Audible cue system for vehicle

Abstract

An audible cue system for a vehicle includes data processing hardware and memory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware. The memory hardware stores instructions that, when executed on the data processing hardware, cause the data processing hardware to perform operations that include receiving, at a first electronic control unit (ECU), one or more vehicle data points, executing, by the first ECU, an audible cue application configured with positive cues and cue characteristics, and comparing the one or more vehicle data points to the cue range. Operations also include outputting a positive cue of the audible cue application via a speaker system of the vehicle based on a comparison of the one or more vehicle data points to the cue range, monitoring the one or more vehicle data points, and modifying the positive cue based on the monitored one or more vehicle data points.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The information provided in this section is for the purpose of presenting the general context of this disclosure. The work of the currently named inventors, to the extent described in this section, and in aspects that may not qualify as prior art at the time of filing, is neither expressly nor implicitly acknowledged as prior art to this disclosure.

[0002] This disclosure generally relates to an audible prompting system for vehicles. Background Technology

[0003] Vehicles can be equipped with various warning systems or alarm signals to notify the driver of preset limits. For example, the vehicle controller can be configured with limits that warn the driver when the vehicle exceeds preset limits. The vehicle controller typically retains warnings or other audible notifications to alert the driver of potential errors, problems, or exceeding any potential preset limits. Therefore, the driver does not receive positive feedback associated with driving modes or other vehicle-related data. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In some aspects, an audible alert system for a vehicle includes data processing hardware and memory hardware that communicates with the data processing hardware. The memory hardware stores instructions that, when executed on the data processing hardware, cause the data processing hardware to perform operations including receiving one or more vehicle data points at a first electronic control unit (ECU), executing an audible alert application configured with positive alerts and alert characteristics by the first ECU, and comparing the one or more vehicle data points with an alert range stored in the memory hardware. The operations also include outputting a positive alert of the audible alert application via the vehicle's speaker system based on the comparison of the one or more vehicle data points with the alert range, monitoring the one or more vehicle data points, and modifying the positive alert based on the monitored one or more vehicle data points.

[0005] In some examples, outputting a positive alert may include continuously outputting a positive alert when one or more vehicle data points are within the alert range. Optionally, modifying the positive alert may include changing at least one of the alert characteristics, the positive alert including a first audible mode. The operation may also include issuing an alert in response to one or more monitored vehicle data points, the alert including a positive alert with a second audible mode. In some cases, issuing an alert may include identifying a trend relative to the alert range and issuing an alert when the identified trend tends toward the alert range. The second audible mode may be faster than the first audible mode. In other instances, outputting a positive alert may include increasing the volume of the positive alert to a predetermined volume at a first rate. Optionally, modifying the positive alert includes decreasing the volume of the positive alert at a second rate greater than the first rate.

[0006] In other aspects, the computer-implemented method causes the data processing hardware to perform operations when executed by the data processing hardware. These operations include receiving one or more vehicle data points at a first electronic control unit (ECU), having the first ECU execute an audible alert application configured with positive alerts and alert characteristics, comparing the one or more vehicle data points with an alert range, and, based on the comparison of the one or more vehicle data points with the alert range, outputting a positive alert from the audible alert application via the vehicle's speaker system. The operations also include monitoring the one or more vehicle data points and modifying the positive alert based on the monitored one or more vehicle data points.

[0007] In some examples, outputting a positive alert may include continuously outputting a positive alert when one or more vehicle data points are within the alert range. Optionally, modifying the positive alert may include changing at least one of the alert characteristics, the positive alert including a first audible mode. The operation may also include issuing an alert in response to one or more monitored vehicle data points, the alert including a positive alert with a second audible mode. In some cases, issuing an alert may include identifying a trend relative to the alert range and issuing an alert when the identified trend tends toward the alert range. The second audible mode may be faster than the first audible mode. In other instances, outputting a positive alert may include increasing the volume of the positive alert to a predetermined volume at a first rate. Optionally, modifying the positive alert includes decreasing the volume of the positive alert at a second rate greater than the first rate.

[0008] In another aspect, an audible alert system for a vehicle includes data processing hardware and memory hardware in communication with the data processing hardware. The memory hardware stores instructions that, when executed on the data processing hardware, cause the data processing hardware to perform operations. These operations include receiving one or more vehicle data points at a first electronic control unit (ECU), and the first ECU executing an audible alert application configured with positive alerts and alert characteristics. The operations also include comparing the one or more vehicle data points with an alert range stored in the memory hardware, and based on the comparison of the one or more vehicle data points with the alert range, outputting a positive alert from the audible alert application via the vehicle's speaker system.

[0009] In some examples, the operation may also include monitoring one or more vehicle data points and modifying the positive alert based on the monitored one or more vehicle data points. The operation may also include issuing an alert in response to one or more monitored vehicle data points being outside the alert range. Optionally, the one or more vehicle data points may include at least one of the following: vehicle speed, battery state of charge, vehicle environmental control, battery power usage, vehicle acceleration, vehicle deceleration, vehicle gravity in at least one direction, and vehicle following distance. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only for the selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0011] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a vehicle equipped with an audible prompting system according to this disclosure;

[0012] Figure 2 This is an example block diagram of an audible prompting system based on this disclosure;

[0013] Figure 3 This is an exemplary graph of an audible alert system that compares positive alerts with vehicle data points;

[0014] Figure 4 This is another exemplary graph of an audible alert system that compares positive alerts with vehicle data points;

[0015] Figure 5 Here is another example block diagram of an audible prompting system;

[0016] Figure 6 This is yet another example block diagram of an audible prompting system; and

[0017] Figure 7 This is an example flowchart of an audible prompting system based on this disclosure.

[0018] In all the accompanying drawings, the corresponding reference numerals denote the corresponding parts. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The example configuration will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The example configuration is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully communicate the scope of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. Specific details, such as examples of specific components, apparatus, and methods, are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the configuration of this disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details are not required, the example configuration may be embodied in many different forms, and the specific details and example configuration should not be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure.

[0020] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing a particular exemplary configuration only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles “a” and “the” may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “containing,” “including,” “comprising,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of a feature, step, operation, element, and / or component, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as requiring them to be performed in the specific order discussed or shown, unless specifically identified as such. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0021] When an element or layer is referred to as “on another element or layer,” “joined to,” “connected to,” “attached to,” or “linked to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, joined to, connected to, attached to, or linked to the other element or layer, or there may be intermediate elements or layers present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as “directly on another element or layer,” “directly joined to,” “directly connected to,” “directly attached to,” or “directly linked to” another element or layer, there may be no intermediate elements or layers present. Other terms used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted in a similar manner (e.g., “between” vs. “directly between,” “adjacent” vs. “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0022] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or parts should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or part from another. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms do not imply order or sequence. Therefore, without departing from the teachings of the example configuration, the first element, component, region, layer, or part discussed below may be referred to as the second element, component, region, layer, or part.

[0023] In this application, including the following definitions, the term "module" may be replaced by the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to, be part of, or include the following: application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC); digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital discrete circuit; digital, analog, or mixed-signal analog / digital integrated circuit; combinational logic circuit; field-programmable gate array (FPGA); processor (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that executes code; memory (shared, dedicated, or grouped) that stores code executed by the processor; other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality; or some or all of the foregoing, such as in a system-on-a-chip.

[0024] The term "code" as used above can include software, firmware, and / or microcode, and can refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and / or objects. The term "shared processor" includes a single processor that executes some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group processor" includes processors that, in combination with additional processors, execute some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "shared memory" covers a single memory that stores some or all of the code from multiple modules. The term "group memory" includes memory that, in combination with additional memory, stores some or all of the code from one or more modules. The term "memory" can be a subset of the term "computer-readable medium." "Computer-readable medium" does not contain transient electrical and electromagnetic signals propagating through the medium and can therefore be considered tangible and non-transitory memory. Non-limiting examples of non-transitory memory include tangible computer-readable media, including non-volatile memory, magnetic memory, and optical memory. The apparatus and methods described in this application can be implemented, partially or entirely, by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer program includes processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transitory tangible computer-readable medium. Computer programs may also include and / or depend on stored data.

[0025] A software application (i.e., a software resource) can refer to computer software that enables a computing device to perform tasks. In some examples, a software application may be referred to as an "application," "app," or "program." Example applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system management applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and game applications.

[0026] Non-transitory memory can be a physical device used to temporarily or permanently store programs (e.g., instruction sequences) or data (e.g., program state information) for use by a computing device. Non-transitory memory can be volatile and / or non-volatile addressable semiconductor memory. Examples of non-volatile memory include, but are not limited to, flash memory and read-only memory (ROM) / programmable read-only memory (PROM) / erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) / electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., commonly used in firmware, such as boot programs). Examples of volatile memory include, but are not limited to, random access memory (RAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), phase-change memory (PCM), and magnetic disks or magnetic tapes.

[0027] These computer programs (also referred to as programs, software, software applications, or code) include machine instructions for a programmable processor and can be implemented using high-level procedural and / or object-oriented programming languages ​​and / or assembly / machine languages. As used herein, the terms “machine-readable medium” and “computer-readable medium” refer to any computer program product, non-transitory computer-readable medium, apparatus, and / or device (e.g., disk, optical disk, memory, programmable logic device (PLD)) used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including machine-readable media that receive machine instructions as machine-readable signals. The term “machine-readable signal” refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0028] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein can be implemented in digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits), computers, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations can include implementations in one or more computer programs executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system, which includes at least one programmable processor, which may be dedicated or general-purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device, and to transmit data and instructions to the storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device.

[0029] The processes and logical flows described in this specification can be executed by one or more programmable processors (also known as data processing hardware) that execute one or more computer programs to perform functions by manipulating input data and generating output. The processes and logical flows can also be executed by special-purpose logic circuitry (e.g., FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays) or ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits). As an example, processors suitable for executing computer programs include both general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, as well as any one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Typically, the processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. The basic elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Typically, a computer will also include one or more mass storage devices (e.g., magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks) for storing data, or operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both. However, a computer does not need to have such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices, including, for example, semiconductor memory devices such as EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks such as internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto-optical disks; and CD-ROMs and DVD-ROMs. Processors and memory may be supplemented by or incorporated into dedicated logic circuitry.

[0030] To provide interaction with a user, one or more aspects of this disclosure can be implemented on a computer having a display device (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or touchscreen) for displaying information to the user and optionally a keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse or trackball) through which the user provides input to the computer. Other types of devices can also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such as visual, auditory, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including sound, speech, or tactile input. Additionally, the computer can interact with the user by sending documents to and receiving documents from the device used by the user; for example, by sending a webpage to a web browser on the user's client device in response to a request received from a web browser.

[0031] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2The audible alert system 10 includes a first electronic control unit (ECU) 12 configured with an audible alert application 14 and one or more second ECUs 100 communicating with the first ECU 12. The audible alert system 10 is configured as part of a vehicle 200 to promote an active driving mode for the user via the audible alert application 14. For example, the audible alert application 14 is configured to provide guidance to the driver by utilizing positive, pleasant sounds as described herein. While the vehicle 200 may be equipped with the audible alert system 10, the vehicle 200 may also be equipped with other warning or alarm systems that can assist in the operation of the vehicle 200, including but not limited to lane assist systems, front assist systems, and interior safety features. The vehicle 200 may be configured as an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, an electric vehicle (EV), or a hybrid vehicle. The audible alert system 10 may be configured to monitor various vehicle systems 202 and analyze vehicle data points 102 regarding the execution of the audible alert application 14. For example, vehicle data points 102 may relate to the performance and efficiency of the battery 204 of the vehicle 200, where the vehicle 200 is an EV.

[0032] The audible alert system 10 provides an interconnection system for the first ECU 12 to communicate with the second ECU 100 and the corresponding vehicle system 202 when determining whether to execute the audible alert application 14. The first ECU 12 includes data processing hardware 16 and memory hardware 18 communicating with the data processing hardware 16. The memory hardware 18 stores instructions that, when executed on the data processing hardware 16, cause the data processing hardware 16 to perform the operations described herein. The data processing hardware 16 is configured to execute the audible alert application 14 in response to an active driving mode. For example, the audible alert application 14 emits an active alert 20 to indicate to the driver that the associated driving mode is active or desired. The active alert 20 may be a pleasant sound emitted in response to vehicle data points 102 received from the second ECU 100, which typically informs of the driving mode. However, the active alert 20 is not limited to being associated with a driving mode and may reflect the general operating efficiency of the vehicle 200, as described below.

[0033] Reference Figures 2 to 5The second ECU 100 may include multiple ECUs, including but not limited to a battery monitoring ECU, a vehicle system ECU, a motor control ECU, a sound system ECU, and a lighting ECU. The second ECU 100 may also control other systems, including but not limited to a climate system, an infotainment system, and any other feasible systems that may operate as part of the vehicle 200. Therefore, the second ECU 100 monitors various vehicle systems 202 and communicates the corresponding vehicle data points 102 to the first ECU 12. In some examples, the first ECU 12 may correspond to an infotainment ECU that communicates with other vehicle ECUs 100 and is configured to project an active alert 20. The audible alert application 14 of the first ECU 12 uses the vehicle data points 102 received from the second ECU 100 to determine whether to issue an active alert 20.

[0034] Vehicle data point 102 includes, but is not limited to, vehicle speed, vehicle 200 battery 204 ( Figure 1 The vehicle data point 102 also informs the vehicle 200 of its state of charge, environmental control of the vehicle 200, power usage of the battery 204, acceleration of the vehicle 200, deceleration of the vehicle 200, gravity of the vehicle 200 in at least one direction, interior lighting, exterior lighting, and following distance of the vehicle 200. In addition to the internal vehicle system 202, the vehicle data point 102 also informs the vehicle 200 of its state relative to its surrounding environment. For example, the vehicle data point 102 may indicate that the current driving mode corresponds to efficient driving, allowing the first ECU 12 to issue a positive alert 20. The positive alert 20 may be issued via the vehicle 200's speaker system 206. As described herein, the vehicle system 202 may include, but is not limited to, the speaker system 206, the infotainment system 208, the lighting system 210, and the cabin system 212.

[0035] Further reference Figures 2 to 5 The audible alert application 14 is designed to provide the driver of vehicle 200 with information that might otherwise go unnoticed or be unknown to the driver. In a non-limiting example, the driver may typically be unaware of driving habits that could contribute to the overall efficiency of driving the electric vehicle 200. Therefore, the audible alert application 14 helps provide positive alerts 20 when the driver exhibits driving patterns associated with, for example, effective driving. Positive alerts 20 include alert features 22 configured to help the driver identify positive driving patterns and / or convey information that the driver might not understand. For example, alert features 22 can help extend or advantageously operate vehicle 200 to prolong the life of battery 204 or long-term battery health by performing actions based on positive alerts 20 and associated alert features 22.

[0036] The cue feature 22 is configured as part of a customization setting 24 for the active cue 20 to provide the driver or user with options for customizing the active cue 20, as described below. For example, the active cue 20 may convey information related to the efficiency of a driving mode, as it relates to the battery 204 of the vehicle 200. The cue feature 22 may include, but is not limited to, volume 22a, rhythm 22b, and melody 22c, and is designed to provide the driver with a pleasant audible indication that the driver is actively operating the vehicle 200. In other examples, the cue feature 22 may also include harmony, pitch, form, texture, rhythm, tone, timbre, and / or dynamics. Therefore, the cue feature 22 described herein is an example of the type of cue feature 22 that can be configured as part of an audible cue application 14.

[0037] For example, the volume 22a of the positive cue 20 is audible within the interior cabin of the vehicle 200 and can be configured to automatically adjust based on the audio level of the speaker system 206. In some examples, the first ECU 12 can be configured to adjust the volume 22a based on additional audio (i.e., music, podcasts, radio, etc.) that can be played through the speaker system 206, such that the volume 22a can be set relative to a predetermined volume percentage of the speaker system 206. The positive cue 20 can be superimposed on the audio from the speaker system 206. Therefore, the positive cue 20 can be audible in combination with the audio from the speaker system 206 without overpowering the audio from the speaker system 206.

[0038] In other examples, the volume 22a of the positive alert 20 may be fixed relative to the speaker system 206, allowing the additional audio to be adjusted while maintaining the volume 22a of the positive alert 20 at a constant level. The driver may optionally customize the alert characteristic 22 via the audible alert application 14. For example, customization settings 24 of the audible alert application 14 may be displayed on the infotainment system 208. In any example, the positive alert 20 is designed as a subtle alert, making the driver aware of the positive alert 20, but without overwhelming the driver's selected audio.

[0039] Still referencing Figure 2-5 The audible alert application 14 is configured to identify a trend 26 of the audible alert system 10 based on vehicle data points 102. If vehicle data points 102 indicate a decreasing driving mode along trend 26, the audible alert application 14 can issue an alert 28. Trend 26 is based on an alert range 30 predefined by the audible alert system 10 and stored in memory hardware 18. If vehicle data points 102 fall outside the alert range 30 of the audible alert system 10 but tend towards it, the audible alert application 14 will issue an alert 28.

[0040] The prompt range 30 can be a predefined range associated with vehicle data point 102. For example, the prompt range 30 corresponds to, for example, a range such as... Figure 3 The speed of vehicle 200 is shown, and vehicle data point 102 may include driving data 104, which may include the speed of vehicle 200. The audible alert application 14 may use the driving data 104 to determine whether to issue an active alert 20 based on how vehicle data point 102 is distributed relative to alert range 30. When vehicle data point 102 is within alert range 30, active alert 20 is continuously projected and heard by the driver via speaker system 206.

[0041] As described above, the positive cue 20 is configured to a pleasant and / or calm tone associated with positive feedback from the driver. When the driver operates the vehicle 200 within the cue range 30, the audible cue application 14 will execute the positive cue 20 to notify the driver that the vehicle 200 is operating within the expected cue range 30. The audible cue application 14 is configured to execute the positive cue 20 along a gradient, such that as the audible cue application 14 determines that the vehicle data point 102 falls within the cue range 30, the positive cue 20 is gradually projected through the speaker system 206.

[0042] For example, the positive alert 20 includes a first gradient phase 20a and a second gradient phase 20b. The first gradient phase 20a is a gradual change in the alert characteristic 22 (e.g., volume 22a) as the vehicle data point 102 approaches and enters the alert range 30. For example, the positive alert 20 can be modified at a first rate corresponding to the first gradient phase 20a. In some examples, the volume 22a of the positive alert 20 can be increased to a predetermined volume 32 at a first rate. It is conceivable that the first gradient phase 20a is configured to generate or project the positive alert 20 slowly or gradually, while the second gradient phase 20b is configured to warn or otherwise notify the driver that the vehicle data point 102 is approaching outside the alert range 30 by abruptly stopping the projection of the positive alert 20.

[0043] Compared to the first rate during the first gradient phase 20a, the second gradient phase 20b corresponds to the positive cue 20 being modified at a faster second rate. For example, when vehicle data point 102 is outside the cue range 30, the audible cue application 14 rapidly reduces the volume 22a of the positive cue 20, and the lack of feedback (i.e., the positive cue 20) indicates to the driver that the vehicle 200 is operating outside the desired operating area. The second rate corresponding to the second gradient phase 20b is greater than or faster than the first rate corresponding to the first gradient phase 20a, such that the second rate is greater than the first rate. Therefore, the second gradient phase 20b is designed to assist the driver in adjusting the driving mode to remain within the cue range 30 by setting a sharp change in the cue characteristics 22. In other words, the driver will understand that the positive cue 20 is provided at the desired operating area of ​​the vehicle 200.

[0044] In another non-limiting example, the rhythm 22b of the positive cue 20 can be altered based on the first gradient phase 20a and the second gradient phase 20b. For example, as the vehicle data point 102 approaches and enters the cue range 30, the rhythm 22b can gradually increase to a desired rhythm corresponding to the positive cue 20. If the vehicle data point 102 begins to move away from the cue range 30, the rhythm 22b can be changed in a manner corresponding to the second gradient phase 20b. A change in the rhythm 22b in the second gradient phase 20b could be to accelerate the rhythm 22b to clearly inform the driver of the change in the vehicle data point 102 and therefore the change in driving mode. Additionally or alternatively, the rhythm 22b can be rapidly slowed down to eliminate the positive cue 20.

[0045] Figure 3 An exemplary graph of the audible alert system 10 relative to driving data 104 received from the second ECU 100 corresponding to the speed of the vehicle 200 is shown. The alert range 30 is depicted as the speed range of the vehicle 200 (e.g., miles per hour). When the vehicle 200 is traveling within the alert range 30, the audible alert application 14 is configured to perform an active alert 20. A first gradient phase 20a is shown as a gradual projection of the active alert 20 when the driving data 104 falls within the alert range 30, and a second gradient phase 20b is shown as an abrupt termination of the active alert 20 when the driving data 104 moves outside the alert range 30. Typically, the audible alert application 14 monitors vehicle data points 102 to determine whether to modify the active alert 20. Therefore, when the vehicle 200 operates outside the alert range 30, the active alert 20 terminates.

[0046] Compared to the first gradient phase 20a, the audible cue application 14 is configured to alter the cue characteristics 22 of the positive cue 20 to a greater extent relative to the second gradient phase 20b. For example, the first gradient phase 20a can slowly introduce a positive cue to achieve a predefined positive cue 20 by gradually increasing the volume 22a, gradually changing the tempo 22b, and / or gradually adjusting the melody 22c. In contrast, the second gradient phase 20b is designed to set abrupt or other sudden changes in the cue characteristics 22 of the positive cue 20, allowing the driver to easily correlate changes in driving data 104 with changes in the positive cue 20. For example, the second gradient phase 20b... Figure 3 The diagram shows a sharp decrease in the positive alert 20 associated with driving data 104 that has moved outside the alert range 30.

[0047] In some cases, the audible alert application 14 can identify a trend 26 moving toward the alert range 30 and therefore can issue an alert 28. The alert 28 is triggered based on vehicle data points 102 and trend 26. For example, as... Figure 3 As shown, the first ECU 12 can detect that the trend 26 of the driving data 104 is moving towards the cue range 30. As a result, the audible cue application 14 can issue a reminder 28 to encourage the driver to continue to guide the driving data 104 towards the cue range 30. The reminder 28 is configured to produce an audible sound similar to the positive cue 20 to encourage and remind the driver to maintain the vehicle data point 102 within the cue range 30 in a positive association.

[0048] Alert 28 can also be customized to differ from Positive Alert 20 while maintaining a positive sound and association. For example, Positive Alert 20 may have a first audible mode 40, and Alert 28 may have a second audible mode 42. The audible modes 40 and 42 are designed to have different characteristics 22 and 42, so that the driver or user can easily identify and distinguish between Positive Alert 20 and Alert 28. The first audible mode 40 can be configured using the customization setting 24 of Positive Alert 20. The second audible mode 42 can be configured via the alert characteristic 44 of Alert 28. The second audible mode 42 may differ from the first audible mode 40, but may have a characteristic 44 similar to the alert characteristic 22 of Positive Alert 20. In some examples, the alert characteristic 44 may be similar to the alert characteristic 22 to remind and encourage the driver to continue approaching the alert range 30. However, in other examples, the second audible mode 42 may be faster than the first audible mode 40. In any case, Positive Alert 20 and Alert 28 are designed to have pleasant sounds to encourage the driver to operate the vehicle 200 within the alert range 30.

[0049] refer to Figure 4As another example, a graph corresponding to vehicle data point 102 associated with battery data 106 is shown. Battery data 106 may include battery parameters 108, which are used by the audible alert application 14 to monitor battery data 106 with respect to alert range 30. For example, battery parameters 108 may include, but are not limited to, the state of charge of battery 204 and the efficiency of driving mode relative to the lifespan of battery 204. Figure 1 The audible alert application 14 can monitor battery data 106 during vehicle 200 operation and can notify the driver via active alert 20 when the battery 204 efficiency is within the alert range 30. Figure 4 As shown, the indication range 30 is defined as the percentage of the state of charge of battery 204.

[0050] The audible alert system 10 can be used to encourage an effective driving mode by setting the alert range 30 to correspond to a predetermined efficiency range, thereby extending the state of charge of the battery 204. The audible alert application 14 can be used to identify the alert range 30 based on battery data 106 received from the second ECU 100 and predetermined battery parameters 108. The second ECU 100 can modify or otherwise adjust the battery parameters 108 based on the operation of the vehicle system 202 and other vehicle data points 102. Therefore, the battery data 106 may depend on or be influenced by the vehicle data points 102 of each of the vehicle systems 202. For example, the vehicle system 202 includes a cabin system 212, such as a heating and cooling system, and the second ECU 100 can collect cabin data 110 related to the cabin system 212. Depending on the operation of the cabin system 212, as reflected in the cabin data 110, the audible alert system 10 can change the alert range 30 to maximize the efficiency of the battery 204 of the vehicle 200.

[0051] Further reference Figure 2-5 The audible cues application 14 can be configured to overlay multiple positive cues 20 associated with various aspects of vehicle data points 102. In a non-limiting example, a first positive cue 20 may be associated with battery data 106, and a second positive cue 20 may be associated with driving data 104. In this example, the first positive cue 20 may be overlaid with the second positive cue 20 when the vehicle 200 operates within the desired cue range 30 associated with battery data 106 and the cue range 30 associated with driving data 104. The first positive cue 20 may differ from the second positive cue 20 based on the cue characteristics 22 of each positive cue 20, such that the cue characteristics 22 may differ but may be harmonious to maintain a positive or pleasant audio experience of the positive cues 20.

[0052] refer to Figure 6In some examples, the audible cue system 10 may include an audible cue model 50 configured with a model trainer 52. The model trainer 52 is configured to obtain training data 54 for training the audible cue model 50. The audible cue model 50 is configured as a machine learning model such that the model trainer 52 is configured to train the machine learning model 50 based on the training data 54. The model trainer 52 may retrieve the training data 54 from, for example, a vehicle system 202, such that the training data 54 includes, but is not limited to, vehicle data points 102. The training data 54 may also include any type of data that the audible cue model 50 is trained to receive. For example, the training data 54 may include battery data 106 and driving data 104. The audible cue model 50 is trained to predict the future cue range 30 based on the training data 54.

[0053] When model trainer 52 is executed, audible cue application 14 may enter training mode 56. During training mode 56, audible cue application 14 may be inoperable to execute active cue 20 because it may be being trained by model trainer 52 to recognize cue range 30. Since active cue 20 typically depends on cue range 30, model trainer 52 effectively determines when to execute active cue 20 during training mode 56. In some examples, audible cue application 14 may execute audible cue model 50 and training mode 56 during the initial setup of vehicle 200, such that cue range 30 is established at the forefront of vehicle 200 operation based on training data 54. In other examples, audible cue application 14 may execute training mode 56 intermittently to update cue range 30 and improve audible cue system 10 based on training data 54 (i.e., vehicle data point 102) that may be available during vehicle 200 operation.

[0054] refer to Figure 7 An example flowchart of the audible alert system 10 is shown. At 400, the first ECU 12 receives vehicle data point 102 and executes audible alert application 14 at 402. Then, at 404, vehicle data point 102 is compared with alert range 30. At 406, the first ECU 12 determines whether vehicle data point 102 is within alert range 30. If vehicle data point 102 is within alert range 30, audible alert application 14 executes positive alert 20 at 408.

[0055] If vehicle data point 102 is not within the alert range 30, the first ECU 12 determines at 410 whether vehicle data point 102 is approaching the alert range 30. If vehicle data point 102 is approaching the alert range 30, the audible alert application 14 executes alert 28 at 412. Once alert 28 is executed, the audible alert application 14 returns to compare vehicle data point 102 with the alert range 30 to monitor whether positive alert 20 is executed. Similarly, if the audible alert application 14 determines via the first ECU 12 that vehicle data point 102 is not approaching the alert range 30, the audible alert application 14 will not execute alert 28 and will continue to compare vehicle data point 102 with the alert range 30.

[0056] Refer again Figures 1 to 7 The audible cue system 10 helps guide and encourage active driving modes by providing positive cues 20 to the driver during operation of the vehicle 200. Advantageously, the positive cues 20 are determined within a cue range 30 that optimizes the performance of the vehicle 200. The audible cue application 14 is automatically enabled as part of the first ECU 12. However, the driver can adjust the cue setting 00 to modify the cue parameters 00 and / or disable the audible cue application 14. Furthermore, the audible cue system 10 can utilize machine learning through the audible cue model 50 of the audible cue application 14 for the initial training and setup of the audible cue system 10. In addition, the audible cue system 10 can also utilize the audible cue model 50 to perform future or additional training on the audible cue system 10 based on training data 54 collected during operation of the vehicle 200.

[0057] Many embodiments have been described. However, it should be understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. Therefore, other embodiments are within the scope of the appended claims.

[0058] The foregoing description is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes. It is not intended to be exhaustive or limiting of this disclosure. Elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, but are interchangeable where applicable and can be used in selected configurations, even if not specifically shown or described. They can also be varied in many ways. Such variations should not be considered as departing from this disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A computer-implemented method, when executed by data processing hardware, causes the data processing hardware to perform operations, the operations including: Receives one or more vehicle data points at the first electronic control unit (ECU); The first ECU executes an audible prompt application configured with positive and prompting features; Compare the one or more vehicle data points with the indicated range; Based on a comparison of the one or more vehicle data points with the cue range, a positive cue from the audible cue application is output via the vehicle's speaker system; Monitor one or more vehicle data points; as well as The positive alert is modified based on one or more vehicle data points monitored.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The output of positive prompts includes continuously projecting the positive prompts when one or more vehicle data points are within the prompt range.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein, Modifying the positive prompt includes changing at least one of the prompt characteristics, the positive prompt including a first audible mode.

4. The method of claim 3, further comprising issuing an alert in response to one or more monitored vehicle data points, the alert including an active alert prompt having a second audible mode.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein, Issuing an alert involves identifying a trend relative to the alert range, and issuing an alert when the identified trend tends toward the alert range.

6. The method according to claim 4, wherein, The second audible mode is faster than the first audible mode.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The output of a positive prompt includes increasing the volume of the positive prompt to a predetermined volume at a first rate.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, Modifying the positive prompt includes reducing the volume of the positive prompt at a second rate, which is greater than the first rate.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising issuing an alert in response to one or more monitored vehicle data points being outside the alert range.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more vehicle data points include at least one of the following: vehicle speed, battery state of charge, vehicle environmental control, battery power usage, vehicle acceleration, vehicle deceleration, vehicle gravity in at least one direction, and vehicle following distance.

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