Vehicle monitoring of the state of charge of mobile devices

Abstract

The present disclosure provides "vehicle monitoring of the state of charge of a mobile device". A method and apparatus for vehicle monitoring of the state of charge of a mobile device are disclosed. An exemplary vehicle includes a communication node, a charging station, and a controller. The controller will receive the state of charge (SOC) of the mobile device via the communication node, and determine the expected SOC at the destination based on the SOC, the rate of change of the SOC, and the travel time to the destination. The controller will also issue an instruction in response to the expected SOC being less than a threshold value to couple the mobile device to the charging station.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to vehicle monitoring, and more particularly to vehicle monitoring of a mobile device's state of charge. Background Art

[0002] Recently, vehicles include systems that incorporate mobile devices for control features of vehicle functions. Some vehicles include passive entry systems that unlock and / or open one or more doors of the vehicle upon detecting that a user's mobile device is located near the vehicle. Some vehicles include passive start systems that enable ignition of the vehicle's engine upon detecting that a user's mobile device is located within the vehicle's cabin. Some vehicles include remote parking assistance systems in which the mobile device is used to initiate and / or control autonomous and / or semi-autonomous parking of the vehicle in a parking space when a user of the mobile device is located outside the vehicle's cabin. Summary of the invention

[0003] The appended claims define the present application. This disclosure summarizes aspects of the embodiments and should not be used to limit the claims. Upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that other implementations are contemplated based on the techniques described herein, and these implementations are intended to fall within the scope of the present application.

[0004] An exemplary embodiment of vehicle monitoring for the state of charge of a mobile device is shown. An exemplary disclosed vehicle includes a communication node, a charging station, and a controller. The controller will receive the state of charge (SOC) of the mobile device via the communication node and determine the expected SOC at the destination based on the SOC, the rate of change of the SOC, and the travel time to the destination. The controller will also issue an instruction in response to the expected SOC being less than a threshold value for coupling the mobile device to the charging station.

[0005] In some examples, the communication node is a wireless personal area network module. In some examples, the controller determines the rate of change of the mobile device by monitoring the SOC over a period of time. In some examples, the controller receives the rate of change from the mobile device via the communication node.

[0006] Some examples also include a navigation system that receives the destination from a user and determines the travel time between the destination and the current location. Some such examples also include at least one of a GPS receiver and a GNSS receiver for identifying the current vehicle location.

[0007] Some examples further include an infotainment head unit including at least one of a cluster output, a display, and a speaker. The controller issues the instruction via the infotainment head unit.

[0008] In some examples, the controller determines the predicted SOC in response to identifying that the mobile device is located in a vehicle cabin. In some such examples, the communication module identifies whether the mobile device is located in the vehicle cabin via at least one of a received signal strength indication, a transit time, and an angle of arrival.

[0009] In some examples, the controller determines the predicted SOC in response to identifying that the mobile device is used for at least one of passive entry, passive start, and remote parking assistance. In some examples, the controller further issues the instruction in response to determining that the SOC is less than a second threshold. In some examples, the controller further issues the instruction in response to determining that the rate of change is greater than a third threshold.

[0010] An exemplary disclosed method includes: receiving a state of charge (SOC) of a mobile device via a communication node of a vehicle; and determining, via a processor, an expected SOC of the vehicle at a destination based on the SOC, a rate of change of the SOC, and a travel time to the destination. The exemplary disclosed method also includes: in response to the expected SOC being less than a threshold, issuing an instruction for coupling the mobile device to a charging station.

[0011] Some examples further include issuing, via the processor, the instruction in response to determining that the SOC is less than a second threshold.

[0012] An exemplary disclosed system includes a mobile device, the mobile device including: a sensor for measuring a state of charge (SOC); and a communication module for transmitting the SOC. The exemplary disclosed system also includes a vehicle, the vehicle including: a communication node for receiving the SOC; a charging station; and a controller. The controller is configured to: determine an expected SOC based on the SOC, a rate of change, and a travel time to a destination; and when the expected SOC is less than a threshold, instruct to utilize the charging station.

[0013] In some examples, the mobile device also includes a navigation system that receives the destination from a user and determines the travel time between the destination and the current location.

[0014] In some examples, the mobile device includes a processor that identifies when the mobile device is communicatively decoupled from the vehicle. In some such examples, when the mobile device is communicatively decoupled from the vehicle, the processor issues at least one of an audio alarm, a visual alarm, and a tactile alarm in response to determining that the SOC is less than a second threshold. In some such examples, when the mobile device is communicatively decoupled from the vehicle, the processor will determine whether the SOC is less than a second threshold. The processor will also identify an open public charging station from an external network in response to determining that the SOC is less than the second threshold, and provide directions to the open public charging station. In some such examples, when the mobile device is communicatively decoupled from the vehicle, the processor turns off the mobile device in response to determining that the SOC is less than a third threshold. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be made to the embodiments shown in the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and related elements may be omitted, or in some cases the proportions may be exaggerated in order to emphasize and clearly illustrate the novel features described herein. In addition, as is known in the art, the system components may be arranged in different ways. Furthermore, in the drawings, the same reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.

[0016] Figure 1A An example mobile device of a user within an example vehicle according to the teachings herein is shown.

[0017] Figure 1B Shown in Figure 1A A mobile device external to a vehicle.

[0018] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A to Figure 1B Block diagram of the electronic components of a mobile device.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 1A to Figure 1B Block diagram of the electronic components of a vehicle.

[0020] Figure 4 is a flow chart for monitoring a state of charge of a mobile device communicatively coupled to a vehicle in accordance with the teachings herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] While the present invention may be embodied in various forms, some exemplary and non-limiting embodiments are shown in the drawings and will be described below, wherein it should be understood that this disclosure is considered as an example of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments shown.

[0022] Vehicles typically include a system that incorporates a mobile device for control features of vehicle functions. Some vehicles include a passive entry system that unlocks and / or opens one or more doors of the vehicle upon detecting that a user's mobile device is located proximate to the vehicle. Some vehicles include a passive start system that enables ignition of the vehicle's engine upon detecting that a user's mobile device is located within the vehicle's cabin. Some vehicles include a remote parking assist system in which the mobile device is used to initiate and / or control autonomous and / or semi-autonomous parking of the vehicle in a parking space when a user of the mobile device is located outside the vehicle's cabin.

[0023] Over time, mobile devices have become at least partially integrated into the performance of such frequently performed vehicle functions as people today use their mobile devices (e.g., smartphones, wearable devices, smart watches, tablets, etc.) with increasing frequency. While utilizing a mobile device to enter, start, and park a vehicle makes it easier for people to operate their vehicles, the convenience of a mobile device may potentially create challenges to the performance of such vehicle functions. For example, continued use of a mobile device throughout the day may potentially cause a user to unknowingly drain his or her battery to a full discharge. If the battery is fully discharged, the vehicle system cannot use the mobile device to enter, start, and / or park the vehicle. Additionally, some mobile devices disable power-consuming functions (such as a lock, lock, or lock function) when the state of charge of the mobile device battery is below a lower threshold. or Wi-Fi) to preserve the state-of-charge battery for other mobile device functions (e.g., making phone calls). In such cases, if the user is unaware that the mobile device has disabled power-consuming communication functions (e.g., If a mobile device is not connected to a wireless network such as Wi-Fi, near field communication (NFC), the user may not be able to use the mobile device for passive start, passive entry, and / or remote parking assistance. Example methods and apparatus disclosed herein monitor the state of charge of a mobile device battery over time and perform measures to facilitate recharging of the battery to prevent the battery from being discharged below a threshold state of charge level while performing passive entry, passive start, and / or remote parking assistance functions.

[0024] Examples disclosed herein include systems for monitoring a mobile device for remote parking assistance and / or as a phone-as-key for passive entry and / or passive start. As used herein, "remote parking," "vehicle remote parking assistance," "remote parking assist," and "remote parking assist (RePA)" refer to a vehicle's controlled movement function without direct steering or speed input from the driver, which is used to autonomously park the vehicle in a parking space when the driver is outside the vehicle. For example, a remote parking assist system of an autonomous unit controls the vehicle's movement function when the driver initiates remote parking of the vehicle in a parking space.

[0025] As used herein, "phone-as-key" refers to a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone, wearable device, smartwatch, tablet, etc.) that includes hardware and / or software to function as a key fob. As used herein, "key fob" refers to an electronic device that wirelessly communicates with a vehicle to unlock and / or lock one or more vehicle doors, open and / or close one or more vehicle doors, start the vehicle's engine, and / or initiate one or more other functions of the vehicle. A user of a vehicle may use a mobile device used as a phone-as-key and / or key fob for passive entry and / or passive start.

[0026] As used herein, "passive entry" refers to a system of a vehicle that unlocks and / or opens one or more doors of a vehicle when a key fob and / or a mobile phone, i.e., a key, is detected to be adjacent to and / or close to the vehicle. Some passive entry systems unlock and / or open the doors in response to detecting a key fob and / or a mobile phone, i.e., a key. In addition, some passive entry systems trigger the doors for opening in response to detecting a key fob and / or a mobile phone, i.e., a key, so that the doors are unlocked when it is detected that a user has touched the handle of the door. As used herein, "passive start" refers to a system of a vehicle that starts the ignition of the vehicle engine when a key fob and / or a mobile phone, i.e., a key, is detected to be in the vehicle's cabin. Some passive start systems start the ignition of the engine in response to detecting a key fob and / or a mobile phone, i.e., a key. In addition, some passive start systems trigger the engine for ignition in response to detecting a key fob and / or a mobile phone, i.e., a key, so that the ignition of the engine is started when an ignition switch in the vehicle's cabin is pressed and / or rotated.

[0027] The system of the examples disclosed herein measures the state of charge and rate of change (ROC) of a mobile device and determines the expected state of charge of the battery at the end of a vehicle trip. As used herein, "charge level", "state of charge", and "state of charge (SOC)" refer to the measurement of the amount of energy stored in a battery. As used herein, the "rate of change" and "ROC" of a battery refer to the rate at which the state of charge changes over a period of time.

[0028] The example system disclosed herein determines the expected state of charge of the mobile device based on the current state of charge of the vehicle and / or the mobile device, the rate of change, and / or the navigation information of the navigation system. For example, the system continuously monitors the usage demand (i.e., movie and music streaming, phone calls, hotspots, etc.) of the state of charge of the battery of the mobile device and monitors the rate of change updates to update the expected state of charge. The system may issue an in-vehicle alarm to instruct the user to charge the mobile device when the following conditions are detected: (i) the expected state of charge is lower than a first charging threshold; (ii) the current state of charge is lower than a second charging threshold; or (iii) the rate of change is higher than a rate threshold. In addition, when it is detected that the user has left the vehicle with the mobile device, the system may: (i) provide an alarm via an output device of the mobile device; (ii) provide directions to one or more publicly available charging stations; and / or (iii) provide instructions to shut down the mobile device in response to determining that the current state of charge of the mobile device is lower than the charging threshold.

[0029] Go to the attached picture, Figure 1A to Figure 1B An exemplary vehicle 100 according to the teachings herein is shown. More specifically, Figure 1A The vehicle 100 is depicted when a mobile device 102 (e.g., a smart phone, a wearable device, a smart watch, a tablet, etc.) of a user 104 is located within a cabin 106 of the vehicle 100, and Figure 1B The vehicle 100 is depicted while the mobile device 102 of the user 104 is located outside the vehicle cabin 106 .

[0030] The example vehicle 100 shown may be a standard gasoline-powered vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, an electric vehicle, a fuel cell vehicle, and / or any other type of vehicle that enables mobility. The vehicle 100 includes mobility-related parts, such as a powertrain having an engine, a transmission, a suspension, a drive shaft, and / or wheels, etc. The vehicle 100 may be non-autonomous, semi-autonomous (e.g., some routine mobility functions are controlled by the vehicle 100), or autonomous (e.g., mobility functions are controlled by the vehicle 100 without direct driver input).

[0031] like Figure 1A to Figure 1BAs shown, the vehicle 100 includes communication nodes 108. In the example shown, each communication node 108 is configured to be communicatively coupled to a mobile device 102 of a user 104 (e.g., an occupant of the vehicle 100). Each communication node 108 includes hardware and firmware for establishing a wireless connection with a key fob and / or a mobile device (e.g., the mobile device 102). For example, the communication node 108 is a wireless personal area network (WPAN) that wirelessly communicates with one or more key fobs and / or one or more mobile devices (e.g., the mobile device 102) via one or more short-range wireless communication protocols. In some examples, the communication node 108 implements and / or Low power consumption protocol. and The agreement is made by Maintained by the Technology Alliance Specification 4.0 (and subsequent versions) are described in Volume 6. Additionally or alternatively, the communication node 108 is configured to communicate via Near Field Communication (NFC), UWB (Ultra Wideband), and / or any other short-range and / or local wireless communication protocol (e.g., IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / p) that enables each of the communication nodes 108 to be communicatively coupled to the mobile device 102 for wireless communication.

[0032] The communication nodes 108 of the illustrated example include a communication node 108a (e.g., a first communication node), a communication node 108b (e.g., a second communication node), a communication node 108c (e.g., a third communication node), a communication node 108d (e.g., a fourth communication node), a communication node 108e (e.g., a fifth communication node), and a communication node 108f (e.g., a sixth communication node). The communication nodes 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d are external nodes 110 of the communication nodes 108. In addition, the external nodes 110 are positioned and oriented to communicatively couple to the mobile device 102 and / or the key fob when the mobile device 102 and / or the key fob are located outside and / or inside the cabin 106 of the vehicle 100 and / or monitor the communication of the mobile device 102 and / or the key fob. For example, each of the communication nodes 108a, 108b, 108c, 108d is located near the exterior of the vehicle 100 and oriented in a direction away from the cabin 106 to communicatively couple to the mobile device 102 when the mobile device 102 is located outside the cabin 106 of the vehicle 100. The communication nodes 108e, 108f are interior nodes 112 of the communication nodes 108. In addition, the interior nodes 112 are located and oriented to communicatively couple to the mobile device 102 and / or the key fob and / or monitor communications of the mobile device 102 and / or the key fob when the mobile device 102 and / or the key fob is located inside and / or outside the cabin 106 of the vehicle 100. For example, the communication node 108f is positioned near and oriented toward the front portion of the vehicle interior 106 to communicatively couple to and / or monitor communications of the mobile device 102 and / or the key fob when the mobile device 102 and / or the key fob are located within the front portion of the vehicle interior 106. Additionally, the communication node 108e is positioned near and oriented toward the rear portion of the vehicle interior 106 to communicatively couple to and / or monitor communications of the mobile device 102 and / or the key fob when the mobile device 102 and / or the key fob are located within the rear portion of the vehicle interior 106.

[0033] The vehicle 100 also includes a charging station 114 located within the vehicle cabin 106. In other examples, the charging station 114 is located along the exterior of the vehicle 100. The charging station 114 may include a wired charger and / or a wireless charger. For example, the wired charger of the charging station 114 includes a socket (e.g., a 12 volt socket), a plug configured to be inserted into the socket, and / or a wire extending from the socket and / or the plug, and is configured to couple to the mobile device 102 to charge the battery (e.g., a 12 volt socket) of the mobile device 102. Figure 2The wireless charger of the charging station 114 includes, for example, a charging coil that induces a magnetic field. When the mobile device 102 is placed on and / or near the charging station 114, the magnetic field induced by the charging coil generates a current in another charging coil of the mobile device 102 to recharge the battery of the mobile device 102.

[0034] In addition, the illustrated example vehicle 100 includes a vehicle speed sensor 116, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver 118, and a navigation system 120. For example, the vehicle speed sensor 116 detects the speed at which the vehicle 100 is traveling. In some examples, the vehicle 100 detects the acceleration of the vehicle 100 by measuring the speed of the vehicle 100 over a period of time. In addition, the GPS receiver 118 receives signals from the global positioning system to identify the current location of the vehicle 100. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle 100 includes a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver for receiving signals from the global navigation satellite system to identify the current location of the vehicle 100. The navigation system 120 is an electronic system that facilitates navigation by the user 104 when the user 104 and / or another user operates the vehicle 100. For example, the navigation system 120 presents one or more maps, provides one or more directions, and / or identifies one or more traffic conditions and / or one or more obstacles to facilitate navigation of the user 104 from the current location of the vehicle 100 to a target destination.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 1 , the vehicle 100 also includes an infotainment head unit 122 that provides an interface between the vehicle 100 and the user 104 . The infotainment head unit 122 includes digital and / or analog interfaces (e.g., input devices and output devices) to receive input from the user 104 and display information to the user 104 . The input devices include, for example, control knobs, instrument panels, digital cameras for image capture and / or visual command recognition, touch screens, audio input devices (e.g., cabin microphones), buttons, or touch pads. The output devices may include cluster outputs 124 (e.g., tuning dials, lighting devices), actuators, displays 126 (e.g., heads-up displays, center console displays (e.g., liquid crystal displays (LCDs), organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) displays, flat panel displays, solid-state displays, etc.)) and / or speakers 128. In some examples, the display 126 is a touch screen that is configured to function as an input device and an output device. Additionally, in the example shown, the infotainment head unit 122 includes components for an infotainment system such as of and MyFord In addition, the infotainment host unit 122 displays the infotainment system, the navigation system 120 and / or other one or more user interface systems on, for example, the display 126.

[0036] The vehicle 100 also includes a charging controller 130 that monitors the mobile device 102 and provides instructions to the user 104 for recharging the mobile device 102 to prevent the battery (eg, Figure 2 The battery 212 of the mobile device 102 is completely discharged when the mobile device 102 is used for passive entry, passive start, remote parking assistance, and / or other vehicle functions of the vehicle 100. For example, the charging controller 130 monitors the battery of the mobile device 102 (e.g., collects the state of charge, identifies the rate of change, determines the expected state of charge at the destination) in response to recognizing that the mobile device 102 is configured for passive entry, passive start, and / or remote parking assistance of the vehicle 100.

[0037] In operation, the charging controller 130 determines whether the mobile device 102 is located within the cabin 106 of the vehicle 100. The charging controller 130 determines whether the mobile device 102 is located within the cabin 106 via a received signal strength indication, GPS, time of flight, angle of arrival, etc. For example, if the received signal strength indication of the communication between the mobile device 102 and the inner node 112 is greater than the received signal strength indication of the communication between the mobile device 102 and the outer node 110, then the charging controller 130 determines that the mobile device 102 is located within the cabin 106. In such an example, if the received signal strength indication of the communication between the mobile device 102 and the outer node 110 is greater than the received signal strength indication of the communication between the mobile device 102 and the inner node 112, then the charging controller 130 determines that the mobile device 102 is located outside the vehicle 100. If the mobile device 102 is located within the cabin 106 of the vehicle 100, then the charging controller 130 determines whether to instruct the user 104 to couple the mobile device 102 to the charging station 114 of the vehicle 100.

[0038] To monitor the mobile device 102, the charge controller 130 receives the current state of charge of the battery of the mobile device 102 via one or more communication nodes 108 of the vehicle 100. The charge controller 130 is also configured to identify a rate of change of the state of charge of the mobile device 102. In some examples, the charge controller 130 determines the rate of change by monitoring the state of charge of the battery 212 over a period of time. In other examples, the charge controller 130 receives the rate of change from the mobile device 102 via one or more communication nodes 108.

[0039] Additionally, in some examples, the charge controller 130 identifies a travel time to a target destination of the vehicle 100. For example, the charge controller 130 receives the travel time determined by the navigation system 120 of the vehicle 100. The navigation system 120 determines the travel time to the target destination based on the current location of the vehicle 100 and the location of the target destination. For example, the navigation system collects the current location of the vehicle 100 from the GPS receiver 118 and / or the GNSS receiver, and receives the target destination from the user 104 via an input device of the infotainment head unit 122 and / or a mobile device 102 in communication with the vehicle 100.

[0040] Subsequently, the charge controller 130 determines the expected state of charge of the battery of the mobile device 102 when the vehicle 100 arrives at the target destination. For example, the charge controller 130 determines the expected state of charge of the mobile device 102 based on the current state of charge of the mobile device 102, the rate of change of the mobile device 102, and / or the travel time to the target destination as predicted by the navigation system 120.

[0041] Additionally, the charging controller 130 of the illustrated example determines whether to issue an instruction to the user 104 to couple the mobile device 102 to the charging station 114 by comparing the predicted state of charge, the current state of charge, and / or the rate of change to one or more thresholds associated with a low battery level. The charging controller 130 is configured to issue instructions to the user 104 via the cluster output 124, the display 126, the speaker 128, and / or any other output device of the infotainment head unit 122. Additionally, in some examples, the charging controller 130 is configured to send a signal to the mobile device 102 to cause the mobile device 102 to issue instructions (e.g., visual instructions, audio instructions, tactile instructions) to the user 104 via the mobile device 102.

[0042] For example, the charging controller 130 issues instructions for coupling the mobile device 102 to the charging station 114 in response to determining that the expected state of charge and / or the current state of charge are less than a charging threshold. In some examples, the expected state of charge and the current state of charge are compared to the same charging threshold (e.g., 40% of a fully charged level). In other examples, the expected state of charge and the current state of charge are compared to different charging thresholds. For example, the charging controller 130 issues instructions for coupling the mobile device 102 to the charging station 114 in response to determining that the expected state of charge is less than a first charging threshold (e.g., 60% of a fully charged level) and / or in response to determining that the current state of charge is less than a second charging threshold (e.g., 40% of a fully charged level). Additionally or alternatively, the charging controller 130 issues instructions for the user 104 to couple the mobile device 102 to the charging station 114 in response to determining that the rate of change of the battery of the mobile device 102 is greater than a rate threshold (e.g., a 15% drop in state of charge per hour). That is, the charging controller 130 issues a command in response to detecting that the state of charge is decreasing at a rate greater than a predetermined threshold.

[0043] Figure 2 is a block diagram of electronic components 200 of mobile device 102. Figure 2 As shown, electronic component 200 includes processor 202 , memory 204 , GPS receiver 206 , navigation system 208 , battery sensor 210 that monitors battery 212 , communication module 214 , communication module 216 , touch screen 218 , speaker 220 , and haptic motor 222 .

[0044] Processor 202 may be any suitable processing device or group of processing devices, such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, an integrated circuit, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and / or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). In some examples, processor 202 is configured to include charge controller 130. Memory 204 may be volatile memory (e.g., random access memory (RAM), including non-volatile RAM, magnetic RAM, ferroelectric RAM, etc.), non-volatile memory (e.g., disk memory, flash memory, electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), memristor-based non-volatile solid-state memory, etc.), unchangeable memory (e.g., EPROM), read-only memory, and / or high-capacity storage device (e.g., hard disk drive, solid-state drive, etc.). In some examples, memory 204 includes a variety of memories, specifically including volatile memory and non-volatile memory.

[0045] The memory 204 is a computer-readable medium on which one or more sets of instructions, such as software for operating the methods of the present disclosure, may be embedded. The instructions may embody one or more methods or logic as described herein. For example, the instructions may reside completely or at least partially within any one or more of the memory 204, the computer-readable medium, and / or within the processor 202 during execution of the instructions.

[0046] The terms "non-transitory computer-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" include a single medium or multiple media (such as a centralized database or distributed database storing one or more instruction sets and / or associated caches and servers). In addition, the terms "non-transitory computer-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" include any tangible medium that can store, encode, or carry an instruction set for execution by a processor or cause a system to perform any one or more methods or operations disclosed herein. As used herein, the term "computer-readable medium" is expressly defined to include any type of computer-readable storage device and / or storage disk and excludes propagating signals.

[0047] The GPS receiver 206 receives signals from a global positioning system to identify the current location of the mobile device 102. Additionally, the navigation system 208 is an electronic system of the mobile device 102 that facilitates navigation for the user 104 while walking, traveling via the vehicle 100 and / or another vehicle, etc. For example, the navigation system 208 presents one or more maps, provides one or more directions, and / or identifies one or more traffic conditions and / or one or more obstacles to facilitate navigation of the user 104 from the current location of the mobile device 102 to a target destination.

[0048] Additionally, the battery sensor 210 of the illustrated example monitors a battery 212 of the mobile device 102. For example, the battery sensor 210 detects a state of charge of the battery 212. In some examples, the battery sensor 210 detects a rate of change of the battery 212 by measuring the state of charge of the battery 212 over a period of time.

[0049] The communication module 214 is configured to communicatively couple the mobile device 102 to the vehicle 100. The communication module 214 includes hardware and firmware for establishing a wireless connection with the vehicle 100. For example, the communication module 214 is a wireless personal area network (WPAN) module that communicates wirelessly with the vehicle 100 via one or more short-range wireless communication protocols. In some examples, the communication module 214 implements and / or Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) protocol. and BLE protocol in Maintained by the Technology Alliance The communication module 214 is configured to communicate with the user via the communication interface 214. Near Field Communication (NFC), UWB (Ultra Wideband), and / or any other short-range and / or local wireless communication protocol (e.g., IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / p) that enables the communication module 214 to be communicatively coupled to the vehicle 100 for wireless communication.

[0050] The communication module 216 includes a wired or wireless network interface for communicating with an external network. The communication module 216 also includes hardware (e.g., a processor, a memory, a storage device, an antenna, etc.) and software for controlling the wired or wireless network interface. In the example shown, the communication module 216 includes one or more communication controllers for cellular networks (e.g., global mobile communication system (GSM), universal mobile communication system (UMTS), long term evolution (LTE), code division multiple access (CDMA)) and / or other standard-based networks (e.g., global microwave access interoperability (WiMAX) (IEEE802.16m); near field communication (NFC), local area wireless networks (including IEEE 802.11a / b / g / n / ac / p or other items), wireless gigabit (IEEE 802.11ad) etc.). One or more external networks may be: a public network, such as the Internet; a private network, such as an intranet; or a combination thereof, and one or more external networks may utilize a variety of networking protocols available now or developed later, including but not limited to a networking protocol based on transmission control protocol / Internet protocol (TCP / IP).

[0051] The electronic components 200 of the illustrated example also include a touch screen 218, a speaker 220, and a haptic motor 222, which provide an interface between the user 104 and the mobile device 102. For example, the touch screen 218 is a resistive touch screen, a capacitive touch screen, and / or any other type of touch screen that displays output information to the user 104 of the mobile device 102 and receives input information from the user 104 of the mobile device 102 in a tactile manner. In addition, the speaker 220 emits audio to the user 104 for information and / or entertainment purposes. The haptic motor 222 is a motor that causes the mobile device 102 to vibrate, for example, when a signal to vibrate is received from the processor 202. In addition, the mobile device 102 may include one or more other input devices (e.g., buttons, knobs, microphones, etc.) and / or output devices (e.g., light emitting diodes (LEDs), etc.) for receiving input information from the user 104 of the mobile device 102 and / or providing output information to the user 104 of the mobile device 102.

[0052] In operation, the battery sensor 210 measures (e.g., continuously, periodically) the state of charge of the battery 212 of the mobile device 102. In addition, the processor 202 determines whether the communication module 214 is communicatively coupled to one or more communication nodes 108 of the vehicle 100. If the processor 202 determines that the mobile device 102 is communicatively coupled to the vehicle 100, the processor 202 sends the state of charge of the battery 212 to the vehicle 100 via the communication module 214.

[0053] Furthermore, in some examples, if the mobile device 102 is communicatively coupled to the vehicle 100, the processor 202 sends the rate of change of the battery 212, the current location, the target destination, and / or the travel time to the vehicle 100 via the communication module 214 (e.g., continuously, periodically). For example, the processor 202 identifies the rate of change of the state of charge of the battery 212 of the mobile device 102 by monitoring the state of charge of the battery 212 over a period of time. Additionally or alternatively, the processor receives the current location from the GPS receiver 206, the target destination from the navigation system 208, and / or the travel time to the target destination from the navigation system 208. For example, the navigation system 208 receives the target destination from the user 104 via the touch screen 218 and / or another input device, and predicts the travel time between the current location of the mobile device 102 and the target destination.

[0054] In some examples, the processor 202 of the mobile device 102 issues an alert to the user 104 upon recognizing that the mobile device 102 is communicatively decoupled from the vehicle 100 and / or is located outside the cabin 106 of the vehicle 100. For example, when the mobile device 102 and the vehicle 100 are communicatively decoupled, the processor 202 issues a visual alert via the touch screen 218, an audio alert via the speaker 220, and / or a tactile alert via the haptic motor 222 in response to detecting that the state of charge of the mobile device is less than a charging threshold (e.g., 40% of a full charge level). The charging threshold to which the processor 202 compares the state of charge may be similar to or different from the charging threshold to which the vehicle's charge controller 130 compares the current and / or projected state of charge.

[0055] Additionally or alternatively, the processor 202 issues an audio and / or visual alert for a nearby public available charging station and / or directions to a nearby public available charging station in response to determining that the state of charge of the battery 212 is less than the charging threshold. For example, in response to the processor 202 detecting that the current state of charge is less than the charging threshold, the processor 202 retrieves one or more locations of one or more public available charging stations near the current location of the mobile device 102 from the external network via the communication module 216. The processor 202 compares the charging station location with the current location of the mobile device 102 identified via the GPS receiver 206, and identifies a public available charging station that is open (e.g., determined based on a comparison of the available hours of the charging station with the current time) and / or closest to the current location of the mobile device 102. In addition, the navigation system 208 provides the user 104 with directions to the nearest public available charging station to facilitate recharging the battery 212 of the mobile device 102.

[0056] Additionally, in some examples, the processor 202 of the mobile device 102 causes the mobile device 102 to shut down and / or instructs the user 104 to shut down the mobile device 102 in response to determining that the current state of charge is less than another charge threshold (e.g., a critical threshold such as 10% of a fully charged level). The processor 202 temporarily deactivates the mobile device 102 to enable the user 104 to reactivate the mobile device 102 when the user 104 returns to the vehicle 100, thereby enabling the mobile device 102 to be used for passive entry, passive start, and / or remote parking assistance for a shorter period of time. For example, the processor 202 may automatically launch an application for executing commands for passive entry, passive start, and / or remote parking assistance.

[0057] The processor 202 may also indicate to the user 104 which applications of the mobile device 102 are consuming a large amount of battery current and / or are actively consuming a large percentage of the remaining state of charge. Such instructions provided by the processor 202 (e.g., via the touch screen 218 and / or the speaker 220) may suggest that the user 104 suspend use of one or more of these applications to enable the battery 212 of the mobile device 102 to retain a predetermined amount of current for passive entry, passive start, and / or remote parking assistance.

[0058] Figure 3 is a block diagram of an electronic component 300 of a vehicle 100. Figure 3 As shown, electronic components 300 include an onboard computing platform 302 , an infotainment head unit 122 , a communication node 108 , a GPS receiver 118 , a navigation system 120 , sensors 304 , an electronic control unit (ECU) 306 , and a vehicle data bus 308 .

[0059] The onboard computing platform 302 includes a microcontroller unit, controller or processor 310 and a memory 312. In some examples, the processor 310 of the onboard computing platform 302 is configured to include the charging controller 130. Alternatively, in some examples, the charging controller 130 is incorporated into another electronic control unit (ECU) having its own processor 310 and memory 312. The processor 310 can be any suitable processing device or group of processing devices, such as, but not limited to: a microprocessor, a microcontroller-based platform, an integrated circuit, one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and / or one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs). The memory 312 may be: a volatile memory (e.g., a random access memory (RAM), including nonvolatile RAM, magnetic RAM, ferroelectric RAM, etc.), a nonvolatile memory (e.g., a disk memory, a flash memory, an electrically programmable read-only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), a memristor-based nonvolatile solid-state memory, etc.), an unchangeable memory (e.g., an EPROM), a read-only memory, and / or a high-capacity storage device (e.g., a hard disk drive, a solid-state drive, etc.). In some examples, the memory 312 includes multiple memories, specifically including volatile memory and nonvolatile memory.

[0060] The memory 312 is a computer-readable medium on which one or more sets of instructions, such as software for operating the methods of the present disclosure, may be embedded. The instructions may embody one or more methods or logic as described herein. For example, the instructions may reside completely or at least partially within any one or more of the memory 312, the computer-readable medium, and / or within the processor 310 during execution of the instructions.

[0061] The sensors 304 are arranged in and around the vehicle 100 to monitor properties of the vehicle 100 and / or the environment in which the vehicle 100 is located. One or more of the sensors 304 may be installed to measure properties of the exterior surroundings of the vehicle 100. Additionally or alternatively, one or more of the sensors 304 may be installed in the cabin of the vehicle 100 or in the body of the vehicle 100 (e.g., the engine compartment, the wheel well, etc.) to measure properties of the interior of the vehicle 100. For example, the sensors 304 include accelerometers, odometers, tachometers, pitch and yaw sensors, wheel speed sensors, microphones, tire pressure sensors, biometric sensors, and / or any other suitable type of sensor. In the example shown, the sensors 304 include a vehicle speed sensor 116 that measures the speed at which the vehicle 100 is traveling.

[0062] ECU 306 monitors and controls subsystems of vehicle 100. For example, ECU 306 is a discrete group of electronic devices that includes one or more circuits (e.g., integrated circuits, microprocessors, memory, storage devices, etc.) and firmware, sensors, actuators, and / or mounting hardware of their own. ECU 306 communicates and exchanges information via a vehicle data bus (e.g., vehicle data bus 308). In addition, ECU 306 can transmit attributes (e.g., status of ECU 306, sensor readings, control states, errors and diagnostic codes, etc.) to each other and / or receive requests from each other. For example, vehicle 100 may have seventy or more ECU 306 located in various locations around vehicle 100 and communicatively coupled by vehicle data bus 308.

[0063] In the example shown, the ECU 306 includes a door control unit 314, an engine control unit 316, and an autonomous unit 318. For example, the door control unit 314 controls the operation of components and / or systems of the doors of the vehicle 100 (e.g., passive entry). The engine control unit 316 controls the operation of the engine of the vehicle 100 (e.g., passive start). In addition, the autonomous unit 318 controls the execution of autonomous and / or semi-autonomous driving maneuvers (e.g., remote parking assistance) of the vehicle 100.

[0064] The vehicle data bus 308 communicatively couples the communication node 108, the GPS receiver 118, the navigation system 120, the infotainment head unit 122, the onboard computing platform 302, the sensor 304, and the ECU 306. In some examples, the vehicle data bus 308 includes one or more data buses. The vehicle data bus 308 can be based on the controller area network (CAN) bus protocol defined by the International Standards Organization (ISO) 11898-1, the Media Oriented Systems Transport (MOST) bus protocol, the CAN flexible data (CAN-FD) bus protocol (ISO 11898-7), and / or the K-line bus protocol (ISO 9141 and ISO 14230-1), and / or the Ethernet bus protocol. TM It is implemented by bus protocol IEEE 802.3 (since 2002) and others.

[0065] Figure 4 is a flow chart of an exemplary method 400 for monitoring a state of charge of a mobile device communicatively coupled to a vehicle. Figure 4 A flowchart representing a memory device (such as Figure 3 312) and includes machine-readable instructions for one or more programs that are executed by a processor such as Figure 2 The processor 202 and / or Figure 3 The processor 310) when executed causes the vehicle 100 to achieve Figure 1A to Figure 1B and Figure 3 Although reference is made to the exemplary charge controller 130 of Figure 4 The flowchart shown describes an exemplary procedure, but many other methods of implementing the exemplary charge controller 130 may be used alternatively. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be rearranged, changed, eliminated, and / or combined to perform the method 400. In addition, because the combination Figures 1A to 3 The method 400 is disclosed with reference to the components of FIG. 4 , so some functions of those components will not be described in detail below.

[0066] Initially, at block 402, the battery sensor 210 of the mobile device 102 measures the state of charge of the battery 212 of the mobile device 102. At block 404, the processor 202 of the mobile device 102 determines whether the communication module 214 is communicatively coupled to one or more communication nodes 108 of the vehicle 100. In response to the processor 202 determining that the mobile device 102 is not communicatively coupled to the vehicle 100, the method 400 proceeds to block 426. Otherwise, in response to the processor 202 determining that the mobile device 102 is communicatively coupled to the vehicle 100, the method 400 proceeds to block 406, where the communication module 214 of the mobile device 102 sends the current state of charge of the mobile device 102 to the vehicle 100 via the one or more communication nodes 108.

[0067] At block 408, the charge controller 130 of the vehicle 100 determines whether the mobile device 102 is located within the cabin 106 of the vehicle 100. For example, the charge controller 130 determines whether the mobile device 102 is located within the cabin 106 via a received signal strength indication, GPS, time of flight, angle of arrival, etc. In other examples, the processor 202 of the mobile device 102 determines that the mobile device 102 is located outside the vehicle 100 via the GPS location of the mobile device 102 and the GPS location of the vehicle 100. In response to the charge controller 130 determining that the mobile device is not located within the cabin 106 of the vehicle 100, the method 400 proceeds to block 426. For example, the charge controller 130 sends a signal to the mobile device 102 via one or more communication nodes 108 indicating that the mobile device 102 is located outside the vehicle 100. Otherwise, in response to the charge controller 130 determining that the mobile device is located within the cabin 106 of the vehicle 100, the method 400 proceeds to block 410.

[0068] At block 410, the charge controller 130 receives the state of charge of the battery 212 of the mobile device 102 via one or more communication nodes 108 of the vehicle 100. At block 412, the charge controller 130 identifies a rate of change of the state of charge of the battery 212 of the mobile device 102. In some examples, the charge controller 130 determines the rate of change by comparing measured state of charge values ​​of the battery 212 over a period of time. In other examples, the charge controller 130 receives the rate of change from the mobile device 102. At block 414, the charge controller 130 determines a travel time to the destination of the vehicle 100. For example, the charge controller 130 receives a travel time determined by the navigation system 120 of the vehicle 100 and / or the navigation system 208 of the mobile device 102, which determines the travel time based on the current location of the vehicle 100 and / or the mobile device 102 and the target destination provided by the user 104. At block 416 , the charge controller 130 determines a predicted state of charge of the battery 212 of the mobile device 102 when the vehicle 100 arrives at the target destination based on the current state of charge, the rate of change, and the travel time to the target destination.

[0069] At block 418, the charge controller 130 compares the predicted state of charge, the current state of charge, and the rate of change to one or more thresholds. At block 420, the charge controller 130 determines whether the mobile device 102 should be coupled to the charging station 114 of the vehicle 100 for recharging of the battery 212 based on the one or more comparisons performed at block 418. For example, the charge controller 130 determines that the battery 212 is to be recharged in response to determining that the predicted state of charge is less than a first threshold (e.g., a charging threshold), the current state of charge is less than a second threshold (e.g., a charging threshold), and / or the rate of change is greater than a third threshold (e.g., a rate threshold). In response to the charge controller 130 determining that the battery 212 of the mobile device 102 is not in a recharged state of charge, the method 400 returns to block 402. Otherwise, in response to the charge controller 130 determining that the battery 212 of the mobile device 102 is in a state of recharging, the method 400 proceeds to block 422 where the charge controller 130 determines instructions for issuing to the user 104. At block 424, the charge controller 130 issues instructions (e.g., via the mobile device 102 and / or the infotainment head unit 122) for the user 104 to recharge the mobile device 102.

[0070] Returning to block 426, the processor 202 of the mobile device 102 compares the current state of charge of the battery 212 to one or more charging thresholds upon recognizing that the mobile device 102 is decoupled from the vehicle 100 (block 404) and / or is located outside the cabin 106 of the vehicle 100 (block 408). At block 428, the processor 202 determines whether the mobile device 102 should be coupled to a charging station for recharging of the battery 212 based on the one or more comparisons performed at block 426. For example, the processor 202 determines that the battery 212 is to be recharged in response to determining that the current state of charge is less than the charging threshold. In response to the processor 202 determining that the battery 212 of the mobile device 102 is not in a recharged state of charge, the method 400 returns to block 402. Otherwise, in response to the charge controller 130 determining that the battery 212 of the mobile device 102 is in a state of recharging, the method 400 proceeds to block 430, where the mobile device 102 issues instructions to the user 104 for recharging the battery 212 of the mobile device 102. For example, the processor 202 issues an audio alert via the speaker 220, a visual alert via the touch screen 218, and / or a tactile alert via the haptic motor 222 in response to determining that the current state of charge is less than the charging threshold. Additionally or alternatively, the processor 202 issues an audio and / or visual alert for a nearby publicly available charging station and / or directions to a nearby publicly available charging station in response to determining that the current state of charge is less than the charging threshold. At block 432, the processor 202 causes the mobile device 102 to shut down and / or instructs the user 104 to shut down the mobile device 102 in response to determining that the current state of charge is less than another charging threshold.

[0071] In the present application, the use of antonymous conjunctions is intended to include conjunctions. The use of definite or indefinite articles is not intended to indicate cardinality. Specifically, reference to "the" object or "a" and "an" objects is also intended to represent one of a possible plurality of such objects. In addition, the conjunction "or" can be used to convey simultaneous features rather than mutually exclusive alternatives. In other words, the conjunction "or" should be understood to include "and / or". The terms "includes", "including" and "include" are inclusive of end values, and have the same scope as "comprises", "comprising" and "comprise" respectively. In addition, as used herein, the terms "module", "unit" and "node" refer to hardware having a circuit that is usually combined with a sensor to provide communication, control and / or monitoring capabilities. "Module", "unit" and "node" may also include firmware executed on the circuit.

[0072] The above-described embodiments (and specifically, any "preferred" embodiments) are possible examples of implementations and are merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the present invention. Many changes and modifications may be made to one or more of the above-described embodiments without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the technology described herein. In this article, all modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure and are protected by the following claims.

[0073] According to the present invention, a vehicle is provided, which has: a communication node; a charging station; and a controller, wherein the controller is used to: receive the state of charge (SOC) of a mobile device via the communication node; determine an expected SOC at a destination based on the SOC, a rate of change of the SOC, and a travel time to the destination; and in response to the expected SOC being less than a threshold, issue an instruction for coupling the mobile device to the charging station.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the communication node is a wireless personal area network module.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the controller determines the rate of change of the mobile device by monitoring the SOC over a period of time.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the controller receives the rate of change from the mobile device via the communication node.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by a navigation system that receives the destination from a user and determines the travel time between the destination and a current location.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the present invention is further characterized by at least one of a GPS receiver and a GNSS receiver for identifying the current location.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by an infotainment head unit including at least one of a cluster output, a display, and a speaker, wherein the controller issues the command via the infotainment head unit.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the controller determines the predicted SOC in response to recognizing that the mobile device is located within a vehicle cabin.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the communication module identifies whether the mobile device is located in the vehicle compartment via at least one of a received signal strength indication, a transit time, and an arrival angle.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the controller determines the predicted SOC in response to recognizing that the mobile device is used for at least one of passive entry, passive start, and remote parking assistance.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the controller further issues the instruction in response to determining that the SOC is less than a second threshold.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the controller further issues the instruction in response to determining that the rate of change is greater than a third threshold.

[0085] According to the present invention, a method includes: receiving a state of charge (SOC) of a mobile device via a communication node of a vehicle; determining, via a processor, an expected SOC of the vehicle at the destination based on the SOC, a rate of change of the SOC, and a travel time to the destination; and in response to the expected SOC being less than a threshold, issuing an instruction for coupling the mobile device to a charging station.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the invention is further characterized by issuing, via the processor, the instruction in response to determining that the SOC is less than a second threshold.

[0087] According to the present invention, a system includes: a mobile device, the mobile device includes: a sensor, the sensor is used to measure the state of charge (SOC); and a communication module, the communication module is used to send the SOC; and a vehicle, the vehicle includes: a communication node, the communication node is used to receive the SOC; a charging station; and a controller, the controller is used to: determine the expected SOC based on the SOC, the rate of change and the driving time to the destination; and when the expected SOC is less than a threshold, indicate the use of the charging station.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the mobile device further comprises a navigation system that receives the destination from a user and determines the travel time between the destination and a current location.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the mobile device includes a processor that identifies when the mobile device is communicatively decoupled from the vehicle.

[0090] According to one embodiment, when the mobile device is communicatively decoupled from the vehicle, the processor issues at least one of an audio alarm, a visual alarm, and a tactile alarm in response to determining that the SOC is less than a second threshold.

[0091] According to one embodiment, when the mobile device is communicatively decoupled from the vehicle, the processor is used to: determine whether the SOC is less than a second threshold; in response to determining that the SOC is less than the second threshold, identify an open public charging station from an external network; and provide directions to the open public charging station.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the processor shuts down the mobile device in response to determining that the SOC is less than a third threshold when the mobile device is communicatively decoupled from the vehicle.

Claims

1. A method for monitoring a state of charge of a mobile device, comprising: receiving a state of charge (SOC) of the mobile device via a communication node of the vehicle; determining, via a processor, a predicted state of charge of the vehicle at the destination based on the state of charge, a rate of change of the state of charge, and a travel time to the destination; as well as In response to the estimated state of charge being less than a threshold, issuing instructions for coupling the mobile device to a charging station; identifying, via a processor of the mobile device, when the mobile device is communicatively decoupled from the vehicle; as well as issuing, via the processor, at least one of an audio alert, a visual alert, and a tactile alert in response to determining that the state of charge is less than a second threshold when the mobile device is communicatively decoupled from the vehicle; as well as When the mobile device is communicatively decoupled from the vehicle, an open public charging station is identified from an external network via the processor in response to determining that the state of charge is less than the second threshold, and directions to the open public charging station are provided.

2. A system for monitoring the state of charge of a mobile device, comprising: A mobile device, the mobile device comprising: a sensor for measuring a state of charge (SOC); and a communication module, the communication module being used to send the charge state; and Processor; and A vehicle, the vehicle comprising: a communication node, the communication node being used to receive the charge state; Charging stations; and A controller, the controller being used to: determining an estimated state of charge based on the state of charge, the rate of change, and a travel time to a destination; and When the estimated state of charge is less than a threshold, indicating to utilize the charging station, wherein the processor of the mobile device is configured to: identifying when the mobile device is communicatively decoupled from the vehicle; and when the mobile device is communicatively decoupled from the vehicle, issuing at least one of an audio alarm, a visual alarm, and a tactile alarm in response to determining that the state of charge is less than a second threshold; and When the mobile device is communicatively decoupled from the vehicle, an open public charging station is identified from an external network in response to determining that the state of charge is less than the second threshold, and directions to the open public charging station are provided.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the controller determines the rate of change of the mobile device by monitoring the state of charge over a period of time.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the controller receives the rate of change from the mobile device via the communication node.

5. The system of claim 2, the vehicle further comprising a navigation system that receives the destination from a user and determines the travel time between the destination and a current location.

6. The system of claim 2, the vehicle further comprising an infotainment head unit including at least one of a cluster output, a display, and a speaker, wherein the controller directs utilization of the charging station via the infotainment head unit.

7. The system of claim 2, wherein the controller determines the estimated state of charge in response to recognizing that the mobile device is located within a vehicle cabin. 8 . The system of claim 2 , wherein the controller determines the estimated state of charge in response to recognizing that the mobile device is used for at least one of passive entry, passive start, and remote parking assistance.

9. The system of claim 2, wherein the controller further directs utilization of the charging station in response to determining that the state of charge is less than the second threshold.

10. The system of claim 2, wherein the controller further directs utilization of the charging station in response to determining that the rate of change is greater than a rate threshold.

11. A system for monitoring a charge state of a mobile device, comprising: A mobile device, the mobile device comprising: a sensor for measuring a state of charge (SOC); and a communication module, the communication module being used to send the charge state; and Processor; and A vehicle, the vehicle comprising: a communication node, the communication node being used to receive the charge state; Charging stations; and A controller, the controller being used to: determining an estimated state of charge based on the state of charge, the rate of change, and a travel time to a destination; and When the estimated state of charge is less than a threshold, indicating to utilize the charging station, The processor of the mobile device is configured to: identify when the mobile device is communicatively decoupled from the vehicle; and when the mobile device is communicatively decoupled from the vehicle, shut down the mobile device in response to determining that the state of charge is less than a third threshold.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the controller determines the rate of change of the mobile device by monitoring the state of charge over a period of time.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the controller receives the rate of change from the mobile device via the communication node.

14. The system of claim 11, the vehicle further comprising a navigation system that receives the destination from a user and determines the travel time between the destination and a current location.

15. The system of claim 11, the vehicle further comprising an infotainment head unit including at least one of a cluster output, a display, and a speaker, wherein the controller directs utilization of the charging station via the infotainment head unit.

16. The system of claim 11, wherein the controller determines the estimated state of charge in response to recognizing that the mobile device is located within a vehicle cabin. 17 . The system of claim 11 , wherein the controller determines the estimated state of charge in response to recognizing that the mobile device is being used for at least one of passive entry, passive start, and remote parking assistance.

18. The system of claim 11, wherein the controller further directs utilization of the charging station in response to determining that the state of charge is less than a second threshold.

19. The system of claim 11, wherein the controller further directs utilization of the charging station in response to determining that the rate of change is greater than a rate threshold.

Images