Optical communication in battery pack

Abstract

In a particular embodiment, optical communication in a battery pack is disclosed, comprising: generating sensor data by a module monitoring system of a battery management system; encoding the sensor data into an optical signal by the module monitoring system; sending the sensor data as an optical signal to a data aggregator by the module monitoring system; and decoding the optical signal into sensor data by the data aggregator.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] Electric vehicles are powered by high-voltage battery systems comprising multiple cells. A battery management system (BMS) monitors various cell properties (including voltage, temperature, and current) to ensure proper and safe battery operation. In traditional wired BMS systems, the battery cells are grouped into modules, each with components to monitor these properties. Each of these components is wired to a central controller. Problems arising from this solution include a lack of flexibility in battery pack design, wasted space due to connectors and cables within the battery pack, and increased challenges associated with battery reuse. While wireless technologies can be used to connect battery monitoring components to the central controller, these technologies are vulnerable to interference from other systems or malicious parties, and are also susceptible to cyberattacks. Wireless technologies using optical signals rely on line-of-sight optical communication, which limits and complicates battery pack configuration. Summary of the Invention

[0002] In a battery management system, multiple module monitoring systems can each be configured to monitor various attributes of the battery modules. These attributes can be encoded as battery sensor data. Each module monitoring system can encode the battery sensor data and transmit optical signals embodying that data. Optical signals can be emitted using an omnidirectional (e.g., non-line-of-sight) light emitter, such as an organic light-emitting diode (OLED). A data aggregator can receive the optical signals from the module monitoring systems and transmit the battery sensor data to the vehicle control system.

[0003] By using non-directional optical signals, the module monitoring system can transmit its battery sensor data to the data aggregator without requiring a directional line of sight. Furthermore, the use of optical signals allows for the transmission of battery sensor data without the interference or attack risks found in radio transmissions.

[0004] The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the more detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals generally denote like portions of exemplary embodiments of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0005] Figure 1 This is a block diagram of a system for optical communication in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0006] Figure 2 A block diagram of a module monitoring system for optical communication in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0007] Figure 3 A reference diagram is shown of a data aggregator for optical communication in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0008] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method for optical communication in a battery pack according to the present disclosure;

[0009] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method for optical communication in a battery pack according to the present disclosure;

[0010] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method for optical communication in a battery pack according to the present disclosure;

[0011] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method for optical communication in a battery pack according to the present disclosure; and

[0012] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method for optical communication in a battery pack according to the present disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0013] The terminology used herein for the purpose of describing specific examples is not intended to limit further examples. Whenever the singular forms such as “a,” “an,” and “the” are used and the use of only a single element is neither explicitly nor implicitly defined as mandatory, further examples may also use multiple elements to achieve the same functionality. Similarly, when a function is subsequently described as being implemented using multiple elements, further examples may use a single element or a processing entity to achieve the same functionality. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and / or “including” specify, when used, the stated feature, integer, step, operation, process, action, element, and / or component, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, processes, actions, elements, components, and / or any group thereof.

[0014] It should be understood that when one element is referred to as "connected" or "coupled" to another element, these elements can be directly connected or coupled, or connected or coupled through one or more intermediate elements. If two elements A and B are combined using "or," this should be understood as disclosing all possible combinations, i.e., only A, only B, and A and B. An alternative wording for the same combination is "at least one of A and B." The same applies to combinations of more than two elements.

[0015] Therefore, while further examples can have various modifications and alternative forms, some specific examples are shown in the figures and will be described in detail thereafter. However, this detailed description does not limit the further examples to the specific forms described. Further examples can cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of this disclosure. The same designations throughout the description refer to the same or similar elements that can be implemented identically or in modified form when compared with each other, while providing the same or similar functionality.

[0016] from Figure 1 The present disclosure begins with an illustration of an exemplary method, system, apparatus, and computer program product for optical communication in a battery pack, with reference to the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a system for optical communication in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The system includes a battery (102), such as a high-voltage battery for an electric vehicle. The battery (102) includes a plurality of cells (104a-104n), such as lithium-ion (Li-ion) cells. The cells (104a-104n) are grouped into modules (106a-106n) such that each module (106a-106n) includes a subset of the corresponding cells (104a-104n). The cells (104a-104n) can be physically grouped into modules (106a-106n) using a housing, chassis, or other enclosure. As described below, the cells (104a-104n) can also be logically grouped into multiple modules (106a-106n) by groups of different cells (104a-104n) monitored by different module monitoring systems (108a-108n).

[0017] The system also includes multiple module monitoring systems (MMS) (108a-108n). Each MMS (108a-108n) is configured to monitor a corresponding module (106a-106n) of a unit (104a-104n). For example, each module (106a-106n) may have an MMS (108a-108n) attached to a chassis, base, tray, or other mechanism that holds the unit (104a-104n) of the module (106a-106n). Each MMS (108a-108n) includes sensors to measure various properties of the unit (104a-104n) of its corresponding module (106a-106n). Such properties may include voltage, current, temperature, and potentially other properties. The properties are indicated in the battery sensor data generated by the MMS (108a-108n).

[0018] Each MMS (108a-108n) encodes its battery sensor data for transmission as an optical signal and transmits this data as an optical signal to the data aggregator (114). For example, each MMS (108a-108n) includes an optical emitter such as an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED). The battery sensor data can be encoded into an optical signal transmitted by causing the OLED to blink or turn off. The optical receiver of the data aggregator (114) (e.g., a light-dependent resistor (LDR) or photodiode) can then receive the optical signal and convert it into data. The OLED can be configured to blink or emit light in a non-directional manner, such that the optical signal is not focused on a focal point (e.g., not focused on the photodiode or optical receiver). The optical signal can be reflected by components in the battery (102) group without a directional line of sight and received by the optical receiver of the data aggregator (114). Since the reflectivity of the conventional battery components (102) may be sufficient to reflect the optical signals between each MMS (108a-108n) and the data aggregator (114), additional reflective coatings or surfaces may not be necessary, thus allowing the use of standard battery (102) components. Additional reflective coatings or surfaces can be added to components within the battery (102) assembly to improve illumination and optical signal delivery. The data aggregator (114) can then provide the battery sensor data to the vehicle control system (112).

[0019] By using optical signals to transmit battery sensor data from the MMS (108a-108n) to the data aggregator (114), battery sensor data transmission is protected from radio interference, malicious attacks, or other defects in radio-based wireless battery management systems. Furthermore, because the MMS (108a-108n) uses non-directional (e.g., non-focused) optical transmission to send optical signals, the MMS (108a-108n) does not require a directional line of sight for the data aggregator (114), thereby increasing the flexibility of battery pack design configuration.

[0020] The optical communication path between the MMS (108a-108n) and the data aggregator (114) can correspond to an auxiliary or alternative communication path. For example, the MMS (108a-108n) and the data aggregator (114) can be coupled using a radio connection for transmitting sensor data. The MMS (108a-108n) can be configured to transmit sensor data using the optical communication path in response to detected interference, packet loss, data corruption, or other problems related to the radio connection.

[0021] To further explain, Figure 2A module monitoring system (MMS) for optical communication in a battery pack (200) according to embodiments of the present disclosure is described (e.g., Figure 1 A block diagram of the module monitoring system (108a-108n) is provided. The MMS (200) includes a controller (201) coupled to a memory (203). The controller (201) is configured to acquire sensor readings from sensors (205) (e.g., voltage sensors, temperature sensors, current sensors) to generate battery sensor data (211). The controller (201) may include or implement a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a programmable logic array (PLA) (e.g., a field-programmable gate array (FPGA)), or other data computing unit according to this disclosure. The battery sensor data (211) may be stored in the memory (203). The memory (203) may be a non-volatile memory, such as flash memory.

[0022] The module monitoring system (200) includes an optical transmitter (207) configured to broadcast light within the battery pack. For example, the optical transmitter (207) may include a light-emitting diode (LED), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), etc. Therefore, the controller (201) can encode sensor data (211) into an optical signal for transmission via the optical transmitter (207). For example, illumination status (e.g., on or off), illumination duration, extinction duration, illumination / extinction frequency, or other factors can be used to encode the sensor data (211) into an optical signal. The optical transmitter (207) can be configured to emit light as unfocused or undirected light, allowing the optical receiver of the data aggregator (114) to detect the emitted light without a line of sight. For example, the optical signal can be emitted from the optical transmitter (207) within the battery housing via reflection from various components of the battery housing (e.g., modules, cells, inner casing). The optical emitter (207) can be configured to emit light in the blue or green portion of the spectrum, since blue or green light is less susceptible to interference from heat within the battery pack.

[0023] To synchronize optical transmission and reception between module monitoring systems (200), each module monitoring system (200) may include a radio transceiver (209) and / or an optical receiver (213). For example, to transmit sensor data (211) as an optical signal, a module monitoring system (200) may transmit a radio signal to another module monitoring system (200) via the radio transceiver (209) and / or transmit an optical signal indicating that battery sensor data (211) is about to be transmitted for reception by the optical receiver (213) of the other module monitoring system (200). In response to receiving a signal indicating that battery signal data is about to be transmitted from another module monitoring system (200), the receiving module monitoring system (200) may suspend the transmission of the optical signal until it is determined that the transmission of the battery sensor data is complete (e.g., via an optical or radio signal from the transmitting MMS (200)). The module monitoring systems (200) may also communicate with each other (e.g., via the radio transceiver) to determine time windows or other time-sharing schemes to prevent overlapping optical signal transmissions via the MMS (200).

[0024] To further explain, Figure 3 A data aggregator (300) for optical communication in a battery pack according to embodiments of the present disclosure is described (e.g., Figure 1 A block diagram of a data aggregator (114). The data aggregator (300) includes a controller (301) coupled to a memory (303). The controller (301) is configured to receive optical signals encoding sensor data (211) from multiple MMSs (200) via an optical receiver (305). The optical receiver (305) may include a photoresistor (LDR), a photodiode, a phototransistor, or other light-responsive components. For example, the controller (301) may monitor voltage changes caused by the LDR being exposed to light from an optical emitter (207) of an MMS (200). As another example, a phototransistor may be used in the optical receiver (305) to increase the data rate compared to a photoresistor. The optical signals received by the optical receiver (305) may be received from the optical emitter (207) without needing to look towards the optical receiver (305). The controller (301) may then generate sensor data (211) based on the optical signals.

[0025] The data aggregator (300) may also include an optical transmitter (307) configured to broadcast light within the battery pack. For example, the optical transmitter (307) may include a light-emitting diode (LED), an organic light-emitting diode (OLED), etc. The optical transmitter (307) may be configured to emit light in a non-focused or non-directional manner, such that the optical receivers (213) of one or more module monitoring systems (200) can detect the emitted light without a line of sight. For example, the data aggregator (300) may communicate with one or more module monitoring systems (200) using optical signals to synchronize the transmission of sensor data (211) by the module monitoring systems (200) (e.g., establishing a transmission sequence for each MMS (200), establishing a transmission time window for each MMS (200), etc.). Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such synchronization can also be performed using other transmission media with other transmitters / receivers / transceivers (e.g., radio communication, wired communication, WiFi communication, etc.).

[0026] The controller (301) may include or implement a microcontroller, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital signal processor (DSP), a programmable logic array (PLA) (e.g., a field-programmable gate array (FPGA)), or other data computing unit according to this disclosure. Battery sensor data (211) may be stored in memory (303). Memory (303) may be non-volatile memory, such as flash memory. The controller (301) is also configured to transmit data to a vehicle control system (e.g., via a Verilog Compiled Simulator (VCS) interface (313). Figure 1 The VCS (112) provides sensor data. The VCS interface (313) may include a bus or other wired connection to the VCS (112).

[0027] To further explain, Figure 4 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for optical communication in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided, the method comprising: generating (402) sensor data (211) by a module monitoring system (200) of a battery management system. The sensor data (211) indicates the module (e.g., battery of an electric vehicle) of the battery (e.g., ...). Figure 1 The module (106a-106n) contains one or more attributes of one or more units (104a-104n). One or more attributes may include current, temperature, voltage, or other properties. For example, the MMS (200) may use one or more sensors (205) to measure one or more attributes and use a controller (201) to encode the measured values ​​as battery sensor data.

[0028] Figure 4 The method also includes encoding (404) sensor data (211) into optical signals by a module monitoring system (200) (e.g., by a controller (201)). For example, sensor data (211) can be encoded using changes in illumination frequency, illumination duration, illumination intensity, or other light properties. Figure 4 The method also includes the MMS (200) transmitting sensor data (211) as an optical signal (406) to the data aggregator (300). For example, the controller (201) of the MMS (200) can illuminate or extinguish (e.g., turn on or off) the optical transmitter (207) of the MMS (200) according to a code (404). The optical signal (406) can be transmitted by transmitting an unfocused or non-directional light signal that is reflected by components within the battery housing (e.g., case, chassis, etc.). These components can be off-the-shelf or conventional components that do not require additional reflective coatings. These components may also have reflective coatings or housings to improve light reflection within the battery housing. By using non-directional light and light reflection, the MMS (200) does not need to have a directional line of sight to the receiving data aggregator (300).

[0029] Figure 4 The method also includes decoding (408) the optical signal into sensor data (211) by a data aggregator. For example, an optical receiver (305) can detect changes in light within the battery casing caused by the transmission (406) of the optical signal. The optical receiver (305) may include a photoresistor (LDR), a photodiode, a phototransistor, or other light-responsive components. A controller (301) can monitor voltage or other changes caused by the optical receiver (305) being exposed to light from the optical emitter (207) of the MMS (200). The controller can decode (408) the optical signal by converting the monitored changes into sensor data (211) according to an encoding scheme used to encode the sensor data (211). After decoding (408) the sensor data (211), the data aggregator (300) can perform various actions on the sensor data (211). For example, the data aggregator (300) can verify or validate the sensor data (211) based on integrity data associated with it. As another example, the data aggregator (300) can provide sensor data (211) to the vehicle control system via the VCS interface (313).

[0030] To further explain, Figure 5A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for optical communication in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided, the method comprising: generating (402) sensor data (211) by a module monitoring system (200) of a battery management system; encoding (404) the sensor data (211) into an optical signal by the module monitoring system (200) (e.g., by a controller (201)); transmitting (406) the sensor data (211) as an optical signal to a data aggregator (300) by the MMS (200); and decoding (408) the optical signal back into sensor data (211) by the data aggregator.

[0031] Figure 5 Methods and Figure 4 The difference lies in the fact that the MMS (200) transmits sensor data (211) as an optical signal (406) to the data aggregator (300), including the output (502) of an unfocused optical signal from the MMS (200). The optical signal output by the MMS (200) is unfocused because it does not use a line of sight directed to the data aggregator (300). Although the MMS (200) may or may not have a directional line of sight to the data aggregator (300), a line of sight is not required. For example, the MMS (200) can output the optical signal by reflecting the optical signal away from one or more surfaces within the battery pack (e.g., the liner or wall, housing or shell, etc. of the cell or battery module). The output (502) unfocused optical signal may include modulation of the optical emitter (207) based on the sensor data (211). For example, the illumination state (e.g., on or off), illumination duration, extinction duration, illumination / extinction frequency, or other factors of the optical emitter can be modulated to emit the unfocused optical signal.

[0032] To further explain, Figure 6 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for optical communication in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided, the method comprising: generating (402) sensor data (211) by a module monitoring system (200) of a battery management system; encoding (404) the sensor data (211) into an optical signal by the module monitoring system (200) (e.g., by a controller (201)); transmitting (406) the sensor data (211) as an optical signal to a data aggregator (300) by the MMS (200); and decoding (408) the optical signal into sensor data (211) by the data aggregator (300).

[0033] Figure 6 Methods and Figure 4 The difference is: Figure 6The method further includes: the module monitoring system (200) determining (602) to transmit sensor data (211) as an optical signal in response to an error associated with another communication path. For example, the module monitoring system (200) may be coupled to the data aggregator (300) using another communication path, such as a wired communication path or a wireless (e.g., WiFi, radio) communication path. The MMS (200) may default to or otherwise select another communication path for sending sensor data (211) to the data aggregator (300). The data aggregator (300) may indicate to the MMS (200) that an error has occurred in the transmission of sensor data (211) via the other communication path. For example, the data aggregator (300) may use error detection codes, hashes, parity bits, etc., to determine that sensor data (211) transmitted via the other communication path has been corrupted. As another example, the data aggregator (300) may determine that a data packet or a datagram of sensor data (211) has been lost in transmission (e.g., using a sequence number, etc.). As a further example, the data aggregator can determine that other communication paths have been compromised or attacked by a malicious party due to data verification failure or detected wireless interference. In response to an indication of an error occurring from the data aggregator (300), the MMS (200) can alternatively transmit the sensor data (211) as an optical signal (e.g., using an optical communication path).

[0034] To further explain, Figure 7 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for optical communication in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided, the method comprising: generating (402) sensor data (211) by a module monitoring system (200) of a battery management system; encoding (404) the sensor data (211) into an optical signal by the module monitoring system (200) (e.g., by a controller (201)); transmitting the sensor data (211) as an optical signal to a data aggregator (300) by the MMS (200); and decoding (408) the optical signal into sensor data (211) by the data aggregator (300).

[0035] Figure 7 Methods and Figure 4The difference lies in the fact that the optical signal is decoded (408) into sensor data (211) by the data aggregator (300), including the determination (702) of a voltage change pattern (305) associated with the optical receiver by the data aggregator (300). The optical receiver (305) may include a photoresistor (LDR), a photodiode, a phototransistor, or other light-responsive components that experience a change in resistance when exposed to light. Therefore, the resistance of the optical receiver (305) changes when exposed to the optical signal encoding the sensor data (211), thereby causing a voltage change in the circuitry including the optical receiver (305). The voltage change pattern corresponds to the light modulation pattern of the optical signal encoding the sensor data (211).

[0036] Decoding the optical signal into sensor data (211) by the data aggregator (300) further includes generating (704) sensor data (211) based on a voltage change pattern. For example, the controller (301) of the data aggregator (300) generates sensor data based on the detected voltage change pattern according to an encoding scheme used to convert the sensor data into an optical signal. The generated (704) sensor data (211) can be stored in a memory (303).

[0037] To further explain, Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating an exemplary method for optical communication in a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is provided, the method comprising: generating (402) sensor data (211) by a module monitoring system (200) of a battery management system; encoding (404) the sensor data (211) into an optical signal by the module monitoring system (200) (e.g., by a controller (201)); transmitting the sensor data (211) as an optical signal to a data aggregator (300) by the MMS (200); and decoding (408) the optical signal into sensor data (211) by the data aggregator (300).

[0038] Figure 8 Methods and Figure 4 The difference is: Figure 8 The method also includes: transmitting (802) sensor data (211) to a vehicle control system (e.g., by a data aggregator (300)). Figure 1 The VCS (112) can be used as an example. For instance, the controller (301) can access sensor data (211) from the memory (303). The controller (301) can then send the sensor data (211) to the VCS (112) via the VCS interface (313). The VCS interface (313) may include a bus or other wired connection to the VCS (112).

[0039] In view of the foregoing explanation, the reader will recognize that the benefits of optical communication in a battery pack according to embodiments of this disclosure include, but are not limited to:

[0040] • Improved space utilization and configuration of batteries compared to wired battery management systems.

[0041] • Improved protection against data corruption, interference, and attacks compared to other wireless battery management systems.

[0042] • Compared to optical battery management systems that require line-of-sight optical transmission, the improved battery pack configuration offers greater flexibility and reduced complexity.

[0043] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described primarily within the context of a full-featured computer system for optical communication in a battery pack. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can also be embodied in a computer program product disposed on a computer-readable storage medium for use with any suitable data processing system. Such a computer-readable storage medium can be any storage medium for machine-readable information, including magnetic media, optical media, or other suitable media. Examples of such media include disks in hard disk drives or floppy disks, optical disks for optical drives, magnetic tapes, and other media that will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that any computer system with suitable programming means will be able to perform the steps of the methods of the invention embodied in the computer program product. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that while some exemplary embodiments described herein are oriented toward software installed and executed on computer hardware, alternative embodiments as firmware or as hardware implementations are also within the scope of the invention.

[0044] This invention can be a system, apparatus, method, and / or computer program product. A computer program product may include a computer-readable storage medium (or medium) having computer-readable program instructions thereon to cause a processor to execute aspects of the invention.

[0045] Computer-readable storage media can be tangible devices capable of retaining and storing instructions for use by an instruction execution device. Computer-readable storage media can be, for example, but not limited to, electronic storage devices, magnetic storage devices, optical storage devices, electromagnetic storage devices, semiconductor storage devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-enumerated list of more specific examples of computer-readable storage media includes the following: portable computer floppy disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) or flash memory, static random access memory (SRAM), compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (DVD), memory sticks, floppy disks, mechanical encoding devices (e.g., punched cards or raised structures in recesses where instructions are recorded), and any suitable combination of the foregoing. As used herein, a computer-readable storage medium should not be construed as a transient signal, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through waveguides or other transmission media (e.g., light pulses through optical fibers), or electrical signals transmitted through wires.

[0046] The computer-readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to a corresponding computing / processing device, or downloaded via a network to an external computer or external storage device, such as the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and / or a wireless network. The network may include copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives and forwards the computer-readable program instructions from the network to a computer-readable storage medium within the corresponding computing / processing device.

[0047] Computer-readable program instructions for performing the operations of this invention may be assembler instructions, instruction-set-architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state setting data, or source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​(e.g., Smalltalk, C++, etc.) and traditional procedural programming languages ​​(e.g., the "C" programming language or similar programming languages). The computer-readable program instructions may be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as part of a standalone software package on the user's computer, and partially or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter case, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer via any type of network (including local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN)) or may be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet through an Internet service provider). In some embodiments, electronic circuitry including, for example, programmable logic circuitry, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or programmable logic arrays (PLAs) may execute a computer-readable program using state information from the computer-readable program instructions of the individual electronic circuitry to perform aspects of this invention.

[0048] This document describes aspects of the invention with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It should be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0049] These computer-readable program instructions may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to generate a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions / actions specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram boxes or blocks. These computer-readable program instructions may also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can instruct a computer, programmable data processing apparatus, and / or other equipment to operate in a particular manner, such that the computer-readable storage medium having the instructions stored therein comprises an article of manufacture, the article of manufacture comprising instructions for implementing aspects of the functions / actions specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram boxes or blocks.

[0050] Computer-readable program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus or other device to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device to generate a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions executed on the computer, other programmable apparatus or other device implement the functions / actions specified in the flowchart and / or block diagram boxes or blocks.

[0051] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each box in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, including one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the boxes may not appear in the order indicated in the figures. For example, two boxes shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially simultaneously, or sometimes multiple boxes may be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It will also be noted that each box in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of multiple boxes in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, may be implemented by a system based on dedicated hardware that performs the specified function or action, or a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0052] The advantages and features of this disclosure can be further described by the following statements:

[0053] 1. A method for optical communication in a battery pack, the method comprising: generating sensor data by a module monitoring system of a battery management system; encoding the sensor data into an optical signal by the module monitoring system; sending the sensor data as an optical signal to a data aggregator by the module monitoring system; and decoding the optical signal into sensor data by the data aggregator.

[0054] 2. The method according to statement 1, wherein the module monitoring system is included in a plurality of module monitoring systems, and the data aggregator is configured to receive optical signals from the plurality of module monitoring systems.

[0055] 3. The method according to statement 1 or 2, wherein transmitting sensor data as an optical signal includes: outputting an unfocused optical signal.

[0056] 4. The method according to any one of statements 1-3, wherein the source of the unfocused optical signal is outside the line of sight of the optical receiver of the data aggregator.

[0057] 5. The method according to any one of statements 1-4, wherein outputting an unfocused optical signal comprises: reflecting the unfocused optical signal from one or more surfaces to a data aggregator.

[0058] 6. The method according to any one of statements 1-5, further comprising: in response to an error associated with another communication path, determining to transmit sensor data as an optical signal.

[0059] 7. The method according to any one of statements 1-6, wherein decoding the optical signal into sensor data comprises: monitoring voltage change patterns associated with the optical receiver by a data aggregator; and generating sensor data based on the voltage change patterns.

[0060] 8. The method according to any one of statements 1-7 further includes: transmitting sensor data to the vehicle control system by a data aggregator.

[0061] 9. The method according to any one of statements 1-8, wherein the data aggregator comprises one or more of a photoresistor (LDR), a photodiode, or a phototransistor.

[0062] 10. The method according to any one of statements 1-9, wherein the module monitoring system includes an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) configured to output an optical signal in one or more forms of the blue portion or the green portion of the spectrum.

[0063] 11. A battery management system for optical communication in a battery pack, comprising: a data aggregator; and a module monitoring system configured to: generate sensor data; encode the sensor data into optical signals; send the sensor data as optical signals to the data aggregator; and the data aggregator configured to decode the optical signals into sensor data.

[0064] 12. The battery management system according to statement 11, wherein a module monitoring system is included in a plurality of module monitoring systems, and a data aggregator is configured to receive optical signals from the plurality of module monitoring systems.

[0065] 13. The battery management system according to statement 11 or 12, wherein transmitting sensor data as an optical signal includes: outputting an unfocused optical signal.

[0066] 14. The battery management system according to any one of statements 11-13, wherein outputting an unfocused optical signal comprises: reflecting the unfocused optical signal from one or more surfaces to a data aggregator.

[0067] 15. The battery management system according to any one of statements 11-14, wherein the source of the unfocused optical signal is outside the line of sight of the optical receiver of the data aggregator.

[0068] 16. The battery management system according to any one of statements 11-15, wherein the module monitoring system is further configured to determine, in response to an error associated with another communication path, to transmit sensor data as an optical signal.

[0069] 17. The battery management system according to any one of statements 11-16, wherein decoding the optical signal into sensor data includes: monitoring voltage change patterns associated with the optical receiver by a data aggregator; and generating sensor data based on the voltage change patterns.

[0070] 18. The battery management system according to any one of statements 11-17, wherein the data aggregator is further configured to transmit sensor data to the vehicle control system.

[0071] 19. The battery management system according to any one of statements 11-18, wherein the data aggregator comprises one or more of a photoresistor (LDR), a photodiode, or a phototransistor.

[0072] 20. The battery management system according to any one of statements 11-19, wherein the module monitoring system comprises: an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) configured to output an optical signal in one or more forms of the blue portion or the green portion of the spectrum.

[0073] One or more embodiments may be described herein by way of method steps illustrating the execution of specific functions and their relationships. For ease of description, the boundaries and sequences of these functional building blocks and method steps have been arbitrarily defined herein. Alternative boundaries and sequences may be defined as long as the specified functions and relationships are properly performed. Any such alternative boundaries or sequences are therefore within the scope and spirit of the claims. Furthermore, for ease of description, the boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined. Alternative boundaries may be defined as long as certain important functions are properly performed. Similarly, flowchart blocks may also be arbitrarily defined herein to illustrate certain important functions.

[0074] For the purposes of use, flowchart block boundaries and sequences may be defined in other ways and still perform certain important functions. Such alternative definitions of functional building blocks and flowchart blocks and sequences are therefore within the scope and spirit of the claims. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the functional building blocks and other illustrative blocks, modules, and components herein may be implemented as described or by discrete components, application-specific integrated circuits, processors executing appropriate software, etc., or any combination thereof.

[0075] While specific combinations of various functions and features of one or more implementations are explicitly described herein, other combinations of these features and functions are equally possible. This disclosure is not limited to the specific examples disclosed herein and explicitly incorporates these other combinations.

[0076] As can be understood from the foregoing description, various modifications and changes can be made to the embodiments of this disclosure without departing from the true spirit of this disclosure. The descriptions in this specification are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. The scope of this disclosure is limited only by the language of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method of optical communication in a battery pack, the method comprising: generating, by a module monitoring system of a battery management system, sensor data indicative of one or more attributes of one or more cells of a module; sending, by the module monitoring system, the sensor data to a data aggregator via a first communication path between the data aggregator and the module monitoring system, wherein the first communication path is one of a radio frequency (RF) communication path and a wired communication path; identifying, by the module monitoring system, an indication that a communication error has occurred in the first communication path; in response to identifying the indication that a communication error has occurred in the first communication path, sending, by the module monitoring system, the sensor data encoded in an unfocused optical signal via a second communication path to the data aggregator, wherein the second communication path is an optical communication path; and decoding, by the data aggregator, the unfocused optical signal into the sensor data.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, the module monitoring system is included in a plurality of module monitoring systems, and the data aggregator is configured to receive optical signals from the plurality of module monitoring systems.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, a source of the unfocused optical signal is out of line of sight of an optical receiver of the data aggregator.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein, outputting the unfocused optical signal includes reflecting the unfocused optical signal from one or more surfaces to the data aggregator.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein, decoding the unfocused optical signal into the sensor data includes: monitoring, by the data aggregator, a voltage variation pattern associated with the optical receiver; and generating the sensor data based on the voltage variation pattern.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: sending, by the data aggregator, the sensor data to a vehicle control system.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein, the data aggregator includes one or more of a light-dependent resistor (LDR), a photodiode, or a phototransistor.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein, the module monitoring system includes an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) configured to output the unfocused optical signal in one or more of a blue portion of a light spectrum or a green portion of a light spectrum.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein, identifying that an error has occurred in the first communication path includes identifying whether the first communication path is compromised or under attack.

10. A battery management system for optical communication in a battery pack, comprising: a data aggregator; and a module monitoring system configured to: generate sensor data indicative of one or more attributes of one or more cells of a module; send the sensor data to the data aggregator via a first communication path between the data aggregator and the module monitoring system, wherein the first communication path is one of a radio frequency (RF) communication path and a wired communication path; identify, by the module monitoring system, an indication that a communication error has occurred in the first communication path; in response to identifying the indication that a communication error has occurred in the first communication path, send the sensor data encoded in an unfocused optical signal via a second communication path to the data aggregator, wherein the second communication path is an optical communication path; and ​ The data aggregator is configured to decode the unfocused optical signal into the sensor data.

11. The battery management system of claim 10, wherein, The module monitoring system is included in a plurality of module monitoring systems, and the data aggregator is configured to receive optical signals from the plurality of module monitoring systems.

12. The battery management system of claim 10, wherein, Outputting the unfocused optical signal includes reflecting the unfocused optical signal from one or more surfaces to the data aggregator.

13. The battery management system of claim 10, wherein, The source of the unfocused optical signal is out of line of sight of an optical receiver of the data aggregator.

14. The battery management system of claim 10, wherein, Decoding the unfocused optical signal into the sensor data includes: Monitoring, by the data aggregator, a voltage variation pattern associated with the optical receiver; and Generating the sensor data based on the voltage variation pattern.

15. The battery management system of claim 10, wherein, The data aggregator is further configured to send the sensor data to a vehicle control system.

16. The battery management system of claim 10, wherein, The data aggregator includes one or more of a light-dependent resistor (LDR), a photodiode, or a phototransistor.

17. The battery management system of claim 10, wherein, The module monitoring system includes an organic light-emitting diode (OLED) configured to output the unfocused optical signal in one or more of a blue portion of the light spectrum or a green portion of the light spectrum.

18. The battery management system of claim 10, wherein, Identifying that an error has occurred in the first communication path includes identifying whether the first communication path is broken or under attack.

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