Route Scheduling System for Fuel Station Selection and Price Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods of presenting fuel information to vehicle drivers are not user-friendly, as they do not effectively help drivers determine when and where to fuel based on their daily schedules and plans, leading to uncertainty about reaching destinations without running out of fuel.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that integrates fuel tank capacity, current fuel level, fuel economy, and location information to calculate routes, estimate fuel amounts, select nearby fuel stations, and display fuel price information, allowing drivers to visualize their fuel status and scheduling needs along their route.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fuel level indication methods are used, then the system is simple, but the driver cannot effectively determine when and where to fuel based on their schedule
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single fuel information presentation system: it integrates fuel level monitoring, route calculation, fuel station location, and schedule-based decision support. The system merges data from sensors (fuel level, vehicle position), databases (fuel stations, routes), and processing algorithms to provide comprehensive fueling guidance that adapts to the driver's schedule and preferences.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs multiple functions through a single integrated platform: it monitors fuel levels, calculates routes to destinations and fuel stations, estimates fuel consumption, identifies suitable fuel stations based on various criteria (price, convenience, schedule), and presents personalized recommendations. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate systems for each function.
2Loss of information
If detailed route and fuel station information is provided, then the driver can make informed decisions, but the information presentation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the comprehensive fuel information into organized categories and hierarchical levels. It divides information about fuel stations (location, price, distance, estimated arrival time) and routes (total distance, fuel consumption, alternative paths) into structured formats. The system presents information in segments that can be independently reviewed, allowing drivers to focus on specific aspects without being overwhelmed by the complete dataset.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adapts the level and type of information presented based on the driver's specific situation and preferences. It provides detailed information locally relevant to the current context (e.g., emphasizing price information when the driver is price-sensitive, or emphasizing distance information when time is critical). The presentation tailors the quality and depth of information to the specific decision-making context.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system calculates multiple routes and fuel station options, then the driver has more choices, but the processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calculations and pre-processes route and fuel station data in advance. It pre-calculates multiple potential routes and identifies candidate fuel stations before the driver needs to make a decision. By preparing multiple options ahead of time and organizing them according to various sorting criteria (distance, price, time), the system reduces the computational burden during the actual decision-making moment, allowing quick presentation of pre-analyzed options.
Data Source
AI summary
A system of route scheduling for a vehicle presents fuel information for a vehicle. The system receives vehicle related drive information and fuel information from the vehicle via a vehicle interface, including fuel tank capacity, a current fuel level, and fuel economy, calculates routes to points from a current vehicle position based on the drive related information of sensors, estimates first fuel amounts for reaching the points based on the calculated routes and the fuel economy, selects fuel stations within a predetermined range of the calculated routes based on their locations, estimates second fuel amounts for reaching the fuel stations based on their locations, the fuel economy and the current vehicle position, obtains fuel prices of the fuel stations from a network, and instructs a screen to display the fuel prices, the point information, the locations of the fuel stations, the fuel tank capacity and the current fuel level along with a segment.