PROTECTED Idle SYSTEM FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

A protected idle system for a vehicle is provided. When executed by the data processing hardware, the computer-implemented method causes the data processing hardware to perform operations. The operation includes detecting a park mode of a vehicle equipped with an automatically protected idle function and automatically activating the automatically protected idle function in response to the detected park mode. A state of a control switch associated with the automatically protected idle function is determined, and a hold time is set in response to the respective determined state of the control switch. The operation further includes modifying an automatically protected idle function within the one or more firing cycles in response to the set hold time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of generally presenting the background of the present disclosure. To the extent described in this section, the work of the presently named inventors, and aspects that may otherwise not qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither explicitly nor implicitly admitted to be prior art to the present disclosure.

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to a protected idle system for a vehicle. Background Art

[0003] Emergency or other first responder vehicles are often equipped with a standby or idle mode. The idle mode allows the responder to exit the vehicle while keeping the engine running. The idle mode is often equipped with a lockout feature that prevents a third party from accessing or otherwise manipulating the vehicle while the vehicle is in the idle function. The responder typically must manually activate the idle function before exiting the vehicle. Activation of the idle function is performed each time the idle function is utilized, regardless of whether the idle function has already been activated during a single operation of the vehicle. Responders may find it cumbersome to repeatedly activate the idle function, especially when responding to high stress scenarios. Therefore, an automated feature would be beneficial in improving responders' vehicle operations. Summary of the invention

[0004] In some aspects, when performed by data processing hardware, the computer-implemented method causes the data processing hardware to perform operations. The operations include: detecting a parking mode of a vehicle equipped with an automatic protected idle function, and automatically activating the automatic protected idle function in response to the detected parking mode. In response to the activated protected idle function, determining a state of a vehicle brake, and determining a state of a control switch associated with the automatic protected idle function. The operations then include: setting a hold time in response to the respective determined states of the brake and the control switch, and disabling the automatic protected idle function for one or more ignition cycles in response to the set hold time.

[0005] In some examples, setting the hold time may include setting a first hold time, a second hold time, and a third hold time. Each hold time may be associated with a pressed state of the control switch. Optionally, disabling the automatic protected idle function within one or more ignition cycles may include: pressing the control switch for one of the first hold time and the second hold time, and disabling an active ignition cycle in one or more ignition cycles. In other configurations, disabling the automatic protected idle function within one or more ignition cycles may include: pressing the control switch for the second hold time, and disabling the automatic protected idle function within the active ignition cycle of the one or more ignition cycles and each future ignition cycle. In some examples, the operation may include: pressing the control switch for a third hold time, and in response to the control switch being in a pressed state for the third hold time, re-enabling the automatic protected idle function within each future ignition cycle.

[0006] In other examples, disabling the automatic protected idle function within one or more ignition cycles may include depressing a control switch for a first hold time and disabling the automatic protected idle function within a single ignition cycle corresponding to an active ignition cycle. Alternatively, the operation may include detecting an ignition off mode of the vehicle and re-enabling the automatic protected idle function within a future ignition cycle in response to the detected ignition off mode.

[0007] In other aspects, when executed by data processing hardware, the computer-implemented method causes the data processing hardware to perform operations. The operations include: detecting a parking mode of a vehicle equipped with an automatic protected idle function, and automatically activating the automatic protected idle function in response to the detected parking mode. Determining a state of a control switch associated with the automatic protected idle function, and setting a hold time in response to the corresponding determined state of the control switch. The operations also include: modifying the automatic protected idle function within one or more ignition cycles in response to the set hold time.

[0008] In some examples, the operation may include setting a first hold time, a second hold time, and a third hold time, each hold time being associated with a pressed state of the control switch. Optionally, modifying the automatic protected idle function within one or more ignition cycles may include pressing the control switch for one of the first hold time and the second hold time, and disabling the active ignition cycle in the one or more ignition cycles. The automatic protected idle function within one or more ignition cycles may be modified by pressing the control switch for the second hold time, and the automatic protected idle function may be disabled in the active ignition cycle of the one or more ignition cycles and each future ignition cycle. The operation may include pressing the control switch for a third hold time, and in response to the control switch being in a pressed state for the third hold time, re-enabling the automatic protected idle function within each future ignition cycle. In other examples, the automatic protected idle function within one or more ignition cycles may be modified by pressing the control switch for a first hold time and disabling the automatic protected idle function within a single ignition cycle corresponding to the active ignition cycle. The operations may also include detecting an ignition-off mode of the vehicle and re-enabling the automatic protected idle function in a future ignition cycle in response to the detected ignition-off mode.

[0009] In yet other aspects, a protected idle system for a vehicle includes: an ignition device of the vehicle, the ignition device including one or more ignition cycles; and a control switch operable between a released state and a pressed state. The protected idle system also includes an electronic control unit (ECU) that is communicatively coupled to each of the ignition device and the control switch. The ECU includes data processing hardware that is configured to automatically activate an automatic protected idle function. The automatic protected idle function is configured with a first hold time and a second hold time, and the ECU is configured to disable the automatic protected idle function within at least one of the one or more ignition cycles in response to a pressed state of the control switch corresponding to at least one of the first hold time and the second hold time.

[0010] In some examples, the ignition device of the vehicle may include an ignition-on mode and an ignition-off mode, and one or more ignition cycles may include an active ignition cycle and a future ignition cycle. The protected idle system may also include an authorized user device. The ECU may be configured to re-enable the automatic protected idle function in response to the ignition-off mode of the ignition device and the detection of an authorized user device. In some configurations, the automatic protected idle function may include a third hold time, and the ECU may be configured to re-enable the automatic protected idle function in response to the control switch being in a pressed state for the third hold time in the active ignition cycle and each future ignition cycle.

[0011] In another example, the protected idle system may include a brake that is operable between a depressed state and a released state. The ECU may be configured to disable the automatic protected idle function within the active ignition cycle and each future ignition cycle in response to the depressed state of the control switch corresponding to the second hold time and in response to the depressed state of the brake. Alternatively, the ECU may be configured to lock the ignition into a parking mode of the vehicle in response to activation of the automatic protected idle function.

[0012] The following options are provided:

[0013] 1. A computer-implemented method, when executed by data processing hardware, causes the data processing hardware to perform operations, the operations comprising:

[0014] Detects park mode on vehicles equipped with the automatic protected idle feature;

[0015] automatically activating an automatic protected idle feature in response to a detected park mode;

[0016] responsive to activation of the automatic protected idle feature, determining a state of the vehicle brakes;

[0017] determining a state of a control switch associated with an automatic protected idle function;

[0018] setting a hold time in response to respective determined states of the brake and the control switch; and

[0019] The automatic protected idle function is disabled for one or more ignition cycles in response to the set hold time.

[0020] 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein setting the holding time comprises setting a first holding time, a second holding time, and a third holding time, each holding time being associated with a pressed state of the control switch.

[0021] 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein disabling the automatic protected idle function within one or more ignition cycles comprises: pressing a control switch for one of a first hold time and a second hold time, and disabling an active ignition cycle in the one or more ignition cycles.

[0022] 4. The method of claim 3, wherein disabling the automatic protected idle function within one or more ignition cycles comprises: depressing a control switch for a second hold time and disabling the automatic protected idle function within an active ignition cycle of the one or more ignition cycles and each future ignition cycle.

[0023] 5. The method according to claim 4 further includes pressing the control switch for a third holding time, and in response to the control switch being in the pressed state for the third holding time, re-enabling the automatic protected idle function in each future ignition cycle.

[0024] 6. The method of claim 3, wherein disabling the automatic protected idle function within one or more ignition cycles comprises: depressing a control switch for a first hold time and disabling the automatic protected idle function within a single ignition cycle corresponding to an active ignition cycle.

[0025] 7. The method of claim 1 further comprising detecting an ignition-off mode of the vehicle and, in response to the detected ignition-off mode, re-enabling the automatic protected idle function in a future ignition cycle.

[0026] 8. A computer-implemented method that, when executed by data processing hardware, causes the data processing hardware to perform operations comprising:

[0027] Detects park mode on vehicles equipped with the automatic protected idle feature;

[0028] automatically activating an automatic protected idle feature in response to a detected park mode;

[0029] determining a state of a control switch associated with an automatic protected idle function;

[0030] setting a hold time in response to a corresponding determined state of the control switch; and

[0031] The automatic protected idle function is modified within one or more ignition cycles in response to the set hold time.

[0032] 9. The method according to Option 8, wherein setting the holding time includes setting a first holding time, a second holding time, and a third holding time, each holding time being associated with a pressed state of the control switch.

[0033] 10. The method of claim 8, wherein modifying the automatic protected idle function within one or more ignition cycles comprises: depressing a control switch for one of a first hold time and a second hold time and disabling an active ignition cycle in the one or more ignition cycles.

[0034] 11. The method of claim 10, wherein modifying the automatic protected idle function within one or more ignition cycles comprises depressing a control switch for a second hold time and disabling the automatic protected idle function within an active ignition cycle of the one or more ignition cycles and each future ignition cycle.

[0035] 12. The method of claim 11, further comprising pressing the control switch for a third hold time, and in response to the control switch being in the pressed state for the third hold time, re-enabling the automatic protected idle function in each future ignition cycle.

[0036] 13. The method of claim 10, wherein modifying the automatic protected idle function within one or more ignition cycles comprises: depressing a control switch for a first hold time and disabling the automatic protected idle function within a single ignition cycle corresponding to an active ignition cycle.

[0037] 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising detecting an ignition-off mode of the vehicle and re-enabling the automatic protected idle function in a future ignition cycle in response to the detected ignition-off mode.

[0038] 15. A protected idle system for a vehicle, the protected idle system comprising:

[0039] an ignition device for a vehicle, the ignition device comprising one or more ignition cycles;

[0040] a control switch operable between a released state and a depressed state; and

[0041] An electronic control unit (ECU) communicatively coupled to each of the ignition device and the control switch and including data processing hardware configured to automatically activate an automatic protected idle function configured with a first hold time and a second hold time, the ECU configured to disable the automatic protected idle function within at least one of one or more ignition cycles in response to a depression state of the control switch corresponding to at least one of the first hold time and the second hold time.

[0042] 16. The protected idle system of claim 15, wherein an ignition device of the vehicle includes an ignition-on mode and an ignition-off mode, and the one or more ignition cycles include an active ignition cycle and a future ignition cycle.

[0043] 17. The protected idle system according to claim 16 further includes an authorized user device, the ECU being configured to re-enable the automatic protected idle function in response to an ignition-off mode of the ignition device and detection of the authorized user device.

[0044] 18. A protected idle system according to Option 16, wherein the automatic protected idle function includes a third holding time, and the ECU is configured to re-enable the automatic protected idle function in the active ignition cycle and each future ignition cycle in response to the control switch being in a pressed state for the third holding time.

[0045] 19. The protected idle system according to Option 16 also includes a brake, which is operable between a pressed state and a released state, and the ECU is configured to disable the automatic protected idle function in the active ignition cycle and each future ignition cycle in response to the pressed state of the control switch corresponding to the second holding time and in response to the pressed state of the brake.

[0046] 20. The protected idle system of claim 15, wherein the ECU is configured to lock the ignition into a park mode of the vehicle in response to activation of the automatic protected idle function. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0047] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a vehicle equipped with a protected idle system according to the present disclosure;

[0049] Figure 2 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the interior of a vehicle with an authorized user device according to the present disclosure;

[0050] Figure 3 is an example block diagram of a protected idle system according to the present disclosure;

[0051] Figure 4 is an example flow chart of a protected idle system according to the present disclosure;

[0052] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A continuous example flow chart of a protected idle system;

[0053] Figure 6 yes Figure 4 Another example flow chart of a protected idle system; and

[0054] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 Continuous example flow chart of a protected idle system.

[0055] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] Example configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Example configurations are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configurations of the present disclosure. It will be clear to those of ordinary skill in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example configurations may be implemented in many different forms, and that the specific details and example configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure.

[0057] The terms used herein are only for the purpose of describing a specific exemplary configuration and are not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "one", "an" and "the" may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprise", "comprising", "including" and "having" are inclusive, and therefore specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components and / or their groups. The method steps, processes and operations described herein are not to be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be performed in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as the order of execution. Additional or alternative steps may be adopted.

[0058] When an element or layer is referred to as being "located on," "engaged to," "connected to," "attached to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it may be directly located on, engaged, connected, attached to, or coupled to the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly located on," "directly engaged to," "directly connected to," "directly attached to," or "directly coupled to" another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., "between" versus "directly between," "adjacent" versus "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0059] The terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as "first", "second" and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Therefore, without departing from the teaching of the example configuration, the first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below may be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer or section.

[0060] In this application (including the following definitions), the term "module" may be replaced with the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include: an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC); a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit; a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit; a combinational logic circuit; a field programmable gate array (FPGA); a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code; a memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by the processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or a combination of some or all of the above, such as in a system on a chip.

[0061] The term "code" as used above may include software, firmware and / or microcode, and may refer to a program, a routine, a function, a class and / or an object. The term "shared processor" covers a single processor that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group processor" covers a processor that, in combination with an additional processor, executes some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "shared memory" covers a single memory that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group memory" covers a memory that, in combination with an additional memory, stores some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "memory" may be a subset of the term "computer-readable medium". The term "computer-readable medium" does not cover temporary electrical signals and electromagnetic signals propagated through the medium, and therefore can be considered to be tangible and non-temporary memory. Non-limiting examples of non-temporary memory include tangible computer-readable media, including non-volatile memory, magnetic storage devices, and optical storage devices.

[0062] The apparatus and methods described in this application may be implemented in part or in whole by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer program includes processor executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory, tangible computer-readable medium. The computer program may also include or rely on stored data.

[0063] A software application (i.e., software resource) may refer to computer software that enables a computing device to perform tasks. In some examples, a software application may be referred to as an "application," "app," or "program." Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and gaming applications.

[0064] Non-transitory memory can be a physical device used to temporarily or permanently store programs (e.g., sequences of instructions) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., commonly used for firmware, such as bootloaders). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase change memory (PCM), and disk or tape.

[0065] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages ​​and / or in assembly / machine language. As used herein, the terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., disk, optical disk, memory, programmable logic device (PLD)) for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal for providing machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0066] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be implemented in digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations may include implementations in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which may be special purpose or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device, and to transmit data and instructions to the storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0067] The process and logic flow described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable processors (also referred to as data processing hardware), which execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating outputs. Processing and logic flow can also be performed by special logic circuits, such as FPGA (field programmable gate array) or ASIC (application-specific integrated circuit). As an example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include both general and special microprocessors, and any one or more processors of any kind of digital computer. Typically, the processor will receive instructions and data from a read-only memory or a random access memory or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include or be operably coupled to receive data from one or more large-capacity storage devices (such as disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data or to transfer data or both. However, a computer does not necessarily have such a device. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of nonvolatile memory, media, and memory devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices, such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks. The processor and memory may be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry.

[0068] To provide interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented on a computer having a display device (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or touch screen) for displaying information to the user and an optional keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse or trackball) through which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices may also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, the feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and the input from the user may be received in any form, including sound, voice, or tactile input. In addition, the computer may interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device used by the user; for example, by sending a web page to a web browser on a user's client device in response to a request received from the web browser.

[0069] refer to Figure 1-3, the vehicle 100 includes an electronic communication unit (ECU) 102 configured as part of a protected idle system 10 of the vehicle 100. The ECU 102 includes data processing hardware 104 configured with an automatic protected idle function 12 of the protected idle system 10, which is described in more detail herein. The protected idle system 10 is configured to prevent execution of a propulsion mode 106 of the vehicle 100 from a parking mode 108 of the vehicle 100.

[0070] The vehicle 100 includes an ignition device 110 that executes corresponding modes of the vehicle 100, including a propulsion mode 106 and a parking mode 108. The ignition device 110 includes an ignition mode 112, which is generally a binary mode between an ignition on mode 112a and an ignition off mode 112b. The ignition off mode 112b can reset or otherwise recalibrate the automatic protected idle function 12 of the protected idle system 10, as described herein. Additionally or alternatively, the automatic protected idle function 12 may not be affected by the ignition mode 112, which is described in more detail below. The ignition device 110 may also include one or more ignition cycles 114. Each of the ignition modes 112 and the ignition cycles 114 communicates with the ECU 102 and is used as part of the protected idle system 10. The ignition cycle 114 includes an active ignition cycle 116 and a future ignition cycle 118. The active ignition cycle 116 is generally defined by the ignition-on mode 112a, which may include both the propulsion mode 106 and the parking mode 108 of the vehicle 100. The future ignition cycle 118 is defined as an ignition cycle that occurs after the active ignition cycle 116. For example, the future ignition cycle 118 may be defined as an ignition cycle 114 that occurs after the ignition-off mode 112b. Each ignition cycle 114 is described in more detail below with respect to the ignition mode 112 and the automatic protected idle function 12.

[0071] Further references Figure 1-3 , the vehicle 100 also includes a brake 120 configured with a brake state 122 and a control switch 124 configured with a control switch state 126. Each of the brake state 122 and the control switch state 126 includes a pressed state 122a, 126a and a released state 122b, 126b, respectively. For example, the brake 120 and the control switch 124 are both operable between the pressed state 122a, 126a and the released state 122b, 126b. The ECU 102 is communicatively coupled to each of the brake 120 and the control switch 124 to determine the respective states 122, 126 of the brake 120 and the control switch 124. The state 126 of the control switch 124 is generally associated with the automatic protected idle function 12, such that the pressed state 126a of the control switch 124 can disable the automatic protected idle function 12, as described in more detail below.

[0072] The automatic protected idle function 12 is configured with a holding time 14, which cooperates with the states 122, 126 of the brake 120 and the control switch 124, respectively. The holding time 14 includes a first holding time 16, a second holding time 18, and a third holding time 20. Each holding time 14 can be programmed or set by the ECU detecting the pressing time 22 of the control switch 124. It is contemplated that the holding time 14 can be set during the initial setup of the ECU 102, so that the user can customize the holding time 14 while maximizing the efficiency of repeated use. Additionally or alternatively, the user can reconfigure the holding time 14 during each new ignition cycle 114.

[0073] Although each holding time 14 corresponds to a different time period, it is contemplated that in some examples, the holding time 14 may correspond to a single time period. The ECU 102 may utilize the states 122, 126 of the brake 120 and the control switch 124, respectively, to distinguish the holding time 14 and the corresponding associated output, which is described in more detail below. For example, the first holding time 16 and the second holding time 18 may be programmed for the same or similar duration, during which the control switch 124 is in the pressed state 126a. The ECU 102 may determine whether the brake 120 is in the pressed state 122a or the released state 122b to determine whether the user is performing the first holding time 16 or the second holding time 18. Additionally or alternatively, the ECU 102 may determine that the first holding time 16 is programmed to have a different time period than the second holding time 18 to distinguish between the two holding times 16, 18.

[0074] Further references Figure 1-3 , the ECU 102 is configured to execute or otherwise activate the protected idle system 10 in response to the vehicle transitioning from the propulsion mode 106 to the parking mode 108. It is contemplated that when the vehicle 100 is in the propulsion mode 106, the automatic protected idle function 12 is inactive, so that the user can adjust or otherwise change the mode of the ignition 110. When the user transitions the vehicle 100 to the parking mode 108, the ECU 102 determines whether an authorized user device 200 is present within the vehicle 100. The authorized user device 200 may be configured as part of the protected idle system 10 such that when the authorized user device 200 is present and the vehicle 100 is in the parking mode 108, the automatic protected idle function is automatically activated. The authorized user device 200 may include, but is not limited to, a key fob 200a and a mobile device such as a mobile phone 200b.

[0075] The user may receive an alert 202 indicating automatic activation of the automatic protected idle function 12. For example, the key fob 200a may vibrate, beep, and / or flash in a predefined pattern corresponding to the alert 202. Additionally or alternatively, the mobile device 200b may display the alert 202 on a display screen 204b, in conjunction with any of the vibrations, beeps, and / or flashes, to indicate activation of the automatic protected idle function 12 of the protected idle system 10. In some examples, the alert 202 may also be displayed on the display screen 130 of the vehicle 100.

[0076] Still reference Figure 1-3 And as mentioned above, the automatic protected idle function 12 is automatically enabled as part of the ECU 102 of the vehicle 100 and is automatically activated when the vehicle 100 is in the parking mode 108. During the propulsion mode 106 of the vehicle 100, the automatic protected idle function 12 is enabled, but remains inactive until the vehicle 100 is in the parking mode 108. For example, if the vehicle 100 is in the parking mode 108, moves out of the parking mode 108, and then moves back to the parking mode 108, the protected idle system 10 can determine whether an authorized user device 200 is present, and if so, automatically activate the enabled automatic protected idle function 12. If the vehicle 100 moves out of the parking mode 108 and does not return to the parking mode 108, the automatic protected idle function 12 remains inactive. Additionally or alternatively, if the vehicle 100 is in the parking mode 108, but the authorized user device 200 is not detected, the automatic protected idle function 12 remains inactive.

[0077] Thus, the protected idle system 10 is activated in response to the vehicle 100 being in the park mode 108 and detecting the authorized user device 200. The authorized user device 200 may be detected within the vehicle 100 such that the authorized user device 200 may be located near the console 132 of the vehicle 100. In some examples, the vehicle 100 may be equipped with a docking station 134 that may receive the authorized user device 200 for detection by the ECU 102. In other examples, the ECU 102 may detect the authorized user device 200 within a predetermined range such that a user may exit the vehicle 100 immediately after the vehicle 100 transitions to the park mode 108.

[0078] As generally mentioned above, the automatic protected idle function 12 is configured to lock the ignition 110 and transmission of the vehicle 100 in the parking mode 108 to prevent the vehicle 100 from being unauthorizedly switched to the propulsion mode 106. The automatic protected idle function 12 is designed to advantageously maintain the ignition 110 in the ignition-on mode 112a when the vehicle 100 is in the parking mode 108. Maintaining the vehicle 100 in the ignition-on mode 112a is particularly advantageous for a first responder because if the responder needs to quickly switch the vehicle 100 to the propulsion mode 106, the responder may need to safely exit the vehicle 100 while keeping the vehicle 100 in the ignition-on mode 112a. Therefore, the automatic activation of the automatic protected idle function 12 helps lock the ability to transfer the vehicle 100 between the parking mode 108 and the propulsion mode 106 without the authorized user device 200. Additionally, automatic activation of the automatic protected idle function 12 further advantageously assists a user or responder in protecting the vehicle 100 when the vehicle 100 is in the park mode 108 and the ignition 110 is in the ignition-on mode 112 a .

[0079] Further references Figure 1-3 , a user can customize the activation of the automatic protected idle function 12 through the protected idle system 10 and various components of the vehicle 100. For example, a user can selectively disable the automatic protected idle function 12 to customize the activation of the automatic protected idle function 12 during various ignition cycles 114. The protected idle system 10 utilizes a combination of the brake state 122, the control switch state 126, and the hold time 14 to selectively disable and re-enable the automatic protected idle function 12. As generally described herein, the enabled state of the automatic protected idle function 12 is a default state, and a user can customize the degree of automatic activation of the automatic protected idle function 12 by adjusting the activation during the ignition cycle 114.

[0080] In some examples, the user may hold the control switch 124 in a pressed state 126a for a first hold time 16. The first hold time 16 is typically associated with the automatic protected idle function 12 being disabled within an active ignition cycle 116. The protected idle system 10, through the ECU 102, may determine whether the brake 120 is in a pressed state 122a or a released state 122b. The first hold time 16 is typically associated with the control switch 124 being in a pressed state 126a and the brake 120 being in a released state 122b. Although the state 122 of the brake 120 may be primarily utilized during programming of the first hold time 16, when the automatic protected idle function 12 is disabled in response to the control switch 124 being in a pressed state 126a for the first hold time 16, the protected idle system 10 may also determine the state 122 of the brake 120 to distinguish it from another hold time 14 that may have a similar duration.

[0081] In response to the first hold time 16, the ECU 102 disables the automatic protected idle function 12 for the active ignition cycle 116. For example, once disabled, a user may shift the vehicle 100 from the parking mode 108 to the propulsion mode 106, and regardless of detection by the authorized user device 200, shift back to the parking mode 108 without activating the automatic protected idle function 12. Thus, when the automatic protected idle function 12 is disabled using the first hold time 16, the ignition 110 remains unlocked for the duration of the active ignition cycle 116. Regardless of whether the vehicle 100 is shifted between the parking mode 108 and the propulsion mode 106, the automatic protected idle function 12 is disabled during the active ignition cycle 116. Thus, for the duration of the active ignition cycle 116 corresponding to the ignition on mode 112a, the automatic protected idle function 12 is disabled.

[0082] The automatic protected idle function 12 may be re-enabled at the end of an active ignition cycle 116, which is triggered by the ignition off mode 112b of the ignition device 110. For example, when a user turns off the vehicle 100 by switching the ignition device 110 from the ignition on mode 112a to the ignition off mode 112b, the protected idle system 10 resets the automatic protected idle function 12. As a result of the ignition off mode 112b, future ignition cycles 118 are enabled using the automatic protected idle function 12. Re-enabling the automatic protected idle function 12 in response to the ignition off mode 112b is typically associated with disabling the automatic protected idle function 12 using the first hold time 16 and the pressed state 126a of the control switch 124. Thus, in response to the vehicle 100 being in the parking mode 108 and detecting the authorized user device 200, the automatic protected idle function 12 will be automatically activated during each future ignition cycle 118.

[0083] Still reference Figure 1-3In other examples, the user may hold the control switch 124 in the pressed state 126a for a second hold time 18. When both the brake 120 and the control switch 124 are in respective pressed states 122a, 126a, the second hold time 18 is associated with disabling the automatic protected idle function 12. As mentioned above, the second hold time 18 may be defined by the same or different time period as the first hold time 16. The disabling of the automatic protected idle function 12 and the duration of the disabling are determined by the second hold time 18 and the pressed states 122a, 126a of both the brake 120 and the control switch 124. In this example, the automatic protected idle function 12 is disabled in both the active ignition cycle 116 and each future ignition cycle 118. Therefore, regardless of whether the ignition device 110 is in the ignition on mode 112a or in the ignition off mode 112b and restarted to the ignition on mode 112a, the automatic protected idle function 12 remains disabled.

[0084] The user may re-enable the automatic protected idle function 12 using the third hold time 20. For example, the protected idle system 10 may detect, via the ECU 102, that the authorized user device 200 and the brake 120 are in the pressed state 122a, and further detect that the control switch 124 is in the pressed state 126a for the third hold time 20. If the control switch 124 is held in the pressed state 126a for less than the third hold time 20, the automatic protected idle function 12 remains disabled for all ignition cycles 114. If the control switch 124 is in the pressed state 126a for the third hold time 20, the automatic protected idle function 12 is re-enabled by the ECU 102 for all ignition cycles 114, including both the active ignition cycle 116 and each future ignition cycle 116.

[0085] Reference now Figure 4-7 , depicts an example flow chart of the protected idle system 10. At 400, the vehicle 100 is in the propulsion mode 106, and the automatic protected idle function 12 is enabled but inactive. At 402, the ECU 102 determines whether the vehicle 100 has transitioned to and out of the parking mode 108 and then back to the parking mode 108. If the ECU 102 determines that the vehicle 100 is not in the parking mode 108, the automatic protected idle function 12 remains enabled and inactive. If the ECU 102 determines that the vehicle 100 is in the parking mode 108, the ECU 102 determines at 404 whether an authorized user device 200 is detected. If an authorized user device 200 is not detected, the automatic protected idle function 12 remains inactive. If an authorized user device 200 is detected, the ECU 102 automatically activates the automatic protected idle function 12 at 406.

[0086] The user may decide to customize the protected idle system 10, which is initiated by the ECU 102 determining at 408 whether the brake 120 is in the pressed state 126a. If the brake 120 is in the released state 126b, the ECU 102 determines at 500 whether the control switch 124 is in the pressed state 126a. If the control switch 124 is not in the pressed state 126a, the ECU 102 maintains activation of the automatic protected idle function 12. If the control switch 124 is in the pressed state 126a, the ECU 102 sets the first hold time 16 at 502. The ECU 102 determines at 504 whether the control switch 124 is pressed for the duration of the first hold time 16. If the control switch 124 is not pressed for the duration of the first hold time 16, then at 506, the automatic protected idle function 12 remains enabled and may remain active and / or inactive when the vehicle 100 is in the propulsion mode 106. If the control switch 124 is pressed for the first hold time 16, the ECU 102 disables the automatic protected idle function 12 in the active ignition cycle 116 at 508. The ECU 102 monitors the vehicle 100 and determines whether the vehicle 100 has been turned off at 510. If the vehicle 100 has not been turned off, the ECU 102 maintains the automatic protected idle function 12 disabled at 512. If the ECU 102 determines that the vehicle 100 has been turned off, the ECU 102 re-enables the automatic protected idle function 12 in a future ignition cycle 118 at 514.

[0087] Returning to step 408, the ECU 102 may determine that the brake 120 is in the pressed state 122a. The ECU 102 may then determine at 600 whether the control switch 124 is also in the pressed state 126a. If the ECU 102 determines that the control switch 124 is in the released state 126b, the ECU 102 continues to activate the automatic protected idle function 12 and monitor the states 122, 126 of the brake 120 and the control switch 124 at 602. If the ECU 102 determines that the control switch 124 is in the pressed state 126a, the ECU 102 sets the second hold time 18 at 604. The ECU 102 then determines at 606 whether the control switch 124 is pressed for the duration of the second hold time 18. If the control switch 124 is not pressed for the duration of the second hold time 18, the automatic protected idle function 12 remains active at 608. If the control switch 124 is pressed for the duration of the second hold time 18 , the ECU 102 disables the automatic protected idle function 12 for all ignition cycles 114 at 610 .

[0088] Still reference Figure 4-7After disabling the automatic protected idle function 12 for all ignition cycles, the user may decide to re-enable the automatic protected idle function 12. The ECU 102 first determines at 612 whether the authorized user device 200 is detected and whether the brake 120 is in the pressed state 122a. If the authorized user device 200 is not detected and / or the brake 120 is in the released state 122b, the automatic protected idle function 12 remains disabled. If both the authorized user device 200 is detected and the brake 120 is in the pressed state 122a, the ECU 102 determines at 614 whether the control switch 124 is in the pressed state 126a. If the control switch 124 is in the released state 126b, the automatic protected idle function 12 remains disabled. If the control switch 124 is in the pressed state 126, the ECU 102 sets a third hold time 20 at 616.

[0089] Finally, the ECU 102 determines whether the control switch 124 is pressed for the third hold time 20 at 618. If the control switch 124 is not pressed for the third hold time 20, the automatic protected idle function 12 remains disabled at 620. If the control switch 124 is in the pressed state 126a for the third hold time 20, the ECU 102 re-enables and activates the automatic protected idle function 12 within the active ignition cycle 116 at 622, and re-enables the automatic protected idle function 12 within each future ignition cycle 118.

[0090] A variety of implementations have been described. However, it will be appreciated that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, other implementations are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0091] The foregoing description has been provided for the purpose of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in a selected configuration, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in a variety of ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method, when executed by data processing hardware, causes the data processing hardware to perform operations, the operations comprising: Detects park mode on vehicles equipped with the automatic protected idle feature; automatically activating an automatic protected idle feature in response to a detected park mode; determining a state of a control switch associated with an automatic protected idle function; setting a hold time in response to a corresponding determined state of the control switch; and An automatic protected idle function is modified within one or more ignition cycles in response to the set hold time. 2 . The method according to claim 1 , wherein setting the holding time comprises setting a first holding time, a second holding time, and a third holding time, each holding time being associated with a pressed state of the control switch.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein modifying the automatic protected idle function comprises: The automatic protected idle function is disabled for one or more ignition cycles in response to the set hold time.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein modifying the automatic protected idle function within one or more ignition cycles comprises: The control switch is pressed for one of a first hold time and a second hold time and disables an active ignition cycle in the one or more ignition cycles.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein modifying the automatic protected idle function within one or more ignition cycles comprises: The control switch is depressed for a second hold time and the automatic protected idle function is disabled during an active ignition cycle of one or more ignition cycles and each future ignition cycle. The method of claim 5 , further comprising pressing the control switch for a third hold time.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein pressing the control switch for a third time comprises: In response to the control switch being in the depressed state for the third hold time, the automatic protected idle function is re-enabled within each future ignition cycle.

8. The method of claim 4, wherein modifying the automatic protected idle function within one or more ignition cycles comprises: The control switch is pressed for a first holding time.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein pressing the control switch for a first holding time comprises: The automatic protected idle function is disabled during a single ignition cycle corresponding to an active ignition cycle. 10 . The method of claim 9 , further comprising detecting an ignition-off mode of the vehicle and re-enabling the automatic protected idle function in a future ignition cycle in response to the detected ignition-off mode.

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