Method of providing information when electric vehicle is used as battery pack

Abstract

A method of providing information related to a state of charge of an electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is used as a battery pack includes detecting, with a system controller in communication with an electrical system within the vehicle, when the electric vehicle is used to provide power to an external electrical device, and providing information related to the state of charge of the electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is used to provide power to the external electrical device. Information related to the state of charge of the electric vehicle is monitored using a system controller in communication with an electrical system within the electric vehicle, and a notification of the state of charge of the electric vehicle is provided using the system controller to a person in the vicinity of the electric vehicle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing information related to the charging status of an electric vehicle. Background Art

[0002] As the number of electric vehicles increases and the uses of electric vehicles expand, such as using the electrical system within the electric vehicle to power external electrical devices, it is important to use the power of the electric vehicle efficiently and to be aware of the current charge level of the electric vehicle. In addition, it is important that the user does not drain the power of the electric vehicle to the point where there is insufficient remaining power to allow the electric vehicle to reach a charging station or home while using external electrical devices.

[0003] Therefore, while current systems and methods achieve their intended purposes, a need remains for a new and improved system and method for providing information related to the charging status of an electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is used as a battery pack for an external electrical device. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to several aspects of the present disclosure, a method for providing information related to the charging status of an electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is used as a battery pack includes: using a system controller that communicates with an electrical system within the vehicle to detect when the electric vehicle is used to provide power to an external electrical device, and when the electric vehicle is used to provide power to the external electrical device, using the system controller that communicates with the electrical system within the electric vehicle to monitor information related to the charging status of the electric vehicle, and using the system controller to provide notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle to people near the electric vehicle.

[0005] According to another aspect, monitoring information related to the charging status of the electric vehicle using a system controller that communicates with an electrical system within the electric vehicle also includes using the system controller to monitor at least one of the following: the charge level of the electrical system within the vehicle, and the remaining time when the charge level of the electric vehicle drops to a predetermined threshold.

[0006] According to another aspect, monitoring, using the system controller, the time remaining until the charge level of the electric vehicle drops to a predetermined threshold further includes calculating the predetermined threshold based on when the charge level of the electric vehicle is sufficient to allow the electric vehicle to travel from a current location to a planned destination.

[0007] According to another aspect, calculating a predetermined threshold based on when the charge level of the electric vehicle is sufficient to allow the electric vehicle to travel from the current location to the planned destination also includes: tracking, using a system controller, the amount of power consumed by external electrical devices; calculating, using the system controller, the charge level of the electric vehicle sufficient to allow the electric vehicle to travel from the current location to the planned destination; and setting, using the system controller, the predetermined threshold to the charge level of the electric vehicle sufficient to allow the electric vehicle to travel from the current location to the planned destination.

[0008] According to another aspect, calculating a predetermined threshold based on when the charge level of the electric vehicle is sufficient to allow the electric vehicle to travel from a current location to a planned destination also includes receiving, using a system controller, information related to the planned destination from at least one of: input from a user of the electric vehicle and input from a navigation system within the electric vehicle, wherein the planned destination is one of a charging station or a home location.

[0009] According to another aspect, providing notification of the charging status of an electric vehicle to people near the electric vehicle using a system controller also includes at least one of the following: when the charge level of the electric vehicle approaches a predetermined threshold, providing notification that the charge level of the electric vehicle is approaching a predetermined threshold; and when the charge level of the electric vehicle is at a predetermined threshold, providing notification that the charge level of the electric vehicle is at a predetermined threshold.

[0010] According to another aspect, providing notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle to persons in the vicinity of the electric vehicle using a system controller also includes displaying the current charge level and warning messages of the electric vehicle using an interior / exterior display system that communicates with the system controller and is adapted to project the information onto a window surface of the vehicle, wherein the projected information is visible from both inside and outside the vehicle.

[0011] According to another aspect, providing notification of the charging status of an electric vehicle to people near the electric vehicle using a system controller also includes at least one of the following: activating at least one external light of the electric vehicle using a lighting system within the electric vehicle and communicating with the system controller; and activating a sound-emitting device using the system controller.

[0012] According to another aspect, providing notification of the charging status of an electric vehicle to a person near the electric vehicle using a system controller also includes at least one of the following: using a first external projector that communicates with the system controller to display the current charge level and a warning message of the electric vehicle on a surface near the vehicle; and using a second external projector that communicates with the system controller to display light emitted outward from the electric vehicle onto floating particles near the electric vehicle and create a three-dimensional image including the current charge level and warning message of the electric vehicle.

[0013] According to another aspect, providing charging status notification of an electric vehicle to a person near the electric vehicle using a system controller also includes: using the system controller to send information related to the charging status of the vehicle to a personal device associated with the person; and using the personal device to display the current charge level and warning message of the electric vehicle.

[0014] According to another aspect, providing notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle to a person near the electric vehicle using the system controller further includes preventing power from flowing from the electric vehicle to an externally connected electrical device using the system controller.

[0015] According to several aspects of the present disclosure, a system for providing information related to the charging status of an electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is used as a battery pack includes a system controller that communicates with an electrical system within the electric vehicle, the system controller being adapted to: detect when the electric vehicle is used to provide power to an external electrical device, and when the electric vehicle is used to provide power to the external electrical device, monitor information related to the charging status of the electric vehicle, including at least one of the following: the power level of the electrical system within the electric vehicle, and the remaining time when the power level of the electric vehicle drops to a predetermined threshold, wherein the system controller is adapted to calculate the predetermined threshold by tracking the amount of power consumed by the external electrical device, calculating the power level of the electric vehicle sufficient to allow the electric vehicle to travel from the current location to the planned destination, and setting the predetermined threshold to the power level of the electric vehicle sufficient to allow the electric vehicle to travel from the current location to the planned destination, and using the system controller to provide notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle to people near the electric vehicle.

[0016] According to another aspect, when calculating the predetermined threshold, the system controller is further adapted to receive information related to a planned destination from at least one of: input from a user of the electric vehicle and input from a navigation system within the electric vehicle, wherein the planned destination is one of a charging station or a home location.

[0017] According to another aspect, when providing a notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle to a person near the electric vehicle, the system controller is further adapted to at least one of the following: when the charge level of the electric vehicle approaches a predetermined threshold, provide a notification that the charge level of the electric vehicle is approaching a predetermined threshold; and when the charge level of the electric vehicle is at the predetermined threshold, provide a notification that the charge level of the electric vehicle is at the predetermined threshold.

[0018] According to another aspect, when providing notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle to people near the electric vehicle, the system controller is also adapted to display the current charge level and warning message of the electric vehicle using an internal / external display system that communicates with the system controller and is adapted to project the information onto a window surface of the electric vehicle.

[0019] According to another aspect, when providing notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle to people near the electric vehicle, the system controller is also adapted to at least one of the following: activate at least one external light of the electric vehicle using a lighting system within the electric vehicle and communicating with the system controller; and activate a sound-emitting device using the system controller.

[0020] According to another aspect, when the system controller is used to provide a notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle to a person near the electric vehicle, the system controller is also adapted to at least one of the following: using a first external projector that communicates with the system controller to display the current charge level and a warning message of the electric vehicle on a surface near the vehicle; and using a second external projector that communicates with the system controller to display light emitted outward from the electric vehicle onto floating particles near the electric vehicle and create a three-dimensional image including the current charge level and warning message of the electric vehicle.

[0021] According to another aspect, when the system controller is used to provide a notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle to a person near the electric vehicle, the system controller is also adapted to: send information related to the charging status of the vehicle to a personal device associated with the person; and display the current charge level and warning message of the electric vehicle using the personal device.

[0022] According to another aspect, when notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle is provided to a person near the electric vehicle using the system controller, the system controller is further adapted to prevent power from flowing from the electric vehicle to an externally connected electrical device.

[0023] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way.

[0025] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle having a system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0027] Figure 3 is a schematic front view of a carrier connected to external electrical equipment;

[0028] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A schematic side view of the vehicle is shown;

[0029] Figure 5 It is a notification image indicating that the current power of the electric vehicle is 25%;

[0030] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the system's mixed augmented reality head-up display system;

[0031] Figure 7is a schematic diagram of a substrate for a windshield of an electric vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0032] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 The enlarged part, such as Figure 7 As shown in the circle marked with "7";

[0033] Fig.9A is a schematic front view of the electric vehicle, wherein the front lights of the electric vehicle are flashing;

[0034] Fig. 9B yes Fig.9A A schematic side view of the electric vehicle shown;

[0035] Fig.10 is a schematic front view of an electric vehicle, wherein an external projector displays information on a surface adjacent to the vehicle;

[0036] Fig.11 is a schematic front view of an electric vehicle wherein a system controller sends information to a personal device associated with a person; and

[0037] Fig.12 is a flow chart illustrating a method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0038] The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and certain features may be exaggerated or minimized, for example, to show details of a particular component. In some cases, well-known components, systems, materials, or methods are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Therefore, the specific structural and functional details disclosed herein should not be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching those skilled in the art to adopt the present disclosure in different ways. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application or use. In addition, it is not intended to be constrained by any express or implied theory presented in the aforementioned technical field, background technology, content of the invention or the following specific embodiments. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals represent similar or corresponding components and features. The term module used herein refers to any hardware, software, firmware, electronic control component, processing logic and / or processor device, alone or in any combination, including but not limited to: application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), electronic circuits, processors (shared, dedicated or groups) and memories that execute one or more software or firmware programs, combinational logic circuits and / or other suitable components that provide the described functions. Although the drawings shown herein depict examples with certain element arrangements, additional intermediate elements, devices, features or components may be present in actual embodiments. It should also be understood that the drawings are merely illustrative and may not be drawn to scale.

[0040] The term "vehicle" as used herein is not limited to automobiles. Although the present technology is described primarily in conjunction with automobiles herein, the present technology is not limited to automobiles. These concepts can be used in a variety of applications, such as in aircraft, ships, other vehicles, and consumer electronic components.

[0041] According to an exemplary embodiment, Figure 1 An electric vehicle 10 is shown with an associated system 11 for providing information about the charge status of the electric vehicle 10 when the electric vehicle is used as a battery pack according to various embodiments. Generally speaking, the system 11 works in conjunction with other systems within the vehicle 10 to display various information and infotainment content to passengers. The vehicle 10 generally includes a chassis 12, a body 14, front wheels 16, and rear wheels 18. The body 14 is disposed on the chassis 12 and substantially surrounds the components of the vehicle 10. The body 14 and the chassis 12 can together form a frame. The front wheels 16 and the rear wheels 18 are each rotatably coupled to the chassis 12 near respective corners of the body 14.

[0042] In various embodiments, the vehicle 10 is an autonomous vehicle and the system 11 is incorporated into the autonomous vehicle 10. The autonomous vehicle 10 is, for example, a vehicle 10 that is automatically controlled to transport passengers from one location to another. The vehicle 10 is depicted as a passenger car in the illustrated embodiment, but it should be understood that any other vehicle may also be used, including motorcycles, trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), recreational vehicles (RVs), etc. In an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle 10 is equipped with a so-called level 4 or level 5 automation system. A level 4 system represents "high automation" and refers to the driving mode-specific performance of the autonomous driving system in all aspects of dynamic driving tasks, even if the human driver does not respond appropriately to the intervention request. A level 5 system represents "full automation" and refers to the full-time performance of the autonomous driving system in all aspects of dynamic driving tasks that can be controlled by the human driver under all road and environmental conditions.

[0043] As shown, the vehicle 10 generally includes a propulsion system 20, a transmission system 22, a steering system 24, a braking system 26, a sensor system 28, an actuator system 30, at least one data storage device 32, a vehicle controller 34, and a communication system 36. In an embodiment where the vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle, there may be no transmission system 22. In various embodiments, the propulsion system 20 may include an internal combustion engine, an electric motor such as a traction motor, and / or a fuel cell propulsion system. The transmission system 22 is configured to transfer power from the propulsion system 20 to the front wheels 16 and the rear wheels 18 of the vehicle according to a selectable speed ratio. According to various embodiments, the transmission system 22 may include a stepped automatic transmission, a continuously variable transmission, or other suitable transmission. The braking system 26 is configured to provide braking torque to the front wheels 16 and the rear wheels 18 of the vehicle. In various embodiments, the braking system 26 may include friction brakes, wire control brakes, regenerative braking systems (e.g., motors), and / or other suitable braking systems. The steering system 24 affects the position of the front wheels 16 and the rear wheels 18. Although depicted as including a steering wheel for illustrative purposes, in some embodiments contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure, the steering system 24 may not include a steering wheel.

[0044] The sensor system 28 includes one or more sensing devices 40a-40n that sense observable conditions of the external environment and / or internal environment of the autonomous vehicle 10. The sensing devices 40a-40n may include, but are not limited to, radar, lidar, global positioning system, optical camera, thermal camera, ultrasonic sensor and / or other sensors. The camera may include two or more digital cameras spaced at a selected distance from each other, wherein the two or more digital cameras are used to obtain stereo images of the surrounding environment so as to obtain a three-dimensional image. The plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n are used to determine information about the environment around the vehicle 10. In an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n include a motor speed sensor, a motor torque sensor, an electric drive motor voltage and / or current sensor, an accelerator pedal position sensor, a coolant temperature sensor, a cooling fan speed sensor and a gearbox oil temperature sensor. In another exemplary embodiment, the plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n also include sensors for determining information about the environment around the vehicle 10, such as an ambient air temperature sensor, an atmospheric pressure sensor and / or a camera and / or a video camera, the camera and / or the video camera being positioned to observe the environment in front of the vehicle 10. In another exemplary embodiment, at least one of the plurality of sensing devices 40 a - 40 n is capable of measuring distances in the environment surrounding the vehicle 10 .

[0045] In a non-limiting example where the plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n include cameras, the plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n measure distance using an image processing algorithm configured to process images from the cameras and determine distances between objects. In another non-limiting example, the plurality of vehicle sensors 40a-40n include stereo cameras with distance measurement capabilities. In one example, at least one of the plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n is fixed to the interior of the vehicle 10, for example, fixed in the roof lining of the vehicle 10, with a view of the exterior of the vehicle 10 visible through the windshield 56 of the vehicle 10. In another example, at least one of the plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n is fixed to the exterior of the vehicle 10, for example, fixed on the roof of the vehicle 10, with a view of the environment surrounding the vehicle 10. It should be understood that various additional types of sensing devices, such as LiDAR sensors, ultrasonic ranging sensors, radar sensors, and / or time-of-flight sensors are within the scope of the present disclosure. The actuator system 30 includes one or more actuator devices 42 a - 42 n that control one or more functions of the vehicle 10 , such as, but not limited to, the propulsion system 20 , the transmission system 22 , the steering system 24 , and the braking system 26 .

[0046] The vehicle controller 34 includes at least one processor 44 and a computer readable storage device or medium 46. The at least one data processor 44 can be any custom or commercially available processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an auxiliary processor of multiple processors associated with the vehicle controller 34, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), a macroprocessor, any combination thereof, or any device generally used to execute instructions. The computer readable storage device or medium 46 can include volatile and non-volatile storage devices such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and keep alive memory (KAM). KAM is a persistent or non-volatile memory that can be used to store various operating variables when the at least one data processor 44 is powered off. The computer readable storage device or medium 46 can be implemented using any of a variety of known storage devices, such as PROM (programmable read-only memory), EPROM (electrical PROM), EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or any other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combination storage device capable of storing data, some of which represents executable instructions used by the controller 34 in controlling the vehicle 10.

[0047] The instructions may include one or more separate programs, each of which includes an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. When executed by at least one processor 44, the instructions receive and process signals from the sensor system 28, execute logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms for automatically controlling components of the vehicle 10, and generate control signals to the actuator system 30 to automatically control components of the vehicle 10 based on the logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms. Although Figure 1 Only one controller 34 is shown, but embodiments of the vehicle 10 may include any number of controllers 34 that communicate via any suitable communication medium or combination of communication media and collaborate to process sensor signals, execute logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms, and generate control signals for automatically controlling the functions of the autonomous driving vehicle 10.

[0048] In various embodiments, one or more instructions of the vehicle controller 34 are included in the trajectory planning system and, when executed by at least one data processor 44, generate trajectory outputs that solve the kinematic and dynamic constraints of the environment. For example, the instructions receive process sensor and map data as input. The instructions utilize customized cost functions to perform a graph-based approach to handle different road scenarios for cities and highways.

[0049] The communication system 36 is configured to wirelessly communicate with other remote entities 48, such as, but not limited to, other vehicles ("V2V" communication), infrastructure ("V2I" communication), remote systems, remote servers, cloud computers, and / or personal devices. In an exemplary embodiment, the communication system 36 is a wireless communication system configured to communicate using the IEEE 802.11 standard via a wireless local area network (WLAN) or by using cellular data communications. However, additional or alternative communication methods such as dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) channels are also considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. DSRC channels refer to one-way or two-way short-range to medium-range wireless communication channels designed specifically for automotive use and a set of corresponding protocols and standards.

[0050] The vehicle controller 34 is a non-universal electronic control device having a pre-programmed digital computer or processor, a memory or non-transitory computer-readable medium, etc., for storing data (such as control logic, software applications, instructions, computer code, data, look-up tables, etc.), and a transceiver [or input / output port]. Computer-readable media include any type of media that can be accessed by a computer, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), hard drive, compact disk (CD), digital video disk (DVD), or any other type of memory. "Non-transitory" computer-readable media do not include wired, wireless, optical or other communication links that transmit temporary electrical or other signals. Non-transitory computer-readable media include media that can permanently store data and media that can store and subsequently rewrite data, such as rewritable optical disks or erasable storage devices. Computer code includes any type of program code, including source code, object code, and executable code.

[0051] refer to Figure 2 , the system 11 is shown in more detail, wherein the system 11 includes a system controller 34A. The system controller 34A may be the vehicle controller 34, or the system controller 34A may be a separate controller that communicates with the vehicle controller 34. The system controller 34A communicates with an electrical system 52 of the electric vehicle 10 via a vehicle communication bus 50. The electrical system 52 includes a battery pack 54, a power inverter 56, an electric motor 58, an onboard battery charger 60, and a battery management system 62.

[0052] The system controller 34A is adapted to monitor information related to the state of charge of the vehicle 10 when the electric vehicle is used as a battery pack. Using the electric vehicle as a battery pack to provide power to external electrical devices, referred to as vehicle to load (V2L), is a feature available on certain battery electric vehicles that allows them to use stored energy to power external devices, such as electric camping equipment, power tools, and various consumer devices. Typically, electric vehicles do not use a large portion of their battery capacity in daily driving, which means that the battery is idle most of the time. V2L technology allows users to tap into the battery power of the electric vehicle even when the electric vehicle is turned off. The electric vehicle 10 includes an internal power converter 64 that is capable of drawing DC power from the battery pack 54 and converting it to AC current for an attached external electrical device 65. The on-board charger (OBC) 60 accomplishes this function by switching from drawing power to providing power at the appropriate regional voltage level for the device (120V for most North American devices and 220V worldwide). The OBC 60 facilitates system-level battery management and is an important component in achieving functional safety requirements for externally connected electrical devices by acting as a fail-safe device to prevent overload, shutting down the power supply when the load exceeds the operating limit, and reducing the risk of electrical failure by creating separation between the externally connected electrical device and internal components.

[0053] In an exemplary embodiment, the system controller 34A is adapted to detect when the electric vehicle 10 is being used to provide power to an external electrical device 65. If the system controller 34A detects that the electric vehicle 10 is being used to provide power to the external electrical device 65, the system controller 34A is further adapted to monitor at least one of the charge level of the electrical system 52 within the vehicle 10 and the time remaining until the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 drops to a predetermined threshold, and to provide a notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle 10 to a person 66 near the electric vehicle 10.

[0054] In an exemplary embodiment, the system controller 34A is adapted to calculate the predetermined threshold based on when the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 is sufficient to allow the electric vehicle 10 to travel from the current location to the planned or predicted destination. When calculating the predetermined threshold, the system controller 34A tracks the amount of power consumed by the external electrical device 65, calculates the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 that is sufficient to allow the electric vehicle 10 to travel from the current location to the planned destination, and sets the predetermined threshold to the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 that is sufficient to allow the electric vehicle 10 to travel from the current location to the planned destination.

[0055] When calculating the predetermined threshold, the system controller 34A receives information related to a planned destination from at least one of an input from a user of the electric vehicle 10 and an input from a navigation system within the electric vehicle 10, wherein the planned destination is one of a charging station or a home location. For example, see Figure 3 , person 66 is using a chainsaw 65. The system controller 34A receives information of a planned destination, which is the destination of the electric vehicle 10 after person 66 leaves the current location. The information about the planned destination can be directly input by person 66, or the system controller 34A can collect such information by accessing a navigation system or a personal device of person 66. In this example, the system controller 34A receives the following information: when the work is completed, the electric vehicle 10 will need to travel one hundred miles from the current location (the work site) to the planned destination (person 66's home). The electric vehicle 10 will need at least 25% of the power to travel one hundred miles, so the system controller 34A sets the predetermined threshold to 25%. The system controller 34A can also use the power usage rate of the external device 65 to calculate how long it will take for the power level of the electric vehicle 10 to drop to the predetermined threshold.

[0056] In another exemplary embodiment, the predetermined threshold is automatically calculated with a safety margin to accommodate unexpected stops or detours. For example, if the electric vehicle 10 requires 25% battery power to travel one hundred miles to the person 66's home, the system controller 34A calculates the predetermined threshold as 25% (i.e., the minimum battery power required to travel one hundred miles) plus an additional 10% to account for unexpected stops or detours due to construction or traffic, etc. Therefore, the predetermined threshold in this example is calculated to be 35%.

[0057] In another exemplary embodiment, when calculating the predetermined threshold, the system controller 34A receives information related to the planned destination from a stored history of previous travel patterns. For example, if the person 66 has been working at a particular location for a period of time, such as six months, and during the six-month time frame, each day when work was completed, the person 66 first drove the electric vehicle 10 to a convenience store, then to a daycare center to pick up a child, and then to the person's home. The system controller 34A can recognize this pattern and determine the planned destination (convenience store, daycare center, and then home) and calculate the predetermined threshold based on the assumption that this pattern will repeat, even if direct information of the planned destination is not provided.

[0058] In another example, the system controller 34A receives information about the planned destination even when the person 66 is not indicated directly or by accessing a personal device / navigation system as where the planned destination is. The system controller, by communicating with the electric vehicle charging station infrastructure network, can identify the distance to the next available charging station and designate that charging station as the planned destination. In this example, the system controller 34A receives the following information: When the work is completed, the electric vehicle 10 will need to travel at least one hundred miles from the current location (the work site) to the planned destination (the nearest available charging station). The electric vehicle 10 will need at least 25% of the power to travel one hundred miles, so the system controller 34A sets the predetermined threshold to 25%. The system controller 34A can also use the power usage rate of the external device 65 to calculate how long it will take for the power level of the electric vehicle 10 to drop to the predetermined threshold.

[0059] The system controller 34A is also adapted to provide a notification of information related to the charging status of the electric vehicle 10 to a person 66 in the vicinity of the vehicle 10, including at least one of the following: (1) the charge level of the electrical system 52 within the vehicle 10 and (2) the time remaining until the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 drops to a predetermined threshold. In an exemplary embodiment, when providing a notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle 10 to a person 66 in the vicinity of the electric vehicle 10, the system controller 34A is adapted to: provide a notification that the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 is approaching the predetermined threshold when the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 is approaching the predetermined threshold, and provide a notification that the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 is at the predetermined threshold when the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 is at the predetermined threshold.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, when displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10, the system controller 34A is also adapted to display the information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 using an interior / exterior display system 68 that communicates with the system controller 34A and is adapted to project the information onto a window surface 70 of the electric vehicle 10, wherein the projected information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 can be seen both inside and outside the vehicle 10.

[0061] Reference again Figure 3 In an exemplary embodiment, the interior / exterior display system 68 includes a mixed augmented reality head-up display (HUD) 68. The system controller 34A uses the HUD 68 to provide a notification 72 on the windshield 70A regarding the current charge level 74 of the electric vehicle 10 being used to power the electric saw 65 and the remaining time 76 before the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 drops to a predetermined threshold. Figure 4In another exemplary embodiment, the system controller 34A uses the HUD 68 to display the current power level 74 of the electric vehicle 10 being used to power the electric saw 65 and the remaining time 76 before the power level of the electric vehicle 10 drops to a predetermined threshold on the side window 70B. The displayed current power level 74 and remaining time 76 can be represented by text information, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, or may be shown with a graphic that provides an informative illustrative description.

[0062] Therefore, if Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, according to the example provided above, the system controller 34A provides a notification 72 that the power level of the electric vehicle 10 is close to the predetermined threshold of 25% when the power level 74 of the electric vehicle 10 is close to the predetermined threshold. As shown, the notification 72 includes the current power level 74, which is 30% and is close to the predetermined threshold of 25%. In addition, the notification 72 includes the remaining time 76 when the power level of the electric vehicle 10 drops to the predetermined threshold, and thus a warning message is issued to the person 66: only 15 minutes are left to use the electric saw 65. In this way, the system controller 34A ensures that the person 66 can plan when to stop using the externally connected electrical device 65 (electric saw) and will not consume the battery pack 54 of the electric vehicle 10 to the extent that the vehicle cannot reach the planned destination (home or charging station).

[0063] refer to Figure 5 As shown, in an exemplary embodiment, the system controller 34A uses the HUD 68 to display a notification 72A on the windshield 70A, the notification 72A including the current power level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 being used to power the electric saw 65 and a warning message 76A indicating that the power level of the electric vehicle 10 is at a predetermined threshold. The displayed current power level 74A and warning message 76A may be represented by text information and may include a graphic 76B, such as Figure 5 shown.

[0064] Therefore, if Figure 5As shown, according to the example provided above, the system controller 34A provides a notification 72A that the power level of the electric vehicle 10 is at a predetermined threshold of 25% when the power level 74A of the electric vehicle 10 is at 25%. As shown, the notification 72A includes the current power level 74A, which is 25% and is the predetermined threshold. In addition, the notification 72A includes a warning message 76A, warning the person 66 using the electric saw 65 that the power available for the electric saw 65 has been exhausted. The message 76A also includes a graphic 76B, which provides an illustrative warning that the use of the electric saw 65 should be stopped. In this way, the system controller 34A ensures that the person 66 knows that further use of the externally connected electrical device 65 (electrical saw) may cause the battery pack 54 of the electric vehicle 10 to be consumed to the extent that the vehicle cannot reach the planned destination (home or charging station), and that the use of the externally connected electrical device 65 should be stopped immediately.

[0065] Using an internal / external display system 68 such as a HUD 68 to display information such as the charge level 74, 74A, remaining time 76, and warning messages 76A and / or graphics 76B of the electric vehicle 10 allows a person 66 (e.g., a person working with an externally connected electrical device 65 outside the electric vehicle 10) to Figure 3 For example, the person 66 may be doing something near the electric vehicle 10 and can periodically glance at the electric vehicle 10 to check the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 and plan when they should stop using the externally connected electrical device 65, or notice that the externally connected electrical device 65 should be stopped immediately.

[0066] The interior / exterior display system 68 may use any suitable transparent display technology to display information onto the window surface 70 of the vehicle 10 for viewing by both those inside and outside the vehicle 10, or only by those outside the vehicle 10. Figure 6 In an exemplary embodiment, the HUD 68 includes a digital optical projector (DLP) 78 adapted to project an image 80 onto the window surface 70 of the vehicle 10. The DLP 78 projects the image 80, which may include various information, such as the battery level 74, 74A, the remaining time 76, the warning message 76A, and / or the graphic 76B, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5As shown. DLP 78 is capable of projecting two-dimensional and three-dimensional images. In an exemplary embodiment, DLP 78 includes a light source 82 adapted to project excitation light 84, a condenser lens 86 adapted to focus the excitation light 84 from the light source 82, a color filter (color wheel) adapted to separate the focused excitation light 84 into red light, green light, and blue light, a shaping lens 90 adapted to focus the excitation light 84 passing through the color filter 88, a digital micromirror device (DMD) 92 adapted to redirect the excitation light 84, and a projection lens 94 adapted to receive the excitation light 84 from the digital micromirror device (DMD) 92 and project the excitation light 84 onto the vehicle window surface 70.

[0067] refer to Figure 2 , the system controller 34A includes a DLP engine 96. The DLP engine 96 includes a programmable processor that includes programming for monitoring various inputs and determining what information is appropriate for display. The DLP engine 96 can communicate directly with the various systems and components, or the DLP engine 96 can communicate via a LAN / CAN system, alternatively or additionally. The window surfaces 70, 70A, 70B are equipped with a device capable of displaying an image projected thereon while remaining transparent or substantially transparent, so that an occupant within the vehicle 10 can clearly see the displayed image 80 and still observe the exterior of the vehicle 10 through the window surfaces 70, 70A, 70B. A person 66 outside the vehicle 10 can clearly see the displayed image 80 and still observe the interior of the vehicle 10 through the window surfaces 70, 70A, 70B.

[0068] The DLP engine 96 includes display software or programming to convert requests to display information from the DLP engine in a manner that describes a graphical representation of the information. The DLP engine 96 includes programming for compensating for curved and tilted surfaces of the window surfaces 70, 70A, 70B. The DLP engine 96 controls the light source 82, which includes a laser or projector device that produces an excitation light 84 to project the image 80.

[0069] The window surface 70, 70A, 70B acts as a medium through which the relevant features can be observed, and also acts as a display device on which information such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 The image 80 of the charging state 72, the remaining time 74 and the current power level 76 of the vehicle window surface 70, 70A, 70B are transparent and can display the image projected by the activation light 84. Figure 7 and Figure 8, person 66 can see any object (e.g., cube 98) through substrate 100 located on window surface 70, 70A, 70B. Substrate 100 can be transparent or substantially transparent. When person 66 sees any object 98 through substrate 100, person 66 can also see images (e.g., circle 102 and triangle 104) created at substrate 100. Substrate 100 can be a portion of window surface 70, 70A, 70B, a glass substrate, a plastic substrate, a polymer substrate, or other transparent (or substantially transparent) media that will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Other substrates can supplement substrate 100 to provide coloring, substrate protection, light filtering (e.g., filtering external ultraviolet light), and other functions.

[0070] Figure 8 The illumination of a transparent display is depicted with excitation light 84 (e.g., ultraviolet light or infrared light) from a light source 82. The substrate 100 receives the excitation light 84 from the light source 82. The received excitation light 84 can be absorbed by the luminescent material 106 at the substrate 100. When the luminescent material receives the excitation light 84, the luminescent material 106 emits visible light. Thus, an image (e.g., a circle 102 and a triangle 104) can be generated at the substrate 100 by selectively illuminating the substrate 100 with the excitation light 84.

[0071] In an exemplary embodiment, the luminescent material 106 includes a transparent phosphor embedded in the substrate 100. The transparent phosphor is a luminescent particle that emits fluorescence in response to excitation by the excitation light 84. In an exemplary embodiment, the transparent phosphor is a red, green and blue (RGB) phosphor, allowing full color. The use of monochromatic and / or dual-color phosphors is also within the scope of the present disclosure. When the excitation light 84 is absorbed by the transparent phosphor, the transparent phosphor emits visible light. The excitation light 84 is provided by the light source 82. The use of the substrate 100 and the luminescent material 106 to display graphics is discussed in more detail in U.S. Patent No. 17 / 749,464, entitled "HYBRID AUGMENTED REALITY HEAD-UP DISPLAY FOR CREATING AN EDGE-TO-EDGE AUGMENTED REALITY VIEW" filed on May 20, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0072] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the excitation light 84 may be ultraviolet light. If the excitation light 84 is ultraviolet light, when the luminescent material 90 emits visible light in response to the ultraviolet light, a down-conversion physical phenomenon occurs. Specifically, ultraviolet light has a shorter wavelength and higher energy than visible light. Therefore, when the luminescent material 106 absorbs ultraviolet light and emits lower energy visible light, the ultraviolet light is down-converted into visible light because the energy level of the ultraviolet light decreases when the ultraviolet light is converted into visible light.

[0073] like Figure 6 As shown, excitation light 84 is output by light source 82 of DLP 78. In an exemplary embodiment, light source 82 is a micromirror array (MMA) projector (e.g., digital light processing (DLP) projector 78). In DLP 78, image 80 is created by microscopic mirrors arranged in a matrix on a semiconductor chip in DMD 92. MMA projectors that output ultraviolet light can be similar to MMA projectors that output visible light, except that color filter 68 has a filter customized for the ultraviolet spectrum. In other embodiments, DLP 78 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) projector. In an embodiment, DLP 78 can be a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) projector. In an embodiment, DLP 78 can be an analog projector (e.g., a slide projector or a movie film projector). Those of ordinary skill in the art will understand other types of projectors that can be used to project ultraviolet light onto substrate 100.

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, when providing a notification 72, 72A of the charging status of the electric vehicle 10 to a person 66 in the vicinity of the electric vehicle 10, the system controller 34A is further adapted to at least one of: (1) activate at least one external light of the vehicle 10 using a lighting system 108 within the electric vehicle 10 that communicates with the system controller 34A, and (2) activate a sound emitting device 114 using the system controller 34A. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one external light includes one or more of a vehicle headlight 110 and a vehicle taillight 112. Fig.9A and Fig. 9B , the system controller 34A transmits the information by activating the headlights and / or taillights of the vehicle 10. Fig.9A As shown, a person 66 outside of the vehicle 10 may receive remote information.

[0075] For example, the system controller 34A may be configured to provide a notification when it is calculated by the system controller 34A that fifteen minutes remain until the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 is at a predetermined threshold, as previously indicated by the person 66. Thus, the person 66 may be operating at a distance from the electric vehicle 10 and still receive information from the system 11, where the illumination or flashing of the headlights 110 and / or taillights 112 will attract the attention of the person 66 and warn the person 66 that they have fifteen minutes before they should stop using the externally connected electrical device 65.

[0076] By way of non-limiting example, when the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 has more than fifteen minutes remaining before the charge level of the electric vehicle is depleted to a predetermined threshold using the externally connected electrical device 65, the headlights 110 and / or taillights 112 may do nothing, and when the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 has more than fifteen minutes remaining before the charge level of the electric vehicle is depleted to a predetermined threshold using the externally connected electrical device 65, the headlights 110 and / or taillights 112 will begin to periodically flash on / off, wherein the headlights 110 and / or taillights 112 flash on / off more frequently as the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 gets closer to the predetermined threshold. Finally, when the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 reaches the predetermined threshold, the headlights 110 and / or taillights 112 are constantly on. Thus, the person 66 understands the charging status based on what the headlights 110 and / or taillights 112 are doing at any given moment.

[0077] In another non-limiting example, when the power level of the electric vehicle 10 is more than fifteen minutes away from the time when the power level of the electric vehicle is consumed to a predetermined threshold using the externally connected electrical device 65, the sound-emitting device 114 (e.g., the horn of the electric vehicle 10) may do nothing; when the power level of the electric vehicle 10 is more than fifteen minutes away from the time when the power level of the electric vehicle is consumed to a predetermined threshold using the externally connected electrical device 65, the sound-emitting device 114 will begin to periodically emit a buzzing sound; as the power level of the electric vehicle 10 is closer to the predetermined threshold, the buzzing sound occurs more frequently. Finally, when the power level of the electric vehicle 10 reaches the predetermined threshold, the sound-emitting device emits three long beeps in quick succession or continuously until the externally connected device 65 is stopped from being used. When the externally connected device 65 no longer consumes power and / or when the externally connected device 65 is disconnected from the electric vehicle 10, it can be detected by the system that the externally connected device 65 is no longer in use. Therefore, the person 66 understands the charging status based on hearing the buzzing sounds of the sound-emitting device 114 and the frequency with which they occur.

[0078] In another exemplary embodiment, when providing a notification 72, 72A of the charging status of the electric vehicle 10 to a person 66 near the electric vehicle 10, the system controller 34A is also adapted to perform at least one of the following: (1) using a first external projector 116 that communicates with the system controller 34A, displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 on a surface 118 adjacent to the vehicle 10, and (2) using a second external projector 120 that communicates with the system controller 34A, displaying light outward from the electric vehicle 10 onto floating particles near the electric vehicle 10 and creating a three-dimensional image 122 that includes information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10.

[0079] refer to Fig.10 , the external projector 116 projects the power level 74, 74A and the remaining time 76 of the electric vehicle 10 onto the surface 118, as shown Fig.10 As shown, the surface is the ground adjacent to the vehicle 10. In addition, the second external projector 120 projects light (e.g., laser) outward using particles (e.g., dust and mist) floating in the air near the vehicle 10 to create a three-dimensional image 122 including the charge level 74, 74A and the remaining time 76 of the electric vehicle 10. The second external projector 120 may create a floating three-dimensional image by reflecting laser light from dust and mist particles floating in the air using a known method, or create a three-dimensional image 122 including the charge level 74, 74A and the remaining time 76 of the electric vehicle 10 by other volumetric display methods, such as Fig.10 As shown. The system using floating particles to create a three-dimensional image 122 relies on the coherence of the floating particle matrix to create a "screen" for displaying (reflecting) projected light. The system that produces such a floating particle matrix can be installed inside the vehicle 10, such as under the hood, to project such floating particles outwardly, wherein the three-dimensional image 122 appears to float just above the hood of the vehicle 10.

[0080] like Fig.10 As shown, displaying information such as the charge level 74, 74A and the remaining time 76 of the electric vehicle 10 allows a person 66 who is using an externally connected electrical device 65 outside the vehicle 10 to view the information displayed at a distance. Thus, the person 66 can periodically glance at the electric vehicle 10 to view the charge level 74, 74A and the remaining time 76 of the electric vehicle 10 displayed by one or both of the first and second external projectors 116, 120, and plan when they should stop using the externally connected electrical device 65, or notice that the externally connected electrical device 65 should be stopped immediately.

[0081] In another exemplary embodiment, when a charging status notification 72, 72A of the electric vehicle 10 is provided to a person 66 near the electric vehicle 10, the system controller 34A is also adapted to send the power level 74, 74A of the electric vehicle 10 and the remaining time 76 when the power level of the electric vehicle 10 reaches a predetermined threshold to a personal device 128 associated with the person 66, and use the personal device 128 to display the power level 74 and remaining time 76 of the electric vehicle 10 and / or a warning message 76A and / or a graphic 76B.

[0082] refer to Fig.11 By way of non-limiting example, the communication system 36 wirelessly transmits information to a personal device 128, such as, for example, a cell phone of person 66. Thus, a person 66 located at a distance from the electric vehicle 10 can receive information, such as the charge level 74, 74A and time remaining 76 and / or warning message 76A and / or graphic 76B of the electric vehicle 10 simply by glancing at a personal device 128, such as a cell phone, smart watch, or tablet. Likewise, the cell phone, smart watch, or tablet can generate a tactile signal indicating the charging status information. Additionally, the system controller 34A can provide an audible charge level alert to the person 66 via wireless communication with Bluetooth or similar headphones / earphones paired with the vehicle audio system, cell phone, or other device.

[0083] In another exemplary embodiment, when the notification 72, 72A is provided to the person 66 in the vicinity of the electric vehicle 10, the system controller 34A is also adapted to prevent power from the electric vehicle 10 from flowing to the externally connected electrical device 65. For example, when the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 reaches a predetermined threshold, the system controller 34A cuts power to the externally connected electrical device 65 to prevent the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 from falling below the predetermined threshold. This can be overridden by the person 66 if the person 66 "resets" the virtual circuit breaker.

[0084] In another exemplary embodiment, the system controller 34A is further adapted to provide a notification of information related to the charging status of the electric vehicle 10 to a person near the electric vehicle when a status request is initiated by at least one of the following: (1) a manual request by the person 66, and (2) automatically based on the charge level of the electric vehicle and the time when the charge level of the electric vehicle reaches a predetermined threshold.

[0085] refer to Fig.12, the method 200 for providing information related to the charging status of the electric vehicle 10 when the electric vehicle 10 is used as a battery pack includes, starting at box 202, using a system controller 34A in communication with the electrical system 52 within the electric vehicle 10 to detect when the electric vehicle 10 is used to provide power to an external electrical device 65. Moving to box 204, if the electric vehicle 10 is not used to provide power to the external electrical device 65, the method returns to box 202, and if the electric vehicle 10 is being used to provide power to the external electrical device 65, the method 200 further includes, moving to box 206, using the system controller 34A in communication with the electrical system 52 within the electric vehicle 10 to monitor information related to the charging status of the electric vehicle 10, and moving to box 208, using the system controller 34A to provide a notification 72, 72A of the charging status of the electric vehicle 10 to a person 66 near the electric vehicle 10.

[0086] In an exemplary embodiment, monitoring information related to the charging status of the electric vehicle 10 using a system controller 34A that communicates with the electrical system 52 within the electric vehicle 10 at box 206 also includes using the system controller 34A to monitor at least one of the following: moving to box 210, the charge level of the electrical system 52 within the electric vehicle 10, and moving to box 212, the remaining time when the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 drops to a predetermined threshold.

[0087] In another exemplary embodiment, monitoring the remaining time when the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 drops to a predetermined threshold using the system controller 34A at box 212 also includes: moving to box 214, calculating the predetermined threshold based on when the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 is sufficient to allow the electric vehicle 10 to travel from the current location to the planned destination.

[0088] In another exemplary embodiment, calculating the predetermined threshold at box 214 based on when the charge level of the electric vehicle is sufficient to allow the electric vehicle to travel from the current location to the planned destination further includes: moving to box 216, using the system controller 34A to track the amount of power consumed by the external electrical device 65, and moving to box 218, using the system controller 34A to calculate the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 that is sufficient to allow the electric vehicle 10 to travel from the current location to the planned destination, and moving to box 220, using the system controller 34A to set the predetermined threshold to the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 that is sufficient to allow the electric vehicle 10 to travel from the current location to the planned destination.

[0089] In another exemplary embodiment, calculating the predetermined threshold at box 214 based on when the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 is sufficient to allow the electric vehicle 10 to travel from the current location to the planned destination also includes: moving to box 222, before calculating the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 sufficient to allow the electric vehicle 10 to travel from the current location to the planned destination using the system controller 34A at box 218, receiving information related to the planned destination from at least one of the following: input from a user of the electric vehicle 10, and input from a navigation system within the electric vehicle 10, wherein the planned destination is one of a charging station or a home location.

[0090] In an exemplary embodiment, providing a notification 72, 72A of the charging status of the electric vehicle 10 to a person 66 near the electric vehicle 10 using the system controller 34A at box 208 further includes at least one of the following: when the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 approaches a predetermined threshold, providing a notification 72, 72A that the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 is close to a predetermined threshold, and when the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 is at a predetermined threshold, providing a notification that the charge level of the electric vehicle 10 is at a predetermined threshold.

[0091] In another exemplary embodiment, providing a notification 72, 72A of the charging status of the electric vehicle 10 to a person 66 near the electric vehicle 10 using the system controller 34A at box 208 also includes: moving to box 224, using a hybrid augmented reality head-up display system 68 that communicates with the system controller 34A and is adapted to project information onto the window surface 70 of the electric vehicle 10 to display the current charge level 74, 74A and warning messages 76, 76A, 76B of the electric vehicle 10.

[0092] In another exemplary embodiment, providing a notification 72, 72A of the charging status of the electric vehicle 10 to a person 66 near the electric vehicle 10 using the system controller 34A at box 208 also includes at least one of the following: moving to box 226, using the lighting system 108 within the electric vehicle 10 that communicates with the system controller 34A to start at least one of the vehicle headlights 110 and the vehicle taillights 112 of the electric vehicle 10, and moving to box 228, using the system controller 34A to start the sound-generating device 114.

[0093] In another exemplary embodiment, providing a notification 72, 72A of the charging status of the electric vehicle 10 to a person 66 near the electric vehicle 10 using the system controller 34A at box 208 also includes at least one of the following: moving to box 230, using a first external projector 116 that communicates with the system controller 34A to display the current charge level 74, 74A and warning messages 76, 76A, 76B of the electric vehicle 10 on a surface 118 adjacent to the electric vehicle 10, and moving to box 232, using a second external projector 120 that communicates with the system controller 34A to display light emitted outward from the electric vehicle 10 on floating particles near the electric vehicle 10, and creating a three-dimensional image 122 including the current charge level 74, 74A and warning messages 76, 76A, 76B of the electric vehicle.

[0094] In another exemplary embodiment, providing a notification 72, 72A of the charging status of the electric vehicle 10 to a person 66 near the electric vehicle 10 using the system controller 34A at box 208 also includes: moving to box 234, using the system controller 34A to send information related to the charging status of the electric vehicle 10 to a personal device 128 associated with the person 66, and moving to box 236, using the personal device 128 to display the current charge level 74, 74A and warning messages 76, 76A, 76B of the electric vehicle 10.

[0095] In another exemplary embodiment, providing a notification 72, 72A of the charging status of the electric vehicle 10 to a person 66 near the electric vehicle 10 using the system controller 34A at box 208 also includes: moving to box 238, using the system controller 34A to prevent power from flowing from the electric vehicle 10 to an externally connected electrical device 65.

[0096] The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and variations that do not depart from the gist of the present disclosure are intended to fall within the scope of the present disclosure. These variations should not be regarded as departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A method for providing information related to a state of charge of an electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is used as a battery pack, comprising: detecting, by a system controller in communication with an electrical system within the vehicle, when the electric vehicle is being used to provide power to an external electrical device; as well as When the electric vehicle is being used to provide power to an external electrical device: monitoring information related to a charging status of the electric vehicle via the system controller in communication with the electrical system within the electric vehicle; as well as Notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle is provided to persons in the vicinity of the electric vehicle via the system controller.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: Monitoring information related to the charging status of the electric vehicle by the system controller in communication with the electrical system within the electric vehicle further includes: monitoring, by the system controller, at least one of: The charge level of the electrical system within the vehicle; and The remaining time until the power level of the electric vehicle drops to a predetermined threshold.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein: Monitoring, by the system controller, the remaining time when the charge level of the electric vehicle drops to a predetermined threshold also includes calculating the predetermined threshold based on when the charge level of the electric vehicle is sufficient to allow the electric vehicle to travel from a current location to a planned destination.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein: Calculating the predetermined threshold based on when the charge level of the electric vehicle is sufficient to allow the electric vehicle to travel from the current location to the planned destination further includes: tracking, by the system controller, the amount of power consumed by the external electrical device; calculating, by the system controller, a charge level of the electric vehicle sufficient to allow the electric vehicle to travel from the current location to the planned destination; and The predetermined threshold is set, by the system controller, to a charge level of the electric vehicle sufficient to allow the electric vehicle to travel from the current location to the planned destination.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein: Calculating the predetermined threshold based on when the charge level of the electric vehicle is sufficient to allow the electric vehicle to travel from a current location to a planned destination also includes: receiving, by the system controller, information related to the planned destination from at least one of: input from a user of the electric vehicle and input from a navigation system within the electric vehicle, wherein the planned destination is one of a charging station or a home location.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein: Providing, by the system controller, a notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle to a person in the vicinity of the electric vehicle further comprises at least one of: When the power level of the electric vehicle approaches the predetermined threshold, providing a notification that the power level of the electric vehicle approaches the predetermined threshold; as well as When the power level of the electric vehicle is at the predetermined threshold, a notification is provided that the power level of the electric vehicle is at the predetermined threshold.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: Providing notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle to people near the electric vehicle via the system controller also includes: displaying the current charge level and warning messages of the electric vehicle via an internal / external display system that communicates with the system controller and is adapted to project information onto a window surface of the vehicle, wherein the projected information can be viewed from both inside and outside the vehicle.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein: Providing, by the system controller, a notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle to a person in the vicinity of the electric vehicle further comprises at least one of: activating at least one exterior light of the electric vehicle via a lighting system within the electric vehicle and in communication with the system controller; and The sound generating device is activated by the system controller.

9. The method according to claim 6, wherein: Providing, by the system controller, a notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle to a person in the vicinity of the electric vehicle further comprises at least one of: displaying, via a first external projector in communication with the system controller, a current charge level and a warning message of the electric vehicle on a surface proximate to the vehicle; as well as Through a second external projector in communication with the system controller, light emitted outward from the electric vehicle is displayed on floating particles near the electric vehicle, and a three-dimensional image including the current power level of the electric vehicle and a warning message is generated.

10. The method according to claim 6, wherein: Providing, by the system controller, a notification of the charging status of the electric vehicle to a person near the electric vehicle further comprises: transmitting, by the system controller, information related to the charging status of the vehicle to a personal device associated with a person; and The current charge level and warning message of the electric vehicle are displayed via the personal device.

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