SE540412C2 - Method and system for facilitating reduction of fuel consumption during drive of a host vehicle along a road - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method for facilitating reduction of fuel consumption during drive of a host vehicle along a road. The method comprises the steps of estimating (S1) the reduction in fuel consumption based on reduction in air resistance caused by an in-path vehicle a certain distance ahead of said host vehicle. The step of estimating the reduction in fuel consumption comprises the step of: determining (S1a) the dimensions of the in-path vehicle as a basis for estimating said reduction in air resistance. The method further comprises presenting (S2) an achieved reduction in fuel consumption for the operator of the host vehicle when considering influence of said in-path vehicle.The present invention also relates to a system for facilitating reduction of fuel consumption during drive of a host vehicle along a road. The present invention also relates to a computer program and a computer program product.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING REDUCTION OF FUEL CONSUMPTION DURING DRIVE OF A HOST VEHICLE ALONG A ROAD TECHNICAL FIELD The invention relates to a method for facilitating reduction of fuel consumption during drive of a host vehicle along a road according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a system for facilitating reduction of fuel consumption during drive of a host vehicle along a road. The invention also relates to a vehicle. The invention in addition relates to a computer program and a computer program product.

BACKGROUND ART Fuel consumption is an important factor for vehicles. An obvious way of reducing the fuel consumption is to reduce the vehicle speed which results in a reduction of air drag. An efficient way of reducing the fuel consumption is to stay in the path of a vehicle ahead of your vehicle.

A problem is that drivers are not always aware of the actual saving potential by reducing speed and staying close behind an in-path vehicle ahead of the vehicle. Even if an adaptive cruise control may encourage this behaviour many drivers still tend to overtake the in-path vehicle as soon as there is a possibility.

US2009312923 discloses a slipstreaming system for calculating estimated range of distance for a host vehicle to a trail in-path vehicle to optimize fuel economy of the host vehicle. Information regarding the advantages of slipstreaming are presented to the driver.

There is however a need to further improve fuel reduction during drive of a host vehicle along a road.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a method for facilitating reduction of fuel consumption during drive of a host vehicle along a road.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a system for facilitating reduction of fuel consumption during drive of a host vehicle along a road.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION These and other objects, apparent from the following description, are achieved by a method, a system, a vehicle, a computer program and a computer program product, as set out in the appended independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the method and the system are defined in the appended dependent claims.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a method for facilitating reduction of fuel consumption during drive of a host vehicle along a road. The method comprises the steps of estimating the reduction in fuel consumption based on reduction in air resistance caused by an in-path vehicle a certain distance ahead of said host vehicle; and presenting an achieved reduction in fuel consumption for the operator of the host vehicle when considering influence of said in-path vehicle. The step of estimating the reduction in fuel consumption comprises the step of: determining the dimensions of the inpath vehicle as a basis for estimating said reduction in air resistance. By thus determining the dimensions of the in-path vehicle fuel reduction may be further improved in that information regarding the aerodynamic effect of the in-path vehicle and the most suitable distance and lateral placement of the host vehicle relative to the in-path vehicle ahead may be determined based on the thus determined dimensions.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of estimating the reduction in fuel consumption comprises the step of determining the influence of the lateral position of the host vehicle relative to said in-path vehicle on said fuel consumption. Hereby fuel reduction may be further improved.

According to an embodiment the method comprises the step of presenting for the operator of the host vehicle a change in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position of the host vehicle relative to said in-path vehicle. Hereby the operator of the vehicle will be encouraged to adapt the lateral position of the host vehicle relative to the in-path vehicle such that fuel consumption is optimized. This thus increases the possibility of reduction of fuel consumption.

According to an embodiment the method comprises the step of presenting for the operator of the host vehicle an increase in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position relative to said in-path vehicle to a lateral position leading to a difference of lateral position of the host vehicle and said in-path vehicle. Hereby the operator of the vehicle will be informed of a nonoptimized lateral position and will thus be encouraged to adapt the lateral position of the host vehicle relative to the in-path vehicle such that fuel consumption is optimized. This thus increases the possibility of reduction of fuel consumption.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of presenting for the operator of the host vehicle an increase in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position relative to said in-path vehicle to a lateral position leading to a difference of lateral position of the host vehicle and said in-path vehicle is in connection to an intended overtaking of said in-path vehicle. Hereby the operator of the vehicle will be informed of the increase in fuel consumption should the intended overtaking be realised, wherein the probability of the operator deciding to remain behind the in-path vehicle is increased, thus facilitating increasing the possibility of reduction of fuel consumption.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a system for facilitating reduction of fuel consumption during drive of a host vehicle along a road. The system comprises means for estimating the reduction in fuel consumption based on reduction in air resistance caused by an in-path vehicle a certain distance ahead of said host vehicle; and means for presenting an achieved reduction in fuel consumption for the operator of the host vehicle when considering influence of said in-path vehicle. The means for estimating the reduction in fuel consumption comprises means for determining the dimensions of the in-path vehicle as a basis for estimating said reduction in air resistance.

According to an embodiment of the system the means for estimating the reduction in fuel consumption comprises means for determining the influence of the lateral position of the host vehicle relative to said in-path vehicle on said fuel consumption.

According to an embodiment the system comprises means for presenting for the operator of the host vehicle a change in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position of the host vehicle relative to said in-path vehicle.

According to an embodiment the system comprises means for presenting for the operator of the host vehicle an increase in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position relative to said in-path vehicle to a lateral position leading to a difference of lateral position of the host vehicle and said in-path vehicle According to an embodiment of the system the means for presenting for the operator of the host vehicle an increase in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position relative to said in-path vehicle to a lateral position leading to a difference of lateral position of the host vehicle and said in-path vehicle is in connection to an intended overtaking of said in-path vehicle.

The system for facilitating reduction of fuel consumption during drive of a host vehicle along a road is adapted to perform the methods as set out herein.

The system according to the invention has the advantages according to the corresponding method claims.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a computer program for facilitating reduction of fuel consumption during drive of a host vehicle along a road, said computer program comprising program code which, when run on an electronic control unit or another computer connected to the electronic control unit, causes the electronic control unit to perform the methods as set out herein.

Specifically an object of the invention is achieved by a computer program product comprising a digital storage medium storing the computer program.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of the present invention reference is made to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which: Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a vehicle according to the present invention; Fig. 2a schematically illustrates a plan view of a road along which a host vehicle and an in-path vehicle ahead of the host vehicle are travelling.

Fig. 2b schematically illustrates a side view of the host vehicle and the inpath vehicle ahead of the host vehicle; Fig. 2c schematically illustrates a view from the back of the in-path vehicle in fig. 2a; Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a system for facilitating reduction of fuel consumption during drive of a host vehicle along a road according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a method for facilitating reduction of fuel consumption during drive of a host vehicle along a road according to an embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 5 schematically illustrates a computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Hereinafter the term “link” refers to a communication link which may be a physical connector, such as an optoelectronic communication wire, or a nonphysical connector such as a wireless connection, for example a radio or microwave link.

Hereinafter the term “host vehicle” refers to the vehicle which is intended to trail a vehicle in order to reduce fuel consumption utilizing the air drag of the vehicle in front in the path of the vehicle.

Hereinafter the term “in-path vehicle” refers to a vehicle ahead of the host vehicle which is in the path of the host vehicle, e.g. in the same lane of the road as the host vehicle.

Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a side view of a vehicle 1 according to the present invention. The exemplified vehicle 1 is a heavy vehicle in the shape of a truck. The vehicle according to the present invention could be any suitable vehicle such as a bus or a car. The vehicle 1 is constituting a host vehicle 1. The vehicle comprises a system I for facilitating reduction of fuel consumption during drive of the host vehicle along a road.

Fig. 2a schematically illustrates a plan view of a road R along which a host vehicle 1 and an in-path vehicle 2 ahead of the host vehicle 1 are travelling, fig. 2b schematically illustrates a side view of the host vehicle 1 and the inpath vehicle 2 ahead of the host vehicle 1 in fig. 2a; and fig. 2c schematically illustrates a view from the back of the in-path vehicle 2 in fig. 2a.

The road R in fig. 2a has a first lane L1 along which the host vehicle 1 and the in-path vehicle 2 are travelling, and a second lane L2 adjacent to the first lane L1. In the second lane L2 vehicles are travelling in the opposite direction, here illustrated with an oncoming vehicle 3.

In order to facilitate reduction of fuel consumption during drive of the host vehicle 1 along the road R the reduction in fuel consumption for the host vehicle 1 is estimated based on reduction in air resistance caused by the inpath vehicle 2 a certain distance D ahead of said host vehicle.

Estimation of the reduction in fuel consumption comprises determining the dimensions of the in-path vehicle as a basis for estimating the reduction in air resistance. The dimensions of the in-path vehicle 2 are determined by means 112 for determining the dimensions of the in-path vehicle 2. The means 112 may comprise any suitable detector means 112, the detector means according to an embodiment comprising one or more detector units arranged on the host vehicle 1. The one or more detector units comprise according to an embodiment one or more camera units.

The dimensions of the in-path vehicle 2 comprises the width W of the in-path vehicle. The dimensions of the in-path vehicle 2 comprise the height H1 of the in-path vehicle 2. The dimensions of the in-path vehicle 2 comprise the height H2 of the vehicle body 2a of the in-path vehicle 2. The dimensions of the in-path vehicle 2 comprise the back surface of the in-path vehicle 2, i.e. the back surface of the vehicle body 2a of the in-path vehicle 2.

Estimation of the reduction in fuel consumption comprises determining the influence of the lateral position of the host vehicle 1 relative to the in-path vehicle 2 on the fuel consumption.

An achieved reduction in fuel consumption when considering influence of the in-path vehicle is presented for the operator of the host vehicle. Such a presentation may be a visual presentation e.g. on a display unit. A visual presentation may comprise a picture in accordance with fig. 2b illustrating the in-path vehicle 2 and the host vehicle 1 and the influence of air A. The picture in fig. 2a may be together with the percentage of reduction of fuel. The reduction of fuel could be divided into reduction of fuel due to reduction of air resistance caused by the in-path vehicle 2 and the reduction of fuel due to lowering the speed. The presentation for the operator of the vehicle may be by means of sound, i.e. an audible presentation. The presentation for the operator could be tactile, e.g. in order to get the attention of the operator of the vehicle.

A change in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position of the host vehicle relative to the in-path vehicle is according to an embodiment presented for the operator of the host vehicle. Hereby the operator of the host vehicle 1 will notice that fuel consumption will increase when departing from the position substantially aligned behind the in-path vehicle 2.

Thus, an increase in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position relative to said in-path vehicle 2 to a lateral position leading to a difference of lateral position of the host vehicle and said in-path vehicle is according to an embodiment presented for the operator of the host vehicle. Hereby the operator of the vehicle will be informed of a non-optimized lateral position and will thus be encouraged to adapt the lateral position of the host vehicle relative to the in-path vehicle such that fuel consumption is optimized.

According to an embodiment an increase in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position relative to said in-path vehicle to a lateral position leading to a difference of lateral position of the host vehicle and said in-path vehicle in connection to an intended overtaking of said in-path vehicle presented for the operator of the host vehicle. Hereby the operator of the vehicle will be informed of the increase in fuel consumption should the intended overtaking be realised, wherein the probability of the operator deciding to remain behind the in-path vehicle is increased, thus facilitating increasing the possibility of reduction of fuel consumption. A change in lateral position of the host vehicle 1 due to an intended overacting of the in-path vehicle 2 is illustrated in fig. 2a with the host vehicle 1 in dashed lines.

Fig. 3 schematically illustrates a system for facilitating reduction of fuel consumption during drive of a host vehicle along a road according to an embodiment of the present invention; The system I comprises an electronic control unit 100.

The system I comprises means 110 for estimating the reduction in fuel consumption based on reduction in air resistance caused by an in-path vehicle a certain distance ahead of said host vehicle.

The means 110 for estimating the reduction in fuel consumption comprises means 112 for determining the dimensions of the in-path vehicle as a basis for estimating said reduction in air resistance. The means 112 for determining the dimensions of the in-path vehicle may comprise any suitable detector means. The detector means comprises according to an embodiment one or more detector units arranged on the host vehicle.

The means 110 for estimating the reduction in fuel consumption comprises means 114 for determining the influence of the lateral position of the host vehicle relative to said in-path vehicle on said fuel consumption. The means 114 for determining the influence of the lateral position of the host vehicle relative to said in-path vehicle determining the influence of the dimensions of the in-path vehicle.

The means 114 for determining the influence of the lateral position of the host vehicle relative to said in-path vehicle on said fuel consumption comprises means 114a for determining the lateral position of the host vehicle relative to the in-path vehicle.

The means 110 for estimating the reduction in fuel consumption comprises means 116 for determining the influence of a reduction in vehicle speed of the host vehicle. The reduction in vehicle speed of the host vehicle is according to an embodiment from a pre-set speed to the current vehicle speed when behind the in-path vehicle.

The means 116 for determining the influence of a reduction in vehicle speed of the host vehicle comprises means 116a for determining the vehicle speed of the host vehicle. The means 116a for determining the vehicle speed of the host vehicle comprises according to an embodiment the speedometer of the host vehicle. The means 116a for determining the vehicle speed of the host vehicle comprises according to an embodiment a global positioning system.

The means 116 for determining the influence of a reduction in vehicle speed comprises means 116b for determining a pre-set vehicle speed for the host vehicle. The means 116b for determining the pre-set vehicle speed comprises according to an embodiment a control unit for receiving the pre-set vehicle speed from a cruise control system of the host vehicle. The control unit is according to an embodiment comprised in the electronic control unit 100.

The means 110 for estimating the reduction in fuel consumption comprises means 118 for determining the distance for the host vehicle to the in-path vehicle. The means 118 for determining the distance to the in-path vehicle may comprise any suitable distance detection means. The distance detection means may comprise a camera unit, a laser scanner unit and/or a radar unit.

The means 110 for estimating the reduction in fuel consumption comprises means 119 for using stored data of tests of the host vehicle with regard to different dimensions of an in-path vehicle, different distances to an in-path vehicle, different vehicle speeds.

The system comprises means 120 for presenting information about fuel consumption for the operator of the host vehicle.

The means 120 for presenting information about fuel consumption for the operator of the host vehicle comprises visual means for visual presentation on a display, by projection of a light source, said projection according to a variant being on the ground surface in connection to the vehicle. The visual means for visual presentation comprises according to an embodiment one or more display units on e.g. the instrument panel, a head-up-display on the windshield or the like, for displaying said presentation of information regarding fuel consumption.

The means 120 for presenting information about fuel consumption for the operator of the host vehicle comprises according to an embodiment sound means for audible presentation such as an alarm, a voice message or the like.

The means 120 for presenting information about fuel consumption for the operator of the host vehicle comprises according to an embodiment tactile means such as vibrating/moving the seat of the operator, the steering wheel, the gas pedal, the brake pedal or the like so as to draw attention to the operator of the fuel consumption. The tactile means may be a complement to the visual means and/or the sound means in order to get the attention of the operator of the vehicle.

The means 120 for presenting information about fuel consumption for the operator of the host vehicle comprises means 122 for presenting an achieved reduction in fuel consumption for the operator of the host vehicle when considering influence of the in-path vehicle. The means120 for presenting information about fuel consumption for the operator of the host vehicle thus comprises considering influence of the in-path vehicle. The system I thus comprises means 122 for presenting an achieved reduction in fuel consumption for the operator of the host vehicle when considering influence of the in-path vehicle.

The means 120 for presenting information about fuel consumption for the operator of the host vehicle comprises means 124 for presenting for the operator of the host vehicle a change in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position of the host vehicle relative to said in-path vehicle. The system I thus comprises means 124 for presenting for the operator of the host vehicle a change in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position of the host vehicle relative to said in-path vehicle.

The means 120 for presenting information about fuel consumption for the operator of the host vehicle comprises means 126 means for presenting for the operator of the host vehicle an increase in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position relative to said in-path vehicle to a lateral position leading to a difference of lateral position of the host vehicle and said in-path vehicle. The system I thus comprises means 126 for presenting for the operator of the host vehicle an increase in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position relative to said in-path vehicle to a lateral position leading to a difference of lateral position of the host vehicle and said in-path vehicle.

The means 126 for presenting for the operator of the host vehicle an increase in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position relative to said in-path vehicle to a lateral position leading to a difference of lateral position of the host vehicle and said in-path vehicle is in connection to an intended overtaking of said in-path vehicle.

The means 122 may comprise visual means and/or sound means and/or tactile means as mentioned above with reference to the means 120. The means 124 may comprise visual means and/or sound means and/or tactile means as mentioned above with reference to the means 120. The means 126 may comprise visual means and/or sound means and/or tactile means as mentioned above with reference to the means 120.

The system comprises means 130 for determining intention of the host vehicle to overtake the in-path vehicle. The means 130 for determining intention of the host vehicle to overtake the in-path vehicle comprises means 132 for determining an activation of the blinker unit indicating an intended overtaking. The means 130 for determining intention of the host vehicle to overtake the in-path vehicle comprises means 134 for determining a change in lateral position of the host vehicle relative to the in-path vehicle indicating intended overtaking. The means 134 for determining a change in lateral position of the host vehicle relative to the in-path vehicle indicating intended overtaking comprises according to an embodiment means 134a for detecting the in-path vehicle so as to detect the change in lateral position relative to the in-path vehicle. The means 134a for detecting the in-path vehicle may comprise any suitable detection means such as one or more camera units and/or laser scanner units and/or radar units. The means 134 for determining a change in lateral position of the host vehicle relative to the in-path vehicle indicating intended overtaking comprises according to an embodiment means 134b for detecting road marks so as to detect the change in lateral position relative to the lane in which the host vehicle and in-path vehicle are travelling indicating an intended overtaking of the in-path vehicle. The means 134b for detecting road marks may comprise any suitable detection means such as one or more camera units and/or laser scanner units.

The means 134a and/or the means 134b may be comprised in or comprise the means 112.

The system I comprises storage means 140 for storing data of tests of the host vehicle with regard to different dimensions of an in-path vehicle, different distances to an in-path vehicle, different vehicle speeds.

The storage means 140 comprises internal storage means 142 on board the host vehicle. The internal storage means 142 may be any suitable means for storing information such as a control unit, a computer or the like. The internal storage means 142 is according to an embodiment comprised in the electronic control unit 100.

The storage means comprises external storage means 144 external to the vehicle. The external storage means 144 may be any suitable external storage means such as a server unit, a computer, a tablet or the like. The stored data may be used for presenting tests of the host vehicle with regard to different dimensions of an in-path vehicle, different distances to an in-path vehicle, different vehicle speeds or the like, off-board the vehicle, i.e. externally to any suitable external user such as an owner or the like of a vehicle fleet.

The system I comprises storage means 150 for storing data of results of reduction of fuel consumption based on reduction in air resistance caused by an in-path vehicle a certain distance ahead of said host vehicle. The means 150 is configured to store data of influence of the dimensions of the in-path vehicle on the fuel consumption. The means 150 is configured to store data of influence of the lateral position of the host vehicle relative to the in-path vehicle on the fuel consumption. The means 150 is configured to store data of the influence of a reduction in vehicle speed of the host vehicle on the fuel consumption. The means 150 is configured to store data of the influence of a reduction in vehicle speed of the host vehicle on the fuel consumption. The stored data store in the storage means 150 may be used for follow-up, for driver coaching, for giving grades to the driver based on reduced fuel consumption by driving behind an in-path vehicle.

The storage means 150 comprises internal storage means 152 on board the host vehicle. The internal storage means 152 may be any suitable means for storing information such as a control unit, a computer or the like. The internal storage means 152 is according to an embodiment comprised in the electronic control unit 100.

The storage means comprises external storage means 154 external to the vehicle. The external storage means 154 may be any suitable external storage means such as a sever unit, a computer, a tablet or the like. The stored data in the storage means 154 may be used for presenting results of reduction of fuel consumption off-board the vehicle, i.e. externally to any suitable external user such as an owner or the like of a vehicle fleet.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 110 for estimating the reduction in fuel consumption based on reduction in air resistance caused by an in-path vehicle a certain distance ahead of said host vehicle via a link 10. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 10 arranged to receive a signal from said means 110 representing data for reduction in fuel consumption based on reduction in air resistance caused by the in-path vehicle a certain distance ahead of said host vehicle.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 112 for determining the dimensions of the in-path vehicle as a basis for estimating said reduction in air resistance via a link 12. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 12 arranged to receive a signal from said means 112 representing data for dimensions of the in-path vehicle.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 114 for determining the influence of the lateral position of the host vehicle relative to the in-path vehicle on the fuel consumption via a link 14. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 14 arranged to receive a signal from said means 114 representing data for influence of the lateral position of the host vehicle relative to the in-path vehicle on the fuel consumption.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 114a for determining the lateral position of the host vehicle relative to the in-path vehicle via a link 14a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 14a arranged to receive a signal from said means 114a representing data for lateral position of the host vehicle relative to the in-path vehicle.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 116 for determining the influence of a reduction in vehicle speed of the host vehicle via a link 16. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link via the link 16 arranged to receive a signal from said means 116 representing data for influence of a reduction in vehicle speed of the host vehicle.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 116a for determining the vehicle speed of the host vehicle via a link 16a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link via the link 16a arranged to receive a signal from said means 116a representing data for vehicle speed of the host vehicle.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 116b for determining a pre-set vehicle speed for the host vehicle via a link 16b. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link via the link 16b arranged to receive a signal from said means 116b representing data for pre-set vehicle speed for the host vehicle.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 118 for determining the distance for the host vehicle to the in-path vehicle via a link 18. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link via the link 18 arranged to receive a signal from said means 118 representing data for distance for the host vehicle to the in-path vehicle.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 119 for using stored data of tests of the host vehicle via a link 19. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link via the link 19 arranged to receive a signal from said means 119 representing stored data of tests of the host vehicle with regard to different dimensions of an in-path vehicle, different distances to an in-path vehicle, different vehicle speeds.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 120 for presenting information about fuel consumption for the operator of the host vehicle via a link 20. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link via the link 20 arranged to send a signal to said means 120 representing data for presentation of information about fuel consumption for the operator of the host vehicle, the data comprising data for visual presentation, data for audible presentation and/or data for tactile presentation.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 122 for presenting an achieved reduction in fuel consumption for the operator of the host vehicle when considering influence of the in-path vehicle via a link 22. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link via the link 22 arranged to send a signal to said means 122 representing data for presentation of an achieved reduction in fuel consumption for the operator of the host vehicle when considering influence of the in-path vehicle, the data comprising data for visual presentation, data for audible presentation and/or data for tactile presentation.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 124 for presenting for the operator of the host vehicle a change in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position of the host vehicle relative to said in-path vehicle via a link 24. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link via the link 24 arranged to send a signal to said means 124 representing data for presentation for the operator of the host vehicle a change in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position of the host vehicle relative to said in-path vehicle, the data comprising data for visual presentation, data for audible presentation and/or data for tactile presentation.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 126 means for presenting for the operator of the host vehicle an increase in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position relative to said in-path vehicle to a lateral position leading to a difference of lateral position of the host vehicle and said in-path vehicle via a link 26. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link via the link 26 arranged to send a signal to said means 126 representing data for the operator of the host vehicle an increase in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position relative to said in-path vehicle to a lateral position leading to a difference of lateral position of the host vehicle and said in-path vehicle, the data comprising data for visual presentation, data for audible presentation and/or data for tactile presentation.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 130 for determining intention of the host vehicle to overtake the in-path vehicle via a link 30. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link via the link 30 arranged to receive a signal from said means 130 representing data for intention of the host vehicle to overtake the in-path vehicle.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 132 for determining an activation of the blinker unit indicating an intended overtaking via a link 32. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link via the link 32 arranged to receive a signal from said means 132 representing data for activation of the blinker unit indicating an intended overtaking.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 134 for determining a change in lateral position of the host vehicle relative to the inpath vehicle indicating intended overtaking via a link 34. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link via the link 34 arranged to receive a signal from said means 134 representing data for a change in lateral position of the host vehicle relative to the in-path vehicle indicating intended overtaking.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 134a for detecting the in-path vehicle so as to detect the change in lateral position relative to the in-path vehicle via a link 34a. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link via the link 34a arranged to receive a signal from said means 134a representing data for change in lateral position relative to the in-path vehicle indicating intended overtaking.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the means 134b for detecting road marks so as to detect the change in lateral position relative to the lane in which the host vehicle and in-path vehicle are travelling indicating an intended overtaking of the in-path vehicle via a link 34b. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 34b arranged to receive a signal from said means 134b representing data for change in lateral position relative to the lane in which the host vehicle and in-path vehicle are travelling indicating an intended overtaking of the in-path vehicle.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the storage means 140 for storing data of tests of the host vehicle with regard to different dimensions of an in-path vehicle, different distances to an in-path vehicle, different vehicle speeds via a link 40. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 40 arranged to receive a signal from said means 140 representing data for tests of the host vehicle with regard to different dimensions of an in-path vehicle, different distances to an in-path vehicle, different vehicle speeds.

The electronic control unit 100 is operably connected to the storage means 150 for storing data of results of reduction of fuel consumption based on reduction in air resistance caused by an in-path vehicle a certain distance ahead of said host vehicle via a link 50. The electronic control unit 100 is via the link 50 arranged to receive a signal from said means 150 representing data of results of reduction of fuel consumption based on reduction in air resistance caused by an in-path vehicle a certain distance ahead of said host vehicle.

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates a block diagram of a method for facilitating reduction of fuel consumption during drive of a host vehicle along a road according to an embodiment of the present invention.

According to the embodiment the method for facilitating reduction of fuel consumption during drive of a host vehicle along a road comprises a step S1. In this step the reduction in fuel consumption based on reduction in air resistance caused by an in-path vehicle a certain distance ahead of said host vehicle is estimated.

According to the embodiment the step S1 of estimating the reduction in fuel consumption based on reduction in air resistance caused by an in-path vehicle a certain distance ahead of said host vehicle comprises the step S1a of determining the dimensions of the in-path vehicle as a basis for estimating said reduction in air resistance.

According to the embodiment the method for facilitating reduction of fuel consumption during drive of a host vehicle along a road comprises a step S2. In this step an achieved reduction in fuel consumption is presented for the operator of the host vehicle when considering influence of said in-path vehicle.

According to an embodiment the method for facilitating reduction of fuel consumption during drive of a host vehicle along a road comprises the step of presenting the reduction in fuel consumption when considering influence of said in-path vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of estimating the reduction in fuel consumption comprises the step of determining the influence of the lateral position of the host vehicle relative to said in-path vehicle on said fuel consumption.

According to an embodiment the method comprises the step of presenting for the operator of the host vehicle a change in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position of the host vehicle relative to said in-path vehicle.

According to an embodiment the method comprises the step of presenting for the operator of the host vehicle an increase in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position relative to said in-path vehicle to a lateral position leading to a difference of lateral position of the host vehicle and said in-path vehicle.

According to an embodiment of the method the step of presenting for the operator of the host vehicle an increase in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position relative to said in-path vehicle to a lateral position leading to a difference of lateral position of the host vehicle and said in-path vehicle is in connection to an intended overtaking of said in-path vehicle.

According to an embodiment the method for facilitating reduction of fuel consumption during drive of a host vehicle along a road comprises the step of presenting the fuel consumption when considering influence of said in-path vehicle comprising considering the dimensions of the in-path vehicle, the distance to the in-path vehicle, and according to an embodiment also change of lateral position relative to the in-path vehicle externally, e.g. to an owner of a vehicle fleet or other external user having interest.

The method and the method steps described above with reference to fig. 4 is according to an embodiment performed with the system I according to fig. 3.

With reference to figure 5, a diagram of an apparatus 500 is shown. The control unit 100 described with reference to fig. 3 may according to an embodiment comprise apparatus 500. Apparatus 500 comprises a nonvolatile memory 520, a data processing device 510 and a read/write memory 550. Non-volatile memory 520 has a first memory portion 530 wherein a computer program, such as an operating system, is stored for controlling the function of apparatus 500. Further, apparatus 500 comprises a bus controller, a serial communication port, I/O-means, an A/D-converter, a time date entry and transmission unit, an event counter and an interrupt controller (not shown). Non-volatile memory 520 also has a second memory portion 540.

A computer program P is provided comprising routines for facilitating reduction of fuel consumption during drive of a host vehicle along a road. The program P comprises routines for estimating the reduction in fuel consumption based on reduction in air resistance caused by an in-path vehicle a certain distance ahead of said host vehicle. The program P comprises routines for presenting an achieved reduction in fuel consumption for the operator of the host vehicle when considering influence of said in-path vehicle. The routines for estimating the reduction in fuel consumption comprises routines for determining the dimensions of the in-path vehicle as a basis for estimating said reduction in air resistance. The routines for estimating the reduction in fuel consumption comprises routines for determining the influence of the lateral position of the host vehicle relative to said in-path vehicle on said fuel consumption. The program P comprises routines for presenting for the operator of the host vehicle a change in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position of the host vehicle relative to said in-path vehicle. The program P comprises routines for presenting for the operator of the host vehicle an increase in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position relative to said in-path vehicle to a lateral position leading to a difference of lateral position of the host vehicle and said in-path vehicle. The routines for presenting for the operator of the host vehicle an increase in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position relative to said in-path vehicle to a lateral position leading to a difference of lateral position of the host vehicle and said in-path vehicle is in connection to an intended overtaking of said in-path vehicle. The computer program P may be stored in an executable manner or in a compressed condition in a separate memory 560 and/or in read/write memory 550.

When it is stated that data processing device 510 performs a certain function it should be understood that data processing device 510 performs a certain part of the program which is stored in separate memory 560, or a certain part of the program which is stored in read/write memory 550.

Data processing device 510 may communicate with a data communications port 599 by means of a data bus 515. Non-volatile memory 520 is adapted for communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 512. Separate memory 560 is adapted for communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 511. Read/write memory 550 is adapted for communication with data processing device 510 via a data bus 514. To the data communications port 599 e.g. the links connected to the control units 100 may be connected.

When data is received on data port 599 it is temporarily stored in second memory portion 540. When the received input data has been temporarily stored, data processing device 510 is set up to perform execution of code in a manner described above. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for estimating the reduction in fuel consumption based on reduction in air resistance caused by an in-path vehicle a certain distance ahead of said host vehicle. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for presenting an achieved reduction in fuel consumption for the operator of the host vehicle when considering influence of said in-path vehicle. The signals used for estimating the reduction in fuel consumption are used for determining the dimensions of the in-path vehicle as a basis for estimating said reduction in air resistance. The signals used for estimating the reduction in fuel consumption can be used for determining the influence of the lateral position of the host vehicle relative to said in-path vehicle on said fuel consumption. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for presenting for the operator of the host vehicle a change in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position of the host vehicle relative to said in-path vehicle. The signals received on data port 599 can be used by apparatus 500 for presenting for the operator of the host vehicle an increase in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position relative to said in-path vehicle to a lateral position leading to a difference of lateral position of the host vehicle and said in-path vehicle. The signals used for presenting for the operator of the host vehicle an increase in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position relative to said in-path vehicle to a lateral position leading to a difference of lateral position of the host vehicle and said in-path vehicle is in connection to an intended overtaking of said in-path vehicle.

Parts of the methods described herein can be performed by apparatus 500 by means of data processing device 510 running the program stored in separate memory 560 or read/write memory 550. When apparatus 500 runs the program, parts of the methods described herein are executed.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.

Claims (7)

1. A method for facilitating reduction of fuel consumption during drive of a host vehicle (1) along a road (R), comprising the steps of estimating (S1) the reduction in fuel consumption based on reduction in air resistance caused by an in-path vehicle (2) a certain distance ahead of said host vehicle (1); and presenting (S2) an achieved reduction in fuel consumption for the operator of the host vehicle (1) when considering influence of said in-path vehicle (2), wherein the step of estimating the reduction in fuel consumption comprises the step of: - determining (S1a) the dimensions (W, H1, H2) of the in-path vehicle (2) as a basis for estimating said reduction in air resistance, wherein the step of estimating the reduction in fuel consumption comprises the step of determining the influence of the lateral position of the host vehicle (1) relative to said in-path vehicle (2) on said fuel consumption, characterized by the step of, by means of presentation means (126), presenting for the operator of the host vehicle (1) an increase in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position relative to said in-path vehicle (2) to a lateral position leading to a difference of lateral position of the host vehicle (1) and said in-path vehicle (2), wherein the step of presenting for the operator of the host vehicle (1) an increase in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position relative to said in-path vehicle (2) to a lateral position leading to a difference of lateral position of the host vehicle and said in-path vehicle is in connection to an intended overtaking of said in-path vehicle (2).

2. A method according to claim 1, comprising the step of presenting for the operator of the host vehicle (1) a change in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position of the host vehicle (1) relative to said in-path vehicle (2).

3. A system (I) for facilitating reduction of fuel consumption during drive of a host vehicle (1) along a road, comprising means (110) for estimating the reduction in fuel consumption based on reduction in air resistance caused by an in-path vehicle (2) a certain distance ahead of said host vehicle (1); and means (122) for presenting an achieved reduction in fuel consumption for the operator of the host vehicle when considering influence of said in-path vehicle, wherein the means (110) for estimating the reduction in fuel consumption comprises means (112) for determining the dimensions (W, H1, H2) of the inpath vehicle (2) as a basis for estimating said reduction in air resistance, wherein the means (110) for estimating the reduction in fuel consumption comprises means (114) for determining the influence of the lateral position of the host vehicle (1) relative to said in-path vehicle (2) on said fuel consumption, characterized in that the system comprising means (126) for presenting for the operator of the host vehicle (1) an increase in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position relative to said in-path vehicle to a lateral position leading to a difference of lateral position of the host vehicle (1) and said inpath vehicle (2), wherein the means (126) for presenting for the operator of the host vehicle (1) an increase in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position relative to said in-path vehicle (2) to a lateral position leading to a difference of lateral position of the host vehicle (1) and said in-path vehicle (2) is in connection to an intended overtaking of said in-path vehicle (2).

4. A system according to claim 3, comprising means (124) for presenting for the operator of the host vehicle a change in fuel consumption when changing the lateral position of the host vehicle (1) relative to said in-path vehicle (2).

5. A vehicle (1) comprising a system (I) according to any of claims 3-4.

6. A computer program (P) for facilitating reduction of fuel consumption during drive of a host vehicle along a road, said computer program (P) comprising program code which, when run on an electronic control unit (100) or another computer (500) connected to the electronic control unit (100), causes the electronic control unit to perform the steps according to claim 1-2.

7. A computer program product comprising a digital storage medium storing the computer program according to claim 6.