Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A system (100) for determining an average fuel economy of a vehicle, the system (100) comprising:
a vehicle speed sensor (110) for sensing a vehicle speed;
a fuel injector (120) for spraying an amount of fuel inside an engine (130) of the vehicle; and
a control unit (140) coupled with the vehicle speed sensor (110) and the fuel injector (120), the control unit (140) configured to calculate the average fuel economy based on the vehicle speed and the amount of fuel injected by the fuel injector (120).

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (140) is configured to:
receive signals from the vehicle speed sensor (110) and determine the vehicle speed therefrom;
determine a distance travelled by the vehicle based on the vehicle speed;
measure a fuel injection time for which the fuel injector (120) sprays fuel inside the engine (130); and
calculate the amount of fuel injected by the fuel injector (120) based on the fuel injection time.

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, comprising a speedometer (150) coupled with the control unit (140), the control unit (140) configured to:
calculate the average fuel economy based on the determined distance and the amount of fuel injected in the engine for the determined distance; and
generate a display signal to display the average fuel economy on the speedometer (150).

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the control unit (140) is configured to: receive a trip signal from a user, the trip signal corresponds to a trip selected by the user; and set the determined distance to zero upon receipt of the trip signal.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the control unit (140) is configured to: calculate the average fuel economy at regular intervals of a first predetermined distance travelled by the vehicle based on a total distance travelled by the vehicle since the receipt of the trip signal and a total amount of fuel injected in the engine (130) since the receipt of the trip signal.

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the first predetermined distance is 500 meters.

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the control unit (140) is configured to: generate the display signal to display the average fuel economy on the speedometer (150) at regular intervals of a second predetermined distance.

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the control unit (140) is configured to: generate the display signal to display a preset value of the average fuel economy on the speedometer (150) if the determined distance is less than the second predetermined distance since the receipt of the trip signal.

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the second predetermined distance is 5 kilometers.

10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the preset value of the average fuel economy is equal to average fuel economy calculated for a last trip taken prior to the trip.

11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the fuel injection time is determined based on an engine speed, load on the engine and a throttle position.

12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the vehicle speed sensor (110) is configured to provide signals to the control unit (140) at intervals of a predetermined time.

13. The system (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the predetermined time is 100 milliseconds.

14. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the speedometer (150) comprises a first region (151) for displaying the vehicle speed; a second region (152) for displaying a plurality of indicators; and a third region (153) for displaying at least the average fuel economy of the vehicle.

15. The system (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the plurality of indicators includes an Internal Combustion (IC) engine status indicator, an Idle Stop Start (ISS) status indicator, an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) malfunction status indicator, a headlight status indicator, and a fuel level status indicator.

16. The system (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the speedometer (150) comprises a fourth region (154) having a mode switch (154a) for selecting a trip.

17. The system (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, comprising an ignition switch (160) coupled with the control unit (140), the ignition switch (160) configured to generate a start signal and the control unit (140) configured to receive the start signal.

18. The system (100) as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the control unit (140) comprises a speedometer controller (140a) and/or an Engine Control Unit (ECU) (140b).

19. A method for determining an average fuel economy of a vehicle, the method comprising the step of:
calculating (406), by a control unit (140) coupled with a vehicle speed sensor (110) for sensing a vehicle speed and a fuel injector (120) for spraying an amount of fuel inside an engine (130) of the vehicle, the average fuel economy based on the vehicle speed and the amount of fuel injected by the fuel injector (120).

20. The method as claimed in claim 19, comprising the steps of:
generating (400), by an ignition switch (160) coupled with the control unit (140), a start signal; and
receiving (401), by the control unit (140), the start signal.

21. The method as claimed in claim 19, comprising the steps of:
receiving (402), by the control unit (140), signals from the vehicle speed sensor (110) and determining the vehicle speed therefrom;
determining (403), by the control unit (140), a distance travelled by the vehicle based on the vehicle speed;
measuring (404), by the control unit (140), a fuel injection time for which the fuel injector (120) sprays fuel inside the engine (130); and
calculating (405), by the control unit (140), the amount of fuel injected by the fuel injector (120) based on the fuel injection time.

22. The method as claimed in claim 21, comprising the steps of:
calculating (406), by the control unit (140), the average fuel economy based on the determined distance and the amount of fuel injected in the engine (130) for the determined distance; and
generating (407), by the control unit (140), a display signal to display the average fuel economy on a speedometer (150) coupled with the control unit (140).

23. The method as claimed in claim 22, comprising the steps of:
receiving (409), by the control unit (140), a trip signal from a user, the trip signal corresponds to a trip selected by the user; and
setting (410), by the control unit (140), the determined distance to zero upon receipt of the trip signal.

24. The method as claimed in claim 23, comprising the step of calculating (411), by the control unit (140), the average fuel economy at regular intervals of a first predetermined distance travelled by the vehicle based on a total distance travelled by the vehicle since the receipt of the trip signal and a total amount of fuel injected in the engine (130) since the receipt of the trip signal; wherein the first predetermined distance is 500 meters.

25. The method as claimed in claim 23, comprising the step of generating (407), by the control unit (140), the display signal to display the average fuel economy on the speedometer (150) at regular intervals of a second predetermined distance.

26. The method as claimed in claim 25, comprising the step of generating (407), by the control unit (140), the display signal to display a preset value of the average fuel economy on the speedometer (150) if the determined distance is less than the second predetermined distance since the receipt of the trip signal; wherein the second predetermined distance is 5 kilometers.

27. The method as claimed in claim 26, wherein the preset value of the average fuel economy is equal to average fuel economy calculated for a last trip taken prior to the trip.

28. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the fuel injection time is determined based on an engine speed, load on the engine and a throttle position.

29. The method as claimed in claim 28, comprising the step of providing (408), by the vehicle speed sensor (110), signals to the control unit (140) at intervals of a predetermined time,
wherein the predetermined time is 100 milliseconds.

, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a system for determining an average fuel economy of a vehicle and method thereof.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Fuel economy in a vehicle is a measure of a distance travelled by the vehicle per unit fuel consumption. Due to ever increasing cost of conventional fuels, customers are becoming increasingly concerned about fuel economy. Despite this, the customers are not always getting the fuel economy that they expect from their vehicles. This could possibly be due to an incorrect estimation of the fuel economy.
[003] Providing fuel economy data to the customer, for e.g. on a speedometer or odometer, is very helpful in understanding the vehicle’s running cost. The fuel economy data clubbed with an estimation of the distance that can be travelled with the amount of fuel in a fuel tank further helps the customer in taking a right decision when planning for a long journey.
[004] Most vehicles include systems controlled by microcomputers, often referred as controllers, and include volatile memory that loses stored data upon loss of power. Upon initialization (first usage) of the controller, systems such as fuel economy determining systems, lack data relating to, for example, fuel consumption and distance traveled. Such data is not accumulated until after the vehicle has been driven for an extended period of time.
[005] Systems displaying real time fuel economy data to the customer have become an important aspect while selecting a vehicle by the customer. In this regard, some of the existing systems compute the fuel economy data based on the total distance traveled and total fuel consumed from date of purchase of the vehicle. Such systems have now become obsolete as they do not provide for a real time trip-based estimation of the fuel economy data and depend on drive history of the vehicle.
[006] Other systems capable of providing the real time fuel economy data are based on speed of the vehicle and fuel consumption. In such systems, the speed is measured by a speed sensor and fuel consumed calculated based on data received from a residual fuel sensor. Estimation of the distance to be travelled basis remaining fuel is also computed by these systems. However, such systems do not provide a reliable estimation of the fuel economy because they do not account the fuel consumed by the vehicle during vehicle start, stationary or idling condition when speed of the vehicle is minimal or zero. Further, these systems are also expensive owing to components required for providing the fuel economy data.
[007] In addition to an incorrect estimation of the fuel economy data, the existing systems have certain limitations in the manner in which the fuel economy is updated on the speedometer or odometer. In particular, since most of the existing systems frequently update the fuel economy data on the speedometer or odometer, the customer or rider is distracted. This might result in safety of the rider being compromised.
[008] Thus, there is a need in the art for a system for determining an average fuel economy of a vehicle and method thereof which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[009] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a system for determining an average fuel economy of a vehicle. The system includes a vehicle speed sensor for sensing a vehicle speed; a fuel injector for spraying an amount of fuel inside an engine of the vehicle; and a control unit coupled with the vehicle speed sensor and the fuel injector. The control unit is configured to calculate the average fuel economy based on the vehicle speed and the amount of fuel injected by the fuel injector.
[010] In an embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to receive signals from the vehicle speed sensor and determine the vehicle speed therefrom. The control unit is also configured to determine a distance travelled by the vehicle based on the vehicle speed; measure a fuel injection time for which the fuel injector sprays fuel inside the engine; and calculate the amount of fuel injected by the fuel injector based on the fuel injection time.
[011] In another embodiment of the invention, the system includes a speedometer coupled with the control unit. The control unit is configured to: calculate the average fuel economy based on the determined distance and the amount of fuel injected in the engine for the determined distance; and generate a display signal to display the average fuel economy on the speedometer. The control unit is also configured to: receive a trip signal from a user, the trip signal corresponds to a trip selected by the user; and set the determined distance to zero upon receipt of the trip signal.
[012] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to: calculate the average fuel economy at regular intervals of a first predetermined distance travelled by the vehicle based on a total distance travelled by the vehicle since the receipt of the trip signal and a total amount of fuel injected in the engine since the receipt of the trip signal. The first predetermined distance is 500 meters.
[013] In still another embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to: generate the display signal to display the average fuel economy on the speedometer at regular intervals of a second predetermined distance.
[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the control unit is configured to: generate the display signal to display a preset value of the average fuel economy on the speedometer if the determined distance is less than the second predetermined distance since the receipt of the trip signal. The second predetermined distance is 5 kilometers.
[015] In still further embodiment of the invention, the preset value of the average fuel economy is equal to average fuel economy calculated for a last trip taken prior to the trip.
[016] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the fuel injection time is determined based on an engine speed, load on the engine and a throttle position.
[017] In a further embodiment of the invention, the vehicle speed sensor is configured to provide signals to the control unit at intervals of a predetermined time. The predetermined time is 100 milliseconds.
[018] In another embodiment of the invention, the speedometer includes a first region for displaying the vehicle speed; a second region for displaying a plurality of indicators; and a third region for displaying at least the average fuel economy of the vehicle. The plurality of indicators includes an Internal Combustion (IC) engine status indicator, an Idle Stop Start (ISS) status indicator, an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) malfunction status indicator, a headlight status indicator, and a fuel level status indicator.
[019] In still another embodiment of the invention, the speedometer includes a fourth region having a mode switch for selecting a trip.
[020] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the system includes an ignition switch coupled with the control unit, the ignition switch configured to generate a start signal and the control unit configured to receive the start signal.
[021] In still further embodiment of the invention, the control unit includes a speedometer controller or an Engine Control Unit (ECU).
[022] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method for determining an average fuel economy of a vehicle. The method includes the step of: calculating, by a control unit coupled with a vehicle speed sensor for sensing a vehicle speed and a fuel injector for spraying an amount of fuel inside an engine of the vehicle, the average fuel economy based on the vehicle speed and the amount of fuel injected by the fuel injector.
[023] In an embodiment of the invention, the method includes the steps of: generating, by an ignition switch coupled with the control unit, a start signal; and receiving, by the control unit, the start signal.
[024] In another embodiment of the invention, the method includes the steps of: receiving, by the control unit, signals from the vehicle speed sensor and determining the vehicle speed therefrom; determining, by the control unit, a distance travelled by the vehicle based on the vehicle speed; measuring, by the control unit, a fuel injection time for which the fuel injector sprays fuel inside the engine; and calculating, by the control unit, the amount of fuel injected by the fuel injector based on the fuel injection time;
[025] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the method includes the steps of: calculating, by the control unit, the average fuel economy based on the determined distance and the amount of fuel injected in the engine for the determined distance; and generating, by the control unit, a display signal to display the average fuel economy on a speedometer coupled with the control unit.
[026] In still another embodiment of the invention, the method includes the steps of receiving, by the control unit, a trip signal from a user, the trip signal corresponds to a trip selected by the user; and setting, by the control unit, the determined distance to zero upon receipt of the trip signal.
[027] In a further embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of calculating, by the control unit, the average fuel economy at regular intervals of a first predetermined distance travelled by the vehicle based on a total distance travelled by the vehicle since the receipt of the trip signal and a total amount of fuel injected in the engine since the receipt of the trip signal; wherein the first predetermined distance is 500 meters.
[028] In a still further embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of generating, by the control unit, the display signal to display the average fuel economy on the speedometer at regular intervals of a second predetermined distance.
[029] In another embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of generating, by the control unit, the display signal to display the average fuel economy on the speedometer at regular intervals of a second predetermined distance. The preset value of the average fuel economy is equal to average fuel economy calculated for a last trip taken prior to the trip.
[030] In still another embodiment of the invention, the fuel injection time is determined based on an engine speed, load on the engine and a throttle position.
[031] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the method includes the step of providing, by the vehicle speed sensor, signals to the control unit at intervals of a predetermined time, wherein the predetermined time is 100 milliseconds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[032] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a system for determining an average fuel economy of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates the system of Figure 1 with a control unit having a speedometer controller or an Engine Control Unit (ECU) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a speedometer for displaying the average fuel economy of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a method for determining an average fuel economy of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 4a and 4b show details of the steps illustrated in Figure 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[033] Various features and embodiments of the present invention will be discernible from the description set out hereunder. The ensuing embodiments pertain to a two wheeled vehicle. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any automobile capable of accommodating the present subject matter.
[034] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a system for determining an average fuel economy of a vehicle.
[035] As shown in Figure 1, the system 100 includes a vehicle speed sensor 110 for sensing a vehicle speed and a fuel injector 120 for spraying an amount of fuel inside an engine 130 of the vehicle. The system 100 also includes a speedometer 150 for displaying the vehicle speed, and an ignition switch 160 to generate a start signal.
[036] The system 100 also includes a control unit 140. The control unit 140 is coupled with the vehicle speed sensor 110, the fuel injector 120, the engine 130, the speedometer 150, and the ignition switch 160.
[037] In an embodiment, the control unit 140 includes a speedometer controller 140a and/or an Engine Control Unit (ECU) 140b. In another embodiment, the control unit 140 is the speedometer controller 140a. In another embodiment, the control unit 140 is the ECU 140b.
[038] As shown in Figure 2, the speedometer controller 140a and/or the ECU 140b are capable of performing the function of the control unit 140 without deviating from their routine function. Said otherwise, the control unit 140 is replaceable with either or both the speedometer controller 140a and the ECU 140b. It is also possible that the speedometer controller 140a replaces the control unit 140 for some functions of the control unit 140, while the ECU 140b replaces the control unit 140 for the remaining functions of the control unit 140.
[039] Accordingly, as shown in Figure 2, the ECU 140b is coupled with the fuel injector 120, the engine 130, the speedometer 150, and the ignition switch 160. Similarly, the speedometer controller 140a is coupled with the speedometer 150, the ECU 140b and the vehicle speed sensor 110.
[040] As shown in Figure 3, the speedometer 150 includes a first region 151 for displaying the vehicle speed, a second region 152 for displaying a plurality of indicators, and a third region 153 for displaying at least the average fuel economy of the vehicle. The plurality of indicators include an Internal Combustion (IC) engine status indicator, an Idle Stop Start (ISS) status indicator, an Integrated Starter Generator (ISG) malfunction status indicator, a headlight status indicator, and a fuel level status indicator.
[041] In an embodiment, the speedometer 150 has a fourth region 154 having a mode switch 154a for selecting a trip.
[042] The present invention allows determining the average fuel economy of the vehicle when the ignition switch 160 is in an ON state and the start signal is generated. Said otherwise, the ignition switch 160 is required to be actuated by a rider or user for the vehicle to start and for the system 100 to determine the average fuel economy. In this regard, in an embodiment of the invention, the control unit 140 is configured to calculate the average fuel economy based on the vehicle speed and the amount of fuel injected by the fuel injector 120. As will be readily acknowledge by a person skilled in the art, the present invention provides for a precise and accurate calculation of the average fuel economy of the vehicle as the system 100 utilizes the amount of fuel injected by the fuel injector 120.
[043] The control unit 140 is also configured to receive signals from the vehicle speed sensor 110 and determine the vehicle speed therefrom. The vehicle speed sensor 110 is configured to provide signals to the control unit 140 at intervals of a predetermined time. In an embodiment, the predetermined time is 100 milliseconds.
[044] As described hereinbefore, the control unit 140 is configured to calculate the average fuel economy based on the vehicle speed and the amount of fuel injected by the fuel injector 120. In this regard, reference is now made to Figures 4 and 4a which illustrate configuration of the system 100 and a method for determining the average fuel economy of the vehicle. As shown in Figure 4, at step 406, the control unit 140 is configured to calculate the average fuel economy based on the vehicle speed and the amount of fuel injected by the fuel injector 120.
[045] However, prior to calculating the average fuel economy, at step 400, the ignition switch 160 generates the start signal upon actuation by the user. Subsequently, at step 401, the start signal is received by the control unit 140, thereby confirming that the vehicle will start at any time now.
[046] Once the vehicle has started, at step 408, the vehicle speed sensor 110 provides signals to the control unit 140 at intervals of a predetermined time. In an embodiment, the predetermined time is 100 milliseconds.
[047] Subsequently, at step 402, the control unit 140 receives the signals from the vehicle speed sensor 110 and determines the vehicle speed therefrom.
[048] Meanwhile, at step 403, the control unit 140 determines a distance travelled by the vehicle based on the vehicle speed. At step 404, the control unit 140 measures a fuel injection time for which the fuel injector 120 sprays fuel inside the engine 130. At step 405, the control unit 140 calculates the amount of fuel injected by the fuel injector 120 based on the fuel injection time. In an embodiment, the fuel injection time is determined based on an engine speed, load on the engine, and a throttle position.
[049] For providing a precise and accurate reading of the average fuel economy on the speedometer 150, at step 406, the control unit 140 calculates the average fuel economy based on the determined distance and the amount of fuel injected in the engine 130 for the determined distance.
[050] Subsequently, at step 407, the control unit 140 is configured to generate a display signal to display the average fuel economy on the speedometer 150 coupled with the control unit 140.
[051] The present invention also allows calculating the average fuel economy for a particular trip selected by the user. In this regard, referring to Figure 4a, at step 409, the control unit 140 is configured to receive a trip signal from the user, the trip signal corresponds to the trip selected by the user. Thereafter, at step 410, the control unit 140 sets the determined distance to zero upon receipt of the trip signal.
[052] Subsequently, at step 411, the control unit 140 calculates the average fuel economy at regular intervals of a first predetermined distance travelled by the vehicle based on a total distance travelled by the vehicle since the receipt of the trip signal and a total amount of fuel injected in the engine 130 since the receipt of the trip signal. In an embodiment, the first predetermined distance is 500 meters.
[053] Referring to Figure 4b which shows the detailed steps for calculating the average fuel economy at regular intervals of the first predetermined distance travelled by the vehicle. At step 411a, the control unit 140 calculates the average fuel economy in kilometers per liter based on the distance travelled by the vehicle in kilometers and the fuel consumed in liters. At step 411b, the variable Y represents the first predetermined distance travelled by the vehicle. The control unit 140 updates the distance traveled during the trip with the first predetermined distance travelled by the vehicle. At step 411c, the control unit 140 assigns a temporary variable F to store the amount of fuel consumed for the vehicle to cover the first predetermined distance Y. Thereafter, at step 411d, the control unit 140 updates the distance traveled, and the fuel consumed during the first predetermined distance travelled Y. Once vehicle has travelled the first predetermined distance, the control unit 140 resets the temporary variable F, as shown in step 411e.
[054] At step 407, the control unit 140 generates the display signal to display the average fuel economy on the speedometer 150 at regular intervals of a second predetermined distance.
[055] In fact, at step 407, the control unit 140 generates the display signal to display a preset value of the average fuel economy on the speedometer 150 if the determined distance is less than the second predetermined distance since the receipt of the trip signal. In an embodiment, the second predetermined distance is 5 kilometers. In an embodiment, if the engine is ON and the vehicle is in idling condition (stationary vehicle), then the preset value of the average fuel economy is displayed.
[056] In another embodiment, the preset value of the average fuel economy is equal to average fuel economy calculated for a last trip taken prior to the trip. Since the present invention will calculate the average fuel economy during the last trip taken by the user in a manner as discussed hereinabove, whenever the user selects a new trip, the average fuel economy displayed on the speedometer 150 at the beginning of the new trip corresponds to the average fuel economy calculated during the last trip. Subsequently, the average fuel economy for the new trip will be calculated and displayed on the speedometer 150.
[057] Advantageously, the present invention provides for an automatic calculation of the average fuel economy of the vehicle. Since the present invention relies on the distance travelled by the vehicle based on the vehicle speed and the amount of fuel injected by the fuel injector 120 based on the fuel injection time, the average fuel economy calculated is precise and accurate.
[058] The present invention also allows the study of driving pattern of a rider of a shared vehicle from a fleet of shared vehicles to incentivize the rider and/or to warn the rider. Average fuel economy is a good estimation of the driving pattern.
[059] By indicating the average fuel economy value to the customer, the customer will get to know about the amount of fuel consumed in their driving style. Moreover, the customer can also use this information to guess how much distance can be travelled based on the remaining fuel in vehicle.
[060] The average fuel economy computation and display helps the customer to maintain the vehicle in good fuel economy, reduce fuel consumption and emission.
[061] The average fuel economy being more would imply that the customer is riding the vehicle with good fuel economy, else the customer can reduce speed to maintain the good fuel economy.
[062] Further, the present invention also provides additional information to the customer to know the vehicle status, for example when the routine service of the vehicle is due.
[063] The present invention also allows resetting the average fuel economy. If the trip value is less than the predetermined distance, the average fuel economy is updated as predefined value. Otherwise, the average fuel economy is updated based on the distance traveled and the fuel consumed.
[064] The average fuel economy calculated using the present invention indicates the customer how long they can travel in one liter of fuel.
[065] The present invention also provides additional information to the customer, for example suitable navigation route to avoid fuel wastage due to excessive braking, intimation to user to ride slowly, lower throttle and the likes.
[066] Keeping a check on the vehicle performance results in reduced emission by the vehicle.
[067] The present invention also does not require additional sensors for calculating the average fuel economy. In fact, the present invention utilizes the existing sensors and calculates the distance from speed and the amount of fuel consumed from the fuel injector. Therefore, the overall cost of the vehicle does not increase.
[068] The present invention can be employed in any vehicle having a digital speedometer.
[069] Moreover, the present invention also helps user in deciding when to refuel and plan the trip accordingly.
[070] The present invention also provides a distraction free indication of the average fuel economy since it is updated at regular intervals of the first predetermined distance only.
[071] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.