Vehicle and method of providing fuel efficiency information for a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vehicle and a method of providing fuel efficiency information for the vehicle, in which the impact of a driver's pedal operation on actual fuel efficiency, including potential remaining fuel distance to empty (DTE) due to changes in vehicle kinetic energy, can be displayed. The method includes detecting whether one of an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal is operated, determining indicative fuel efficiency based on a change in available coasting distance as a function of a change in vehicle speed resulting from operation of the detected one of the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal, and outputting the determined indicative fuel efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle and a method for providing fuel efficiency information of the vehicle, wherein the effect of driver pedal operation on actual fuel efficiency can be displayed, including potential distance to empty (DTE) attributable to changes in vehicle kinetic energy. Background Technology

[0002] Many drivers strive for high fuel efficiency while monitoring their driving through fuel consumption information displayed on the dashboard. Here, instantaneous fuel efficiency refers to fuel efficiency obtained by dividing the distance traveled over a specified time period by the amount of fuel consumed, while average fuel efficiency refers to fuel efficiency obtained by dividing the cumulative distance traveled from the initial time to the current time by the cumulative amount of fuel consumed.

[0003] However, in providing the instantaneous fuel efficiency of a regular vehicle, if the accelerator pedal is not operated (e.g., during coasting or when the brake pedal is applied), the instantaneous fuel efficiency is displayed as infinity (∞) or a maximum value, which may create a different feeling from actual fuel consumption. Specifically, in environmentally friendly vehicles such as hybrid electric vehicles, the instantaneous fuel efficiency is displayed as infinity (∞) in Electric Vehicle (EV) mode, where the vehicle is driven solely by the drive motor. Drivers may force their way into EV mode to increase the actual fuel efficiency to match the instantaneous fuel efficiency displayed on the instrument cluster. However, since the source of electricity used in EV mode is the engine's driving force, if the driver strongly desires to drive the vehicle in EV mode, the engine will be unnecessarily started to charge the battery, thus reducing the actual fuel efficiency.

[0004] The information included in the background section of this invention is intended only to enhance the understanding of the general background of the invention and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that such information constitutes prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Various aspects of the present invention are intended to provide a vehicle and a method for providing fuel efficiency information of the vehicle, so as to substantially eliminate one or more problems caused by the limitations and defects of the prior art.

[0006] Various aspects of the present invention aim to provide a vehicle and a method for providing fuel efficiency information of the vehicle, wherein fuel efficiency information that actually varies due to driver operation or driving environment can be effectively output.

[0007] Various aspects of the present invention aim to provide a vehicle and a method for providing fuel efficiency information of the vehicle, wherein fuel efficiency information based on potential remaining fuel range (DTE) can be output, the potential remaining fuel range (DTE) being attributed to changes in kinetic energy caused by driver pedal operation and gradient changes.

[0008] Other advantages, objectives, and features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following description, or may be learned from practice of the invention. The objectives and other advantages of the invention can be realized and obtained by means of structures particularly pointed out in the text of the description and claims, and in the accompanying drawings.

[0009] To achieve these objectives and other advantages and according to the present invention, as embodied and generally described herein, a method for providing fuel efficiency information about a vehicle includes: detecting whether one of an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal has been operated; determining an indicative fuel efficiency based on a change in available coasting distance according to a change in vehicle speed caused by the detected operation of one of the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal; and outputting the determined indicative fuel efficiency.

[0010] In another aspect of the invention, a vehicle providing fuel efficiency information includes: an indicative fuel efficiency controller configured to: detect whether one of an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal has been operated, and determine an indicative fuel efficiency based on a change in available coasting distance according to a change in vehicle speed caused by the detected operation of one of the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal; and an output unit configured to output the determined indicative fuel efficiency.

[0011] It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description of the invention are exemplary and explanatory, and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed invention.

[0012] The methods and apparatus of the present invention have other features and advantages that will be apparent from or will be set forth in detail in the accompanying drawings and subsequent detailed embodiments, which together serve to explain the particular principles of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A graph illustrating the concept of indicative fuel efficiency related to accelerator pedal operation according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0014] Figure 2A and Figure 2B A schematic diagram illustrating an example of determining indicative fuel efficiency under accelerator pedal operation conditions according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 3A and Figure 3B A schematic diagram illustrating an example of indicative fuel efficiency under a determined coasting condition according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0016] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C Graphs and schematic diagrams illustrating an example of indicative fuel efficiency under determined brake pedal operation conditions according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0017] Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C Graphs and diagrams illustrating an example of determining indicative fuel efficiency under uphill coasting conditions according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C Graphs and diagrams illustrating an example of indicative fuel efficiency under downhill skidding conditions according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 7 A schematic diagram illustrating an example of an indicative fuel efficiency type according to various conditions, based on an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 8 A block diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and

[0021] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating an example of a process for outputting indicative fuel efficiency according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] It is understood that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, but rather show slightly simplified depictions of various features illustrating the basic principles of the invention. Specific design features included in the invention (including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes) will be determined in part by the specific environment in which the invention is to be applied and used.

[0023] Throughout these figures, the same reference numerals denote the same or equivalent parts of the invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the invention, examples of which are presented in the accompanying drawings and described below. Although the invention will be described in conjunction with exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood that this specification is not intended to limit the invention to those exemplary embodiments. Rather, the invention is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments thereof, but also various alternatives, modifications, equivalents and other embodiments that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0025] In the following description of the implementation scheme, the terms "comprising" and the like will be understood to mean the presence of one or more other features, values, steps, operations, elements or components or combinations thereof as stated in the specification, and do not exclude the possibility of the presence of other features, values, steps, operations, elements, components or combinations thereof, or the addition of them, unless otherwise stated.

[0026] Various aspects of the present invention aim to provide a method for intuitively providing the impact of a driver’s current pedal operation and driving conditions on actual fuel efficiency by displaying fuel efficiency, wherein changes in potential remaining fuel-travel distance (DTE) are reflected based on changes in kinetic energy attributable to vehicle acceleration, braking, coasting, uphill driving, or downhill driving.

[0027] In the following description of embodiments, the instantaneous fuel efficiency provided in exemplary embodiments of the invention based on changes in potential remaining fuel range (DTE) will be referred to as "indicative fuel efficiency" to distinguish it from general instantaneous fuel efficiency. Furthermore, for ease of description, it will be assumed that the vehicle enters a fuel cut-off state during coasting, and therefore consumes 0 fuel.

[0028] First, refer to Figure 1A and Figure 1B This will describe the concept of indicative fuel efficiency.

[0029] Figure 1A and Figure 1B A graph illustrating the concept of indicative fuel efficiency related to accelerator pedal operation according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] exist Figure 1A and Figure 1B In the graph shown, the horizontal axis represents time, the vertical axis represents vehicle speed, and it is assumed that the driver operates the accelerator pedal to accelerate the vehicle for time t1, and then removes his or her foot from the accelerator pedal to allow the vehicle to coast for time t2. Furthermore, the area under each curve represents the distance traveled.

[0031] First, refer to Figure 1AThe mass of fuel consumed by the vehicle during acceleration time t1 is m, and the distance traveled corresponds to s. v ,acc 110. Furthermore, the vehicle coasted for time t2, therefore, the fuel consumed was 0, and the distance traveled corresponded to s. v ,coasting 120. Therefore, by a general determination method, the average fuel efficiency at time t1 can be... Furthermore, since the mass of fuel consumed, m (i.e., the denominator), is 0, the average fuel efficiency at time t2 can be expressed as infinity.

[0032] However, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, not only the distance traveled after fuel consumption is taken into account, but also the available gliding distance attributable to changes in kinetic energy is considered. For example, in Figure 1B In the process, the energy consumed within Δt1 is not only used for vehicle acceleration during the corresponding time interval of distance 111, but also helps to increase the coasting interval 120 (in Figure 1A The distance 121 corresponds to the increase in coasting distance due to the increase in acceleration speed. Therefore, the effect of actual accelerator pedal operation on fuel efficiency (i.e., the indicative fuel efficiency according to various aspects of the invention) is determined taking into account the changing coasting distance. (Refer to...) Figure 2A and Figure 2B This will be described.

[0033] Figure 2A and Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of determining indicative fuel efficiency under accelerator pedal operation conditions according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2A and Figure 2B To illustrate the fuel efficiency formula, the fuel efficiency curve displayed on the instrument cluster, and the schematic diagram showing the fuel efficiency values ​​determined from the highest value downwards, and assuming... Figure 1B In this context, Δt1 represents the interval for determining fuel efficiency. Furthermore, it is assumed that the amount of fuel consumed within the interval Δt1 is Δm.

[0035] First, refer to Figure 2A By determining the distance Δs within the fuel efficiency range Δv,acc Dividing by the amount of fuel consumed Δm yields the general instantaneous fuel efficiency, and thus it can be determined as follows:

[0036] In contrast, such as in Figure 2B The example shown takes into account the slip distance Δs resulting from the increase in vehicle speed due to acceleration. Δv,coasting The increase (corresponding to) Figure 1B121) to obtain indicative fuel efficiency, and thus can be determined as

[0037] Therefore, the indicative fuel efficiency during accelerator pedal operation has a larger value than the general instantaneous fuel efficiency. Thus, through this indicative fuel efficiency, the driver can identify the fuel efficiency effect taking into account the potential distance traveled using the fuel consumed through accelerator pedal operation.

[0038] Next, we will refer to Figure 3A and Figure 3B Describes indicative fuel efficiency under coasting conditions.

[0039] Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of indicative fuel efficiency under certain coasting conditions according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] First, refer to Figure 3A By determining the distance Δs within the fuel efficiency range Δv,coasting The general instantaneous fuel efficiency is determined by dividing by the amount of fuel consumed. Since the denominator Δm is 0, the determined value of the general instantaneous fuel efficiency under coasting conditions is infinite, and the general instantaneous fuel efficiency is displayed as "maximum" on the instrument cluster.

[0041] refer to Figure 3B According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, if the vehicle coasts because the driver has not operated any pedals, the distance traveled by the coasting is already reflected during the operation of the accelerator pedal. Therefore, as long as no further pedal operation is performed, the kinetic energy of the vehicle will not change, and thus indicative fuel efficiency may not be displayed. Here, no change in kinetic energy can mean no change due to the driver operating any pedals, or no change due to gradient, and excludes changes in loss components that occur naturally during coasting (e.g., air resistance, rolling resistance, frictional resistance of the drive system, etc.). These loss components can be obtained by reference to comparative data, which is preset as a curve based on vehicle speed (hereinafter referred to as the "coasting speed curve" for convenience), but is not limited thereto, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the loss components can be determined using values ​​obtained by various sensors installed in the vehicle.

[0042] Therefore, the change in coasting distance due to the change in kinetic energy becomes zero, and the indicative fuel efficiency can be output as "no change". This prevents the perception of discrepancy that would arise if the instantaneous fuel efficiency output were maximized.

[0043] Next, we will refer to Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C Describes indicative fuel efficiency under brake pedal operation conditions.

[0044] Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 4C The graphs and diagrams illustrate an example of indicative fuel efficiency under determined brake pedal operation conditions according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] exist Figure 4A In the graph shown, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents vehicle speed. (Reference) Figure 4A The vehicle decelerated by Δv during the braking operation time, and, as Figure 4B As exemplarily shown, as long as fuel consumption is 0, instantaneous fuel efficiency (i.e., The value is displayed as "maximum" and is unrelated to the distance 410 traveled during the braking operation.

[0046] However, when the vehicle speed decreases by Δv due to brake pedal operation, the available coasting distance 420 decreases in response to the decrease in vehicle speed. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that fuel efficiency is actually reduced during the brake pedal operation range, so... Figure 4C An illustrative example is shown, reflecting the reduced available glide distance -Δs brake,loss Indicative fuel efficiency can be determined as Here, the reduced available glide distance is determined using Equation 1 below.

[0047] Equation 1

[0048] Δs brake,loss =Δs Δv ,coasting-Δs brake

[0049] In equation 1, Δs Δv "coasting" is the pre-considered available coasting distance, Δs. brake This is the distance traveled during braking. Here, fuel consumption Δm can be the amount of fuel consumed when the speed increases from v to v+Δv during the previous accelerator pedal operation.

[0050] The indicative fuel efficiency result value determined above is negative. Therefore, even if the operation of the brake pedal has a negative impact on fuel efficiency, it can overcome the sense of difference in the general method of displaying instantaneous fuel efficiency as "maximum".

[0051] Next, we will refer to Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C as well as Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6C Describes indicative fuel efficiency under conditions of road incline or other disturbances.

[0052] When coasting without the driver operating the accelerator or brake pedals, if the vehicle speed changes to a rate higher or lower than the normal coasting speed curve due to uphill or downhill conditions or other disturbances, it is necessary to determine the indicative fuel efficiency for the difference in vehicle speed relative to the coasting speed curve. First, refer to... Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C This will describe the uphill gliding situation.

[0053] Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C The graphs and diagrams illustrate an example of determining indicative fuel efficiency under uphill skidding conditions according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0054] exist Figure 5A In the graph shown, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents vehicle speed. (Reference) Figure 5A Even without any pedal operation, the vehicle decelerated by Δv during the sampling period of uphill coasting, and, as Figure 5B As exemplarily shown, as long as fuel consumption is 0, instantaneous fuel efficiency (i.e., The value is displayed as "maximum", and is related to the movement distance Δs during the corresponding sampling period. uphill 510 is irrelevant.

[0055] However, the reduction in vehicle speed Δv due to uphill coasting is significant compared to coasting on level ground. Therefore, the usable coasting distance 520 is further reduced compared to coasting on level ground. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that fuel efficiency is actually reduced during the corresponding sampling period, so... Figure 5C An illustrative example is shown, reflecting the reduced glide distance -Δs uphill,loss Indicative fuel efficiency can be determined as Here, similar to Equation 1, the reduced coasting distance can have a value obtained by subtracting the distance traveled during the sampling period from the available coasting distance increased by increasing the vehicle speed by Δv. Therefore, the indicative fuel efficiency can be determined by dividing the reduced coasting distance by the fuel consumption Δm, which was utilized when the vehicle speed was increased from v to v+Δv during the previous accelerator pedal operation.

[0056] Figure 6A , Figure 6B and Figure 6CThe graphs and diagrams illustrate an example of indicative fuel efficiency under downhill skidding conditions according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] exist Figure 6A In the graph shown, the horizontal axis represents time, and the vertical axis represents vehicle speed. (Reference) Figure 6A Even without any pedal operation, the vehicle decelerated by Δv during the sampling period of downhill coasting, and, as Figure 6B As exemplarily shown, as long as fuel consumption is 0, instantaneous fuel efficiency (i.e., The value is displayed as "maximum", and is related to the movement distance Δs during the corresponding sampling period. downhill 610 is irrelevant.

[0058] However, due to downhill coasting, the vehicle speed decreased by Δv, but the current reduction in Δv is smaller compared to coasting on level ground. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that fuel efficiency actually increased during the corresponding sampling period, so... Figure 6C As exemplarily shown, compared to gliding on a horizontal surface, this is reflected by the increased gliding distance Δs. downhill,add Indicative fuel efficiency can be determined as In other words, similar to the operation of the accelerator pedal, downhill coasting can be corrected to increase the available coasting distance. Therefore, the indicative fuel efficiency has a positive (+) value.

[0059] like Figure 7 The above-described methods for determining and displaying indicative fuel efficiency, as exemplarily shown in the examples, will be summarized below according to various circumstances.

[0060] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of an indicative fuel efficiency display type according to various conditions, based on an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Figure 7 The scenario illustrates a situation where the driver accelerates the vehicle on level ground by operating the accelerator pedal, traverses uphill and downhill sections, and then operates the brake pedal on level ground.

[0061] refer to Figure 7Since the vehicle increases its available coasting distance through acceleration under minimum acceleration conditions (710), the indicative fuel efficiency is displayed as a positive (+) value. Because the available coasting distance remains unchanged, no indicative fuel efficiency is displayed when the vehicle is coasting on a level surface (720). Furthermore, since the available coasting distance decreases when the vehicle is coasting uphill (730), the indicative fuel efficiency is displayed as a negative (-) value. And since the available coasting distance increases when the vehicle is coasting downhill (740), the indicative fuel efficiency is displayed as a positive (+) value. Additionally, because the available coasting distance decreases, the indicative fuel efficiency is displayed as a negative (-) value when the vehicle's brake pedal is operated (750).

[0062] Now, refer to Figure 8 The configuration of the vehicle used to perform the above-described method for determining and displaying indicative fuel efficiency is described.

[0063] Figure 8 A block diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle structure according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0064] refer to Figure 8 A vehicle configured to output indicative fuel efficiency according to this exemplary embodiment of the invention may include an indicative fuel efficiency controller 810 and an output unit 820. The indicative fuel efficiency controller 810 may be implemented as an instrument panel controller or a trip computer, but is not limited thereto. For example, according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the indicative fuel efficiency controller 810 may be a controller that can be configured independently to determine indicative fuel efficiency, or, in the case of an environmentally friendly vehicle (e.g., a hybrid electric vehicle), a hybrid control unit (HCU).

[0065] The indicative fuel efficiency controller 810 can use at least one of the following as input values: fuel consumption, driving distance, vehicle speed, coasting torque, pedal operation amount, or road gradient. For example, fuel consumption can be obtained from the engine control unit or engine injector sensor, and driving distance and vehicle speed can be obtained from a vehicle speed sensor, wheel sensors, odometer (ODO) controller, etc. Furthermore, coasting torque and road gradient can be obtained by comparing with a predetermined coasting curve. Alternatively, in the case of an environmentally friendly vehicle (e.g., a hybrid electric vehicle), coasting torque can be obtained from the hybrid power control unit (HCU), and road gradient can be obtained from a tilt sensor or map information related to a navigation system. Pedal operation amount can be obtained from sensors of each pedal (i.e., brake pedal sensor (BPS) and accelerator pedal sensor (APS)).

[0066] Of course, the methods for obtaining the various information described above are merely exemplary, and the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0067] Furthermore, the output unit 820 may be a display or head-up display mounted on the dashboard, or the output unit 820 may be any device equipped with a display unit capable of displaying visual information, but is not limited thereto.

[0068] The indicative fuel efficiency controller 810 may include: a BPS correspondence unit 811, an APS correspondence unit 813, a gradient correspondence unit 815, and an indicative fuel efficiency calculation unit 817; the BPS correspondence unit 811 is configured to determine the decrease in coasting distance due to the operation of the brake pedal; the APS correspondence unit 813 is configured to determine the increase in coasting distance due to the operation of the accelerator pedal and record the fuel consumption when the accelerator pedal is operated; the gradient correspondence unit 815 is configured to determine the change in coasting distance when the vehicle deviates from the coasting curve on the horizontal ground due to disturbances such as road gradient; the indicative fuel efficiency calculation unit 817 is configured to determine the indicative fuel efficiency based on the changes in coasting distance determined by each of the correspondence units 811, 813, and 815 and the fuel consumption corresponding to the speed change during each sampling period.

[0069] Will pass Figure 9 The flowchart shown summarizes the process of determining and outputting indicative fuel efficiency. Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating an example of a process for outputting indicative fuel efficiency according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0070] refer to Figure 9 The system can detect whether the driver has operated the accelerator pedal or the brake pedal (step S910). When the driver operates either pedal, the BPS corresponding unit 811 or the APS corresponding unit 813 determines the change in available coasting distance based on the type of pedal operated, and the indicative fuel efficiency calculation unit 817 can determine the indicative fuel efficiency based on the amount of fuel corresponding to the change in available coasting distance and the change in vehicle speed (step S920). Here, the determination of indicative fuel efficiency can be performed at regular intervals during a sampling period of a specified time length. For example, if the execution period is 200ms and the sampling period is 600ms, then the change in available coasting distance corresponding to the change in vehicle speed can be determined every 200ms from 600ms before the corresponding time point to the corresponding time point.

[0071] When the driver does not operate any pedals (No in step S910, i.e., coasting state) and the vehicle speed does not follow the coasting curve on the horizontal ground (No in step S930), the slope correspondence unit 815 determines the change in available coasting distance due to disturbance, and the indicative fuel efficiency calculation unit 817 can determine the indicative fuel efficiency based on the fuel quantity corresponding to the change in available coasting distance and the change in vehicle speed (step S940). Here, following the coasting curve can mean that the vehicle speed changes with time in accordance with the predetermined coasting curve or the deviation from the predetermined coasting curve is within a specified range.

[0072] In contrast, when the vehicle speed follows the coasting curve (Yes in step S930), the available coasting distance does not change, so a sign indicating no change can be output by output unit 820 (step S950). Furthermore, an indicative fuel efficiency determined under pedal operation conditions or when the vehicle speed deviates from the coasting curve can be output by output unit 820 (step S960).

[0073] Furthermore, the indicative fuel efficiency of various aspects of the present invention can be applied to environmentally friendly vehicles, such as hybrid electric vehicles.

[0074] More specifically, if regenerative braking or motor-assisted control, which adds the driving force of the electric motor to the driving force of the engine, is implemented in a hybrid electric vehicle, the indicative fuel efficiency can be determined by converting the electrical energy used or recovered during the corresponding braking or control process into an equivalent amount of fossil fuel consumption. Here, the equivalent conversion rate can be, but is not limited to, 33.7 kWh per gallon as defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). For example, assuming the equivalent fuel value converted from the change in the battery's SOC value during the sampling period is Δm soc Therefore, the indicative fuel efficiency during battery charging (regenerative braking, etc.) can be determined as... Furthermore, when consuming battery power (electro-assisted control, EV driving, etc.), the indicative fuel efficiency can be determined as follows: This determination can be performed by the indicative fuel efficiency calculation unit 817.

[0075] This method ensures that the fuel efficiency of a hybrid electric vehicle does not appear to be infinite when it is driven in EV mode, preventing the driver from being overly guided to perform EV driving and thus allowing the driver to improve the vehicle's actual fuel efficiency.

[0076] The method described above according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be implemented as computer-readable code in a computer-readable recording medium in which a program is recorded. A computer-readable recording medium can include all types of recording media in which computer system-readable data is stored. For example, a computer-readable recording medium can include a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state disk (SSD), a silicon disk drive (SDD), ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, magnetic tape, floppy disk, optical data storage device, and so on.

[0077] It is evident from the above description that a vehicle according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention can provide more accurate information relating to actual changes in fuel efficiency.

[0078] Compared to the typical instantaneous fuel efficiency which appears as infinite when the driver is not operating the accelerator pedal, instantaneous fuel efficiency can be provided based on the actual changes in driving distance, depending on the driver's pedal operation and gradient.

[0079] Therefore, drivers can be guided to consider actual fuel efficiency when driving.

[0080] For ease of interpretation and precise definition of the appended claims, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “above,” “below,” “upward,” “downward,” “front,” “rear,” “back,” “internal,” “external,” “inward,” “outer,” “internal,” “external,” “inner side,” “outer side,” “forward,” and “backward” are used to describe features of the exemplary embodiments with reference to the positions of these features shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be further understood that the term “connection” or its derivatives indicate both direct and indirect connections.

[0081] The foregoing description of specific exemplary embodiments of the invention is for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive, nor to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed; clearly, many changes and variations are possible in light of the foregoing teachings. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described to explain the specific principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to implement and utilize various exemplary embodiments of the invention, as well as various alternatives and modifications thereof. The scope of the invention is intended to be defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for providing fuel efficiency information about a vehicle, the method comprising: Detect whether either the accelerator pedal or the brake pedal has been operated; The controller determines indicative fuel efficiency based on changes in available coasting distance according to changes in vehicle speed caused by detected operation of one of the accelerator or brake pedals; Output the determined indicative fuel efficiency; When accelerator pedal operation is detected, indicative fuel efficiency is determined based on the following factors: the first distance traveled during a sampling period of a predetermined length, the increase in available coasting distance due to the increase in vehicle speed during the sampling period, and the amount of fuel consumed during the sampling period. When the operation of the brake pedal is detected, the determination of indicative fuel efficiency is performed based on the following factors: the amount of fuel consumed during the previous acceleration period corresponding to the decrease in vehicle speed during a sampling period of a predetermined time length, the increase in available coasting distance during the previous acceleration period, and the length of travel during the sampling period.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: When no operation of the accelerator pedal or brake pedal is detected, the vehicle's driving situation is compared with the predetermined coasting curve.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein, As a result of comparing the vehicle's driving conditions with the predetermined coasting curve, when it is determined that the vehicle's driving conditions follow the predetermined coasting curve, the determined indicative fuel efficiency is output as follows: indicating that the indicative fuel efficiency has not changed.

4. The method of claim 2, further comprising: As a result of comparing the vehicle's driving conditions with a predetermined coasting curve, when it is determined that the vehicle's driving conditions do not follow the predetermined coasting curve, the indicative fuel efficiency is determined based on the change in available coasting distance caused by the disturbance.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The interference includes at least one of the vehicle's uphill or downhill driving.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein, When the vehicle includes a drive motor, the determination of indicative fuel efficiency is performed by further considering the consumption or charging of battery power by the drive motor.

7. A non-volatile computer-readable recording medium having a program recorded thereon for performing the method according to claim 1.

8. A vehicle that provides fuel efficiency information, the vehicle comprising: An indicative fuel efficiency controller is configured to detect whether one of the accelerator pedal and brake pedal is operated, and to determine indicative fuel efficiency based on the change in available coasting distance caused by the change in vehicle speed. as well as An output unit configured to output a determined indicative fuel efficiency; The indicative fuel efficiency controller is configured to determine indicative fuel efficiency based on the following factors when accelerator pedal operation is detected: a first travel distance during a sampling period of a predetermined length, an increase in available coasting distance due to an increase in vehicle speed during the sampling period, and the amount of fuel consumed during the sampling period. The indicative fuel efficiency controller is configured to determine indicative fuel efficiency based on the following factors when brake pedal operation is detected: the amount of fuel consumed during a previous acceleration period corresponding to a decrease in vehicle speed during a sampling period of predetermined length, an increase in available coasting distance during the previous acceleration period, and the length of travel during the sampling period.

9. The vehicle providing fuel efficiency information according to claim 8, wherein, When no operation of the accelerator and brake pedals is detected, the indicative fuel efficiency controller compares the vehicle's driving conditions with a predetermined coasting curve.

10. The vehicle providing fuel efficiency information according to claim 9, wherein, As a result of comparing the vehicle's driving conditions with a predetermined coasting curve, when the indicative fuel efficiency controller determines that the vehicle's driving conditions follow the predetermined coasting curve, the output unit indicates that the indicative fuel efficiency has not changed.

11. The vehicle providing fuel efficiency information according to claim 9, wherein, As a result of comparing the vehicle's driving conditions with a predetermined coasting curve, when the indicative fuel efficiency controller determines that the vehicle's driving conditions do not follow the predetermined coasting curve, the indicative fuel efficiency controller is configured to determine indicative fuel efficiency based on changes in available coasting distance caused by disturbances.

12. The vehicle providing fuel efficiency information according to claim 11, wherein, The interference includes at least one of the vehicle's uphill or downhill driving.

13. The vehicle providing fuel efficiency information according to claim 8, further comprising: A drive motor and a battery configured to supply power to the drive motor; The indicative fuel efficiency controller is configured to further consider the consumption or charging of battery power by the drive motor to determine the indicative fuel efficiency.

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