Feedback on the influence of a driver's driving behavior on fuel consumption

Abstract

A method for providing feedback on the influence of a driver's driving behavior on the fuel consumption of a motor vehicle, comprising the following steps: - Recording a wide range of driving parameters of the motor vehicle related to fuel consumption; - Calculating at least two parameters related to fuel consumption from the driving parameters; and - Displaying values ​​of the respective key figures in respective displays (1, 1', 1"), wherein the displays (1, 1', 1") form parts of a contour (2) of a connected geometric figure; wherein Three key figures are presented.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for providing feedback on the influence of a driver's driving behavior on the fuel consumption of the motor vehicle.

[0002] Many cars are equipped with so-called ECO displays, which are intended to give drivers feedback on their fuel-efficient driving style. However, drivers often have insufficient or imprecise knowledge about the impact of their driving style on their vehicle's fuel consumption. Furthermore, ECO displays generally do not address the driver's motivation. There is also the risk that the display will distract the driver from the driving task.

[0003] From DE 11 2013 005 179 T5, a method, a computing device, and a display for root cause analysis of fuel / energy consumption in a vehicle driven by a driver are known. The method comprises allocating the fuel / energy consumption to a number of fuel / energy consumers, calculating the fuel / energy consumption of the respective fuel / energy consumers in a computing device, and visualizing the calculated fuel / energy consumption of the respective fuel / energy consumers on a display controlled by a computing device.

[0004] DE 10 2012 024 518 A1 relates to a method for displaying information that describes the driving style of a driver of a motor vehicle.

[0005] DE 10 2010 018 826 A1 relates to a method for providing feedback on driving conditions related to fuel consumption to a driver of a motor vehicle by directly determining a plurality of driving style parameters and evaluating the driving style parameters by applying defined evaluation criteria.

[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide a method for providing feedback on the influence of a driver's driving behavior on the fuel consumption of a motor vehicle, which informs the driver quickly and in a motivating manner about a fuel-efficient driving style characterized in several dimensions.

[0007] This problem is solved by a method according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are described in the dependent claims, the description, and the figures.

[0008] An inventive method for providing feedback on the influence of a motor vehicle's driving behavior on its fuel consumption comprises several steps. First, it involves acquiring a multitude of driving parameters of the motor vehicle related to fuel consumption. These include, in particular, data on acceleration, coasting, deceleration, braking, recuperation, and / or speed fluctuations of the motor vehicle, as well as data on engine speed and / or gear changes. The method then includes calculating at least two fuel consumption-related parameters from the driving parameters. Finally, the method also includes displaying the values ​​of the respective parameters in corresponding displays or bar graphs.To make feedback effective and motivating, the individual bar graphs form parts of the contour of a continuous geometric figure. In particular, the bar graphs can also form the entire contour of this continuous geometric figure. Here, "contour" refers to an outline that has a certain width, not simply a boundary between two areas or regions. The widths of the bar graphs essentially correspond to the lateral extent, or width or thickness, of the contour. The contour of the continuous geometric figure is therefore considered closed when all bar graphs reach their respective maximum values.This has the advantage that the driver can easily grasp the key performance indicators at a glance, as they receive memorable and clear graphical feedback on the impact of their driving behavior on fuel consumption. Since graphical, especially iconographic, feedback is particularly memorable for the driver, they effectively learn a fuel-efficient driving style through this feedback. Incentives for eco-driving can also be implemented very easily in this way, without distracting the driver from the driving task.

[0009] According to the invention, three key parameters are displayed. Choosing three parameters offers the advantage of a clear and concise display while simultaneously providing sufficiently detailed feedback. This allows the driver to optimize their driving style towards fuel efficiency based on the feedback received.

[0010] In an advantageous embodiment, the connected geometric figure is a circle and the bar displays are each segment of a circular arc, or the connected geometric figure is a polynomial and the bar displays are each sides or segments of the polynomial, wherein, in particular, the number of polynomial sides corresponds to the number of parameters. If the geometric figure is a circle, the bar displays can, in particular, be segments of a circular arc of equal size, which, when joined together, form the entire circle. For example, with three bar displays, each bar display then represents one-third of the entire circle. This has the advantage that the completeness of the figure can be determined particularly easily and quickly via the uniform contour of the geometric figure.The circle itself conveys a sense of perfection and completeness, encouraging the driver to drive in such a way that the bar graphs reach their maximum value and the figure is fully displayed. Since positive feelings are known to be particularly effective in learning behaviors, this allows the driver to efficiently and effectively learn an eco-friendly driving style.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the values ​​are average values, in particular average values ​​normalized to specific route segments or times, of the respective parameters. For example, a parameter relating to general driving situations is normalized to the entire distance traveled or the entire driving time, while a parameter relating to acceleration is normalized only to the route segments or times during which acceleration actually occurred. This has the advantage that the driver receives an overview of the driving behavior throughout the entire journey at a glance, while simultaneously allowing for a differentiated analysis of various aspects of the driving experience.

[0012] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the contour of the geometric figure is visually highlighted as soon as all bar displays show their respective maximum values. Once the entire contour of the geometric figure is displayed, including the fully filled bar displays, the figure as a whole is emphasized with a visual effect, which can be implemented as a corona or ray effect of the contour. This has the advantage of making it even easier for the driver to perceive achieving a fuel-efficient driving style. At the same time, a kind of reward effect is created, further reinforcing economical driving behavior.

[0013] To prevent the effect from flickering, hysteresis can be implemented. This means that a very brief period of reaching or falling below the maximum values ​​will not trigger a visual highlight or its deactivation. The visual highlight is therefore switched on and / or off with a delay. This has the advantage of preventing driver distraction caused by the repeated switching on and off of the visual highlight.

[0014] In another embodiment, a trend, particularly an increase, of one of the values ​​displayed by the bar graphs is shown in addition to the bar graphs themselves. This is achieved, in particular, by visually highlighting a specific segment of the figure, the segment corresponding to the part of the geometric figure associated with the respective bar graph. In the case of a circle as the figure with three bar graphs forming its outline, three pie-like circular segments within the outline are thus visually highlighted as soon as the bar graph belonging to the corresponding circular segment, and especially the adjacent one, changes. A change in the bar graphs, a trend, is therefore communicated to the driver by an additional display, in addition to the changing bar graph itself.This has the advantage of making trends visible, especially positive trends, so that the driver can recognize them more easily and quickly. Thus, in the case of a positive trend, i.e., a growing bar graph, the driver experiences an immediate reward for their current behavior and is therefore encouraged to continue driving in a fuel-efficient manner.

[0015] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a parameter for evaluating acceleration processes, a parameter for evaluating deceleration processes, and a parameter for evaluating the vehicle's speed consistency are provided. These parameters can consider not only the position of the accelerator or brake pedal, but also other driving parameters, such as the presence or extent of recuperation, the gradient of the road, and the like. The three listed parameters are particularly suitable for characterizing driving behavior with regard to energy consumption, since all driving parameters relating to energy consumption can be summarized under these three parameters.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the system switches between several different modes, for example, a beginner mode and an expert mode, depending on the driver's identity and / or the magnitude of the calculated parameters. In the beginner mode, the bar graphs are renormalized to facilitate reaching the maximum values ​​of the respective bar graphs. Specifically, the bar graphs in the beginner mode are renormalized such that the maximum value in the beginner mode corresponds to 50–90%, preferably 70–90%, and even more preferably 80%, of the maximum value in the expert mode. Additional or alternative modes with different normalizations can be introduced alongside or instead of the beginner and expert modes. If the current mode is to be selected based on the driver's identity, driver recognition must also be performed.The different modes can also be clearly distinguished, meaning they can each be designed differently, particularly through different colors and / or sizes of the outlines and / or bar displays in the respective modes. Different geometric shapes can also be used in the different modes. This has the advantage that the feedback to the driver and / or driving behavior adapts. This prevents frustration for drivers who are overwhelmed and never reach the maximum values ​​of the bar displays in a particular mode. At the same time, it also prevents boredom for drivers who are underchallenged and who, due to their driving style, always reach the maximum values ​​of the bar displays in a certain mode. Furthermore, this approach achieves a longer-term effect, as the expert mode is more difficult than the beginner mode and takes longer to complete.Additionally, the different design of the modes can also create an incentive for fuel-efficient driving, as reaching expert mode can be perceived by the driver as a desirable reward.

[0017] In a further embodiment, a change, particularly an increase, in one of the values ​​displayed by the bar graphs is acoustically communicated to the driver, specifically through engine noise, brake noise, and / or an electrical crackling sound. The driver is thus acoustically informed of a positive or negative trend in the parameters via a sound associated with positive or negative emotions. In particular, to make fuel-efficient, low-rev driving an emotional experience, synthetic sounds are played. For example, music plays during constant speed and cuts out when the speed changes. A simulated turbocharger noise makes moderate acceleration sound powerful, thus suggesting a sporty driving style. A further audio cue alerts the driver when it is time to shift into the next higher gear.If the driver shifts into the next higher gear in good time, this is rewarded with another positive tone. Anticipatory driving is rewarded with an electric crackling sound when coasting. If the driver brakes unnecessarily, a brake squeal is emitted. This has the advantage of providing the driver with feedback without having to look at a display. At the same time, this makes a fuel-efficient driving style more engaging and allows it to be learned and practiced in a playful way. The acoustic feedback can be switched on and off, so that feedback is only provided when needed.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the values, particularly after the end of a journey and especially along with other journey-characterizing data, are transferred to a data processing system located remote from the vehicle and stored and / or analyzed there. Alternatively, the values ​​and data can also be stored and analyzed in the vehicle itself, but this is less user-friendly and significantly restricts access to the data and thus also the analysis possibilities. Transferring the data to the remote data processing system has the advantage that the driver does not have to manually retrieve the data from the vehicle to review their journey. Furthermore, past journeys can be automatically historized, allowing for the comparison of individual past journeys.This allows for the calculation of average values ​​and / or the determination of best values, and in particular, the comparison of these values ​​with those of other drivers. Furthermore, the analysis of a driver's driving data enables the generation of actionable recommendations tailored precisely to that driver's specific driving style.

[0019] The data can be presented in such a way that even drivers without technical expertise can understand the results and any recommendations. For example, in addition to a measured value, the driver can be shown a graph explaining it. A low average deceleration is a good indicator that the driver has braked efficiently. The deceleration is represented, for instance, as the force that pushes the driver into the seatbelt and forwards their head during braking. Greater forces cause the head to be pushed forward at a greater angle, so the driver, who is not technically savvy, only needs to understand that a greater head tilt angle in a depicted figure during braking represents higher fuel consumption.

[0020] The driver can also be motivated to adopt a fuel-efficient driving style through a so-called "ECO Challenge." Based on the concept of "gamification," where real-world behavior leads to rewards in an abstract world, similar to a computer game, the ECO Challenge presents drivers with various tasks that can be completed without technical knowledge and rewards them. This allows drivers to achieve lower fuel consumption in a playful way. For example, a driver might be tasked with accelerating in a fuel-efficient, and therefore environmentally friendly, manner over a distance of 100 km, beating their own or the best overall fuel consumption, correctly shifting up 500 times, or driving with the "corona" (presumably referring to a specific engine speed) for a certain period of time. These tasks can also be combined.This can then be rewarded with bonus points or a display of saved energy and / or additional range gained, and may lead to a new, more challenging task. The ECO Challenge can be particularly advantageous when combined with the different modes described above, such as beginner and expert modes.

[0021] In a further advantageous embodiment, the driver can also view the driving parameters and / or average values ​​of these parameters as part of the analysis. In particular, the driver can see the average engine speed at which they shift gears and the distance covered while coasting, braking, and sailing. This has the advantage that the driver receives specific suggestions for achieving a more fuel-efficient driving style and can thus optimize their future driving behavior.

[0022] In a further advantageous embodiment, the feedback display shows a distance that, based on the calculated parameters, can be additionally covered by the vehicle due to energy savings compared to a reference, particularly a reference corresponding to the zero values ​​of the bar graphs. The distance is calculated in such a way that the value cannot be negative, although a decrease in the "bonus kilometers" representing the distance is possible. In particular, the kilometer display includes decimal places. This creates a more dynamic impression of the display. This has the advantage of creating a tangible incentive for fuel-efficient driving and thus providing the driver with a perceptible benefit through more economical driving.

[0023] Further features of the invention will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention and from the figures.

[0024] This shows: Fig. 1 a schematic representation of feedback of a driver's driving behavior according to an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention; and Fig. 2 a schematic representation of further feedback of a driver's driving behavior according to an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention.

[0025] Identical or functionally equivalent elements are given the same reference symbols in the figures.

[0026] In Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a feedback mechanism for the driver indicating the influence of driving behavior, as described in an exemplary embodiment of the method. In the example shown, three bar displays 1, 1', 1" are used, which together form a ring, i.e., the contour 2 of a circle. The arc segments of the circle occupied by each bar display 1, 1', 1" are of equal size and each occupies one-third of the arc. The zero value of the first bar display 1 is located at eight o'clock, which is also the maximum value of the third bar display 1". The maximum value of the first bar display 1 is located at twelve o'clock, which is also the zero value of the second bar display 1'. These two values ​​are therefore located at the highest point of the ring in the y-direction. At four o'clock, both the maximum value of the second bar display 1' and the zero value of the first bar display 1 are located.In the example shown, the interior of the circle is divided into three equal figure segments 3, 3', 3" corresponding to the bar graphs 1, 1', 1". Each figure segment 3, 3', 3" displays a symbol. This symbol represents the characteristic value displayed by the bar graph 1, 1', 1" adjacent to and associated with the respective figure segment 3, 3', 3". This value is calculated from a multitude of driving parameters related to the vehicle's fuel consumption. A brief explanation of the symbols can be displayed at the beginning of the journey to improve understanding.

[0027] In the y-direction above the contour 2, which is represented here as a ring, a distance 5 is displayed, in this case as a dynamic value of, for example, 5.4 kilometers, in conjunction with a fixed, unchanging display area, in this case "Bonus from Start". In this example, this indicates to the driver that since the start of the journey, they have saved enough energy through an energy-efficient driving style to travel an additional 5.4 kilometers. Accordingly, the distance 5 in the example shown is set to zero at the beginning of a journey or a journey segment defined by the driver.

[0028] In this example, the upper left bar graph 1 has reached its maximum value. Simultaneously, the associated figure segment 3, i.e., the upper left area within the ring-shaped contour 2, is instantly highlighted, for example, by color. A gas pedal with a foot is symbolically represented on this figure segment. Since the first bar graph 3 and the associated figure segment 3 represent a parameter for evaluating acceleration processes, the driver knows, thanks to the visually highlighted figure segment 3, that they are currently accelerating in a fuel-efficient manner. At the same time, the value displayed in bar graph 1 is an average value. This average value is normalized to the relevant portion of the total distance traveled, i.e., the portion of the distance where acceleration actually occurred.The driver also learns from the display that he accelerated in a fuel-efficient manner in 100% of the sections of the journey where he accelerated.

[0029] The situation is different with the second bar graph 1' and the associated upper right figure segment 3'. In the example shown, a parameter for evaluating deceleration processes is displayed, which is illustrated by a symbolic representation of a wheel in the corresponding figure segment 3'. Figure segment 3' is not currently highlighted, meaning that no energy-efficient deceleration is taking place. This is logical, since, as indicated by the first figure segment 3 on the left, energy-efficient acceleration is occurring at this moment. This precludes simultaneous deceleration. Therefore, in the functionality chosen here, the first figure segment 3 and the second figure segment 3' can never be visually highlighted, i.e., active, at the same time. The associated second bar graph 1' has reached 50% of its maximum value and is thus positioned at approximately two o'clock.Since, similar to the first bar display 1, an average value normalized to a relevant part of the total journey distance is displayed here, the driver learns through the feedback that he has decelerated in an energy-saving manner on approximately 50% of the journey distances on which he has decelerated.

[0030] In the lower third figure segment 3", a scale is depicted as a symbol. This symbolizes smooth driving, or a constant speed of the vehicle. It is currently highlighted, so the driver receives feedback that their driving style currently meets the criteria for smooth driving. The corresponding lower third bar indicator 1" shows approximately one-quarter of its maximum value in this example. Since smooth driving is evaluated continuously in this embodiment, i.e., at all times, this bar indicator 1" refers to the entire distance traveled since the start, and not, like the other bar indicators 1 and 1', to those sections of the journey where a specific condition, such as acceleration or deceleration, was active. The driver thus receives feedback that they have driven smoothly for approximately 25% of the distance traveled since the start of the current journey.

[0031] Fig. Figure 2 shows feedback on the influence of driving behavior on fuel consumption in a different situation than in Fig. 1 shown. The structure of the representation corresponds here to that in Fig. The setup shown in Figure 1 is shown. However, in this case, all three bar displays 1, 1', 1" reach their maximum value, which causes contour 2 to be visually emphasized, in the example shown by a corona in area 4 of the display. This effect is only shown here when all three bar displays 1, 1', 1" reach their maximum value. It can also be seen that the respective

[0032] Figure segments 3, 3', 3" are not visually highlighted, meaning that neither energy-efficient acceleration nor deceleration is currently taking place, nor is the driving balanced. The fact that there is still a visual highlight in area 4, i.e., the corona conveys the sensation of glowing, is due to a hysteresis effect in this example. Therefore, if the driver is driving unevenly, accelerating or decelerating unevenly, even for a very brief moment, this short-term uneconomical driving style does not cause the glow, or more generally, the visual highlighting of contour 2, to disappear. However, as soon as the driver's driving style fails to meet the criteria for fuel-optimized driving for a predetermined period, at least one of the bar displays 1, 1', 1" will fall below its maximum value, and the visual highlighting will cease.Visual emphasis can, of course, be achieved in a variety of ways, particularly through color highlighting or changing the size of the geometric figure. Highlighting can also be achieved by displaying it in a location other than the immediate vicinity of contour 2. Reference symbol list 1, 1', 1" bar display 2 Contour 3, 3', 3" figure segment 4 area 5 Distance

Claims

[1] Method for providing feedback on the influence of a driver's driving behavior on the fuel consumption of a motor vehicle, comprising the steps: - Recording a wide range of driving parameters of the motor vehicle related to fuel consumption; - Calculating at least two parameters related to fuel consumption from the driving parameters; and - Displaying values ​​of the respective key figures in respective displays (1, 1', 1"), wherein the displays (1, 1', 1") form parts of a contour (2) of a connected geometric figure; wherein Three key figures are presented. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that the connected geometric figure is a circle and the indicators (1, 1', 1") are each arc segments of a circle, or the connected geometric figure is a polygon and the indicators (1, 1', 1") are each sides or Side segments of the polygon are, in particular, the number of polygon sides corresponds to the number of characteristic values. [3] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the values ​​average values, in particular for each individual The route sections represent normalized average values ​​of the respective key parameters. [4] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the contour (2) of the geometric figure is visually highlighted as soon as all displays (1, 1', 1") show their respective maximum values. [5] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a trend, in particular an increase, of one of the values ​​represented by the displays (1, 1', 1") is indicated, in particular by a visual highlighting of a respective figure segment (3, 3', 3"), wherein the figure segment (3, 3', 3") is assigned to the part of the geometric figure belonging to the corresponding bar display (1, 1', 1"). [6] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a key figure for evaluation of acceleration processes and a parameter for evaluating deceleration processes and a parameter for evaluating the uniformity of the speed of the motor vehicle. [7] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that Depending on the driver's personality and / or the magnitude of the calculated parameters, the system switches between several modes. wherein the displays (1, 1', 1") are renormalized in at least one mode, making it easier to reach the maximum values ​​of the respective displays (1, 1', 1"). [8] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a change, in particular an increase, of one of the values ​​displayed by the indicators (1, 1', 1") is acoustically reported back to the driver, in particular by an engine noise and / or a brake noise and / or an electrical crackling sound. [9] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the values, especially after the end of a journey and again especially with further data characterizing the journey in question, are transferred to a data processing system located away from the motor vehicle and stored and / or analyzed there. [10] Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that a distance (5) is displayed which, based on the calculated parameters compared to a reference, in particular compared to a reference corresponding to the zero values ​​of the parameters, is expected to be additionally covered by the motor vehicle due to energy saved.

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