SE541347C2

SE541347C2 - Method and system for assisting the driver of a vehicle

Info

Publication number: SE541347C2
Application number: SE1651275A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Daniel Sandberg; Serdar Ulusoy
Original assignee: Scania Cv Ab
Priority date: 2016-09-29
Filing date: 2016-09-29
Publication date: 2019-07-23
Also published as: SE1651275A1; DE102017008736A1

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for assisting the driver of a vehicle. The method comprises the steps of providing a first set of data. The first set of data comprises a weight of the vehicle's current payload. The first set of data further comprises information regarding the current traffic situation around the vehicle. The first set of data further comprises information regarding the current fuel consumption of the vehicle. The method further comprises the step of providing a second set of data to the driver of the vehicle. The second set of data comprises a fuel consumption of the current trip of the vehicle. The second set of data further comprises a comparison of the fuel consumption of the current trip to the fuel consumption of at least one previous trip of the same kind of vehicle. Thereby the route of the at least one previous trip and the route of the current trip coincide. Further the comparison is compensated by the first set of data.The present disclosure further relates to a system for assisting the driver of a vehicle, to a vehicle, to a computer program, and to a computer program product.

Description

Method and system for assisting the driver of a vehicle TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to a method and system for assisting the driver of a vehicle. Said assisting relates especially to helping the driver to save fuel while operating the vehicle. The present disclosure further relates to a vehicle, a computer program, and a computer program product.

BACKGROUND ART Vehicles often present a current consumption and an average consumption to the driver. The current consumption might be a short time average of, for example, a second, or might be a currently updated snapshot. The average consumption is often an average over a longer distance, such as a pre-determined number of kilometres, the time since the current trip started, or any other pre-determined or driver demanded distance. Comparing the current consumption to an average consumption is often not very relevant since it is unclear how the current consumption compares to the average consumption. In case the average consumption includes a previous trip, factors like velocity, weight of the load, or the like, might differ. This is especially true for trucks where a difference in the load of, for example, several tons or tens of tons usually will so heavily influence average consumption that any average consumption including a previous trip with another weight of the load is completely useless for giving an indication of whether the current trip is performed in a fuel efficient way or not.

There is thus a need for assisting the driver of a vehicle in an improved way, especially assisting the driver of the vehicle for reaching a better fuel efficiency.

Some background art documents are: D1:EP2036777B1 discloses that if the driver drives on a trip which is comparable to a previous trip, the current consumption and the previous consumption can be compared so that the driver gets a target value which he/she can try to reach. The driver can also participate in online competitions with different drivers for further motivating for economical driving.

WO2013033347 describes that historical fuel consumption data from other vehicles are used for providing driving recommendations to the driver. The historical data is normalised so that it does not matter which type of vehicle (car or truck) these data originate from.

JP2011027507 describes a method for comparing the fuel consumption between different vehicles for motivating drivers to drive more ecologically.

US2010262333 describes that the current fuel consumption is compared to the fuel consumption of comparable vehicles in the same area. This is for motivating the driver to change the driving behaviour to reach lower fuel consumption.

DE102008055656 describes that the fuel consumption can be stored for different drivers of a bus. In that way the driver can see whether his/her consumption is better or worse than the average of the previous days.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is at least one objective of the present disclosure to provide an improved system, method, vehicle, computer program, and computer program product for assisting the driver of a vehicle, especially for reducing fuel consumption.

It is at least one objective of the present disclosure to provide an alternative system, method, vehicle, computer program, and computer program product for assisting the driver of a vehicle, especially for reducing fuel consumption.

At least some of the objectives are achieved by a method for assisting the driver of a vehicle. The method comprises the steps of providing a first set of data. The first set of data comprises a weight of the vehicle's current payload. The first set of data further comprises information regarding the current traffic situation around the vehicle. The first set of data further comprises information regarding the current fuel consumption of the vehicle. The method further comprises the step of providing a second set of data to the driver of the vehicle. The second set of data comprises a fuel consumption of the current trip of the vehicle. The second set of data further comprises a comparison of the fuel consumption of the current trip to the fuel consumption of at least one previous trip of the same kind of vehicle. Thereby the route of the at least one previous trip and the route of the current trip coincide. Further the comparison is compensated by the first set of data.

By including the weight of the payload of the vehicle and the current traffic situation around the vehicle in a comparison of fuel consumption, the driver gets a more relevant target value for the fuel consumption to beat. The driver will thus see a compensated value which he/she can try to improve. Thus, although the current traffic situation and/or load may only allow a higher fuel consumption than at a previous trip, the driver has a chance to drive "better" regarding lowering fuel consumption even under these different circumstances. Thus a motivation to improve the driving style and an assessment compared to previous trips can be given at any trip. This will keep up motivation to improve and consequently provide a way to always trying to lower fuel consumption.

In one example, the method further comprises the step of recommending actions to the driver based on said first and/or second set of data. By giving specific recommendations to the driver, an improved driving will be further facilitated.

In one example the first set of data further comprises an outside temperature of the vehicle. This allows compensation for another parameter affecting fuel consumption, thus further improving the fairness of a value for the fuel consumption to beat. the current traffic situation comprises amount and/or speed and/or acceleration of other vehicles in front of the driver's vehicle. These are the most relevant parameters in the current traffic situation which might influence the possibilities to drive in a certain way. By including other vehicles and their behaviour, the target value for a fuel consumption can be better compensated in such a way that the driver gets a target to beat which is possible given the current situation.

In one example the first set of data comprises a state of the road for the trip and/or a visibility outside the vehicle. This allows compensation for another parameter affecting fuel consumption, thus further improving the fairness of a value for the fuel consumption to beat.

In one example the step of providing said second set of data comprises visually presenting said second set of data. By a visual providing the amount of information which can be provided can be maximised. Further, the driver has a good possibility to access the information when it suits and to not access the information when it not suits him/her, such as when all attention is required on the road.

In one example the fuel consumption of the at least one previous trip excludes fuel consumption(s) from previous trip(s) which deviate more than a pre-determined threshold from an average fuel consumption of previous trip(s). Thereby trips with highly differing premises can be excluded. This allows excluding trips with values for the fuel consumption which are not realistic to reach during the current driving process, and/or trips which have so much higher fuel consumption that they should not appear as a goal to beat.

In one example, the fuel consumption of the at least one previous trip comprises an average fuel consumption of the at least one previous trip. This is a convenient way of comparing the fuel consumption.

At least some of the objectives are also achieved by a system for assisting the driver of a vehicle. The system comprises means for providing a first set of data. The first set of data comprises a weight of the vehicle's current payload. The first set of data further comprises information regarding the current traffic situation around the vehicle. The first set of data further comprises information regarding the current fuel consumption of the vehicle. The system further comprises means for providing a second set of data to the driver of the vehicle. The second set of data comprises a fuel consumption of the current trip of the vehicle and a comparison of the fuel consumption of the current trip to the fuel consumption of at least one previous trip of the same kind of vehicle. Thereby the route of the at least one previous trip and the route of the current trip coincide. Further, the comparison is compensated by the first set of data.

In one embodiment, the system further comprises means for recommending actions to the driver based on the first and/or second set of data.

In one embodiment the first set of data further comprises an outside temperature of the vehicle.

In one embodiment the current traffic situation comprises amount and/or speed and/or acceleration of other vehicles in front of the driver's vehicle.

In one embodiment the first set of data comprises a state of the road for the trip and/or a visibility outside the vehicle.

In one embodiment the means for providing the second set of data are arranged to visually present the second set of data.

In one embodiment the fuel consumption of the at least one previous trip excludes fuel consumption(s) from previous trip(s) which deviate more than a pre-determined threshold from an average fuel consumption of previous trip(s).

In one embodiment the fuel consumption of the at least one previous trip comprises an average fuel consumption of the at least one previous trip.

At least some of the objectives are also achieved by a vehicle which comprises the system according to the present disclosure.

In one embodiment the vehicle is a truck.

At least a part of the objectives are achieved by a computer program for assisting the driver of a vehicle, wherein said computer program comprises program code for causing an electronic control unit or a computer connected to the electronic control unit to perform the steps of the method according to the present disclosure.

At least a part of the objectives are achieved by are also achieved by a computer program product containing a program code stored on a computer-readable medium for performing the method according to the present disclosure, when said computer program is run on an electronic control unit or a computer connected to the electronic control unit.

The system, the vehicle, the computer program and the computer program product have corresponding advantages as have been described in connection with the corresponding examples of the method according to this disclosure.

Further advantages of the present invention are described in the following detailed description and/or will arise to a person skilled in the art when performing the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a more detailed understanding of the present invention and its objects and advantages, reference is made to the following detailed description which should be read together with the accompanying drawings. Same reference numbers refer to same components in the different figures. In the following, Fig. 1 shows, in a schematic way, a vehicle according to one embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 shows, in a schematic way, a system according to the present invention; Fig. 3 shows, in a schematic way, an example of how data can be visually presented to a driver; Fig. 4 shows, in a schematic way, a method for assisting the driver of a vehicle according to an example of the present invention; Fig. 5 shows, in a schematic way, a device which can be used in connexion with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Fig. 1 shows a side view of a vehicle 100. In the shown example, the vehicle comprises a tractor unit 110 and a trailer unit 112. The vehicle 100 can be a heavy vehicle such as a truck. In one example, no trailer unit is connected to the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 comprises a system 299, see Fig. 2.

In one example, the vehicle 100 is a bus. The vehicle 100 can be any kind of vehicle. Other examples of vehicles are boats, passenger cars, construction vehicles, and locomotives.

In the following, the system 299 will be described in a preferred embodiment. Not all components presented in the following are necessary. Instead, most of the components are optional. They are, however, added in the description for explaining the full functionality of which can be achieved by a system according to the present disclosure.

The term "link" refers herein to a communication link which may be a physical connection such as an opto-electronic communication line, or a non-physical connection such as a wireless connection, e.g. a radio link or microwave link.

Fig. 2 shows, in a schematic way, a system 299 for assisting the driver of a vehicle. The system 299 comprises means 210 for providing a first set of data.

Said means 210 can comprise means 211 for determining the position of the vehicle. Said means 211 can comprise a GPS-receiver, or a receiver for a signal from any other global navigations satellite system, GNSS. Said means 211 can comprise an inertial measurement unit, IMU. Said means 211 can comprise means for receiving signals from a wireless network and/or a mobile communications network for determining the position of the vehicle. Said first set of data can comprise the current position of the vehicle.

Said means 210 can comprise means 212 for determining a current trip of the vehicle. Said means 212 can comprise a navigation system. Said means 212 can be arranged to receive a user input to determine the current trip of the vehicle based on the user input. Said means 212 can comprise a data receiving unit. Said data receiving unit can be arranged to receive data from an operator of the vehicle. Said data from the operator can comprise information regarding the current trip of the vehicle. Said current trip defines the actual trip which the vehicle is intended to travel and/or already has partly travelled. Said first set of data can comprise the current trip of the vehicle.

Said means 210 can comprise means 213 for determining the velocity of the vehicle. Said means 213 can comprise a speed sensor, such as a sensor counting the rotations of at least one wheel, axle, and/or shaft per time unit, or the like. Since it is well known in the art how to determine the speed of a vehicle and basically every vehicle is equipped with means for determining the velocity, this is not discussed here any further. Said first set of data can comprise the velocity of the vehicle. Said velocity preferably relates to the current velocity of the vehicle.

Said means 210 can comprise means 214 for determining the current traffic situation. Said current traffic situation can relate to the current traffic situation around the vehicle. Said means 214 can comprise at least one camera unit. Said means 214 can comprise at least one radar unit.

Said means 214 can comprise a receiver for vehicle to vehicle, V2V, communication. Said means 214 can comprise a receiver for data regarding the current traffic situation from any other data provider. Said means can comprise at least one laser unit. Said current traffic situation can comprise the amount of other vehicles in front of the driver's vehicle. Said current traffic situation can comprise the speed of at least one other vehicle in front of the driver's vehicle. Said current traffic situation can comprise the acceleration of at least one other vehicle in front of the driver's vehicle. Said current traffic situation can comprise the configuration of at least one other vehicle in front of the driver's vehicle, wherein said configuration can relate to the type of vehicle and/or any geometrical configuration, such as length, height, width, or the like, of the vehicle. In the above the other vehicles have been described as being in front of the driver's vehicle. However, what has been said regarding vehicles in front of the driver's vehicle can additionally or instead also refer to vehicles to the left, to the right, and/or behind the driver's vehicle. Said first set of data comprises the current traffic situation.

Said means 210 can comprise means 215 for determining the weight of the vehicle's current payload. Said means 215 can comprise at least one sensor at at least one spring of the vehicle. Said means 215 can comprise at least one sensor at at least one suspension system of the vehicle. Said means 215 can comprise any sensor arranged at the vehicle for determining the weight of the payload. Said means 215 can comprise a receiving unit for receiving information regarding the weight of the payload. As an example, in case the weight of the payload was known before loading it on the vehicle, this information can be transferred to the vehicle. Said means 215 can comprise a unit being arranged for receiving input from a driver of the vehicle regarding the weight of the vehicle's current payload. Said first set of data comprises the weight of the vehicle's current payload.

Said means 210 can comprise means 216 for providing data from previous trips. Said data from previous trips comprise at least data from previous trips having the same route as the current trip. Said means 216 can comprise a memory aboard the vehicle. Said means 216 can comprise a receiving unit for receiving data from previous trips. Said data can for example be provided via an operator of the vehicle or via an external service provider which transmits theses data to the vehicle. Said receiving unit can then be arranged to receive said transmitted data. Said data from previous trips can comprise the average fuel consumption from at least one previous trip. Said data from previous trips can comprise the weight of the payload from at least one previous trip. Said data from previous trips can comprise the average velocity and/or a velocity profile of at least one previous trip. Said data from previous trips can comprise normalised data in respect to weather conditions, such as the outside temperature, and/or to the state of road during the respective previous trip. Said data from previous trips can comprise the kind of vehicle, and/or be restricted to a certain kind of vehicle. Said certain kind of vehicle is preferably the same kind of vehicle as the current vehicle. Here, and in the whole document, the term same kind of vehicle relates to vehicles which are expected to have basically exactly the same fuel consumption when driven in exactly the same way during exactly the same conditions. As an example, the same kind of vehicle is expected to have basically the same outer dimensions and/or forms as the current vehicle. As an example, the same kind of vehicle is expected to have basically the same gear box and/or engine as the current vehicle. Said data from previous trips can comprise a driver ID, or any other driver distinguishing feature, for the previous trips. Said first set of data can comprise said data from previous trips.

Said means 210 can comprise means 217 for determining an identification of the current driver of the vehicle. Said identification can be a driver ID, and/or any other driver distinguishing feature. Said means 217 can comprise a reader of a driver ID. Said first set of data can comprise said identification of the current driver.

Said means 210 can comprise means 218 for determining an outside temperature of the vehicle. Said means 218 can comprise a temperature sensor, such as a thermometer. Said means 218 can comprise a receiving unit for temperature data. Said first set of data can comprise said outside temperature of the vehicle.

Said means 210 can comprise means 219 for determining a state of the road. Said state of the road relates to the current state of the road for the current trip. Said state of the road can comprise whether the road is wet, dry, covered by leafs, ice, snow, or the like. Said means 219 can comprise at least one camera arrangement and/or at least one radar arrangement. Said means 219 can comprise a sensor arrangement. Said first set of data can comprise said state of the road.

Said means 210 can comprise means 220 for determining the wind conditions around the vehicle. Said means 220 can be arranged to determine the direction and the speed of the wind around the vehicle. Said means 220 can comprise a wind sensor. Said wind conditions can relate to the speed and direction of the wind. Said means 220 can comprise a receiver unit for receiving wind conditions from an external service provider. Said first set of data can comprise set wind conditions.

Said means 210 can comprise means 221 for determining a current fuel consumption. The term current fuel consumption relates to a snapshot of the fuel consumption and/or an average of the fuel consumption during a short time period, such as a second. Basically every modern vehicle is equipped with means for determining a current fuel consumption. Therefore, this is not discussed any further here. Said first set of data can comprise said current fuel consumption.

Said means 210 can comprise means 222 for determining a visibility outside the vehicle. Said means 222 can comprise a camera unit, a radar unit, a laser unit, and/or a sensor unit. Said visibility relates to the fact how far a driver of the vehicle can see, assuming there are no objects in his line of sight. The visibility might be limited due to fog, rain, snow, or the like. Said first set of data can comprise the visibility outside the vehicle.

The system 299 comprises a first control unit 200. Said first control unit 200 can be arranged to control operation of said means 210. Said first control unit can be arranged to control operation of any of said means 211-222. Said first control unit 200 is arranged for communication with said means 210 via a link L210. This can comprise communication with any of said means 211-222. Said first control unit 200 is arranged to receive information from said means 210. This can comprise receiving information from any of said means 211-222.

The system 299 comprises means 230 for providing a second set of data to the driver of the vehicle. Said second set of data comprises a fuel consumption of the current trip of the vehicle. Said fuel consumption can comprise the current fuel consumption. Said fuel consumption can comprise an average fuel consumption of the current trip. Said fuel consumption originates in one example from a fuel consumption in the first set of data. Said second set of data comprises a comparison of said fuel consumption of the current trip to the fuel consumption of at least one previous trip of the same kind of vehicle. The term "same kind of vehicle" has been defined before. An example of said comparison is discussed in relation to Fig. 3. The route of said at least one previous trip and the route of the current trip coincide. Said fuel consumption of said at least one previous trip can comprise an average fuel consumption of said at least one previous trip. Said fuel consumption of said at least one previous trip can exclude fuel consumption(s) from previous trip(s) which deviate more than a pre-determined threshold from an average fuel consumption of previous trip(s) Said comparison can originate from said data from previous trips which can be comprised in said first set of data. Said comparison can be compensated by said first set of data. Said comparison can be compensated by a subset of said first data. In a preferred example, said comparison is at least compensated by the weight of the vehicle's current payload, and by information regarding the current traffic situation around the vehicle. Said comparison can also be compensated by any of the outside temperature of the vehicle, the state of the road, the wind conditions around the vehicle, and/or the visibility outside the vehicle. It should be understood that parts of said first data or not suitable for any compensation, such as the current fuel consumption. Said compensation can relate to the fact that said data is adapted so that it corresponds to the current conditions of and/or around the vehicle. As an example, in case a previous trip was performed with a payload of 20 tons and the current trip is performed with a payload of 40 tons, the fuel consumption can be compensated for the difference of the weight of the payload. As an example, in case a previous trip was performed on a wet road with an outside temperature of 20 degrees Celsius and the current trip is performed on a dry road with an outside temperature of -5 degrees Celsius, the fuel consumption can be compensated by the difference in temperature and the difference in the state of the road.

Said means 230 can comprise means 231 for visually presenting said second set of data. Said means 231 can comprise a display, a needle, a screen, a projector, indication lamps, and/or the like. An example of a visual presentation is given in relation to Fig. 3.

Said means 230 can comprise means 232 for acoustically presenting said second set of data. Said means 231 can comprise a speaker. Said speaker can be arranged to continuously or intermittently present a sound in case the fuel consumption of the present trip deviates more than a pre-determined threshold from the fuel consumption of at least one previous trip, for example is more than a pre-determined threshold higher than the fuel consumption of at least one previous trip.

Said means 230 can comprise means 233 for tactually presenting said second set of data. Said means 233 can comprise vibrational means. Said means 233 can be arranged to continuously or intermittently vibrate in case the fuel consumption of the present trip deviates more than a predetermined threshold from the fuel consumption of at least one previous trip, for example is more than a pre-determined threshold higher than the fuel consumption of at least one previous trip.

Said first control unit 200 can be arranged to control operation of said means 230. Said first control unit can be arranged to control operation of any of said means 231-233. Said first control unit 200 is arranged for communication with said means 230 via a link L230. This can comprise communication with any of said means 231-233. Said first control unit 200 is arranged to receive information from said means 230. This can comprise receiving information from any of said means 231-233. Said first control unit 200 can be arranged to process said first set of data. Said second set of data can at least partly comprise at least parts of said first set of data. Said second set of data can at least partly comprise at least parts of said processed first set of data. Said first control unit can be arranged to transmit said second set of data to said means 230.

Said means 230 can be arranged to recommend actions to the driver based on said first and/or second set of data. As an example, said means 231 can be arranged to indicate on a display and/or via a lamp that a gear should be shifted. As an example, said means 232 can be arranged to output a sound or a sound message indicating that a gear should be changed. As an example, said means 233 can comprise a vibrating steering wheel which vibrates for indicating that a gear should be shifted. Said indication for shifting a gear can be performed for achieving less fuel consumption. Even any other indication, such as accelerating more or less, or the like, is possible to give.

The system 299 can comprise input means 240. Said input means 240 can be arranged to receive an input from the driver. Said input means 240 can comprise buttons, areas on a teach screen, switches, or any other input means. Said input means 240 can comprise means 241 for receiving an input to erase data regarding previous trips. Said input means 240 can comprise means 242 for receiving an input to erase data regarding trips which deviate more than a pre-determined threshold from an average fuel consumption. Said input means 240 can comprise means 243 for receiving an input to provide only trips with approximately the same weight of the payload in said second set of data. Said input means 240 can comprise means 244 for receiving an input to provide only trips with approximately the same average speed in said second set of data.

Said first control unit 200 can be arranged to control operation of said means 240. Said first control unit can be arranged to control operation of any of said means 241-244. Said first control unit 200 is arranged for communication with said means 240 via a link L240. This can comprise communication with any of said means 241-244. Said first control unit 200 is arranged to receive information from said means 240. This can comprise receiving information from any of said means 241-244. Said first control unit 200 can be arranged to erase data regarding previous trips from said first and/or second set of data upon an input to said means 241. Said first control unit 200 can be arranged to erase data regarding trips which deviate more than a predetermined threshold from an average fuel consumption from said first and/or second set of data upon an input to said means 242. Said first control unit 200 can be arranged to provide only trips with approximately the same weight of the payload in said second set of data upon an input to said means 243. Said first control unit 200 can be arranged to provide only trips with approximately the same average speed in said second set of data upon an input to said means 244.

The system 299 can comprise communication means 250. Said communication means 250 can be arranged to communicate with at least one external part, such as an operator/owner of the vehicle, an external service provider, and/or a public authority. Said operator can be a haulier or the like. Said communication means 250 can be arranged to transmit a third set of data to said at least one external part. Said third set of data can comprise any of a driver identification, an average and/or current fuel consumption, a current route, or any other data comprises in said first and/or second set of data. Said third set of data can for example be used by an operator/owner of the vehicle to determine the driving behaviour of the specific driver. Said third set of data can for example be used by an operator/owner for comparing the fuel consumption of different kind of vehicles. This can be helpful when deciding which kind of new vehicle to buy and/or which kind of vehicle to operate on a given route for optimising fuel consumption. What has been said regarding an operator/owner equally applies to an external service provider. Said third set of data can be used by a public authority for receiving statistics regarding actual fuel consumptions and/or actual emissions of a vehicle. Said third set of data can comprise different data for an operator/owner of the vehicle, for an external service provider, and/or for public authorities. As an example, a driver identification can be excluded when transmitting data to public authorities.

A second control unit 205 is arranged for communication with the first control unit 200 via a link L205 and may be detachably connected to it. It may be a control unit external to the vehicle 100. It may be adapted to conducting the innovative method steps according to the invention. The second control unit 205 may be arranged to perform the inventive method steps according to the invention. It may be used to cross-load software to the first control unit 200, particularly software for conducting the innovative method. It may alternatively be arranged for communication with the first control unit 200 via an internal network on board the vehicle. It may be adapted to performing substantially the same functions as the first control unit 200, such as controlling any of the elements of the system 299. The innovative method may be conducted by the first control unit 200 or the second control unit 205, or by both of them.

Fig. 3 shows, in a schematic way, an example about how data can be visualised to a driver. At the left of Fig. 3 the current speed is displayed. In the shown example this is performed with a needle. The needle can be physical or shown on a display. To the right the revolutions per minute, rpm, of the engine of the vehicle are displayed. In the shown example this is performed with a needle. The needle can be physical or shown on a display. Said current speed and said revolutions per minute are visualised in a way well known in the art.

In the embodiment shown in Fig.3, a list of previous trips and the current trip is displayed. Above the list the trip is displayed by its start point and its final destination. In the shown example, even the path between the start point and the final destination, in the shown example road number E4, and the distance, in the shown example 550 km, is displayed. The trips displayed in the list are only those trips which coincide with the current trip. In the shown example the current trip is put first in the list. The trips are called "run" in the list. An average speed, an average consumption and a load is displayed for each trip. Below the current trip the last trip is displayed. Below the last trip, the best trip is displayed. Below the best trip an average trip is displayed. It should be emphasised that all these trips, as described before, have the same start point, the same final destination, and the same route there in between. A comparison between different trips is presented. In the shown example the last run and the best run are compared to the average run. Said comparison is in percentage of the average fuel consumption and displayed in the column named "Diff". The average consumption differs between the last run and the average run by around 1.4%. Since the average speed and the load was approximately the same, the displayed difference is 1.4% as well.

The average fuel consumption differed between the best run and the average run by around 2.9%. However, the best run had less weight of payload and a lower average speed, indicating a different traffic situation. Therefore, the displayed difference is compensated by at least these two factors. After that compensation, the difference of the fuel consumption is 1.4% instead, which is what is displayed to the driver. Said differences can be colour-coded, so that a higher compensated fuel consumption is, for example, indicated by red colour, and a lower compensated fuel consumption, for example, is indicated by green colour.

Even the current run could show a compensated difference to the average run (not shown in the Fig.) In the shown example, the difference is in relation to the average run. The difference, i.e. the comparison, could instead or additionally be in relation to the last run, the best run, the current run, or any other run.

In a preferred example a comparison is given between the current run and at least one other run, such as the best run and an average run. Even other information could be displayed, such as the driver ID or the like. This can give a motivation to beat its own record and/or the record of other drivers regarding lowest fuel consumption.

It should be emphasised that Fig. 3 only is a schematically depicted example. Many other completely different designs which might comprise other information are possible when visually providing information to the driver.

Fig. 4 shows, in a schematic way, a method 400 for assisting the driver of a vehicle according to an example of the present invention. The method 400 starts with step 410 and/or an optional step 415.

In step 410 a first set of data is provided. In Fig. 2 it has been specified examples of what said first set of data can comprise. The method continues with the optional step 420.

In an optional step 415 input is received regarding a processing of said first set of data. Said input is preferably received from a driver of the vehicle. Step 415 can be performed before or after step 410. Step 415 can be performed in parallel to step 410. Said input can comprise a signal to erase data regarding previous trips, a signal to erase data regarding trips which deviate more than a pre-determined threshold from an average fuel consumption, a signal to provide only trips with approximately the same weight of the payload in said second set of data, and/or a signal to provide only trips with approximately the same average speed in said second set of data.

In the optional step 420 at least parts of said first set of data is processed. Said processing can comprise erasing data regarding previous trips. Said erasing can be performed based on the received input in step 415. As an example, data regarding trips which deviate more than a predetermined threshold from an average fuel consumption can be erased. Said data may originate from trips whose conditions heavily deviated from the conditions of the current trip. Such heavy deviations might include construction works, accidents, police controls, failures of the vehicle, or the like. Such heavy deviations might influence the fuel consumption in such a way that they should preferably not be used in comparing average consumption. As an example, a long construction work on the road causing new speed limits so that the vehicle was only allowed to travel at significantly lower speed, for example 60 km/h, might provide a significantly better fuel consumption. However, as time is money and as vehicles only travelling at 60 km/h on a motorway without such speed restrictions may provide a security risk, it might be unjustified to indicate to the driver that such a low fuel consumption could be achieved at the current trip as well.

Said processing can comprise to compensate data regarding previous trips based on said first set of data. Said compensating can comprise a compensation regarding the weight of the payload of the vehicle, regarding the state of the road, regarding the visibility, regarding the current traffic situation, or the like. These compensation factors might influence the fuel consumption and might be different to the current trip. To present a fair average consumption and to give the driver a fair number to compete to a compensation for these factors is preferably performed. As an example, the current is performed during rush hour with lots of other vehicles on the road, whereas a previous trip was performed during night time with few vehicles on the road. Thus the current traffic situation is different from the previous traffic situation. By compensating an average fuel consumption for the traffic situation, the driver gets a realistic motivation to compete to optimise fuel consumption in comparison to previous trips under the current condition. Thus, although the actual fuel consumption might be higher than on a previous trip, this might actually be a better fuel consumption than on a previous trip, given the new circumstances. The method continues with step 430.

In step 430 a second set of data is provided to the driver of the vehicle. Said second set of data comprises a fuel consumption of the current trip of the vehicle. Said second set of data further comprises a comparison of said fuel consumption of the current trip to the fuel consumption of at least one previous trip of the same kind of vehicle. In said second set of data the route of said at least one previous trip and the route of the current trip coincide. Said comparison is compensated by at least the weight of the vehicle's current payload and by information regarding the current traffic situation around the vehicle.

Said comparison can comprise a deviation between the average fuel consumption of the current trip and the average fuel consumption of at least one previous trip. Said comparison ca comprise a deviation between the average fuel consumption of the current trip which has been travelled so far by the vehicle and the average fuel consumption of at least one previous trip during the same section of the route which the current vehicle has travelled so at the current trip. Said comparison can comprise a deviation between the current fuel consumption and the previous current fuel consumption at at least one previous trip when the vehicle drove at the same position. In one example said deviation is an absolute deviation. In one example said deviation is percentaged. In one example said comparison is a comparison between relevant data of the current trip and at least one previous trip. Said relevant can be any data comprised in the first and/or second set of data, such as the weight of the payload, the average speed, or the like.

Said providing can comprise a visual presentation of said second set of data. Said presenting can for example be performed on said means 231. An example of said comparison is depicted in Fig. 3. The method continues with the optional step 440.

In the optional step 440 actions are recommended to the driver based on said first and/or second set of data. Said recommendation can be performed in any way as described in relation to Fig. 2. The method ends after step 440.

The method can be performed repeatedly. The method can be performed in another order as described above. As an example, step 440 can be performed before step 430. Steps of the method 400 can also be performed in parallel. As an example, step 430 and step 440 can be performed in parallel. The method can further comprise a step of communicating with at least one external part. Said communication can comprise a third set of data. This has been described in relation to Fig. 2.

Figure 5 is a diagram of one version of a device 500. The control units 200 and 205 described with reference to Figure 2 may in one version comprise the device 500. The device 500 comprises a non-volatile memory 520, a data processing unit 510 and a read/write memory 550. The non-volatile memory 520 has a first memory element 530 in which a computer program, e.g. an operating system, is stored for controlling the function of the device 500. The device 500 further comprises a bus controller, a serial communication port, I/O means, an A/D converter, a time and date input and transfer unit, an event counter and an interruption controller (not depicted). The non-volatile memory 520 has also a second memory element 540.

The computer program comprises routines for providing a first set of data, wherein said first set of data comprises a weight of the vehicle's current payload, information regarding the current traffic situation around the vehicle, and information regarding the current fuel consumption of the vehicle.

The computer program P may comprise routines for determining a weight of the vehicle's current payload. This may at least partly be performed by means of said first control unit 200 controlling operation of said means 210, especially said means 215. Said determined weight of the vehicle's payload can be stored in said non-volatile memory.

The computer program P may comprise routines for determining information regarding the current traffic situation around the vehicle. This may at least partly be performed by means of said first control unit 200 controlling operation of said means 210, especially said means 214. Said determined information regarding the current traffic situation around the vehicle can be stored in said non-volatile memory.

The computer program P may comprise routines for determining the current fuel consumption of the vehicle. This may at least partly be performed by means of said first control unit 200 controlling operation of said means 210, especially said means 221. Said determined current fuel consumption can be stored in said non-volatile memory.

The computer program P may comprise routines for providing a second set of data to the driver of the vehicle. This may at least partly be performed by means of said first control unit 200 and/or said means 230. This may comprise that said first control unit 200 control operation of said means 230. This may comprise accessing information form said non-volatile memory, such as information regarding previous trips of the vehicle and/or at least one vehicle of the same kind.

The computer program P may comprise routines recommending actions to the driver based on said first and/or second set of data. This may at least partly be performed by means of said first control unit 200 and/or said means 230. This may comprise that said first control unit 200 control operation of said means 230.

The program P may be stored in an executable form or in compressed form in a memory 560 and/or in a read/write memory 550.

Where it is stated that the data processing unit 510 performs a certain function, it means that it conducts a certain part of the program which is stored in the memory 560 or a certain part of the program which is stored in the read/write memory 550.

The data processing device 510 can communicate with a data port 599 via a data bus 515. The non-volatile memory 520 is intended for communication with the data processing unit 510 via a data bus 512. The separate memory 560 is intended to communicate with the data processing unit via a data bus 511. The read/write memory 550 is arranged to communicate with the data processing unit 510 via a data bus 514. The links L205, L210, L220, L230, L240, L250, and L260, for example, may be connected to the data port 599 (see Figure 4).

When data are received on the data port 599, they can be stored temporarily in the second memory element 540. When input data received have been temporarily stored, the data processing unit 510 can be prepared to conduct code execution as described above.

Parts of the methods herein described may be conducted by the device 500 by means of the data processing unit 510 which runs the program stored in the memory 560 or the read/write memory 550. When the device 500 runs the program, methods herein described are executed.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is neither intended to be exhaustive, nor to limit the invention to the variants described. Many modifications and variations will obviously suggest themselves to one skilled in the art. The embodiments have been chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and their practical applications and thereby make it possible for one skilled in the art to understand the invention for different embodiments and with the various modifications appropriate to the intended use.

It should especially be noted that the system according to the present disclosure can be arranged to perform any of the steps or actions described in relation to the method 400. It should also be understood that the method according to the present disclosure can further comprise any of the actions attributed to an element of the engine system 299 described in relation to Fig. 2. The same applies to the computer program and the computer program product.

Claims

1. A computerized method (400) for assisting the driver of a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: - providing (410) a first set of data, wherein said first set of data comprises a weight of the vehicle's current payload, information regarding the current traffic situation around the vehicle, wherein said current traffic situation comprises amount and/or speed and/or acceleration of other vehicles in front of the driver's vehicle; and information regarding the current fuel consumption of the vehicle; - providing (420, 430) a second set of data to the driver of the vehicle, wherein said second set of data comprises a fuel consumption of the current trip of the vehicle, and a comparison of said fuel consumption of the current trip to the fuel consumption of at least one previous trip of the same kind of vehicle, wherein the route of said at least one previous trip and the route of the current trip coincide, and wherein said comparison is compensated at least by said weight of the vehicle's current payload, and by said information regarding the current traffic situation around the vehicle.

2. The method according to the previous claim, further comprising the step of: - recommending (440) actions to the driver based on said first and/or second set of data.

3. The method according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein said first set of data further comprises an outside temperature of the vehicle and wherein said comparison is compensated at least by said outside temperature.

4. The method according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein said first set of data comprises a state of the road for the trip and/or a visibility outside the vehicle and wherein said comparison is compensated at least by said state of the road for the trip and/or a visibility outside the vehicle.

5. The method according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein the step of providing said second set of data comprises visually presenting said second set of data.

6. The method according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein said fuel consumption of said at least one previous trip excludes fuel consumption(s) from previous trip(s) which deviate more than a pre-determined threshold from an average fuel consumption of previous trip(s).

7. The method according to anyone of the previous claims, wherein said fuel consumption of said at least one previous trip comprises an average fuel consumption of said at least one previous trip.

8. A system (299) for assisting the driver of a vehicle, the system comprising: - means (210) for providing a first set of data, wherein said first set of data comprises a weight of the vehicle's current payload, information regarding the current traffic situation around the vehicle, wherein said current traffic situation comprises amount and/or speed and/or acceleration of other vehicles in front of the driver's vehicle; and information regarding the current fuel consumption of the vehicle; - means (230-233) for providing a second set of data to the driver of the vehicle, wherein said second set of data comprises a fuel consumption of the current trip of the vehicle, and a comparison of said fuel consumption of the current trip to the fuel consumption of at least one previous trip of the same kind of vehicle, wherein the route of said at least one previous trip and the route of the current trip coincide, and wherein said comparison is compensated at least by said weight of the vehicle's current payload, and by said information regarding the current traffic situation around the vehicle.

9. The system according to claim 8, further comprising: - means (230-233) for recommending actions to the driver based on said first and/or second set of data.

10. The system according to anyone of claims 8-9, wherein said means (231) for providing said second set of data are arranged to visually present said second set of data.

11. A vehicle (100), comprising the system according to anyone of claims 8-10.

12. The vehicle according to claim 11, wherein the vehicle is a truck.

13. A computer program (P) for assisting the driver of a vehicle, wherein said computer program (P) comprises program code for causing an electronic control unit (200; 500) or a computer (205; 500) connected to the electronic control unit (200; 500) to perform the steps according to any of the claims 1-7.

14. A computer program product containing a program code stored on a computerreadable medium for performing method steps according to any of claims 1-7, when said computer program is run on an electronic control unit (200; 500) or a computer (205; 500) connected to the electronic control unit (200; 500).