JP4188107B2 - Display device and method of possible mileage of vehicle - Google Patents

Description

【００３３】
次いで、以下の（２）式に示すように、上述の基準燃費に燃料の残容量を乗じることで、燃料の残容量で走行できる、車両の可能走行距離を演算する。
車両の可能走行距離＝基準燃費×燃料の残容量 …（２）
以上の演算処理により求めた車両の可能走行距離をディスプレイ８により表示する。
上述した記演算処理の中で、基準燃費を最初に求めるとき、すなわち、残燃料センサ３からの出力信号に基づき燃料タンク内の燃料残容量が例えば５リットル以下になった旨を検知した直後では、前回基準燃費を未だ求めておらず、上述の（１）式で基準燃費を求めることができない。
【００３４】
このときには、前回基準燃費として、記憶手段７に入力されている、運転者別の車両の走行履歴（区間燃費履歴）から、現在運転している運転者の総区間燃費の平均値を採用する。あるいは、運転者の総区間燃費の平均値に代わり、運転者別の所定数（例えば、現時点を基準としてそこから直前の５００個）の区間燃費の平均値を採用してもよい。
【００３５】
このように、走行状況に応じて変化しかつ更新される基準燃費を基に車両の可能走行距離を演算して表示するので、現実の走行状況に即した車両の可能走行距離を表示することができる。しかも、基準燃費を演算するのに、燃料の残容量の要素を係数を変化させる形で組み入れて、基準燃費に対する区間燃費の最新の値を反映させる割合（重み）を変えているので、燃料の残容量が少なくなるにつれて、最新の区間燃費をより重く評価して基準燃費を演算することができ、より現実の走行に即した車両の可能走行距離を表示することができる。
【００３６】
加えて、ＩＤカード読取手段６によって運転者が誰かを識別し、運転者別に車両の可能走行距離を演算して表示するようにしているので、運転者が操縦する際の固有のくせに応じた車両の可能走行距離を表示することができ、したがって、より正確な車両の可能走行距離を表示することができる。
【００３７】
上述のように実施の形態を詳述したが、本発明は上記実施の形態に限定されるものではなく、特許請求の範囲に記載された発明を逸脱することのない範囲で種々の設計変更可能である。
【００３８】
例えば、前述の実施の形態では、運転者別に区間燃費を演算して記憶手段７に個別に記憶させていたが、これに限らず、車両が特定の一人しか乗らない場合等には、ＩＤカード読取手段７等の運転者を識別するための認識手段を用いることなく、運転者は共通の一人として、上述の（１）式、（２）式に基づく演算処理をしてもよい。
このとき、基準燃費を最初に求めるときの表示装置起動直後の前回基準燃費としては、記憶手段７に入力されている、車両の走行履歴から演算される総区間燃費の平均値を採用するとよい。また、例えば、途中で車両の持ち主が変わるときには、車両の走行履歴から演算される総区間燃費について、リセットできるような機構を設けてもよい。
【００３９】
＜比較例＞
次に、実際に車両を走行させて、本発明に係る車両の可能走行距離の表示装置と他の表示装置との性能を比較した例について説明する。
【００４０】
図２は、車両の可能走行距離の表示装置の概略構成を示したものである。この図において符号１０はメータケーシングであり、この中には、所定の処理プログラムに沿って演算を行うＣＰＵ１が収納されるとともに、このＣＰＵ１に電気的に接続された形で記憶手段７も収納されている。
また、ＣＰＵ１には、図１でも説明したように、残燃料センサ２、燃料消費量センサ３、走行距離センサ４がそれぞれ電気的に接続されている。
残燃料センサ２は、例えば燃料タンク１２内に取り付けられたサーミスタからなっており、燃料タンク１２内の残燃料量が５リットル以下でオン信号を発するものである。また、燃料消費量センサ３は、ＥＣＵ１３から発せられるフューエルパルスを検出するものであり、１パスルあたり所定量例えば１０ｃｃの燃料が消費されたことを検出することができ、したがって、何パルス検出できたかで燃料の消費量を知り得るものである。また、走行距離センサ４は、車速を表示するためのＳＰパルスを基に車両の走行距離を検出するものである。
【００４１】
車両の可能走行可能距離は、基本的に、基準燃費に燃料の残容量を乗じることによって求める。この基準燃費の求め方を、本発明に係るものと、それ以外の２つものを用意し、それらについて評価した。
【００４２】
評価方法は、イ）運転者が違和感を感じないことと、ロ）表示が正確であることの２つの側面から行った。
前者のイ）運転者が違和感を感じないことは、図６〜図８に示すように後述する残距離表示の変化を図でみて、判断した。また、後者のロ）表示が正確であることは、後述する（３）式に基づき判断した。
【００４３】
ここで、それら評価をする際に用いる真残距離について説明する。図３に示すように、実際に車両を走行させてそのときの走行状態を走行距離と消費燃料量との関係で記録しておく。そして、まず、燃料がなくなった個所と仮定するガス欠ポイントＰを決める。すると、そこから残燃料量５リットルさかのぼった個所が定まり、これが残燃料センサ２から初めてオン信号が発せられるリザーブ（ＲＥＳ）点である。そして、図４に示すように、リザーブ点後のある点ａを考えると、その点ａからガス欠ポイントＰまで走った距離がわかる。これを真残距離とする。
【００４４】
そして、点ａをリザーブ点からガス欠ポイントＰまで移動させ、推定残距離と真残距離の差の平均を次に示す（３）式で評価する。この評価が前述のロ）表示が正確であることに対する評価である。値は少ないほどよい。
【数１】

ここで、推定残距離は、それぞれ以下の３通りの方法で求められる基準燃費にそれぞれ残燃料量を乗じて得られる計算値である。
【００４５】
基準燃費の計算方法として、以下の３通りを考えた。
▲１▼ 経過時間による方法
現在の直前のｘ時間の平均燃費を基準燃費とする。ｘは０．３時間〜１．５時間まで０．３時間刻みで変化させた。
▲２▼ 消費燃料による方法
現在の直前、燃料をｙリットル消費した時間の平均燃費を基準燃費とする。ｙは１リットル〜５リットルまで１リットル刻みで変化させた。
▲３▼ 更新前の基準燃費に重みを付ける方法
区間燃費（現在の直前、燃料を１０ｃｃ消費するのにかかった時間の平均燃費）を更新する度に基準燃費も更新する。このとき、前回燃料基準（更新前の燃料基準）に重みをつけることによって算出した区間燃費をどの程度の割合で反映するかを調整する。
【００４６】
すなわち、このときの基準燃費は前記（１）式で表される。
ここで、ｍは燃料の残容量によって決定する係数であって以下の（４）式で表される。
ｍ＝重み係数×基準重み …（４）
ここで、重み係数は以下の表２に示されるものを用いた。
【００４７】
【表２】

基準重みｎは、２００〜１０００まで２００刻みで変化させた。
【００４８】
走行データの採取は以下のように行った。
可能走行距離の表示は過去の走行状態を参照するため、走行状態の急変に弱い。そこで、そのような急変が普通に起こりうるような、それでいて一般的なツーリングコースを設定した。また、一般道路、峠、高速道路の走行時間が１：１：１となるようにし、それが２回繰り返されるようなコースを選んだ。
【００４９】
得られた結果を図５に示す。この図において、横軸は出発を基点とした時刻、縦軸は燃費である。区間燃費は直前１５秒間の平均燃費を、積算燃費はテスト開始時からの平均燃費を示す。一般道路、峠、高速道路の特徴がはっきり出ている。
【００５０】
評価の結果
イ）運転者が違和感を感じないことについての評価
任意に設定したガス欠ポイントＰを終点としたときの各走行可能距離の表示装置の表示を以下の図６〜図８に示す。結果的に、▲３▼の方法が最もデータのがたつきがなくベストであることがわかる。
【００５１】
図６は、基準燃費の計算方法として前記▲１▼の経過時間による方法を採用したものの結果を示す。この図において横軸は車両の可能走行距離の表示装置による表示開始からの時刻、縦軸は推定残距離と真残距離である。ｘ＝０．３以外は特に大きながたつきはなかった。
【００５２】
図７は基準燃費の計算方法として前記▲２▼の消費燃料による方法を採用したものの結果を示す。この図において横軸はリザーブ点からの残燃料量、縦軸は推定残距離と真残距離である。ｙ＝１以外は特に大きながたつきはなかった。
【００５３】
図８は基準燃費の計算方法として前記▲３▼の更新前の基準燃費に重みを付ける方法、つまり、本願発明を採用したものの結果を示す。
横軸は可能走行距離の表示装置のよる表示開始からの消費燃料、縦軸は可能走行距離の表示装置の表示と真残距離である。大きながたつきはみられなかった。がたつきの無さでは３種類の中で一番であり、運転者にとって最も違和感がないことがわかった。
【００５４】
ロ）表示が正確であることについての評価
今回の走行データ中に任意のガス欠ポイントＰを５つ設定し、前述の（３）式に従って、基準燃費の計算方法が異なる前述の３つの方法についてそれぞれ評価した。その結果を以下に示す。
【表３】

【表４】

【表５】

【００５５】
評価の平均値をみると方法違いによる差は明らかであり、▲１▼の方法の平均値は０．２５３、▲２▼の方法の平均値は０．２００、▲３▼の方法の平均値は０．１４９であり、▲３▼の方法がベストであることがわかった。その中でも差はわずかであるがｎ＝４００が評価０．１４６で最小値となったためベストであることがわかった。
つまり、▲３▼の方法でかつｎ＝４００を採用した場合が、最も車両の可能走行距離を正確に表示できることがわかった。
【００５６】
【発明の効果】
以上詳述したように、本願発明の車両の走行距離の表示装置によれば、走行状況に応じて変化しかつ更新される基準燃費を基に車両の可能走行距離を演算するので、現実の走行状況に即した車両の可能走行距離を表示することができる。また、基準燃費を演算するのに燃料の残容量の要素を係数を変化させる形で組み入れて、基準燃費に対する区間燃費の最新の値を反映させる割合（重み）を変えるようにすれば、燃料の残容量が少なくなるにつれて、最新の区間燃費をより重く評価して基準燃費を演算することができ、より現実の走行に即した車両の可能走行距離を表示できる。また、装置起動時に前回基準燃費として、車両の走行履歴から演算される、例えば現時点を基準としてそこから過去にさかのぼった所定数の区間燃費の平均値を採用すれば、その車両にとって平均的な燃費を基に車両の可能走行距離を演算できるので、同値が現実の可能走行距離値から大きく外れることがなく、信頼性の高い可能走行距離を表示でき、また、可能走行距離の表示値が急激に変化することがなく、現実の可能走行距離に近い形で表示することができ、運転者にとって違和感の少ない表示が行える。
また、演算手段には、運転者を識別する識別手段と、識別手段により識別された運転者別に演算された区間燃費が記憶される記憶手段を接続する構成にすれば、運転者別に車両の可能走行距離の演算を行なうので、より正確な車両の可能走行距離を表示できる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】 本発明の車両の可能走行距離の表示装置を示すブロック図である。
【図２】 本発明の車両の可能走行距離の表示装置の効果を説明するためのもので、当該表示装置の構成要素の一部が車両に組み込まれた状態を示す概略図である。
【図３】 真残距離を説明するための図である。
【図４】 真残距離を説明するための図である。
【図５】 本発明の車両の可能走行距離の表示装置の効果を説明するためのもので、当該表示装置を搭載した車両が実際の走行したときの時刻と燃費の関係を示す図である。
【図６】 基準燃費の計算方法として経過時間による方法を採用したときの推定残距離と真残距離との比較を示す図である。
【図７】 基準燃費の計算方法として消費燃料による方法を採用したときの推定残距離と真残距離との比較を示す図である。
【図８】 基準燃費の計算方法として更新前の基準燃費に重みを付ける方法を採用したときの推定残距離と真残距離との比較を示す図である。
【符号の説明】
１…ＣＰＵ（演算手段）
２…残燃料センサ
３…燃料消費量センサ
４…走行距離センサ
５…イグニッションスイッチ
６…ＩＤカード読取手段（識別手段）
７…記憶手段
８…ディスプレイ（表示手段）[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for displaying a possible travel distance of a vehicle, which displays a travel distance of a vehicle that can travel with the remaining fuel capacity when the remaining fuel capacity is less than a predetermined value.
[0002]
[Prior art]
As a conventional method of displaying the possible travel distance of this type of vehicle, the travel distance corresponding to the fuel consumption amount for each predetermined fuel consumption amount or the fuel consumption amount corresponding to the travel distance for each predetermined travel distance is sequentially stored. Using this stored data, it is known that the mileage corresponding to the past fuel consumption equivalent to the current remaining fuel amount is obtained from the current point, and this mileage is displayed as the estimated mileage from the present point. (For example, refer to Patent Document 1).
[0003]
In addition, as a method of displaying the possible travel distance of other vehicles, the fuel usage amount within a predetermined period is obtained from the injection amount of the fuel injection solenoid, and the travel distance within the predetermined time period is obtained from the speed sensor, and at the same time, the fuel tank is obtained from the output of the fuel gauge. The amount of remaining fuel in the
Current possible travel distance = {(last possible travel distance × m) + calculated value} / (m + 1)
However,
m: Coefficient selected by the amount of remaining fuel
Calculated value = remaining fuel amount x fuel consumption
Fuel consumption = mileage / fuel consumption
It is known that the possible travel distance of a vehicle is calculated by performing the calculation using the following formula, and the calculated possible travel distance of the vehicle is displayed on a display (for example, see Patent Document 2).
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 61-277019 A (first page)
[Patent Document 2]
Japanese Patent No. 2704561 (first page)
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In the former method of displaying the possible travel distance of the conventional vehicle described above, basically, the travel distance corresponding to the past fuel consumption equivalent to the current remaining fuel amount, based on the current time. Since it does not place much importance on the fuel economy of the minute section at the moment, if the driving situation changes suddenly, for example, from uphill to downhill, conversely from downhill to uphill, Or when changing from a general road to a highway etc., there existed a problem that an exact display could not be performed.
[0006]
On the other hand, in the latter of the conventional methods for displaying the possible travel distance of the vehicle described above, the calculated value calculated from the fuel efficiency of the current minute section by changing the coefficient m in accordance with the remaining fuel amount. Since the possible mileage of the vehicle is obtained by weighting the vehicle, there is an advantage that the possible mileage can be displayed in a form close to the current situation, but there is the following problem.
The possible mileage of the current vehicle is calculated on the assumption of the previous possible mileage of the vehicle, and at the time of starting the device, the previous possible mileage is not fixed and is undefined. There was a problem that the distance could not be calculated accurately. That is, assuming that a value calculated by multiplying the remaining fuel amount based on the fuel consumption when, for example, traveling for one minute immediately after the device is started, is adopted as the previous possible travel distance (first possible travel distance). The mileage of the section is inevitably changed greatly depending on the driving conditions such as uphill, downhill, sudden acceleration / deceleration operation, etc., so the first possible mileage is displayed based on the unstable fuel consumption as a result. There was a problem that it was impossible to accurately calculate the subsequent possible travel distance calculated based on the first possible distance.
In addition, if the driving situation when adopted as the previous possible driving distance at the time of starting the device is significantly different from the driving situation in the future, the change in the driving distance displayed after that is abrupt, or conversely hardly changes As a result, there is a problem that the driver who recognizes the travelable distance may feel uncomfortable.
[0007]
Furthermore, in the above-described conventional method of displaying the possible travel distance of the vehicle, neither the front nor the latter is configured to display the travelable distance for each driver even when the driver is replaced. There is a problem that the display of the possible mileage of the vehicle cannot be accurately performed.
In other words, even in the same vehicle, since there is a unique habit at the time of maneuvering for each driver, the fuel consumption is not uniform, and it is uniform regardless of who the driver is. In the type that displays the possible mileage, there is a limit to the accuracy of the display.
[0008]
In view of the above circumstances, the object of the present invention is that the display value of the possible mileage does not change abruptly and can be displayed in a form close to the actual possible mileage. It is an object of the present invention to provide a display method and device for a possible mileage of a vehicle that is less uncomfortable for the user.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a display device for the possible travel distance of a vehicle that can display the possible travel distance for each driver and can display more accurately.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the display device for the possible travel distance of the vehicle according to claim 1 displays the travel distance of the vehicle that can travel with the remaining fuel capacity when the remaining fuel capacity becomes less than a predetermined value. A display device of possible mileage of the vehicle
  A remaining fuel sensor (for example, the remaining fuel sensor 2 of the embodiment) that detects that the remaining capacity of the fuel is less than a predetermined value;
  A fuel consumption sensor (for example, the fuel consumption sensor 3 of the embodiment) for detecting the fuel consumption;
  A travel distance sensor for detecting the travel distance of the vehicle (for example, the travel distance sensor 4 of the embodiment);
  Based on the respective output signals from the fuel consumption sensor and the mileage sensor, the section fuel consumption is calculated for each predetermined section during travel, and the latest value of the section fuel consumption and past fuel consumption data before that are calculated. Calculation means (for example, CPU 1 of the embodiment) that calculates and updates the reference fuel efficiency for each predetermined section, and calculates the possible travel distance of the vehicle by multiplying the reference fuel efficiency by the remaining fuel capacity;
  Display means (for example, the display 8 of the embodiment) for displaying the possible travel distance of the vehicle calculated by the calculation means.,
  The calculation means calculates the possible travel distance of the vehicle based on the following formula:It is characterized by that.
Possible mileage of vehicle = standard fuel consumption x remaining fuel capacity
Standard fuel consumption = (m x previous standard fuel consumption + latest value of section fuel consumption) / (m + 1)
m: Factor that decreases as the remaining fuel capacity decreases
Last reference fuel consumption: The reference fuel consumption is updated every time the vehicle travels in the specified section.
Standard fuel consumption just before
Section fuel consumption: Average fuel consumption while consuming a predetermined amount of fuel
[0010]
In the present invention, when the remaining capacity of the fuel becomes less than a predetermined value, the remaining fuel sensor detects that fact. Then, the calculation means calculates the section fuel consumption for each predetermined section at the time of traveling based on the output signals from the fuel consumption sensor and the travel distance sensor, and the latest value of the section fuel consumption and earlier The reference fuel consumption is calculated and updated from the past fuel consumption data. Then, this updated reference fuel consumption is multiplied by the remaining fuel capacity to calculate the possible travel distance of the vehicle, and this value is displayed as the possible travel distance of the vehicle through the display means. The driver can recognize how much the vehicle can travel with the remaining fuel capacity by looking at this display.
Thus, since the possible travel distance of the vehicle is calculated based on the reference fuel consumption that changes and is updated according to the travel situation, the possible travel distance of the vehicle in accordance with the actual travel situation can be displayed.
[0012]
In the present invention, since the possible travel distance of the vehicle is calculated based on the reference fuel consumption that changes and is updated according to the travel situation, it is possible to display the possible travel distance of the vehicle in accordance with the actual travel situation. In addition, in calculating the standard fuel efficiency, the factor of remaining fuel capacity is incorporated in a form that changes the coefficient, and the ratio (weight) that reflects the latest value of the section fuel efficiency relative to the standard fuel efficiency is changed. As the capacity decreases, the latest fuel economy can be more heavily evaluated and the reference fuel efficiency can be calculated, and the possible travel distance of the vehicle in accordance with the actual travel can be displayed.
[0013]
  Claim 2The display device of the possible mileage of the vehicle ofClaim 1When the display device of the possible travel distance of the vehicle is activated, the previous reference fuel consumption is input to the storage means (for example, the storage means 7 of the embodiment) connected to the calculation means. An average value of a predetermined number of section fuel consumption calculated from the travel history is employed.
[0014]
In the present invention, as the previous reference fuel consumption at the time of starting the apparatus, for example, an average value of a predetermined number of section fuel consumption dates back to the past from the current time as a reference is adopted. Since the possible mileage of the vehicle is calculated based on the average fuel consumption for the vehicle, the same value does not deviate significantly from the actual possible mileage value, and the reliable mileage can be displayed.
[0015]
  Claim 3The display device of the possible mileage of the vehicle ofClaim 1When the display device of the possible travel distance of the vehicle is activated, the previous reference fuel consumption is input to the storage means (for example, the storage means 7 of the embodiment) connected to the calculation means. An average value of the total section fuel consumption calculated from the travel history is employed.
[0016]
In the present invention, since the average value of the total section fuel consumption calculated from the travel history of the vehicle is adopted as the previous reference fuel consumption when the device is started, that is, the possible travel distance of the vehicle is determined based on the lifetime fuel consumption for the vehicle. Since the calculation is performed, the same value is not greatly deviated from the actual possible travel distance value, and the possible travel distance with high reliability can be displayed.
[0017]
  Claim 4The display device of the possible mileage of the vehicle ofClaim 1The calculation means (for example, the CPU 1 of the embodiment) includes an identification means for identifying the driver (for example, the ID card reading means 6 of the embodiment) and a calculation for each driver identified by the identification means. The storage means (for example, the storage means 7 of the embodiment) for storing the section fuel consumption is connected, and the calculation means reads the section fuel consumption stored for each driver from the storage means, and based on the section fuel consumption The calculation of the possible travel distance of the vehicle is performed for each driver, and the result is displayed on the display means (for example, the display 8 of the embodiment).
[0018]
In the present invention, since the possible travel distance of the vehicle is calculated for each driver, a more accurate possible travel distance of the vehicle can be displayed. In other words, even when driving the same vehicle, each driver has a unique habit when maneuvering and the fuel consumption is not uniform, and the possible mileage of the vehicle is displayed according to the habit when driving each of these drivers it can.
[0019]
  Claim 5The display method of the possible travel distance of the vehicle is a display method of the possible travel distance of the vehicle that displays the travel distance of the vehicle that can travel with the remaining fuel capacity when the remaining fuel capacity becomes less than a predetermined value. ,
  When the remaining amount of fuel decreases, the possible travel distance is calculated based on the following formula based on the fuel efficiency calculated from the past travel history of the vehicle, and is displayed.
  Possible mileage of vehicle = standard fuel consumption x remaining fuel capacity
  Standard fuel consumption = (m x previous standard fuel consumption + latest value of section fuel consumption) / (m + 1)
  m: Fuel remaining capacityThe smaller the number, the smallercoefficient
  Last reference fuel consumption: The reference fuel consumption is updated every time the vehicle travels in the specified section.
                Standard fuel consumption just before
  Section fuel consumption: Average fuel consumption while consuming a predetermined amount of fuel
[0020]
  In the present invention, the aforementionedClaim 1The possible travel distance of the vehicle can be displayed in the same manner as the invention.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of a display device and a display method for a possible travel distance of a vehicle according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0022]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a display device of possible mileage of a vehicle according to the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a CPU that performs an operation described later in accordance with a predetermined processing program. For example, the CPU 1 is stored in a meter casing in which various meters for displaying the remaining fuel capacity, vehicle speed, engine speed, and the like are arranged.
The CPU 1 is electrically connected to a remaining fuel sensor 2, a fuel consumption sensor 3, a travel distance sensor 4, an ignition switch 5, an ID card reading means 6 and a storage means 7, and a display 8 is also electrically connected. ing.
[0023]
The remaining fuel sensor 2 is provided in a fuel tank (not shown) and detects that the remaining capacity of the fuel stored in the fuel tank has become a predetermined value (for example, 5 liters) or less. For example, a liquid level gauge made of a thermistor is used.
The fuel consumption sensor 3 detects the fuel consumption. For example, what detects the amount of fuel consumption based on the signal output from the injection solenoid of the fuel injection nozzle attached to the engine is used.
[0024]
The travel distance sensor 4 detects the travel distance of the vehicle. For example, the travel distance may be detected directly, or the travel distance may be obtained by using a speed sensor and integrating speed information obtained from the speed sensor.
The ignition switch 5 is used when setting conditions for activating a display device for the possible travel distance of the vehicle. That is, when the ignition switch 5 is turned on and the remaining fuel capacity becomes a predetermined value or less, the display of the possible travel distance of the vehicle is performed.
[0025]
The ID card reading means 6 recognizes who is currently driving or is about to drive by reading an ID card previously given to the driver who drives the vehicle. It is used to do.
The storage means 7 stores in advance a control program (the contents of the control program will be described later) for calculating the possible travel distance of the vehicle by the CPU 1 and supplies a predetermined amount of fuel when the vehicle is driven. The average fuel consumption during consumption, that is, the section fuel consumption is stored for each driver.
[0026]
In accordance with the control program, the CPU 1 calculates the section fuel consumption for each predetermined section during traveling based on the output signals from the fuel consumption sensor 4 and the travel distance sensor 5, and calculates the latest value of the section fuel consumption. The reference fuel consumption is calculated and updated for each predetermined section from the previous past fuel consumption data, and the available travel distance of the vehicle is calculated by multiplying the reference fuel consumption by the remaining fuel capacity.
The display 8 displays the possible mileage of the vehicle calculated by the CPU 1 as described above. For example, a display using liquid crystal is used.
[0027]
Next, a display method using the display device for the possible travel distance of the vehicle will be described.
When the driver turns on the ignition switch 5 via the ignition key, the CPU 1 is activated. That is, a control program stored in advance in the storage unit 7 is read by the CPU 1, and the following arithmetic processing is performed by the CPU 1.
[0028]
First, the ID card reading means 7 reads the ID card inserted by the driver, and recognizes who the driver is based on the output signal from the ID card reading means 7.
Then, when the driver starts the vehicle, based on the output signals from the fuel consumption sensor 4 and the travel distance sensor 5, the travel distance is divided by the fuel consumption for each predetermined section when the vehicle travels. , And the calculated value is stored in storage areas 7 a, 7 b... Provided for each driver of the storage means 7. Here, the predetermined section may be, for example, a travel distance when 10 cc of fuel is consumed, or may be a predetermined distance (for example, 100M).
[0029]
When the remaining amount of fuel is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, the section fuel consumption is calculated for each driver and stored in the storage means 7 as described above, and the possible travel distance of the vehicle is not displayed on the display 8. The storage of the fuel efficiency of each section for each driver is performed continuously when the possible travel distance of the vehicle, which will be described later, is displayed on the display 8.
[0030]
When the remaining fuel capacity becomes a predetermined value or less, that is, when the remaining fuel capacity in the fuel tank becomes 5 liters or less based on the output signal from the remaining fuel sensor 3, the CPU 1 performs the following The calculation is performed, and the possible travel distance of the vehicle is displayed on the display 8.
[0031]
That is, as described above, the section fuel efficiency for each predetermined section during traveling is calculated based on the respective output signals from the fuel consumption sensor 4 and the travel distance sensor 5, and the reference is based on the latest value of the section fuel consumption. The fuel consumption is calculated based on the following equation (1).
Standard fuel consumption = (m × previous standard fuel consumption + latest value of section fuel consumption) / (m + 1 (1)
m: Factor determined by the remaining fuel capacity
Previous reference fuel consumption: The reference fuel consumption is updated each time the vehicle travels in the specified section, but the reference fuel consumption immediately before the update
Section fuel consumption: Average fuel consumption while consuming a predetermined amount of fuel (for example, 10 cc)
[0032]
Here, changing the coefficient m according to the remaining fuel capacity means that the ratio of the latest value of the section fuel efficiency to be reflected in the reference fuel efficiency is determined by the remaining fuel capacity.
The value of the coefficient m is determined from an empirical rule based on repetition of various running tests. For example, the value shown in the table below is used.
[Table 1]

[0033]
Next, as shown in the following equation (2), by multiplying the above-mentioned reference fuel efficiency by the remaining fuel capacity, the possible travel distance of the vehicle that can travel with the remaining fuel capacity is calculated.
Possible travel distance of vehicle = reference fuel consumption × remaining fuel capacity (2)
The possible travel distance of the vehicle obtained by the above calculation process is displayed on the display 8.
In the above calculation process, when the reference fuel consumption is first calculated, that is, immediately after detecting that the remaining fuel capacity in the fuel tank has become, for example, 5 liters or less based on the output signal from the remaining fuel sensor 3. The previous reference fuel consumption has not yet been obtained, and the reference fuel consumption cannot be obtained by the above-described equation (1).
[0034]
At this time, the average value of the total section fuel consumption of the driver currently driving is adopted from the travel history of the vehicle for each driver (section fuel consumption history) input to the storage means 7 as the previous reference fuel consumption. Alternatively, instead of the average value of the total fuel consumption of the driver, an average value of the fuel consumption of a predetermined number (for example, 500 immediately before from the current time) may be adopted for each driver.
[0035]
Thus, since the possible travel distance of the vehicle is calculated and displayed based on the reference fuel consumption that changes and is updated according to the travel situation, the possible travel distance of the vehicle in accordance with the actual travel situation can be displayed. it can. Moreover, when calculating the standard fuel efficiency, the factor of the remaining fuel capacity is incorporated in a form that changes the coefficient, and the ratio (weight) that reflects the latest value of the section fuel efficiency relative to the standard fuel efficiency is changed. As the remaining capacity decreases, the latest fuel economy can be more heavily evaluated and the reference fuel efficiency can be calculated, and the possible travel distance of the vehicle can be displayed more in line with the actual travel.
[0036]
In addition, since the ID card reader 6 identifies who the driver is and calculates and displays the possible mileage of the vehicle for each driver, it corresponds to the specific habit when the driver steers The possible travel distance of the vehicle can be displayed, and therefore the more accurate possible travel distance of the vehicle can be displayed.
[0037]
Although the embodiments have been described in detail as described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various design changes can be made without departing from the invention described in the claims. It is.
[0038]
For example, in the above-described embodiment, the section fuel consumption is calculated for each driver and stored individually in the storage means 7. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Without using the recognition means for identifying the driver such as the reading means 7, the driver may perform the arithmetic processing based on the above formulas (1) and (2) as a common person.
At this time, as the previous reference fuel consumption immediately after the start of the display device when the reference fuel consumption is first obtained, the average value of the total section fuel consumption calculated from the travel history of the vehicle input to the storage means 7 may be adopted. In addition, for example, when the owner of the vehicle changes midway, a mechanism may be provided that can reset the total section fuel consumption calculated from the travel history of the vehicle.
[0039]
<Comparative example>
Next, an example in which the vehicle is actually traveled and the performances of the display device for the possible travel distance of the vehicle according to the present invention and the other display devices are compared will be described.
[0040]
FIG. 2 shows a schematic configuration of a display device for the possible travel distance of the vehicle. In this figure, reference numeral 10 denotes a meter casing, in which a CPU 1 that performs calculations according to a predetermined processing program is housed, and a storage means 7 is also housed in a form electrically connected to the CPU 1. ing.
Further, as described with reference to FIG. 1, the remaining fuel sensor 2, the fuel consumption amount sensor 3, and the travel distance sensor 4 are electrically connected to the CPU 1.
The remaining fuel sensor 2 is composed of, for example, a thermistor mounted in the fuel tank 12 and emits an ON signal when the remaining fuel amount in the fuel tank 12 is 5 liters or less. The fuel consumption sensor 3 detects a fuel pulse emitted from the ECU 13 and can detect that a predetermined amount, for example, 10 cc of fuel has been consumed per pulse, and therefore how many pulses can be detected. It is possible to know the fuel consumption. The travel distance sensor 4 detects the travel distance of the vehicle based on the SP pulse for displaying the vehicle speed.
[0041]
The possible travelable distance of the vehicle is basically obtained by multiplying the reference fuel efficiency by the remaining fuel capacity. The method for obtaining the standard fuel efficiency was prepared according to the present invention and the other two, and evaluated.
[0042]
The evaluation method was performed from two aspects: a) that the driver does not feel uncomfortable, and b) that the display is accurate.
The former b) that the driver does not feel a sense of incongruity was judged by looking at changes in the remaining distance display, which will be described later, as shown in FIGS. Further, the latter b) display accuracy was judged based on the formula (3) described later.
[0043]
Here, the true remaining distance used when performing these evaluations will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle is actually traveled, and the travel state at that time is recorded in relation to the travel distance and the fuel consumption. First, a gas shortage point P that is assumed to be where the fuel has run out is determined. As a result, a location that goes back 5 liters of fuel is determined, and this is a reserve (RES) point at which an ON signal is generated from the residual fuel sensor 2 for the first time. Then, as shown in FIG. 4, when a certain point a after the reserve point is considered, the distance traveled from the point a to the gas shortage point P can be found. This is the true residual distance.
[0044]
Then, the point a is moved from the reserve point to the gas shortage point P, and the average of the difference between the estimated remaining distance and the true remaining distance is evaluated by the following equation (3). This evaluation is an evaluation for the accuracy of the above-mentioned b) display. The lower the value, the better.
[Expression 1]

Here, the estimated remaining distance is a calculated value obtained by multiplying the reference fuel efficiency obtained by the following three methods, respectively, with the remaining fuel amount.
[0045]
The following three ways of calculating the standard fuel consumption were considered.
(1) Method by elapsed time
The average fuel consumption for the x hour immediately before the current time is set as the reference fuel consumption. x was changed in increments of 0.3 hours from 0.3 hours to 1.5 hours.
(2) Method using fuel consumption
The average fuel consumption during the time when y liters of fuel is consumed immediately before the current time is set as the reference fuel consumption. y was changed in increments of 1 liter from 1 liter to 5 liters.
(3) Weighting the standard fuel consumption before renewal
The reference fuel efficiency is updated every time the section fuel efficiency (average fuel efficiency for the time taken to consume 10 cc of fuel immediately before) is updated. At this time, it is adjusted how much the section fuel efficiency calculated by weighting the previous fuel standard (fuel standard before update) is reflected.
[0046]
That is, the reference fuel efficiency at this time is expressed by the above equation (1).
Here, m is a coefficient determined by the remaining capacity of the fuel, and is expressed by the following equation (4).
m = weight coefficient × reference weight (4)
Here, the weighting factors shown in Table 2 below were used.
[0047]
[Table 2]

The reference weight n was changed from 200 to 1000 in 200 increments.
[0048]
The running data was collected as follows.
Since the display of the possible travel distance refers to the past travel state, it is vulnerable to sudden changes in the travel state. So, we set up a general touring course where such a sudden change could occur normally. In addition, the course was selected so that the driving time on ordinary roads, corals, and highways was 1: 1: 1, and this was repeated twice.
[0049]
The obtained results are shown in FIG. In this figure, the horizontal axis is the time from the starting point, and the vertical axis is the fuel consumption. The section fuel consumption represents the average fuel consumption for the last 15 seconds, and the integrated fuel consumption represents the average fuel consumption from the start of the test. The characteristics of ordinary roads, corals and expressways are clearly visible.
[0050]
Result of evaluation
B) Evaluation of the driver not feeling uncomfortable
The display on the display device of each possible travel distance when the arbitrarily set out-of-gas point P is set as the end point is shown in FIGS. As a result, it can be seen that the method (3) is the best because there is no data shaking.
[0051]
FIG. 6 shows the result of adopting the method based on the elapsed time (1) as the calculation method of the standard fuel consumption. In this figure, the horizontal axis represents the time from the start of display by the display device of the possible travel distance of the vehicle, and the vertical axis represents the estimated remaining distance and the true remaining distance. Except for x = 0.3, there was no particularly large rattling.
[0052]
FIG. 7 shows the result of adopting the method (2) based on consumed fuel as the calculation method of the standard fuel consumption. In this figure, the horizontal axis represents the remaining fuel amount from the reserve point, and the vertical axis represents the estimated remaining distance and the true remaining distance. Except for y = 1, there was no significant rattling.
[0053]
FIG. 8 shows a result of a method of weighting the reference fuel consumption before update of the above (3) as a method of calculating the reference fuel consumption, that is, the result of employing the present invention.
The horizontal axis represents the fuel consumption from the start of display by the display device of the possible travel distance, and the vertical axis represents the display of the display device of the possible travel distance and the true remaining distance. There was no big rattling. It was found that there was no rattling and it was the best of the three types, and the driver felt the least uncomfortable.
[0054]
B) Evaluation of the accuracy of the display
Five arbitrary gas shortage points P were set in the traveling data this time, and the above three methods with different reference fuel consumption calculation methods were evaluated according to the above equation (3). The results are shown below.
[Table 3]

[Table 4]

[Table 5]

[0055]
The average value of the evaluation reveals the difference due to the difference in method. The average value of the method (1) is 0.253, the average value of the method (2) is 0.200, and the average value of the method (3). Was 0.149, and it was found that the method (3) was the best. Among them, the difference was slight, but it was found that n = 400 was the best because it was the minimum value with an evaluation of 0.146.
In other words, it was found that when the method of (3) and n = 400 is adopted, the possible travel distance of the vehicle can be displayed most accurately.
[0056]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the vehicle travel distance display device of the present invention, the possible travel distance of the vehicle is calculated based on the reference fuel consumption that changes and is updated according to the travel situation. The possible mileage of the vehicle in accordance with the situation can be displayed. In addition, if the factor of the remaining fuel capacity is incorporated in the coefficient to change the reference fuel efficiency, and the ratio (weight) that reflects the latest value of the section fuel efficiency relative to the reference fuel efficiency is changed, As the remaining capacity decreases, the latest fuel economy can be more heavily evaluated and the reference fuel efficiency can be calculated, and the possible travel distance of the vehicle can be displayed more in line with the actual travel. In addition, if the average value of a predetermined number of section fuel consumptions calculated from the travel history of the vehicle as the previous reference fuel consumption at the time of startup of the device, for example, from the current time to the past, is used, the average fuel efficiency for the vehicle The possible mileage of the vehicle can be calculated on the basis of the The display can be displayed in a form that does not change and is close to the actual possible travel distance, and can be displayed with less discomfort for the driver.
In addition, if the configuration is such that the identification means for identifying the driver and the storage means for storing the section fuel consumption calculated for each driver identified by the identification means are connected to the calculation means, the vehicle can be classified for each driver. Since the travel distance is calculated, a more accurate possible travel distance of the vehicle can be displayed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a display device of possible mileage of a vehicle according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a state in which some of the constituent elements of the display device are incorporated in the vehicle in order to explain the effect of the display device of the possible travel distance of the vehicle according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a true remaining distance.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a true remaining distance.
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the effect of the display device of the possible travel distance of the vehicle according to the present invention, and showing the relationship between the time and fuel consumption when a vehicle equipped with the display device actually travels.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a comparison between an estimated remaining distance and a true remaining distance when a method based on elapsed time is adopted as a reference fuel consumption calculation method.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a comparison between an estimated remaining distance and a true remaining distance when a method using consumed fuel is adopted as a method of calculating a reference fuel efficiency.
FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a comparison between an estimated remaining distance and a true remaining distance when a method of weighting a reference fuel consumption before update is adopted as a reference fuel consumption calculation method.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... CPU (calculation means)
2 ... Residual fuel sensor
3 ... Fuel consumption sensor
4 ... mileage sensor
5 ... Ignition switch
6 ... ID card reading means (identification means)
7. Memory means
8 ... Display (display means)

Claims (5)

A display device for a possible travel distance of a vehicle that displays a travel distance of a vehicle that can travel with the remaining fuel capacity when the remaining fuel capacity is less than a predetermined value,
A remaining fuel sensor for detecting that the remaining capacity of the fuel is less than a predetermined value;
A fuel consumption sensor for detecting fuel consumption;
A mileage sensor for detecting the mileage of the vehicle;
Based on the respective output signals from the fuel consumption sensor and the mileage sensor, the section fuel consumption is calculated for each predetermined section during travel, and the latest value of the section fuel consumption and past fuel consumption data before that are calculated. A calculation means for calculating and updating the reference fuel efficiency for each predetermined section, and calculating the possible travel distance of the vehicle by multiplying the reference fuel consumption by the remaining fuel capacity;
Display means for displaying the possible mileage of the vehicle calculated by the calculation means ,
The calculation means calculates the possible travel distance of the vehicle based on the following formula, and displays the possible travel distance of the vehicle.
Possible mileage of vehicle = standard fuel consumption x remaining fuel capacity
Standard fuel consumption = (m x previous standard fuel consumption + latest value of section fuel consumption) / (m + 1)
m: Factor that decreases as the remaining fuel capacity decreases
Last reference fuel consumption: The reference fuel consumption is updated every time the vehicle travels in the specified section.
Standard fuel consumption just before
Section fuel consumption: Average fuel consumption while consuming a predetermined amount of fuel The average value of the predetermined number of section fuel consumptions calculated from the travel history of the vehicle, which is input to the storage means connected to the calculation means as the previous reference fuel consumption when the display device of the possible travel distance of the vehicle is activated The display device of the possible travel distance of the vehicle according to claim 1, wherein: When the display device for the possible travel distance of the vehicle is activated, the average value of the total section fuel consumption calculated from the travel history of the vehicle, which is input to the storage means connected to the calculation means, is adopted as the previous reference fuel consumption. The display device of the possible travel distance of the vehicle according to claim 1 . The calculation means is connected to an identification means for identifying the driver and a storage means for storing the section fuel consumption calculated for each driver identified by the identification means.
The calculation means reads the section fuel consumption stored for each driver from the storage means, calculates the possible travel distance of the vehicle for each driver based on the section fuel consumption, and displays the result on the display means. The display device of the possible travel distance of the vehicle according to claim 1 . A display method of a possible mileage of a vehicle for displaying a mileage of a vehicle that can travel with the remaining amount of fuel when the remaining capacity of the fuel is less than a predetermined value,
When the remaining capacity of the fuel decreases, the possible travel distance is calculated based on the following formula based on the fuel efficiency calculated from the past travel history of the vehicle, and displayed. Display method of possible mileage.
Possible mileage of vehicle = reference fuel consumption x remaining fuel capacity Reference fuel consumption = (m x previous reference fuel consumption + latest value of section fuel consumption) / (m + 1)
m: Factor that decreases as the remaining capacity of the fuel decreases. Previous reference fuel efficiency: The reference fuel efficiency is updated each time the vehicle travels in the specified section.
Standard fuel economy immediately before the fuel consumption Section fuel economy: Average fuel consumption while consuming a predetermined amount of fuel

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