Apparatus and method for providing information for a hybrid electric vehicle

Abstract

The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for providing information for a hybrid electric vehicle. The apparatus includes a display device, a non-transitory memory, and a processor connected to the display device and the non-transitory memory, wherein the processor is configured to obtain driving distance information, fuel information, and battery information of the vehicle, and output battery charging recommendation information on the display device based on at least one of an energy injection cost, a consumable replacement period, or an energy balance using the driving distance information, the fuel information, and the battery information of the vehicle.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2020-0141553, filed on October 28, 2020, with the Korean Intellectual Property Office, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to an apparatus and method for providing information to hybrid electric vehicles. Background Technology

[0004] With increasing public interest in environmental issues, research into improving fuel efficiency and developing environmentally friendly vehicles is progressing more actively. Environmentally friendly vehicles include hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), electric vehicles (EVs), and fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). Among these, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are more fuel-efficient than conventional hybrid electric vehicles because they use the electricity generated by charging the battery with an external power source to drive an electric motor or fuel cell engine. However, in actual driving, the electric mode range of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles is shorter compared to engine mode, due to the inconvenience of battery charging caused by insufficient charging infrastructure compared to refueling. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments of this disclosure provide an apparatus and method for providing information to a hybrid electric vehicle, which provides battery charging recommendations based on energy injection costs, consumable inspection cycles, and / or energy balance to balance the use of the electric motor and engine in the hybrid electric vehicle.

[0006] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those described above, and any other technical problems not mentioned herein will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0007] According to embodiments of this disclosure, an apparatus for providing information to a hybrid electric vehicle includes: a display device, a non-transitory memory, and a processor connected to the display device and the non-transitory memory. The processor obtains vehicle driving distance information, fuel information, and battery information, and uses the obtained information to output battery charging recommendation information on the display device based on at least one of energy injection cost, consumable replacement cycle, and / or energy balance.

[0008] In one implementation, the processor can use the distance traveled using the engine, the amount of remaining fuel included in the fuel information, and the fuel injection price to calculate the fuel injection cost per unit distance.

[0009] In one implementation, the processor can use the distance traveled using the electric motor, the battery's state of charge included in the battery information, and the charging price to calculate the charging cost per unit distance.

[0010] In one implementation, the processor can use the vehicle’s total travel distance, fuel injection cost, and charging cost to calculate the total energy injection cost per unit distance.

[0011] In one implementation, the processor may determine a target total energy injection cost based on fuel injection cost, calculate the additional driving distance using the electric motor to achieve the target total energy injection cost, and calculate the recommended number of battery charges using the additional driving distance using the electric motor and the driving distance when the battery is fully charged.

[0012] In one implementation, the processor can obtain the national average fuel injection price and the national average charging price from the vehicle management server.

[0013] In one implementation, the processor can obtain, in association with the navigation system, the fuel injection price included in the gas station information and the charging price included in the charging station information.

[0014] In one implementation, the processor can obtain fuel injection prices and charging prices included in the payment history provided from a financial institution's server.

[0015] In one implementation, the processor can display the replacement cycle of engine-related consumables based on the distance traveled using the engine, display the replacement cycle of electric motor-related consumables based on the distance traveled using the electric motor, and quantify and display the advantages of driving using the electric motor compared to driving using the engine in terms of the replacement cycles of engine-related consumables and electric motor-related consumables.

[0016] In one implementation, the processor can calculate a first ratio of engine fuel injection energy to total vehicle input energy, calculate a second ratio of electric motor input energy to total vehicle input energy, compare the first ratio and the second ratio, and when the first ratio is greater than the second ratio, display information indicating that additional battery charging is needed based on the difference between the first ratio and the second ratio.

[0017] In one implementation, the processor can reflect predetermined weights to the recommended number of battery charges based on energy injection cost, the recommended number of battery charges based on consumable replacement cycle, and the recommended number of battery charges based on energy balance information, respectively, to calculate an average value, and display the calculated average value as the recommended number of battery charges.

[0018] According to another embodiment of this disclosure, a method for providing information for a hybrid electric vehicle includes: obtaining information by a processor, wherein the information includes driving distance information, fuel information and battery information; and using the obtained information, the processor outputs battery charging recommendation information based on at least one of energy injection cost, consumable replacement cycle and / or energy balance.

[0019] In one embodiment, obtaining information may include using a distance measuring device to measure the distance traveled using the engine, the distance traveled using the electric motor, and the total distance traveled; obtaining fuel information such as the remaining fuel quantity and battery charging status; and obtaining fuel injection price and battery charging price.

[0020] In one implementation, obtaining the fuel injection price and the charging price may include obtaining the national average fuel injection price and the national average charging price provided by a vehicle management server.

[0021] In one implementation, obtaining the fuel injection price and the charging price may include: obtaining, in association with the navigation system, the fuel injection price included in the gas station information and the charging price included in the charging station information.

[0022] In one implementation, obtaining the fuel injection price and the charging price may include obtaining the fuel injection price and the charging price included in the payment history provided from a financial institution's server.

[0023] In one implementation, the output of battery charging recommendation information may include: calculating the fuel injection cost per unit distance using the driving distance using the engine, the remaining fuel amount, and the fuel injection price; calculating the charging cost per unit distance using the driving distance using the electric motor, the battery's state of charge, and the charging price; and calculating the total energy injection cost per unit distance using the total driving distance, the fuel injection cost, and the charging cost.

[0024] In one implementation, the output of battery charging recommendation information may further include: determining a target total energy injection cost based on fuel injection cost, calculating the additional driving distance using the electric motor to achieve the target total energy injection cost, and calculating the recommended number of battery charging times using the driving distance when the battery is fully charged and the additional driving distance using the electric motor.

[0025] In one implementation, the output of battery charging recommendation information may include: displaying the replacement cycle of engine-related consumables based on the driving distance using the engine, displaying the replacement cycle of motor-related consumables based on the driving distance using the electric motor, and quantifying and displaying the advantages of driving using the electric motor compared to driving using the engine in terms of the replacement cycles of engine-related consumables and motor-related consumables.

[0026] In one implementation, the output of battery charging recommendation information may include: calculating a first ratio of engine fuel injection energy to total vehicle input energy, calculating a second ratio of electric motor input energy to total vehicle input energy, comparing the first ratio and the second ratio with each other, and displaying information indicating that additional battery charging is needed based on the difference between the first ratio and the second ratio when the first ratio is greater than the second ratio. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The above and other objects, features and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a hybrid electric vehicle in relation to embodiments of this disclosure;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for providing information to a hybrid electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing information for a hybrid electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0031] Figure 4 This is an exemplary view showing a screen displaying battery charging recommendation information based on energy injection cost according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0032] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is an exemplary diagram illustrating a screen displaying battery charging recommendation information based on consumable replacement cycles according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] Figure 7 This is an exemplary view showing a screen displaying battery charging recommendation information based on energy balance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 8 This is an exemplary diagram illustrating a screen displaying efficiency-based battery charging recommendation information according to embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0035] Figure 9This is a block diagram illustrating a computing system for performing a method for providing information to a hybrid electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0036] In the following, some embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary accompanying drawings. When adding reference numerals to components in each drawing, it should be noted that the same reference numerals are used to denote components that are shown as identical or equivalent components in other drawings. Furthermore, in describing embodiments of this disclosure, detailed descriptions of well-known features or functions will be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the spirit of this disclosure.

[0037] In describing components according to embodiments of this disclosure, terms such as first, second, "A", "B", (a), (b), etc., may be used. These terms are intended only to distinguish one component from another, and they do not limit the nature, order, or arrangement of the constituent components. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Terms defined in general dictionaries should be interpreted as having the same meaning as in the context of the relevant technical field and should not be interpreted as having an ideal or overly formal meaning unless expressly defined as having such a meaning in this application.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a block diagram illustrating a hybrid electric vehicle in relation to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0039] Reference Figure 1 Hybrid electric vehicles may include an engine 10, a hybrid starter generator (HSG) 20, an engine clutch 30, an electric motor 40, and a transmission 50.

[0040] Engine 10 generates the power (engine torque) required to drive the vehicle by burning fuel (e.g., gasoline, diesel, etc.). Various known engines, such as gasoline engines, diesel engines, etc., can be used as engine 10. Engine 10 controls its output torque (i.e., engine torque) in response to commands from the engine management system (EMS).

[0041] HSG 20 can be mounted on engine 10, and engine 10 is started by turning the crank. HSG 20 can generate electrical energy by operating as a generator while engine 10 is running. The electrical energy generated by HSG 20 can be used to charge battery "B".

[0042] An engine clutch 30 is arranged between the engine 10 and the electric motor 40 to regulate the power (output torque) of the engine 10. The engine clutch 30 can transmit or block the power (engine torque) generated by the engine 10 to the drive wheels by engaging or disengaging it.

[0043] Electric motor 40 receives power from battery "B", generates electricity (motor power), and transmits power to the drive wheels. Electric motor 40 can control its output torque (motor torque) by changing its rotation direction and revolutions per minute (RPM) in response to commands from a motor control unit (MCU). When the battery's state of charge (SOC) is insufficient or during regenerative braking, electric motor 40 can act as a generator to charge battery "B" by generating back electromotive force (regenerative energy). Battery "B", which provides the power required for vehicle operation, is implemented as a high-voltage battery. Battery "B" can be charged by external power. A power converter (not shown) can be arranged between electric motor 40 and battery "B". The power converter (not shown) can convert the voltage output from battery "B" into a motor drive voltage and provide the motor drive voltage. The power converter (not shown) can be implemented as a DC-DC converter, inverter, etc.

[0044] The transmission 50 converts at least one of the electric motor torque and / or engine torque at a gear ratio matched to the gearbox (gear), and outputs the converted torque. The transmission 50 can be implemented as a dual-clutch transmission (DCT). The transmission 50 changes gears in response to commands from the transmission control unit (TCU). The TCU can determine the optimal gear based on information obtained from sensors in the vehicle, such as vehicle speed (i.e., vehicle velocity or wheel speed), accelerator pedal position, engine speed, and / or clutch travel.

[0045] Such hybrid electric vehicles can be plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The driving modes of hybrid electric vehicles can be classified into engine mode (where the vehicle uses only the engine 10), electric mode (EV mode) (where the vehicle uses only the electric motor 40), and hybrid mode (HEV mode, where the vehicle uses both the engine 10 and the electric motor 40).

[0046] In the above embodiments, a configuration in which the engine 10 and the electric motor 40 are connected to each other in a hybrid electric vehicle is described as an example. However, embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to this and can be implemented in a configuration in which the engine 10 and the electric motor 40 are not connected to each other. For example, embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented such that the front wheels are driven by the engine system and the rear wheels are driven by the electric motor system.

[0047] Figure 2This is a block diagram illustrating an apparatus for providing information to a hybrid electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] A hybrid electric vehicle information providing device 100 (hereinafter, the information providing device) can be installed on a hybrid electric vehicle (hereinafter, the vehicle) to provide battery charging recommendation information based on energy injection cost, consumable inspection cycle, and / or energy balance. The information providing device 100 can monitor the vehicle's driving distance, energy injection cost (energy cost), and / or powertrain consumable replacement cycle (inspection cycle). Based on the monitored information, the information providing device 100 can provide vehicle driving distance, battery charging recommendation information for recommending electric mode driving, and / or vehicle management information. Furthermore, the information providing device 100 provides information on the energy cost per unit distance to allow the driver to recognize the advantages and necessity of battery charging. Such an information providing device 100 may include a communication device 110, a detection device 120, a memory 130, a user input device 140, a display device 150, and a processor 160.

[0049] The communication device 110 can support the information providing device 100 in communicating with at least one of the server 200 and / or the user terminal 300. The communication device 110 can also communicate with an electronic control unit (ECU) installed in the vehicle. The communication device 110 can use vehicle communication technologies and / or wireless communication technologies. Controller Area Network (CAN), System Transmission to Media (MOST) network, Local Interconnect Network (LIN), Ethernet, and / or X-by-Wire (Flexray) can be used as vehicle communication technologies. Wireless Internet (e.g., Wi-Fi), short-range communication (e.g., Bluetooth, ZigBee, and infrared communication), and / or mobile communication can be used as wireless communication technologies. A communication processor, communication circuitry, antenna, and / or transceiver can be used as the communication device 110.

[0050] Server 200 may be a vehicle management server for a vehicle manufacturer, a navigation service server, and / or a financial institution server. Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, server 200 may include a communication chip (communication circuitry), a processor, and memory. Server 200 may provide energy injection price information, such as the national average gasoline price and / or charging price, the gasoline price at each gas station, the charging price at each charging station, and / or gasoline and / or charging prices included in the payment history. Server 200 may collect battery charging recommendation information and / or vehicle management information from the information providing device 100 for hybrid electric vehicles and manage the collected information. Server 200 may provide battery charging recommendation information and / or vehicle management information to user terminal 300 through communication with user terminal 300.

[0051] The user terminal 300, as an electronic device capable of wireless and / or wired communication, can be implemented as a portable device such as a smartphone, tablet computer, personal digital assistant (PDA), portable multimedia player (PMP), and / or laptop computer. Although not shown in the accompanying drawings, such a user terminal 300 may include a communication chip (communication circuitry), a user interface device, a processor, and memory. The user terminal 300 can request information from the information providing device 100 or the server 200 using a dedicated application (app), browser, etc., receive provided information from the information providing device 100, and display the received information on a display screen. Furthermore, the user terminal 300 can access a vehicle management server through a dedicated app, browser, etc. The user terminal 300 can receive battery charging recommendation information from the vehicle management server and output battery charging recommendation information. Based on the user's menu selection on the execution screen of the dedicated app, the user terminal 300 can always display battery charging recommendation information on the wallpaper in the form of a widget, etc.

[0052] The detection device 120 can detect (obtain) information such as remaining fuel level and state of charge (SOC). The detection device 120 can measure the remaining fuel level using sensors (measuring devices) installed in the fuel tank. The detection device 120 can identify the state of charge using a battery management system (BMS) and / or sensors. The detection device 120 can measure the driving distance using wheel speed sensors and / or a global positioning system (GPS). The detection device 120 can detect whether the engine is running and / or the electric motor is running from the EMS and / or MCU via the communication device 110.

[0053] The memory 130 may be a non-transitory storage medium that stores instructions executed by the processor 160. The memory 130 may be implemented as at least one of the following storage media (recording media): flash memory, hard disk, secure digital card (SD card), random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory (ROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), electrically erasable and programmable ROM (EEPROM), erasable and programmable ROM (EPROM), register, removable disk, network storage, etc.

[0054] The memory 130 can store information obtained by the detection device 120. The memory 130 can store preset information (e.g., consumable inspection cycle, etc.). The memory 130 can temporarily store data inputs and / or outputs based on the operation of the processor 160. The memory 130 can store option information selected (set) by the user, etc.

[0055] User input device 140 can generate data generated by user operations. For example, user input device 140 can generate data in response to user input indicating whether a battery charging suggestion function is turned on (activated) or off (disabled). User input device 140 can be arranged on the steering wheel, instrument panel, center instrument panel and / or door trim.

[0056] The display device 150 for outputting visual information may include at least one of a liquid crystal display (LCD), a thin-film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) display, a flexible display, a three-dimensional display (3D) display, a transparent display, a head-up display (HUD), a touch screen, and / or a cluster of displays. The display device 150 may include an audio output device, such as a speaker capable of outputting audio data.

[0057] User input device 140 and display device 150 can be collectively referred to as human-computer interaction device (HID).

[0058] Processor 160 can control the overall operation of information providing device 100. Processor 160 can be implemented as at least one of application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), digital signal processor (DSP), programmable logic device (PLD), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), central processing unit (CPU), microcontroller and / or microprocessor.

[0059] Processor 160 can determine whether a specific event occurring in the vehicle meets the operating conditions for the battery charging recommendation function. Operating conditions may include the presence of a vehicle power-on command input, a vehicle power-off command input, or a battery charging recommendation function activation (operation) request. Specific events may be vehicle power-on commands, vehicle power-off commands, or battery charging recommendation function activation requests sent from user input device 140, vehicle remote control (e.g., smart key), and / or user terminal 300.

[0060] Processor 160 can obtain the remaining fuel level and / or battery charging status through detection device 120. Processor 160 can obtain the vehicle's total driving distance, driving distance using the electric motor, and / or driving distance using the engine. Processor 160 can obtain the total driving distance, driving distance using the electric motor, driving distance using the engine, and / or hybrid mode driving distance from a driving distance measuring device (not shown) using communication device 110. The driving distance measuring device can identify the segments in which the engine 10 and / or electric motor 40 operate in association with EMS and / or MCU, and measure the distance traveled by the vehicle in the corresponding segments. Processor 160 can also directly calculate the total driving distance, driving distance using the electric motor, and / or driving distance using the engine in association with EMS and / or MCU without using the driving distance measuring device. In addition, processor 160 can obtain energy injection price information (energy injection price) from server 200 (e.g., vehicle management server and / or financial institution server). Furthermore, processor 160 can obtain energy injection price information in association with a navigation system installed in the vehicle. The navigation system can receive energy injection price information from a navigation service server.

[0061] The processor 160 can calculate the total energy injection cost per unit distance (total energy injection cost), the fuel injection cost per unit distance (fuel injection cost), and / or the charging cost per unit distance (charging cost) based on the obtained information. Furthermore, the processor 160 can output battery charging recommendation information by calculating the recommended number of battery charges, etc., to reduce the total energy injection cost. The recommended number of battery charges is the number of times the battery is fully charged.

[0062] The processor 160 can use [Equation 1] to calculate the fuel injection cost (EDC) per unit distance (e.g., 1 mile, 1 kilometer, etc.).

[0063] [Equation 1]

[0064]

[0065] Here, EA is the remaining fuel at the current time, EB is the gasoline price, EC is the total gasoline cost, and ED is the distance traveled while the engine is running, i.e., the distance traveled using the engine. EB can be the national average gasoline price at the current time provided by the vehicle manufacturer's vehicle management server, the gasoline price included in the gas station information provided by the navigation system (navigation service server), or the gasoline price included in the payment information provided by the financial institution's server. EC can be updated in real time using EA and EB. When determining whether the engine is running (engine running state), because fuel is used, the situation where the electric motor 40 generates electricity through the engine 10 can be determined as the engine running state, and because the fuel is cut off, the situation where regenerative braking is used can be determined as the engine not running state.

[0066] Processor 160 can use [Equation 2] to calculate the charging cost MDC per unit distance.

[0067] [Equation 2]

[0068]

[0069] Here, MA represents the charging state, MB represents the charging price, MC represents the total charging cost at the current time, and MD represents the distance traveled while the vehicle is driven by the electric motor. MB can be calculated using the national average charging price at the current time provided by the vehicle management server, the charging price included in the charging station information provided by the navigation system, or the charging price included in the payment information provided by the financial institution server. MC can be updated in real time using MA and MB. When determining whether the electric motor 40 is in a driving state (electric motor driving state), the situation where the electric motor 40 is driven during regenerative braking can be excluded, and it will not be determined as an electric motor driving state. This is because during regenerative braking, the electrical energy generated by the electric motor 40 charges the battery "B", thus incurring no charging cost.

[0070] Processor 160 can use [Equation 3] to calculate the total energy injection cost per unit distance.

[0071] [Equation 3]

[0072]

[0073] Here, TC, which represents the total energy injection cost at the current time point, is “EC-(EA×EB)+MC-(MA×MB)”.

[0074] Processor 160 can calculate the recommended number of battery charges to reduce total energy injection costs. Processor 160 can identify the EDC reduction percentage previously stored in memory 130. The EDC reduction percentage can be arbitrarily determined by the developer based on market conditions and system development level, or it can be determined based on user options. Processor 160 can determine a target TDC based on the EDC reduction percentage compared to existing EDC. For example, when the EDC reduction percentage is 50%, processor 160 can determine the target TDC as "EDC × 0.5".

[0075] Processor 160 can calculate the recommended number of battery charges to meet the target TDC. Therefore, the target TDC, i.e., the target total energy injected into the cost TDC, can be determined using [Equation 3]. target This is represented as [Equation 4].

[0076] [Equation 4]

[0077]

[0078] Here, x is the additional charging cost, and y is the additional driving distance using the electric motor. Since x is “MDC×y”, when “MDC×y” is substituted into [Equation 4] and the equation is organized relative to y, we can obtain an equation, which can be expressed as [Equation 5].

[0079] [Equation 5]

[0080]

[0081] The processor 160 can then calculate the recommended number of battery charges by dividing the additional driving distance y using the electric motor by the driving range when the battery is fully charged. The processor 160 can calculate the number of battery charging days per week by taking into account the daily driving distance, the driving range when the battery is fully charged, and / or the charging cost.

[0082] The processor 160 can output the calculated total energy injection cost, fuel injection cost, charging cost, and / or recommended number of battery charges on the display device 150. The processor 160 can use the communication device 110 to send the calculated total energy injection cost, fuel injection cost, charging cost, and / or recommended number of battery charges to the server 200 and / or the user terminal 300.

[0083] The processor 160 can output powertrain consumable inspection (replacement) cycles on the display device 150 based on the vehicle's mileage. The processor 160 can display replacement cycles for engine-related consumables (such as engine oil, engine oil filter, spark plugs, air filter, and / or engine belt) based on engine-used mileage. Furthermore, the processor 160 can display replacement cycles for electric motor-related consumables (such as the electric motor, inverter, and / or battery) based on electric motor-used mileage. The processor 160 can also consider consumable replacement cycles when recommending a certain number of battery charges.

[0084] Regarding powertrain consumables management, the processor 160 can calculate the advantages of using the electric motor 40 for driving at the point in time for powertrain consumables replacement and display the calculated information as battery charging recommendations. For example, when the average remaining distance for replacing engine-related consumables EOAB is 10,000 km and the average remaining distance for replacing electric motor-related consumables is 60,000 km, the processor 160 can display "50,000 km advantage in remaining distance" or "3 times advantage at the point of replacement of engine-related consumables (=(EOAB-MMIB) / EOAB×100%×Check electric motor-related consumables / Check engine-related consumables)" in terms of electric motor-related consumables replacement compared to engine-related consumables.

[0085] The processor 160 can provide energy balance information for the engine and electric motor based on the driving distance. Furthermore, the processor 160 can suggest a recommended number of battery charges based on the energy balance information.

[0086] Processor 160 can calculate engine fuel injection energy, electric motor electrical input energy, and total vehicle input energy. In this regard, engine fuel injection energy can be obtained by multiplying the power per unit of fuel by the total fuel injection amount, where electric motor electrical input energy is the total charge amount, and total vehicle input energy is the sum of engine fuel injection energy and electric motor electrical input energy. Processor 160 can calculate the ratio of engine fuel injection energy to total vehicle input energy as the fuel injection balance (EBS). Processor 160 can calculate the ratio of electric motor electrical input energy to total vehicle input energy as the charge balance (MBS). When comparing the fuel injection balance (EBS) and charge balance (MBS) and the fuel injection balance (EBS) is greater than the charge balance (MBS), processor 160 can determine that an additional battery charge equal to "EBS - MBS" is required. Processor 160 can output information suggesting additional battery charge. In one example, when the fuel injection balance (EBS) is less than the charge balance (MBS), processor 160 can determine that the additional battery charge recommendation is unnecessary. For example, when EBS is 51% and MBS is 49%, processor 160 can display a message on the screen of display device 150 indicating that an additional 2% battery charge is needed.

[0087] Processor 160 can reflect predetermined weights (%) to the recommended number of battery charges based on energy injection cost, the recommended number of battery charges based on consumable replacement cycle, and the recommended number of battery charges based on energy balance information, respectively, to calculate an average. Processor 160 can determine the calculated average as the recommended number of battery charges. Processor 160 can display the determined recommended number of battery charges on the screen of display device 150.

[0088] Even while the vehicle is in motion, the processor 160 can always display or not display battery charging recommendation information (e.g., recommended number of battery charges) on the wallpaper of the display device 150. Furthermore, even while the vehicle is in motion, the processor 160 can display battery charging recommendation information in response to a user's request.

[0089] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for providing information for a hybrid electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0090] The processor 160 can determine whether a specific event occurring in the vehicle meets the operating conditions of the battery charging recommendation function (S110). The operating conditions may be the presence of a vehicle power-on command input, a vehicle power-off command input, or a battery charging recommendation function activation (operation) request.

[0091] Processor 160 can obtain driving distance information, fuel information, and / or battery information (S120). Processor 160 can obtain driving distance information, fuel information, and / or battery information through communication device 110 and / or detection device 120. Driving distance information may include the vehicle's total driving distance (distance traveled using at least one of the engine and electric motor), driving distance traveled using the electric motor, and / or driving distance traveled using the engine. Fuel information may include the remaining fuel quantity and / or fuel price. Battery information may include the battery's state of charge and / or charging price. Fuel price and charging price can be collectively referred to as energy injection price.

[0092] The processor 160 can calculate the fuel injection cost per unit distance based on driving distance information and / or fuel information (S130). The processor 160 can use [Equation 1] to calculate the fuel injection cost.

[0093] Processor 160 can calculate the charging cost per unit distance based on driving distance information and / or battery information (S140). Processor 160 can use [Equation 2] to calculate the charging cost.

[0094] The processor 160 can calculate the total energy injection cost per unit distance based on driving distance information, fuel information, and / or battery information (S150). The processor 160 can use [Equation 3] to calculate the total energy injection cost.

[0095] Processor 160 can calculate the recommended number of battery charges based on fuel injection cost, charging cost, and / or total energy injection cost (S160). Processor 160 can calculate the recommended number of battery charges using [Equations 4] and [Equations 5]. Processor 160 can use fuel injection cost to determine the target total energy injection cost TDC. target The processor 160 can calculate the additional distance to be traveled using the electric motor (i.e., the additional distance traveled using the electric motor) to maintain the target total energy injection cost. The processor 160 can use the driving range when the battery is fully charged and the additional driving range using the electric motor to calculate the recommended number of battery charges.

[0096] Processor 160 can output a recommended number of battery charges as battery charging suggestion information (S170). Processor 160 can also display the total energy injection cost, fuel injection cost, and / or charging cost when outputting the battery charging suggestion information. In addition, processor 160 can use communication device 110 to send the battery charging suggestion information to server 200 and / or user terminal 300.

[0097] Figure 4 This is an exemplary view showing a screen displaying battery charging recommendation information based on energy injection cost according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0098] Reference Figure 4 The display device 150 can show the vehicle's total driving distance, driving distance using the engine, driving distance using the electric motor, total energy injection cost, fuel injection cost, charging cost, and recommended number of battery charges. The processor 160 can additionally display the recommended number of battery charges only when the battery charging recommendation function is enabled.

[0099] Figure 5 and Figure 6 This is an exemplary diagram illustrating a screen displaying battery charging recommendation information based on consumable replacement cycles, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0100] The processor 160 can visually display on the display device 150 whether the replacement cycle and / or replacement time point of powertrain consumables has arrived. The processor 160 can visually display the remaining distance of the replacement cycle and replacement time point for engine-related consumables (such as engine oil, air filter, and / or engine belt) based on the driving distance using the engine. Furthermore, the processor 160 can display the remaining distance of the replacement cycle and replacement time point for electric motor-related consumables (such as the electric motor, inverter, battery, etc.) based on the driving distance using the electric motor. Regarding consumable management, the processor 160 can quantify the advantage of consumable replacement time points when using the electric motor via battery charging compared to when using the engine, and can provide quantitative information as battery charging recommendations. The advantage of consumable replacement time points when using the electric motor can be expressed as follows: Figure 5 The driving distance shown, or expressed as... Figure 6 The percentage shown (e.g., 2 times, 200%, etc.).

[0101] Figure 7 This is an exemplary view showing a screen displaying battery charging recommendation information based on energy balance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0102] Reference Figure 7 The processor 160 can display 51% and 49%, which are the percentages of energy balance usage for the engine and electric motor, respectively. When the engine's usage percentage is higher than the electric motor's usage percentage, the processor 160 can provide battery charging recommendations. The processor 160 can calculate and display the additional percentage of battery charge required for energy balance.

[0103] Figure 8 This is an exemplary diagram showing a screen displaying efficiency-based battery charging recommendation information according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0104] The processor 160 can reflect predetermined percentages (weights) to the recommended number of battery charges based on energy injection cost, the recommended number of battery charges based on consumable replacement cycle, and the recommended number of battery charges based on energy balance information, respectively, to calculate an average value, thereby obtaining the recommended number of battery charges. The processor 160 can display the obtained recommended number of battery charges on the screen of the display device 150.

[0105] Figure 9 This is a block diagram illustrating a computing system for performing a method for providing information to a hybrid electric vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0106] Reference Figure 9 The computing system 1000 may include at least one processor 1100, a memory 1300, a user interface input device 1400, a user interface output device 1500, a memory (i.e., storage) 1600, and a network interface 1700 connected via a bus 1200.

[0107] Processor 1100 may be a central processing unit (CPU) or a semiconductor device that performs processing on commands stored in memory 1300 and / or memory 1600. Memory 1300 and memory 1600 may include various types of volatile or non-volatile storage media. For example, memory 1300 may include ROM (Read-Only Memory) 1310 and RAM (Random Access Memory) 1320.

[0108] Therefore, the operation of the methods or algorithms described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be directly embodied in hardware or software modules executed by processor 1100, or in a combination thereof. Software modules can reside on storage media (i.e., memory 1300 and / or memory 1600), such as RAM, flash memory, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, registers, hard disks, removable disks, and CD-ROMs. An exemplary storage medium is coupled to processor 1100, which can read information from and write information to the storage medium. In another approach, the storage medium can be integrated with processor 1100. The processor and storage medium can reside within an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The ASIC can reside within a user terminal. In yet another approach, the processor and storage medium can reside as separate components in the user terminal.

[0109] The above description is merely an illustration of the technical concept of this disclosure, and those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes without departing from the basic characteristics of this disclosure. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are not intended to limit the technical concept of this disclosure, but rather to illustrate it, and the scope of the technical concept of this disclosure is not limited by the embodiments. The scope of this disclosure should be interpreted as being covered by the scope of the appended claims, and all technical concepts falling within the scope of the claims should be interpreted as being included within the scope of this disclosure.

[0110] According to embodiments of this disclosure, battery charging recommendations are provided based on energy injection costs, consumable inspection cycles, and / or energy balance to balance the use of the electric motor and engine in a hybrid electric vehicle, thereby resulting in an increase in electric mode driving range.

[0111] According to embodiments of this disclosure, stable vehicle management, reasonable durability management of powertrain components (consumables), and consumable replacement expenditures are possible, and thus drivers can participate in enhanced regulatory processes to improve environmental issues and fuel efficiency.

[0112] According to embodiments of this disclosure, drivers can formulate a battery charging plan before driving, taking into account battery charging recommendations.

[0113] Although the present disclosure has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments and accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, but can be modified and altered in various ways by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as claimed in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for providing information to a hybrid electric vehicle, the apparatus comprising: Display device; Non-temporary memory; as well as A processor, connected to the display device and the non-transitory memory, wherein the processor is configured to: Obtain the driving distance information, fuel information, and battery information of the hybrid electric vehicle; and Based on the obtained driving distance information, fuel information and battery information of the hybrid electric vehicle, the display device outputs battery charging recommendation information based on at least one of energy injection cost, consumable replacement cycle or energy balance. The processor is configured to display information indicating the need for additional battery charging based on the ratio of engine fuel injection energy and electric motor electrical input energy to the vehicle's total input energy.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured to calculate the fuel injection cost per unit distance using the fuel injection price, remaining fuel quantity, and engine driving distance included in the fuel information.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein, The processor is configured to calculate the charging cost per unit distance using the charging price, battery charging status, and electric motor travel distance included in the battery information.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3, wherein, The processor is configured to calculate the total energy injection cost per unit distance using the total driving distance of the hybrid electric vehicle, the fuel injection cost, and the charging cost.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, The processor is configured to: The target total energy injection cost is determined based on the fuel injection cost. Calculate the additional driving distance of the electric motor used to achieve the target total energy injection cost; as well as The recommended number of battery charges is calculated using the driving range when the battery is fully charged and the additional driving range using the electric motor.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The processor is configured to obtain the national average fuel injection price and the national average charging price from the vehicle management server.

7. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The processor is configured to obtain, in association with the navigation system, the fuel injection price included in the gas station information and the charging price included in the charging station information.

8. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein, The processor is configured to obtain fuel injection prices and charging prices, which are included in the payment history, from a financial institution's server.

9. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured to: The replacement cycle of engine-related consumables is displayed based on the driving distance of the engine. The replacement cycle of motor-related consumables is displayed based on the driving distance using the electric motor; and Regarding the replacement cycle of the engine-related consumables and the replacement cycle of the electric motor-related consumables, the advantages of driving using the electric motor compared to driving using the engine are quantified and shown.

10. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured to: Calculate the first ratio of the engine fuel injection energy to the total input energy of the vehicle; Calculate the second ratio of the electric motor's electrical input energy to the vehicle's total input energy; Compare the first ratio with the second ratio; as well as When the first ratio is greater than the second ratio, information indicating that the additional battery charge is needed is displayed based on the difference between the first ratio and the second ratio.

11. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured to: The predetermined weights are reflected in the number of battery charging recommendations based on energy injection cost, the number of battery charging recommendations based on consumable replacement cycle, and the number of battery charging recommendations based on energy balance information, respectively, to calculate the average value; as well as The calculated average value is displayed as the recommended number of times the battery should be charged.

12. A method for providing information for a hybrid electric vehicle, the method comprising: Obtain information including driving distance, fuel information, and battery information; as well as Using the obtained driving distance information, fuel information and battery information, output battery charging recommendation information based on at least one of energy injection cost, consumable replacement cycle or energy balance; The battery charging recommendation information output includes: displaying information indicating the need for additional battery charging based on the ratio of engine fuel injection energy and electric motor input energy to the vehicle's total input energy.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, Obtaining the information includes: The driving distance using the engine, the driving distance using the electric motor, and the total driving distance are measured using a driving distance measuring device. Obtain the remaining fuel amount of the fuel information and the battery charging status of the battery information; and The fuel injection price and the battery charging price are obtained from the fuel information.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, Obtaining the fuel injection price and the charging price includes obtaining the national average fuel injection price and the national average charging price from the vehicle management server.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein, Obtaining the fuel injection price and the charging price includes: obtaining, in association with the navigation system, the fuel injection price included in the gas station information and the charging price included in the charging station information.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein, Obtaining the fuel injection price and the charging price includes obtaining the fuel injection price and charging price included in the payment history from the financial institution's server.

17. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The battery charging recommendation information output includes: The fuel injection cost per unit distance is calculated using the engine driving distance, the remaining fuel amount, and the fuel injection price. The charging cost per unit distance is calculated using the travel distance of the electric motor, the state of charge of the battery, and the charging price; and The total energy cost per unit distance is calculated using the total driving distance, the fuel injection cost, and the charging cost.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The output of the battery charging recommendation information further includes: The target total energy injection cost is determined based on the fuel injection cost. Calculate the additional driving distance of the electric motor used to achieve the target total energy injection cost; and The recommended number of battery charges is calculated using the driving range when the battery is fully charged and the additional driving range using the electric motor.

19. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The battery charging recommendation information output includes: The replacement cycle of engine-related consumables is displayed based on the driving distance of the engine used; The replacement cycle of motor-related consumables is displayed based on the driving distance of the motor; and The advantages of driving using an electric motor compared to driving using an engine are quantified and shown in terms of the replacement cycles of the engine-related consumables and the replacement cycles of the electric motor-related consumables.

20. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The battery charging recommendation information output includes: Calculate the first ratio of the engine fuel injection energy to the total input energy of the vehicle; Calculate the second ratio of the electric motor's electrical input energy to the vehicle's total input energy; Compare the first ratio with the second ratio; and When the first ratio is greater than the second ratio, information indicating that the additional battery charge is needed is displayed based on the difference between the first ratio and the second ratio.

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