VEHICLE CONTROL SYSTEM

Abstract

Control system for a vehicle (10), comprising: a drive train system (20) having an electric drive system (28) and a second drive system (29); a geopositioning system (50); a geospatial map database (40) that identifies a first predefined region (202-1) corresponding to a political unit and a first user-identified region (201-1) corresponding to a user-selectable geographical area; and a controller in communication with the geospatial map database (40) and the geopositioning system (50), the controller being configured to: to monitor a geographical location of the vehicle (10) via the geopositioning system (50), query the geomap database (40) to determine the geographical location of the vehicle (10) with respect to the first predefined region (202-1) and the first user-identified region (201-1), to control the drive train system (20) to generate a drive power that uses only the electric drive system (28) when the geographical location of the vehicle (10) is within the first predefined region (202-1) and when the geographical location of the vehicle (10) is within the first user-identified region (201-1), and control the drivetrain system (20) to generate the drive power using the second drive system (29) when the geographical location of the vehicle (10) is outside the first predefined region (202-1) and outside the first user-identified region (201-1); wherein the control system further comprises a body actuator controllable in one of a plurality of vehicle dynamic control states, the controller being operatively connected to the body actuator; wherein the geomap database (40) comprises a second user-identified region (201-2); and wherein the controller is configured to control the body actuator based on the geographical location of the vehicle (10) relative to the second user-identified region (201-2).

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] Some vehicles may be configured with powertrain systems capable of pure electric vehicle operation, with electric motors operating in an electric vehicle mode to generate motive power. Vehicles may be equipped with one or more systems to control vehicle dynamics, such as active suspension systems and active aerodynamic systems. Vehicles may be equipped with one or more Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS).

[0002] There are political entities, such as cities or regions, that are considering regulating vehicle emissions by establishing zero-emission zones or regions. Vehicles operating within a zero-emission zone would be required to produce no emissions of currently regulated gases when operating within such regions. Such operation can be achieved by using electric machines to generate motive power. Furthermore, vehicle operators may desire quiet operation of a vehicle in selected regions, for example, to avoid causing disruptive noise in a neighborhood. Therefore, it may be necessary to control the operation of the vehicle's powertrain to ensure a seamless transition to operation in an electric vehicle mode in certain predefined geographical regions. In addition, there may be a desire to automate the operation of other vehicle systems, such as theactive suspension systems, active aerodynamic systems, ADAS, etc., in specific user-defined or predefined geographical regions.

[0003] DE 10 2007 026 320 A1 describes a method for operating a navigation system for a motor vehicle in a traffic network and a navigation system. At least one zone of the traffic network is provided with a pollutant-class-dependent passage restriction, with at least one pollutant class being assigned to the motor vehicle. Information about the geographical location of the zone and the minimum pollutant class required there is first stored in the navigation system. Information about the at least one pollutant class of the motor vehicle is then entered into the navigation system. The entered information is then taken into account for route guidance, with route guidance into or through the zone being avoided if the at least one pollutant class of the motor vehicle is affected by pollutant-class-dependent passage restrictions in the zone.

[0004] US 2012 / 0 290 149 A1 describes a computer-implemented method that includes examining a travel route to determine the presence of emission control zones along the route. The method also includes determining the power required to operate a vehicle on the route sections within the emission control zones. Furthermore, this method includes maintaining the determined power required to operate the vehicle on the route sections within the emission control zones. Furthermore, the method includes selectively activating an electric propulsion mode of the vehicle using the stored energy while the vehicle is operating within the emission control zones. DESCRIPTION

[0005] It is an object of the invention to control the operation of a vehicle drivetrain such that a seamless transition to operation in an electric vehicle mode occurs in certain predefined geographical regions. This object is achieved by the features of the independent patent claims. Advantageous developments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0006] It may be advantageous to automatically control an aspect of vehicle operation based on geographic location. For example, this may include a vehicle with an electric / fuel hybrid propulsion system, where the vehicle is controlled to operate in an electric vehicle mode when within a predefined geographic location or a user-defined geographic location.

[0007] In one embodiment, a vehicle is described that includes a powertrain system with an electric drive system and a second drive system, a geopositioning system (system for detecting a geographical position), a geospatial map database (database with geographical maps), and a controller. The geospatial map database identifies a first predefined region corresponding to a political entity and a first user-identified region corresponding to a user-selectable geographical area. The controller is in communication with the geospatial map database and the geospatial position detection system and is operatively connected to the powertrain system. The controller is configured to monitor a geographical position of the vehicle via the geospatial position detection system.The controller queries the geospatial map database to determine the geographic location of the vehicle relative to the first predefined region and the first user-identified region. The powertrain system is controlled to generate motive power via one of the electric drive system and the second drive system based on the geographic location of the vehicle relative to the first predefined region and the first user-identified region. This includes controlling the powertrain system to generate motive power using the electric drive system only when the geographic location of the vehicle is within the first predefined region and when the geographic location of the vehicle is within the first user-identified region.This includes controlling the powertrain system to generate propulsion power using the second propulsion system when the geographic location of the vehicle is outside the first predefined region and outside the first user-identified region.

[0008] One aspect of the disclosure includes that the electric drive system is an electric machine coupled to a drive wheel of the vehicle.

[0009] Another aspect of the disclosure includes that the second drive system is an internal combustion engine coupled to the drive wheel of the vehicle. Another aspect of the disclosure includes that the internal combustion engine is coupled to the drive wheel of the vehicle in series with the electric machine.

[0010] Another aspect of the disclosure includes that the internal combustion engine is coupled to the drive wheel of the vehicle in parallel with the electric machine.

[0011] Another aspect of the disclosure includes a DC power source electrically connected to the powertrain system and a navigation system configured to determine a travel route and a destination for the vehicle. The controller is configured to perform charge management of the DC power source based on the travel route and the destination for the vehicle relative to the first predefined region. The charge management of the DC power source includes the controller controlling the powertrain system in a charge depletion mode when the geographic location of the vehicle is within either the first predefined region or the first user-identified region. The charge depletion mode includes generating motive power exclusively with the electric propulsion system.The controller is configured to control the drive system in a charging mode when the geographical location of the vehicle is outside the first predefined region and outside the first user-identified region, the charging mode comprising generating drive power and electrical power for charging the DC power source using the electric drive system and the second drive system.

[0012] Another aspect of the disclosure includes the controller being configured to control the powertrain system to generate motive power using the electric drive system and the second drive system when the geographic location of the vehicle is outside the first predefined region and outside the first user-identified region.

[0013] Another aspect of the disclosure includes a body actuator controllable in one of a plurality of vehicle dynamic control states. The controller is operatively connected to the body actuator. The geospatial map database contains a different user-identified region. The controller controls the body actuator based on the geographic location of the vehicle relative to the different user-identified region.

[0014] Another aspect of the disclosure includes the body actuator being an active aerodynamic device, wherein the controller controls the active aerodynamic device to a first position when the geographical location of the vehicle is within a second user-identified range, and wherein the controller controls the active aerodynamic device to a second position when the geographical location of the vehicle is outside the second user-identified range.

[0015] Another aspect of the disclosure includes the body actuator being an active suspension system, wherein the controller controls the active suspension system to a first setting when the geographical location of the vehicle is within a third user-identified region, and wherein the controller controls the active suspension system to a second setting when the geographical location of the vehicle is outside the third user-identified region.

[0016] Another aspect of the disclosure includes that the third user-identified region is a terrain region.

[0017] Another aspect of the disclosure includes an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) in communication with the controller, wherein the geospatial map database includes a fourth user-identified region, and wherein the controller is operable to deactivate the ADAS when the geographic location of the vehicle is within the fourth user-identified region.

[0018] Another aspect of the disclosure includes the body actuator being a controllable engine braking device, wherein the controller is configured to deactivate the controllable engine braking device when the geographical location of the vehicle is within the fifth region, and wherein the controller is configured to activate the controllable engine braking device when the geographical location of the vehicle is outside the fifth region.

[0019] Another aspect of the disclosure includes the geolocation sensing system being either a GPS (Global Positioning System) sensor, a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) sensor, or an in-vehicle cellular phone that communicates with a plurality of cellular antennas.

[0020] Another aspect of the disclosure includes a system for a vehicle having a powertrain system with an electric drive system and a second drive system, a body actuator controllable in one of a plurality of vehicle dynamic control states, and a geoposition sensing system. A geospatial map database includes a first predefined region corresponding to a political entity, a first user-identified region corresponding to a user-selectable geographic area, and another user-identified region. A controller is in communication with the geospatial map database and the geospatial sensing system and is operatively connected to the drive system and the body actuator.The controller is configured to monitor a geographical position of the vehicle via the geopositioning system and to determine the geographical position of the vehicle relative to the first predefined region, the first user-identified region, and the other user-identified region. The powertrain system is controlled to generate motive power via the electric drive system or the second drive system, wherein either the electric drive system or the second drive system is selected based on the geographical location of the vehicle relative to the first predefined region and the first user-identified region. The body actuator is controlled in one of the plurality of vehicle dynamic control states, wherein the vehicle dynamic control state is determined based on the geographical location of the vehicle relative to the other user-identified region.

[0021] Another aspect of the disclosure includes a DC power source electrically connected to the powertrain system and a navigation system configured to determine a travel route and a destination for the vehicle. The controller is configured to perform charging management of the DC power source based on the travel route and the destination for the vehicle with respect to the first predefined region.The DC power source charging management includes the controller controlling the powertrain system to generate motive power via the electric drive system when the geographical location of the vehicle is either within the first predefined region or the first user-identified region, and the controller controlling the powertrain system to generate motive power via the electric drive system and the second drive system and to generate electrical power for charging the DC power source when the geographical location of the vehicle is outside the first predefined region and outside the first user-identified region.

[0022] Another aspect of the disclosure includes the body actuator being an active aerodynamic device, wherein the controller controls the active aerodynamic device to a first position when the geographical location of the vehicle is within the other user-identified region, and wherein the controller controls the active aerodynamic device to a second position when the geographical location of the vehicle is outside the other user-identified region.

[0023] Another aspect of the disclosure includes the body actuator being an active suspension system, wherein the controller controls the active suspension system to a first setting when the geographical location of the vehicle is within the other user-identified region, and wherein the controller controls the active suspension system to a second setting when the geographical location of the vehicle is outside the other user-identified region.

[0024] Another aspect of the disclosure includes a system for a vehicle having a powertrain system with a propulsion system including an internal combustion engine and a drivetrain, the powertrain operable in a first speed / load shift calibration and a second speed / load shift calibration. The system includes a geolocation sensing system; a geospatial map database that identifies a predefined region corresponding to a political entity; and a user-identified region corresponding to a user-selectable geographic area. A controller is in communication with the geospatial map database and the geospatial position sensing system and is operatively connected to the propulsion system and the body actuator.The controller is capable of monitoring a geographical position of the vehicle via the geopositioning system and determining the geographical position of the vehicle relative to the predefined region and the user-identified region. The powertrain system generates drive power using the initial speed / load shift calibration when the vehicle's geographical location is within either the predefined region or the user-identified region.

[0025] Another aspect of the disclosure includes the controller controlling the powertrain system to produce propulsion power using the second speed / load shift calibration when the geographic location of the vehicle is outside the predefined region and the user-identified region.

[0026] Thus, the operation of a propulsion system for a vehicle can be automatically controlled based on navigation, route planning and vehicle location relative to predefined regions and user-identified regions.

[0027] The above features and advantages, as well as other features and advantages of the present teachings, are readily apparent from the following detailed description of some of the best modes and other embodiments for carrying out the present teachings as defined in the appended claims when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] One or more embodiments will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 schematically shows a top view of an embodiment of a vehicle configured with a control system according to the disclosure. Fig. 2 shows schematically in block diagram form a control routine used by the device referred to in Fig. 1 described control system can be implemented according to the disclosure. Fig. 3 schematically shows in block diagram form additional details relating to the control routine of Fig. 2, according to Revelation. Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 pictorially shows portions of a content of an embodiment of a geospatial map database according to the disclosure.

[0029] The accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale and present a somewhat simplified representation of various features of the present disclosure as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, positions, and shapes. Details associated with such features will be determined in part by the particular intended application and environment of use. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] As used herein, the term “system” may refer to any one or combination of actuators, sensors, controllers, circuits, software, firmware, and / or other components arranged to provide the described functionality.

[0031] Referring to the drawings, which are for illustrating certain exemplary embodiments and not for limiting the same, Fig. 1 schematically illustrates an embodiment of a vehicle 10 configured with a control system 18 arranged to enable geographically location-specific operational control thereof. The control system 18 includes a task controller 15, a geopositioning system 50, and a geospatial map database 40. The vehicle 10 may include, but is not limited to, a mobile platform in the form of a commercial vehicle, an industrial vehicle, an agricultural vehicle, a passenger car, an aircraft, a watercraft, a train, an off-road vehicle, a personal mobility device, a robot, and the like to fulfill the purposes of this disclosure.

[0032] In one embodiment and as described herein, the vehicle 10 includes a powertrain system 20 having an electric drive system 28 acting as a first drive system and a second drive system 29 for providing drive power to one or more drive wheels 12. The operation of the powertrain system 20 is controlled by a powertrain controller 25.

[0033] The electric drive system 28 includes an electric machine 22 arranged to transmit drive power to the drive wheel(s) 12 via a transmission 23 and a driveline 24. A DC power source 17 supplies electrical energy to the electric machine 22 via a high-voltage bus. The electric machine 22, in one embodiment, may be a multi-phase permanent magnet electric machine operable either as an electric motor or as an electric power generator. This includes operating the electric machine 22 to generate drive torque and operating the electric machine 22 to respond to drive torque in a regenerative braking condition associated with a regenerative energy recovery strategy. The operation of the electric machine 22 is controlled by a motor controller 27, which communicates with the driveline controller 25.

[0034] In one embodiment, the electric drive system 28 includes a single electric machine 22. Alternatively, the electric drive system 28 includes multiple electric machines 22 in various arrangements to provide drive power to one or more drive wheels and / or one or more axles.

[0035] In one embodiment, DC power source 17 is a rechargeable, high-voltage, multi-cell battery. Alternatively, DC power source 17 may be a capacitor, a fuel cell, or other device capable of storing and generating electrical energy. The routines for managing DC power source 17, including charge management and state of charge (SOC) monitoring strategies, are executed by a battery state controller 19.

[0036] In one embodiment and as shown, the second drive system 29 includes an internal combustion engine 21 arranged to transmit drive power to the drive wheel(s) 12 via the transmission 23 and the drivetrain 24. In one embodiment, the internal combustion engine 21 is rotatably coupled to the transmission 23 via an engine disconnect clutch (not shown). The operation of the internal combustion engine 21 is controlled by an engine controller 26, which is in communication with the drivetrain controller 25.

[0037] The internal combustion engine 21 may be a multi-cylinder spark-ignition or compression-ignition device that generates drive torque in response to a command from a controller that can communicate with other controllers in the vehicle. The internal combustion engine 21 is controllable to operate in an engine-ON state and an engine-OFF state.

[0038] When the engine 21 is in the engine-ON state, it generates torque for motive power or to generate electrical energy. When the engine 21 is in the engine-OFF state, it is not rotating or otherwise consuming fuel and can be mechanically disconnected from the transmission 23 by the engine disconnect clutch. In one embodiment, the engine 21 includes an active fuel management (AFM) system that provides the ability to operate in a cylinder deactivation mode, in which combustion in one or more cylinders is dynamically deactivated to conserve fuel under certain load conditions. In one embodiment, the electric machine 22 and the engine 21 are coupled in series to transfer drive to the drive wheel(s) 12 of the vehicle 10.In one embodiment, the electric machine 22 and the internal combustion engine 21 are coupled in parallel to transmit drive to the drive wheel(s) 12 of the vehicle 10. In one embodiment, the internal combustion engine 21 is coupled to another electric machine (not shown) to generate electrical energy that can be transmitted to either the electric machine 22 or the DC power source 17, or both.

[0039] The transmission 23 may include gearing arrangements such as planetary gears, pinions, clutches, brakes, etc., for transmitting and multiplying torque between the electric machine 22, the internal combustion engine 21, and the drivetrain 24. Embodiments of the transmission 23 may include a fixed-gear automatic transmission, a continuously variable transmission, or other torque-transmitting device capable of transmitting torque from the internal combustion engine 21 or the electric machine 22, or both, to the drivetrain 24 at a fixed speed ratio or a variable speed ratio. The operation of the transmission 23, including gear ratio change routines, is controlled by a powertrain controller 25.In one embodiment, powertrain controller 25 includes a first speed / load shift calibration and a second speed / load shift calibration for controlling range shifts in transmission 23. As a non-limiting example, the first speed / load shift calibration includes a shift enabling operation in a low speed ratio, high torque configuration, such as for off-road operation, and the second speed / load shift calibration includes a shift enabling operation in a high speed ratio, low torque configuration, such as for highway operation. Alternatively, other speed / load shift calibrations may be used.

[0040] The drive train 24 may include drive shafts, differentials, half shafts, transmission axles, etc. for transmitting and multiplying the torque between the transmission 23 and the driven wheel(s) 13.

[0041] In one embodiment, the vehicle 10 includes active aerodynamic control elements, including, as non-limiting examples, a controllable front air dam 31 and / or a controllable rear air dam 32. The controllable front air dam 31 and the controllable rear air dam 32 are connected to and controlled by a body controller 30.

[0042] In one embodiment, the vehicle 10 includes an active suspension system including, by way of non-limiting example, controllable air shock absorbers 33. The controllable air shock absorbers 33 are connected to and controlled by the body control system 30, which may include control routines for controlling ride height, leveling, and user-selectable features related to ride smoothness, caster response, etc.

[0043] The vehicle 10 has a navigation system 52 configured to determine a travel route and destination for the vehicle based on user inputs to a human-machine interface (HMI) system 16.

[0044] The HMI system 16 enables human-machine interaction to control the operation of an infotainment system, the vehicle navigation system 55, a remote service center, and the like. The HMI system 16 monitors operator inputs and provides information to the operator, including the status of the vehicle systems and service and maintenance information. The HMI system 16 communicates with and / or controls the operation of a plurality of in-vehicle operator interface devices. The HMI system 16 is depicted as a unitary device for ease of description, but in one embodiment of the system described herein, may be configured as a plurality of controllers and associated sensor devices. The in-vehicle operator interface(s) may include devices capable of transmitting a message prompting the operator to take action, such as an electronic visual display module, e.g., a display module.E.g. a liquid crystal display (LCD), a heads-up display (HUD), an audio feedback device, etc.

[0045] The vehicle 10 uses the geopositioning system 50 to determine its geographic position. The geopositioning system 50 may include a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor 51 and the navigation system 52. The geopositioning system 50 may instead utilize a GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) sensor or an in-vehicle cellular phone in conjunction with the telematics system 53. The telematics system 53 may be employed to determine a geographic position of the vehicle 10 through triangulation techniques in conjunction with a plurality of nearby cellular antennas.

[0046] The vehicle 10 may include an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) 38, which, in one embodiment, communicates with the task controller 15. The ADAS 38 is arranged to provide a degree of autonomous vehicle operation, which may include an autonomous steering system, an autonomous acceleration system (e.g., an adaptive cruise control system), an autonomous braking / collision avoidance system, and / or other systems, collectively referred to as ADAS actuators 37. The ADAS actuators 37 are configured to command and control the autonomous operation of the vehicle independently of, or in conjunction with, driver requests.

[0047] The vehicle 10 may have a controllable engine braking device 39 controlled by the task controller 15, whereby vehicle braking may be achieved by using the internal combustion engine 21 and the transmission 23 as a reverse air pump. Heavy-duty trucks employ such braking mechanisms to reduce friction brake heating during downhill driving and in other situations. The task controller 15 serves to activate and deactivate the controllable engine braking device 39.

[0048] The telematics system 53 includes a wireless telematics communication system capable of communicating off-board with a communication network system having wireless and wired communication capabilities. The off-board communication includes short-range vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication and / or vehicle-to-everything (V2x) communication, which may include communication with an infrastructure monitor, e.g., a traffic camera, and communication with a nearby pedestrian, etc. Alternatively or additionally, the telematics system 53 includes a wireless telematics communication system capable of short-range wireless communication with a handheld device, e.g., a cellular phone, a satellite phone, or other telephony device.In one embodiment, the handheld device is loaded with a software application including a wireless protocol for communicating with the telematics system 53, and the handheld device performs the off-board communication to communicate with an on-board controller 95 via a communication network 90, which may be in the form of a satellite 80, a cellular antenna 85, and / or another communication mode. Alternatively or additionally, the telematics system 53 performs the off-board communication directly by communicating with the off-board controller 95 via the communication network 90.

[0049] The geospatial map database 40 is a data file stored in an onboard storage device. The geospatial map database 40 contains representations of roads overlaid with political entities (countries, states, cities, municipalities, etc.) and their associated boundaries. The task controller 15 can query the geospatial map database 40 to determine a location of the vehicle 10 based on information from the geopositioning system 50, where the location of the vehicle 10 includes the associated political entities (countries, states, cities, municipalities, etc.).

[0050] The terms controller, control module, module, controlling, control unit, processor, and similar terms refer to various combinations of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuits, central processing unit(s), e.g., microprocessors, and associated non-transitory memory components in the form of storage and memory devices (read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, random access memory, hard disk, etc.). The non-transitory memory component is capable of storing machine-readable instructions in the form of one or more software or firmware programs or routines, combinational logic circuits, input / output circuits and devices, signal conditioning and buffer circuits, and other components accessible by one or more processors to provide a described functionality.Input / output circuits and devices include analog-to-digital converters and related devices that monitor inputs from sensors, where such inputs are monitored at a preset sampling frequency or in response to a triggering event. Software, firmware, programs, instructions, control routines, code, algorithms, and similar terms refer to sets of instructions executable by controllers, including calibrations and lookup tables. Each controller executes control routine(s) to provide desired functions, including monitoring inputs from sensor devices and other networked controllers and executing control and diagnostic routines to control the operation of actuators. The routines can be executed periodically at regular intervals or in response to the occurrence of a triggering event.Communication between controllers and communication between controllers, actuators, and / or sensors can occur via a direct wired connection, a networked communication bus connection, a wireless connection, a serial peripheral interface bus, or any other suitable communication link. Communication involves the exchange of data signals in any suitable form, e.g., electrical signals over a conductive medium, electromagnetic signals over air, optical signals over fiber optics, and the like. Data signals can include signals representing inputs from sensors, signals representing actuator commands, and communication signals between controllers.

[0051] A wheel braking system includes a device capable of applying braking torque to the drive wheels 12 and the driven wheels 13, and an associated controller that monitors signals from one or more sensors and generates commands to one or more actuators to control operation in a manner responsive to an operator request for braking.

[0052] Fig. Figure 2 shows schematically, with continued reference to the one shown with reference to Fig. 1, the communication in the form of data and control commands transmitted between the task controller 15, the geospatial map database 40, the geopositioning system 50, the HMI system 16, the GPS sensor 51, the navigation system 52, the powertrain controller 25, the body controller 30, the battery condition controller 19, the ADAS 38, and other vehicle controllers collectively identified by element 60.

[0053] The geomap database 40 (database) contains representations of political units (countries, states, cities, municipalities, etc.) and their corresponding borders.

[0054] The inputs to the database 40 include user-defined regions 201 (user inputs) that can be selected by a vehicle user and provided via the HMI system 16 either directly or via a connected handheld device. The user-defined regions 201 can include geographic locations, political entities, private entities (e.g., a subdivision or neighborhood), local parks, state parks, national parks, privately owned land, etc.

[0055] The inputs to the database 40 include a plurality of predefined regions 202, which may be pre-populated by the vehicle manufacturer or a third-party supplier (OEM input) 56. The predefined regions 202 include policy entities known to have implemented vehicle operation restrictions. In one embodiment, the vehicle operation restrictions may include a requirement for the exclusive operation of electric vehicles (EVs) within a policy boundary, with a first predefined region 202-1 defined by the policy boundary. Alternatively, the vehicle operation restrictions may include another vehicle operation restriction implemented by a policy entity. As a non-limiting example, another vehicle operation restriction may be related to noise mitigation.An example of a vehicle operating restriction related to noise abatement includes a restriction prohibiting vehicles, such as medium or heavy-duty commercial vehicles, from using engine braking within a city, with a second predefined region 202-2 defined by the political boundary of the city.

[0056] Based on the available information, the task controller 15 is able to monitor a geographical position of the vehicle 10 and to determine the geographical position of the vehicle 10 with respect to one or more predefined regions 202 and with respect to one or more user-defined regions 201. In the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5, examples of the plurality of predefined regions 202 and examples of the plurality of user-defined regions 201 are illustrated.

[0057] In Fig. 4, predefined regions 202 and user-defined regions 201 are depicted and overlaid on a geographic map section 400, wherein the geographic map section 400 includes identified political boundaries, driving routes, airports, recreational areas, etc. The predefined regions 202 include a first predefined region 202-1, which is a political entity identified in advance as having implemented an ordinance mandating the operation of pure electric vehicles. The predefined regions 202 include a second predefined region 202-2, which is a political entity identified in advance as having implemented an ordinance mandating vehicle operation related to noise abatement.

[0058] The user-defined regions 201 include a first user-identified region 201-1, which is a user-identified area in which the user desires pure electric vehicle operation. An example of the first user-identified region 201-1 is a residential area where the vehicle user lives.

[0059] The user-defined areas 201 include a second user-identified area 201-2, which is a user-identified area in which the user wishes to activate, deactivate, or otherwise control one or more of the active aerodynamic devices, e.g., the controllable front air dam 31 and / or the controllable rear air dam 32, which are described with reference to Fig. 1. An example of the second user-identified area 201-2 is an unpaved road surface.

[0060] The user-defined areas 201 include a third user-identified area 201-3, which is a user-identified area in which the user wishes to activate, deactivate, or otherwise control one or more of the active suspension components, e.g., the controllable air shock absorbers 33 described with reference to Fig. 1. An example of the third user-identified area 201-3 is a public or private parking area that permits the operation of off-road vehicles.

[0061] The user-defined regions 201 include a fourth user-identified region 201-4, which is a user-identified area in which the user wishes to enable, disable, or otherwise control autonomous vehicle operation, e.g., the ADAS 38 described with reference to Fig. 1. An example of the fourth user-identified region 201-4 is a long-term construction zone, and the user can disable autonomous vehicle operation, ie, disable the operation of the ADAS 38 in this zone.

[0062] Referring again to Fig. 2, the database 40 generates a state transition message 205 based on the plurality of predefined regions 202 and the plurality of user-defined regions 201.

[0063] The inputs also include a route planner that monitors the operator's inputs to the navigation system 52 via the HMI system 16 or other devices (e.g., Android Auto, Apple CarPlay) to determine a desired destination 203.

[0064] The inputs include a geographical position 204 of the vehicle 10, which can be determined by the geopositioning system 50.

[0065] The geolocation acquisition system 50 uses the geographical position 204 of the vehicle 10 and the desired destination 203 to perform a vehicle location check, which identifies the current location of the vehicle 10 and the planned destination(s), or lack thereof. The geolocation acquisition system 50 generates a location / route message 206 that is transmitted to the task controller 15, the location / route message 206 including the current location of the vehicle 10 and the planned destination(s), or lack thereof.

[0066] Another input provided to task controller 15 includes battery parameters 218 generated by battery condition controller 19, which monitors DC power source 17. Battery parameters 218 include, for example, an SOC of DC power source 17. Other battery parameters 218 may include the presence of faults associated with DC power source 17 and the high-voltage bus.

[0067] The task controller 15 monitors inputs, including the state transition message 205, the location / route message 206, and the battery parameters 218, to determine, in some embodiments, control messages for the powertrain controller 25, the body controller 30, the ADAS 38, and the other vehicle controllers 60. In total, the task controller 15 receives the location / route message 206, the state transition message 205, and the battery parameters 218.

[0068] The task controller 15 evaluates the location / route message 206 and the state transition message 205 to determine the current geographic location of the vehicle 10 with respect to the plurality of user-defined regions 201 and the plurality of predefined regions 202 of the database 40.

[0069] The task controller 15 generates a first set of control commands 209 that are communicated to the powertrain controller 25 to operate the powertrain system 20 to generate motive power based on the current geographic location of the vehicle 10 relative to the predefined regions 202 either via the electric drive system 28 or the second drive system 29 including the internal combustion engine 21.

[0070] The task controller 15 also generates the first set of control commands 209, which are communicated to the powertrain controller 25 to operate the powertrain system 20 to generate motive power based on the current geographical location of the vehicle 10 with respect to the user-defined regions 201, either via the electric propulsion system 28 or the second propulsion system 29, which includes the internal combustion engine 21. Examples of such operation may include enabling pure electric vehicle operation when the geographical location of the vehicle is within the first user-identified region 201-1, which is defined with respect to Fig. 4, wherein the first user-identified region 201-1 is a residential subdivision in which the vehicle user resides.

[0071] Referring again to Fig. 2, the control commands 209 include a first control state 216 for operating the internal combustion engine 21 and a second control state 217 for operating the electric machine 22.

[0072] If the current geographical location of the vehicle 10 is within one of the predefined regions 202, the first control state 216 for operating the internal combustion engine 21 includes a command for the internal combustion engine 21 to be in the engine-off state, and the second control state 217 for operating the electric machine 22 includes a command for the electric machine 22 to produce motive power responsive to a torque request from the operator.

[0073] If the current geographic location of the vehicle 10 is outside the predefined regions 202, the first control state 216 for operating the internal combustion engine 21 includes a command for the internal combustion engine 21 to be in the engine-on state, and the second control state 217 for operating the electric machine 22 includes a command for the electric machine 22 to generate motive power. The first control state 216 and the second control state 217 are combined such that one or both of the internal combustion engine 21 and the electric machine 22 generate motive power responsive to the operator's torque request. Furthermore, the first control state 216 and the second control state 217 may include commands to the internal combustion engine 21 and the electric machine 22 to operate to generate electrical power, which is transferred to and stored at the DC power source 17.This process may be performed such that the SOC of the DC power source 17 is at a maximum SOC level or a desired SOC level when the geographical location of the vehicle 10 transitions into the predefined region 202 based on the route planning of the navigation system 52 associated with the desired destination 203.

[0074] Alternatively or additionally, another of the predefined regions 202 may be associated with a different region, e.g., a noise mitigation region, with controllable vehicle operation connected to the other vehicle controllers 60. In this embodiment, the task controller 15 generates a second set of control commands 211 that are communicated to the other vehicle controllers 60 to operate a different vehicle actuator 65 based on the current geographic location of the vehicle 10 relative to the predefined region 202. If the current geographic location of the vehicle 10 is within the predefined region 202, the control command 211 to operate the vehicle actuator 65 includes a command to deactivate the vehicle actuator 65.If the current geographical location of the vehicle 10 is outside the predefined region 202, the control command 211 for operating the vehicle actuator 65 includes a command to activate the vehicle actuator 65.

[0075] The electric drive system or the second drive system is selected based on the geographical location of the vehicle 10 with respect to the predefined region(s) 202 and the user-defined regions 201.

[0076] If the location / route message 206 and the state transition message 205 indicate that the current geographical location of the vehicle 10 is within one of the predefined regions 202 of the database 40, the task controller 15 generates a first set of control commands 209 for operating the powertrain system 20 to generate motive power via one of the electric drive system 28 or the second drive system 29, wherein the control states 216, 217 for the electric drive system 28 and the second drive system 29, respectively, are selected based on the geographical location of the vehicle 10 with respect to the predefined region(s) 202 and the user-defined regions 201.

[0077] Referring again to Fig. 2, the task controller 15 may also generate a second set of control commands 207 that are communicated to the body controller 30 to control one or more body actuators in one of the plurality of vehicle dynamic control states, wherein the vehicle dynamic control state is determined based on the geographical location of the vehicle 10 relative to a second user-identified region. For example, the body controller 30 may be commanded to control the active aerodynamic control elements, including the controllable front air dam 31 and / or the controllable rear air dam 32, to a first position when the geographical location of the vehicle is within the second user-identified region 201-2 (illustrated with reference to Fig. 4), and command the active aerodynamic controls to a second position when the vehicle's geographic location is outside the second user-identified region 201-2. An example of such operation may include disabling the active aerodynamic control when the vehicle's geographic location is within the second user-identified area 201-2, wherein the second user-identified area 201-2 is an unpaved road surface.

[0078] Alternatively or additionally, another of the predefined regions 202 may be associated with the activation, deactivation, or other control of one or more of the active aerodynamic devices via the body control 30.

[0079] Referring again to Fig. 2, the task controller 15 may also generate a third set of control commands 208 that are communicated to the body controller 30 to control one or more body controllers in one of the plurality of dynamic vehicle control states, wherein the dynamic vehicle control state is determined based on the geographical location of the vehicle 10 relative to a third user-identified region. For example, the body controller 30 may be commanded to control the active suspension components 34 to a first position when the geographical location of the vehicle is within the third user-identified region 201-3 (shown with reference to Fig. 4), and command the active suspension components to a second position when the vehicle's geographic location is outside the third user-identified region 201-3. Examples of such operation may include activating the suspension control in an off-road mode when the vehicle's geographic location is within the third user-identified region 201-3, where the third user-identified region 201-3 is a public or private park area permitting off-road vehicle operation.

[0080] Alternatively or additionally, another of the predefined regions 202 may be associated with the activation, deactivation, or other control of one or more of the active suspension components via the body control 30.

[0081] Referring again to Fig. 2, the task controller 15 may also generate a fourth set of activation commands 213 for the ADAS 38. The fourth set of activation commands 213 may take the form of a request to allow activation of the ADAS 38 or a command to deactivate the ADAS 38, wherein the ADAS control state is determined based on the geographical location of the vehicle 10 relative to a fourth user-identified region 201-4 (illustrated with reference to Fig. 4). For example, the ADAS 38 may be commanded to deactivate actuators associated with autonomous vehicle operation when the vehicle's geographic location is within the fourth user-identified region 201-4, and may be commanded to activate actuators associated with autonomous vehicle operation and control the ADAS 38 to enable autonomous vehicle operation when the vehicle's geographic location is outside the fourth user-identified region 201-4. Alternatively or additionally, another of the predefined regions 202 may be associated with enabling or disabling control of the vehicle 10 using the ADAS 38.The ADAS 38 also checks for the presence of trouble codes and other diagnostic issues that may prevent operation of the ADAS 38 and generates a command 215 to enable the ADAS actuators 37 to enable operation in one of several ADAS control states when the geographic location of the vehicle 10 is outside the fourth user-identified region 201-4.

[0082] The task controller 15 is configured to command the execution of DC power source charging management strategies based on the vehicle's travel route and destination relative to the first predefined region 202-1 or the first user-identified region 201-1. The DC power source charging management 17 includes the powertrain controller 25, which controls the powertrain system 20 to generate motive power via the electric drive system 28 when the geographic location of the vehicle 10 is either in the first predefined region 202-1 or in the first user-identified region 201-1.The powertrain controller 25 controls the powertrain system 20 to generate motive power via the electric drive system 28 and the second drive system 29 and to generate electrical power for charging the DC power source when the geographical location of the vehicle 10 is outside the first predefined region 202-1 and outside the first user-defined region 201-1.

[0083] Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows further details relating to the operation of the task controller 15, with continued reference to the Fig. 1 described vehicle 10 and the Fig. 2. Inputs to the task controller 15 include the desired destination 203 (or lack thereof), the planned travel route (or lack thereof), the current geographic position 204 of the vehicle 10, and the state transition message 205 from the database 40. The current geographic position 204 of the vehicle 10 is evaluated in conjunction with the state transition message 205 from the database 40 to determine whether the vehicle 10 is located in one of the plurality of predefined regions 202-1 associated with EV operation (310). If the vehicle 10 is located in one of the plurality of predefined regions 202-1 associated with EV operation, an EV transition command is generated and sent to an optimizer 315 (312).If the vehicle 10 is outside the plurality of predefined regions 202-1 associated with EV operation, a maintain current state command is generated and sent to the optimizer 315 (314).

[0084] The current geographical position 204 of the vehicle 10 is also evaluated in connection with the desired destination 203, the planned route and the battery parameters 218 including the SOC of the direct current source 17 (320).

[0085] The optimizer 315 evaluates the current state of the powertrain, i.e., EV or second state, and assesses the need to adjust the operation of the powertrain based on the battery parameters 218, including the SOC of the DC power source 17.

[0086] This includes commanding the engine state to an OFF state when the vehicle 10 is in one of the plurality of predefined areas 202-1 associated with EV operation.

[0087] This includes instructing the powertrain system 20 to operate in a charging mode when the vehicle 10 is outside of the predefined regions 202-1 associated with EV operation and its destination or a portion of its travel route includes one or more of the predefined regions 202-1.

[0088] In this way, the optimizer 315 performs charging management of the DC power source 17 based on the travel route and the destination of the vehicle relative to the first predefined region 202-1. The charging management of the DC power source includes the optimizer controlling the powertrain system 20 to generate motive power via the electric drive system 28 when the geographical location of the vehicle 10 is within the first predefined region 202-1. The optimizer 315 is configured to control the powertrain system 20 to generate motive power via the electric drive system 28 and the second drive system 29 and to generate electrical energy for charging the DC power source 17 when the geographical location of the vehicle 10 is outside the first predefined region 202-1.

[0089] The optimizer 315 monitors the current state 210 of the powertrain system 20 and generates the first set of control commands 209, which are communicated to the powertrain controller 25 to operate the powertrain system 20 to generate motive power via the electric drive system 28 and / or the second drive system 29 based on the current geographic location of the vehicle 10 with respect to the predefined regions 202 and with respect to the user-defined regions 201.

[0090] Fig. Fig. 4 depicts a first part of a content of an embodiment of the geo-map database 40, which is described with reference to Fig. 1 is described,

[0091] Fig. Figure 5 depicts a second part of a content of an embodiment of the geo-map database 40, which with reference to Fig. 1 is described.

[0092] The identified initial predefined regions and the initial user-identified regions are for illustrative purposes only and do not reflect the actual regions where pure EV mode operation is required.

[0093] Embodiments according to the present disclosure may be embodied as an apparatus, method, or computer program product. Accordingly, the present disclosure may take the form of a pure hardware implementation, a pure software implementation (including firmware, embedded software, microcode, etc.), or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects, which may be generally referred to herein as a "module" or "system." Furthermore, the present disclosure may take the form of a computer program product embodied in an accessible expression medium and having computer-usable program code embodied in the medium.

[0094] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the flowcharts illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowcharts or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It should also be understood that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart representations and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart representations may be implemented by dedicated-function hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts, or by combinations of dedicated-function hardware and computer instructions.These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable medium that can instruct a computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable medium produce an article of manufacture that includes a set of instructions that implement the function / action specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram block or blocks.

Claims

[1] A control system for a vehicle (10), comprising: a drive train system (20) having an electric drive system (28) and a second drive system (29); a geopositioning system (50); a geospatial map database (40) that identifies a first predefined region (202-1) corresponding to a political unit and a first user-identified region (201-1) corresponding to a user-selectable geographical area; and a controller in communication with the geospatial map database (40) and the geopositioning system (50), the controller being configured to: to monitor a geographical location of the vehicle (10) via the geopositioning system (50), query the geomap database (40) to determine the geographical location of the vehicle (10) with respect to the first predefined region (202-1) and the first user-identified region (201-1), to control the drive train system (20) to generate a drive power that uses only the electric drive system (28) when the geographical location of the vehicle (10) is within the first predefined region (202-1) and when the geographical location of the vehicle (10) is within the first user-identified region (201-1), and control the drivetrain system (20) to generate the drive power using the second drive system (29) when the geographical location of the vehicle (10) is outside the first predefined region (202-1) and outside the first user-identified region (201-1); wherein the control system further comprises a body actuator controllable in one of a plurality of vehicle dynamic control states, the controller being operatively connected to the body actuator; wherein the geomap database (40) comprises a second user-identified region (201-2); and wherein the controller is configured to control the body actuator based on the geographical location of the vehicle (10) relative to the second user-identified region (201-2). [2] The control system of claim 1, wherein the electric drive system (28) comprises an electric machine (22) coupled to a drive wheel (12) of the vehicle (10). [3] Control system according to claim 2, wherein the second drive system (29) comprises an internal combustion engine (21) coupled to the drive wheel (12) of the vehicle (10). [4] Control system according to claim 3, wherein the internal combustion engine (21) is coupled in series with the electric machine (22) to the drive wheel (12) of the vehicle (10). [5] Control system according to claim 3, wherein the internal combustion engine (21) is coupled to the drive wheel (12) of the vehicle (10) in parallel with the electric machine (22). [6] The control system of claim 1, further comprising a DC power source (17) electrically connected to the powertrain system (20) and a navigation system configured to determine a travel route and a destination for the vehicle (10); wherein the controller is configured to perform charge management of the DC power source (17) based on the travel route and the destination for the vehicle (10) with respect to the first predefined region (202-1), wherein the charge management of the DC power source (17) comprises: the controller is configured to control the powertrain system (20) in a charge depletion mode when the geographical location of the vehicle (10) is either within the first predefined region (202-1) or the first user-identified region (201-1), wherein the charge depletion mode comprises generating the drive power exclusively with the electric drive system (28), and the controller is configured to control the drive train system (20) in a charging mode when the geographical location of the vehicle (10) is outside the first predefined region (202-1) and outside the first user-identified region (201-1), wherein the charging mode comprises generating the drive power and an electrical power for charging the DC power source (17) using the electric drive system (28) and the second drive system (29). [7] The control system of claim 1, further comprising the controller being configured to control the powertrain system (20) to generate the drive power using the electric drive system (28) and the second drive system (29) when the geographical location of the vehicle (10) is outside the first predefined region (202-1) and outside the first user-identified region (201-1). [8] The control system of claim 1, wherein the body actuator comprises an active aerodynamic device; wherein the controller is configured to control the active aerodynamic device to a first position when the geographical location of the vehicle (10) is within the second user-identified region (201-2); and wherein the controller is configured to control the active aerodynamic device to a second position when the geographical location of the vehicle (10) is outside the second user-identified region (201-2). [9] System for a vehicle (10), comprising: a powertrain system (20) comprising a drive system (28) having an internal combustion engine (21) and a transmission (23), the transmission (23) comprising a first speed / load shift calibration and a second speed / load shift calibration; a body actuator controllable in one of several vehicle dynamic control states; a geopositioning system (50); a geospatial map database (40) that identifies a predefined region (202) corresponding to a political unit and a user-identified region (201) corresponding to a user-selectable geographic area; a controller in communication with the geo-map database (40) and the geo-position detection system (50) and operatively connected to the drive system (28) and the body actuator, the controller being configured to: to monitor a geographical location of the vehicle (10) via the geopositioning system (50), to determine the geographical location of the vehicle (10) with respect to the predefined region (202) and the user-identified region (201), control the powertrain system (20) to produce drive power using the first speed / load shift calibration when the geographic location of the vehicle (10) is within the predefined region (202) or the user-defined region (201).

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