Customization of vehicle driving modes

Abstract

Example techniques for customizing a driving mode of an electric vehicle (EV) are disclosed herein. A vehicle control unit (VCU) of the EV receives an input signal from an input device of the EV. The input signal includes a plurality of operating parameters associated with a powertrain of the EV to customize a driving mode of the EV. The VCU compares each of the operating parameters with an operable limit thereof and adjusts operation of at least one element of the powertrain in response to the comparison.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to vehicles and, more particularly, to customization of vehicle driving modes. Background Art

[0002] A vehicle (e.g., an electric vehicle) includes an electric motor for powering the vehicle and a vehicle control unit for controlling various functions of the vehicle. The vehicle control unit receives input regarding the operation of the vehicle and regulates the operation of one or more components of the vehicle. For example, in response to the vehicle throttle being actuated, the vehicle control unit may trigger control of the electric motor of the electric vehicle to increase the vehicle's travel speed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The detailed description is provided with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the leftmost digit(s) of a reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears. The same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same features and components.

[0004] Figure 1 A block diagram of an electric vehicle (EV) according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown;

[0005] Figure 2a A method for customizing a driving mode of an EV according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown;

[0006] Figure 2b A method for customizing a driving mode of an EV according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown;

[0007] Figure 3a shows the setting of operating parameters for customizing a driving mode of an EV according to an embodiment of the present subject matter;

[0008] Figure 3b shows the setting of operating parameters for customizing a driving mode of an EV according to an embodiment of the present subject matter; and

[0009] Figure 4 A method for customizing a driving mode of an EV according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Vehicles such as two-wheeled electric vehicles typically include preset driving modes for driving the vehicle. For example, a vehicle may include a power mode and an economy mode. In the power mode, the vehicle may be driven at high speeds and / or high accelerations, while the economy mode may enable higher range and more efficient driving. Upon selecting a mode, a vehicle control unit (VCU) of the vehicle may retrieve previously stored operating parameters for the corresponding mode, such as maximum speed, acceleration, etc., and may adjust the operation of one or more components of the vehicle according to the retrieved operating parameters.

[0011] For example, in power mode, in order to achieve a specific acceleration value, it may be necessary to control the torque generated by the motor. The torque map can be calibrated to achieve a specific acceleration value. Therefore, after selecting the power mode, the VCU can adjust the operation of the motor and transmission components to achieve a specific acceleration value. That is, the VCU can calibrate the torque map, and the torque generated under various operating conditions (such as throttling and motor speed) can vary according to the calibration, thereby changing the acceleration. The VCU can adjust the operation of the component through the control unit of the corresponding component. Alternatively, instead of the VCU controlling the motor through the motor control unit (MCU), the MCU can directly adjust the operation of the motor. Similarly, after selecting the economy mode, the VCU can retrieve the operating parameters corresponding to the economy mode and adjust the components of the vehicle based on the operating parameters corresponding to the economy mode.

[0012] However, in some cases, for example, depending on driving style preferences, road or weather conditions, the driver may not be able to fully adapt to the available driving modes. In other words, the driver may prefer values ​​for operating parameters that may not be achievable in either power mode or economy mode. However, in existing electric vehicles, it may not be possible to reset the operating parameters without updating the VCU by the vehicle manufacturer.

[0013] In addition, in some cases, driving in these two modes may not be efficient. For example, if the vehicle is driving along a slope, the value of the regenerative power can be set to the highest value to better utilize the regenerative power of the vehicle. However, in these two modes, the regenerative power may not have the highest possible value. Similarly, the preset operating parameters may not be efficient and / or safe, and may not provide an enhanced driving experience for all driving scenarios, such as changing road conditions, changing weather conditions, and different numbers of passengers in the vehicle. For example, in the rainy season, the driver may prefer the smoothest braking mode to avoid the vehicle from slipping. However, such an option may not be available in these two preset modes. In an example, in order to change one or more operating parameter values ​​or add a preset mode, the VCU may have to be updated by the manufacturer. However, the update of the VCU is a cumbersome, complex and time-consuming process, which is usually launched as a variant and is not updated for each customer. In the workshop, the VCU can be updated, but if the update is performed by unskilled or untrained personnel, it may have an adverse effect on the operation of the vehicle. Furthermore, because the updates are static, i.e., cannot be modified once completed, even after the update, the driver may find that the vehicle may not meet driving preferences or requirements in certain situations and / or may not provide efficient driving for different driving conditions.

[0014] The present subject matter relates to a vehicle control unit (VCU) of an electric vehicle (EV), which allows the operating parameters of the vehicle to be customized, thereby customizing the driving mode of the EV. For example, the present subject matter allows the interface between the driver of the EV and the VCU to be implemented, such as through an application program interface (API) so that the driver can provide various operating parameter values ​​to the VCU as input. If these input values ​​are valid, they are provided to various controllers of the EV powertrain components to customize the driving mode. In the example, based on the input values ​​provided by the driver, the VCU and the various controllers that control the EV powertrain components can be provided with or can have the flexibility to modify the machine-readable instructions thereon. Through the implementation of the present subject matter, the driver can set different operating parameters without the need for the manufacturer to update the VCU. Therefore, the present subject matter adapts to and meets various driving preferences, and provides efficient and safe driving under various driving conditions.

[0015] According to an exemplary embodiment, the VCU may receive an input signal from an input device of the EV. The EV may be, for example, a two-wheeled vehicle, a three-wheeled vehicle, a four-wheeled vehicle, or even a multi-wheeled vehicle with more than four wheels. The input signal may include a plurality of operating parameters associated with the powertrain of the EV. In one example, these operating parameters may include the maximum speed of the EV, the acceleration of the EV, the braking mode of the EV, the regeneration power, etc. In one example, the input device may allow the operating parameters to be set to customize the driving mode of the EV. The VCU may compare each operating parameter with its operable limit. The operable limit may be a safety limit, beyond which the operating parameter may cause a component failure of the EV. In addition, in response to the comparison, the VCU may adjust the operation of at least one element of the powertrain. For example, if it is determined that each operating parameter is within the corresponding operable limit, the VCU may adjust the operation of at least one element of the powertrain based on the set operating parameters. For example, considering that the operable limit of the maximum speed is 100 kilometers per hour (Kmph) and the operable limit of the acceleration is 3.5 meters per second (m / s 2 ). In addition, consider that the maximum speed is set to 90Kmph and the acceleration is set to 2m / s 2 In this case, after comparison, the VCU can determine that the set parameters are within the operational limits. In response to this determination, the VCU can trigger the motor control unit (MCU) to control the EV's motor and the transmission control unit (TCU) to control the EV's transmission assembly to set the maximum speed to 90Kmph and the acceleration to 2m / s 2In one example, after comparing each operating parameter with the corresponding operable limit, if at least one of the operating parameters exceeds the corresponding operable limit, the VCU may send an alarm to the input device to indicate that at least one of the set operating parameters exceeds the corresponding operable limit. For example, consider that the operable limit of the maximum speed is 100 kilometers per hour (Kmph) and the operable limit of the acceleration is 3.5 m / s 2 In addition, consider that the maximum speed is set to 95Kmph and the acceleration is set to 4m / s 2 In this case, the VCU may determine that the set acceleration exceeds the operational limit of acceleration and may send an alert to the input device indicating that the set acceleration exceeds the operational limit.

[0016] This theme is able to customize the operating parameters used to drive the vehicle. With this theme, different operating parameters can be set according to the driver's preferences, road conditions, weather conditions, etc. Since the operating parameters can be customized, this theme eliminates the cumbersome process of updating the VCU by the manufacturer to change the value of the preset mode or add one or more modes to the vehicle. This theme makes driving easier and safer and improves the efficiency of the vehicle. In addition, by adapting to various driving preferences, this theme enhances the driving experience.

[0017] refer to Figures 1 to 4 Further description of the subject matter. It should be noted that the description and the accompanying drawings illustrate only the principles of the subject matter. Although not explicitly described or illustrated herein, various arrangements that encompass the principles of the subject matter may be designed. In addition, all statements of the principles, aspects, and examples of the subject matter and their specific examples herein are intended to encompass their equivalents.

[0018] Figure 1 A block diagram of an electric vehicle (EV) 100 according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown. The EV 100 may be, for example, a two-wheeled vehicle. The EV 100 may include a powertrain 102 to move the EV 100. In one example, the powertrain 102 may include a motor 104, a transmission assembly 106, and a battery 108. The motor 104 may provide a driving force to drive the EV 100. The transmission assembly 106 may transfer the driving force from the motor 104 to the drive wheels ( Figure 1 100 ). The battery 108 can provide power to the components of the EV 100. Each component of the powertrain 102 can be controlled by an electronic control unit. In one example, the EV 100 can include: a motor control unit (MCU) 110, which can control the motor 104; a transmission control unit (TCU) 112, which can control the transmission assembly 106; and a battery management system (BMS) 114, which can control the battery 108.

[0019] The EV 100 may include a vehicle control unit (VCU) 116 to control the functions of the EV 100. For example, the VCU 116 may be coupled to other control units of the EV 100, such as the MCU 110, the TCU 112, the BMS 114, etc., and regulate the operation of the components of the EV 100 to control the functions of the EV 100. The VCU 116 may enable customization of the driving mode of the EV 100. The driving mode may indicate the driving style of the EV 100 and may include operating parameters associated with the powertrain 102 according to the driving mode. The operating parameters associated with the powertrain 102 may include the top speed of the EV 100, the acceleration of the EV 100, the regenerative power, the braking mode of the EV 100, etc. The regenerative power indicates the torque of the motor 104 used to recharge the battery 108 when the EV 100 decelerates. The braking mode may indicate whether the braking of the EV 100 is smooth braking or severe braking. Smooth braking means that the EV 100 is braking when the brakes of the EV 100 ( Figure 1 Hard braking means that the EV 100 decelerates suddenly when the brakes are applied. The operating parameters associated with the powertrain 102 may be referred to as "operating parameters" hereinafter.

[0020] In one example, the driving mode may include a preset mode and a custom mode. The preset mode indicates a mode that has been preset in the VCU 116 during the manufacture of the EV 100. The preset mode may include a power mode and an economy mode. The power mode may include operating parameters that may enable the EV 100 to travel at high speeds and high accelerations. The economy mode may include operating parameters that may enable the EV 100 to achieve a high cruising range and thereby enable the EV 100 to have better mileage.

[0021] In the custom mode, the EV 100 may allow the driver to set operating parameters so that the EV 100 may be driven according to the driver's preferences. In addition, in one example, the custom mode may further include a plurality of stored user profiles so that a user profile can be selected from the plurality of stored user profiles. Each stored user profile may be, for example, a user profile created by customizing the driving mode using a plurality of operating parameters set by the driver at an earlier time. Upon selection, the stored user profile may be retrieved to drive the EV 100 according to the driver's preferences, as will be described with reference to FIG. Figure 2a and Figure 2b In the present subject matter, by selecting a custom mode, the driving mode of the EV 100 can be customized. Therefore, the present subject matter eliminates the need for the manufacturer of the EV 100 to update the VCU 116 to change the value of the preset mode or to add one or more preset modes to the EV 100.

[0022] Furthermore, since the present subject matter allows for storage of user profiles corresponding to set operating parameters, the driver may not have to set the operating parameters each time. Instead, the EV 100 may allow for selection of a stored user profile and retrieval of operating parameters corresponding to the stored user profile. Thus, the present subject matter simplifies the operability of the EV 100, particularly in situations where the driver may want to drive the EV 100 using the same set of operating parameters each time.

[0023] Furthermore, in some cases, the EV 100 may be driven by multiple people on a single trip, where each driver may have their own driving preferences. In such cases, the present subject matter enables each driver to customize the driving mode according to their preferences by retrieving from a stored user profile or by setting a new set of operating parameters. The operation of the EV 100 may refer to Figure 2a to Figure 2b Detailed description.

[0024] In one example, the EV 100 may include an input device 118. The input device 118 may be communicatively coupled to the VCU 116 to send signals to the VCU 116. In one example, the input device 118 may be a thin film transistor (TFT) cluster, a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, or a light emitting diode (LED) display. The input device 118 may display various parameters, such as different driving modes of the EV 100, the current driving mode of the EV 100, the driving speed of the EV 100, the braking mode of the EV 100, the fuel level, the oil level, etc. In one example, the input device 118 may allow setting of operating parameters to customize the driving mode of the EV 100. Therefore, in order to allow setting of operating parameters, the input device 118 may include a touch sensor ( Figure 1 In addition, the input device 118 may also enable selection of a driving mode for the EV 100 and selection of a stored user profile for the EV 100 .

[0025] In one example, instead of an input device 118 that allows setting operating parameters, driving modes, or stored user profiles, the EV 100 may be connected to a mobile device 120 that may be connected to the vehicle via a wired or wireless connection. For example, the mobile device 120 may allow logging in with a user identification to select a user profile from a plurality of user profiles, as will be described with reference to FIG. Figure 2a and Figure 2bThus, through the mobile device 120, different drivers of the EV (e.g., different members of a family) can set their preferences for operating parameters to be used when they want to drive the EV in a customized mode rather than using the default mode. Thus, for the same vehicle, different drivers can log in, the VCU 116 can identify based on the login credentials, and can therefore configure a predetermined mode on the EV 100 based on the preferences of that particular driver.

[0026] In one example, the mobile device 120 may be, for example, a mobile phone, a smart card, a personal digital assistant (PDA) held by the driver, a smart accessory worn by the driver (e.g., a smart watch), a remote server, a laptop computer, etc. In one example, the mobile device 120 may be connected to the EV 100 using Bluetooth, wireless fidelity (Wi-fi), cellular communication, infrared, or a wired connection.

[0027] In one example, the EV 100 may include a vehicle bus ( Figure 1 The vehicle bus may be a control area network (CAN) bus. The operation of the EV 100 for the custom driving mode is as follows:

[0028] In one example, the input device 118 can display different driving modes of the EV 100, such as a preset mode and a custom mode. The input device 118 can also allow a mode to be selected from the displayed modes. In one example, in order to customize the driving mode of the EV, a custom mode can be selected on the input device 118. The selection of the custom mode can implement the setting of operating parameters. In one example, the operating parameters can be provided or displayed to the driver on the input device 118, in which case the modification range of the operating parameters can be limited based on the options provided on the input device 118. Therefore, the VCU 116 can allow the driver to select such operating parameters without checking whether the operating parameters are within the range or whether they are allowable. In other examples, as described above and as described below, the limitation of the operating parameters may not be provided or the driver may not know the limitation, and in this case, the VCU 116 can determine the feasibility or permissibility of the operating parameters input by the driver.

[0029] In response to the setting of the operating parameters, the input device 118 may send an input signal including the set operating parameters to the VCU 116. The VCU 116 may receive the input signal from the input device 118. The VCU 116 may compare each operating parameter with its operable limit. The operable limit may be a safety limit, beyond which the operating parameter may cause a component of the EV 100 to malfunction. For example, the operable limit of the maximum speed may be 95 Kmph, which means that a maximum speed exceeding 95 Kmph may cause the EV 100 to malfunction. In addition, in response to the comparison, the VCU 116 may adjust the operation of at least one element of the powertrain 102. For example, if it is determined that each operating parameter is within the corresponding operable limit, the VCU 116 may adjust the operation of at least one element of the powertrain 102 based on the set operating parameter. For example, considering that the operable limit of the maximum speed is 100 Kmph and the operable limit of the acceleration is 3.5 m / s 2 In addition, consider that the maximum speed is set to 90Kmph and the acceleration is set to 2m / s 2 After comparison, the VCU 116 may determine that the set parameters are within the operable limits. In response to this determination, the VCU 116 may trigger the MCU 110 to control the motor 104 and the TCU 112 to control the transmission assembly 112 to set the maximum speed to 90 Kmph and the acceleration to 2 m / s 2 In another example, after comparing each operating parameter with the corresponding operable limit, if at least one of the operating parameters exceeds the corresponding operable limit, the VCU 116 may send an alarm to the input device 118 to indicate that at least one of the set operating parameters exceeds the corresponding operable limit. For example, consider that the operable limit of the maximum speed is 100Kmph and the operable limit of the acceleration is 3.5m / s 2 In addition, consider that the maximum speed is set to 95Kmph and the acceleration is set to 4m / s 2 In this case, the VCU 116 may determine that the set acceleration exceeds the operational limit of acceleration and may send an alert to the input device 118 indicating that the acceleration exceeds the operational limit.

[0030] Figure 2aA method 200 for customizing a driving mode of an EV according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown. The order in which the method 200 is described is not intended to be construed as limiting, and any number of the described method blocks may be combined in any order to implement the method 200 or an alternative method. Furthermore, the method 200 may be implemented by a processor or computing device through any suitable hardware, non-transitory machine-readable instructions, or a combination thereof. The EV may correspond to the EV 100, and the method 200 may be performed by the EV 100.

[0031] At box 202, the input device may display a custom mode and a plurality of preset modes to allow selection of one of the preset modes or a custom mode. For example, the input device may correspond to input device 118. The preset modes may include a power mode and an economy mode. To display the modes, the EV may include a mode switch, which may be disposed on a handle of the EV. In one example, after starting the EV, pressing a brake switch while applying the EV brakes may cause the input device to display the preset modes and the custom modes.

[0032] At box 204, the input device may sense whether one of the preset modes is selected. If it is sensed that one of the preset modes is selected, at box 206, the VCU may adjust the operation of at least one element of the powertrain based on the operating parameters corresponding to the selected preset mode. For example, if the power mode is selected, at box 206, the VCU may adjust the operation of at least one element of the powertrain based on the operating parameters corresponding to the power mode. Similarly, if the economy mode is selected, at box 206, the VCU may adjust the operation of at least one element of the powertrain based on the operating parameters corresponding to the economy mode. The powertrain may correspond to the powertrain 102, and the VCU may correspond to the VCU 116.

[0033] As previously mentioned, in some cases, the driver may prefer to drive the EV by customizing the driving mode of the EV according to his or her preferences, road conditions, weather conditions, etc. In this case, the driver may select a custom mode in the input device instead of selecting one of the preset modes. Therefore, if it is sensed that the preset mode is not selected, at box 208, the input device may sense whether the custom mode is selected. If it is sensed that the custom mode is selected, at box 210, the input device may display a plurality of stored user profiles to allow selection of a user profile from the plurality of stored user profiles. Each stored user profile may include a plurality of operating parameters. Each stored user profile may be, for example, a user profile created by customizing the driving mode of the EV using a plurality of operating parameters set by the driver at an earlier stage. Reference will be made to Figure 2bExplain the storage of user profiles. If it is sensed that the custom mode is not selected, then at block 202, the input device may display the preset mode and the custom mode.

[0034] Additionally, at block 212, the input device may sense whether a user profile is selected from a plurality of stored user profiles. In one example, if a user profile is selected, the input device may send a selection signal corresponding to the selected user profile to the VCU. If it is sensed that one of the user profiles is not selected, the method may continue to perform further steps, such as referring to the “A” reference. Figure 2b Furthermore, at block 214, the VCU may determine whether a selection signal is received. If the VCU determines that a selection signal is not received, then at block 212, the VCU may determine whether one of the stored user profiles is selected.

[0035] On the other hand, if a selection signal is received, the VCU may retrieve a plurality of operating parameters corresponding to the selected user profile at block 216. Subsequently, at block 218, the VCU may adjust the operation of at least one element of the powertrain based on the retrieved operating parameters.

[0036] In the above example, the input device allows a user profile to be selected from a plurality of stored user profiles. In one example, instead of an input device that allows a user profile to be selected from a plurality of stored user profiles, a mobile device can be used to select a user profile. For example, the mobile device can correspond to the mobile device 120. For example, the mobile device can be connected to the EV. The mobile device can allow login to select a user profile from a plurality of user profiles using a user identification. For example, the user profile and the operating parameters corresponding to the user profile can be stored in the memory of the VCU together with the user identification. The mobile device can include a software application that allows login using the user identification. In addition, in response to the login, the mobile device can send an input request to the input device corresponding to the user identification. The VCU can receive the input request from the input device and retrieve a plurality of operating parameters corresponding to the selected user profile based on the input request. In other words, the VCU can retrieve a plurality of operating parameters and a user profile corresponding to the user identification. In addition, when retrieving, the VCU can adjust the operation of at least one element of the powertrain system based on the retrieved operating parameters. Since in the present subject, a user profile can be selected and the operating parameters can be retrieved by logging in from the mobile device, the present subject simplifies the process of customizing the driving mode. Furthermore, in scenarios where different people drive the EV, such as when the EV is used by different members of a family, the present subject matter simplifies the operability of the EV and enhances the driving experience of the EV by enabling each driver to drive according to his or her preferences simply by selecting a user profile.

[0037] Figure 2b A method 200 for customizing the driving mode of an EV is shown according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 2a At box 212 in the method 200, if a user profile is not selected from multiple user profiles, the method 200 can continue to execute box 220. At box 220, the input device can allow multiple operating parameters to be set. In one example, the input device can allow the driver to enter the value of the operating parameter. For example, the input device can provide a keyboard for entering the value.

[0038] In addition, at block 222, the input device may sense whether a plurality of operating parameters are set. If it is sensed that a plurality of operating parameters are set, the VCU may compare each operating parameter with its operable limit at block 224. The plurality of operating parameters may include a maximum speed of the EV, an acceleration of the EV, a regenerative power of the EV, and a braking mode of the EV.

[0039] If it is determined that at least one of the operating parameters exceeds the operational limit, then at block 226, the VCU may send an alert to the input device. The alert may indicate that at least one of the operating parameters exceeds the corresponding operational limit. Subsequently, the input device may display an alert to the driver that the operating parameter exceeds the corresponding operational limit. For example, consider that the operational limit of the maximum speed is 100 Kmph and the operational limit of the acceleration is 3.5 m / s 2 , the operable limit of regenerative power is -50Nm. In addition, consider that the maximum speed is set to 95Kmph and the acceleration is set to 4m / s 2 , the regeneration power is set to -45Nm. In this case, the VCU can determine that the set acceleration exceeds the operable limit of the acceleration, and can send an alarm to the input device, indicating that the acceleration exceeds the operable limit. In one example, after sending the alarm, at box 228, the driver can also be prompted to allow multiple modified operating parameters to be set. Subsequently, the method 200 can continue from the step of box 228 to the step of box 222. In other words, after allowing multiple modified operating parameters to be set, at box 222, the input device can sense whether multiple modified operating parameters are set, and at box 224, sense whether all modified operating parameters are within the corresponding limit range.

[0040] If the VCU determines that each operating parameter has a corresponding operational limit, then at block 230, the VCU may create a user profile including the set operating parameters and store the user profile. For example, consider that the operational limit of the maximum speed is 100 Kmph and the operational limit of the acceleration is 3.5 m / s 2 , and the operable limit of the regenerative power of the EV can be -50Nm. In addition, consider that the maximum speed is set to 90Kmph and the acceleration is set to 2m / s 2 , the regeneration power is set to -40Nm. In this case, the VCU can determine that the set parameters are within the corresponding operational limits and can create and store a maximum speed of 90Kmph and an acceleration of 2m / s 2 , user profile with regenerative power of -40Nm.

[0041] In one example, the user profile and corresponding operating parameters may be stored in a memory of the VCU. As will be appreciated, each time a plurality of operating parameters are set and determined to be within the corresponding operable limits, a user profile with the set operating parameters may be created and stored, thereby forming a plurality of stored user profiles.

[0042] In addition, at block 232, the VCU may adjust the operation of at least one element of the powertrain system based on the set operating parameters. In one example, the adjustment may include triggering the MCU to control the motor, triggering the TCU to control the transmission assembly, and triggering the BMS to control the battery. For example, the VCU may trigger the MCU, TCU, and BMS to set the maximum speed to 90Kmph, the acceleration to 2m / s 2 , the regeneration power is set to −40 Nm. The MCU may correspond to the MCU 110 , the TCU may correspond to the TCU 112 , and the BMS may correspond to the BMS 114 .

[0043] In the above examples, the operating parameter is interpreted as a typed value. However, in some examples, instead of typing in the value of the operating parameter, a visual indicator such as a graphic equalizer may be provided to set the operating parameter.

[0044] Figure 3a The settings of operating parameters for customizing the driving modes of the EV 100 according to an embodiment of the present subject matter are shown. Figure 3b 1 shows the settings of operating parameters according to an embodiment of the present subject matter for customizing the driving mode of the EV 100. For the sake of brevity, Figure 3a and Figure 3b In one example, a visual indicator may be provided to set an operating parameter. Each visual indicator may correspond to an operating parameter. The visual indicator may be, for example, a graphic equalizer, and may include at least one grid. The number of grids in the visual indicator may indicate the value of the operating parameter. In other words, the more grids there are, the higher the value of the operating parameter, and the fewer grids there are, the lower the value of the operating parameter. In some cases, the number of grids may indicate a feeling to be obtained corresponding to the operating parameter. For example, a braking mode with more grids may indicate severe braking, and a fewer grids may indicate smooth braking.

[0045] In one example, if Figure 3a As shown, adjusting the number of grids can correspond to setting the operating parameter to a specific value. For example, when the visual indicator corresponding to the maximum speed is set to have a single grid, the maximum speed can be set to 45Kmph. Similarly, if the visual indicator corresponding to the maximum speed is set to have four grids, the maximum speed can be set to 95Kmph.

[0046] In another example, if Figure 3b As shown in FIG. 3B , the number of adjustment grids may indicate the feeling to be obtained by adjusting the operating parameter. For example, if the visual indicator corresponding to the acceleration has four grids, the acceleration value set may be the highest value allowed in the EV, and if the visual indicator corresponding to the acceleration has only a single grid, the acceleration value set may be the lowest value, as shown in FIG. 3B .

[0047] In the above example, the VCU 116 is explained as controlling the motor 104 by triggering the MCU 110, controlling the transmission assembly 106 by triggering the TCU 112, and controlling the battery 108 by triggering the BMS 114. However, in one example, the MCU 110 may directly regulate the operation of the motor 104, and the VCU may only control the transmission assembly 106 by triggering the TCU 112, and only control the battery 108 by triggering the BMS 114. In this regard, the MCU 110 may be coupled to the input device 118.

[0048] Figure 4 A method 400 for customizing a driving mode of an EV according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown. The order in which the method 400 is described is not intended to be construed as limiting, and any number of the described method blocks may be combined in any order to implement the method 400 or an alternative method. Furthermore, the method 400 may be implemented by a processor or computing device via any suitable hardware, non-transitory machine-readable instructions, or a combination thereof. The EV may correspond to the EV 100.

[0049] At box 402, a plurality of operating parameters associated with a powertrain of the EV may be set by an input device of the EV to customize a driving mode of the EV. The powertrain may correspond to the powertrain 102, which may include the motor 104, the battery 108, and the transmission assembly 106. The input device may correspond to the input device 118. In one example, the operating parameters may include a top speed of the EV, an acceleration of the EV, a regenerative power of the EV, and a braking mode of the EV.

[0050] At block 404, an input signal may be sent by an input device to a VCU. The input signal may include a plurality of operating parameters. The VCU may correspond to VCU 116. At block 406, each operating parameter may be compared to its operational limit by the VCU.

[0051] At box 408, in response to the comparison, the operation of at least one element of the powertrain can be adjusted by the VCU. In one example, to adjust the operation of at least one element of the powertrain, the MCU, TCU, BMS, or a combination thereof can be triggered. The MCU can control the motor, the TCU can control the transmission assembly, and the BMS can control the battery. The VCU can trigger the MCU to modify the MCU mapping, the TCU to modify the TCU mapping, and the BMS to modify the BMS mapping. The MCU can correspond to MCU 110, the TCU can correspond to TCU 112, and the BMS can correspond to BMS114.

[0052] In one example, after comparing each input parameter to the corresponding operational limit, the method 400 may also include sending an alarm to the input device if at least one of the operating parameters exceeds the corresponding operational limit. The alarm may be sent by the VCU and may indicate that at least one of the set operating parameters exceeds the corresponding operational limit.

[0053] The present subject is capable of customizing the operating parameters for driving an EV. Through the present subject, different operating parameters can be set according to the driver's preferences, road conditions, weather conditions, etc. Since the operating parameters can be customized, the present subject eliminates the cumbersome process of updating the VCU by the manufacturer to change the value of the preset mode or add one or more modes to the EV. The present subject makes driving easier and safer, and improves the efficiency of the EV. In addition, since the present subject allows the storage of user profiles corresponding to the set operating parameters, the driver does not have to set the operating parameters every time. Instead, the EV can allow the selection of a stored user profile and the retrieval of the operating parameters corresponding to the stored user profile. Therefore, the present subject simplifies the process of customizing the driving mode, especially in the case where the driver may want to drive the EV with the same set of operating parameters every time. In addition, in the present subject, a user profile can be selected, and the operating parameters can be retrieved by logging in from a mobile device. Therefore, the present subject simplifies the process of customizing the driving mode. In addition, in the case where different people (such as different members of a family) drive the EV, the present subject simplifies the operability of the EV and improves the driving experience of the EV by enabling each driver to drive according to his or her preferences only by selecting a user profile from an input device or a mobile device.

[0054] Although the subject matter has been described with reference to specific embodiments, the description is not intended to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments as well as alternative embodiments of the subject matter will become apparent to those skilled in the art after referring to the description of the subject matter.

Claims

1. A vehicle control unit (VCU) for an electric vehicle, wherein the VCU is used to: receiving an input signal from an input device, the input signal comprising a plurality of operating parameters associated with a powertrain system of the electric vehicle to customize a driving mode of the electric vehicle; comparing each of the operating parameters to its operable limit; as well as In response to the comparison, operation of at least one element of the powertrain system is adjusted.

2. The VCU of claim 1, wherein: After comparing each of the operating parameters with the corresponding operable limit, if at least one of the operating parameters exceeds the corresponding operable limit, the VCU sends an alarm to the input device to indicate that at least one of the set operating parameters exceeds the corresponding operable limit.

3. The VCU of claim 1, wherein: After sending an alert to the input device, the VCU is used to: receiving a modified input signal from the input device, wherein the modified input signal includes a plurality of modified operating parameters associated with a powertrain of the electric vehicle to customize a driving mode of the electric vehicle; comparing each of the modified operating parameters to a corresponding operable limit; and In response to the comparison, operation of at least one element of the powertrain system is adjusted based on the modified operating parameter.

4. The VCU of claim 1, wherein: At least one element of the powertrain system includes: A motor, used to provide driving force to drive the electric vehicle; a transmission assembly for transmitting the driving force from the motor to the driving wheels of the electric vehicle; and A battery is used to provide power to components of the electric vehicle.

5. The VCU of claim 1, wherein: To adjust the operation of at least one element of the powertrain system, the VCU will trigger at least one of the following: a motor control unit (MCU) for modifying an MCU mapping, wherein the MCU is used to control a motor of the electric vehicle; a transmission control unit (TCU) for modifying a TCU map, wherein the TCU is used to control a transmission assembly of the electric vehicle; as well as A battery management system (BMS) is used to modify a BMS map, wherein the BMS is used to control a battery of the electric vehicle.

6. The VCU of claim 1, wherein: The plurality of operating parameters include: a maximum speed of the electric vehicle, an acceleration of the electric vehicle, a regenerative power of the electric vehicle, and a braking mode of the electric vehicle.

7. An electric vehicle comprising: An input device, the input device being used to: allowing setting of a plurality of operating parameters associated with a powertrain system of the electric vehicle to customize a driving mode of the electric vehicle; as well as After allowing the plurality of operating parameters to be set, sending an input signal including the plurality of operating parameters to a vehicle control unit (VCU); The power transmission system is used to drive the electric vehicle; and The VCU is used for: receiving the input signal; comparing each of the operating parameters to its operable limit; and In response to the comparison, operation of at least one element of the powertrain system is adjusted.

8. The electric vehicle according to claim 7, wherein: After comparing each of the input parameters to the corresponding operational limits: If at least one of the operating parameters exceeds the corresponding operable limit, the VCU sends an alarm to the input device to indicate that at least one of the operating parameters set exceeds the corresponding operable limit, and Wherein, the input device is used to display the alarm received from the VCU.

9. The electric vehicle according to claim 7, wherein: After displaying the alert, the input device is used to: allowing setting of a plurality of modified operating parameters associated with the powertrain of the electric vehicle to customize a driving mode of the electric vehicle; as well as sending a modified input signal to the VCU, the modified input signal including the plurality of modified operating parameters; and The VCU is used to: receiving the modified input signal from the input device; comparing each of the modified operating parameters to a corresponding operable limit; as well as In response to the comparison, operation of at least one element of the powertrain system is adjusted based on the modified operating parameter.

10. The electric vehicle according to claim 7, wherein: After comparing each of the operating parameters to its operational limit, the VCU is configured to: if each of the operating parameters is within corresponding operable limits, creating a user profile including the set operating parameters; storing the user profile; as well as Operation of at least one element of the powertrain system is adjusted based on the set operating parameter.

11. The electric vehicle according to claim 7, wherein: Prior to allowing the plurality of operating parameters to be set, the input device is used to perform one of the following: allowing selection of a user profile from a plurality of stored user profiles, wherein each user profile includes a preset combination of values ​​of the plurality of operating parameters associated with the powertrain of the electric vehicle, wherein the VCU stores a user profile if each of the plurality of operating parameters in the preset combination received from the input device is within its operable limit, wherein the input device allows a user to log in to select the user profile from the plurality of user profiles using a user identification; as well as Allows the plurality of operating parameters to be set.

12. The electric vehicle according to claim 11, wherein: After allowing selection of a user profile, the input device is used to: sending a selection signal corresponding to a selection of the user profile; The VCU is used to: receiving the selection signal from the input device; retrieving a plurality of operating parameters corresponding to the selected user profile upon receiving the selection signal; as well as Operation of at least one element of the powertrain system is adjusted based on the retrieved operating parameter.

13. The electric vehicle according to claim 11, wherein: A mobile device is connected to the electric vehicle for: allowing login to select a user profile from the plurality of user profiles using a user identification; as well as Sending an input request to an input device corresponding to the user profile; The VCU is used to: receiving the input request from the input device; retrieving a plurality of operating parameters corresponding to the selected user profile based on the input request; as well as Operation of at least one element of the powertrain system is adjusted based on the retrieved operating parameter.

14. The electric vehicle according to claim 13, wherein: The mobile device is connected to the electric vehicle using one of Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-fi), cellular communication, infrared, and a wired connection.

15. The electric vehicle of claim 11, comprising: Brakes; handle; as well as a switch mounted on the handle, wherein applying the actuator while pressing the switch causes the input device to display the plurality of stored user profiles to allow selection of a user profile from the plurality of stored user profiles.

16. The electric vehicle according to claim 7, wherein: The input device is a thin film transistor cluster liquid crystal display, and wherein the input device includes a touch sensor.

17. The electric vehicle according to claim 7, wherein: At least one element of the powertrain system includes: A motor, used to provide driving force to drive the electric vehicle; a transmission assembly for transmitting the driving force from the motor to the driving wheels of the electric vehicle; and A battery is used to provide power to components of the electric vehicle.

18. The electric vehicle of claim 7, comprising: A motor control unit (MCU) for controlling a motor of the electric vehicle; a transmission control unit (TCU) for controlling a transmission assembly of the electric vehicle; as well as a battery management system (BMS) for controlling the battery of the electric vehicle, and Wherein, in order to adjust the operation of at least one element of the powertrain system, the VCU triggers at least one of the following: The MCU is used to modify the MCU mapping; The TCU is used to modify the TCU mapping; and The BMS is used to modify the BMS map.

19. The electric vehicle according to claim 7, wherein: The plurality of operating parameters include: a maximum speed of the electric vehicle, an acceleration of the electric vehicle, a regenerative power of the electric vehicle, and a braking mode of the electric vehicle.

20. A method for customizing a driving mode of an electric vehicle, wherein the method comprises: setting a plurality of operating parameters associated with a powertrain system of the electric vehicle via an input device of the electric vehicle to customize a driving mode of the electric vehicle; sending, by the input device of the electric vehicle, an input signal including the plurality of operating parameters to a vehicle control unit (VCU) of the electric vehicle; comparing, by the VCU, each of the operating parameters with its operable limit; as well as In response to the comparison, operation of at least one element of the powertrain is adjusted by the VCU.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein: After comparing each of the input parameters to the corresponding operational limit, the method includes: If at least one of the operating parameters exceeds the corresponding operable limit, the VCU sends an alarm to the input device to indicate that at least one of the set operating parameters exceeds the corresponding operable limit.

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