Patent Application
20160052450
Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate generally to wireless charging systems suitable for use with electric and hybrid electric vehicles. More particularly, embodiments of the subject matter relate to a methodology for guiding a driver of a vehicle to a target location of a wireless charging station.
Electric and hybrid electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular. Traditional plug-in electric vehicles include an energy storage system (typically a battery pack) that can be recharged by physically connecting a charging cable to a charging port on the vehicle. Wireless electrical charging systems have also been developed for use with hybrid electric and fully electric vehicles. Such wireless charging systems utilize magnetic induction techniques to establish an electromagnetic coupling between: (1) a charging pad or platform external to the vehicle; and (2) a compatible receiver component onboard the vehicle. The receiver component is electrically coupled to the rechargeable battery pack to provide charging current (induced by the external charging component) to the battery pack.
The charging pad is usually located on the ground such that wireless charging can be performed after the vehicle is parked over the charging pad. Optimal wireless charging is achieved when the receiver component of the vehicle is properly aligned and positioned relative to the external charging pad. Thus, the driver should strive to precisely park the vehicle in a specified target location.
Accordingly, it is desirable to have a reliable and accurate system that provides guidance to a driver while approaching a wireless charging station. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background.
A method of guiding an operator of a vehicle to a target location of a wireless charging station is disclosed. An exemplary embodiment of the method determines proximity of the vehicle to the wireless charging station, and activates a haptic feedback subsystem onboard the vehicle to indicate an approach alignment of the vehicle relative to the target location.
Also disclosed herein is an onboard operator guidance system for a vehicle. An exemplary embodiment of the system includes an inductive charging component onboard the vehicle, a haptic feedback subsystem onboard the vehicle, and a control module. The inductive charging component supports wireless charging of the vehicle. The control module has at least one processor device that obtains a measurement that indicates a current approach position of the vehicle relative to a target location of a wireless charging station. The control module operates the haptic feedback subsystem in accordance with the obtained measurement to haptically indicate alignment or misalignment of the vehicle relative to the target location.
Also disclosed herein is a computer readable storage media having processor-executable instructions capable of performing a method that determines a current approach position of a vehicle relative to a target location of a wireless charging station. The method continues by operating a haptic feedback subsystem of the vehicle, in accordance with the determined current approach position, to haptically indicate alignment or misalignment of the vehicle relative to the target location.
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.
A more complete understanding of the subject matter may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in conjunction with the following figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements throughout the figures.
The following detailed description is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the subject matter or the application and uses of such embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description.
Techniques and technologies may be described herein in terms of functional and/or logical block components, and with reference to symbolic representations of operations, processing tasks, and functions that may be performed by various computing components or devices. Such operations, tasks, and functions are sometimes referred to as being computer-executed, computerized, software-implemented, or computer-implemented. Moreover, it should be appreciated that the various block components shown in the figures may be realized by any number of hardware, software, and/or firmware components configured to perform the specified functions. For example, an embodiment of a system or a component may employ various integrated circuit components, e.g., memory elements, digital signal processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, or the like, which may carry out a variety of functions under the control of one or more microprocessors or other control devices.
When implemented in software or firmware, various elements of the systems described herein are essentially the code segments or instructions that perform the various tasks. The program or code segments can be stored in any processor-readable medium, which may be realized in a tangible form. The “processor-readable medium” or “machine-readable medium” may include any medium that can store or transfer information. Examples of the processor-readable medium include an electronic circuit, a semiconductor memory device, a ROM, a flash memory, an erasable ROM (EROM), a floppy diskette, a CD-ROM, an optical disk, a hard disk, or the like.
The subject matter presented here relates to wireless charging of a vehicle using, for example, magnetic induction technology. More specifically, the subject matter presented here relates to a methodology that provides guidance to the driver of a vehicle while approaching a wireless charging station having a charging pad at a target location. In certain implementations, wireless charging may require very close alignment tolerances between the parked vehicle and the charging pad. For example, it may be necessary to park the vehicle within 500 mm of the charging pad to achieve optimized wireless charging efficiency. As described in more detail below, a haptic feedback system onboard the vehicle is activated to provide tactile information to the driver while the vehicle is approaching the target location of the wireless charging station. Different forms of haptic feedback (e.g., different vibration patterns) are generated to indicate whether or not the vehicle is laterally aligned with the target location and/or whether or not the vehicle is longitudinally aligned with the target location.
In accordance with well-known magnetic induction charging technology, the wireless charging pad 108 can be activated to generate a magnetic field proximate the inductive charging component 106. The generated magnetic field induces an electric current in the inductive charging component 106. The induced current is used to charge the energy source 104 of the vehicle. As mentioned previously, the best wireless charging performance is obtained when the inductive charging component 106 is properly aligned with the wireless charging pad 108. Accordingly, the driver should strive to park the vehicle 102 precisely in the target location.
Although not always required,
The vehicle 102 includes an onboard haptic feedback subsystem that can be activated in a manner that indicates the approach alignment (or misalignment) of the vehicle 102 relative to the target location and/or relative to the wireless charging pad 108. In accordance with various embodiments, the haptic feedback subsystem includes at least one haptic element integrated into a driver seat of the vehicle 102. In various embodiments, the haptic feedback subsystem may additionally or alternatively include at least one haptic element integrated into a steering wheel of the vehicle 102, integrated into a control pedal of the vehicle 102, integrated into a knob or other user interface component of the vehicle 102, or the like.
The haptic feedback subsystem activates one or both of the haptic elements 302, 304 to produce a response that can be felt/detected by the person occupying the seat 300 (e.g., the driver of the vehicle 102). The embodiment described here employs vibrating transducers for the haptic elements 302, 304, wherein each haptic element 302, 304 is controlled to produce vibrating pulses that can be felt through the cushion of the seat 300. The pulse frequency, pulse magnitude, pulse duty cycle, and/or other haptic characteristics are controlled in accordance with the various methods and techniques described in more detail here. In certain embodiments, the haptic characteristics are controlled to indicate fore-aft alignment of the vehicle 102 (i.e., the longitudinal distance from the target location) and starboard-port alignment of the vehicle 102 (i.e., the lateral left-right alignment) to the operator. In other embodiments, different types of haptic elements could be used as long as they can be controlled and modulated to indicate alignment of the vehicle in the manner described here. For example, the haptic feedback subsystem may utilize any of the following, without limitation: a motor activated vibrator; a piezoelectric transducer; an electromagnetic micro coil; a pneumatic valve; or any combination thereof
This example assumes that the process 400 has been initiated by an appropriate mechanism, subsystem, or logic onboard the host vehicle. For example, the process 400 could be initialized as soon as the vehicle detects the presence of the charging station and/or the wireless charging pad. Proximity to the charging pad may be detected by monitoring the strength of the magnetic field or magnetic coupling between the charging pad and the onboard inductive charging component. As another example, the process 400 could be initialized by an onboard navigation or geographic positioning system. In this regard, the geographic location of the charging station could be stored for purposes of initiating the process 400 whenever the vehicle is within a specified distance from the charging station. As yet another example, the process 400 could be launched in response to a command or an instruction entered by the driver. In accordance with some embodiments, the process 400 is initiated using a detection or triggering mechanism or system. For example, an onboard wireless communication system could be used to determine when the vehicle is within close proximity to the charging station. In such embodiments, the charging station (or a component located at or near the charging station) may broadcast a ping or beacon signal that serves as a notification to the vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, the charging station may employ an infrared sensor, a motion sensor, a pressure pad embedded in the ground, or the like.
The process 400 is performed while the vehicle is approaching the wireless charging station. The process 400 may begin by determining proximity of the vehicle to the wireless charging station and/or by determining the approach position of the vehicle relative to the target location of the charging station (task 402). The current position and alignment of the vehicle (and/or the onboard inductive charging component) relative to the target location may be obtained in a variety of different ways. In certain embodiments, task 402 obtains a measurement that indicates the current approach position of the vehicle relative to the target location, such that the haptic feedback subsystem can be activated in accordance with the obtained measurement. The position measurement may be based on magnetic coupling characteristics (e.g., magnitude, directionality, etc.) detected by the onboard inductive charging component as it interacts with the charging pad. As another example, the current position of the vehicle may be obtained from position data that is received at the vehicle. The position data could be received from a sensor system (see
Using one or more of the techniques mentioned above, the process 400 obtains and analyzes the current position of the vehicle as it approaches the target location, and activates the haptic feedback subsystem onboard the vehicle to guide the driver to the target location and to indicate the approach alignment of the vehicle relative to the target location. The haptic feedback subsystem is operated and controlled in accordance with the obtained position measurement to haptically indicate the alignment/orientation of the vehicle relative to the target location and, therefore, relative to the wireless charging pad. This example assumes that the vehicle begins its approach along a path that is laterally aligned with the target location. Accordingly, the haptic feedback subsystem is activated and operated to generate an initial haptic output that indicates proper lateral alignment of the vehicle, even though the vehicle has not yet reached the target (task 404). More specifically, task 404 activates both haptic elements to generate low frequency pulses on both sides of the driver seat. Activation of both haptic elements indicates starboard-port (lateral) alignment of the vehicle relative to the target location. Moreover, the low frequency of the pulses indicates that the vehicle is too far away from the target location.
Referring back to
For the example described here, task 410 generates haptic output with a first directional characteristic when the vehicle is starboard misaligned relative to the target location (i.e., the vehicle is offset to the right), and generates haptic output with a second directional characteristic when the vehicle is port misaligned relative to the target location (i.e., the vehicle is offset to the left). In this regard, the driver can detect whether the vehicle is misaligned to the left or to the right and compensate by steering the vehicle toward the desired approach path.
Referring back to
The haptic feedback generated during the approach to the charging station is predictive in that the goal is to help the driver maneuver the vehicle into the desired destination position during the approach. Ideally, the haptic guidance provides early indication that allows the driver to steer and adjust the position of the vehicle while slowly moving toward the wireless charging pad 108, and such that substantially continuous and real-time adjustments can be made before the vehicle actually reaches the wireless charging pad 108. After reaching the target location, the vehicle 102 should be in a good position for effective and efficient wireless charging. The process 400 may proceed with the wireless charging procedure after the vehicle 102 is parked and shut down (task 416).
The process 400 and other functions related to the haptic guidance feature described here may be performed by the control module 806 onboard the host vehicle 102. Although one control module 806 can manage the described functionality, various embodiments may employ a plurality of control modules or electronic control units (ECUs) to support the functionality in a cooperative and distributed manner. For simplicity, only one control module 806 is shown and described here.
The illustrated embodiment of the control module 806 generally includes, without limitation: at least one processor device 812; general purpose memory 814; computer-readable storage media 816; and a communication module 818. In practice, the control module 806 may include additional elements, devices, and functional modules that cooperate to achieve the desired functionality.
The processor device 812 is capable of executing the processor-executable instructions stored in the computer-readable storage media 816, wherein the instructions cause the control module 806 to perform the various processes, operations, and functions described above. In practice, the processor device 812 may be implemented as a microprocessor, a number of discrete processor devices, content addressable memory, an application specific integrated circuit, a field programmable gate array, any suitable programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination designed to perform the functions described here.
The memory 814 may be utilized to store program code that defines an operating system, a boot loader, or a BIOS for the control module. Moreover, the memory 814 may include random access memory that serves as temporary data storage for the processor device 812. In this regard, the processor device 812 can write to and read from the memory 814 as needed to support the operation of the control module 806.
The communication module 818 may be realized using software, firmware, hardware, processing logic, or any suitable combination thereof In certain exemplary embodiments, the communication module 818 is suitably configured to support data communication between the control module 806 and other modules, ECUs, or devices onboard the host vehicle. The communication module 818 may also be designed to support data communication with external devices or sources. For example, the communication module 818 may be used to receive sensor data or position data that indicates the current location of the vehicle 102 relative to the desired target location. As another example, the communication module 818 may be used to receive a command or instruction to initialize the haptic guidance function.
It should be appreciated that the haptic feedback elements can be controlled in any desired manner, depending on the embodiment, the vehicle make and/or model, user preferences, and the like. The specific haptic feedback pulse patterns and characteristics described above are not intended to be limiting or restrictive in any way. In this regard, the haptic feedback subsystem can be operated in any desired manner to generate distinguishable haptic outputs that indicate whether the vehicle is laterally aligned with the desired approach path, whether the vehicle is longitudinally aligned with the target location of the charging station, and whether the vehicle is centered on the target location (i.e., whether the vehicle has reached the desired charging spot).
Although
The foregoing description and figures relate to a static charging station that wirelessly charges a stationary (parked) vehicle. The techniques and methodologies presented here could also be utilized in conjunction with dynamic wireless charging, wherein a vehicle in motion is charged while passing over wireless charging elements located in or on the road surface. In this regard, the charging elements may be positioned along an intended travel path such that optimized charging is achieved when the vehicle is laterally aligned with the intended path. Accordingly, the haptic guidance feature described above could be implemented to indicate whether or not the vehicle is traveling along the desired path.
While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claimed subject matter in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the described embodiment or embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope defined by the claims, which includes known equivalents and foreseeable equivalents at the time of filing this patent application.
