, or laser and gate technologies. However, in embodiments, the sensor arrangement may comprise a contacting type sensor such as a variable resister or potentiometer. In some embodiments the sensor arrangement may comprise mechanical means for detecting movement of the pedal.

Where a magnetic non-contacting type sensor is used, the signal generator may be a magnetic field generator, for example a magnet, and the sensor element may be a device for detecting varying magnetic field to allow determination of the position of the pedal.

Such a device may be a Hall effect device, which produces an electrical signal that is dependent upon the magnitude and polarity of the magnetic flux incident upon the device.

Typically, the pedal arm is attached at the end thereof remote from the pedal to a pivot assembly allowing pivoting movement of the arm. It will be appreciated that there is a relationship between pivoting angle and distance between the sensor element and the signal generator, and embodiments may be configured such that either may be measured.

The microcontroller 10 is connected to the vehicle feeds 14 to draw power from a battery of vehicle and also so that the microcontroller 10 is able to detect when the vehicle is in use. The vehicle feeds comprise the ignition lines in a car or the run feeds in a bus or heavy goods vehicle. Thus, the driving information system activates when the vehicle is started and deactivates when the vehicle is switched off The relative positions of the sensor element and the signal generator depend on which they are fixed and will often be different for different vehicles. A person installing the system uses the calibration switch 16 to calibrate the system for the particular relative dispositions of the sensor element and the signal generator, so that the degree of depression of the pedal can be determined. A manner of calibration will be described in greater detail below.

The microcontroller 10 is configured to receive a signal, which may be continuous or periodic, from the sensor arrangement 22. Although not shown, the system may in some embodiments include an analogue to digital converter (ADC) connected between the sensor arrangement 22 and the microcontroller 10. The ADC is configured to convert an analogue signal generated at the sensor arrangement 22 and received from the sensor arrangement 22 at the ADC to a digital signal, which is sent by the ADC to the microcontroller 10. Thus in some embodiments, the microcontroller 10 receives an analogue signal and in others the microcontroller 10 receives a digital signal.

The microcontroller 10 is configured to periodically determine, based on the received signal, information indicative (for example an attribute or degree) of a characteristic(s) of the driver's driving (for example efficiency of fuel usage or driving style). The display 18 is mounted on a dashboard for easy viewing by the driver. The microcontroller 10 controls the display 18 to display graphics and/or text for the driver indicative of a characteristic(s) of current driving (for example, efficiency of fuel usage or driving style).

In embodiments, in determining the information, the microcontroller 10 determines a band from at least two bands using the signal. Each band corresponds to a respective range of pedal positions, such that each pedal position between (and including) the non-depressed and fully depressed positions of the pedal has a single associated band.

The microcontroller 10 is preconfigured to provide a particular number of bands. The correspondence between the pedal positions and bands may be configured when calibrating the system. Each band may correspond to a range of pedal positions, such that each range is the same distance/angle of pedal positions. Alternatively, the bands are weighted such that some bands correspond to a greater distance/angle of pedal positions than others.

Each band has information indicative of a characteristic of the driver's driving associated therewith. For example, an attribute indicating a degree of the characteristic (for example efficiency of fuel usage) may be associated therewith. One band may have an attribute indicating that a driver is driving with good fuel efficiency. Another band may have an attribute indicating that the driver is driving with poor fuel efficiency. Attributes may be graded in accordance with degree of fuel efficiency. More than one band may have the same attribute. In effect, determining a band is determining an attribute.

Figure 2 indicates an example of how the bands may be configured. The result is that each range of pedal positions is associated with information (for example an attribute) indicative of a degree of a characteristic of the driver's driving.

Figure 2 shows illustratively the region in a vehicle over which the pedal arm may move.

Each band corresponds to a particular range of positions of the accelerator pedal. Band 1 corresponds to a vehicle idling at a low speed. Band 2 corresponds to the vehicle idling at higher speed. When the acceleration due to pedal depression is in these bands, an attribute of low fuel efficiency is associated with the driver's driving. Band 3 corresponds to the vehicle operating with the best possible efficiency. Band 4 corresponds to the vehicle operating with good fuel efficiency. Band 5 corresponds to the pedal being depressed to cause high acceleration of the vehicle, at which the fuel economy is poor. In these cases, attributes of excellent, good and poor fuel efficiency are respectively associated with the driver's driving.

The microcontroller 10 causes to display on the display 18 a visual indication of the determined information (for example the attribute). The information may be represented in words, or by colour coding. For example, where the bands represent efficiency of fuel usage, a green colour may display on the display when the pedal is in a position in which fuel is used efficiently and a red colour may display when the pedal is in a position in which fuel is used inefficiently and where there are more than two bands the colour may grade between colours.

While in the embodiment described with reference to Figure 2, there are five bands, the invention is not limited to implementation with any particular number of bands. The microcontroller 10 may simply be configured to determine whether the pedal position is above or below a threshold and control the display 18 to display graphics and/or text indicating a result of the determining. Thus, in this case, in effect, there are two bands.

Alternatively, the microcontroller 10 is configured to control the display 19 to display graphics and/or text indicating a value for the acceleration in a substantially continuous fashion corresponding to pedal position. In this case, there may, for example, be an appropriate graduation of colours to indicate a characteristic(s) to the driver.

Additionally or alternatively, an indication of a characteristic of the driver's driving (for example, efficiency of fuel usage) may be communicated via a speaker system.

The microcontroller 10 stores data relating to the determined information indicative of the characteristic(s) on the data storage device 20. This may be done in many ways.

Where bands are determined, band counters may be configured on the storage device 20 each corresponding to a one of the bands. Each time the microcontroller 10 determines a band, it increments the corresponding band counter, and a time counter.

For example, at the end of each time interval, the microcontroller 10 may increment a counter corresponding to the determined band with a "1" and also increment the journey time with a "1". At the end of the journey, there will thus be a record indicative of the length (or ratio) of time over which the driver was driving in each band. It should be understood that such a counter system might be implemented in a variety of ways, and the incrementing of the counters might be weighted in various ways.

Alternatively, a record of the determined band at a particular time may be stored.

Alternatively, raw information indicative of pedal position at a particular time may be stored.

The storage device 20 may comprise any kind of computer readable storage medium(s).

The computer readable storage medium may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the possible computer readable storage medium would include the following: a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (RUM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPRUM or Flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-RUM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a computer readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that can contain, or store data.

The storage device 20 is adapted to enable transfer of information from the device.

Conveniently, the storage device 20 is removable so that the information thereon can be later analysed. For example the storage device may be a memory card. Each removable storage device 20 may be associated with a particular driver.

Preferably the system is provided in the form of a kit. The system is preferably retrofitted to a vehicle. Installation of the system in a retrofit manner will now be described.

The pedal unit 12 is located such that one of the sensor element and signal generator of the sensor arrangement are fixed to one of the pedal assembly and the wall of the interior of the vehicle and the other of the sensor element and signal generator are fixed to the other of the pedal assembly and the wall. The display 18 is mounted to be viewable by the driver, for example on a dashboard. The other elements of the system are conveniently located. The microcontroller is then calibrated, which will be described with reference to Figure 3. First, an installer operates the calibration switch 16 with the pedal in a fully depressed position. The microcontroller 10 receives a first signal from the calibration switch 16 (step A) and, in response to receipt of the first signal, sets a first position value received in the signal from the sensor arrangement 22 as corresponding to a fully depressed pedal position (step B). The microcontroller 10 then records that first position value as corresponding to the maximum extent of pedal depression in its memory at step C. The microcontroller 10 then indicates at step D to the installer when step C is complete, for example by causing an LED to illuminate.

The installer then releases the pedal so that it is in a non-depressed position and then operates the calibration switch 16 with the pedal in that position. The microcontroller 10 thus receives at step E a second signal from the calibration switch 16 and, in response to receipt of the second signal, sets at step F a second position value received in the signal from the sensor arrangement 22 as corresponding to a non-depressed pedal position. The microcontroller 10 then records that second position value as corresponding to the non-depressed pedal position in its memory at step 0. At step 1-1, the microcontroller 10 determines a number of bands corresponding to ranges of pedal position between the first and second position values in accordance with preconfigured criteria defining the number of bands and the relative sizes of the bands.

It should be understood that calibration of the system on each installation is not necessarily essential. If the sensor element and the signal generator can be installed in known positions in a vehicle, the system can be pre-calibrated. It should also be understood that the order of the steps can be changed such that a position value for the pedal in a non-depressed position is taken before a position value for the pedal in a fully depressed position is determined.

Operation of the system is now described, with reference to Figure 4. First, at step I, the microcontroller 10 receives a signal from the vehicle feeds 14 when the vehicle is started and thus determines that the process of determining information indicative of acceleration is to begin. The microcontroller 10 therefore begins monitoring the signal from the sensor arrangement 22, and also records a start time for a journey on the storage device in association. The microcontroller 10 may also record the identity number of the system.

At step J, the microcontroller 10 receives a position value from the sensor arrangement 22. At step K, the microcontroller 10 determines which band corresponds to that position value. At step L, the microcontroller 10 records data relating to the determined band on the storage device 20 by incrementing the appropriate band counter and the time counter.

At step M, the microcontroller 10 controls the display to inform a driver of the vehicle of the particular band.

Steps I to M are repeated at the end of predetermined time intervals, for example every second.

In embodiments, either step L or step M may be omitted.

The driver is therefore informed of a characteristic of his or her driving. The driver may modify or maintain his or her driving accordingly. Where the characteristic is efficiency of fuel usage, if the driver understands that he or she is driving with poor fuel efficiency, the driver may modify his or her driving appropriately. If the driver understands that he or she is driving with good fuel efficiency, the driver may try to maintain his driving style.

If the characteristic is comfort level, the driver may likewise try to maintain or modify his driving appropriately.

The microcontroller 10 may be configured to allocate points dependent on the determined characteristic. For example, when the microcontroller 10 determines, at the end of each time interval, information indicative of a characteristic of the driver's driving, the microcontroller 10 may then determine points based on this information and allocate points to the driver for that journey (for example by incrementing a points counter). For example, the driver may be allocated more points when driving in a fuel efficient manner than when not. For example, points may be allocated based on a determined band.

For a given route, the driver may have a target number of points to reach or not to exceed.

Optionally, the microcontroller 10 may be configured with this target and the microcontroller 10 may cause the target to be displayed on the display 18 for the driver to view. The microcontroller 10 may also record the number of points achieved by the driver on the display device, optionally with information relating to the route. Drivers may be compared by comparison of points.

The data stored on the storage device 20 may be transferred elsewhere. The data may be loaded onto a computer for review. Advantageously, the operator of a fleet of vehicles may gather data on the driving styles of particular drivers with a view to their fuel economy or other characteristic(s) of their driving. Knowledge that they will be compared may incentivise drivers to drive more efficiently. The display of information indicating a characteristic with which a driver is driving enables a driver to adapt his or her driving technique for improved efficiency.

At step N, the microcontroller 10 determines from the vehicle feeds 14 that the journey is ended and records the time on the data storage device 20 accordingly.

The microcontroller may have various other inputs to add features to the driving information system and/or to allow refinement of the assessment of efficiency of fuel usage. Referring to Figure 5, in another embodiment, the system includes a positioning device 24 including a GPS locator suitable for determining location of the vehicle and providing location data indicative of location of the vehicle to the microcontroller 110.

The GPS locator is capable of receiving signals in accordance with the Global Positioning System (GPS), processing those signals to determine location data indicative of the location of the positioning device at a particular time, and providing that location data to the microcontroller 110. The location data includes an indication of the time at which the location is indicated by the location data in the form of a time stamp. In response to receiving such data, the microcontroller 10 is configured to record the location data on the storage device 20 in association with the time and date.

Although the device 2 includes a GPS locator for determining location data, there are many other ways that the location (or approximate location) of the positioning device might be determined. Embodiments of the invention are not limited to any particular way of generating location data. The positioning device could determine location using another kind of global satellite navigation system (GSNS). Other techniques for determining location could also be used, for example analysis of characteristics of signals to and/or from base stations in a surrounding mobile communications network 6. The location data does not have to be determined at the device; it could be determined in a wireless communications network, or at a remote server, for access by a vehicle owner or operator. Methods of determining the location of a device are known in the applicable art. Location data may not be required from the GPS device.

In an embodiment, the GPS (or GSNS) device provides the time and date to the microcontroller 10, so the microcontroller can set its clock. Alternatively, the microcontroller's clock might be self-regulating.

The microcontroller 110 is configured to receive location data, including an indication of the time at which the location is indicated by the location data in the form of a time stamp. In embodiments, the microcontroller i 10 may be configured to record the location data and time together with the information indicative or relating to pedal position (for example bands) on the storage device 20.

Thus, fuel efficiency may be correlated with route and time. Drivers driving same routes at same times on different days may be fairly compared, encouraging fuel economy.

The system also includes a sending unit 26. The microcontroller 110 is configured to cause transmission via the sending unit of the data recorded in the storage data to a server or another device. The microcontroller 10 may be configured to cause transmission periodically, for example daily. Alternatively, the system may also include a receiving unit (not shown), and the microcontroller 10 may be configured to transit on receipt of a request via the receiving unit. Transmission may, for example, be via a wireless communications network and optionally the internet. The wireless communications network may be a USM communications network, but the invention is not limited by the kind of network or networks over which the sending unit may transmit and, where appropriate, a receiving unit may receive. For example, the sending unit 26 may be configured to communicate with a CDMA network, a Metropolitan Area Network, or a Local Area Network with appropriate range. In particular, if a vehicle typically stays within the limits of a city, it may be convenient for the sending unit 26 to transmit over a Metropolitan Area Network. The invention is also not limited to including any particular kind of network or networks that the data passes through to the server or other device.

Communication with a wireless access point may be performed using various communication protocols, for example, Bluetooth® or Wi-Fi.

While the embodiments described above describe systems configured to monitor accelerator pedal position, it will be appreciated that the system may be applied to a brake pedal to detect brake pedal position. Thus information indicative of negative acceleration (deceleration) due to braking can be determined. This information can also be used to monitor fttel efficiency of a driver's driving and to indicate comfort of passengers. In an embodiment, both brake and accelerator pedal position may be detected and information relating to efficiency of fuel usage and driving style stored for later transfer and/or displayed.

Rather than connecting to vehicle feed lines, the system may have a battery and an activation control for activation when the driver wishes to start monitoring efficiency of fuel usage and deactivation when the driver wishes to cease such monitoring.

As will be further appreciated, the processes in embodiments of the present invention may be implemented using various software, firmware or hardware in the control means or any combination thereof.

Also, in the embodiment described above, determining of information indicative of a characteristic(s) is based on information indicative of a pedal position. In other embodiments, the information indicative of the characteristic(s) may be additionally based on further information, for example measurements provided to the microcontroller from an accelerometer.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising," when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

The applicant hereby discloses in isolation each individual feature or step described herein and any combination of two or more such features, to the extent that such features or steps or combinations of features and/or steps are capable of being carried out based on the present specification as a whole in the light of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art, irrespective of whether such features or steps or combinations of features and/or steps solve any problems disclosed herein, and without limitation to the scope of the claims. The applicant indicates that aspects of the present invention may consist of any such individual feature or step or combination of features and/or steps. In view of the foregoing description it will be evident to a person skilled in the art that various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method comprising: receiving at a control means from a position sensor means information indicative of a position of a pedal in a vehicle; and determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of the driving of the vehicle's driver based at least on the received information.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the position sensor means is auxiliary to any pedal position sensor for use in throttle control.
3. A method according to claim I or claim 2, wherein the determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of the driving of the vehicle's driver is performed at time intervals.
4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one characteristic of the driver's driving comprises efficiency of fuel usage due to the driver's driving.
5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one characteristic comprises driving style of the vehicle's driver.
6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the determining the information comprises determining an attribute of at least one characteristic of the driver's driving.
7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the determining the information comprises determining an attribute from a plurality of predetermined attributes.
8. A method according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of attributes comprise an indication that efficiency of fuel usage due to the driver's driving is good and an indication that efficiency of fuel usage due to the driver's driving is bad.
9. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: when an electrical signal is initially received at the control means from vehicle feeds, beginning determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of the driving of the vehicle's driver; and when an electrical signal is not received from the vehicle feeds, ending said determining.
10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising causing, by the control means, communication to the driver of information indicative of at least one characteristic of the driver's driving.
11. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising controlling storing, by the control means, of data based on the determined information on a computer readable storage medium.
12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the computer readable storage medium is removable.
13. A method according to claim 11 or claim 12, further comprising wirelessly transmitting data stored on the computer readable storage medium.
14. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the position sensor means comprises a non-contacting position sensor.
15. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: receiving by the control means a signal from a calibration control means, on operation by a person to initiate said signal, indicating that the pedal is in a fully depressed position, when the pedal is in the fully depressed position; receiving information from the position sensing means representative of the pedal position and recording said information as corresponding to the fully depressed position; receiving by the control means another signal from the calibration control means, on operation by a person to initiate said other signal, indicating that the pedal is in a non-depressed position when the pedal is in the non-depressed position; receiving information from the position sensing means representative of the pedal position and recording said information as corresponding to the non-depressed position; and calibrating in the control means using predetermined information regarding the at least one characteristic for the range of pedal positions between the fully depressed and the non-depressed pedal positions, so that the control means can determine information indicative of the at least one characteristic based at least on information indicative of pedal position received from the position sensor means.
16. A computer program comprising computer program code means adapted to perform all the steps of any one of claims 1 to 15 when said program is run on processing means.
17. A computer program as claimed in claim 16 embodied on a computer readable storage medium.
18. Apparatus for determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of the driving of a driver of a vehicle, comprising: a processor means; a memory including computer program code, the memory and the computer program code, with the processor, being configured to cause the apparatus at least to perform the steps of any one of claims 1 to 15.
19. A kit for installation in a vehicle, comprising: a position sensor means for providing to a control means information indicative of position of a pedal in the vehicle; and a control means for receiving from the position sensor means information indicative of position of a pedal in a vehicle and determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of the driving of the vehicle's driver based at least on the received information.
20. A kit according to claim 19, wherein the position sensor means comprises a sensing element and a signal generator for generating a signal that can be sensed by the sensing element, the sensing element and the signal generator being configured so that a characteristic of the signal generated depends on the relative positions of the sensing element and the signal generator, wherein one of the sensing element and the signal generator is for fixing to a pedal assembly including the pedal, and the other of the sensing element and the signal generator is for fixing to a wall of the part of a vehicle in which the pedal assembly is located.
21. A kit according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the position sensor means is auxiliary to a pedal position sensor for use in throttle control.
22. A kit according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the control means is configured to determine at time intervals information indicative of at least one characteristic of the driving of the vehicle's driver based at least on received information indicative of pedal position.
23. A kit according to any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the determining at least one characteristic of the driver's driving comprises determining information indicative of efficiency of fuel usage or driving style due to the driver's driving.
24. A kit according to any one of claims 19 to 23, wherein the determining the information indicative of at least one characteristic comprises determining an attribute of the at least one characteristic.
25. A kit according to claim 24, wherein the determining the attribute comprises selecting the attribute from a plurality of predetermined attributes.
26. A kit according to any one of claims 19 to 25, further comprising a display and/or a speaker, wherein the control means causes communication to the driver of information indicating at least one characteristic of the driver's driving via the display and/or the speaker.
27. A kit according to any one of claims 19 to 26, further comprising a computer readable storage medium, wherein the control means is configured to control storing of determined information on the computer readable storage medium.
28. A kit according to claim 27, wherein the computer readable storage medium is removable.
29. A kit according to claim 19 or 28, further comprising means for wirelessly transmitting data stored on the computer readable storage medium.
30. A kit according to any one of claims 19 to 29, wherein the position sensor means comprises a non-contacting position sensor.
31. A kit according to any one of claims 19 to 30, wherein the control means comprises is configured to: receive a signal from a calibration control means, on operation by a person to initiate said signal, indicating that the pedal is in a fully depressed position, when the pedal is in the fully depressed position; receive information from the position sensing means representative of the pedal position and recording said information as corresponding to the fully depressed position; receive another signal from the calibration control means, on operation by a person to initiate said other signal, indicating that the pedal is in a non-depressed position when the pedal is in the non-depressed position; receive information from the position sensing means representative of the pedal position and recording said information as corresponding to the non-depressed position; and calibrate using predetermined information for the range of pedal positions between the fully depressed and the non-depressed pedal positions, so that the control means can determine information indicative of the at least one characteristic based at least on information indicative of pedal position received from the position sensor means.
32. A kit according to any one of claim 19 to 31, wherein the control means is configured for connection to the vehicle feeds, and to detect when the vehicle is started and stopped based on electric signals from the vehicle feeds.
33. A vehicle having installed therein a kit according to any one of claim 19 to 32.
34. A controller for determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of driving of the vehicle's driver, comprising: means for receiving from the position sensor means information indicative of position of a pedal in a vehicle; and means for determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of the driving of the vehicle's driver based at least on the received information.
35. A controller according to claim 34, configured to carry out the steps of any one of claims ito 15.
36. A system for determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of driving of the vehicle's driver based at least on the received information, comprising: a position sensor means for providing to a control means information indicative of position of a pedal in the vehicle; and a controller according to claim 34 or claim 35.
37. A system according to claim 36, further comprising a display, wherein the controller is configured to communicate the information indicative of at least one characteristic to the driver using the display.
38. A vehicle including the system of claim 38.
39. A method of retrofitting a system for determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of the driving of the vehicle's driver, comprising: fixing a position sensor means for sensing position of a pedal in a vehicle to a vehicle; and arranging a control means in the vehicle to receive information indicative of pedal position from the position sensor means, wherein the control means is configured for receiving from the position sensor means information indicative of the pedal position and for determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of the driving of the vehicle's driver based at least on the received infonTnation.
40. A method according to claim 39, further comprising coupling the control means to vehicle feeds of the vehicle, wherein the control means is configured to detect when the vehicle is started and stopped based on electric signals from the vehicle feeds.
41. A method according to claim 39 or claim 40, further comprising locating a display in the vehicle such that the driver can view the display during driving, wherein the control means is configured to control display of the display.
42. A method according to any one of claims 39 to 41, further comprising installing a computer readable storage medium in the vehicle coupled to the control means, wherein the control means is configured to control storing of data on the computer readable storage medium.
43. A method according to any one of claims 39 to 42, further comprising calibrating the control means for said vehicle.
44. A method according to any one of claims 39 to 43, comprising installing the kit of any one of claims 19 to 43.
45. A method according to any one of claims 39 to 44, wherein the control means is configured to carry out the steps of the method of any one of claims 1 to 15.
46. A method of calibrating a system for determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of the driving of the vehicle's driver, comprising a sensing means coupled to a control means including a processor means and a memory, comprising: receiving by the control means a signal from a calibration control means, on operation by a person to initiate said signal, indicating that the pedal is in a fully depressed position, when the pedal is in the fully depressed position; receiving information from the sensing means representative of the pedal position and recording said information as corresponding to the fully depressed position; receiving by the control means another signal from a calibration control means, on operation by a person to initiate said signal, indicating that the pedal is in a non-depressed position when the pedal is in the non-depressed position; receiving information from the sensing means representative of the pedal position and recording said information as corresponding to the non-depressed position; and calibrating at the control means using predetermined information for the at least one characteristic for the range of pedal positions between the fully depressed and the non-depressed pedal positions, so that the control means can determine information indicative of the at least one characteristic based at least on information indicative of pedal position received from the position sensor means.
47. A method according to claim 46, further comprising determining separate, respectively substantially continuous ranges of pedal positions between the substantially fully depressed and the non-depressed positions, wherein each range corresponds to a respective one of a plurality of predetermined bands.
48. A computer program comprising computer program code means adapted to perform all the steps claim 46 or claim 47 when said program is run on processing means.
49. A computer program as claimed in claim 48 embodied on a computer readable storage medium.
50. Apparatus for calibrating a system for determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of the driving of a driver of a vehicle, comprising: a processor means; a memory including computer program code, the memory and the computer program code, with the processor, being configured to cause the apparatus at least to perform the steps of claim 46 or claim 47.
51. A method of, or a kit, a system, a computer program, a controller or apparatus for determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of the driving of the vehicle's driver substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
52. A method of retrofitting in a vehicle a system for determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of the driving of the vehicle's driver substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
53. A method of, or a computer program or a computer program product for calibrating a system for determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of the driving of the vehicle's driver substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows:CLAIMS1. A method comprising: receiving at a control means from a position sensor means information indicative of a position of an accelerator pedal in a vehicle, wherein the position sensor means is auxiliary to a pedal position sensor used in throttle control; and determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of the driving of a driver of the vehicle based at least on the received information.2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of the driving of the vehicle's driver is perfonned at time intervals.3. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one characteristic of the driver's driving comprises efficiency of fuel usage due to the driver's driving. Co4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the determining the infonriation comprises determining an attribute of at least one characteristic of the driver's driving.5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the determining the information comprises determining an attribute from a plurality of predetermined attributes.6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: when an electrical signal is initially received at the control means from vehicle feeds, beginning determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of the driving of the vehicle's driver; and when an electrical signal is not received from the vehicle feeds, ending said detenTnining.7. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising causing, by the control means, communication to the driver of information indicative of at least one characteristic of the driver's driving.8. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising controlling storing, by the control means, of data based on the determined information on a computer readable storage medium.9. A method according to claim 8, wherein the computer readable storage medium is removable.10. A method according to claim 8 or claim 9, further comprising wirelessly transmitting data stored on the computer readable storage medium. c\J11. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the CO position sensor means comprises a non-contacting position sensor.o 12. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: receiving by the control means a signal from a calibration control means, on operation by a person to initiate said signal, indicating that the pedal is in a fully depressed position, when the pedal is in the fully depressed position; receiving information from the position sensing means representative of the pedal position and recording said information as corresponding to the fully depressed position; receiving by the control means another signal from the calibration control means, on operation by a person to initiate said other signal, indicating that the pedal is in a non-depressed position when the pedal is in the non-depressed position; receiving information from the position sensing means representative of the pedal position and recording said information as corresponding to the non-depressed position; and calibrating in the control means using predetermined information regarding the at least one characteristic for the range of pedal positions between the frilly depressed and the non-depressed pedal positions, so that the control means can determine information indicative of the at least one characteristic based at least on information indicative of pedal position received from the position sensor means.13. A computer program comprising computer program code means adapted to perform the method of any one of claims 1 to 12 when said program is run on processing means.14. A computer program as claimed in claim 13 embodied on a computer readable storage medium. r15. Apparatus for determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of the driving of a driver of a vehicle, comprising: C) o a processor means; a memory including computer program code, the memoiy and the computer program code, with the processor, being configured to cause the apparatus at least to perform the method of any one of claims ito 12.16. A kit for installation in a vehicle, comprising: a position sensor means for providing to a control means information indicative of position of an accelerator pedal in the vehicle, wherein the position sensor means is auxiliary to a pedal position sensor used in throttle control; and a control means for receiving from the position sensor means information indicative of position of an accelerator pedal in the vehicle and determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of driving of a driver of the vehicle based at least on the received information.17. A kit according to claim 16, wherein the position sensor means comprises a sensing element and a signal generator for generating a signal that can be sensed by the sensing element, the sensing element and the signal generator being configured so that a characteristic of the signal generated depends on the relative positions of the sensing element and the signal generator, wherein one of the sensing element and the signal generator is for fixing to a pedal assembly including the accelerator pedal, and the other of the sensing element and the signal generator is for fixing to a wall of a part of a vehicle in which the pedal assembly is located.18. A kit according to any one of claims 16 and 17, wherein the control means is configured to determine at time intervals information indicative of at least one characteristic of the driving of the vehicle's driver based at least on received information indicative of accelerator pedal position. c\J19. A kit according to any one of claims 16 to 18, wherein the determining at least one characteristic of the driver's driving comprises determining information indicative of efficiency of fuel usage due to the driver's driving. C)20. A kit according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the determining the information indicative of at least one characteristic comprises determining an attribute of the at least one characteristic.21 A kit according to claim 20, wherein the determining the attribute comprises selecting the attribute from a plurality of predetermined attributes.22. A kit according to any one of claims 16 to 21, frirther comprising a display and/or a speaker, wherein the control means causes communication to the driver of information indicating at least one characteristic of the driver's driving via the display and/or the speaker.23. A kit according to any one of claims 16 to 22, further comprising a computer readable storage medium, wherein the control means is configured to control storing of determined information on the computer readable storage medium.24. A kit according to claim 23, wherein the computer readable storage medium is removable.25. A kit according to claim 16 or 24, further comprising means for wirelessly transmitting data stored on the computer readable storage medium.26. A kit according to any one of claims 16 to 25, wherein the position sensor means comprises a non-contacting position sensor.27. A kit according to any one of claims 16 to 2826 wherein the control means r is configured to: receive a signal from a calibration control means, on operation by a person to initiate said signal, indicating that the accelerator pedal is in a fully depressed position, when the accelerator pedal is in the fully depressed position; receive infonTnation from the position sensing means representative of the pedal position and recording said information as corresponding to the fully depressed position; receive another signal from the calibration control means, on operation by a person to initiate said other signal, indicating that the accelerator pedal is in a non-depressed position when the accelerator pedal is in the non-depressed position; receive information from the position sensing means representative of the pedal position and recording said information as corresponding to the non-depressed position; and calibrate using predetermined information for the range of pedal positions between the fully depressed and the non-depressed pedal positions, so that the control means can detenTnine information indicative of the at least one characteristic based at least on information indicative of pedal position received from the position sensor means.2K A kit according to any one of claim 16 to 27, wherein the control means is configured for connection to the vehicle feeds, and to detect when the vehicle is started and stopped based on electric signals from the vehicle feeds.29. A vehicle having installed therein a kit according to any one of claim 16 to 28.30. A controller for determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of driving of a driver of a vehicle, comprising: means for receiving from a position sensor means infonTnation indicative of position of an accelerator pedal in a vehicle, wherein the position sensor means is auxiliary to a pedal position sensor used in throttle control; and means for determining information indicative of at least one characteristic CO of the driving of the driver of the vehicle based at least on the received information. C)31. A controller according to claim 30, configured to carry out the method of any one of claims ito 12.32. A system for determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of driving of a driver of a vehicle, comprising: a position sensor means for providing to a control means information indicative of position of an accelerator pedal in the vehicle, wherein the position sensor means is auxiliary to a pedal position sensor used in throttle control; and a controller according to claim 30 or claim 31.33. A system according to claim 32, ftirther comprising a display, wherein the controller is configured to communicate the infonriation indicative of at least one characteristic to the driver using the display.34. A vehicle including the system of claim 33.35. A method of retrofitting a system for determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of driving of a driver of a vehicle, comprising: fixing a position sensor means for sensing position of an accelerator pedal in a vehicle to a vehicle, wherein the position sensor means is auxiliary to a pedal position sensor used in throttle control; and arranging a control means in the vehicle to receive information indicative of accelerator pedal position from the position sensor means, wherein the control means is configured for receiving from the position sensor means information indicative of the accelerator pedal position and for detenTnining information indicative of at least one characteristic of the driving of the driver of the vehicle based at least on the received information. c\J36. A method according to claim 35, frirther comprising coupling the control CO means to vehicle feeds of the vehicle, wherein the control means is configured to detect when the vehicle is started and stopped based on electric signals from the C) o vehicle feeds.37. A method according to claim 35 or claim 36, ftirther comprising locating a display in the vehicle such that the driver can view the display during driving, wherein the control means is configured to control display of the display.38. A method according to any one of claims 35 to 37, fttrther comprising installing a computer readable storage medium in the vehicle coupled to the control means, wherein the control means is configured to control storing of data on the computer readable storage medium.39. A method according to any one of claims 35 to 38, further comprising calibrating the control means for said vehicle.40. A method according to any one of claims 35 to 39, comprising installing the kit of any one of claims 16 to 28.41. A method according to any one of claims 35 to 40, wherein the control means is configured to carry out the method of any one of claims 1 to 12.42. A method of, or a system, a controller or apparatus for determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of the driving of the vehicle's driver substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.43. A method of retrofitting in a vehicle a system for determining information indicative of at least one characteristic of the driving of the vehicle's driver substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying C\J drawings. r44. A kit for installation in a vehicle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.