Wireless charger enabled

Abstract

A computer including a processor is programmed to ensure that an object including ferrous material is within a charging field of an inductive charger, activate the inductive charger, and determine a temperature of the object. The processor is further programmed to determine whether the inductive charger is operable based on the temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle that includes a wireless charger for charging various devices, such as smartphones. Wireless chargers can be beneficial because their convenience and ease of use result from the lack of a wired electrical connection to the device being charged. However, problems arise when a wireless charger in a vehicle becomes inoperable and / or does not operate properly. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles may include wireless chargers to charge various devices, such as smartphones. Wireless chargers can be beneficial because their convenience and ease of use result from the lack of a wired electrical connection to the device being charged. However, problems arise when wireless chargers in vehicles become inoperable and / or operate improperly. Summary of the Invention

[0003] A computer is disclosed herein that includes a processor programmed to determine that an object comprising ferrous material is within a charging field of an inductive charger and to activate the inductive charger. The processor is further programmed to determine a temperature of the object and, based on the temperature, determine whether the inductive charger is operable.

[0004] The processor may be further programmed to determine whether the inductive charger is operable only after determining that no mobile device is present in the charging field.

[0005] The object may be a cover, and the processor may be further programmed to output, via a human-machine interface, a request to remove the mobile device from the charging field and close the cover.

[0006] The processor may be further programmed to determine that the object is in the charging field based on data received from a position sensor.

[0007] The processor may be further programmed to determine the temperature of the object based on data received from a temperature sensor in the inductive charger.

[0008] The inductive charger may be disposed within a vehicle, and the processor may be further programmed to determine whether the temperature sensor is operational based in part on an outside temperature.

[0009] The processor may be further programmed to determine the temperature based on thermal image data received from a camera having a field of view that includes the object.

[0010] The object may contact an exterior surface of the inductive charger when disposed in the charging field of the inductive charger.

[0011] The processor may be further programmed to determine a rate of temperature change and determine whether the inductive charger is operational based on the determined rate of temperature change and a predetermined temperature rate of change threshold.

[0012] The processor may be further programmed to charge a mobile device in the charging field by actuating the inductive charger.

[0013] The processor may be further programmed to deactivate the inductive charger upon determining the temperature of the object.

[0014] The object may be a cover having an open position and a closed position, wherein the cover in the closed position is within the charging field and the cover in the open position is outside the charging field.

[0015] The ferrous material may be in the form of layers, wherein at least one of the layers is disposed in the object and attached to an outer surface of the object.

[0016] Further disclosed herein is a method comprising: determining that an object comprising a ferrous material is in a charging field of an inductive charger; actuating the inductive charger; determining a temperature of the object; and determining whether the inductive charger is operable based on the temperature. The object may be a cover.

[0017] The method may also include outputting a request via a human-machine interface to remove the mobile device from the charging field and close the lid.

[0018] Determining that the object is in the charging field may be based on data received from a position sensor.

[0019] Determining the temperature of the object may be based on data received from a temperature sensor in the inductive charger.

[0020] The method may further include determining a rate of temperature change and determining whether the inductive charger is operational based on the determined rate of temperature change and a predetermined temperature rate of change threshold.

[0021] The method may also include deactivating the inductive charger upon determining the temperature of the object.

[0022] Further disclosed is a computing device programmed to perform any of the above method steps.

[0023] Still further disclosed is a computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by a computer processor to perform any of the above method steps. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example vehicle interior with an example inductive charger.

[0025] Figure 2 Is in the open position to charge mobile devices Figure 1 A perspective view of an inductive charger.

[0026] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the inductive charger in the closed position.

[0027] Figures 4A to 4B is a flow chart of an exemplary process for operating an inductive charger. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] introduction

[0029] A computer is disclosed herein that includes a processor programmed to determine that an object comprising ferrous material is within a charging field of an inductive charger and to activate the inductive charger. The processor is further programmed to determine a temperature of the object and, based on the temperature, determine whether the inductive charger is operable.

[0030] The processor may be further programmed to determine whether the inductive charger is operable only after determining that no mobile device is present in the charging field.

[0031] The object may be a cover, and the processor may be further programmed to output, via a human-machine interface, a request to remove the mobile device from the charging field and close the cover.

[0032] The processor may be further programmed to determine that the object is in the charging field based on data received from a position sensor.

[0033] The processor may be further programmed to determine the temperature of the object based on data received from a temperature sensor in the inductive charger.

[0034] The inductive charger may be disposed within a vehicle, and the processor may be further programmed to determine whether the temperature sensor is operational based in part on an outside temperature.

[0035] The processor may be further programmed to determine the temperature based on thermal image data received from a camera having a field of view that includes the object.

[0036] The object may contact an exterior surface of the inductive charger when disposed in the charging field of the inductive charger.

[0037] The processor may be further programmed to determine a rate of temperature change and determine whether the inductive charger is operational based on the determined rate of temperature change and a predetermined temperature rate of change threshold.

[0038] The processor may be further programmed to charge a mobile device in the charging field by actuating the inductive charger.

[0039] The processor may be further programmed to deactivate the inductive charger upon determining the temperature of the object.

[0040] The object may be a cover having an open position and a closed position, wherein the cover in the closed position is within the charging field and the cover in the open position is outside the charging field.

[0041] The ferrous material may be in the form of layers, wherein at least one of the layers is disposed in the object and attached to an outer surface of the object.

[0042] Further disclosed herein is a method comprising: determining that an object comprising a ferrous material is in a charging field of an inductive charger; actuating the inductive charger; determining a temperature of the object; and determining whether the inductive charger is operable based on the temperature. The object may be a cover.

[0043] The method may also include outputting a request via a human-machine interface to remove the mobile device from the charging field and close the lid.

[0044] Determining that the object is in the charging field may be based on data received from a position sensor.

[0045] Determining the temperature of the object may be based on data received from a temperature sensor in the inductive charger.

[0046] The method may further include determining a rate of temperature change and determining whether the inductive charger is operational based on the determined rate of temperature change and a predetermined temperature rate of change threshold.

[0047] The method may also include deactivating the inductive charger upon determining the temperature of the object.

[0048] Further disclosed is a computing device programmed to perform any of the above method steps.

[0049] Still further disclosed is a computer program product comprising a computer-readable medium storing instructions executable by a computer processor to perform any of the above method steps.

[0050] Exemplary System Elements

[0051] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle 100. Vehicle 100 can be powered in a variety of known ways (e.g., with an electric motor and / or an internal combustion engine). Vehicle 100 may include an instrumentation panel (IP) 105, a computer 110, one or more actuators 120, one or more sensors 130, a human machine interface (HMI) 140, and a wireless inductive charger 150, each of which is discussed in more detail below.

[0052] The computer 110 includes a processor and memory, such as is known in the art. The memory includes one or more forms of computer-readable media and stores instructions executable by the computer 110 for performing various operations, including those disclosed herein.

[0053] The computer 110 may include programming to operate one or more of the vehicle's braking, propulsion (e.g., controlling the vehicle's acceleration by controlling one or more of an internal combustion engine, an electric motor, a hybrid engine, etc.), steering, climate control, interior and / or exterior lights, etc., as well as to determine whether and when the computer 110 (rather than a human operator) controls such operations.

[0054] The computer 110 is typically arranged to communicate over a vehicle communication network (e.g., including a communication bus), such as a controller area network (CAN), etc. The computer 110 may include or be communicatively coupled to more than one processor, e.g., via a vehicle communication bus as further described below, such as a controller included in the vehicle for monitoring and / or controlling various subsystems (e.g., powertrain, braking, steering, etc.).

[0055] The computer 110 can transmit and / or receive messages to various devices (e.g., controllers, actuators, sensors, etc., including sensor 130) in the vehicle 100 via the vehicle network. Alternatively or additionally, if the computer 110 actually includes multiple devices, the vehicle communication network can be used for communication between the devices represented as the computer 110 in this disclosure. In addition, as mentioned below, various controllers and / or sensors 130 can provide data to the computer 110 via the vehicle communication network.

[0056] In addition, the computer 110 can be configured to communicate with a remote computer (such as a mobile device 160) via a wireless communication interface. The wireless communication interface can communicate via a communication network. The communication network can be one or more of a wireless communication mechanism, including wireless (e.g., cellular, wireless, satellite, microwave, and radio frequency) communication mechanisms and any desired network topology (or multiple topologies when multiple communication mechanisms are utilized).

[0057] The wireless communication interface typically includes conventional electronic circuits such as a wireless (or radio frequency) signal transmitter, a wireless (or radio frequency) signal receiver, and amplifier circuits for amplifying outgoing and incoming radio frequency signals. The vehicle 100 computer 110 may be programmed to receive wireless signals via the wireless signal receiver. The computer 110 may be programmed to identify an identifier of a device (such as a mobile device 160) transmitting the wireless signal based on the received wireless signal. The wireless signal receiver may be configured to communicate based on various wireless communication protocols (e.g., LTE, Bluetooth, etc.). TM , WAN, etc.) to receive wireless signals. For example, the computer 110 may be programmed to receive a request to charge the battery of the mobile device 160. The computer 110 may be programmed to determine whether the received request is from the mobile device 160 associated with the vehicle 100 (e.g., a vehicle occupant mobile device) based on the received identifier of the mobile device 160.

[0058] Sensors 130 may include various devices known for providing data via a vehicle communication bus. For example, sensors 130 may include one or more cameras, radars, and / or light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors disposed in vehicle 100 that provide data covering at least some of the interior and / or exterior of the vehicle. Figure 1 In the example shown, a camera sensor 130 having a field of view 135 provides image data encompassing at least a portion of the interior of the vehicle 100 , such as the dashboard 105 .

[0059] The actuator 120 typically includes well-known circuits, chips, or other electronic components that can actuate various vehicle subsystems based on appropriate control signals. For example, the actuator 120 may include one or more relays, servo motors, etc. Thus, the actuator 120 can be used to control the braking, acceleration, and steering of the vehicle 100. The control signals used to control the actuator 120 can be generated by the computer 110, a control unit located in the vehicle 100 (e.g., a brake controller), etc.

[0060] The HMI 140 may be configured to receive user input, for example, during operation of the vehicle 100. As an example, the HMI 140 may include a touch screen, buttons, knobs, keypads, microphones, etc. for receiving information from the user. In addition, the HMI 140 may include various interfaces for receiving information from the user and / or outputting information to the user, such as the Ford Computing interfaces, smartphones, etc.

[0061] refer to Figures 1 to 3 The wireless inductive charger 150 can wirelessly charge a battery (e.g., a battery of a mobile device 160). The wireless inductive charger 150 can charge the battery using known magnetic induction technology. The inductive charger 150 can be mounted to the dashboard 105 of the vehicle 100. Thus, the inductive charger 150 can be disposed in the interior 115 of the vehicle 100. The inductive charger 150 can include a display having an open position (see FIG. 1 ). Figures 1 to 2 ) and closed position (see Figure 3 ) of the cover 165. The wireless inductive charger 150 may include an outer surface 155 that is Figures 1 to 2 ), a device (such as mobile device 160) can be placed on outer surface 155 for charging. Cover 165 can be slidably and / or pivotally moved from an open position to a closed position, and vice versa. In one example, cover 165 in the closed position completely covers outer surface 155.

[0062] Computer 110 can be programmed to activate inductive charger 150 to generate magnetic charging field 230. Charging field 230 can encompass at least a portion of outer surface 155 and the area above surface 155. Inductive charger 150 can include a transmitting coil, electrical and / or electronic components, and the like. The transmitting coil can include a conductive material (such as copper wire) wound around a core of plastic, ferrous material, and the like. For example, charging field 230 can reach up to 5 cm (centimeter) above outer surface 155.

[0063] Cover 165 may be formed from a hard plastic, etc. Cover 165 may include a ferrous material. The ferrous material may be attached to the exterior surface of cover 165 and / or be a layer between plastic layers of cover 165. As discussed below, cover 165 may be heated using induction energy. Induction charger 150 may generate an electric current in the ferrous material contained in cover 165. Additionally or alternatively, vehicle 100 may include an object including a ferrous material that may be placed on exterior surface 155. As discussed below, computer 110 may be programmed to determine whether induction charger 150 is defective based on the heat generated in the object and / or cover 165.

[0064] In the closed position, cover 165 can contact outer surface 155 of inductive charger 150. Thus, cover 165 can be at least partially within charging field 230 of inductive charger 150. For example, cover 165 can slidably move over surface 155 while contacting surface 155. In this context, "contacting" means physically touching or having a gap of less than or equal to 3 mm.

[0065] The mobile device 160 may include an inductive receiver 220 (eg, an inductive coil) that receives a charge when the mobile device 160 is placed on a surface 155 within a charging field 230 (eg, Figure 2 230 ). The mobile device 160 processor may be programmed to activate the inductive receiver 220 to receive power from the charging field 230 and charge the rechargeable battery included in the mobile device 160.

[0066] The computer 110 can be programmed to activate the inductive charger 150 to charge the battery of the device 160 when, for example, the mobile device 160 is detected on the exterior surface 155 based on the vehicle 100 sensor 130 data and / or a request to charge the battery of the mobile device 160 is received. For example, the computer 110 can receive the request to charge the battery of the mobile device 160 via the vehicle 100 wireless communication interface. In this context, this mode of operation of the charger 150 is referred to as a "charging mode."

[0067] Wireless inductive charger 150 may be unable to charge mobile device 160, for example, due to a defect in inductive charger 150 and / or mobile device 160. For example, mobile device 160 processor may be unable to activate inductive receiver 220 to receive power from charging field 230. Advantageously, computer 110 may be programmed to determine whether wireless inductive charger 150 is operational. Thus, computer 110 is programmed to determine that an object (e.g., cover 165) including ferrous material therein and / or thereon is within charging field 230 of inductive charger 150 and may be further programmed to then activate inductive charger 150. Computer 110 is further programmed to determine the temperature of the object and, based on the temperature, determine whether inductive charger 150 is operational (i.e., whether inductive charger 150 can charge device 160 if operating in "charging mode"). In this context, this mode of operation of inductive charger 150 is referred to as "diagnostic mode." In the "diagnostic mode," the computer 110 determines whether the inductive charger 150, in the "charging mode," can wirelessly charge, for example, the battery of the mobile device 160.

[0068] Charging field 230 may induce an induced current in the ferrous material contained in the object (e.g., cover 165). The induced current causes a temperature increase in the ferrous material. Therefore, computer 110 may determine that inductive charger 150 is operational by determining the temperature increase in the object.

[0069] In one example, computer 110 may be programmed to determine a rate of temperature change and determine whether inductive charger 150 is operable based on comparing the determined rate of temperature change to a predetermined threshold. Computer 110 may be programmed to determine that inductive charger 150 is operable, i.e., can charge device 160, when it is determined that the temperature increase exceeds a predetermined rate of temperature increase (e.g., 3 degrees Celsius per minute). Computer 110 may be programmed to determine a first temperature of the object when inductive charger 150 is activated and a second temperature after a predetermined time (e.g., 1 minute), and determine that inductive charger 150 is operable based on the first and second temperatures.

[0070] Computer 110 may further be programmed to determine whether inductive charger 150 is operational only after determining that no device, such as mobile device 160, is present in charging field 230. As discussed above, computer 110 may determine whether inductive charger 150 is operational based on a temperature change of an object, such as lid 165. In one example, computer 110 may be programmed to output a request via HMI 140 to remove mobile device 160 from charging field 230 and close lid 165. Lid 165 may include ferrous material. Thus, in the closed position, the ferrous material contained in lid 165 may be within charging field 230 of inductive charger 150, while in the open position, lid 165, and therefore the ferrous material, may be outside charging field 230.

[0071] Computer 110 can be programmed to determine that an object (e.g., lid 165) is within charging field 230 based on data received from position sensor 250. In one example, position sensor 250 can include a proximity switch, a mechanical switch, or the like. Computer 110 can be programmed to receive data from position sensor 250 and determine whether lid 165 is in a closed position based on the received data. Computer 110 can be programmed to determine that lid 165 is closed only when, for example, lid 165 is determined to completely cover exterior surface 155 based on data received from position sensor 250. Additionally or alternatively, computer 110 can be programmed to determine whether lid 165 is in a closed position and / or whether an object is placed on exterior surface 155 based on image data received from camera sensor 130 having a field of view 135 that includes exterior surface 155. Thus, computer 110 can be programmed to determine whether lid 165 is closed using known image processing techniques.

[0072] Computer 110 can be programmed to determine the temperature of an object based on data received from temperature sensor 240. Temperature sensor 240 can be mounted in inductive charger 210, below exterior surface 155, or the like. As discussed above, lid 165 in a closed position can contact exterior surface 155. Thus, temperature sensor 240, mounted, for example, below exterior surface 155, can determine the temperature of an object (e.g., lid) on exterior surface 155. Additionally or alternatively, computer 110 can be programmed to determine the temperature of lid 165 based on thermal image data received from camera sensor 130 using known image processing techniques.

[0073] like Figures 2 to 3 As shown, temperature sensor 240 may be in charging field 230, which may cause defects in determining temperature (e.g., electrical noise). In one example, computer 110 may be programmed to disable inductive charger 210 when determining the temperature of an object, cover 165, etc.

[0074] Temperature sensor 240 may have a defect (i.e., malfunction or deficiency), which may result in inaccurate temperature determinations. In one example, computer 110 may be programmed to determine whether temperature sensor 240 is operational (i.e., providing data within expected parameters, not reporting a fault condition, etc.) based in part on the external temperature of vehicle 100. Vehicle 100 may include, for example, ambient temperature sensor 130 mounted in interior 115 of vehicle 100. For example, computer 110 may be programmed to determine whether temperature sensor 240 is operational based on data received from temperature sensor 240 and ambient temperature sensor 130.

[0075] Computer 110 may determine a first temperature of exterior surface 155 and a first ambient temperature when computer 110 is turned off. Computer 110 may further be programmed to determine a second temperature of exterior surface 155 and a second ambient temperature when vehicle 100 is turned on. Computer 110 may be programmed to determine whether temperature sensor 240 is operational based on changes in ambient temperature and changes in temperature of exterior surface 155. Charger 150, including temperature sensor 240, may be mounted to IP 105. That is, temperature changes measured by temperature sensor 240 may track temperature changes in interior 115 of vehicle 100, albeit with a time delay. In one example, computer 110 may be programmed to determine that temperature sensor 240 is defective if it determines that temperature data received from temperature sensor 240 varies within a range threshold (e.g., 2 degrees Celsius) within a predetermined time (e.g., 30 minutes), while the ambient temperature varies by more than a second range threshold (e.g., 10 degrees Celsius) within the predetermined time. In other words, while the ambient sensor shows changes, temperature sensor 240 does not change accordingly.

[0076] process

[0077] Figures 4A to 4B is a flow chart of an exemplary process 400 for operating the inductive charger 150. In one example, the computer 110 can be programmed to perform the blocks of the process 400.

[0078] Process 400 begins at decision block 405 (see Figure 4A ), in decision block 405, computer 110 determines whether charger 150 is in charging mode. For example, computer 110 may be programmed to determine that charger 150 is in "charging mode" upon receiving a request from mobile device 160 to charge the battery of device 160. If computer 110 determines that inductive charger 150 is in "charging mode," process 400 proceeds to block 410; otherwise, process 400 proceeds to decision block 425.

[0079] In block 410, computer 110 activates inductive charger 150 to charge the battery of device 160. For example, computer 110 may be programmed to activate inductive charger 150 at a magnitude and / or frequency determined based on data received from mobile device 160 via a wireless communication interface. Furthermore, computer 110 may be programmed to activate charger 150 only when it is determined that device 160 is within charging field 230. "Within charging field 230" may be defined as (i) an area where the magnitude of the magnetic field exceeds a threshold value (such as 10 μT (microtesla)) and / or (ii) an area within a distance threshold (e.g., 2 mm) from exterior surface 155. For example, computer 110 may be programmed to determine that device 160 is placed within charging field 230 based on feedback received from inductive charger 150 using conventional inductive techniques. As another example, computer 110 may be programmed to determine that device 160 is within charging field 230 based on image data received from camera sensor 130 having a field of view 135 that includes exterior surface 155.

[0080] Next, at decision block 415, computer 110 determines whether the battery of mobile device 160 is charged. For example, computer 110 may be programmed to receive the charge status from mobile device 160 via the vehicle 100 wireless communication interface. In this context, the charge status may include the battery's percentage of charge, i.e., from 0 to 100%. If computer 110 determines that the battery is charged, process 400 proceeds to block 420; otherwise, process 400 returns to decision block 415.

[0081] In block 420, the computer 110 deactivates the inductive charger 150. After block 420, the process 400 ends, or alternatively, returns to decision block 405, although this is not the case. Figure 4A Not shown in the figure.

[0082] At decision block 425, the computer 110 determines whether the charger 150 is in diagnostic mode. For example, the computer 110 may determine that the charger 150 is in "diagnostic mode" when, for example, the computer 110 receives a request to test the charger 150 from the HMI 140 based on user input. If the computer 110 determines that the inductive charger 150 is in diagnostic mode, the process 400 proceeds to decision block 430; otherwise, the process 400 ends, or alternatively, returns to decision block 405, although this is not the case. Figure 4A Not shown in the figure.

[0083] In decision block 430, computer 110 determines whether mobile device 160 has been removed from exterior surface 155. For example, computer 110 may be programmed to determine whether device 160 has been removed based on image data received from camera sensor 130 having field of view 135 that includes the exterior surface and / or feedback electrical signals received from inductive charger 150. If computer 110 determines that device 160 has been removed from exterior surface 155, process 400 proceeds to decision block 440 (see Figure 4B ); otherwise, process 400 proceeds to decision box 435.

[0084] In block 435 , the computer 110 outputs a request to remove the device 160 from the exterior surface 155 , such as via the HMI 140 . After block 435 , the process 400 returns to decision block 430 .

[0085] Go to Figure 4B At decision block 440, computer 110 determines whether lid 165 is closed. Computer 110 may be programmed to determine that lid 165 is closed based on data received from position sensor 250 and / or image data received from camera sensor 130. Additionally or alternatively, computer 110 may be programmed to determine that an object comprising ferrous material is positioned within charging field 230. If computer 110 determines that lid 165 is closed, process 400 proceeds to block 445; otherwise, process 400 proceeds to block 455.

[0086] In block 455, the computer 110 outputs a request to close the lid 165, such as via the HMI 140. Additionally or alternatively, the computer 110 may be programmed to actuate the vehicle 100 actuator 120 to close the lid 165. After block 455, the process 400 returns to decision block 440.

[0087] In block 445 , the computer 110 activates the inductive charger 150 to heat the object (eg, the cover 165 ).

[0088] Next, in decision block 450 , computer 110 determines whether a predetermined waiting time (eg, 1 minute) has elapsed. If computer 110 determines that the predetermined waiting time has elapsed, process 400 proceeds to decision block 460 ; otherwise, process 400 returns to decision block 450 .

[0089] In decision block 460, computer 110 determines whether temperature sensor 240 is defective. For example, computer 110 may be programmed to determine whether temperature sensor 240 is malfunctioning based on the determined ambient temperature change and the temperature change of exterior surface 155. If computer 110 determines that temperature sensor 240 is operational (OK), process 400 proceeds to block 465; otherwise, process 400 proceeds to block 480.

[0090] In block 465, computer 110 determines a change in temperature of cover 165. For example, computer 110 may be programmed to determine a change in temperature of cover 165 since heating of cover 165 began, e.g., based on data received from temperature sensor 240, image data received from camera sensor 130, etc.

[0091] Next, in decision block 470, the computer 110 determines whether the inductive charger 150 is operational. For example, the computer 110 may determine whether the charger 150 is operational based on the determined temperature change of the cover 165 and a predetermined minimum expected temperature change rate (e.g., 3 degrees Celsius per minute). If the computer 110 determines that the inductive charger 150 is operational, the process 400 ends (see Figure 4A ), or alternatively, return to decision box 405, although this Figures 4A to 4B Not shown; otherwise, process 400 proceeds to block 475.

[0092] In block 475, the computer 110 outputs information including, for example, a defect of the charger 150 to the HMI 140. After block 475, the process 400 ends (see Figure 4A ), or alternatively, return to decision box 405, but this Figures 4A to 4B Not shown in the figure.

[0093] In block 480, the computer 110 outputs the temperature sensor 240 information, including, for example, defects of the temperature sensor 240, to the HMI 140. After block 480, the process 400 ends (see Figure 4A ), or alternatively, return to decision box 405, but this Figures 4A to 4B Not shown in the figure.

[0094] Unless stated otherwise or the context requires otherwise, the articles "a" and "an" modifying nouns should be understood to mean one or more. The phrase "based on" encompasses partially or wholly based on.

[0095] The computing devices discussed herein generally each include instructions that can be executed by one or more computing devices such as those identified above and used to perform the blocks or steps of the processes described above. Computer-executable instructions can be compiled or interpreted from a computer program created using a variety of programming languages and / or technologies, including, but not limited to, Java, PHP, and others, either alone or in combination. TM , C, C++, Visual Basic, Java Script, Perl, HTML, etc. In general, a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) receives instructions from, for example, a memory, a computer-readable medium, etc. and executes these instructions to perform one or more processes, including one or more of the processes described herein. Such instructions and other data can be stored and transmitted using a variety of computer-readable media. Files in a computing device are typically collections of data stored on a computer-readable medium such as a storage medium, random access memory, etc.

[0096] Computer-readable media include any media that participate in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer. Such media can take many forms, including but not limited to non-volatile media, volatile media, etc. Non-volatile media include, for example, optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memories. Volatile media include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes main memory. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, floppy disks, floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tape, any other magnetic media, CD-ROMs, DVDs, any other optical media, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical media with a pattern of holes, RAM, PROMs, EPROMs, FLASH, EEPROMs, any other memory chips or cassettes, or any other media from which a computer can read.

[0097] With respect to the media, processes, systems, methods, and the like described herein, it should be understood that although the steps of such processes, etc. have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes may be practiced with the described steps performed in an order different from that described herein. It should also be understood that certain steps may be performed simultaneously, other steps may be added, or certain steps described herein may be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of the systems and / or processes herein are provided for the purpose of illustrating certain embodiments and should in no way be construed to limit the disclosed subject matter.

[0098] Therefore, it should be understood that the present disclosure, including the above description and drawings and the following claims, is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Upon reading the above description, many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The scope of the present invention should not be determined with reference to the above description, but rather with reference to the claims accompanying the present invention and / or included in the non-provisional patent application based on the present invention, together with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is anticipated and intended that future developments will occur in the fields discussed herein, and that the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In short, it should be understood that the disclosed subject matter is capable of modification and variation.

Claims

1. A computer comprising a processor programmed to: determining that an object comprising ferrous material is within a charging field of the inductive charger; actuating the inductive charger; determining a temperature of the object; and A determination is made as to whether the inductive charger is operable based on the temperature.

2. The computer of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further programmed to determine whether the inductive charger is operable only after determining that no mobile device is present in the charging field.

3. The computer of claim 2, wherein the object is a lid, and the processor is further programmed to output a request via a human-machine interface to remove the mobile device from the charging field and close the lid.

4. The computer of claim 1, wherein the processor is further programmed to determine that the object is in the charging field based on data received from a position sensor.

5. The computer of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further programmed to determine the temperature of the object based on data received from a temperature sensor in the inductive charger.

6. The computer of claim 5, wherein the inductive charger is disposed inside a vehicle, and the processor is further programmed to determine whether the temperature sensor is operational based in part on an outside temperature.

7. The computer of claim 1, wherein the processor is further programmed to determine the temperature based on thermal image data received from a camera having a field of view that includes the object.

8. The computer of claim 1 , wherein the object contacts an exterior surface of the inductive charger when disposed in the charging field of the inductive charger.

9. The computer of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further programmed to determine a rate of temperature change and determine whether the inductive charger is operational based on the determined rate of temperature change and a predetermined temperature rate of change threshold.

10. The computer of claim 1, wherein the processor is further programmed to charge a mobile device in the charging field by actuating the inductive charger.

11. The computer of claim 1 , wherein the processor is further programmed to deactivate the inductive charger upon determining the temperature of the object.

12. The computer of claim 1, wherein the object is a lid having an open position and a closed position, wherein the lid in the closed position is within the charging field and the lid in the open position is outside the charging field.

13. The computer of claim 1, wherein the ferrous material is in the form of layers, wherein at least one of the layers is disposed in the object and attached to an outer surface of the object.

14. A method for determining whether an inductive charger is operational, comprising: determining that an object comprising ferrous material is within a charging field of the inductive charger; actuating the inductive charger; determining a temperature of the object; as well as A determination is made as to whether the inductive charger is operable based on the temperature.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the object is a cover.

16. The method of claim 15, further comprising outputting a request to remove the mobile device from the charging field and close the lid via a human-machine interface.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein determining that the object is in the charging field is based on data received from a position sensor.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein determining the temperature of the object is based on data received from a temperature sensor in the inductive charger.

19. The method of claim 14, further comprising determining a rate of temperature change and determining whether the inductive charger is operational based on the determined rate of temperature change and a predetermined temperature rate of change threshold.

20. The method of claim 14, further comprising deactivating the inductive charger while determining the temperature of the object.

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