Vehicle control device and method

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle control device and method. The vehicle control device may include a processor and a memory. The processor may be configured to: monitor at least one of battery energy information or charging information of the vehicle; determining whether to generate at least one of first mode information for setting a battery charging range of the vehicle and second mode information for adjusting a charging current using a charging time for charging the battery based on monitoring at least one of battery energy information or charging information; identifying an input indicating agreement to update to the charging configuration information at least one of the first mode information and the second mode information generated based on the determination to generate the at least one of the first mode information and the second mode information; and updating the charging configuration information using at least one of the generated first mode information and second mode information in response to the recognized input.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to vehicle control devices and methods, and more specifically, to a technique for updating charging profile information. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, vehicle technology that utilizes electrical energy stored in batteries to drive electric motors is being researched. Since vehicles are controlled by batteries, effectively managing and maintaining optimal battery condition is crucial for improving vehicle performance. To maintain optimal battery condition and prevent shortened battery life, various factors such as battery charging patterns and battery operating environments (e.g., external temperature) must be considered. There is a pressing need in the field for a service that can further improve battery performance by modifying charging patterns that affect battery performance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a vehicle control device and method for setting the battery charging range.

[0004] The embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a vehicle control device and method for adjusting the charging current required to charge a battery.

[0005] The embodiments of the present invention aim to provide a vehicle control device and method for identifying whether to perform a charging profile information update based on the battery holder.

[0006] The technical issues addressed by this invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Those skilled in the art can further understand other technical issues that this invention can solve based on the following content.

[0007] A vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a processor and a memory. The processor may be configured to: monitor at least one of battery energy information or charging information of the vehicle; based on monitoring at least one of the battery energy information or the charging information, determine whether to generate at least one of first mode information and second mode information, wherein the first mode information is used to set the battery charging range of the vehicle, and the second mode information is used to adjust the charging current using the charging time for charging the battery; identify an input indicating agreement to an update, wherein the update is to update at least one of the first mode information and the second mode information generated based on the decision to generate at least one of the first mode information and the second mode information to charging configuration information; and update the charging configuration information using at least one of the generated first mode information and the second mode information in response to the identified input.

[0008] For example, the processor may be configured to: use the battery energy information to identify the minimum remaining energy of the battery and the discharge energy of the battery; use the minimum remaining energy of the battery and the discharge energy of the battery to set a charging range, the charging range including a lower limit SOC corresponding to the minimum remaining energy plus an upper limit SOC of the SOC range corresponding to the discharge energy; and, when charging the battery according to charging configuration information updated based on a first mode information representing the charging range, charge the battery until the upper limit SOC is reached within the charging time.

[0009] For example, the processor may be configured to: determine a threshold current based on the relationship between the battery's rated energy identified using the charging information, the connection time for connecting to the charging connector to charge the battery, and the battery's current SOC, such that the connection time matches the charging time; and, when charging the battery according to charging configuration information updated based on second mode information representing the determined threshold current, charge the battery during the connection time with a charging current below the threshold current.

[0010] For example, the processor may be configured to: when charging the battery according to charging configuration information updated based on the first mode information and the second mode information, identify an upper limit SOC based on the minimum remaining energy and discharge energy identified using the battery energy information; and charge the battery until the upper limit SOC is reached within the connection time using a charging current below a threshold current determined based on the relationship between the battery's rated energy, the connection time with the charging connector for charging the battery, and the current SOC.

[0011] For example, the vehicle control device may also include a display device. The processor may be configured to: in the case that the processor and the memory are included in the vehicle, display a visual object representing an update of the charging configuration information on the display device in order to update the charging configuration information; and receive input indicating agreement to the update using the visual object; and initiate an update in response to the input.

[0012] For example, the processor may be configured to: identify information about the holder of the battery; if the holder of the battery is a legal entity, skip the display of the visual object and begin updating; and if the holder of the battery is an individual, begin displaying the visual object.

[0013] For example, the processor may be configured to generate the first mode information when the difference between the battery's rated energy and the battery's discharge energy is above a critical energy level.

[0014] For example, the processor may be configured to generate the second mode information when the ratio of the connection time between the battery and the charging connector to the charging time is above a critical ratio.

[0015] For example, the processor may be configured to update charging configuration information based on at least one of first mode information and second mode information, and provide SOH (state of health) indicating the increased remaining battery life.

[0016] For example, the processor may be configured to: when the processor and the memory are included in a vehicle, send a first signal including at least one of the following: the rated energy of the battery, the discharge energy of the battery, the remaining energy of the battery, the minimum remaining energy of the battery, or any combination thereof, to an external electronic device; obtain first mode information from the external electronic device; send a second signal including the connection time between the battery and the charging connector and the charging time to the external electronic device; and obtain second mode information from the external electronic device.

[0017] For example, the processor may be configured to: when the processor and the memory are located outside the vehicle, receive at least one of battery energy information or charging information corresponding to each of the plurality of vehicles including the vehicle; and, based on monitoring at least one of the received battery energy information or charging information, generate at least one of first mode information and second mode information corresponding to the vehicle among the plurality of vehicles.

[0018] A method performed by a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include the following steps: monitoring at least one of battery energy information or charging information of the vehicle; determining, based on monitoring at least one of the battery energy information or the charging information, whether to generate at least one of first mode information and second mode information, wherein the first mode information is used to set the battery charging range of the vehicle, and the second mode information is used to adjust the charging current using the charging time for charging the battery; identifying an input indicating agreement to an update, wherein the update is to update at least one of the first mode information and the second mode information generated based on the decision to generate at least one of the first mode information and the second mode information to charging configuration information; and updating the charging configuration information using at least one of the generated first mode information and the second mode information in response to the identified input.

[0019] For example, the step of updating the charging configuration information may include the following steps: using the battery energy information to identify the minimum remaining energy of the battery and the discharge energy of the battery; using the minimum remaining energy of the battery and the discharge energy of the battery to set a charging range, the charging range including an upper limit SOC obtained by adding the lower limit SOC (state of charge) corresponding to the minimum remaining energy and the SOC usage range corresponding to the discharge energy; and, when charging the battery according to the charging configuration information updated based on the first mode information representing the charging range, charging the battery until the upper limit SOC is reached within the charging time.

[0020] For example, the step of updating the charging configuration information may include the following steps: determining a threshold current based on the relationship between the battery's rated energy identified using the charging information, the connection time for connecting to the charging connector to charge the battery, and the battery's current SOC, so that the connection time matches the charging time; and, when charging the battery according to the charging configuration information updated based on the second mode information representing the determined threshold current, charging the battery with a charging current below the threshold current during the connection time.

[0021] For example, the step of updating the charging configuration information may include the following steps: when charging the battery according to the charging configuration information updated based on the first mode information and the second mode information, identifying the upper limit SOC based on the minimum remaining energy and discharge energy identified using the battery energy information; and charging the battery until the upper limit SOC is reached within the connection time using a charging current below a threshold current determined based on the relationship between the battery's rated energy, the connection time with the charging connector for charging the battery, and the current SOC.

[0022] For example, the step of recognizing input may include the following steps: in order to update charging configuration information, displaying a visual object representing the updated charging curve information on a display device; and using the visual object, receiving input indicating agreement to the update.

[0023] For example, the steps of displaying a visual object may include the following steps: identifying information about the holder of the battery; if the holder of the battery is a legal entity, skipping the display of the visual object and starting an update; if the holder of the battery is an individual, starting the display of the visual object.

[0024] For example, the step of determining whether to generate at least one of the first mode information and the second mode information may include the following step: generating the first mode information when the difference between the battery's rated energy and the battery's discharge energy is above a critical energy.

[0025] For example, the step of determining whether to generate at least one of the first mode information and the second mode information may include the following step: generating the second mode information when the ratio of the connection time between the battery and the charging connector to the charging time is above a critical ratio.

[0026] For example, the step of updating charging configuration information may include the following steps: updating the charging configuration information based on at least one of first mode information and second mode information, and providing SOH (state of health) indicating the increased remaining battery life.

[0027] This invention allows for setting the battery charging range.

[0028] This technology allows for adjustment of the charging current used to charge the battery.

[0029] In addition, this technology can identify whether to update the charging configuration information based on the battery holder.

[0030] In addition, it can provide various effects that can be directly or indirectly obtained through this article. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Figure 1 An example block diagram is shown that is associated with a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 An example diagram illustrating the operation of a vehicle control device to identify the battery's state of charge (SOC) according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0033] Figure 3 An example of the state of SOC identified by a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0034] Figure 4 An example flowchart illustrating the operation of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0035] Figure 5 An example flowchart illustrating the operation of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0036] Figure 6 An example flowchart illustrating the operation of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0037] Figure 7a and Figure 7b An example flowchart illustrating the operation of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0038] Figure 8 An example line diagram is shown to illustrate the operation of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention charging a battery based on second mode information.

[0039] Figure 9 An example of a line diagram illustrating the operation of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention charging a battery based on first mode information is shown.

[0040] Figure 10 An example flowchart illustrating the operation of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0041] Figure 11 An example of a screen showing a vehicle control device updating charging configuration information based on mode information according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 12 An example line diagram is shown to illustrate the operation of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention charging a battery based on updated charging configuration information.

[0043] Figure 13 An example flowchart illustrating the operation of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0044] Figure 14 An example flowchart illustrating the operation of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0045] The following detailed description of some embodiments of the present invention will be provided with reference to the exemplary accompanying drawings. It should be noted that when assigning reference numerals to components in the various drawings, the same reference numerals are used as much as possible for the same components, even if they are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, when describing embodiments of the present invention, detailed descriptions of related well-known structures or functions are omitted if it is determined that such detailed descriptions may hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0046] In describing the components of embodiments of the present invention, terms such as "first," "second," "A," "B," "(a)," and "(b)" are used. These terms are used only to distinguish different components and do not limit the nature, order, or arrangement of the components. Furthermore, unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this application (including technical and scientific terms) should be understood to have the meaning commonly understood by those skilled in the art. Terms consistent with their definitions in common dictionaries should be interpreted as having the same meaning in the context of the relevant art and should not be idealized or overly formalized, unless such meaning is explicitly stated in this application.

[0047] In various embodiments of the present invention, the term "module" as used may include units implemented in hardware, software, or firmware, and may be used interchangeably with terms such as logic, logic block, component, or circuit. A module may be a component constituting an integral whole, or a minimum component unit performing one or more functions, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, a module may be implemented as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). According to various embodiments, operations performed by a module, program, or other component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, or repeatedly, or one or more of the operations may be performed in a different order, or may be omitted, or additional operations may be added.

[0048] Various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented by software (e.g., a program) including one or more instructions stored in a device-readable storage medium (e.g., internal or external memory). For example, a processor (e.g., processor 110) of the device (e.g., vehicle control device 100) can invoke and execute at least one of the stored one or more instructions from the storage medium. This enables the device to perform at least one function according to the invoked at least one instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The device-readable storage medium may be configured as a non-transitory storage medium. Herein, "non-transitory" means only that the storage medium is a tangible device, excluding signals (e.g., electromagnetic waves), and this term does not distinguish whether data is stored semi-permanently or temporarily in the storage medium.

[0049] The following reference Figures 1 to 14 The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below.

[0050] Figure 1 An example block diagram is shown that is associated with a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0051] Reference Figure 1 According to an embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle control device 100 may be disposed inside or outside a vehicle, and some components included in the vehicle control device 100 may be disposed inside or outside the vehicle. In this case, the vehicle control device 100 may be integrally formed with the vehicle's internal control unit, or it may be a separate device connected to the vehicle's control unit via a separate connection device. For example, the vehicle control device 100 may further include... Figure 1Components not shown. For example, the vehicle control unit 100 may include at least one display device for displaying images. For example, the vehicle control unit 100 may include an interface for charging the battery.

[0052] A vehicle control device 100 according to one embodiment may include at least one of a processor 110, a memory 120, or a battery 130. The processor 110, memory 120, and battery 130 may be electrically connected and / or operably coupled with each other via electronic components including a communication bus. The term "operably coupled hardware" hereinafter refers to establishing a direct or indirect connection between hardware components via wired or wireless means, enabling a first piece of hardware to control a second piece of hardware. Although different modules are shown in the figures, the embodiments are not limited thereto. Figure 1 A portion of the hardware (e.g., at least a portion of the processor 110, memory 120, and communication circuitry (not shown)) may be included in a single integrated circuit, such as a SoC (system on a chip).

[0053] According to one embodiment, the processor 110 of the vehicle control device 100 may include hardware components that process data based on one or more instructions. These data processing hardware components may, for example, include an arithmetic and logic unit (ALU), a floating-point unit (FPU), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a central processing unit (CPU), and / or an application processor (AP). The number of processors 110 may be more than one. For example, the processor 110 may have a multi-core processor architecture including dual-core, quad-core, hexa-core, or octa-core processors.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the memory 120 of a vehicle control device 100 may include hardware components for storing data and / or instructions input to and / or output to a processor 110. The memory 120 may, for example, include volatile memory such as random-access memory (RAM) and / or non-volatile memory such as read-only memory (ROM). For example, the volatile memory may include at least one of dynamic RAM (DRAM), static RAM (SRAM), cache RAM, and pseudo SRAM (PSRAM). For example, the non-volatile memory may include at least one of programmable read-only memory (PROM), erasable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, hard disk, optical disk, and embedded multimedia card (eMMC).

[0055] According to one embodiment, the battery 130 of the vehicle control device 100 may include a battery cell, a battery module, or a battery pack. For example, the battery 130 may consist of one or more unit cells. The battery 130 may include a rechargeable battery or a secondary battery that stores electrical energy by means of charging. For example, the battery 130 may include any one of a lithium-ion battery (Li-ion), a lithium-ion polymer battery (Li-ion polymer), a lead-acid battery, a nickel-cadmium battery (NiCd), or a nickel-metal hydride battery (NiMH). The battery 130 can supply power to the motor in EV (electric vehicle) mode or HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) mode, and in regenerative braking mode, it can be charged using electrical energy recovered by the motor.

[0056] In the memory 120 of a vehicle control device 100 according to one embodiment, one or more instructions (or commands) representing operations and / or calculations that the processor 110 of the vehicle control device 100 will perform on data may be stored. The set of one or more instructions may refer to firmware, operating system, process, routine, subroutine, and / or application program. For example, when the vehicle control device 100 and / or processor 110 run a set of a plurality of instructions deployed in the form of an operating system, firmware, driver, and / or application program, they may execute... Figures 4 to 7b , Figure 10 ,and Figure 13 At least one of the operations.

[0057] The memory 120 of the vehicle control device 100 according to one embodiment may store SOC (state of charge) information 121, charging information 122 and / or charging profile information 123 (or charging mode information).

[0058] In one embodiment, battery energy information 121 may represent a change in battery usage over time. Battery energy information 121 may include battery-related energy information, battery-related voltage information, battery-related current information, and / or battery-related battery energy information representing changes in battery usage over time. Battery energy information 121 will be referred to below. Figure 2 and Figure 3 To provide a more detailed description.

[0059] In one embodiment, the charging information 122 may include the connection time of the interface for charging the battery 130 to the charging connector, and / or the charging time of the battery 130 using the charging current received through the charging connector.

[0060] In one embodiment, the charging profile information 123 can be used to charge the battery 130 during the charging period. The charging profile information 123 may indicate the charging mode used to charge the battery 130. The charging mode may include a constant current stage, a constant voltage stage, and / or an absorption stage (trickle charge stage or float charge stage)

[0061] For example, the constant current stage can represent the initial stage of charging battery 130, where battery 130 is charged based on a relatively low voltage. The constant voltage stage can represent the stage where, when the voltage of battery 130 reaches a specific voltage, the charging current supplied to battery 130 is reduced to maintain a constant voltage. The absorption stage can represent the stage where the charging current supplied to battery 130 is maintained at a relatively low level to prevent overcharging of battery 130. For example, vehicle control device 100 can charge battery 130 by adjusting the charging current supplied to battery 130 and / or the charging time for charging battery 130 according to charging configuration information 123.

[0062] For example, battery energy information 121 and charging information 122 can be shown in Table 1.

[0063] Table 1

[0064] Battery capacity 100 (kWh) Connection time 1 hour Charging completion time 1 hour Starting SOC for charging 50(％) Maximum charging SOC 100(％) Minimum SOC 10(％) Discharge energy (or SOC operating range) 50 kWh (50% used) Charging speed 0.55(C) Maximum SOC 60(％) Charging range 10～60(％)

[0065] Table 1 may include information about the vehicle associated with the vehicle control unit 100.

[0066] Referring to Table 1, battery energy information 121 may include battery capacity, initial charge state of charge (SOC), maximum SOC (or upper limit SOC), minimum SOC (or lower limit SOC), and / or discharge energy. Vehicle control device 100 may utilize battery energy information 121 to obtain second mode information 155, including maximum SOC and / or charging range.

[0067] Referring to Table 1, charging information 122 may include connection time and / or charging completion time. Vehicle control unit 100 may use charging information 122 to obtain first mode information 150, including charging speed (or threshold current).

[0068] In one embodiment, the external electronic device 101 may include at least one of a processor 110-1 or a memory 120-1. The processor 110-1 and the memory 120-1 may be electrically connected and / or operatively coupled with each other via an electronic component such as a communication bus. The type and / or quantity of hardware included in the external electronic device 101 are not limited to... Figure 1 The contents shown are as follows. For example, external electronic device 101 may only include... Figure 1This is a portion of the hardware shown. The processor 110-1 and memory 120-1 included in the external electronic device 101 may include hardware components and / or circuitry corresponding to the processor 110 and memory 120 of the vehicle control device 100. To reduce repetition, descriptions of the hardware and / or software included in the external electronic device 101 may be omitted below where they overlap with those of the vehicle control device 100.

[0069] In one embodiment, the external electronic device 101 may obtain battery energy information 121 and / or charging information 122 from the vehicle control device 100. The vehicle control device 100 may transmit signals including battery energy information 121 and / or charging information 122 to the external electronic device 101. For example, the vehicle control device 100 may transmit a first signal including at least one of the following: the battery's rated energy, the battery's discharge energy, the battery's remaining energy, the battery's minimum remaining energy, or any combination thereof, to the external electronic device 101. For example, the vehicle control device 100 may transmit a second signal including connection time and charging time to the external electronic device 101. For example, the battery's energy (or capacity) may be expressed as a percentage based on the ratio to the rated energy (or rated capacity). Battery energy expressed as a percentage may represent the battery's SOC (state of charge).

[0070] According to one embodiment, an external electronic device 101 can identify first mode information 150 and / or second mode information 155 based on receiving signals including battery energy information 121 and / or charging information 122. For example, the external electronic device 101 can use the battery energy information 121 to identify the difference between the rated energy above the critical energy level and the discharge energy. The external electronic device 101 can identify the first mode information 150 based on identifying the difference between the rated energy above the critical energy level and the discharge energy. The first mode information 150 can be used to set the battery charging range based on at least one of the battery's rated energy, battery's discharge energy, battery's remaining energy, battery's minimum remaining energy, or any combination thereof.

[0071] For example, external electronic device 101 can use charging information 122 to identify the ratio between connection time and charging time. External electronic device 101 can identify second mode information 155 if the ratio between connection time and charging time is above a critical ratio (or weighted value). For example, the ratio between connection time and charging time may refer to the connection time relative to the charging time. Second mode information 155 can be used to adjust the charging current to match the charging time with the connection time.

[0072] In one embodiment, the vehicle control unit 100 may obtain first mode information 150 and / or second mode information 155 from an external electronic device 101. The vehicle control unit 100 may update the charging configuration information 123 based on the first mode information 150 and / or the second mode information 155. However, it is not limited to this.

[0073] According to one embodiment, a vehicle control device 100 can bypass obtaining first mode information 150 and / or second mode information 155 from an external electronic device 101, and use battery energy information 121 and / or charging information 122 to generate mode information (e.g., first mode information 150 or second mode information 155) for updating charging configuration information 123.

[0074] According to one embodiment, a vehicle control device 100 can identify the upper limit of rechargeable energy by adding the minimum remaining energy of the battery 130 to the discharge energy of the battery 130.

[0075] For example, the vehicle control device 100 can use discharge energy to identify the battery's state of charge (SOC) range. The vehicle control device 100 can also identify the upper limit of energy required to charge the battery by adding the minimum remaining energy to the SOC range. For example, the vehicle control device can use discharge energy to identify the average SOC range of the battery.

[0076] For example, the upper limit energy may include the energy corresponding to an upper limit for charging the battery. The upper limit energy can be used to limit the energy (or capacity) that the battery can be charged. The SOC range may include a value set based on the discharge energy, used to calculate the lower limit SOC corresponding to the minimum remaining energy.

[0077] For example, the vehicle control device 100 can identify an upper limit SOC corresponding to an upper limit energy. The vehicle control device 100 can update the charging configuration information 123 based on first mode information 150 for setting a charging range, which includes a lower limit SOC corresponding to the minimum remaining energy and an identified upper limit SOC. According to one embodiment, the vehicle control device 100 can update the charging configuration information 123 using the first mode information 150 if the difference between the battery's rated energy and discharge energy is above a critical energy level. When the vehicle control device 100 charges the battery according to the updated charging configuration information 123, the battery 130 can be charged to the upper limit SOC within the charging time. The upper limit SOC can be used to limit the amount of charge to the battery during charging. That is, when the vehicle control device 100 charges the battery according to the updated charging configuration information 123, the battery 130 can be charged from the current SOC to the upper limit SOC within the charging time. The current SOC may include the battery SOC identified at the time the battery charging begins.

[0078] According to one embodiment, a vehicle control device 100 can determine a threshold current based on the relationship between the rated energy of a battery 130, connection time (e.g., connection time between the interface and the charging connector), and the current state of charge (SOC) of the battery 130. The vehicle control device 100 can update the charging configuration information 123 using second mode information 155, which includes the determined threshold current information. According to one embodiment, the vehicle control device 100 can update the charging configuration information 123 using the second mode information 155 if the ratio between the connection time (e.g., connection time between the interface and the charging connector) and the charging time is above a critical ratio (or weighted value). When the vehicle control device 100 charges the battery 130 according to the updated charging configuration information 123, the battery 130 can be charged within the connection time using a charging current below the threshold current.

[0079] According to one embodiment, a vehicle control device 100 can update charging configuration information 123 based on first mode information 150 and second mode information 155. When the vehicle control device 100 charges the battery according to the updated charging configuration information 123, it can identify an upper limit SOC by adding the minimum remaining energy of the battery 130 to the discharge energy (or the SOC usage range corresponding to the discharge energy). When the vehicle control device 100 charges the battery 130 according to the updated charging configuration information 123, it can identify a threshold current determined based on the relationship between rated energy, connection time, and the current SOC of the battery. The vehicle control device 100 can charge the battery 130 up to the upper limit SOC within the connection time using a charging current below the threshold current.

[0080] In one embodiment, upon obtaining battery energy information or charging information corresponding to each of the multiple vehicles, the external electronic device 101 can identify the vehicle among the multiple vehicles that needs to update its charging configuration information. The external electronic device 101 can then send mode information corresponding to that vehicle to that vehicle. From the perspective of managing information corresponding to each of the multiple vehicles, the external electronic device 101 can be referred to as a server.

[0081] For example, external electronic device 101 can identify vehicles whose difference between rated energy and discharge energy exceeds a critical energy level by utilizing battery energy information or charging information corresponding to each of a plurality of vehicles. External electronic device 101 can identify first mode information corresponding to the identified vehicle. External electronic device 101 can send the first mode information to the identified vehicle. For example, the operation of the following vehicle control devices utilizing battery energy may include operation utilizing battery capacity.

[0082] For example, external electronic device 101 can identify vehicles whose connection time to charging time ratio is above a critical ratio by utilizing battery energy information or charging information corresponding to each of the multiple vehicles. External electronic device 101 can identify second mode information corresponding to the identified vehicle. External electronic device 101 can send the second mode information to the identified vehicle.

[0083] As described above, according to one embodiment, the vehicle control device 100 can update the charging configuration information 123 for charging the battery 130 using information related to the battery 130 (e.g., battery energy information 121 and / or charging information 122). The vehicle control device 100 charges the battery 130 according to the updated charging configuration information 123, thereby extending the service life (or lifespan) of the battery 130. The vehicle control device 100 can provide a state of health (SOH) indicating the increase in the remaining lifespan of the battery 130 due to the updated charging configuration information 123. The increased remaining lifespan of the battery 130 is predicted with the updated charging configuration information 123 and is therefore referred to as hidden lifespan.

[0084] Figure 2 An exemplary line diagram is shown to illustrate the operation of a vehicle control device for identifying battery SOC (state of charge) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 An example of the state of SOC identified by a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The vehicle control device 100 can be referred to Figure 1 Vehicle control device 100.

[0085] Reference Figure 2 This shows how battery usage (e.g.: Figure 1 An exemplary line graph 200 showing the SOC (State of Charge) of a battery (130) over time. The line graph 200 may include a curve 201 representing the change in SOC.

[0086] Referring to line drawing 200, a vehicle control device 100 according to one embodiment can identify situations where, during usage time 206, the remaining capacity of the battery decreases due to battery use (or battery discharge). For example, the vehicle control device 100 can identify a State of Charge (SOC) usage range 202 representing the reduction in battery capacity (or energy) during usage time 206. The SOC usage range 202 can be compared with... Figure 3The discharge energy 320 corresponds to that of battery 130. The vehicle control device can use the discharge energy to obtain the SOC usage range. The SOC usage range may include a value set based on the discharge energy, used for calculation with the lower limit SOC. The SOC usage range 202 may represent the difference between the SOC of the battery before discharge and the SOC of the battery after discharge during its usage period. For example, the vehicle control device 100 can identify the average SOC usage range corresponding to the vehicle user by repeatedly identifying the SOC usage range 202. However, it is not limited to this.

[0087] Referring to line drawing 200, a vehicle control device 100 according to one embodiment can identify the remaining SOC 205 based on identifying the SOC usage range 202. The remaining SOC 205 can be compared with... Figure 3 The remaining energy 330 of the battery 130 corresponds to this. For example, the vehicle control device 100 can identify the average remaining SOC corresponding to the vehicle user by repeatedly identifying the remaining SOC 205. However, it is not limited to this.

[0088] Reference Figure 3 According to one embodiment, the vehicle control device 100 can identify the rated energy 310 of the battery 130. The rated energy 310 may represent the rated state of charge (SOC). The rated SOC may include... Figure 2 SOC usage scope 202 and Figure 2 The value is obtained by adding the remaining SOC 205. The rated energy 310 indicates the rated capacity of the battery.

[0089] Reference Figure 3 According to one embodiment, the vehicle control device 100 can identify the minimum remaining energy 340 of the battery 130. The vehicle control device 100 may utilize information included in the line graph 360 to identify the minimum remaining energy 340. For example, the line graph 360 may represent power consumption as a function of external temperature.

[0090] In one embodiment, graph 360 may include curves 361 and 362, curve 361 representing the amount of electricity used based on the use of the vehicle heater as a function of the outside temperature, and curve 362 representing the amount of electricity used based on the use of the vehicle air conditioner as a function of the outside temperature.

[0091] Referring to curve 361, the vehicle control device 100 according to one embodiment can identify a first critical power consumption 363 representing an upper limit (or convergence value) of power consumption corresponding to the use of the heater. Referring to curve 362, the vehicle control device 100 according to one embodiment can identify a second critical power consumption 364 representing an upper limit (or convergence value) of power consumption corresponding to the use of the air conditioner.

[0092] According to one embodiment, a vehicle control device 100 may identify a minimum remaining energy 340 using a first critical power consumption 363 and / or a second critical power consumption 364. The minimum remaining energy 340 may refer to the minimum remaining energy required to drive the vehicle. The minimum remaining energy 340 may correspond to a lower limit SOC required to drive the vehicle.

[0093] According to one embodiment, a vehicle control device 100 may identify a charging range 350 by adding a minimum remaining energy 340 to a discharge energy 320. The vehicle control device 100 may also identify the charging range 350 by adding a lower limit SOC corresponding to the minimum remaining energy 340 and a SOC usage range corresponding to the discharge energy 320. For example, the charging range 350 may include an upper limit SOC for charging the battery.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the vehicle control device 100 can obtain first mode information for setting the charging range of the battery 130 (e.g., using at least one of the rated energy 310, discharge energy 320, remaining energy 330, minimum remaining energy 340, or any combination thereof of the battery 130). Figure 1 The first mode information 150). When the vehicle control unit 100 charges the battery 130 using the first mode information, it can charge the battery within a set charging range. Information about the rated energy 310, charging range 350, discharge energy 320, remaining energy 330 and / or minimum remaining energy 340 may be included in Figure 1 The battery energy information 121 and / or charging information 122.

[0095] Refer again Figure 2 According to one embodiment, the vehicle control device 100 can identify the connection between the interface for charging the battery and the charging connector. The vehicle control device 100 can identify the connection duration. Referring to line drawing 200, the connection time can refer to the sum of the charging time 203 and the idle time 204.

[0096] According to one embodiment, a vehicle control device 100 can utilize the charging current received through a charging connector to identify a charging time 203 for charging the battery based on charging configuration information. During the charging time 203, the vehicle control device 100 can charge the battery until it reaches its rated capacity (or rated SOC), after which it enters an absorption phase. The vehicle control device 100 can maintain the battery's charging state during an idle time 204 corresponding to the absorption phase. The idle time 204 may include the time from when the battery is charged to its rated capacity until the connection between the charging connector and the interface is released.

[0097] According to one embodiment, a vehicle control device 100 can obtain second mode information for adjusting the charging current to match the charging time 203 with the connection time. The vehicle control device 100 can determine a threshold current based on the relationship between the rated energy 310, the connection time, and the current state of charge (SOC) of the battery 130. The vehicle control device 100 can then determine the threshold current based on the second mode information representing the determined threshold current (e.g., ...). Figure 1 The second mode information 155) updates the charging configuration information. When the vehicle control unit 100 charges the battery 130 according to the updated charging configuration information, the battery 130 can be charged with a charging current below the threshold current during the connection time. The current SOC can represent the battery SOC identified at the time when battery charging begins. Charging time 203, idle time 204, and / or connection time can be included in... Figure 1 The charging information is in 122.

[0098] According to one embodiment described above, the vehicle control device 100 updates the charging configuration information based on first mode information and / or second mode information, and can set the voltage (or current) output from or input to the battery to be relatively low. By setting the voltage (or current) output from or input to the battery to be relatively low, the vehicle control device 100 can increase the remaining battery life.

[0099] Figure 4 An example flowchart illustrating the operation of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided. The following assumptions are made... Figure 1 The vehicle control device 100 executes Figure 4 The process. Additionally, in Figure 4 The description states that the operation is performed by means of a device, which can be understood as being controlled by means of the processor 110 of the vehicle control device 100. Figure 4 The operations can be executed sequentially, but they do not necessarily have to be executed sequentially. For example, the order of the operations can be changed, or at least two operations can be executed in parallel. In one embodiment, Figure 4 At least one of the operations can represent a data preprocessing operation for obtaining first pattern information. In one embodiment, Figure 4 At least one of the operations can be performed by Figure 1 The external electronic device 101 is executed by the processor 110-1. Figure 1 External electronic device 101 performs Figure 4 In the case of at least one of the operations, the operation of receiving charging information from the vehicle control device 100 may also be included.

[0100] Referring to operation S410, the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can obtain the connection time with the charging connector. The connection time can be expressed as... Figure 2The time is the sum of the charging time 203 and the idle time 204.

[0101] Referring to operation S420, the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can obtain the charging time (e.g.: Figure 2 (Charging time 203). For example, the vehicle control unit can detect the transmission of charging current from the charging connector. The vehicle control unit can recognize the start of charging based on the received charging current. The vehicle control unit can charge the battery by transmitting the charging current received from the charging connector to the battery. The vehicle control unit can also charge the battery based on charging configuration information (e.g., charging configuration information). Figure 1 The vehicle control unit can charge the battery by referring to the charging configuration information 123. For example, each time the battery is charged, the vehicle control unit can repeatedly accumulate and store information representing connection time and charging time. The accumulated and stored information may include... Figure 1 The charging information is in 122.

[0102] Referring to operation S430, the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can identify whether the connection time is greater than the value obtained by multiplying the charging time by a weighted value (e.g., 1.5). For example, if the connection time is greater than the value obtained by multiplying the charging time by the weighted value ("Yes" in operation S430), the vehicle control device can obtain second mode information (e.g., ...) in operation S440. Figure 1 (Second mode information 155). For example, if the connection time is less than the value obtained by multiplying the charging time by the weighted value (Operation S430 "No"), the vehicle control unit may not perform the operation of obtaining the second mode information. However, it is not limited to this.

[0103] Figure 5 An example flowchart illustrating the operation of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided. The following assumptions are made... Figure 1 The vehicle control device 100 executes Figure 5 The process. Additionally, in Figure 5 In the description, the operation described as being performed by means of a device can be understood as being controlled by means of the processor 110 of the vehicle control device 100. Figure 5 The operations can be executed sequentially, but they do not necessarily have to be executed in that order. For example, the order of the operations can be changed, or at least two operations can be executed in parallel. Figure 5 At least one of the operations can be with Figure 4 At least one of the operations is performed in parallel. For example, Figure 5 At least one of the operations can represent a data preprocessing operation used to obtain second mode information.

[0104] In one embodiment, Figure 5 At least one of the operations can be achieved by means of Figure 1The processor 110-1 of the external vehicle control device 101 executes the commands. Figure 1 External vehicle control device 101 executes Figure 5 In the case of at least one of the operations, the operation of receiving battery energy information from the vehicle control device 100 may also be included.

[0105] In operation S510, the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can obtain battery energy information. The battery energy information can be referred to... Figure 1 Battery energy information 121.

[0106] In operation S520, the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can obtain minimum remaining energy. Minimum remaining energy can be referred to... Figure 3 The minimum remaining energy is 340.

[0107] In operation S530, the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can obtain average discharge energy. Average discharge energy may include... Figure 3 The discharge energy is 320.

[0108] In operation S540, the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can identify whether the difference between the rated energy and the discharge energy exceeds a critical energy. For example, the vehicle control device can identify whether the difference between the rated SOC and the SOC usage range exceeds a critical SOC (e.g., approximately 30%). The rated SOC may correspond to the rated energy. The SOC usage range may refer to... Figure 2 The SOC usage range is 202. If the difference between the rated SOC and the SOC usage range exceeds the critical SOC (operation S540 "Yes"), the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can obtain first mode information in operation S550. If the difference between the rated SOC and the SOC usage range does not exceed the critical SOC (operation S540 "No"), the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can temporarily interrupt the execution of operation S550.

[0109] Figure 6 An example flowchart illustrating the operation of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided. The following assumptions are made... Figure 1 The vehicle control device 100 executes Figure 6 The process. Additionally, in Figure 6 In the description, the operation described as being performed by means of a device can be understood as being controlled by means of the processor 110 of the vehicle control device 100. Figure 6 The operations can be executed sequentially, but they do not necessarily have to be executed sequentially. For example, the order of the operations can be changed, or at least two operations can be executed in parallel. In one embodiment, Figure 6 At least one of the operations can be achieved by means of Figure 1 The external electronic device 101 is executed by the processor 110-1. Figure 1 External electronic device 101 performs Figure 6 In the case of at least one of the operations, the operation of receiving battery energy information from the vehicle control device 100 may also be included. Figure 6 At least one of the operations can be with Figure 5 At least one of the operations is associated with it.

[0110] In operation S610, the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can confirm the rated energy of the battery (e.g.: Figure 3 (Rated energy 310). Operation S610 can perform... Figure 5 The operation is executed after S510.

[0111] In operation S620, the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can calculate the average discharge energy of the battery. The average discharge energy can be referenced... Figure 3 The discharge energy is 320. The vehicle control unit can calculate the average discharge energy of the battery by repeatedly identifying the battery's discharge energy.

[0112] In operation S630, the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can calculate the average remaining energy. The average remaining energy can be referenced... Figure 3 The remaining energy is 330. The vehicle control unit can calculate the average remaining energy by repeatedly identifying the remaining energy.

[0113] In operation S640, the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can calculate the minimum remaining energy. The minimum remaining energy can be referred to... Figure 3 The minimum remaining energy is 340.

[0114] In operation S650, the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can identify whether the difference between the rated energy and the discharge energy exceeds a critical energy. For example, the vehicle control device can identify whether the difference between the rated SOC corresponding to the rated energy and the SOC usage range corresponding to the discharge energy exceeds a critical SOC (e.g., about 30%). If the difference between the rated SOC and the SOC usage range does not exceed the critical SOC (No in operation S650), the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can maintain the charging configuration information in operation S660.

[0115] If the difference between the rated SOC and the SOC usage range exceeds the critical SOC ("Yes" in operation S650), the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can set the charging range in operation S670. The vehicle control device can set the battery charging range using at least one of rated energy, average discharge energy, average remaining energy, minimum remaining energy, or a combination thereof.

[0116] In operation S680, the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can set a lower limit SOC based on the minimum remaining energy.

[0117] In operation S690, the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can set a maximum SOC (or an upper limit SOC) based on the SOC usage range and a lower limit SOC. For example, the upper limit SOC can represent the value obtained by adding the lower limit SOC and the SOC usage range corresponding to the discharge energy. The upper limit SOC can be used to limit the amount of charge to the battery when charging it. The vehicle control device can set a charging range for charging the battery until the upper limit SOC is reached.

[0118] In operation S695, the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can generate first mode information based on a set charging range. For example, the vehicle control device can update charging configuration information based on the first mode information. When the battery is charged according to the charging configuration information updated based on the first mode information, the battery can be charged so that the battery's SOC is included within the set charging range.

[0119] Figure 7a and Figure 7b An example flowchart illustrating the operation of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided. The following assumptions are made... Figure 1 The vehicle control device 100 executes Figure 7a and Figure 7b The process. Additionally, in Figure 7a and Figure 7b In the description, the operation described as being performed by means of a device can be understood as being controlled by means of the processor 110 of the vehicle control device 100. Figure 7a and Figure 7b The operations can be executed sequentially, but they do not have to be. For example, the order of the operations can be changed, or at least two operations can be executed in parallel. Figure 7a and Figure 7b At least one of the operations can be performed by means of the processor 110-1 of the external electronic device 101.

[0120] Reference Figure 7a In operation S701, the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can calculate the average connection time. The vehicle control device can calculate the connection time with the charging connector (or charging pile).

[0121] In operation S702, the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can calculate the time required for the battery to complete charging by recognizing the charging time, which represents the time interval from the time point when the battery charging starts using the charging connector to the time point when the battery completes charging.

[0122] In operation S703, the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can identify whether the value obtained by multiplying the charging time by a weighted value (e.g., 1.5) exceeds the connection time. For example, if the value obtained by multiplying the charging time by the weighted value (e.g., 1.5) does not exceed the connection time ("No" in operation S703), the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can maintain the charging configuration information in operation S704. For example, if the value obtained by multiplying the charging time by the weighted value (e.g., 1.5) exceeds the connection time ("Yes" in operation S703), the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can confirm the current SOC of the battery in operation S705.

[0123] In operation S706, the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can identify the maximum SOC. The vehicle control device can identify the maximum SOC using rated energy, discharge energy, remaining energy, and / or minimum remaining energy. The maximum SOC can represent the upper limit SOC for charging the battery. For example, the maximum SOC can correspond to the rated energy. For example, the maximum SOC can represent the value obtained by adding the lower limit SOC and the SOC usage range corresponding to the discharge energy. However, it is not limited to this.

[0124] In operation S707, the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can identify a threshold current. The threshold current can represent the upper limit of the charging current transmitted to the battery.

[0125] In operation S708, the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can obtain second mode information based on the identification of a threshold current. The vehicle control device can use the second mode information to update the charging configuration information. When the vehicle control device charges the battery according to the updated charging configuration information, it can adjust the charging current based on the threshold current.

[0126] Reference Figure 7b In operation S710, when the vehicle control device according to one embodiment is charging the battery through the charging connector, it can confirm the intensity of the current charging current.

[0127] In operation S711, the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can identify whether the threshold current is less than the charging current. If the threshold current is greater than the charging current (No in operation S711), the vehicle control device can maintain the charging configuration information in operation S713. The vehicle control device can maintain the charging configuration information instead of updating it based on the second mode information, thereby charging the battery according to the maintained charging configuration information.

[0128] When the threshold current is less than the charging current ("Yes" in operation S711), in operation S712, the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can reduce the intensity of the charging current. The vehicle control device can adjust the intensity of the charging current to be below the threshold current.

[0129] The following is for reference Figure 8 It provides a more detailed description of how the vehicle control unit adjusts the charging current based on the charging configuration information.

[0130] Figure 8 An example line diagram is shown to illustrate the operation of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention charging a battery based on second mode information. Figure 8 The vehicle control device 100 can be referred to Figure 1 The vehicle control device 100. (Refer to...) Figure 8 The following figures show line graphs 800 and 810 representing the charging current as a function of time.

[0131] In one embodiment, line diagram 800 may include line 801-1 representing the charging current and line 802-1 representing the threshold current. Referring to line diagram 800, vehicle control device 100 according to one embodiment may, based on charging configuration information (e.g.: Figure 1 The charging configuration information (123) is used to charge the battery.

[0132] Referring to line diagram 800, a vehicle control device 100 according to one embodiment, based on information not based on a second mode (e.g.: Figure 1 When charging the battery using updated charging configuration information (second mode information 155), the battery can be charged within a first charging time based on a charging current 801-1 exceeding a threshold current 802-1. For example, the first charging time may be shorter than the connection time between the interface used to charge the battery and the charging connector.

[0133] According to one embodiment, a vehicle control device 100 can identify a threshold current based on mathematical formula 1.

[0134]

Mathematical Formula 1

[0135] i = (SOC) up -SOC begin ) / (t*0.9)

[0136] i can represent the threshold current. SOC up This can represent rated energy or maximum SOC (or upper limit SOC). For example, when the vehicle control unit 100 identifies the maximum SOC based on first mode information, it can display the SOC. upSet to maximum SOC. If the maximum SOC is not detected, the vehicle control unit 100 can set SOCup to the rated SOC corresponding to the rated energy. begin The current state of charge (SOC) of the battery can be represented. t can represent the connection time. For example, vehicle control unit 100 can determine the threshold current based on the relationship between rated energy, connection time, and the current SOC of the battery. 0.9 can represent a coefficient used to correct for charging completion time.

[0137] According to one embodiment, when the difference between the rated energy and the discharge energy is above the critical energy, the vehicle control device 100 can use the second mode information to update the charging configuration information.

[0138] Referring to line drawing 810, a vehicle control device 100 according to one embodiment can charge the battery based on updated charging configuration information. When the vehicle control device 100 charges the battery based on the updated charging configuration information, the battery can be charged within a second charging time using a charging current 801-2 below a threshold current 802-2. The threshold current 802-2 can be referenced to the threshold current 802-1.

[0139] For example, the second charging time may be longer than the first charging time because the battery is charged by a charging current 801-2 below the threshold current 802-2. The second charging time may correspond to the connection time between the interface used to charge the battery and the charging connector.

[0140] As described above, the vehicle control device 100 according to one embodiment utilizes the entire connection time to charge the battery based on a charging current below a threshold current, thereby preventing battery life degradation. By preventing battery life degradation, the vehicle control device 100 can increase the remaining battery life.

[0141] Figure 9 An example of a line diagram illustrating the operation of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention charging a battery based on first mode information is shown. Figure 9 The vehicle control device 100 can be referred to Figure 1 The vehicle control device 100. (Refer to...) Figure 9 In one embodiment, an exemplary line graph 900 is shown to represent the battery SOC as it changes over time.

[0142] Refer to line diagram 900, discharge energy 903 can be used as a reference. Figure 3 The discharge energy is 320. The minimum remaining energy is 905 (refer to...). Figure 3 The minimum remaining energy is 340.

[0143] According to one embodiment, a vehicle control device 100 can identify a maximum SOC 906 (or upper limit SOC) by adding a minimum SOC corresponding to the minimum remaining energy and a SOC usage range corresponding to the discharge energy 903. The maximum energy corresponding to the maximum SOC 906 can be represented as the value obtained by adding the minimum remaining energy 905 and the discharge energy 903.

[0144] For example, the vehicle control unit 100 may update the charging configuration information based on first mode information used to set the charging range, which includes a minimum SOC and a maximum SOC corresponding to the minimum remaining energy. For example, the range corresponding to the discharge energy 903 may represent the charging range. For example, when the vehicle control unit 100 charges the battery according to the updated charging configuration information, it may charge the battery until the maximum SOC 906 is reached within the charging time 904.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the vehicle control device 100, when updating charging configuration information based on first mode information and second mode information, can use a threshold current (e.g.: Figure 8 The battery is charged with a charging current below the threshold current (802-2) during the connection time until the maximum SOC (State of Charge) is reached (906). The connection time may be consistent with the charging time (904). The vehicle control device 100 reduces idle time by aligning (or matching) the connection time with the charging time (904).

[0146] As described above, when the vehicle control device 100 according to one embodiment uses the battery based on a State of Charge (SOC) included in a specified range 902, battery degradation may occur due to relatively high voltage and / or high current. To prevent battery degradation, the vehicle control device 100 extends battery life by maintaining the SOC within a charging range corresponding to energy levels below the specified range 902.

[0147] Figure 10 An example flowchart illustrating the operation of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided. The following assumptions are made... Figure 1 The vehicle control device 100 executes Figure 10 The process. Additionally, in Figure 10 In the description, the operation described as being performed by means of a device can be understood as being controlled by means of the processor 110 of the vehicle control device 100. Figure 10 The operations can be executed sequentially, but they do not have to be. For example, the order of the operations can be changed, or at least two operations can be executed in parallel. Figure 10 At least one of the operations can be with Figure 6 and Figure 7a At least one of the operations is associated with it.

[0148] Reference Figure 10 In operation S1010, the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can obtain at least one of first mode information and second mode information. The vehicle control device can execute... Figure 7a Operating S708 and Figure 6 Operation S1010 is performed after at least one of operations S695.

[0149] In operation S1020, the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can identify the holder information of the battery. As an example, the user of the vehicle control device (or vehicle) including the battery and the holder of the battery may be different.

[0150] In operation S1030, the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can use the holder information to identify whether the battery holder is a legal person.

[0151] When the battery holder is an individual (No in operation S1030), the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can display a screen in operation S1060 to identify whether an update is needed. By displaying the screen, the vehicle control device can confirm whether to update the charging configuration information based on at least one of the first mode information and the second mode information.

[0152] For example, within a screen, a vehicle control unit may display more than one visual object (or more than one virtual object). A visual object can refer to an object that can be deployed within the screen for information transmission and / or interaction, including but not limited to text, images, icons, videos, buttons, checkboxes, radio buttons, text boxes, sliders, and / or tables. Visual objects may be referred to as visual guides, virtual objects, visual elements, UI elements, view objects, and / or view elements. The vehicle control unit may use a display device to initiate the display of visual objects. An example of a screen displayed by a vehicle control unit will be referred to later. Figure 11 Describe it.

[0153] In operation S1070, the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can confirm whether an input indicating agreement to update has been recognized. For example, if the input is recognized ("Yes" in operation S1070), the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can update the charging configuration information in operation S1090. For example, if the input is not recognized ("No" in operation S1070), the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can maintain the original charging configuration information in operation S1080.

[0154] According to one embodiment, when the battery holder is a legal entity (operation S1030 "Yes"), the vehicle control device may disclose an update in operation S1040. The operation of disclosing the update may include disclosing information from at least one of first mode information and second mode information. For example, after the vehicle control device performs an update, if the battery is charged according to the updated charging configuration information, it may disclose information about the changed charging time and / or the increased battery life. The legal entity may include a battery management company and / or a vehicle operating company (e.g., a logistics company or a corporate taxi company).

[0155] In operation S1050, the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can update the charging configuration information based on the published update. For example, the vehicle control device can skip the screen (or visual object) display stage and start updating directly.

[0156] According to one embodiment described above, the vehicle control device can perform different preprocessing operations for updating charging configuration information based on information identifying the battery holder. For example, if the battery holder is an individual, the vehicle control device can protect the battery holder's rights by requesting consent for the update. Alternatively, if the battery holder is a legal entity, the vehicle control device can manage batteries used by other users distinct from the battery holder by skipping the request for consent and directly performing the update.

[0157] Figure 11 An example of a screen displayed by a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention when updating charging configuration information based on mode information. Figure 11 The vehicle control device 100 can be referred to Figure 1 The vehicle control device 100. For example, the vehicle control device may also include a display device 1110.

[0158] According to one embodiment, a vehicle control device may display a visual object 1111 indicating an update of charging configuration information (e.g., charging configuration information 123) on a display device to update charging configuration information. When the battery holder is an individual, the vehicle control device may display the visual object 1111 on the display device 1110. Specifically, when the battery holder is an individual, the vehicle control device may display the visual object 1111 on the display device 1110 to request consent for the update. The visual object 1111 may include information about increased battery life (or improved battery performance) after the update. For example, the vehicle control device updates the charging configuration information based on at least one of first mode information and second mode information, and may provide a State of Health (SOH) indicating the increased remaining battery life based thereon.

[0159] According to one embodiment, a vehicle control device can receive input indicating consent to an update. For example, the vehicle control device can recognize consent to an update by receiving input to a visual object 1112. For example, the vehicle control device can initiate an update of charging configuration information in response to the input.

[0160] According to one embodiment, a vehicle control device can display a visual object 1121 indicating that the update is complete on a display device 1110 after updating the charging configuration information. For example, the visual object 1121 may include first mode information and / or second mode information for updating the charging configuration information. For example, the visual object 1121 may include a text object 1122 representing charging time, charging range, and / or maximum SOC. As an example, the visual object 1121 may also include a user interface for changing the charging configuration information to the previous version. The vehicle control device can utilize the user interface to change the charging configuration information to the previous version.

[0161] As described above, in one embodiment of the vehicle control device, when the battery holder is an individual, a visual object can be displayed on a display device to request consent for updates to charging configuration information. By requesting the user's consent to updates before updating the charging configuration information, the vehicle control device can provide an ecosystem that complies with battery-related regulations (or laws).

[0162] Figure 12 An example line graph is shown to illustrate the operation of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention charging a battery based on updated charging configuration information. In one embodiment, line graph 1200 may include curves 1201 and 1202, curve 1201 representing the battery retention rate over time when the battery is managed according to the previous version of the charging configuration information, and curve 1202 representing the battery retention rate over time when the battery is managed according to the updated charging configuration information.

[0163] As can be seen from graph 1200, the battery retention rate identified when managing the battery based on the updated charging configuration information is relatively higher than the battery retention rate identified when managing the battery based on the previous version of the charging configuration information. The difference between the first value representing at least one retention rate included in curve 1202 and the second value representing at least one retention rate included in curve 1201 may include SOH (or hidden lifetime) 1203, which represents the remaining battery performance (or extended lifetime) obtained by updating the charging configuration information.

[0164] According to one embodiment, a vehicle control device 100 can provide a State of Health (SOH) after performing an update. For example, if the battery holder is a legal entity, the vehicle control device 100 can provide the SOH by publishing the update. If the battery holder is an individual, the vehicle control device 100 can provide the SOH by displaying a visual object for requesting consent to the update. However, it is not limited to these methods.

[0165] As described above, the vehicle control device according to one embodiment can further ensure the value of the battery by updating the charging configuration information. For example, the vehicle control device can improve battery performance compared to a battery managed based on the previous version of the charging configuration information. For example, the vehicle control device can extend the battery's lifespan by performing the update. For example, the vehicle control device can provide users with an environment where the battery can be used for a longer period of time.

[0166] Figure 13 An example flowchart illustrating the operation of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The following assumptions are made... Figure 1 The vehicle control device 100 executes Figure 13 The process. Additionally, in Figure 13 In the description, the operation described as being performed by means of a device can be understood as being controlled by means of the processor 110 of the vehicle control device 100. Figure 13 The operations can be executed sequentially, but they do not have to be. For example, the order of the operations can be changed, or at least two operations can be executed in parallel.

[0167] Reference Figure 13 In operation S1310, the method performed by means of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment may include the following operation: obtaining first mode information for setting the battery charging range (e.g., using at least one of the battery's rated energy, battery's discharge energy, battery's remaining energy, battery's minimum remaining energy, or any combination thereof) using the battery's rated energy, battery's discharge energy, battery's remaining energy, battery's minimum remaining energy, or any combination thereof. Figure 1 First mode information 150). For example, the method may include: sending information to an external electronic device (e.g., ...). Figure 1The operation of an external electronic device 101) transmitting a first signal, the first signal including at least one of the battery's rated energy, battery's discharge energy, battery's remaining energy, battery's minimum remaining energy, or any combination thereof. For example, the method may include the operation of obtaining first mode information from the external electronic device. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0168] In operation S1320, the method performed by means of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment may include: identifying the connection time of the interface for charging the battery and the charging connector.

[0169] In operation S1330, the method performed by means of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment may include: identifying a charging time, which is determined during the connection time by charging the battery according to charging configuration information using charging current received through the charging connector. The connection time may include charging time and idle time.

[0170] In operation S1340, the method performed by means of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment may include: obtaining second mode information for adjusting the charging current to match the charging time with the connection time. For example, the method may include: obtaining second mode information including a threshold current representing an upper limit value of the charging current.

[0171] In operation S1350, the method performed by means of the vehicle control device according to an embodiment may include: updating the charging configuration information based on at least one of first mode information and second mode information.

[0172] For example, the method may include: updating the charging configuration information using first mode information when the difference between the rated energy and the discharge energy is above a critical energy level.

[0173] In one embodiment, the method may include: identifying a maximum SOC representing the maximum energy by adding the minimum remaining energy to the discharge energy. The method may also include: setting a charging range that includes a lower limit SOC (or minimum SOC) corresponding to the minimum remaining energy and a maximum SOC. For example, the method may include: charging the battery until the maximum SOC is reached during a charging time, provided that the battery is being charged according to charging configuration information updated based on first mode information used to set the charging range.

[0174] In one embodiment, the method may include updating charging configuration information using second mode information when the ratio of connection time to charging time is above a critical ratio (or weighted value). For example, the method may include determining a threshold current based on the relationship between rated energy, connection time, and the battery's current state of charge (SOC). For example, the method may include charging the battery with a charging current below the threshold current during the connection time when the battery is being charged according to charging configuration information updated based on second mode information representing the threshold current. When the battery is being charged according to charging configuration information updated based on the second mode information, the connection time may be matched with the charging time.

[0175] In one embodiment, the method may include: charging the battery with a charging current below a threshold current during the connection time until the maximum SOC is reached, when the battery is being charged according to charging configuration information updated based on first mode information and second mode information.

[0176] In a method performed by a vehicle control device according to an embodiment, the method may include the following operations: the vehicle control device obtains first mode information for setting a battery charging range using at least one of the battery's rated energy, battery's discharge energy, battery's remaining energy, battery's minimum remaining energy, or any combination thereof; identifies the connection time between an interface for charging the battery and a charging connector; identifies a charging time determined during the connection time by charging the battery according to charging configuration information using charging current received through the charging connector; obtains second mode information for adjusting the charging current to match the charging time with the connection time; and updates the charging configuration information based on at least one of the first mode information and the second mode information.

[0177] In one embodiment, the method may include the following operations: identifying a maximum SOC representing the maximum energy by adding the minimum remaining energy to the discharge energy; and, when charging the battery according to charging configuration information updated based on the first mode information for setting the charging range, charging the battery within the charging time until the maximum SOC is reached, the charging range including the minimum SOC corresponding to the minimum remaining energy and the identified maximum SOC.

[0178] In one embodiment, the method may include the following operations: determining a threshold current based on the relationship between the rated energy, the connection time, and the current state of charge (SOC) of the battery; and, when charging the battery according to the charging configuration information, charging the battery during the connection time with a charging current below the threshold current, wherein the charging configuration information is updated based on second mode information representing the determined threshold current.

[0179] In one embodiment, the method may include the following operations: when charging the battery according to the charging configuration information updated based on the first mode information and the second mode information, identifying a maximum SOC based on adding the minimum remaining energy to the discharge energy; and charging the battery during the connection time until the maximum SOC is reached by a charging current below a threshold current determined based on the relationship between the rated energy, the connection time, and the current SOC.

[0180] In one embodiment, the method may include the following operations: displaying a visual object on a display device indicating an update to the charging configuration information in order to update the charging configuration information; using the visual object to receive input indicating agreement to the update; and initiating the update in response to the input.

[0181] In one embodiment, the operation of displaying the visual object may include the following operations: identifying information about the holder of the battery; if the holder of the battery is a legal person, skipping the display of the visual object and starting the update; if the holder of the battery is an individual, starting the display of the visual object.

[0182] In one embodiment, updating the charging configuration information may include the following operation: if the difference between the rated energy and the discharge energy is above a critical energy, the charging configuration information is updated using the first mode information.

[0183] In one embodiment, updating the charging configuration information may include the following operation: when the ratio of the connection time to the charging time is above a critical ratio, updating the charging configuration information using the second mode information.

[0184] In one embodiment, the method may include updating the charging configuration information based on at least one of the first mode information and the second mode information, providing a state of health (SOH) indicating the increased remaining battery life.

[0185] In one embodiment, the method may include the following operations: sending a first signal, including at least one of the battery's rated energy, battery's discharge energy, battery's remaining energy, battery's minimum remaining energy, or any combination thereof, to an external electronic device; obtaining first mode information from the external electronic device; sending a second signal, including the connection time and the charging time, to the external electronic device; and obtaining second mode information from the external electronic device.

[0186] Figure 14 An example flowchart illustrating the operation of a vehicle control device according to an embodiment of the present invention is provided. The following assumptions are made... Figure 1 The vehicle control device 100 executes Figure 14 The process. Additionally, in Figure 14 In the description, the operation described as being performed by means of a device can be understood as being controlled by means of the processor 110 of the vehicle control device 100. Figure 13 The operations can be executed sequentially, but they do not have to be. For example, the order of the operations can be changed, or at least two operations can be executed in parallel.

[0187] Reference Figure 14 In S1410, the vehicle control method according to one embodiment may include the following operation: monitoring at least one of the vehicle's battery energy information or charging information.

[0188] For example, a vehicle control method may include the following operation: when the vehicle control device is included inside the vehicle, monitoring at least one of the vehicle's battery energy information or charging information by sending battery energy information or charging information to an external electronic device.

[0189] For example, a vehicle control method may include the following operation: when the vehicle control device is located outside the vehicle, monitoring at least one of the battery energy information or charging information by obtaining at least one of the battery energy information or charging information from the vehicle. For example, it may include the following operation: when the vehicle control device is located outside the vehicle, selecting a vehicle whose charging configuration information will be updated using at least one of the battery energy information or charging information.

[0190] Reference Figure 14 In S1420, the vehicle control method according to one embodiment may include the following operation: determining whether to update the charging configuration information.

[0191] For example, a vehicle control method may include the following operation: determining whether to update charging configuration information based on at least one of monitored battery energy information or charging information. For example, the operation of determining (or deciding) whether to update charging configuration information may include the following operation: determining whether to generate at least one of first mode information and second mode information.

[0192] Reference Figure 14 If the charging configuration information is not updated (operation S1420 is "No"), in S1430, the vehicle control method according to one embodiment may include maintaining the original charging configuration information. For example, not updating the charging configuration information may include a situation where the difference between the battery's rated energy and the battery's discharge energy is lower than a critical energy. For example, not updating the charging configuration information may include a situation where the ratio of the connection time between the battery and the charging connector to the charging time for charging the battery is lower than a critical ratio.

[0193] For example, situations where the vehicle control unit does not update charging configuration information may include situations where mode information is not generated.

[0194] For example, situations where charging configuration information needs updating may include cases where the difference between the battery's rated energy and its discharge energy exceeds a critical energy level. Situations where charging configuration information needs updating may also include cases where the ratio of the connection time between the battery and the charging connector to the charging time is above a critical ratio.

[0195] For example, updating charging configuration information may include making a decision to generate at least one of first mode information and second mode information.

[0196] Reference Figure 14 When updating the charging configuration information ("Yes" in operation S1420), in operation S1440, the vehicle control method according to one embodiment may generate at least one of first mode information or second mode information. For example, the vehicle control method may include generating first mode information when the difference between the battery's rated energy and the battery's discharge energy is above a critical energy level.

[0197] For example, a vehicle control method may include generating second mode information when the ratio between the connection time for connecting to the charging connector for charging the battery and the charging time for charging the battery is above a critical ratio.

[0198] For example, a vehicle control method may include the following operation: after determining (or confirming) that the charging configuration information has been updated, generating at least one of a first mode information or a second mode information.

[0199] For example, the vehicle control method may receive input indicating consent to update the first mode information and / or the second mode information to the charging configuration information based on the generation of first mode information and / or second mode information.

[0200] Reference Figure 14In operation S1450, the vehicle control method according to one embodiment may include the following operation: updating charging configuration information using at least one of first mode information or second mode information.

[0201] For example, a vehicle control method may include the following operations: identifying the minimum remaining energy of the battery and the discharge energy of the battery using battery energy information. The vehicle control method may include the following operations: setting a charging range using the minimum remaining energy of the battery and the discharge energy of the battery, wherein the charging range includes an upper limit SOC obtained by adding a lower limit SOC corresponding to the minimum remaining energy and a SOC usage range corresponding to the discharge energy. The vehicle control method may include the following operations: updating charging configuration information based on first mode information representing the charging range. The vehicle control method may include the following operations: when charging the battery according to the updated charging configuration information, charging the battery within the charging time of the connection time and charging time until the upper limit SOC is reached.

[0202] For example, a vehicle control method may include determining a threshold current based on the relationship between the battery's rated energy identified using charging information, the connection time with the charging connector for charging the battery, and / or the battery's current state of charge (SOC). The vehicle control method may also include charging the battery with a charging current below the threshold current during the connection time when charging the battery according to charging configuration information updated based on second mode information representing the threshold current. For example, when charging the vehicle battery according to charging configuration information updated with the second mode information, the connection time may be matched to the charging time.

[0203] For example, a vehicle control method may include the following operation: when charging the battery according to charging configuration information updated based on first mode information and second mode information, identifying an upper limit SOC based on the minimum remaining energy and discharge energy identified using battery energy information. The vehicle control method may also include the following operation: charging the battery until the upper limit SOC is reached during the connection time within the charging time and connection time using a charging current below a threshold current determined based on the relationship between the battery's rated energy, the connection time with the charging connector for charging the battery, and the current SOC.

[0204] The above description is merely an exemplary description of the technical concept of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention.

[0205] Therefore, the embodiments disclosed in this invention are intended to illustrate technical ideas, not to limit them, and any interpretation based on these embodiments should not constitute a limitation on the scope of the technical ideas of this invention. The scope of protection of this invention should be interpreted according to the claims, and all technical ideas within their equivalents should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the claims of this invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle control device, comprising: processor; as well as Memory; The processor is configured as follows: Monitor at least one of the vehicle's battery energy information or charging information; Based on monitoring at least one of the battery energy information or the charging information, it is determined whether to generate at least one of the first mode information and the second mode information. The first mode information is used to set the battery charging range of the vehicle, and the second mode information is used to adjust the charging current using the charging time of the battery. Identify input indicating agreement to an update, which updates at least one of the first mode information and the second mode information generated based on a decision to generate at least one of the first mode information and the second mode information to the charging configuration information; and In response to the identified input, the charging configuration information is updated using at least one of the generated first mode information and second mode information.

2. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured as follows: The battery energy information is used to identify the minimum remaining energy of the battery and the battery's discharge energy; The charging range is set using the battery's minimum remaining energy and the battery's discharge energy. This charging range includes the lower limit SOC corresponding to the minimum remaining energy plus the upper limit SOC of the SOC usage range corresponding to the discharge energy. as well as When the battery is charged according to charging configuration information updated based on first mode information representing the charging range, the battery is charged until the upper limit SOC is reached during the charging time.

3. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured as follows: Based on the relationship between the battery's rated energy identified using the charging information, the connection time to the charging connector for charging the battery, and the battery's current SOC, a threshold current is determined so that the connection time matches the charging time. as well as When the battery is charged according to the charging configuration information updated based on the second mode information representing the determined threshold current, the battery is charged during the connection time with a charging current below the threshold current.

4. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured as follows: When the battery is charged according to the charging configuration information updated based on the first mode information and the second mode information, the upper limit SOC is identified based on the minimum remaining energy and discharge energy identified using the battery energy information; as well as The battery is charged until the upper limit SOC is reached within the connection time using a charging current below a threshold current determined based on the relationship between the battery's rated energy, the connection time with the charging connector for charging the battery, and the current SOC.

5. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, further comprising a display device, wherein, The processor is configured as follows: In the case where the processor and the memory are included in the vehicle, in order to update the charging configuration information, a visual object representing the update of the charging configuration information is displayed on the display device; Using the visual object, input indicating agreement to the update is received; as well as The update begins in response to the input.

6. The vehicle control device according to claim 5, wherein, The processor is configured as follows: Identify the information of the person holding the battery; If the holder of the battery is a legal entity, the display of the visual object is skipped and the update begins; as well as If the holder of the battery is an individual, the display of the visual object begins.

7. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured as follows: The first mode information is generated when the difference between the battery's rated energy and its discharge energy is above a critical energy level.

8. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured as follows: The second mode information is generated when the ratio of the connection time between the battery and the charging connector to the charging time is above a critical ratio.

9. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured as follows: The charging configuration information is updated based on at least one of the first mode information and the second mode information, and the State of Health (SOH) is provided, indicating the increase in the remaining battery life.

10. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured as follows: When the processor and the memory are included in the vehicle, a first signal including at least one of the battery's rated energy, battery's discharge energy, battery's remaining energy, battery's minimum remaining energy, or any combination thereof is sent to an external electronic device. Obtain first mode information from the external electronic device; A second signal, including the connection time between the battery and the charging connector and the charging time, is sent to the external electronic device; as well as Second mode information is obtained from the external electronic device.

11. The vehicle control device according to claim 1, wherein, The processor is configured as follows: When the processor and the memory are located outside the vehicle, at least one of battery energy information or charging information corresponding to each of the plurality of vehicles, including the vehicle, is received from the plurality of vehicles. as well as Based on monitoring at least one of the received battery energy information or the charging information, at least one of the first mode information and the second mode information corresponding to the vehicle among a plurality of vehicles is generated.

12. A method comprising the following steps: Monitor at least one of the vehicle's battery energy information or charging information; Based on monitoring at least one of the battery energy information or the charging information, it is determined whether to generate at least one of the first mode information and the second mode information. The first mode information is used to set the battery charging range of the vehicle, and the second mode information is used to adjust the charging current using the charging time of the battery. Identify input indicating agreement to the update, which updates at least one of the first mode information and the second mode information generated based on a decision to generate at least one of the first mode information and the second mode information to the charging configuration information; In response to the identified input, the charging configuration information is updated using at least one of the generated first mode information and second mode information.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The steps to update charging configuration information include the following: The battery energy information is used to identify the minimum remaining energy of the battery and the battery's discharge energy; The charging range is set using the battery's minimum remaining energy and the battery's discharge energy. This charging range includes an upper limit SOC obtained by adding the lower limit SOC corresponding to the minimum remaining energy and the SOC usage range corresponding to the discharge energy. When the battery is charged according to charging configuration information updated based on first mode information representing the charging range, the battery is charged until the upper limit SOC is reached during the charging time.

14. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The steps to update charging configuration information include the following: Based on the relationship between the battery's rated energy identified using the charging information, the connection time to the charging connector for charging the battery, and the battery's current SOC, a threshold current is determined so that the connection time matches the charging time. When the battery is charged according to the charging configuration information updated based on the second mode information representing the determined threshold current, the battery is charged during the connection time with a charging current below the threshold current.

15. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The steps to update charging configuration information include the following: When the battery is charged according to the charging configuration information updated based on the first mode information and the second mode information, the upper limit SOC is identified based on the minimum remaining energy and discharge energy identified using the battery energy information; The battery is charged until the upper limit SOC is reached within the connection time using a charging current below a threshold current determined based on the relationship between the battery's rated energy, the connection time with the charging connector for charging the battery, and the current SOC.

16. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The steps for recognizing input include the following: To update the charging configuration information, a visual object representing the update of the charging configuration information is displayed on the display device; Using the visual object, input indicating agreement to the update is received.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The steps to display a visual object include the following: Identify the information of the person holding the battery; If the holder of the battery is a legal entity, the display of the visual object is skipped and the update begins; If the holder of the battery is an individual, the display of the visual object begins.

18. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The step of determining whether to generate at least one of the first mode information and the second mode information includes the following steps: First mode information is generated when the difference between the battery's rated energy and its discharge energy is above the critical energy.

19. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The step of determining whether to generate at least one of the first mode information and the second mode information includes the following steps: Second mode information is generated when the ratio of the connection time between the battery and the charging connector to the charging time is above a critical ratio.

20. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The steps to update charging configuration information include the following: The charging configuration information is updated based on at least one of the first mode information and the second mode information, and the State of Health (SOH) is provided, indicating the increase in the remaining battery life.

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