| 摘要 |
An indicator panel 20 has an array of LED's 25A to 25Q to provide an indication to the driver of a road vehicle, particularly a diesel-powered truck, when he should change to the next highest gear during acceleration from rest or low speed. The LED's are lit progressively as the engine speed increases in each gear and, when lit, emit green light if the engine speed is below the optimum change-up speed for that gear. When the engine speed begins to exceed the optimum change-up speed, the next LED illuminated produces red light to the driver. An audible warning may also be produced. If the driver does not change up in response to such warning, further red LED's will show and a more strident audible warning may be given. The change-up speeds to which the system responds are pre-set so as to be the optimum speeds for increased fuel efficiency. The change-up speed corresponding to the lowest gear is relatively low and increases successively for the successively high gears. The system may be associated with engine speed control or limiting means so as positively to prevent further increase in engine speed if the driver ignores the warning. The system may also produce an indication of the optimum engine speeds at which the driver should change down to the next lower gear during vehicle deceleration.
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