Charging wire including features for displaying information

Abstract

An energy transfer system includes a charging line configured to electrically connect a battery system configured to power an electric motor of a vehicle to an energy source or an energy storage system. The energy transfer system also includes a display system including at least one light source attached to the charging line, and a controller configured to control the display system to generate a visual indicator on the charging line, the visual indicator indicating a condition associated with the energy transfer operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The subject disclosure relates to energy or power transfer, and more particularly to systems and methods for presenting information via a charge cord or cable. Background Art

[0002] Vehicles, including gasoline and diesel powered vehicles, as well as electric and hybrid vehicles, feature battery storage for purposes such as powering electric motors, electronic devices, and other vehicle subsystems. The battery assembly may be charged using dedicated charging stations and other power sources, such as residences and buildings connected to the electrical grid. In addition, some vehicles may have the ability to transmit power to external locations, such as by supplying power to the battery assemblies of other vehicles and / or the electrical grid. Summary of the invention

[0003] In one exemplary embodiment, an energy transfer system includes a charging cable configured to electrically connect a battery system to an energy source or energy storage system, the battery system configured to supply power to an electric motor of a vehicle. The energy transfer system also includes a display system and a controller, the display system including at least one light source attached to the charging cable, the controller configured to control the display system to generate a visual indicator on the charging cable, the visual indicator indicating a condition related to energy transfer operation.

[0004] In addition to one or more features described herein, the at least one light source includes a plurality of light sources arranged along the length of the charging cord.

[0005] In addition to one or more features described herein, a visual indicator is configured to alert a person to the location of the charging cable.

[0006] In addition to one or more features described herein, the controller is configured to generate a visual indicator based on detecting a person in proximity to the charging cord.

[0007] In addition to one or more features described herein, the controller is configured to control the display system to generate a light pattern indicative of a condition including at least one of a charging condition, a discharging condition, and an environmental condition.

[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, a light pattern is selected based on the charge level.

[0009] In addition to one or more features described herein, the light pattern is a moving pattern indicating the direction of energy flow, the light pattern moving in a first direction along the charging line away from the battery system based on a discharge condition, and the light pattern moving in a second direction along the charging line toward the battery system based on a charging condition.

[0010] In addition to one or more features described herein, the light pattern is configured to facilitate visual detection of the charging cord when environmental conditions cause the charging cord to be obscured from view.

[0011] In addition to one or more features described herein, the controller is configured to detect whether at least one of a vehicle and a person is near the energy source or the energy storage system, and the visual indicator is configured to remind the person to plug in the charging cable based on the charging cable being disconnected.

[0012] In another exemplary embodiment, a method includes monitoring an energy transfer system configured to perform at least one of: transferring charge from an energy source to a battery system, and transferring charge from the battery system to an energy storage system, the energy transfer system including a charging cable configured to electrically connect the battery system to the energy source or the energy storage system, the battery system configured to supply power to an electric motor of a vehicle. The method also includes detecting a condition associated with the energy transfer operation, and based on the detection, controlling at least one light source attached to the charging cable to generate a visual indicator on the charging cable, the visual indicator indicating the condition.

[0013] In addition to one or more features described herein, the at least one light source includes a plurality of light sources arranged along the length of the charging cord.

[0014] In addition to one or more features described herein, the condition includes a person being near the charging cord, and the visual indicator is configured to alert the person to the location of the charging cord.

[0015] In addition to one or more features described herein, the visual indicator includes a light pattern indicative of a condition, and the condition includes at least one of a charging condition, a discharging condition, and an environmental condition.

[0016] In addition to one or more features described herein, the light pattern is a moving pattern indicating the direction of energy flow, the light pattern moving in a first direction along the charging line away from the battery system based on a discharge condition, and the light pattern moving in a second direction along the charging line toward the battery system based on a charging condition.

[0017] In addition to one or more features described herein, the condition includes at least one of a person and a vehicle being in proximity to the energy source or the energy storage system, and the visual indicator is configured to remind the person to plug in the charging cable based on the charging cable being disconnected.

[0018] In yet another exemplary embodiment, a computer program product includes a computer readable memory having computer executable instructions stored thereon, the computer executable instructions, when executed by a processor, causing the processor to perform operations. The operations include monitoring an energy transfer system, the energy transfer system being configured to perform at least one of: transferring power from an energy source to a battery system, and transferring power from the battery system to an energy storage system, the energy transfer system including a charging cable, the charging cable being configured to electrically connect the battery system to the energy source or the energy storage system, the battery system being configured to supply power to an electric motor of a vehicle. The operations also include detecting a condition associated with the energy transfer operation, and based on the detection, controlling at least one light source attached to the charging cable to generate a visual indicator on the charging cable, the visual indicator indicating the condition.

[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, the at least one light source includes a plurality of light sources arranged along the length of the charging cord.

[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, the condition includes a person being near the charging cord, and the visual indicator is configured to alert the person to the location of the charging cord.

[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, the visual indicator includes a light pattern indicative of a condition, and the condition includes at least one of a charging condition, a discharging condition, and an environmental condition.

[0022] In addition to one or more features described herein, the light pattern is a moving pattern indicating the direction of energy flow, the light pattern moving in a first direction along the charging line away from the battery system based on a discharge condition, and the light pattern moving in a second direction along the charging line toward the battery system based on a charging condition.

[0023] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure are apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Other features, advantages and details appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 is a top schematic view of a motor vehicle including a battery system and a charging system according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0026] Figure 2 depicts components of an energy transfer system including a charging cable having a display system for visually conveying information according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0027] Figure 3depicts the flow of inputs and outputs to and from a control device of an energy transfer system, the control device being configured to control a display system of a charging line, according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0028] Figure 4 depicts examples of visual indicators (light patterns) that may be displayed on a charging line according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0029] Figure 5 is a flow chart depicting aspects of a method of generating a visual indicator at a charging line according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0030] Figure 6 is a flow chart depicting aspects of a method of generating a visual indicator at a charging line according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0031] Figure 7 is a flow chart depicting aspects of a method of configuring a visual indicator that may be displayed on a charging cable according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0032] Figure 8 A computer system according to an exemplary embodiment is depicted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts and features.

[0034] According to one or more exemplary embodiments, methods, devices, and systems are provided for presenting or displaying information via a charging line, for example, during an energy transfer operation. The energy transfer operation may include receiving power from an external power source to charge a battery system, or providing power to an external energy storage system (discharging).

[0035] An embodiment of an energy transfer system includes a charging cable configured to connect a battery system (e.g., an electric vehicle (EV) or hybrid vehicle battery pack) to an external power source (e.g., a power grid or a charging station) and / or an external energy storage system (e.g., a power grid or a receiving vehicle battery system). The charging cable includes a display system having one or more light sources attached to the charging cable that are configurable to display various types of information. In one embodiment, the one or more light sources include an array of light sources (e.g., an array or strip of light emitting diodes (LEDs)). The light sources in the array can be spaced apart along the charging cable according to a selected distance, or arranged close enough to each other so that at least a portion of the light pattern appears to be continuous.

[0036] The system includes a processor or controller (or a combination of multiple processors or controllers) that is configured to generate a visual indicator in the form of a light pattern displayed on the charging line. Different visual indicators can be configured for each of a plurality of different conditions. For example, the light pattern can be configured to indicate that the vehicle battery system is charging or discharging (e.g., by creating a moving light pattern), and / or to indicate the type of charge (e.g., EV charging level 1, EV charging level 2, direct current (DC) fast charging, etc.). In addition, the light pattern can be generated based on environmental conditions (e.g., inclement weather, low visibility, darkness, etc.). Various other light patterns can be used for various conditions.

[0037] The embodiments described herein present many advantages and technical effects. For example, the embodiments enhance charging and discharging operations by providing intuitive and easy-to-see indicators. Such enhancements include preventing tripping hazards and providing users with improved notifications about various charging and environmental conditions. The embodiments allow users or people to quickly respond to changes in conditions or situations that may be harmful (e.g., failures, disconnections, etc.).

[0038] Embodiments are not limited to use with any particular vehicle or device or system utilizing a battery assembly and may be applicable in a variety of environments. For example, embodiments may be used with automobiles, trucks, aircraft, construction equipment, farm equipment, automated factory equipment, and / or any other equipment or system that may use a high voltage battery pack or other battery assembly.

[0039] Figure 1 An embodiment of a motor vehicle 10 is shown that includes a body 12 that at least partially defines an occupant compartment 14. The body 12 also supports various vehicle subsystems, including a propulsion system 16, and other subsystems for supporting the functions of the propulsion system 16 and other vehicle components, such as a braking subsystem, a suspension system, a steering subsystem, and if the vehicle is a hybrid electric vehicle, a fuel injection subsystem, an exhaust subsystem, etc.

[0040] The vehicle 10 may be an electric vehicle (EV), a hybrid vehicle, or any other vehicle. In one embodiment, the vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle that includes one or more motors and one or more drive systems. For example, the propulsion system 16 is a multi-drive system that includes a first drive unit 20 and a second drive unit 30. The first drive unit 20 includes a first electric motor 22 and a first inverter 24, as well as other components such as a cooling system 26. The second drive unit 30 includes a second electric motor 32 and a second inverter 34, as well as other components such as a cooling system 36. Inverters 24 and 34 (e.g., traction power inverter units or TPIMs) each convert direct current (DC) power from a high voltage (HV) battery system 40 into multi-phase (e.g., two-phase, three-phase, six-phase, etc.) alternating current (AC) power to drive motors 22 and 32.

[0041] In the propulsion system 16, the drive unit 20 and the drive unit 30 are electrically connected to a battery system 40. The battery system 40 may be configured as a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS).

[0042] The battery system 40 includes one or more battery assemblies. For example, the battery system 40 includes one or more high-voltage battery packs, such as a first battery pack 44 connected to the inverter 24 and a second battery pack 46 connected to the inverter 34. The battery pack 44 includes a plurality of battery modules 48, and the battery pack 46 includes a plurality of battery modules 50. Each module 48, 50 includes a plurality of individual battery cells (not shown). In one embodiment, the battery packs 44 and 46 can be charged independently and can be used to independently supply power for propulsion, power supply and / or charging.

[0043] The vehicle 10 also includes a charging system that can be used to charge the battery system 40 and / or supply power from the battery system 40 to charge another energy storage system (e.g., vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) and / or vehicle-to-everything (V2X) charging). The charging system includes one or more conversion devices for controlling aspects of charging and / or discharging. For example, at least one conversion device provides conversion between AC current and DC current and / or voltage control.

[0044] In one embodiment, the charging system includes a charging control device 52, such as an onboard charging module (OBCM). The charging control device 52 includes a conversion device in the form of a charger (charging circuit), which includes devices for AC-DC conversion and DC-DC conversion. The charging control device 52 connects the battery system 40 to the charging port 54 for charging the vehicle battery system and / or providing power to an external storage system.

[0045] The vehicle 10 also includes a computer system 56 including one or more processing devices 58 and a user interface 60. The computer system 56 can communicate with the charging system controller, for example, to provide commands thereto in response to user input. The various processing devices, modules, and units can communicate with each other via a communication device or system, such as a controller area network (CAN) or a transmission control protocol (TCP) bus.

[0046] The charging system, charging control device 52, computer system 56, and / or other processing components in vehicle 10 can be configured to communicate with various remote devices and systems such as charging stations and other vehicles. Such communication can be achieved, for example, via a network 62 (e.g., a cellular network, the cloud, etc.) and / or via wireless communications. For example, vehicle 10 can communicate with one or more charging stations 64, remote entities 66 (e.g., a workstation, a fleet management system, a computer, a server, a service provider, a technician, an engineer, etc.), and / or another vehicle 68.

[0047] A "battery system" may include a battery pack, a module, a battery cell, or a combination thereof. Examples of battery systems include battery system 40, battery pack 44, battery pack 46, and any combination thereof. A battery system may be any energy storage device, such as a receiving vehicle battery system (during V2V charging) or any other suitable external energy storage device.

[0048] Figure 2 An embodiment of a charging system is depicted that includes a charging cable with information presentation capabilities. In this embodiment, the vehicle 10 is configured to be connected to an energy source or energy storage system via a charging cable 70. The charging cable 70 includes one or more light sources arranged along a selected length of the charging cable. For example, the charging cable 70 includes a plurality of light sources 72.

[0049] Each light source 72 can be embedded in the charging cord 70 (e.g., in an outer insulating layer), attached to a sleeve or layer of material surrounding the length of the charging cord 70, adhered to the surface of the charging cord 70, or otherwise disposed in a fixed position relative to the charging cord 70. The light sources 72 can be discrete light sources as shown, or can be continuous light sources (e.g., light emitting diode (LED) strips or optical fibers). In general, a continuous light source is any configuration that produces light that is continuous (or at least appears to be continuous to a person) along a certain length.

[0050] The charging cable 70 may be a charging cable associated with the vehicle 10, a separate charging cable, or a charging cable that is part of an external system. Figure 2 As shown, the charging cord is part of a charging station 74 (eg, a DC fast charge or DCFC station).

[0051] Charging station 74 may be a fixed charging station connected to a power grid (not shown) via a grid transformer 76 or otherwise including or connected to a power source. Charging station 74 may be a mobile charging station that includes a set of battery packs for providing power to charge vehicle 10.

[0052] The charging station 74 includes one or more charging ports 78, each connected to a DC-DC converter 80. Charging operations may be performed by a charging station controller 82, a vehicle processor (eg, OBCM), an external charging station electronic control unit (ECU) 84, or any combination thereof.

[0053] In one embodiment, each light source 72 is an LED light source. The light source 72 can be applied separately, attached via an LED strip or lighting strip, or otherwise embedded or attached to the charging cable 70. Other light sources can be used, such as a fiber optic light source including one or more optical fibers (e.g., one or more end-emitting optical fibers that emit light from one end thereof, one or more edge-emitting optical fibers that emit light along its length, etc.). It should be noted that any suitable type of light source capable of generating visible light can be used.

[0054] The light source 72 operates in a manner that produces a visual indicator. A "visual indicator" refers to any emission of visible light by the light source 72 that conveys information to a person (or to a device or system, such as a camera and / or monitoring system). The visual indicator may be provided simply to warn a person of the location of the charging cord 70 (e.g., to prevent a tripping hazard), and / or may provide additional information. The information may be provided via an illumination pattern or "light pattern" that is recognizable as indicating a status or providing other information.

[0055] For example, all light sources 72 (or a selected subset) may be activated to simply provide illumination, making it easy to identify the location of the charging line. In other examples, the light sources 72 are collectively operated to generate a stationary or moving light pattern to indicate a charging mode, charging status, and / or other conditions.

[0056] The charging station 74 may include various devices and hardware to facilitate generating indicators and presenting information. Examples include a global positioning system (GPS) device, a wi-fi receiver (e.g., for receiving local weather information), an ambient light sensor, a key fob detector, an accelerometer or a microphone, a camera or other imaging device, etc.

[0057] Figure 3 Examples of inputs and outputs that may be used by the processor to generate visual indicators are depicted. These examples are described in conjunction with ECU 84, but are not limited thereto.

[0058] As shown, the ECU 84 receives various inputs 90 that can be used to generate the visual indicator. The inputs include, for example, location 90a (e.g., from global positioning system (GPS) information), local weather conditions 90b, ambient light levels 90c (e.g., from time / date information and / or from an ambient light sensor), and an indication 90d of the vehicle approaching the charging station 74 (e.g., from a key fob detector, a monitoring system, etc.). Other inputs include, for example, an indication 90e of a person approaching the charging station 74. For example, a person may be detected by footstep detection via an accelerometer or microphone, by a camera, or by any other detection mechanism.

[0059] Other examples of inputs include charge / discharge type indication 90f (e.g., AC charging, DCFC charging, vehicle-to-vehicle discharging, etc.), vehicle battery state of charge (SOC) when unplugged (indication 90g), and vehicle battery SOC when vehicle 10 is plugged into charging station 74 (indication 90h).

[0060] In one embodiment, the input includes an indication of a customer or user preference 90i. Such preferences may be provided via a mobile application on a user's smartphone, a user interface (e.g., a charging station screen or touch screen), or any other suitable interface or input device. The customer preference input is used to customize the format of the visual indicator for a particular condition or charging status.

[0061] In response to the input, the ECU 84 provides control signals 92 to the light source 74 or a controller configured to operate the light source. The control signals 92 include, for example, on / off signals 92a, color and / or pattern commands 92b, speed commands 92c (i.e., commands regarding the speed of the perceived light flow or perceived light movement), and direction commands 92d (i.e., commands regarding the direction of the perceived light flow).

[0062] Figure 4 Various light patterns that can be used to convey information are depicted. It should be noted that the patterns are described for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be limiting. As further discussed herein, the light patterns can be stationary or moving patterns.

[0063] Each pattern shown corresponds to a different mode. “Mode” may refer to a charging mode (e.g., charging, charging type, discharging, etc.), conditions of the vehicle 10, conditions of the charging station (or other power source or energy storage system), environmental conditions, etc.

[0064] All or a subset of the light sources 74 may be activated to emit a selected color to indicate a given mode. For example, indicator M1 is used to indicate vehicle charging mode, and indicator M2 is used to indicate discharging mode. Indicators M1 and M2 may be assigned a yellow color (and may be represented by dashes as further described herein). Indicator M3 indicates that charging or discharging is complete and may be green. Indicator M4 indicates an error and may be green, and indicator M5 may be white and used to illuminate the charging cable 70 for visibility in dark conditions (a "night light" function). The charging pause indicator M6 may also be white, the severe weather indicator M7 may be blue, and the "plug in vehicle" reminder M8 may be green.

[0065] For example, indicators M1 are provided for different charging modes (ie, modes in which the vehicle battery system is charged by charging station 74 or other power source). As shown, light of a selected color (eg, yellow) is emitted such that a dashed pattern (having a series of dashed lines) is displayed along charging line 70 .

[0066] The indicator M1 can be configured to indicate different charging levels or types. Figure 3 As shown, Level 1 charging, Level 2 charging, DC low power (residential) charging, and DC fast charging (DCFC) are represented by successively smaller dashed line lengths. In other words, indicator M1a indicates Level 1 charging and has a long dashed line, indicator M1b indicates Level 2 charging and has a dashed line shorter than the dashed line of indicator M1a. Indicator M1c (low power charging) has a dashed line shorter than the dashed line of indicator M1b, and indicator M1d (DCFC) has an even shorter dashed line.

[0067] Additionally, the pattern may be stationary or "moving" (i.e., perceived as moving). For example, the light pattern for the charging mode (indicator M1) may be a moving pattern in which the light source is operated to provide the illusion that a dashed line moves along the charging line 70 in the direction d1 from the charging station 74 (or other power source) toward the vehicle 10. In another example, the light pattern for the discharging mode (indicator M2) is presented so that the dashed line appears to move along the charging line 70 in the direction d2 from the vehicle 10 to the charging station 74 (or other energy storage system).

[0068] The movement pattern may be configured to move at a selected apparent speed. In one embodiment, the speed of indicators M1 and M2 may be selected based on the charge capacity or state of charge (SOC). For example, Level 1 charging may be associated with the lowest speed (indicator M1a) and DCFC charging may be associated with the highest speed (indicator M1d).

[0069] As mentioned above, any indicator can be customized based on user preferences. Customized indicators are denoted as indicators MX.

[0070] Figure 5 An embodiment of a method 100 for generating a visual indicator at a charging line is shown. The method 100 is provided for conditions where a vehicle battery system is connected to a power source or energy storage system in a well-lit environment. For purposes of illustration, the method 100 is described as being performed by the ECU 84, the vehicle 10, and the charging station 74, but is not limited thereto.

[0071] Method 100 includes a number of steps or phases represented by blocks 101-127. Method 100 is not limited to the number or order of steps therein, as some steps represented by blocks 101-127 may be performed in a different order than described below, or fewer than all of the steps may be performed.

[0072] Aspects of the methods described herein may be performed by a processor or a combination of processors. For example, method 100 is performed by a charging station controller, a vehicle controller, a remote controller (e.g., a controller connected to a charging station or vehicle via a network), or a combination thereof. Note that method 100 is not limited thereto and may be performed by any suitable processing device or system or combination of processing devices.

[0073] At box 101, a processing device such as ECU 84 detects that vehicle 10 is connected to charging station 74 via charging cable 70. The processing device may also determine whether lighting conditions are adequate (eg, by detecting ambient light levels).

[0074] If vehicle 10 is connected and lighting conditions are sufficient, the processing device determines conditions of vehicle 10, charging station 74, and / or the environment surrounding vehicle 10 and charging station 74. Based on the determined conditions, the processing device controls light source 72 to generate a specific light pattern.

[0075] If the processing device determines that the vehicle 10 is being charged (block 102), the processing device determines at block 103 whether a person is near the charging line 70. This determination may be based on footsteps detected via a microphone or accelerometer, camera monitoring, or other means.

[0076] At box 104 , if the processing device detects that a person is nearby (e.g., via footstep detection, camera monitoring, key fob detection, etc.), the light source 72 is operated to provide an indicator of the charging condition (e.g., M1 indicator). For example, the light source 72 emits a yellow pulse to produce a dotted line that appears to move from the charging station 74 toward the vehicle 10 .

[0077] The light source 72 can be controlled to produce a dashed line length corresponding to the charging type. In addition, the perceived speed can be controlled to indicate the charging rate.

[0078] For example, if charging is level 1 (block 105), indicator M1a is generated at block 106, which has the longest dash length and the slowest moving rate. If charging is level 2 (block 107), indicator M1b is generated at block 108, which has the longest dash length and the second slowest moving rate.

[0079] If the charge is DC low power (block 109), then an indicator M1c is generated at block 110, having a dash length shorter than the dash length of M1b, and a moving rate greater than the second slowest rate. If the charge is DCFC (block 111), then an indicator M1d is generated at block 112, having the shortest dash length and the fastest moving rate.

[0080] If charging is paused (block 113), a visual indicator such as a solid white light pattern is displayed on the charging line 70 at block 114. Once vehicle charging is complete at block 115 (e.g., it is detected that the vehicle battery system 40 has reached the target SOC), the visual indicator is changed to solid green (e.g., indicator M3) at block 116.

[0081] If the processing device determines that the vehicle 10 is discharging (block 117), the processing device determines at block 118 whether there is a person near the charging line 70. At block 119, if the processing device detects that a person is nearby, the light source 72 is operated to provide an indicator (e.g., indicator M2). The indicator can be configured to appear to move toward the vehicle 10. For example, the light source 72 emits a yellow pulse to produce a dotted line that appears to move from the vehicle 10 toward the charging station 74.

[0082] When vehicle discharge is complete at box 120 (eg, it is detected that the vehicle battery system 40 has reached the target discharge SOC), at box 121 the visual indicator changes to solid green (eg, indicator M3 ).

[0083] The method 100 may include detecting other conditions and generating associated visual indicators. For example, if a vehicle or station error is detected (box 122), a solid red indicator such as indicator M4 is generated at box 123. If severe weather conditions (e.g., rain, snow, fog, etc.) are detected at box 124, a visual indicator is generated at box 125 that is designed to be visible under such conditions. For example, a solid blue color (or other color that is more visible for a given condition) is displayed along the charging line 70. Finally, when the vehicle is disconnected (box 126), and assuming that there are no other relevant conditions, the light source 72 is turned off at box 127.

[0084] Figure 6An embodiment of a method 130 for generating a visual indicator at a charging line is shown, which is provided for situations where a vehicle and / or a person is near the charging line but the vehicle is disconnected from an energy source or energy storage system. For purposes of illustration, the method 130 is described as being performed by the ECU 84, the vehicle 10, and the charging station 74, but is not limited thereto.

[0085] Method 130 includes a number of steps or phases represented by blocks 131-145. Method 130 is not limited to the number or order of steps therein, as some steps represented by blocks 131-145 may be performed in a different order than described below, or fewer than all of the steps may be performed.

[0086] At box 131, vehicle 10 is located at or near charging station 74, but has not yet connected to charging station 74 via charging cable 70. At box 132, the processing device monitors charging station 74 and / or the environment around charging station 74. For example, a microphone or accelerometer is monitored to detect nearby footsteps.

[0087] At block 133, if footsteps are detected, the processing device monitors the ambient light level and determines whether the environment is too dark (i.e., below a selected light level). The ambient light conditions may be monitored via light sensors, cameras, weather and / or time of day and year information, etc. At block 134, if the environment is too dark, the processing device causes the light source 72 to generate a pure white light pattern.

[0088] At box 135, the processing device detects that the vehicle 10 is near a charging station (e.g., via a key fob). The processing device communicates with the vehicle 10 (e.g., via wireless communication) and determines the vehicle SOC (or receives an indication from the vehicle that charging is required). If the SOC is low or charging is otherwise determined to be required (box 136), an indicator such as a flashing solid green color is generated (box 137). This indicator can serve as a reminder to a person (driver or user) to plug in the vehicle 10. If charging is not required (box 138), a solid white color is generated (or maintained) at box 139.

[0089] If a vehicle or station error is detected (box 140), a solid red indicator such as indicator M4 is generated at box 141. If severe weather conditions (e.g., rain, snow, fog, etc.) are detected at box 142, a visual indicator designed to be seen under such conditions (e.g., a solid blue light pattern) is generated at box 143. Finally, if the vehicle 10 leaves the area and no vehicles or people are detected nearby (box 144), the light source 72 is turned off at box 145.

[0090] Note that different condition detections (and associated generation of visual indicators) may be prioritized. For example, in method 100, detection of a vehicle or station error (box 122) has the highest priority, detection of an adverse weather condition (box 124) has the next highest priority. Vehicle charging (box 102) and discharging (box 117) have a lower priority than box 124, and detection at box 126 has the lowest priority.

[0091] In method 130, for example, detection of a vehicle or station error (box 140) has the highest priority, detection of severe weather conditions (box 142) has the next highest priority. Detection of a vehicle and / or person (box 132) has a lower priority than the priority of box 142, and detection at box 144 has the lowest priority.

[0092] As described herein, the specific format of any given visual indicator can vary as desired. Thus, any suitable light pattern can be selected for a given condition. In one embodiment, the charging system can be configured so that a user (human or driver) can interact with the vehicle 10 and / or the charging station 74 to customize the visual indicators.

[0093] Figure 7 An embodiment of a method 150 for customizing or configuring visual indicators is shown. The method can be performed by a customer to save a set of visual indicators specific to customer preferences. The method 150 can also be performed by a technician or operator to set standard visual indicators. The method 150 can be performed using any suitable processing device and user interface.

[0094] Method 150 includes a number of steps or stages represented by blocks 151 - 160. Method 150 is not limited to the number or order of steps therein, as some steps represented by blocks 151 - 160 may be performed in a different order than described below, or fewer than all of the steps may be performed.

[0095] At box 151, the user enters an indication of what condition the visual indicator is designed for. For example, the user enters an "if" condition for one or more conditions. At box 152, a color (or combination of colors) is selected, and at box 153, if desired, a light movement effect is selected, such as movement speed and direction.

[0096] The user may select whether the light pattern is solid (box 154), pulsed (box 155), or flowing (appears to move, box 157). If pulsed light is selected, the frequency of the light pulses (i.e., on and off) may be selected at box 156. If flowing light is selected, the frequency or dash length may be selected (box 158) and the direction of movement may be selected (box 159). At box 160, the user selection and configuration of the visual indicator are stored for use by the processing device in generating a preferred indicator.

[0097] Figure 8 Aspects of an embodiment of a computer system 240 are shown that can perform various aspects of the embodiments described herein. The computer system 240 includes at least one processing device 242, which typically includes one or more processors for performing various aspects of the image acquisition and analysis methods described herein.

[0098] Components of computer system 240 include processing device 242 (such as one or more processors or processing units), memory 244, and bus 246, which couples various system components including system memory 244 to processing device 242. System memory 244 can be a non-transitory computer-readable medium and can include various computer system-readable media. Such media can be any available media that can be accessed by processing device 242, and includes volatile and non-volatile media and removable and non-removable media.

[0099] For example, system memory 244 includes non-volatile memory 248, such as a hard drive, and may also include volatile memory 250, such as random access memory (RAM) and / or cache memory. Computer system 240 may also include other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media.

[0100] The system memory 244 may include at least one program product having a set (i.e., at least one) of program modules configured to perform the functions of the embodiments described herein. For example, the system memory 244 stores various program modules that generally perform the functions and / or methods of the embodiments described herein. A module 252 for performing functions related to acquiring signals and data may be included, and a module 254 for performing functions related to the control of the light source at the charging line as discussed herein may be included. The system 240 is not limited thereto, as other modules may be included. As used herein, the term "module" refers to a processing circuit, which may include an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or grouped) and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and / or other suitable components that provide the described functions.

[0101] Processing device 242 may also communicate with one or more external devices 256, such as a keyboard, pointing device, and / or any device that enables processing device 242 to communicate with one or more other computing devices (e.g., a network card, a modem, etc.). Communication with various devices may occur via input / output (I / O) interfaces 264 and 265.

[0102] The processing device 242 may also communicate with one or more networks 266, such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), a bus network, and / or a public network (e.g., the Internet) via a network adapter 268. It should be appreciated that, although not shown, other hardware and / or software components may be used in conjunction with the computer system 40. Examples include, but are not limited to, microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, and data archival storage systems, among others.

[0103] The terms "a" and "an" do not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the referenced item. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term "or" means "and / or". References to "aspects" throughout the specification mean that a particular element (e.g., a feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in conjunction with that aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein, and may or may not be present in other aspects. In addition, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in the various aspects.

[0104] When an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements present.

[0105] Unless stated to the contrary herein, all test standards are the most current standards in effect as of the filing date of this application, or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standards appear.

[0106] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

[0107] Although the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from its scope. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the basic scope of the disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but will include all embodiments falling within its scope.

Claims

1. An energy transmission system, comprising: a charging cable configured to electrically connect a battery system to an energy source or energy storage system, the battery system being configured to supply power to an electric motor of the vehicle; a display system comprising at least one light source attached to a charging cable; as well as A controller is configured to control the display system to generate a visual indicator on the charging line, the visual indicator indicating a condition related to the energy transfer operation.

2. The energy transfer system of claim 1, wherein the at least one light source comprises a plurality of light sources arranged along the length of the charging line. 3 . The energy transfer system of claim 1 , wherein the visual indicator is configured to alert a person regarding the location of the charging cable. 4 . The energy transfer system of claim 3 , wherein the controller is configured to generate a visual indicator based on detecting a person being proximate to the charging line. 5 . The energy transfer system of claim 1 , wherein the controller is configured to control the display system to generate a light pattern indicative of the condition, the condition comprising at least one of a charging condition, a discharging condition, and an environmental condition.

6. The energy transfer system of claim 5, wherein the light pattern is selected based on the charge level.

7. An energy transmission system according to claim 5, wherein the light pattern is a moving pattern indicating the direction of energy flow, the light pattern moves in a first direction along the charging line away from the battery system based on the condition being the discharge condition, and the light pattern moves in a second direction along the charging line toward the battery system based on the condition being the charging condition.

8. The energy transfer system of claim 5, wherein the light pattern is configured to facilitate visual detection of the charging cord when environmental conditions cause the charging cord to be obscured from view.

9. The energy transfer system of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to detect whether at least one of the vehicle and the person is near the energy source or the energy storage system, and the visual indicator is configured to remind the person to plug in the charging cable based on the charging cable being disconnected.

10. A method comprising: monitoring an energy transfer system configured to perform at least one of: transferring power from an energy source to a battery system, and transferring power from the battery system to an energy storage system, the energy transfer system comprising a charging line configured to electrically connect the battery system to the energy source or the energy storage system, the battery system configured to supply power to an electric motor of the vehicle; detecting conditions associated with energy transfer operations; as well as Based on the detection, at least one light source attached to the charging cord is controlled to generate a visual indicator on the charging cord, the visual indicator indicating the condition.

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