Identifying cost effective routes using vehicle fuel economy values that are specific to the roadway type

Abstract

Computer readable program instructions perform a method including identifying a starting location and a destination for traveling in a vehicle and identifying multiple available routes. Each route includes roadway segments that have a roadway type selected from multiple roadway types reflecting a set of roadway conditions. The method obtains a fuel price available to the vehicle, obtains a fuel economy value for the vehicle on each roadway type, and calculates a cost of driving each of a plurality of available routes. The cost of driving each available route is the sum of the cost of driving each segment of the route, wherein the cost of driving each roadway segment is the mathematical product of a length of the roadway segment and the available fuel price divided by the fuel economy for the vehicle on the roadway type for the roadway segment. The lowest cost route is then identified.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to navigation systems and methods of mapping a route from one place to another.[0003]2. Background of the Related Art[0004]As automotive fuel prices have risen, the cost of traveling by automobile has also risen to become a greater proportion of a person's monthly expenses. Accordingly, there has been an increase in various efforts to purchase fuel at a low prices. Radio stations may announce low fuel prices reported by their listeners and websites may describe fuel prices at various locations around the country. Furthermore, online map programs or mobile navigation systems make it possible to quickly determine the distance from one address to another, while a GPS-enable mobile device can track its current location. Even the current design of automobiles reflects an increased focus on fuel efficiency, as many models now include systems that will calculate an instantaneous fuel efficiency of the automobile u...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent is for a computer software program that helps drivers identify the best route from their starting point to their destination based on map data that includes information about road types and fuel economy. The program calculates the cost of driving each available route, based on the cost of fuel and fuel economy, and presents the results in a hierarchical order of the lowest cost route. This information helps drivers save money and reduces emissions by helping them choose the most efficient route.

Problems solved by technology

As automotive fuel prices have risen, the cost of traveling by automobile has also risen to become a greater proportion of a person's monthly expenses.

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