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`PATENT
`NUMBER
`
`SUBCLASS
`
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`
`I 1.... ::
`
`DATA*********************
`
`**FOREIGN/PCT APPLICATIONS************ ·
`\/EJ( IF IED
`
`EXAMINER
`
`GRO~f:::t:mi. UNIT
`.£;. /
`
`1
`
`~--
`I I.. .. n
`
`FOREIGN FILING LICENSE GRANTED 06/09/97
`
`.... STATE OR SHEETS TOTAL
`
`AS
`FILED
`
`COUNTRY DRWGS. CLAIMS
`I L..
`:3
`:3 :;;~
`
`***** SMALL ENTITY *****
`
`FlUNG FEE
`INDEP.
`CLAIMS RECEIVED
`4
`
`ATTORNEY'S
`DOCKET NO.
`
`METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPTIMIZING VEHICLE OPERATIOM
`
`PARTS OF APPLICATION
`FILED SEPARATELY
`
`NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED
`
`GERTRUDE ARTHUR
`PATENT EXAMINER
`
`U.S. DEPT. OF COMM./ PAT. & TM-PT0·436L (Rev.1::
`
`7::" "? < 5
`
`I
`.. ?
`_-:;,
`ications Examiner
`
`Total Claims
`
`3 2-
`
`Print Claim
`j
`
`DRAWING
`
`Sheets Drwg. Figs. Drwg.
`..3
`
`Print Fig.
`I
`
`WilliAM A. CUCHLINSKI, JR.
`SUPERVISORY PATENT EXAMINER
`ISSUE
`TECHN01.0~v r,c::~n ~--, 7W8
`BATCH
`Primary Examiner NUMBER
`PREPARED FOR ISSUE
`
`50"7
`
`WARNING: The information disclosed herein may be restricted. Unauthorized disclosure may be prohib' d
`by the United States Code Title 35, Sections 122, 181 and 368. Possession outside the
`.S.
`Patent & Trademark Office is restricted to authorized employees and contractors only.
`'
`
`Label
`Area
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1002-1
`
`

`
`PATENT APPLICATION SERIAL NO. 08t~8}3 2] 0
`
`U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE.
`PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
`FEE RECORD SHEET
`
`PT0-1556
`(5/87)
`
`,·,·;
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1002-2
`
`

`
`.-'·····-·-··- :····
`fi7477 U.S.- PTO
`
`--- IJOckefNo:: ·t ASD-B8542
`
`)
`
`08/813270
`
`PATENT
`
`Box Patent Application
`Assistant Commissioner for Patents
`Washington, D.C. 20231
`
`NEW APPLICATION TRANSMITTAL
`
`Transmitted herewith for filing is the patent application of
`
`Inventors:
`
`Harvey Slepian and Loran Sutton
`
`For: METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPTIMIZING VEHICLE OPERATION
`
`Enclosed are the following papers:
`
`_x_ A check in the amount of $557.00 for patent application filing fee.
`_x_ A check in the amount of $40.00 for assignment recordation fee.
`_x_ This New Application Transmittal with Certificate of Express Mailing and
`attached fee sheet
`_lQ_ Pages of specification
`_1L Pages of claims
`_1_ Page(s) of Abstract
`_3_ Sheets of informal drawing (Figs. 1 - 2B)
`_x_ Assignment
`_x_ Assignment Transmittal Letter
`_x_ Verified Statement Claiming Small Entity Status
`_x_ Declaration and Power of Attorney
`_x_ Postcard acknowledgment.
`
`CERTIFICATION UNDER 37 CFR 1.10
`
`I hereby certify that this New Application Transmittal and the documents referred to as
`enclosed therein are being deposited with the United States Postal Service on this date,
`March 10, 1997, in an envelope as "Express Mail Post Office to Addressee" Mailing Label
`Number EM475197470US addressed to: Box Patent Application, Assistant Commissioner
`for Patents, Washington, DC 20231.
`
`(Si ature of person mailing paper)
`Printed Name: Janet K. Pruitt
`
`-1-
`
`" ~~
`I~
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1002-3
`
`

`
`The filing fee has been calculated as shown below:
`
`FOR:
`
`BASIC FEE
`
`TOTAL CLAIMS
`
`INDEP. CLAIMS
`
`MULTIPLE DEPENDENT
`CLAIM PRESENTED
`
`NO. FILED
`
`NO. EXTRA RATE
`
`FEE
`
`SMALL ENTITY
`
`32-20 =
`4- 3 =
`
`12
`
`1
`
`$ 385.00
`
`$ 11.00
`
`$ 132.00
`
`$40.00
`
`$ 40.00
`
`$130.00
`
`$
`
`0.00
`
`TOTAL
`
`$
`
`557.00
`
`A check in the amount of$ 557.00
`
`for the filing fee is enclosed.
`
`The Commissioner is hereby authorized to charge payment of the following fees associated
`with this communication or credit any overpayment to Deposit Account No. 08-3105. A
`duplicate copy of this sheet is enclosed.
`
`Any additional fees required under 37 C.P.R. 1.16.
`
`Date: March 10. 1997
`
`.Michael S. Bush ..1
`Attorney of Record
`Registration No. 31,745
`
`HARRIS, TUCKER & HARDIN, P.C.
`One Galleria Tower
`13355 Noel Road, Suite 2100
`Dallas, Texas 75240-6656
`(972) 233-5712
`
`68439
`
`-2-
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1002-4
`
`

`
`11
`-" ' "
`
`. . , . . ,
`
`11 n
`
`·--.. n""n
`
`WJfiW'/)/ ·
`
`557 &-,2~ 1 08/81327~
`
`.
`
`PATENT
`
`:METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPTIMIZING VEIDCLE OPERATION
`
`Background of the Invention
`
`Field of the Invention
`
`The present invention generally relates to an apparatus for optimizing vehicle
`
`(
`
`5
`
`operation and, more particularly, relates to a system which both notifies the driver of
`
`recommended corrections in vehicle operation and, under certain conditions, automatically
`
`initiates selected corrective action.
`
`Description of Related Art
`
`It has long been recognized that the improper operation of a vehicle may have many
`
`10
`
`adverse effects. For example, the fuel efficiency of a vehicle may vary dramatically based
`
`upon how the vehicle is operated. More specifically, operating a vehicle at excessive speed,
`
`excessive RPM and/or excessive manifold pressure will result in both reduced fuel economy
`
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`
`and increased operating costs. The aforementioned increased operating costs can be quite
`
`considerable, particularly for an owner or operator of a fleet of vehicles. To correct these
`
`15
`
`types of improper vehicle operations are often surprisingly simple. For example, upshifting
`
`the drive gear will typically eliminate an excessive RPM condition. However, even when
`
`the solution is quite simple, oftentimes, the driver will be unaware of the need to take
`
`corrective action.
`
`A variety of patents have disclosed systems, commonly referred to as "shift
`
`20
`
`prompters", which monitor the operation of a vehicle and advises the operator of the vehicle
`
`when to take certain actions. Numerous ones of these devices include sensors which measure
`
`-1-
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1002-5
`
`

`
`TASD-B8542
`
`PATENT
`
`engine speed and vehicle speed. See, for example, USPNs 4,492,112 to Igarashi et al.,
`
`4,631,515 to Blee et al. and 4,701,852 to Ulveland. Certain ones, however, disclose the use
`
`of other types of sensors as well. For example, USPN 4,524,460 to Weber is directed to
`
`a driving aid indicator which includes vehicle speed, manifold pressure, throttle position and
`
`5
`
`engine speed sensors. USPNs 4,752,883 to Asakura et al. and 4,868,756. to Kawanabe et
`
`al. are directed to upshift notification devices which include sensors for measuring engi~e
`
`speed, vehicle speed, manifold pressure and cooling water temperature. Finally, USPN
`
`4,853,673 to Kido et al. discloses a shift indicator system which includes sensors for
`
`measuring engine speed and throttle position. Generally, the above-listed patents all provide
`
`10
`
`displays intended to enable the driver to operate the vehicle in a manner leading to uniform
`
`performance and maximum fuel economy. However, Blee et al. discloses the use of audible
`
`warnings as well as a speed controller to prevent further increases in engine speed if the
`
`driver ignores previously issued warnings.
`
`Improper vehicle operation has other adverse effects as well. It is well known that
`
`15
`
`the faster a vehicle travels, the longer it takes to stop. Thus, what may be a safe separation
`
`distance between successive vehicles when a vehicle is traveling at 35 mph may be unsafe
`
`if that vehicle is traveling at 50 mph. Road conditions also play a role in determining the
`
`safe separation distance between vehicles. For example, greater separation distances are
`
`generally recommended when roads are wet. As a result, therefore, based on the
`
`20
`
`combination of a vehicle's speed, the distance separating the vehicle from a second vehicle
`
`in front of it and road conditions, many vehicles are operated unsafely. To correct this
`
`situation, a reduction in operating speed, an increase in vehicle separation or some
`
`combination thereof, is required.
`
`-2-
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1002-6
`
`

`
`TASD-B8542
`
`PATENT
`
`It may be readily seen. from the foregoing that it would be desirable to provide a
`
`system which integrates the ability to issue audible warnings which advise the driver to
`
`correct operation of the vehicle in a manner which will enhance the efficient operation
`
`thereof with the ability to automatically take corrective action if the vehicle is being operated
`
`5
`
`unsafely. It is, therefore, the object of the invention to provide such a system.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to an apparatus for optimizing
`
`operation of an engine-driven vehicle. The apparatus includes a processor subsystem, a
`
`memory subsystem, plural sensors, including road speed, manifold pressure and throttle
`
`10
`
`position sensors, for collectively monitoring operation of the vehicle and a fuel overinjection
`
`notification circuit for issuing notifications that excessive fuel is being supplied to the engine
`
`of the vehicle. The processo~ subsystem receives data from the sensors and, from the
`
`received data, determines when to activate the fuel overinjection circuit.
`
`In one aspect
`
`thereof, the processor subsystem determines when road speed for the vehicle is increasing,
`
`15
`
`determines when throttle position for the vehicle is increasing, compares manifold pressure
`
`and a manifold pressure set point stored, in the memory subsystem and activates the fuel
`
`overinjection notification circuit if both road speed and throttle position for the vehicle are
`
`increasing and manifold pressure for the vehicle is above the manifold pressure set point.
`
`In further aspects thereof, the sensors may include an engine speed sensor and the
`
`20
`
`processor subsystem may determine when road speed for the vehicle is decreasing, when
`
`throttle position for the vehicle is increasing, when manifold pressure for the vehicle is
`
`increasing, when engine speed for the vehicle is decreasing and may activate the fuel
`
`-3-
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1002-7
`
`

`
`TASD-B8542
`
`PATENT
`
`overinjection notification circuit if both throttle position and manifold pressure for the vehicle
`
`are increasing and road speed and engine speed for the vehicle are decreasing.
`
`In still further aspects thereof, the apparatus may also include an upshift notification
`
`circuit, activated by the processor subsystem based upon data received from the sensors,
`
`5
`
`which issues notifications that the engine of the vehicle is being operated at excessive epgine
`
`speeds. In this aspect, the processor subsystem determines when road speed for the vehic1e
`
`is increasing, when throttle position for the vehicle is increasing, compares manifold pressure
`
`to a manifold pressure set point stored in the memory subsystem, compares engine speed to
`
`an RPM set point stored in the memory subsystem and activates the upshift notification
`
`10
`
`circuit if both road speed and throttle position for the vehicle are increasing, manifold
`
`pressure for the vehicle is at or below the manifold pressure set point and engine speed for
`
`the vehicle is at or above the ~M set point.
`
`In still yet further aspects thereof, the apparatus may also include a downshift
`
`notification circuit, activated by the processor subsystem based upon data received from the
`
`15
`
`sensors, which issues a notification that the engine of the vehicle is being operated at an
`
`insufficient engine speed. The processor subsystem may determine when road speed for the
`
`vehicle is decreasing, when throttle position for the vehicle is increasing, when manifold
`
`pressure for the vehicle is increasing, when engine speed for the vehicle is decreasing and
`
`may activate the downshift notification circuit if both road speed and engine speed are
`
`20
`
`decreasing and both throttle position and manifold pressure for the vehicle are increasing.
`
`~=:;;~:
`16:;~!
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`
`-4-
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1002-8
`
`

`
`TASD-B8542
`
`PATENT
`
`In still further aspects thereof, the fuel overinjection circuit, the upshift notification
`
`circuit or the downshift notification circuit may include a horn for issuing a tone for a
`
`preselected time period.
`
`In another embodiment, the present invention is of an apparatus for optimizing
`
`5
`
`operation of a vehicle. The apparatus includes road speed, engine speed, ~anifold pressure
`
`and throttle position sensors, a processor subsystem coupled to each of the sensors to receive 1
`
`data therefrom and a memory subsystem, coupled to the processor subsystem, for storing a
`
`manifold pressure set point, an engine speed set point and present and prior levels for each
`
`one of the sensors. The apparatus further includes a fuel overinjection notification circuit,
`
`10
`
`an upshift notification circuit and a downshift notification circuit, all of which are coupled
`
`to the processor subsystem. The fuel overinjection notification circuit issues notifications
`
`that excessive fuel is being supplied to the engine of the vehicle, the upshift notification
`
`circuit issues notifications that the engine of the vehicle is being operated at an excessive
`
`engine speed and the downshift notification circuit issues notifications that the engine of the
`
`15
`
`vehicle is being operated at an insufficient engine speed. Based upon data received from the
`
`sensors, the processor subsystem determines when to activate the fuel overinjection circuit,
`
`the upshift notification circuit and the downshift notification circuit. In one aspect thereof,
`
`the fuel overinjection circuit includes a first horn for issuing a first tone for a first
`
`preselected time period, the upshift notification circuit includes a second horn for issuing a
`
`20
`
`second tone for a second preselected time period and the downshift notification circuit
`
`includes a third horn for issuing a third tone for a third preselected time period.
`
`In another aspect thereof, the processor subsystem may determine when road speed
`
`for the vehicle is increasing or decreasing, engine speed is increasing or decreasing, throttle
`
`-5-
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1002-9
`
`

`
`TASD-B8542
`
`PATENT
`
`position for the vehicle is increasing and manifold pressure is increasing; may compare
`
`. manifold pressure to the manifold pressure set point and engine speed to the RPM set point;
`
`and may activate the fuel overinjection notification circuit if both road speed and throttle
`
`position for the vehicle are increasing and manifold pressure for the vehicle is above the
`
`5 manifold pressure set point or if both throttle position and manifold pressure for the vehicle
`
`are increasing and road speed and engine speed for the vehicle are decreasing, the upshift
`
`notification circuit if both road speed and throttle position for the vehicle are increasing,
`
`manifold pressure for the vehicle is at or below the manifold pressure set point and engine
`
`speed for the vehicle is at or above the RPM set point and the downshift notification circuit
`
`10
`
`if both road speed and engine speed are decreasing and both throttle position and manifold
`
`pressure for the vehicle are increasing.
`
`In another aspect, the p~esent invention is of an apparatus for optimizing operation
`
`of a vehicle which includes a radar detector for determining a distance separating a vehicle
`
`having an engine and an object in front of the vehicle and at least one sensor for monitoring
`
`15
`
`operation of the vehicle. The apparatus further includes a processor subsystem, a memory
`
`subsystem and a vehicle proximity alarm circuit. The processor subsystem is coupled to the
`
`radar detector and the at least one sensor to receive data therefrom while the memory
`
`subsystem, in which a first vehicle speed/stopping distance table and present levels for each
`
`one of the at least one sensor are stored, and the vehicle proximity alarm circuit are coupled
`
`20
`
`to the processor subsystem. Based on data received from the radar detector, the at least one
`
`sensor and the contents of the memory subsystem, the processor determines when to instruct
`
`the vehicle proximity alarm circuit to issue an alarm that the vehicle is too close to the
`
`object.
`
`-6-
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1002-10
`
`

`
`TASD-B8542
`
`PATENT
`
`In one aspect thereof, the at least one sensor further includes a windshield wiper
`
`sensor for indicating whether a windshield wiper of the vehicle is activated and a second
`
`vehicle speed/stopping distance table is stored in the memory subsystem. In another aspect
`
`thereof, the apparatus further includes a throttle controller for controlling a throttle of the
`
`5
`
`engine of the vehicle. The processor subsystem may selectively reduce tbe throttle based
`
`upon data received from the radar detector, the at least one sensor and the memory
`
`subsystem or may also count a total number of vehicle proximity alarms determined by the
`
`(
`
`processor subsystem and selectively reduce the throttle based upon the total number of
`
`vehicle proximity alarms, as well.
`
`In yet another aspect thereof, the at least one sensor
`
`10
`
`further inclt!des a brake sensor for indicating whether a brake system of the vehicle is
`
`activated.
`
`In other aspects there<:>f, the apparatus may be further provided with a fuel
`
`overinjection notification circuit for issuing a notification that excessive fuel is being supplied
`
`to the engine of the vehicle, an upshift notification circuit for issuing a notification that the
`
`15
`
`engine of the vehicle is being operated at an excessive engine speed or a downshift
`
`notification circuit for issuing a notification that the engine of the vehicle is being operated
`
`at an insufficient engine speed. If a fuel overinjection notification circuit is provided, the
`
`apparatus includes a manifold pressure sensor and a throttle position sensor which also
`
`provide the processor subsystem with data used, together with a manifold pressure set point
`
`20
`
`and prior levels for the sensors stored in the memory subsystem, to determine when to
`
`activate the fuel overinjection circuit.
`
`If an upshift notification circuit is provided, the
`
`apparatus includes an engine speed sensor which also provides the processor subsystem with
`
`data used, together with an RPM set point stored in the memory subsystem, to determine
`
`tl .)
`
`-7-
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1002-11
`
`

`
`TASD-B8542
`
`PATENT
`
`when to activate the upshift notification circuit. Finally, if a downshift notification circuit
`
`is provided, the processor subsystem determines when to activate the downshift notification
`
`circuit based upon the data received from the plurality of sensors.
`
`In still another embodiment, the present invention is of an apparatus for optimizing
`
`5
`
`operation of a vehicle which includes a radar detector for determining a di~tance separating
`
`the vehicle from an object in front of it, a plurality of sensors, including a road speed
`
`sensor, an engine speed sensor, a manifold pressure sensor and a throttle position sensor,
`
`which collectively monitor the operation of the vehicle, a processor subsystem, a memory
`
`subsystem, a fuel overinjection notification circuit for issuing notification that excessive fuel
`
`10
`
`is being supplied to the engine of the vehicle and a vehicle proximity alarm circuit for
`
`issuing alarms if the vehicle is too close to the object. Based upon data received from the
`
`sensors, the processor subsystel? determines when to activate the fuel overinjection circuit.
`
`Based upon data received from the radar detector, the sensors and the memory subsystem,
`
`the processor subsystem also determines when to a.ctivate the vehicle proximity alarm circuit.
`
`15
`
`In one aspect of this embodiment of the invention, the processor subsystem
`
`determines when road speed for the vehicle is increasing or decreasing, when throttle
`
`position for the vehicle is increasing or decreasing, compares manifold pressure to a
`
`manifold pressure set point stored in the memory subsystem, determines when manifold
`
`pressure for the vehicle is increasing or decreasing and determines when engine speed for
`
`20
`
`the vehicle is incr~asing or decreasing. In this aspect, the processor subsystem activates the
`
`fuel overinjection notification circuit if both road speed and throttle position for the vehicle
`
`are increasing and manifold pressure for the vehicle is above the manifold pressure set point
`
`-8-
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1002-12
`
`

`
`. T ASD-B8542
`
`PATENT
`
`or if both throttle position and manifold pressure for the vehicle are increasing and road
`
`speed and engine speed for the vehicle are decreasing.
`
`In a further aspect thereof, the apparatus may also include an upshift notification
`
`circuit for issuing notifications that the engine of the vehicle is being operated at an excessive
`
`5
`
`engine speed, the processor subsystem determining when to activate the upshift notification
`
`circuit based upon data received from the sensors. In a related aspect thereof, the processor
`
`subsystem determines when road speed for the vehicle is increasing, determines when throttle
`
`position for the vehicle is increasing, compares manifold pressure to a manifold pressure set
`
`point stored in the memory subsystem and compares engine speed to an RPM set point stored
`
`10
`
`in the memory subsystem.
`
`In this aspect, the processor subsystem activates the upshift
`
`notification circuit if both road speed and throttle position for the vehicle are increasing,
`
`manifold pressure for the vehicle is at or below the manifold pressure set point and engine
`
`speed for the vehicle is at or above the RPM set point.
`
`In still another aspect thereof, the apparatus may also include a downshift notification
`
`15
`
`circuit for issuing a notification that the engine of the vehicle is being operated at an
`
`insufficient engine speed.
`
`In this aspect, the processor subsystem determines when to
`
`activate the downshift notification circuit based upon data received from the sensors. In a
`
`related aspect thereof, the processor subsystem determines when road speed for the vehicle
`
`is decreasing, determines when throttle position for the vehicle is increasing, determines
`
`20
`
`when manifold pressure for the vehicle is increasing and determines when engine speed for
`
`the vehicle is decreasing.
`
`In this aspect, the processor subsystem activates the downshift
`
`notification circuit if both road speed and engine speed are decreasing and both throttle
`
`position and manifold pressure for the vehicle are increasing.
`
`-9-
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1002-13
`
`

`
`TASD-B8542
`
`PATENT
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`The present invention may be better understood, and its numerous objects, features
`
`and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art by reference to the
`
`accompanying drawing, in which:
`
`5
`
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an apparatus for optimizing vehi~le performance
`
`constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention; and
`
`FIGS. 2A-B is a flow chart of a method for optimizing vehicle performance in
`
`accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`10
`
`Referring first to Fig. 1, a system 10 for optimizing vehicle performance constructed
`
`in accordance with the teachings of the present invention will now 'be described in. greater
`
`detail. The system 10 includes a processor subsystem 12, for example, a microprocessor,
`
`and a memory subsystem 14, for example, the memory subsystem 14 may include a
`
`nonvolatile random access memory (or "NVRAM"), coupled together by a bus 16 for bi-
`
`15
`
`directional exchanges of address, data and control signals therebetween. The system 10 is
`
`installed in a vehicle (not shown) for which optimized performance and driver assist
`
`capabilities are desired. Although it is contemplated that the system 10 is suitable for use
`
`with any type vehicle, most commonly, the system 10 shall be installed in a truck.
`
`Also coupled to the processor subsystem 12 are a series of sensors, each of which are
`
`20
`
`periodically polled by the processor subsystem 12, to determine the respective states or levels
`
`thereof. The sensors include a road speed sensor 18, an RPM sensor 20, a manifold
`
`pressure sensor 22, a throttle sensor 24, a windshield wiper sensor 30 and a brake sensor
`
`32. The sensors are selected to be either state or level sensors, depending on whether the
`
`-10-
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1002-14
`
`

`
`TASD-B8542 -·
`
`•
`
`PATENT
`
`information to be collected thereby is a state, i.e., on/off or a level, for example, 35 mph.
`
`The road speed sensor 18 and the RPM sensor 20 are level sensors which respectively
`
`provide the processor subsystem 12 with signals which indicate the operating speed and
`
`engine speed for the vehicle. The road speed sensor 18 a11d the RPM sensor 20 may derive
`
`5
`
`such information from any one of a variety of sources. For example, the road speed sensor
`
`18 may be connected to receive the speed input signal transmitted to the vehicle/s
`
`speedometer while the RPM sensor 20 may be connected to receive the RPM input signal
`
`to the vehicle's tachometer.
`
`The manifold pressure sensor 22 is a level sensor which is positioned downstream of
`
`10
`
`the throttle valve in the intake manifold of the vehicle to measure manifold pressure thereat.
`
`The throttle sensor 24 is a level sensor, attached to the throttle, which measures the extent
`
`to which the throttle is opened. The windshield wiper sensor 30 is a state sensor which
`
`determines whether the vehicle's windshield wipers are on or off. In alternate embodiments
`
`thereof, the windshield wiper sensor 30 may be electrically coupled to the on/off switch for
`
`15
`
`the windshield wiper or to an output of the windshield wiper motor. Finally, the brake
`
`sensor 32 is a state sensor which determines whether the brakes of the vehicle have been
`
`engaged. For example, the brake sensor 32 may be electrically coupled to the brake system
`
`to detect the activation thereof.
`
`Preferably, the memory subsystem 14 should include first and second registers 14a
`
`20
`
`and 14b, each having sufficient bits for holding the state/level of each of the sensors 18, 20,
`
`22, 24, 30 and 32. The first register 14a is used to hold the present state or level of each
`
`of the sensors 18, 20, 22, 24, 30 and 32 while the second register 14b is used to hold the
`
`prior state or level for each of the sensors 18, 20, 22, 24, 30 and 32. Each time the
`
`':~
`l
`
`-11-
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1002-15
`
`

`
`TASD-B8542
`
`PATENT
`
`processor subsystem 12 writes the present state or level of the sensors 18, 20, 22, 24, 30 and
`
`32 to the first register 14a, the prior contents of the first register 14a is written to the second
`
`register 14b which, in turn, discards the prior content thereof. The memory subsystem 14
`
`is also used to hold information to be utilized by the processor subsystem 12 to determining
`
`5
`
`whether to take corrective actions and/or issue notifications. Typically, su~h information is
`
`placed in the memory subsystem 14 while the system 10 is being initialized. T}te
`
`information includes one or more speed/distance tables which, when used in a manner which
`
`will be more fully described below in combination with data collected by the system 10,
`
`enable the processor subsystem 12 to determine if the vehicle is being operated unsafely and
`
`\
`
`10
`
`if corrective action is necessary.
`
`speed/stopping distance table. The information also
`
`includes two pre-set threshold values--a manifold psi set point and an engine RPM set point.
`
`As will also be more fully described below, the processor subsystem 12 uses these threshold
`
`values to determine when to issue notifications as to recommended changes in vehicle
`
`operation which, when executed by the driver, will optimize vehicle operation. The
`
`15
`
`speed/stopping distance table(s) are based upon National Safety Council guidelines, vary
`
`according to the class of the vehicle and provide the relationship between the speed at which
`
`a vehicle is travelling and the distance which the vehicle will require to come to a complete
`
`stop if travelling at that speed; The manifold psi set point and RPM set point are selected
`
`based upon the manufacturer's guidelines for proper operation of the vehicle, vary based
`
`20
`
`upon horsepower and engine size for the vehicle and represent thresholds above which the
`
`manifold pressure and engine rotation speed, respectively, for the vehicle should never
`
`exceed.
`
`'\
`\ . /
`
`-12-
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1002-16
`
`

`
`TASD-B8542
`
`PATENT
`
`The system 10 also includes a throttle controller 26 capable of opening and/or closing
`
`the throttle, a radar detector 28 positioned to determine the distance separating the vehicle
`
`and an object in front of the vehicle, for example, a second vehicle travelling in the same
`
`direction, a series of circuits 34, 36, 38 and 40 for notifying the driver of the vehicle of
`
`5
`
`recommended corrections in vehicle operation and alerting the driver to ~nsafe operating
`
`conditions and a power supply, for example a + 12v battery, for providing power to the
`
`(
`
`energy- demanding components of the system 10. The circuits 34, 36, 38 and 40 include
`
`an upshift notification circuit 34 for notifying the driver that an upshift is recommended, a
`
`downshift notification circuit 36 for notifying the driver that a downshift is recommended,
`
`10
`
`an overinjection notification circuit 38 for notifying the driver that too much fuel is being
`
`supplied to the vehicle and a vehicle proximity alarm circuit 40 for alerting the driver when
`
`an object in front of the vehicle is too close. The circuits 34, 36 and 38 may be configured
`
`to provide visual and/or audible notifications, for example, using lights and/or horns. For
`
`example, the upshift circuit 34, the downshift notification circuit 36 and the overinjection
`
`15
`
`notification circuit 38 may each include a horn, or other tone generating device, from which
`
`an audible notification may be generated at a selected pitch. Preferably, each of the
`
`notification circuits 34, 36 and 38 may be configured to provide distinct audible notifications,
`
`for example, tones at distinct pitches, so that the driver may readily distinguish which of the
`
`notification circuits 34, 36 and 38 have been activated by the processor subsystem 12. The
`
`20
`
`proximity alarm circuit 40 may include one or more visual and/or audible warning devices
`
`such as lights and/or horns. For example, the proximity alarm circuit 40 may include a
`
`warning light and a warning horn. If desired, the proximity alarm circuit may also include
`
`a display for displaying the speed of the object in the vehicle's path and/or the stopping
`
`-13-
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1002-17
`
`

`
`TASD-B8542
`
`PATENT
`
`distance in feet. The proximity alarm circuit 40 may be further equipped to provide audible
`
`indications of the speed of the object in the. vehicle's path and/or the stopping distance in
`
`feed as well as selector circuitry for selecting both the information to be provided as well
`
`as the manner in which the information is to be conveyed.
`
`5
`
`Finally, the processor subsystem 12 is further provided with one or more mode select
`
`input lines which enable operator configuration of the operation of the system 10. Fo!i
`
`example, as described herein, the corrective operations consist of the combination of an
`
`automatic reduction of throttle and audio/visual alerts that the vehicle is being operated
`
`unsafely. It is specifically contemplated, however, that the system 10 include a mode select
`
`10
`
`line for switching the system 10 between an "active" mode where both automatic throttle
`
`reduction and audio/visual alerts are generated and an "inactive" mode where only
`
`audio/visual alerts are generate~.
`
`Referring next to FIGS. 2A-B, a method for optimizing vehicle performance in
`
`accordance with the teachings of the present invention will now be described in greater
`
`15
`
`detail. The method commences by powering up the processor subsystem 12, for example,
`
`by closing switch 42, thereby coupling the processor subsystem 12 to the power source 44
`
`via line 43. Alternately, the processor subsystem 12 may be connected to the electrical
`
`system of the vehicle such that it will automatically power up when the vehicle is started.
`
`Of course, any of the other devices which also form part of the system 10 and require power
`
`20
`
`may also be coupled to the line 43. Appropriate voltage levels for the processor subsystem
`
`12, as well as any additional power-demanding devices coupled to the power source 44,
`
`would be provided by voltage divider circuitry (not shown).
`
`-14-
`
`MERCEDES
`EXHIBIT 1002-18
`
`

`
`TASD-B8542
`
`PATENT
`
`Once