Monitoring system for a vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a monitoring system for a vehicle, a vehicle comprising such a monitoring system, a method for monitoring such a vehicle, and a computer program element for monitoring such a vehicle. The monitoring system comprises a display unit, an adjustment tool, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to generate an energy flow diagram illustrating an energy flow from an energy storage system to at least one subsystem of the vehicle. The display unit is configured to display the energy flow diagram to graphically emphasize the at least one subsystem and to display a current energy consumption of the subsystem. The control unit is further configured to adjust the energy consumption of the subsystem based on an input to the adjustment tool.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a monitoring system for a vehicle, a vehicle including such a monitoring system, a method for monitoring such a vehicle, and computer program elements for monitoring such a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Today, many advanced features and hidden systems are integrated into vehicles to facilitate their operation. These features and systems are powered by battery systems located within the vehicle and are generally controlled automatically. Therefore, in some situations, it is difficult for users to manually control or even disable individual features or systems. In particular, if it is necessary to optimize the vehicle's energy consumption, users need reliable information about the energy flow within the vehicle to minimize unnecessary energy consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, it may be necessary to provide an improved monitoring system that offers reliable information about the current energy consumption in the vehicle.

[0004] This problem is addressed by the subject matter of the independent claims of this disclosure, wherein further embodiments are included in the dependent claims. It should be noted that the aspects of this disclosure described below are applicable to monitoring systems for vehicles, vehicles including such monitoring systems, methods for monitoring such vehicles, and computer program elements for monitoring such vehicles.

[0005] According to this disclosure, a monitoring system for a vehicle is proposed. The monitoring system includes a display unit, an adjustment tool, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to generate an energy flow diagram showing the energy flow from an energy storage system to at least one subsystem of the vehicle. The display unit is configured to display the energy flow diagram, graphically highlighting at least one subsystem on the diagram, and displaying the current energy consumption of the subsystem. The control unit is also configured to adjust the energy consumption of the subsystem based on user input to the adjustment tool.

[0006] The monitoring system disclosed herein provides users with an interactive energy flow diagram. The monitoring system can be integrated into a user interface system such as an infotainment system. Users can receive not only an overview but also detailed information about energy consumption in the vehicle. Specifically, the monitoring system allows for a graphical representation of current energy consumption, showing how the vehicle's total energy is distributed and / or consumed across its subsystems. Based on this information, users can manually and individually select subsystems and adjust their energy consumption to minimize unnecessary energy expenditure, thereby utilizing energy effectively.

[0007] The display unit can be configured to visualize image data received from the control unit. The display unit can be positioned within the driver's field of vision for easy access. It can be integrated into the central instrument cluster display (SCD), driver information module (DIM), and / or infotainment head unit (IHU). The display unit can also be configured to visualize any applications such as vehicle information, entertainment programs, navigation assistance, and / or user settings. A graphical user interface (GUI) can be embedded within the display unit to enable user interaction via the display unit.

[0008] The control unit can be an electronic control unit, and it can be connected to various systems and / or sensors of the vehicle. The control unit can be configured to continuously collect information about the current state of the vehicle, particularly the current amount of energy available in the energy storage system and the vehicle's current energy consumption. The energy storage system can be a battery system that provides electrical energy to the various subsystems of the vehicle to operate them. The amount of energy in the energy storage system can be correlated with the charging / discharging data of the battery system.

[0009] The vehicle's current energy consumption can be broken down into the current energy consumption of each subsystem of the vehicle. Each subsystem can be further subdivided into individual devices and / or components, and its current energy consumption can be collected by the control unit. Current energy consumption can be based on electrical energy, but can also be based on mechanical work, thermal energy, and / or mass transfers consumed, generated, and / or occurring during the application of the vehicle subsystem. Subsystems can be, for example, cabin heating and cooling systems, battery heating and cooling systems, defogging systems, stereo systems, lighting systems, propulsion systems, braking systems, etc.

[0010] The control unit can also be configured to process information about the vehicle's current state and generate image data based on the energy flow from the energy storage system to one or more subsystems of the vehicle to create an energy flow map. The display unit can receive the image data and display the energy flow map. The energy flow map can be implemented as an infotainment application (app), which the user can select or launch via a communication system.

[0011] In one embodiment, the monitoring system may be connected to a communication system. The communication system may be configured to receive user input in response to vehicle requests and / or demands. The communication system may be integrated into a display unit in a GUI manner and / or arranged as buttons, (rotary) knobs, and / or touchpads in the vehicle's center console. Additionally or alternatively, the communication system may also be integrated into the vehicle's infotainment system, enabling voice input and / or gesture input. Users may be able to change the images on the display unit by using the communication system.

[0012] Furthermore, users can provide input via the adjustment tool to adjust the energy consumption of a subsystem. For example, if a user believes that the energy consumption of a particular subsystem is unnecessarily high, as shown in the display unit, the user can reduce its energy consumption or even disable the subsystem to reduce any energy loss. User input can be a change to at least one parameter that results in energy consumption. For example, if the energy flow graph shows that the battery cooling system is consuming too much energy, the user can use the adjustment tool to change the cooling temperature, cooling time, and / or number of cooling cycles. Additionally, users can disable one or more subsystems via the adjustment tool. The adjustment tool can utilize the vehicle's communication tools, and its functionality can be implemented within the infotainment application of the energy flow graph.

[0013] Therefore, users can easily obtain an overview of the flow of energy within the vehicle, from the energy storage system to the subsystems, and optimize energy consumption based on the vehicle's current state.

[0014] In one embodiment, the display unit is configured to display the energy flow diagram in a flowchart format. The energy flow diagram can be displayed in a simplified diagram, such as a hierarchical flowchart, process flowchart, or Sankey diagram. Such a diagram may include a tree-like and / or decomposed structure with several internal branches (or nodes) to subdivide the energy flow from the energy storage system to the vehicle's subsystems and from the subsystems to the corresponding sub-devices and / or sub-components.

[0015] An energy flow diagram may include several arrows, each representing the energy flow between two linked subsystems. Each arrow can be selected individually via a communication system, preferably via a corresponding arrow on a touch display unit. Therefore, a user-friendly energy flow diagram can be provided, allowing for intuitive use by the user.

[0016] In one embodiment, the display unit is configured to graphically emphasize lower levels of a subsystem and / or higher levels of a subsystem on the energy flow diagram. Following the flow diagram, the user can access smaller units of each subsystem. For example, at the highest level of the energy flow diagram, the user can select the energy flow from the energy storage system to the cabin system. At lower levels, the energy flow from the cabin system as a whole to its subsystems (e.g., de-icing windows / rearview mirrors, interior lighting, seat heating, and sound and / or ventilation systems) can be shown. By selecting the ventilation system, the energy flow can also be scaled down to sub-equipments of the ventilation system, such as air dryers, fans, and heaters. Furthermore, the energy flow diagram can be changed to a higher level for the corresponding subsystem by touching the return icon and / or the root of the arrow indicating a higher subsystem.

[0017] In one embodiment, the adjustment tool is integrated into the display unit and configured to be graphically controlled. The adjustment tool can serve as an interface between the user and the control system to optimize the energy consumption of a subsystem. Therefore, the adjustment tool can be directly arranged in the energy flow diagram at each schematic element (preferably an arrow) assigned to the corresponding subsystem. The adjustment tool can be directly displayed or activated by selecting the corresponding icon. The adjustment tool can be provided with scalars or parameters to adjust the performance of the corresponding subsystem and / or sub-component. Additionally or alternatively, the adjustment tool may also include an on / off button. Thus, the user can individually and manually change the energy consumption of a specific subsystem and / or sub-component by using the adjustment tool overlaid in the display unit.

[0018] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to simulate energy consumption based on user input and display the results on a display unit. The control unit can also provide the user with predictions of available energy savings should parameters of one or more subsystems change. For this purpose, the user can select a simulation mode, which can be implemented in an energy flow mapping application and displayed as an icon on the display unit. Based on the simulation, the user can adjust the parameters of the selected subsystem to optimize the vehicle's energy consumption.

[0019] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to display descriptive text about the current energy consumption on a display unit. In addition to a schematic representation of energy flow, the control unit may allow the display unit to show a brief description of the energy consumption of a subsystem. The descriptive text may be displayed next to the corresponding subsystem, i.e., as an arrow or via pop-up text. Thus, the user can obtain information about how and why energy is consumed in the vehicle or subsystem. The descriptive text for each subsystem / sub-device or sub-component can suggest to the user which physical parameters affect the vehicle's current energy consumption.

[0020] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to calculate optimal energy consumption based on the current energy consumption of the vehicle and its subsystems, and display suggested text for energy optimization on a display unit. The control unit can estimate optimal energy consumption based on collected information about the vehicle's current state, measured by the vehicle's various systems and / or sensors. Information about the vehicle's current state can be created in a calibrated computer model and continuously updated with data.

[0021] The control unit can display visual calculations of optimal energy consumption and / or suggested text to adjust parameters of one or more subsystems and / or sub-components of the vehicle to save current energy consumption. The suggested text can also be represented as pop-up text assigned to the corresponding subsystem on an energy flow diagram. Therefore, the suggested text can support the user in making the right decisions to optimize energy consumption.

[0022] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to indicate necessary and / or optional energy consumption on a display unit. Some vehicle subsystems require continuous power and / or their energy consumption cannot be manually adjusted by the user. Therefore, the control unit can set up an energy flow diagram to indicate which subsystems require necessary and unchangeable energy consumption, and which subsystems can be adjusted to save and / or optimize the vehicle's energy consumption.

[0023] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to display an energy flow diagram with indicators to distinguish between necessary and optional energy consumption. On the energy flow diagram, necessary and optional energy consumption can be visually differentiated by applying arrows of different colors and / or explanatory text. Additionally or alternatively, necessary and optional energy consumption can be depicted using arrows of different thicknesses. Therefore, the user can immediately identify which parameter and / or subsystem is manually controllable.

[0024] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to display an energy flow diagram with indicators to differentiate the energy consumption of several subsystems of the vehicle. In the energy flow diagram, each schematic element, preferably each arrow, may indicate a single energy transfer between two linked systems. To differentiate individual energy transfers and / or linked subsystems, the schematic elements or arrows may be indicated by different colors, thicknesses, etc. Additionally or alternatively, each schematic element may be numbered.

[0025] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to ignore user input that necessitates adjusting energy consumption and / or selectively allow the user to adjust optional energy consumption. Therefore, even if the user inputs an incorrect command to adjust the necessary energy consumption, the control unit can reject such a command and maintain the necessary energy consumption. However, in the case of optional energy consumption, the control unit can allow adjustment of the corresponding energy consumption based on user input.

[0026] In one embodiment, the display unit includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to display an energy flow diagram, and the second portion is configured to display explanatory and / or suggestive text. The display unit or the screen of the display unit may be divided into at least two portions to display various features of the energy flow diagram. Preferably, a flowchart may be depicted in the first portion, and explanatory and / or suggestive text may be displayed in the second portion of the same screen to provide the user with reliable information about the energy flow.

[0027] In one embodiment, the control unit is configured to display explanatory and / or suggestive text via pop-up text on a display unit. The explanatory and / or suggestive text may be displayed next to the corresponding subsystem or as pop-up text that can be activated by touching a corresponding icon set on each illustrative element of the corresponding subsystem. In other words, each arrow may include an icon or a clickable icon to pop up explanatory text about the subsystem's current energy consumption.

[0028] In one embodiment, the energy flow diagram may also include a circular diagram showing, for example, recovery, heat pumps, and / or energy recovery.

[0029] According to this disclosure, a vehicle is proposed. This vehicle includes the monitoring system described above. Therefore, a user can receive not only an overview but also detailed information about energy consumption within the vehicle. Furthermore, the user can manually and individually adjust the energy consumption of one or more subsystems within the vehicle to minimize unnecessary energy loss, thereby utilizing energy effectively.

[0030] In one embodiment, the monitoring system is configured to be deactivated in the vehicle's automatic monitoring mode. In other words, if the user switches the monitoring system to automatic mode, the entire energy flow mapping application can be disabled. Furthermore, parameters manually adjusted by the user can be canceled or reverted based on the vehicle's current energy consumption status.

[0031] According to this disclosure, a method for monitoring vehicles is also proposed. This method includes, but not necessarily in this order:

[0032] - Generate an energy flow map that shows the energy flow from the energy storage system to at least one subsystem of the vehicle.

[0033] - Display the energy flow diagram on the display unit.

[0034] - Zoom in on the energy flow diagram to show the current energy consumption of the subsystem, and

[0035] - Adjust the energy consumption of the subsystem based on user input to the adjustment tool.

[0036] According to this disclosure, a computer program element for monitoring vehicles is proposed. When executed by a processing element, the computer program element is adapted to perform the monitoring method described above.

[0037] It should be noted that, regardless of the aspects involved, the above embodiments can be combined with each other. Therefore, the method can be combined with structural features, and similarly, the system can be combined with the features described above regarding the method.

[0038] These and other aspects of this disclosure will become apparent and will be explained with reference to the embodiments described below. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Exemplary embodiments of this disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] Figure 1 An embodiment of a monitoring system according to this disclosure is illustrated schematically and exemplary.

[0041] Figure 2 Embodiments of a monitoring system according to this disclosure are illustrated schematically and exemplary. Detailed Implementation

[0042] Figure 1 and Figure 2 A monitoring system 100 for a vehicle is shown. The monitoring system 100 is configured to monitor energy flow within the vehicle from an energy storage system to one or more subsystems of the vehicle. Therefore, the monitoring system 100 provides information about the total energy consumption of the vehicle and the energy consumption of each subsystem. The monitoring system 100 is also configured to manually and individually adjust the energy consumption of the subsystems. Subsystems may be, for example, a cabin heating and cooling system, a battery heating and cooling system, a defogging system, a stereo system, a lighting system, a propulsion system, a braking system, etc.

[0043] The monitoring system 100 includes a display unit 20, an adjustment tool 50, and a control unit 60. The control unit 60 may be an electronic control unit and is connected to various systems and sensors of the vehicle to continuously collect information about the vehicle's current state. The control unit 60 generates image data based on the collected information to create an energy flow diagram 10. The energy flow diagram 10 can illustrate the energy flow from the energy storage system to one or more subsystems and / or sub-devices of the vehicle, based on electrical, mechanical, thermal energy consumption, and / or mass transfer within the vehicle.

[0044] Display unit 20 is configured to visualize image data received from control unit 60 and display energy flow diagram 10. Display unit 20 can be integrated into a central instrument cluster display (SCD), driver information module (DIM), and / or infotainment head unit (IHU). Display unit 20 can also be configured to visualize any applications such as vehicle information, entertainment programs, navigation assistance, and / or user settings. A graphical user interface (GUI) can be embedded in display unit 20 to enable interaction with the user via display unit 20.

[0045] Energy flow diagram 10 is represented as a Sankey flow diagram. This diagram has a decomposed structure to show the flow from higher systems (roots) to subsystems (branches). Therefore, energy flow diagram 10 shows the energy flow from the energy storage system to the vehicle's subsystems and from the subsystems to the corresponding sub-devices and / or sub-components. Each energy flow between two systems can be connected via schematic elements such as arrows. To indicate different levels of linked systems, the arrows can have different colors and / or thicknesses.

[0046] Each arrow in the energy flow diagram 10 can be selected individually. Therefore, the energy flow diagram 10 can be zoomed in to a lower level of the subsystem by touching the corresponding arrow. Additionally, the energy flow diagram 10 can be zoomed out to a higher level of the subsystem by touching the root area of ​​the energy flow diagram 10 and / or clicking the return icon 43 or the home icon 44.

[0047] The energy flow diagram 10 includes at least one adjustment tool 50 configured to receive user input to adjust energy consumption. The adjustment tool 50 is preferably arranged so that the user can individually set parameters for each subsystem, i.e., each arrow, to optimize the energy consumption of the corresponding subsystem. These parameters can be changed in a scalar manner. The adjustment tool 50 may also include an on / off function. Therefore, the adjustment tool 50 can be graphically controlled on the display unit 20.

[0048] Furthermore, each arrow in the energy flow diagram 10 can have a different color or thickness to indicate which energy consumption is necessary and therefore can remain unchanged, and which energy consumption is optional. For example, arrows indicating necessary energy consumption can be marked in red, while arrows indicating optional energy consumption can be marked in green. Additional or alternative graphical indicators can be added, using text to label necessary and optional energy consumption.

[0049] The control unit 60 is also configured to display descriptive text 42 and / or suggestive text 45 showing the current energy consumption. The control unit 60 may allow the display unit 20 to display a brief description of the current energy consumption of the corresponding subsystem. Additionally or alternatively, the control unit 60 is configured to calculate optimal energy consumption based on the current energy consumption and may allow the display unit 20 to display suggestive text 45 for optimizing energy consumption. The descriptive text 42 and / or suggestive text 45 may be placed directly next to the corresponding subsystem, i.e., as an arrow, or displayed as pop-up text by clicking the corresponding icon 41 placed on each arrow.

[0050] The display unit 20 can be divided into a first part and a second part. The first part depicts the energy flow diagram 10, and the second part displays explanatory text 42, suggested text 45, and / or adjustment tools 50. Therefore, users can easily obtain an overview of the energy flow within the vehicle from the energy storage system to the subsystems and optimize energy consumption based on the vehicle's current state.

[0051] For example, Figure 1 The energy flow diagram 10 shows the total energy consumption of the vehicle at the first stage. All energy from the energy storage system with 100% battery power is transferred to the propulsion system 1 (25%), friction losses (5%), the cabin system 2 (30%), and the battery heating / cooling system 3 (40%). Explanatory text 42 for each arrow can be automatically displayed next to each subsystem or arrow, or displayed by activating a pop-up icon 41. The user can access the second stage, such as the battery heating / cooling system 3, by clicking one of the arrows.

[0052] Figure 2 Figure 10 illustrates the energy flow diagram of which subsystem the energy from the battery heating / cooling system 3 is transferred to in the second stage. The energy flow from the heating / cooling system 3 is subdivided in the second stage, such that energy is distributed for battery heating 31 (25%) for function, sensor 32 (5%), battery heating 33 (20%) for performance, and battery heating 34 (50%) for fast charging. By operating the adjustment tool 50, i.e., disabling battery heating for performance and battery heating for fast charging, the vehicle can be driven with lower performance and longer charging times, but the energy consumption of the battery heating / cooling system 2 can be reduced.

[0053] In another example, the passenger compartment system 3 can be selected in the first level of the energy flow diagram 10. Therefore, the second level of the energy flow diagram 10 indicates which subsystem the energy of the passenger compartment system 3 is transferred to. The energy consumption of the passenger compartment system 3 can be categorized into defrosting windows and rearview mirrors, interior lighting, seat heating and sound systems, and ventilation systems. By clicking on the ventilation system displayed on the display unit 20, the energy flow diagram 10 can display the next level, showing how the energy consumption of the ventilation system is distributed. Therefore, by selecting arrows, the user can reach the next level of detail, which can support the user in making the correct decisions to adjust the parameters of each subsystem or component to optimize and save the vehicle's energy consumption.

[0054] It should be noted that embodiments of this disclosure are described with reference to different subject matter. In particular, some embodiments are described with reference to method-type claims, while other embodiments are described with reference to device-type claims. However, those skilled in the art will understand from the above and below description that, unless otherwise stated, any combination of features related to different subject matter is also considered to be disclosed with this application, in addition to any combination of features belonging to one type of subject matter. However, all features can be combined to provide synergistic effects, rather than simply being a superposition of these features.

[0055] While this disclosure has been shown and described in detail in the accompanying drawings and specification, such showing and description is to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. This disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Other variations of the disclosed embodiments can be understood and implemented by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed disclosure through a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the dependent claims.

[0056] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles "a" or "an" do not exclude multiple. A single processor or other unit can perform the function of several items re-referenced in the claims. The fact that certain measures are re-referenced in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot function. Any reference marks in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

1. A monitoring system (100) for a vehicle, comprising: Display unit (20), Adjustment tools (50), and Control unit (60), The control unit (60) is configured to generate an energy flow diagram (10) that shows the flow of electrical energy from the electrical energy storage system to at least one subsystem of the vehicle. The display unit (20) is configured to display the energy flow diagram (10). The display unit (20) is configured to graphically highlight the at least one subsystem on the energy flow diagram (10) to display the current electrical energy consumption of the subsystem. The control unit (60) is also configured to adjust the power consumption of the subsystem based on user input to the adjustment tool (50). The adjustment tool (50) is integrated into the display unit (20), and the adjustment tool (50) is configured to be graphically controlled. The display unit (20) is configured to graphically highlight the lower levels of the subsystem on the energy flow diagram (10) and to subdivide the electrical energy flow of multiple sub-devices from the subsystem to the lower levels of the subsystem. The control unit (60) is also configured to adjust the power consumption of at least one sub-device at a lower level of the subsystem based on user input to the adjustment tool (50).

2. The monitoring system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the display unit (20) is configured to display the energy flow diagram (10) in a flowchart manner.

3. The monitoring system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the display unit (20) is configured to graphically highlight the higher levels of the subsystem on the energy flow diagram (10).

4. The monitoring system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (60) is configured to simulate the power consumption with respect to the user input and display the results on the display unit (20).

5. The monitoring system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (60) is configured to display descriptive text (42) of the current power consumption on the display unit (20).

6. The monitoring system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (60) is configured to calculate optimal energy consumption based on the current energy consumption of the vehicle and the subsystem, and to display suggested text (45) for optimizing energy consumption on the display unit (20).

7. The monitoring system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (60) is configured to indicate necessary power consumption and / or optional power consumption on the display unit (20).

8. The monitoring system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (60) is configured to display the energy flow diagram (10) with indicators to distinguish between necessary and optional energy consumption and / or the energy consumption of several subsystems of the vehicle.

9. The monitoring system (100) according to any one of claims 7 and 8, wherein the control unit (60) is configured to ignore user input that requires adjustment of power consumption and / or selectively allow the user to adjust optional power consumption.

10. The monitoring system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the display unit (20) comprises a first part and a second part, the first part being configured to display the energy flow diagram (10), and the second part being configured to display explanatory text (42) and / or suggestive text (45).

11. The monitoring system (100) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (60) is configured to display explanatory text (42) and / or suggestive text (45) on the display unit (20) in a pop-up manner.

12. A vehicle comprising a monitoring system (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The vehicle according to claim 12, wherein the monitoring system (100) is configured to be deactivated in the vehicle's automatic monitoring mode.

14. A method for monitoring vehicles, comprising: An energy flow diagram (10) is generated, which shows the flow of electrical energy from the electrical energy storage system to at least one subsystem of the vehicle. The energy flow diagram (10) is displayed on the display unit (20). Enlarge the energy flow diagram (10) to show the current electrical energy consumption of the subsystem. The power consumption of the subsystem is adjusted based on user input to the adjustment tool (50). The adjustment tool (50) is integrated into the display unit (20), and the adjustment tool (50) is configured to be graphically controlled. The lower levels of the subsystem are graphically highlighted on the energy flow diagram (10), and the electrical energy flow from the subsystem to multiple sub-devices at the lower levels of the subsystem is subdivided. The power consumption of at least one sub-device at a lower level of the subsystem is adjusted based on user input to the adjustment tool (50).

15. A computer program product for monitoring a vehicle according to claim 13, wherein when executed by a processing element, the computer program product is adapted to perform the method steps of claim 14.

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