Power usage planning system and method for vehicle air compressor

Abstract

The invention provides a power usage planning system and method for a vehicle air compressor. Systems and methods for controlling operation of an air compressor of a vehicle are disclosed. The system may include a transceiver and a processor communicatively coupled to each other. The transceiver may be configured to receive vehicle information from a vehicle control unit. The vehicle information may include a vehicle type and real-time vehicle operating parameters. The processor may obtain vehicle information from the transceiver and determine that a predefined condition may be satisfied based on a vehicle type and real-time vehicle operating parameters. In response to determining that the predefined condition may be satisfied, the processor may also control air compressor operation based on the vehicle type and real-time vehicle operating parameters.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle having a built-in air compressor, and more particularly to a power usage planning system and method for controlling the operation of a built-in vehicle air compressor. Background Art

[0002] Many modern vehicles used for off-road or sporting purposes include features that enable users to use their vehicles for a variety of activities other than just transportation. For example, modern trucks or sports utility vehicles (SUVs) enable recreational or utility tools to be connected to the vehicle and powered by the vehicle. Summary of the invention

[0003] The present disclosure describes systems and methods for controlling the operation of an air compressor of a vehicle. The air compressor may include a buffer tank or an air storage tank that may be configured to store compressed air that may be supplied by the air compressor when the air compressor may be operated / powered. A user may connect an external tool (e.g., a nail gun, a tire inflator, and / or a wrench) to a vehicle user interface panel and receive compressed air from the air storage tank to operate the tool. The system may be configured to control air compressor operation based on vehicle type and real-time vehicle operating parameters to ensure that the user can conveniently operate the tool and that vehicle battery energy consumption required for air compressor operation may be optimized.

[0004] In some aspects, when the vehicle is an electric vehicle (EV) and the vehicle is connected to an EV charger, the system may cause the air compressor to fill the air storage tank with compressed air to a maximum storage tank capacity (e.g., 150 pounds force per square inch (psi)). On the other hand, when the vehicle is not connected to an EV charger (and is operating using the vehicle's high voltage (HV) battery) and the system obtains a request from a user to operate the air compressor (i.e., to operate a tool), the system may cause the air compressor to operate to fill the air storage tank with compressed air to a level that may be required to operate the tool, rather than to the maximum storage tank capacity. In this way, the system conserves energy of the HV battery by not operating the air compressor for a long time to fill the air storage tank to the maximum storage tank capacity.

[0005] In an additional aspect, the system can determine the real-time vehicle battery state of charge (SoC) when the air compressor may be operating using energy from the HV battery. In response to determining the real-time vehicle battery SoC, the system can determine and output the expected remaining vehicle range (e.g., based on historical vehicle usage and driving patterns) via an audible or visual notification. The user can see / hear the notification and can decide to continue operating the air compressor or stop air compressor operation based on the expected remaining vehicle range.

[0006] In a further aspect, when the vehicle may be an ICE vehicle, the system may operate the air compressor (e.g., at full capacity) when the vehicle engine may be operational / running, and in response to obtaining a request from a user to operate the air compressor, load shedding may not be operational. If load shedding may be operational, the system may prioritize the load (e.g., turning off a steering wheel heater or one or more seating area heaters, etc.) to accommodate air compressor operation.

[0007] On the other hand, when the vehicle engine may not be operating / running and the system obtains an air compressor operation request from the user, the system may operate the air compressor for a predefined duration, which depends on the SoC of the vehicle battery (e.g., 12V battery). The system may also determine and output (via audible and / or visual notification) an expected duration that the air compressor may operate based on the vehicle battery SoC, so that the user may decide to continue operating or stop the air compressor.

[0008] In further aspects, the system can control air compressor operation based on the geographic area in which the vehicle may be located or traveling. For example, when the vehicle may be traveling on a highway, the system can disable the air compressor and / or cause the air compressor to reduce the air storage tank pressure to a predefined low pressure (e.g., close to 0 psi). On the other hand, when the vehicle may be a work vehicle and located / operating at a worksite (e.g., a construction site), the system can cause the air compressor to operate at full capacity.

[0009] In an additional aspect, when the vehicle is an ICE vehicle and the user is performing a task by operating a tool using compressed air supplied by an air compressor, the system may determine, based on the type of tool used by the user and the task being performed, an expected duration that the air compressor operation may be required to enable the user to complete the task. In response to determining the expected duration, the system may determine and output (via audible and / or visual notifications) one or more recommendations to assist the user in operating the air compressor while optimizing vehicle battery energy usage. For example, based on the expected duration, the current vehicle battery SoC, and the amount of compressed air stored in the air storage tank, the system may recommend using only the compressed air stored in the air storage tank, operating the air compressor using a 12V battery, and / or operating the air compressor using power drawn from the vehicle engine.

[0010] The present disclosure discloses systems and methods for controlling the operation of an air compressor of a vehicle. Based on the vehicle type, the system controls the air compressor operation to optimize vehicle energy consumption. Specifically, the system pre-fills the buffer tank / air storage tank to full capacity when the vehicle can be charged via an EV charger (when the vehicle can be an EV) or when the vehicle engine can be operated at a worksite (when the vehicle can be an ICE vehicle). In this way, the system ensures that when the air compressor can operate using energy drawn from the vehicle battery, the air compressor does not have to operate at full capacity, thereby saving battery energy. In addition, the system disables air compressor operation at specific geographic locations (e.g., highways) where other vehicle functions / features may require vehicle energy, thereby optimizing vehicle energy consumption. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Specific implementations are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The use of the same reference numerals may indicate similar or identical items. Various embodiments may utilize elements and / or components other than those shown in the accompanying drawings, and some elements and / or components may not be present in various embodiments. The elements and / or components in the accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Throughout this disclosure, singular and plural terms may be used interchangeably, depending on the context.

[0012] Figure 1 An exemplary environment is depicted in which techniques and structures for providing the systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented.

[0013] Figure 2 A block diagram of an exemplary system for controlling operation of a vehicle air compressor according to the present disclosure is depicted.

[0014] Figure 3 An exemplary electric vehicle according to the present disclosure is depicted connected to a charger.

[0015] Figure 4 An exemplary vehicle according to the present disclosure is depicted entering a worksite.

[0016] Figure 5 A flow chart depicts an exemplary method for controlling operation of a vehicle air compressor according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] The present disclosure will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the disclosure are shown and are not intended to be limiting.

[0018] Figure 1An environment 100 is depicted in which techniques and structures for providing the systems and methods disclosed herein may be implemented. The environment 100 may include a vehicle 102, which may take the form of any passenger or commercial vehicle, such as, for example, a car, a work vehicle, a crossover vehicle, a truck, a van, a minivan, a taxi, a bus, etc. Figure 1 In the exemplary aspect depicted, the vehicle 102 is a truck. The vehicle 102 may be a manually driven vehicle and / or may be configured to operate in a partially autonomous mode, and may include any powertrain, such as, for example, a gasoline engine, one or more electrically actuated motors, a hybrid powertrain, etc. In other words, the vehicle 102 may be an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle or an electric vehicle (e.g., a battery electric vehicle (BEV) or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)) or a hybrid vehicle.

[0019] The vehicle 102 may include a truck bed 104, which may be configured to store one or more objects, equipment, etc. The vehicle 102 may also include an air compressor (in Figure 2 210) with a built-in or attached buffer tank or air storage tank (in Figure 2 212). When the air compressor can be operated / powered, the air compressor can supply compressed air to the air storage tank, and the air storage tank can be configured to store the compressed air supplied by the air compressor. In some aspects, the air compressor and the air storage tank can be packaged under the truck bed 104 or inside the side wall of the truck bed. In other aspects, the air compressor and the air storage tank can be packaged at any other location in the vehicle 102.

[0020] In some aspects, if the vehicle 102 is an electric vehicle (EV), the air compressor can be powered by using the vehicle's battery energy (e.g., by using the vehicle's high voltage (HV) battery). On the other hand, if the vehicle 102 is an ICE vehicle, the air compressor can be powered by using power drawn from the vehicle's engine (e.g., the vehicle's alternator) and / or energy drawn from the vehicle's battery (e.g., a 12V vehicle battery). In additional aspects, if the vehicle 102 supports regenerative braking, a portion of the energy generated by regenerative braking can be used to power the air compressor (e.g., when the vehicle's battery can be fully charged).

[0021] The air compressor and air storage tank may be in fluid communication with a panel 106 (or user interface console) that may be mounted on the vehicle 102. Figure 1In the exemplary aspect depicted in FIG. 1 , panel 106 is mounted on a truck bed sidewall. Panel 106 can receive compressed air from an air storage tank and can supply the compressed air to external tools, accessories, etc. A user (not shown) can connect an external tool / accessory to panel 106 to receive compressed air from the air storage tank.

[0022] Specifically, the outlet 108 of the panel 106 can be attached to a conduit 110, which can be supplied with compressed air from an air storage tank. A user can attach an external tool / accessory to the conduit 110 to receive compressed air from the air storage tank to perform one or more tasks. For example, a user can inflate or deflate a tire by using compressed air, such as Figure 1 112 in FIG. 114. In addition, the user can use a power tool (e.g., a nail gun) by using compressed air, as shown in FIG. 114. In addition, the user can use compressed air to inflate the air cushion, as shown in FIG. 116. Figure 1 The use case examples depicted are for illustrative purposes and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. A user may use the compressed air received from an air storage tank for Figure 1 Multiple other tasks not depicted (e.g., cleaning debris, operating wrenches, etc.).

[0023] In some aspects, the vehicle 102 may also include a power usage planning system or a compressor control system (in Figure 2 The power usage planning system or compressor control system may control the air compressor operation based on the vehicle type and real-time vehicle operating parameters to optimize vehicle energy consumption. Specifically, the compressor control system ("system") may control the air compressor operation to ensure that the air compressor operates for a specific duration (and not always) or only when predefined conditions are met to ensure that a large amount of vehicle battery energy is not consumed to operate the air compressor. In some aspects, the system may control or change the air compressor operating mode based on whether the vehicle 102 is an EV or ICE vehicle, whether the vehicle 102 is connected to a charger or operating on an HV battery if the vehicle 102 is an EV, whether the vehicle engine is operating / running if the vehicle is an ICE vehicle, and whether load shedding is operating, etc. The process of controlling the air compressor operation based on the vehicle type and real-time vehicle operating parameters is described later in conjunction with Figure 2 Detailed description.

[0024] In some aspects, the system may be additionally configured to control air compressor operation based on a geographic area (highway, worksite, etc.) in which the vehicle 102 may be located or traveling. For example, when the vehicle 102 may be traveling on a highway, the system may disable air compressor operation (i.e., not power the air compressor), and when the vehicle 102 may be located at a worksite, the system may operate the air compressor at full capacity to fill the air storage tank (e.g., up to a maximum storage tank capacity of 150 pounds force per square inch (psi)).

[0025] In further aspects, the system can be configured to estimate the duration that the air compressor operation may be required to enable a user to optimally complete the task that the user may be performing using the external tool based on the type of external tool attached to the outlet 108 / conduit 110 and the type of task being performed. For example, the system can estimate that the air compressor operation may be required for a long duration when the user may be using a pneumatic sander and may be required for a relatively short duration when the user may be filling a tire by using the external tool.

[0026] In response to the estimated duration, the system may output an audio or visual notification indicating the estimated time (e.g., via the vehicle infotainment system, vehicle speakers, etc.). The system may also output a recommendation to the user device / vehicle infotainment system indicating whether the user can operate the external tool by using only the compressed air stored in the external storage tank, by using the compressed air stored in the external storage tank and operating the air compressor by using a vehicle battery (e.g., a 12V battery), or by running / activating the vehicle engine and operating the air compressor by using power drawn from the vehicle engine. In response to receiving the recommendation, the user may operate the external tool based on the received recommendation.

[0027] In additional aspects, the system can enable the user to optionally connect one or more external storage tanks 118 to the panel 106 to receive and / or provide compressed air. When, for example, the user may need additional amounts of compressed air (over and above the amount of compressed air that the internal air storage tanks can provide), the user can connect the external storage tanks 118 to the panel 106. In some aspects, in addition to controlling the air compressor operation, the system can also control the flow of compressed air to / from the external storage tanks 118.

[0028] Combined with the following Figure 2 Describe the system in further details.

[0029] The vehicle 102 , the compressor control system, and / or the user may implement and / or perform operations as described herein in the present disclosure in accordance with the vehicle owner's manual and safety instructions.

[0030] Figure 2 A block diagram of a system 200 for controlling the operation of a vehicle air compressor according to the present disclosure is depicted. Figure 2 When you can refer to Figure 3 and Figure 4 .

[0031] System 200 may include a vehicle 202, which may be combined with the above Figure 1 The system 200 may also include a user device 204 and one or more servers 206 communicatively coupled to the vehicle 202 via one or more networks 208. The user device 204 may be associated with a vehicle user and may include a mobile device, tablet computer, laptop computer, smart watch, or any other device with communication capabilities.

[0032] The server 206 may be configured to store information associated with a plurality of tools and a plurality of tasks that may be performed using the tools. The tools may include, but are not limited to, nail guns, spray guns, wrenches, tire inflators, and the like. The tasks that may be performed using the tools may include, but are not limited to, inflating air cushions, inflating and / or deflating tires, blowing away debris, antifreeze, and the like. In some aspects, the information associated with a plurality of tools and tasks stored in the server 206 may include the expected duration of operation of each tool for one or more tasks, the expected amount of air (e.g., maximum, minimum air pressure, and / or expected operating pressure range) that each tool may need to perform one or more tasks, and the like. For example, the server 206 may store information associated with the expected duration and / or air pressure that may be spent / required for a tire inflator to fill a bicycle tire or a truck tire. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the duration and / or required air pressure may vary based on whether the task being performed is a fast transient task (e.g., filling a tire) or a continuous use task (e.g., using a pneumatic sander). In some aspects, the server 206 may transmit information associated with a plurality of tools and a plurality of tasks to the vehicle 202 at a predefined frequency. In other aspects, when the vehicle 202 sends a request to the server 206 seeking information, the server 206 can transmit the information to the vehicle 202.

[0033] The network 208 illustrates a communication infrastructure in which the connected devices discussed in the various embodiments of the present disclosure can communicate. The network 208 can be and / or include the Internet, a private network, a public network, or other configurations that operate using any one or more known communication protocols, such as, for example, Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), Wi-Fi, Ultra-Wideband (UWB) based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) standard 802.11, and cellular technologies such as Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPDA), Long Term Evolution (LTE), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), and Fifth Generation (5G), to name a few examples.

[0034] The vehicle 202 may include a plurality of units, including but not limited to an air compressor 210 with a built-in or attached air storage tank 212, a sensor suite 214, an infotainment system 216, a compressor control system 218, a telematics control unit (TCU) 220, an air controller 222, a vehicle control unit 224, and a panel 106. The plurality of units may be communicatively coupled to one another via wired (e.g., via a bus) or wireless communication connections. As described above in conjunction with Figure 1 As depicted, the user may optionally attach an external storage tank 118 to the panel 106 when the user requires additional compressed air.

[0035] As above combined Figure 1 As described, the air compressor 210 can be configured to supply compressed air to the air storage tank 212. The air storage tank 212 can receive compressed air from the air compressor 210 and can store compressed air, which can be provided to an external tool (such as a power tool) via the outlet 108 based on the tool usage needs. Figure 2 226). In some aspects, the compressor control system 218 (or system 218) can control the flow of compressed air from the air storage tank 212 to the external tool by using the air controller 222. Specifically, the air controller 222 can receive input from the system 218 to control the flow of compressed air from the air storage tank 212 to the outlet 108 and thus to the external tool.

[0036] The panel 106 may include a plurality of components, including but not limited to the outlet 108, an external tank outlet and inlet 228, a display 230, one or more air pressure knobs / buttons, a start / stop button, a power outlet (not shown), etc. The external tank outlet and inlet 228 may enable a user to connect an external storage tank 118 to the panel 106. The display 230 may display operating parameters (e.g., air pressure, cfm, etc.) of the air compressor 210 and / or the air storage tank 212. The start / stop button may enable a user to manually start or stop the air compressor operation, and the air pressure knob / button may enable a user to input a desired air pressure. The user may use the power outlet to power any external device (if desired).

[0037] In some aspects, the user can additionally start / stop air compressor operation and provide additional air compressor operation inputs to the vehicle 202 via the infotainment system 216 and / or the user device 204 (which can transmit the inputs to the vehicle 202 via the network 208). For example, the user can input a desired air pressure and / or air compressor operation mode on the infotainment system 216 and / or the user device 204. The air compressor operation mode can include, for example, an inflation mode, in which the user can input a target air pressure, and when the target air pressure can be reached, the air supply from the air storage tank 212 can be automatically shut off by the system 218 (via the air controller 222). As another example, the air compressor operation mode can include a continuous air mode, in which compressed air can be continuously provided from the air storage tank 212 to the external tool, and the user can control the air pressure via the air pressure knob / button.

[0038] In additional aspects, the user may provide details of the external tool (e.g., model, brand, etc.) and / or the task the user is performing (e.g., inflating an air cushion, inflating and / or deflating a tire, blowing off debris, winterizing, etc.) to the vehicle 202 via the infotainment system 216 and / or the user device 204.

[0039] The TCU 220 may be configured and / or programmed to provide vehicle connectivity to wireless computing systems on and off the vehicle 202 and may include a navigation (NAV) receiver for receiving and processing GPS signals, module (BLEM), Wi-Fi transceiver, UWB transceiver, and / or other wireless transceivers (such as BLEM) that may be configured for wireless and cellular communications between the vehicle 202 and other systems (e.g., user device 204, server 206, etc.), computers, and modules. Figure 2 214 ). The TCU 220 may also enable the system 218 to wirelessly connect (e.g., via BLE or UWB) to one or more vehicle components (e.g., the panel 106 , the air compressor 210 , the air controller 222 , the sensor suite 214 , etc.). The TCU 220 may also be configured to determine the vehicle's geographic location based on GPS signals received by the TCU 220 .

[0040] The sensor suite 214 may include one or more sensors (not shown), including but not limited to interior / exterior / center high mounted stop light (CHMSL) cameras, radar sensors, lidar sensors, tank pressure sensors, outlet valve pressure sensors, temperature sensors, weight sensors (not shown), etc. In some aspects, the tank pressure sensor may be configured to measure the real-time air pressure in the air storage tank 212, and the outlet valve pressure sensor may be configured to measure the real-time tool use air pressure (or the pressure of the compressed air output from the outlet 108) at which the external tool may operate. In some aspects, the infotainment system 216 may be part of the sensor suite 214. In other aspects, the infotainment system 216 may be separate from the sensor suite 214, such as Figure 2 shown.

[0041] The vehicle control unit 224 may include a plurality of vehicle electronic control units (ECUs) and may be programmed to communicate between vehicle systems, connected servers (e.g., server 206), and other vehicles operating as part of a vehicle fleet ( Figure 2 202 ). In some aspects, the vehicle control unit 224 may be configured to control one or more vehicle operations, such as activating / deactivating vehicle lights, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, controlling door movement, etc. In additional aspects, the vehicle control unit 224 may be configured to determine vehicle information including vehicle type (e.g., whether the vehicle 202 is an EV or ICE vehicle) based on a powertrain architecture type, a vehicle model, real-time vehicle operating parameters, etc. Examples of real-time vehicle operating parameters include, but are not limited to, vehicle speed, whether the vehicle engine (if the vehicle 202 is an ICE vehicle) is operating / running, whether the vehicle 202 is connected to an EV charger (if the vehicle 202 is an EV), real-time vehicle battery state of charge (SoC), etc. The vehicle control unit 224 may transmit the vehicle information to the system 218 at a predefined frequency, or may transmit the vehicle information to the system 218 when the system 218 sends a request to the vehicle control unit 224 seeking vehicle information.

[0042] In some aspects, the system 218 can be part of a vehicle car computer (not shown) and can be installed in the vehicle engine compartment (or elsewhere in the vehicle 202). The system 218 can include a transceiver 232, one or more processors 234, and a memory 236. The transceiver 232 can be configured to receive information / data from an external system (e.g., a user device 204, a server 206, etc.) or from an internal vehicle system (e.g., a sensor suite 214, an infotainment system 216, a TCU 220, a vehicle control unit 224, etc.) via the network 208. The transceiver 232 can also be configured to transmit information / data / notification / command signals to the external system and / or the internal vehicle system (e.g., an air controller 222, an air compressor 210, a panel 106, an infotainment system 216, etc.).

[0043] The processor 234 may be configured to communicate with one or more memory devices (eg, memory 236 and / or memory 237) configured to communicate with a corresponding computing system. Figure 2 The processor 234 may utilize the memory 236 to store programs and / or store data in code form to perform various aspects of the present disclosure. The memory 236 may be a non-transitory computer-readable memory that stores air compressor control program code. The memory 236 may include any one or combination of volatile memory elements (e.g., dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), etc.), and may include any one or more non-volatile memory elements (e.g., erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM), flash memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), programmable read-only memory (PROM), etc.).

[0044] In some aspects, memory 236 may be configured to store information / input received (via transceiver 232 ) from sensor suite 214 , infotainment system 216 , vehicle control unit 224 , user device 204 , and server 206 .

[0045] like Figure 2 The system architecture of the depicted vehicle 202 may omit certain computing, electronic, and / or mechanical modules. It should be readily understood that Figure 2 The architectures depicted in are examples of possible implementations according to the present disclosure and therefore should not be considered limiting or exclusive.

[0046] In operation, transceiver 232 may receive vehicle information from vehicle control unit 224, information associated with a plurality of tools and a plurality of tasks from server 206, one or more user inputs from infotainment system 216 and / or user device 204, inputs from sensor suite 214, and / or air compressor activation requests from infotainment system 216, user device 204, and / or panel 106. In response to receiving the above information / inputs, transceiver 232 may send the received information / inputs to memory 236 for storage purposes.

[0047] The processor 234 may obtain the above information / input from the memory 236 or directly from the transceiver 232. In response to obtaining the information / input, the processor 234 may determine whether a predefined condition in a plurality of predefined conditions can be satisfied based on the information obtained. The processor 234 may control the air compressor operation in different ways / manners in response to determining that the predefined conditions can be satisfied and based on the types of predefined conditions that can be satisfied. For example, based on the vehicle type and real-time vehicle operating parameters, the processor 234 may determine whether the predefined conditions are satisfied. In response to determining that the predefined conditions are satisfied, the processor 234 may automatically activate the air compressor 210 and / or control the duration of the air compressor operation based on the vehicle type and real-time vehicle operating parameters. The following description describes examples of different controls that the processor 234 performs on the air compressor 210 based on the information / input obtained. The present disclosure is not limited to the examples described below.

[0048] In some aspects, processor 234 may determine that vehicle 202 may be an EV (i.e., the vehicle type may be an EV) based on vehicle information obtained from vehicle control unit 224. In other aspects, processor 234 may determine that vehicle 202 may be an EV based on vehicle type information that may be pre-stored in memory 236. In response to determining that vehicle 202 may be an EV, processor 234 may determine that whenever vehicle 202 may be connected to EV charger 302 (e.g., Figure 3302). When the processor 234 determines that the vehicle 202 is an EV and that the vehicle 202 can be charged via the EV charger 302, the processor 234 can automatically activate the air compressor 210 and cause the air compressor 210 to supply compressed air to the air storage tank 212. Specifically, in this case, whenever the vehicle 202 can be connected to the EV charger 302, the processor 234 can cause the air compressor 210 to fill the air storage tank 212 with compressed air to the maximum storage tank capacity (e.g., 150 psi). In this way, the processor 234 ensures that when the vehicle 202 may be charging, the air storage tank 212 or "buffer tank" is fully filled with compressed air so that the vehicle battery may not be used to fill the air storage tank 212 later (e.g., when the vehicle 202 may not be charging), thereby optimizing vehicle battery usage. If the vehicle 202 additionally has an external storage tank 118 connected to the panel 106, the processor 234 can cause the air compressor to operate to fill the external storage tank 118 to maximum capacity with compressed air in addition to filling the air storage tank 212.

[0049] In another aspect, when the vehicle 202 may be an EV and the processor 234 obtains an air compressor activation request from a user (e.g., via the user device 204, the infotainment system 216, or the panel 106), the processor 234 may determine the current vehicle battery SoC based on real-time vehicle operating parameters. The processor 234 may then compare the current vehicle battery SoC to a predefined SoC threshold value (which may be pre-stored in the memory 236).

[0050] The processor 234 may also determine the type of external tool that the user may connect to the outlet 108 and the type of task that may be performed using the external tool based on the obtained user input and / or the input (e.g., images) obtained from the sensor suite 214 and by using one or more image processing algorithms (which may be pre-stored in the memory 236). In response to determining the external tool type and the task type, the processor 234 may correlate the determined tool / task type information with the information associated with the plurality of tools and the plurality of tasks obtained from the server 206 to determine an expected expected operating pressure range of the compressed air required for the external tool to perform the task.

[0051] In response to determining that the battery SoC may be greater than a predefined SoC threshold, processor 234 may cause “normal” air compressor operation, wherein air compressor 210 may fill air storage tank 212 with compressed air at a first pressure that may be a first predefined percentage (e.g., 25%-35%) greater than the expected desired operating pressure range.

[0052] On the other hand, in response to determining that the battery SoC may be less than the predefined SoC threshold, the processor 234 may determine that a second predefined condition may be satisfied. In this case, the processor 234 may cause "optimized" air compressor operation, wherein the air compressor 210 may fill the air storage tank 212 with compressed air at a second pressure that may be a second predefined percentage (e.g., 0%-10%) greater than the desired operating pressure range. The second predefined percentage may be substantially less than the first predefined percentage, thereby ensuring that the air compressor 210 does not have to operate for a long duration, thereby conserving vehicle battery energy.

[0053] In another aspect, the processor 234 can determine and track the real-time vehicle battery SoC level when the air compressor 210 can operate at normal or optimized air compressor operation. The processor 234 can also calculate the estimated remaining vehicle range based on the real-time vehicle battery SoC level and historical vehicle driving and energy consumption patterns (which can be pre-stored in the memory 236). In response to the estimated vehicle range, the processor 234 can output a notification including the estimated remaining vehicle range (via the infotainment system 216, the user device 204, the vehicle speakers, etc.) at a predefined frequency. The user can see / hear the notification and can decide to continue using the external tool (and therefore operate the air compressor 210) or stop using the external tool based on the estimated remaining vehicle range.

[0054] In further aspects, the processor 234 may determine that the vehicle 202 may be an ICE vehicle (i.e., the vehicle type may be an ICE vehicle) based on vehicle information obtained from the vehicle control unit 224 or vehicle type information that may be pre-stored in the memory 236. In response to determining that the vehicle 202 may be an ICE vehicle, the processor 234 may determine that the third predefined condition may be satisfied when the processor 234 obtains an air compressor activation request from a user and the vehicle engine may be operational / running (determined based on real-time vehicle operating parameters). In some aspects, in this case, the processor 234 may also determine that the third predefined condition may be satisfied when load shedding may not be operational in the vehicle 202.

[0055] In response to determining that the third predefined condition may be satisfied, processor 234 may cause air compressor 210 to fill air storage tank 212 with compressed air at a third pressure. The third pressure may be the same as the maximum storage tank capacity of air storage tank 212 (e.g., 150 psi), or may be equal to the first pressure described above.

[0056] In some aspects, when load shedding may be operational, the processor 234 may also be configured to automatically prioritize load shedding so that the air compressor 210 may be operated. For example, when load shedding may be operational, the processor 234 may stop the operation of one or more vehicle functions / features (e.g., stop the seating area heaters of one or more seating areas, stop the steering wheel heater, etc.) to accommodate air compression operation. The processor 234 may prioritize load shedding based on user preferences (which may be pre-stored in the memory 236), real-time user input, or based on input obtained from the server 206 and / or the vehicle fleet operator. In some aspects, the processor 234 may prioritize load shedding regardless of the vehicle type. In other words, when the vehicle 202 may be an EV or ICE vehicle, the processor 234 may prioritize load shedding.

[0057] In another aspect, when the vehicle 202 may be an ICE vehicle and the processor 234 obtains an air compressor activation request, the processor 234 may determine that a fourth predefined condition may be satisfied when the vehicle engine may not be operating (i.e., the vehicle alternator may not be generating electricity). In response to determining that the fourth predefined condition may be satisfied, the processor 234 may cause the air compressor to operate for a predefined duration. In some aspects, the predefined duration may depend on the current vehicle battery (e.g., 12V battery) SoC. For example, when the vehicle battery SoC may be greater than a predefined threshold, the predefined duration may be higher, and when the vehicle battery SoC may be below a predefined threshold, the predefined duration may be relatively lower.

[0058] In an additional aspect, when the air compressor 210 may be operating and the vehicle engine may not be running / operating, the processor 234 may calculate an estimated air compressor operation duration based on the real-time vehicle battery SoC. In other words, the processor 234 may estimate the expected duration that the air compressor 210 may remain operational based on the real-time vehicle battery SoC. In response to calculating the estimated air compressor operation duration, the processor 234 may output a notification including the air compressor operation duration at a predefined frequency (via the infotainment system 216, the user device 204, the vehicle speakers, etc.). The user may see / hear the notification and may decide to continue using the external tool (and therefore operate the air compressor 210) or stop using the external tool based on the air compressor operation duration.

[0059] In another aspect, when the processor 234 obtains an air compressor activation request and the vehicle 202 may be an ICE vehicle, the processor 234 may be for the external tool to complete the task being performed. The expected duration of the air compressor 210 operation may be required. Specifically, as described above, the processor 234 may determine the type of external tool connected to the outlet 108 by the user and the type of task performed using the external tool based on the obtained user input and / or the input obtained from the sensor suite 214 (e.g., an image) and by using one or more image processing algorithms (these algorithms may be pre-stored in the memory 236). In response to determining the external tool type and the task type, the processor 234 may correlate the determined tool / task type information with the information associated with multiple tools and multiple tasks obtained from the server 206 to determine the expected duration that the tool operation (and therefore the air compressor 210 operation) may be required to complete the task. For example, if the user may be inflating the vehicle tire, the processor 234 may estimate the duration that the tire inflator (and therefore the air compressor 210) may be required to operate to fill the tire. In this case, the server 206 and / or the memory 236 may pre-store information associated with the tire size, pressure, etc.

[0060] In response to determining the expected duration of air compressor operation or tool operation, the processor 234 may determine and provide one or more recommendations to the user based on the expected duration and real-time vehicle operating parameters. For example, when the expected duration may be less than a predefined duration threshold and the air storage tank 212 may be filled to the maximum storage tank capacity (e.g., 150 psi), the processor 234 may provide a first recommendation to operate the tool by using the compressed air stored in the air storage tank 212 and not operating / activating the air compressor 210. In other words, when the air storage tank 212 may have enough stored compressed air to enable the tool to complete the task, the processor 234 may recommend using only the air storage tank 212 (without turning on the air compressor 210). In this case, the processor 234 may transmit the first recommendation to the user device 204, the infotainment system 216, etc., and the user may see / hear the recommendation and may operate the tool based on the first recommendation.

[0061] As another example, the processor 234 may check the current vehicle battery SoC (i.e., the SoC of the 12V battery) when the expected duration may be greater than a predefined duration threshold and / or if the air storage tank 212 may not have enough compressed air to enable the tool to complete the task. The processor 234 may also calculate an expected vehicle battery SoC that may enable the air compressor 210 to operate for the duration that the tool can perform the task (based on historical operating information of the vehicle battery and the air compressor 210 (which may be pre-stored in the memory 236)). In response to calculating the expected vehicle battery SOC, the processor 234 may compare the current vehicle battery SOC to the expected vehicle battery SOC. The processor 234 may provide a second recommendation to the user when the current vehicle battery SoC may be equal to or greater than the expected vehicle battery SoC, and the processor 234 may provide a third recommendation to the user when the current vehicle battery SoC may be less than the expected vehicle battery SoC.

[0062] In some aspects, the second recommendation may include performing the task by using compressed air stored in the air storage tank 212 and operating the air compressor 210 using a vehicle battery (e.g., a 12V battery). The third recommendation may include operating or running the vehicle engine and operating the air compressor 210 by drawing power from the vehicle engine to perform the task. In this case, the vehicle engine may be operated until the vehicle battery SoC increases above the expected vehicle battery SoC. When the vehicle battery SoC increases above the expected vehicle battery SoC, the vehicle engine may be stopped and the air compressor 210 may be operated by using energy drawn from the vehicle battery.

[0063] In further aspects of the present disclosure, the processor 234 can perform one or more power usage optimization actions regardless of whether the vehicle 202 may be an EV or ICE vehicle. For example, the processor 234 can control air compressor operation based on vehicle geographic location (which the processor 234 can obtain from the TCU 220), historical vehicle operating patterns, input obtained from a fleet operator (when the vehicle 202 may be part of a fleet of vehicles), etc., as described below.

[0064] In some aspects, the processor 234 may obtain the vehicle geographic location based on input or real-time vehicle operating parameters obtained from the TCU 220. In response to obtaining the vehicle geographic location, the processor 234 may determine whether the vehicle 202 may be located in or traveling through a predetermined geographic area (the information of which may be pre-stored in the memory 236). For example, the processor 234 may determine that the vehicle 202 may be traveling through a first geographic area (e.g., a highway) or may be entering or located in a second geographic area (e.g., a construction site, if the vehicle 202 is part of a fleet of vehicles operating at the construction site) based on the obtained vehicle geographic location. When the vehicle 202 may be traveling through a highway, the processor 234 may perform a first predefined action, such as disabling air compressor operation, to save vehicle energy and ensure that the vehicle battery can meet the electric steering and / or braking system energy needs.

[0065] On the other hand, when the vehicle 202 may be entering or located in the construction site 402, such as Figure 4 As shown, the processor 234 can perform a second predefined action, such as operating the air compressor 210 at full capacity to fill the air storage tank 212 with compressed air to a maximum storage tank capacity (e.g., 150 psi). In this case, if the vehicle 202 additionally has an external storage tank 118 connected to the panel 106, the processor 234 can cause the air compressor to operate to fill the external storage tank 118 to maximum capacity with compressed air in addition to filling the air storage tank 212. In some aspects, if the vehicle is an ICE vehicle, the processor 234 can cause the air compressor 210 to operate at full capacity when the vehicle engine can be operated (e.g., during the working hours of the vehicle 202) and the vehicle 202 can be located at a work site. This can ensure that when the vehicle 202 leaves the work site, the air storage tank 212 (and the external storage tank 118, if attached) can be completely filled.

[0066] Additionally, when vehicle 202 may be a work vehicle (e.g., a stranded motorist assistance vehicle, a tow truck, a construction vehicle, etc.) that regularly uses air compressor 210, filling air storage tank 212 (and external storage tank 118, if attached) may provide benefits to the driver / fleet operator when vehicle 202 may need to use compressed air during work / vehicle operations.

[0067] In some aspects, the processor 234 may also pre-fill the air storage tank 212 (and the external storage tank 118, if attached) to maximum capacity when the vehicle 202 may be expected to travel to a particular geographic area where a user may need compressed air. For example, if the vehicle 202 is expected to travel through a geographic area where stranded drivers often occur, the processor 234 may pre-fill the air storage tank 212 (and the external storage tank 118, if attached) to maximum capacity. The processor 234 may also pre-fill the air storage tank 212 (and the external storage tank 118, if attached) to maximum capacity based on the expected driving pattern of the vehicle 202 during the planned trip. In some aspects, the processor 234 may determine the expected driving pattern and / or geographic area in which the vehicle 202 may travel based on user input and / or historical vehicle operation / travel patterns (which may be pre-stored in the memory 242). In further aspects, when the vehicle 202 or user may be providing compressed air to a stranded driver (as determined via user input or via sensor suite 214 and input / images), processor 234 may cause air compressor 210 to operate at full capacity.

[0068] In an additional aspect, the processor 234 can cause the air compressor 210 to reduce the air storage tank pressure to a predefined low pressure (e.g., close to or equal to 0 psi) when a predefined low pressure condition may be met. Examples of predefined low pressure conditions may include, but are not limited to, off-road driving, encountering adverse conditions, driving on a highway, etc.

[0069] Figure 5 A flow chart of an example method 500 for controlling the operation of the air compressor 210 according to the present disclosure is depicted. Figures 1 to 4 The previous figures are used to describe Figure 5 The following process is exemplary and is not limited to the steps described below. Furthermore, alternative embodiments may include more or fewer steps than shown or described herein, and may include the steps in an order different from that described in the following embodiments.

[0070] The method 500 begins at step 502. At step 504, the method 500 may include obtaining, by the processor 234, vehicle information from the vehicle control unit 224. At step 506, the method 500 may include determining, by the processor 234, real-time vehicle operating parameters based on the vehicle information. Additionally, as described above, the processor 234 may determine the vehicle type (i.e., whether the vehicle is an EV or an ICE vehicle) based on the vehicle information, the powertrain architecture type, or the vehicle type information (which may be pre-stored in the memory 236).

[0071] At step 508, method 500 may include determining, by processor 234, that a predefined condition may be satisfied based on the vehicle type and the real-time vehicle operating parameters, as described above. At step 510, method 500 may include controlling, by processor 234, air compressor operation based on the vehicle type and the real-time vehicle operating parameters in response to determining that the predefined condition may be satisfied.

[0072] Method 500 may end at step 512 .

[0073] In the above disclosure, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part of the above disclosure, which illustrate specific implementations in which the present disclosure can be practiced. It should be understood that other implementations can be utilized and structural changes can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. References to "one embodiment", "embodiment", "exemplary embodiment" and the like in the specification indicate that the described embodiment may include specific features, structures or characteristics, but each embodiment may not necessarily include the specific features, structures or characteristics. In addition, such phrases do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. In addition, when features, structures or characteristics are described in conjunction with an embodiment, whether or not explicitly described, those skilled in the art will recognize such features, structures or characteristics in conjunction with other embodiments.

[0074] In addition, where appropriate, the functions described herein may be performed in one or more of the following: hardware, software, firmware, digital components, or analog components. For example, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) may be programmed to perform one or more of the systems and programs described herein. Certain terms are used throughout the specification and claims to refer to specific system components. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, components may be referred to by different names. This document is not intended to distinguish between components that have different names but the same function.

[0075] It should also be understood that the word "example" as used herein is intended to be non-exclusive and non-limiting in nature. More specifically, the word "example" used herein indicates one of several examples, and it should be understood that no undue emphasis or preference is placed on the specific example described.

[0076] Computer-readable media (also referred to as processor-readable media) include any non-transitory (e.g., tangible) media that participate in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., by a processor of a computer). Such media may take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media and volatile media. A computing device may include computer-executable instructions, where the instructions may be executable by one or more computing devices (such as those listed above) and stored on a computer-readable medium.

[0077] With respect to the processes, systems, methods, heuristics, etc. described herein, it should be understood that although the steps of such processes, etc. have been described as occurring according to a certain ordered sequence, such processes may be practiced by performing the described steps in an order different from the order described herein. It should also be understood that certain steps may be performed simultaneously, other steps may be added, or certain steps described herein may be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of processes herein are provided for the purpose of illustrating various embodiments and should in no way be construed as limiting the claims.

[0078] Therefore, it should be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Upon reading the above description, many embodiments and applications other than the examples provided will be apparent. The scope should not be determined with reference to the above description, but should be determined with reference to the entire scope of the equivalents of the attached claims and the rights to such claims. It is expected and anticipated that the technology discussed herein will develop in the future, and the disclosed systems and methods will be incorporated into such future embodiments. In short, it should be understood that the present application is capable of modification and variation.

[0079] Unless explicitly indicated to the contrary in this article, all terms used in the claims are intended to be given their ordinary meanings as understood by the skilled person described herein. Specifically, unless the claims state an explicit limitation to the contrary, the use of singular articles such as "one", "the", "said" and the like should be interpreted as describing one or more of the indicated elements. Unless otherwise specifically stated or understood in other ways within the context when used, conditional language such as, in particular, "can", "may", "may" or "can" is generally intended to express that certain embodiments may include certain features, elements and / or steps, while other embodiments may not include certain features, elements and / or steps. Therefore, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that one or more embodiments require each feature, element and / or step in any way.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the second recommendation includes at least one of: performing the task by using the compressed air stored in the air storage tank and operating the air compressor by using a vehicle battery; and performing the task by operating the air compressor by using a vehicle engine.

[0081] According to the present invention, a method for controlling the operation of an air compressor of a vehicle comprises: obtaining, by a processor, vehicle information from a vehicle control unit, wherein the vehicle information comprises a vehicle type and real-time vehicle operating parameters; determining, by the processor, that a predefined condition is satisfied based on the vehicle type and the real-time vehicle operating parameters; and controlling the operation of the air compressor in response to determining that the predefined condition is satisfied.

[0082] In one aspect of the present invention, the method includes: when the vehicle type is an electric vehicle and the vehicle is connected to a charger, determining that the predefined condition is satisfied based on the real-time vehicle operating parameters; and in response to determining that the vehicle is connected to the charger, controlling the air compressor to operate to fill an air storage tank of the vehicle with compressed air at a first predefined pressure.

[0083] In one aspect of the present invention, the method includes: obtaining an air compressor activation request; in response to obtaining the air compressor activation request, when the vehicle type is an electric vehicle and the vehicle battery state of charge (SoC) is less than a predefined SoC threshold, determining that the predefined condition is met based on the real-time vehicle operating parameters; and in response to determining that the vehicle battery SoC is less than the predefined SoC threshold, causing the air compressor to fill the vehicle's air storage tank with compressed air at a second predefined pressure.

[0084] According to the present invention, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which instructions are stored. When executed by a processor, the instructions cause the processor to: obtain vehicle information from a vehicle control unit, wherein the vehicle information includes a vehicle type and real-time vehicle operating parameters of the vehicle, and wherein the vehicle includes an air compressor; determine that a predefined condition is satisfied based on the vehicle type and the real-time vehicle operating parameters; and control the operation of the air compressor in response to determining that the predefined condition is satisfied.

Claims

1. A system for controlling the operation of an air compressor of a vehicle, the system comprising: a transceiver configured to receive vehicle information from a vehicle control unit, wherein the vehicle information includes a vehicle type and real-time vehicle operating parameters; as well as a processor communicatively coupled to the transceiver and the air compressor, wherein the processor is configured to: obtaining the vehicle information from the transceiver; determining that a predefined condition is satisfied based on the vehicle type and the real-time vehicle operating parameters; as well as In response to determining that the predefined condition is satisfied, the air compressor operation is controlled.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle further comprises an air storage tank. 3 . The system of claim 2 , wherein the air compressor is configured to supply compressed air to the air storage tank, and wherein the air storage tank is configured to store the compressed air and supply the compressed air to an external tool.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to: When the vehicle type is an electric vehicle and the vehicle is connected to a charger, determining that the predefined condition is satisfied based on the real-time vehicle operating parameters; and The air compressor is controlled to operate to fill the air storage tank with compressed air at a first predefined pressure in response to determining that the vehicle is connected to the charger.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the first predefined pressure is 150 pounds force per square inch (psi).

6. The system of claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to: Get air compressor activation request; In response to obtaining the air compressor activation request, when the vehicle type is an electric vehicle and a vehicle battery state of charge (SoC) is less than a predefined SoC threshold, determining that the predefined condition is satisfied based on the real-time vehicle operating parameters; and The air compressor is caused to fill the air storage tank with compressed air at a second predefined pressure in response to determining that the vehicle battery SoC is less than the predefined SoC threshold.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to: determining an expected vehicle range based on the vehicle battery SoC when the air compressor operates to fill the air storage tank with the compressed air at the second predefined pressure; and A notification is output including the expected vehicle range.

8. The system of claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to: Get air compressor activation request; In response to obtaining the air compressor activation request, when the vehicle type is an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle and the vehicle engine is operating, determining that the predefined condition is satisfied based on the real-time vehicle operating parameters; and The air compressor is caused to fill the air storage tank with compressed air at a third predefined pressure in response to determining that the vehicle engine is operating. 9 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the processor is further configured to determine that the predefined condition is satisfied when load shedding is not operating in the vehicle.

10. The system of claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to: Get air compressor activation request; In response to obtaining the air compressor activation request, when the vehicle type is an ICE vehicle and the vehicle engine is not operating, determining that the predefined condition is satisfied based on the real-time vehicle operating parameters; and The air compressor is operated for a predefined duration in response to determining that the vehicle engine is not operating.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the processor is further configured to output a notification including a duration of operation of the air compressor.

12. The system of claim 2, wherein the processor is further configured to: obtaining a vehicle geographic location based on the real-time vehicle operating parameters; determining that the vehicle is traveling in a predefined first geographic area based on the vehicle geographic location; and Air compressor operation is disabled in response to determining that the vehicle is traveling in the predefined first geographic area.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the processor is further configured to: determining, based on the vehicle geographic location, that the vehicle is entering a predefined second geographic area; and The air compressor is operated at a maximum operating capacity in response to determining that the vehicle is entering the predefined second geographic area.

14. The system of claim 3, wherein the processor is further configured to: Obtain input from the vehicle sensor suite; determining a type of external tool and a type of task being performed by the external tool based on the input obtained from the vehicle sensor suite; determining an expected duration for air compressor operation to complete the task using the external tool based on the type of external tool and the type of task; as well as A first recommendation is output when the expected duration is less than a predefined threshold, and a second recommendation is output when the expected duration is greater than the predefined threshold.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the first recommendation comprises performing the task by using the compressed air stored in the air storage tank.

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