System and method for vehicle power management

Abstract

The invention relates to a system and method for vehicle power management. The system comprises an interface and a power management unit. The interface transmits one or more signals. The power management unit is communicatively connected to the interface to receive one or more signals. The power management unit processes one or more signals to control the operational lock mode. The operational lock mode includes selective power management of one or more components of the vehicle to maximize range and power take-off duration.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for power management. In particular, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to systems and methods for vehicle power management. Background Art

[0002] The primary function of a vehicle is not limited to a driving cycle. In some cases, the vehicle can act as a power source. Both conventional vehicles and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) can provide mechanical power or electricity to peripheral components, for example, while remaining stationary. This power output capability of the vehicle can be beneficial to consumers and / or business environments. In one approach, the vehicle needs to be manually "turned on" or "turned off" based on the power requirements of the peripheral components that can be provided by the automobile manufacturer or a third party. In another approach, the vehicle key must be left inside the vehicle, such as in the ignition of the vehicle, to allow power to be supplied to the peripheral components. Therefore, in some cases, a run-lock feature may be beneficial. For example, the run-lock feature allows safe, unattended engine operation, preventing the vehicle from being driven without authorization. However, this solution requires the vehicle to be in an "on" state, such as in which case the vehicle can be operated and / or driven without consent. In some examples, the vehicle can be automatically turned off based on a preset time or condition to prevent unauthorized use. However, this can then prevent power from being supplied to the peripheral components. Therefore, it is necessary to provide an enhanced system and method for managing power delivery to peripheral devices. Summary of the invention

[0003] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide enhanced systems and methods for vehicle power management, for example to maximize drivable range and power delivery duration.

[0004] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an enhanced and customizable run lock mode.

[0005] Another object of the present disclosure is to remotely or externally control vehicle operation in an operation lock mode.

[0006] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide efficient power management for auxiliary components or primary components of a vehicle and / or peripheral devices connected to the vehicle in an operational lock mode.

[0007] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an efficient and reliable solution for operating a fleet of vehicles, for example in a commercial environment.

[0008] According to the systems and methods described herein, a system for vehicle power management is provided. The system includes an interface and a power management unit. The interface transmits one or more signals. The power management unit is communicatively connected to the interface to receive one or more signals. The power management unit processes the one or more signals to control an operation lock mode. The operation lock mode includes selective power management of one or more components of the vehicle. In the context of the present disclosure, the term "component of the vehicle" or "vehicle component" is understood as an integral component of the vehicle such as a power outlet fixed in the cargo area of ​​the vehicle, or a peripheral component of the vehicle such as a tool or other device that is fixed to the vehicle in another connectable manner. In some examples, the peripheral component may be a device provided by the manufacturer of the vehicle or a third party. For the avoidance of doubt, the systems and methods described herein are intended for automatic shutdown functions of the vehicle, such as a shutdown function that controls a time range beyond which the vehicle (e.g., the vehicle engine) cannot be operated unattended. The systems and methods described herein are not intended to provide a default override control of any such shutdown function. For example, the power management unit can be configured to enable an enhanced operation lock, which, for example, works alone or in cooperation with one or more other vehicle systems within (e.g., only within) the above-specified time range.

[0009] In some examples, the power management unit processes the signal to control the operation lock mode, including enabling, suspending, or disabling the operation lock mode.

[0010] In some examples, the power management unit processes the signals to decode the selected one or more components and the associated activation state or deactivation state to control the operation lock mode.

[0011] In some examples, the interface is a human-machine interface for receiving one or more user inputs and converting the one or more user inputs into one or more signals.

[0012] In some examples, the interface is communicatively connected to the sensor unit to determine one or more parameters associated with a vehicle state to generate one or more signals enabling autonomous operation of the vehicle.

[0013] In some examples, the power management unit is communicatively connected to the interface via at least one of a wired or wireless communication protocol.

[0014] In some examples, the power management unit includes an authentication unit for verifying one or more signals to allow safe operation of the vehicle.

[0015] In some examples, the human machine interface allows one or more components of the vehicle to be selected from a predefined list. As a result, the user is enabled to control the overall power distribution of the vehicle.

[0016] In some examples, the predefined list of one or more components of the vehicle includes auxiliary components, primary components, or a combination thereof.

[0017] In some examples, the auxiliary components include lighting components, wiper and washer components, door lock components, infotainment components, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) components, power window components, parking assist components, power take-off (PTO) components, or combinations thereof.

[0018] In some examples, the primary components include powertrain components, brake components, steering components, or combinations thereof.

[0019] According to the systems and methods described herein, a method for vehicle power management is provided. The method includes the steps of: a) receiving one or more signals; b) processing the one or more signals to control an operation lock mode; and wherein the operation lock mode includes selective power management of one or more components of the vehicle.

[0020] In some examples, controlling the operation lock mode includes enabling or disabling the operation lock mode.

[0021] In some examples, processing the one or more signals includes decoding a selected one or more components and an associated activation state or deactivation state to control the operational lock mode.

[0022] In some examples, processing further includes validating one or more signals, such as validating a user input or a desire to set the operational lock mode.

[0023] According to the systems and methods described herein, an input is received to initiate a first power mode of a power management system of a vehicle, such as in response to a signal received from an interface of the vehicle, a signal received from a fleet server, and / or a signal received from a vehicle key. The first power mode can be a mode in which the vehicle is in a power-off state that inhibits control of a vehicle motor and / or entry into the vehicle (e.g., operating a locked mode). In response to receiving the input to initiate the first power mode, a power management control module, such as a power management unit, is activated, the power management control module being configured to receive a signal from a vehicle component, such as in response to the vehicle component being operably connected to the vehicle and / or the vehicle component receiving a use request. In response to the power management control module receiving the signal from the vehicle component, the power management control module initiates a second power mode in which one or more vehicle systems are activated to enable the vehicle component to be powered while maintaining control of the vehicle motor and / or entry into the vehicle inhibited.

[0024] Systems and methods for vehicle power management allow a user to enable or disable a run lock mode and select one or more components of the vehicle to be powered locally or remotely. Based on the selection of one or more components, the components are enabled or disabled to conserve power in the vehicle. Remote interaction flexibility improves the overall user experience and reduces manual operations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The above and other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the drawings, and in which: Figure 1 Describing a system for vehicle power management according to some examples of the present disclosure; Figure 2 Describe a system equipped in a vehicle according to some examples of the present disclosure; Figure 3 Describing a power management unit according to some examples of the present disclosure; Figure 4 Describe some example interfaces according to the present disclosure; Figure 5 Describing an application program interface installed on a peripheral device according to some examples of the present disclosure; Figure 6 Describing a system for vehicle power management according to some examples of the present disclosure; and Figure 7 Methods for vehicle power management according to some examples of the present disclosure are described. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Figure 1 A system 100 for vehicle power management is illustrated. The system 100 includes an interface 102 and a power management unit 104. The interface 102 may include at least one of a vehicle key, an infotainment system, a button, an application installed on a peripheral device, or a combination thereof.

[0027] Interface 102 is a human-machine interface configured to receive one or more user inputs and convert one or more user inputs into one or more signals. In addition, one or more user inputs are converted into one or more signals using a protocol. The protocol may include, but is not limited to, encoding, encryption, hashing, or obfuscation. One or more signals are encoded for secure transmission operations.

[0028] The interface 102 may include, but is not limited to, an encoder, an interleaver, or a modulator for performing various operations on one or more user inputs before the one or more user inputs are transmitted. The various operations may include, but are not limited to, encoding, interleaving, or modulation. The interface 102 may include a processor, a memory, and any storage medium for executing and storing information and instructions to perform the overall operation of the vehicle.

[0029] The human machine interface allows a user to select one or more components from a predefined list stored in the memory. The predefined list of one or more components of the vehicle includes auxiliary components, primary components, or a combination thereof.

[0030] Auxiliary components may include lighting components, wiper and washer components, door lock components, infotainment components, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) components, power window components, parking assist components, power take-off (PTO) components, or combinations thereof. Power take-off components may include peripheral devices, but are not limited to vehicle-mounted cranes, crane lifts, or power tools that use vehicle power during PTO operations. Primary components may include drivetrain components, brake components, steering components, or combinations thereof.

[0031] The interface 102 is configured to transmit one or more signals to the power management unit 104 via at least one of a wired or wireless communication protocol. The at least one wired communication protocol may include, but is not limited to, Ethernet (IEEE 802.3), Local Interconnect Network (LIN), Controller Area Network (CAN), Media Oriented System Transport (MOST), or FlexRay. The at least one wireless communication protocol may include, but is not limited to, Radio Frequency (RF), Infrared (IrDA), Bluetooth, ZigBee (and other variants of the IEEE 802.15 protocol), Wireless Fidelity WiFI or IEEE 802.11 (any variant), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX or any other variant), Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS), Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), Long Term Evolution (LTE), cellular protocols (2G, 2.5G, 2.75G, 3G, 4G, or 5G), Near Field Communication (NFC), satellite data communication protocols, or any other protocol for wireless communication.

[0032] The power management unit 104 is configured to receive one or more signals from the interface 102. The power management unit 104 may be an integral part of an engine control unit (ECU). The power management unit 104 may include a processor and a memory for executing and storing information and instructions.

[0033] The power management unit 104 processes one or more signals to control the run lock mode. The power management unit 104 may verify one or more received signals before processing the one or more signals. The power management unit 104 may perform a reverse operation (decoding, deinterleaving, or demodulation) on one or more signals performed during transmission. The power management unit 104 may include, but is not limited to, a decoder, an interleaver, or a demodulator. The power management unit 104 processes one or more signals to control the run lock mode, including enabling or disabling the run lock mode. The power management unit 104 processes one or more signals to decode selected one or more components and associated activation states or deactivation states to control the run lock mode. The run lock mode includes selective power management of one or more components of the vehicle.

[0034] Selective power management of one or more components of the vehicle is equivalent to starting the vehicle to activate or drive essential components during operation lock mode and power take-off operation. In addition, the activation state indicates that the power of a specific component is "on", and the deactivation state indicates that the power of a specific component is "off". For example, if the user is working in the rear of the vehicle, the user only needs to power essential components such as lighting components and HVAC components. The remaining components can be turned off to save power for the vehicle. The interface 102 provides flexibility for the user to select the desired components to be powered.

[0035] The system 100 operates in different configurations to perform overall operations. In a first configuration, the interface 102 may include at least one of a vehicle key, a button, or a combination thereof to perform a function of enabling or disabling a run lock. The interface 102 may further include at least one of a vehicle's infotainment system or an application installed on a third-party device to perform a function of component selection.

[0036] For example, a user can use a vehicle key to enable or disable the run lock mode and use the infotainment system to select the desired one or more components to be powered on in the run lock mode from a predefined list. The interface 102 receives input from the vehicle key and the vehicle's infotainment system and converts the input into one or more signals. In addition, the interface 102 transmits the one or more signals to the power management unit 104. The power management unit 104 processes the one or more signals to control the run lock mode. The power management unit 104 processes the signals to decode the selected one or more components and the associated activation state or deactivation state to control the run lock mode. This results in selective power management of one or more components of the vehicle to save power.

[0037] In an alternative configuration, the interface 102 may include at least one of the vehicle's infotainment system or an application installed on a third-party device to perform the functions of enabling or disabling the run lock and component selection.

[0038] For example, a user can use the infotainment system to enable or disable the run lock mode and select the desired one or more components to be powered on in the run lock mode from a predefined list. The interface 102 receives input from the vehicle's infotainment system and converts the input into one or more signals. In addition, the interface 102 transmits the one or more signals to the power management unit 104. The power management unit 104 processes the one or more signals to control the run lock mode. The power management unit 104 processes the signals to decode the selected one or more components and the associated activation state or deactivation state to control the run lock mode. This results in selective power management of one or more components of the vehicle to save power.

[0039] Figure 2 The system 200 equipped in the vehicle 206 is illustrated. The system 200 includes an interface 202 and a power management unit 204. The interface 202 is an integral part of the system 200 equipped in the vehicle 206.

[0040] Alternatively, interface 202 may be a stand-alone unit located remotely from vehicle 206 .

[0041] The interface 202 may include at least one of a vehicle key, a button, an infotainment system of the vehicle, an application installed on a third-party device, or a combination thereof.

[0042] Interface 202 is a human-machine interface for receiving one or more user inputs and converting one or more user inputs into one or more signals. In addition, a protocol is used to convert one or more user inputs into one or more signals. The protocol may include, but is not limited to, encoding, encryption, hashing, or obfuscation. One or more signals are encoded for secure transmission operations.

[0043] The interface 202 may include, but is not limited to, an encoder, an interleaver, or a modulator for performing various operations on one or more user inputs before the one or more user inputs are transmitted. The various operations may include, but are not limited to, encoding, interleaving, or modulation. The interface 202 may include a processor, a memory, and any storage medium for executing and storing information and instructions to perform the overall operation of the vehicle.

[0044] The human-machine interface allows a user to select one or more components from a predefined list stored in the memory. The predefined list of one or more components of the vehicle includes auxiliary components, primary components, or a combination thereof. Auxiliary components may include lighting components, wiper and washer components, door lock components, infotainment components, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) components, power window components, parking assist components, power take-off (PTO) components, or a combination thereof. Power take-off components may include peripheral devices, but are not limited to vehicle-mounted cranes, crane lifts, or power tools that use vehicle power during power take-off operations. Primary components may include driveline components, brake components, steering components, or a combination thereof.

[0045] The interface 202 may further include, but is not limited to, a tactile sensor, a light emitting diode (LED), a speaker, or a combination thereof, for receiving and providing feedback from the power management unit 204 .

[0046] The interface 202 is configured to transmit one or more signals to the power management unit 204 via at least one of a wired or wireless communication protocol. The at least one wired communication protocol may include, but is not limited to, Ethernet (IEEE 802.3), Local Interconnect Network (LIN), Controller Area Network (CAN), Media Oriented System Transport (MOST), or FlexRay. The at least one wireless communication protocol may include, but is not limited to, Radio Frequency (RF), Infrared (IrDA), Bluetooth, ZigBee (and other variants of the IEEE 802.15 protocol), Wireless Fidelity WiFI or IEEE 802.11 (any variant), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX or any other variant), Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS), Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS), Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE), Long Term Evolution (LTE), cellular protocols (2G, 2.5G, 2.75G, 3G, 4G, or 5G), Near Field Communication (NFC), satellite data communication protocols, or any other protocol for wireless communication.

[0047] The power management unit 204 is configured to receive one or more signals. The power management unit 204 may be an integral part of an engine control unit (ECU). The power management unit 204 may include a processor and a memory for executing and storing information and instructions.

[0048] The power management unit 204 may include an authentication unit (not shown). The authentication unit performs verification on one or more signals. The power management unit 204 processes the one or more signals only when the authentication unit verifies the one or more signals. When the authentication unit fails to verify the one or more signals, the power management unit 204 sends an error signal back to the interface 202. The error signal may include SMS, tactile feedback, light emitting diode (LED) flashing, audio message, or a combination thereof.

[0049] The power management unit 204 processes the one or more signals to control the operation lock mode after verifying the one or more signals. The power management unit 204 may perform the reverse operation (decoding, deinterleaving or demodulation) of the one or more signals performed during transmission. The power management unit 204 may include, but is not limited to, a decoder, an interleaver or a demodulator. The power management unit 204 processes the one or more signals to control the operation lock mode, including enabling or disabling the operation lock mode. The power management unit 204 processes the one or more signals to decode the selected one or more components and the associated activation state or deactivation state to control the operation lock mode. The operation lock mode includes selective power management of one or more components of the vehicle.

[0050] For example, a user may use an application installed on a third-party device located away from the vehicle 206 (i.e., away from a vehicle-mounted crane as a power take-off component). The application allows the user to enable or disable the run lock mode and allows the user to select one or more desired components to be powered on in the run lock mode from a predefined list. The interface 202 receives user input from the application installed on the third-party device and converts the input into one or more signals. In addition, the interface 202 transmits the one or more signals to the power management unit 204. The power management unit 204 processes the one or more signals to control the run lock mode. The power management unit 204 processes the signals to decode the selected one or more components and the associated activation state or deactivation state to control the run lock mode. This results in selective power management of one or more components of the vehicle to save power.

[0051] Figure 3 The power management unit 300 is illustrated. The power management unit 300 includes at least one processing unit 302 and at least one memory 304 .

[0052] At least one processing unit 302 may include at least one or more processors for performing the overall operation of the system. At least one processing unit 302 is capable of executing software instructions or algorithms to implement the functional aspects of the present disclosure. At least one processing unit 302 may be any commercial processor or a cloud system that can process data received from an interface. At least one processing unit 302 may also be implemented as a digital signal processor (DSP), a microcontroller, a designated system-on-chip (SoC), an integrated circuit implemented with a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a combination thereof. At least one processing unit 302 may be implemented using a co-processor for complex computing tasks.

[0053] At least one memory 304 is connected to at least one processing unit 302 and stores machine learning algorithms and instructions. At least one memory 304 stores a predefined list of one or more components of the vehicle. At least one memory 304 also stores a table representing predefined thresholds of one or more components of the vehicle. At least one memory 304 may include any volatile storage element (e.g., random access memory, such as DRAM, SRAM, SDRAM, etc.), non-volatile storage element (e.g., ROM, hard drive, etc.), other storage media, or a combination thereof. At least one memory 304 may have a distributed structure, in which case various components are located away from each other but can be accessed by at least one processing unit 302. The software in at least one memory 304 may include one or more software programs and machine learning algorithms, each of which includes an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. In addition, at least one processing unit 302 may be implemented using a cloud architecture. At least one processing unit 302 may interact with one or more components of the vehicle for selective power management.

[0054] Figure 4 Interface 400 is illustrated. Interface 400 includes vehicle key 402 , infotainment system 404 , button 406 , and smart vehicle key 408 .

[0055] The vehicle key 402 is an original key used to manually lock or unlock the vehicle and enable the operational lock mode of the vehicle.

[0056] The vehicle's infotainment system 404 may include at least one touch screen, at least one button, or a combination thereof. The infotainment system 404 allows the user to select one or more desired vehicle components through at least one touch screen, at least one button, or a combination thereof.

[0057] Button 406 is a simple switch for controlling the run lock mode of the vehicle. The run lock mode is activated by pressing button 406. Deactivating the run lock mode includes pushing button 406 back to its initial position. Button 406 can be fixed to the vehicle. Alternatively, button 406 is integrated into the vehicle key. Alternatively, button 406 is a touch button integrated into infotainment system 404.

[0058] Smart vehicle key 408 is a passive keyless entry device that automatically unlocks the vehicle when a user approaches the vehicle.

[0059] Alternatively, the smart vehicle key 408 may include a smart card, a digital key, or an application installed on a third-party device.

[0060] The smart vehicle key 408 may securely access the vehicle using near field communication (NFC), Bluetooth low energy (BLE), or ultra-wideband (UWB) protocols.

[0061] Figure 5 An application program interface 500 is illustrated installed on a third party device 502. The third party device 502 may include, but is not limited to, a smartphone, a laptop, or a display wirelessly connected to a vehicle.

[0062] The application program interface 500 includes an auxiliary component selection unit 504 , a main component selection unit 506 , a lock or unlock selection unit 508 , and a customization unit 510 .

[0063] The auxiliary component selection unit 504 includes a plurality of auxiliary components (504-1, 504-2, and 504-3) and a selection or rejection option. The auxiliary component selection unit 504 allows one or more auxiliary components (504-1, 504-2, and 504-3) of the vehicle to be selected from a predefined list. The one or more auxiliary components (504-1, 504-2, and 504-3) may include a lighting component, a wiper and washer component, a door lock component, an infotainment component, a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) component, a power window component, a parking aid component, a power take-off (PTO) component, or a combination thereof.

[0064] The main component selection unit 506 includes a plurality of main components (506-1, 506-2, and 506-3) and a select or reject option. The main component selection unit 506 allows one or more main components (506-1, 506-2, and 506-3) of the vehicle to be selected from a predefined list. The one or more main components (506-1, 506-2, and 506-3) may include a powertrain component, a brake component, a steering component, or a combination thereof.

[0065] The lock or unlock selection unit 508 enables wireless locking or unlocking of the vehicle using the lock or unlock option.

[0066] The customization unit 510 allows the user to add or remove auxiliary components and main components to or from the predefined list using the add or delete options.

[0067] Figure 6 A system 600 for vehicle power management according to an example of the present disclosure is illustrated. The system 600 includes an interface 602, a sensor unit 604, a communication unit 606, and a power management unit 608.

[0068] The sensor unit 604 is communicatively connected to the interface 602 using the communication unit 606. The sensor unit 604 may include one or more sensors, including but not limited to an inertial measurement unit (IMU) sensor, a brake sensor, a fuel sensor, an occupancy sensor, a steering sensor, a pedal sensor, a near field communication (NFC) sensor, a low power Bluetooth (BLE) sensor, or an ultra-wideband (UWB) sensor. One or more parameters may include but are not limited to acceleration, angular velocity, wheel speed sensor, fuel level, user occupancy detection, vehicle static and mobile conditions, wheel angle position, or accelerator pedal position. One or more parameters may include but are not limited to short-range wireless signals such as near field communication signals, low power Bluetooth signals, or ultra-wideband wireless signals. The sensor unit 604 automatically detects one or more parameters associated with the vehicle state to enable or disable the operation lock mode. The interface 602 may include an infotainment system of the vehicle or an application installed on a third-party device for selecting one or more components of the vehicle. The interface 602 uses a protocol to convert inputs received from the sensor unit and the infotainment device of the vehicle or the application installed on the mobile device into one or more signals. The protocol may include but is not limited to encoding, encryption, hashing, or obfuscation.

[0069] Interface 602 may include, but is not limited to, an encoder, an interleaver, or a modulator for performing various operations on the input before transmission, the input being received from the sensor unit and the vehicle's infotainment device or an application installed on the mobile device. The various operations may include, but are not limited to, encoding, interleaving, or modulation. Interface 602 may include a processor and a memory (in Figure 5), for executing and storing information and instructions to perform overall operation of the vehicle. The memory stores a predefined list of one or more components. The predefined list of one or more components of the vehicle includes auxiliary components, primary components, or a combination thereof. Auxiliary components include lighting components, wiper and washer components, door lock components, infotainment components, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) components, power window components, parking assist components, power take-off (PTO) components, or a combination thereof. Power take-off components may include peripheral devices, but are not limited to vehicle-mounted cranes, crane lifts, or power tools that use vehicle power during power take-off operations. Primary components include driveline components, brake components, steering components, or a combination thereof.

[0070] The interface 602 may further include, but is not limited to, a tactile sensor, a light emitting diode (LED), a speaker, or a combination thereof, for receiving feedback from the power management unit 608 .

[0071] The communication unit 606 may support at least one of a wired communication protocol or a wireless communication protocol. The wired communication protocol may include, but is not limited to, Ethernet (IEEE802.3), a local interconnect network (LIN), a controller area network (CAN), a media-oriented system transmission (MOST), or FlexRay. The wireless communication protocol may include, but is not limited to, radio frequency (RF), infrared (IrDA), Bluetooth, ZigBee (and other variants of the IEEE 802.15 protocol), wireless fidelity WiFI or IEEE 802.11 (any variant), IEEE 802.16 (WiMAX or any other variant), direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS), frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS), global system for mobile communications (GSM), general packet radio service (GPRS), enhanced data rate for GSM evolution (EDGE), long term evolution (LTE), cellular protocol (2G, 2.5G, 2.75G, 3G, 4G, or 5G), near field communication (NFC), satellite data communication protocol, or any other protocol for wireless communication.

[0072] In addition, the power management unit 608 manages the overall operation of the vehicle. The power management unit 608 is communicatively connected to the interface 602 to receive one or more signals. The power management unit 608 can be an integral part of the engine control unit (ECU). The power management unit 608 can include a processor and a memory for executing and storing information and instructions.

[0073] The power management unit 608 includes an authentication unit 610. The authentication unit 610 performs verification on one or more signals. The power management unit 608 processes the one or more signals only when the authentication unit 610 verifies the one or more signals. When the authentication unit 610 fails to verify the one or more signals, the power management unit 608 sends an error signal back to the interface 602. The error signal may include an SMS, tactile feedback, a light emitting diode (LED) flashing, an audio message, or a combination thereof.

[0074] The power management unit 608 processes the one or more signals to control the run lock mode after verifying the one or more signals. The power management unit 608 may perform a reverse operation (decoding, deinterleaving, or demodulation) on the one or more signals performed during transmission. The power management unit 608 may include, but is not limited to, a decoder, an interleaver, or a demodulator. The power management unit 608 processes the signals to control the run lock mode, including enabling or disabling the run lock mode. The power management unit 608 processes the signals to decode the selected one or more components and the associated activation state or deactivation state to control the run lock mode. The run lock mode includes selective power management of one or more components of the vehicle.

[0075] For example, the interface 602 includes a sensor unit 604 for executing a function of enabling or disabling a run lock. The interface 602 includes at least one of an infotainment system of the vehicle or an application installed on a third-party device for executing a function of selecting one or more components.

[0076] Interface 602 receives input from sensor unit 604 and the infotainment system of the vehicle or an application installed on a third-party device. For example, interface 602 can receive input from a brake sensor, an occupancy sensor, or a combination thereof to determine whether the vehicle is in a state of switching to a run lock mode. Once determined, interface 602 converts sensor input and component selection obtained by the user from the infotainment system of the vehicle or an application installed on a third-party device into one or more signals. During the user's selection of components, the infotainment system can display or indicate the level or value of power obtained by a specific component of the vehicle to help the user select components effectively. The level or value of power obtained by a specific component can be estimated using at least one sensor unit. In addition, interface 602 transmits one or more signals to power management unit 608. Power management unit 608 processes one or more signals to control the run lock mode. Power management unit 608 processes signals to decode the selected one or more components and the associated activation state or deactivation state to control the run lock mode. This results in selective power management of one or more components of the vehicle to save power.

[0077] In another example, the interface 602 includes a sensor unit 604 for performing functions of enabling or disabling the operation lock and one or more component selections. The sensor unit 604 determines one or more parameters associated with the vehicle state. The interface 602 may receive input from a brake sensor, an occupancy sensor, or a combination thereof to determine whether the vehicle is in a state of switching to the operation lock mode. The interface 602 additionally receives input from a fuel sensor to determine the fuel level in the vehicle tank to selectively power one or more components of the vehicle. The interface 602 collects inputs from the sensor unit 604 and converts the inputs into one or more signals. In addition, the interface 602 transmits one or more signals to the power management unit 608. The power management unit 608 processes one or more signals to control the operation lock mode. The power management unit 608 processes the signals to decode one or more signals. The power management unit 608 obtains a table representing predefined thresholds of one or more components of the vehicle stored in the memory. The power management unit 608 compares the decoded values ​​of one or more components with the predefined thresholds. The power management unit 608 intelligently activates the operation lock mode and the selected one or more components based on the comparison. Selective power management of one or more components of the vehicle results in power conservation.

[0078] Selective power management of one or more components of the vehicle is equivalent to starting the vehicle to activate or drive essential components during operation lock mode and power output operation. In addition, the activation state indicates that the power of a particular component is "on", and the deactivation state indicates that the power of a particular component is "off". For example, if the user is working in the rear of the vehicle, the user only needs to power essential components such as lighting components and HVAC components. The remaining components can be turned off to conserve power in the vehicle. Interface 602 provides flexibility for the user to select the desired components to be powered.

[0079] For example, the interface 602 can receive input from a smart vehicle key. The smart vehicle key can use a near field communication sensor to securely unlock the vehicle. The vehicle automatically unlocks itself after receiving input from the near field communication sensor to disable the running lock mode.

[0080] Figure 7 A method 700 for vehicle power management is described. The method includes the steps of: (a) receiving (702) one or more signals; and (b) processing (704) the one or more signals to control an operational lock mode, wherein the operational lock mode includes selective power management of one or more components of the vehicle.

[0081] The interface transmits one or more signals. The interface may include a vehicle key, a button, an infotainment system of the vehicle, a smart vehicle key, or a combination thereof. The interface receives input and converts the input into one or more signals. The interface transmits the one or more signals to the power management unit.

[0082] The power management unit processes one or more signals to control the operation lock mode. The operation lock mode control further includes enabling or disabling the operation lock mode. The power management unit may include an authentication unit (not shown) for performing verification on the one or more signals before processing the one or more signals. The power management unit processes the one or more signals to decode the selected one or more components and the associated activation state or deactivation state to control the operation lock mode. One or more components are selected from a predefined list stored in a memory. The predefined list of one or more components includes auxiliary components, main components, or a combination thereof. The auxiliary components may include lighting components, wiper and washer components, door lock components, infotainment components, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) components, power window components, parking assist components, power take-off (PTO) components, or a combination thereof. The main components may include powertrain components, brake components, steering components, or a combination thereof. The activation state indicates that the power of a specific component is "on", and the deactivation state indicates that the power of a specific component is "off".

[0083] The above description is only an exemplary embodiment of the present application, but is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. A person skilled in the art can recognize that substantially equivalent structures or substantially equivalent behaviors can achieve the same results in the same way or in different ways; the exemplary embodiments should not be interpreted as limiting the present disclosure to one embodiment.

[0084] Although various aspects of the disclosure have been described in detail with reference to the illustrated embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The disclosure is not limited to the precise structures and configurations disclosed herein; any and all modifications, variations and variations apparent from the foregoing description are within the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the present concept expressly includes any and all combinations and sub-combinations of the foregoing elements and features.

[0085] The description is provided for purposes of clarification, not limitation. Words and phrases should be given their plain, ordinary meaning unless otherwise indicated.

Claims

1. A system for vehicle power management, the system comprising: an interface that transmits one or more signals; a power management unit communicatively connected to the interface to receive the one or more signals and process the signals to control the operation lock mode; The operational lock mode includes selective power management of one or more components of the vehicle. 2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the power management unit processes the signal to control the operation lock mode, including enabling, suspending, or disabling the operation lock mode.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the power management unit processes the signal to decode the selected one or more components and the associated activation state or deactivation state to control the operation lock mode.

4. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the interface is a human-machine interface for receiving one or more user inputs and converting the one or more user inputs into the one or more signals. 5 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the interface is communicatively connected to a sensor unit to determine one or more parameters associated with a state of the vehicle to generate the one or more signals.

6. The system of any of the above claims, wherein the power management unit is communicatively connected to the interface via at least one of a wired communication protocol or a wireless communication protocol.

7. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the power management unit comprises an authentication unit for verifying the one or more signals.

8. The system of claim 4, wherein the human-machine interface allows selection of the one or more components of the vehicle from a predefined list. 9 . The system of claim 8 , wherein the predefined list of the one or more components of the vehicle includes auxiliary components, primary components, or a combination thereof.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the auxiliary components include lighting components, wiper and washer components, door lock components, infotainment components, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) components, power window components, parking assist components, power take-off (PTO) components, or combinations thereof.

11. The system of claim 9 or 10, wherein the primary components include driveline components, brake components, steering components, or combinations thereof.

12. A method for vehicle power management, the method comprising: receiving one or more signals; as well as The one or more signals are processed to control an operational lock mode, wherein the operational lock mode includes selective power management of one or more components of the vehicle. The method of claim 12 , wherein controlling the operation lock mode comprises enabling or disabling the operation lock mode.

14. The method of claim 12 or 13, wherein processing the one or more signals comprises decoding a selected one or more components and associated activation or deactivation states to control the operational lock mode.

15. The method of any of claims 12-14, wherein the processing further comprises validating the one or more signals.

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