System and method for detecting a pattern of automatic temperature cancellation

Abstract

System, comprising: a fleet of vehicles, each vehicle (10) comprising: a climate controller (12) with a manual temperature control mode and an automatic temperature control mode, wherein the automatic temperature control mode is configured to control climate actuators (18) in the vehicle (10) in response to a model (13) that links detected climate conditions in the vehicle (10) with respective operating settings; a buffer memory (20) configured to periodically store sampling vectors consisting of respective operational settings and respective detected climate conditions; a user interface in the vehicle (10) that is configured to respond to a user's cancel commands to change respective operational settings while the automatic temperature control mode is running; and a wireless communication system configured to send data packets to a remote server (24) when the user generates a cancel command, each data packet consisting of multiple stored sample vectors and a label for the cancel command; and a central database associated with the remote server (24) which is set up to receive the data packets from the vehicle fleet in order to identify patterns within the received sample vectors that are associated with the same cancel command.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates generally to motor vehicle climate control systems and in particular to a system and method for monitoring a mode of automatic temperature control and adjusting the implementation or developing corrective measures in response to user actions that override automatic climate control settings.

[0002] HVAC systems (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems) regulate the climate in transport vehicles, such as cars, to maintain the thermal comfort of the vehicle occupants. Typically, a multi-stage fan directs air through heat exchangers and delivers conditioned air to various points within the passenger compartment. Warm air can be supplied by a heating element that absorbs heat, for example, from a coolant flowing in an internal combustion engine. Cool air can be obtained from a conventional air conditioning system with a motor-driven compressor and an evaporator.

[0003] The simplest climate control systems in motor vehicles offer the occupant direct control over the intensity of the heating or cooling, the operating speed of the fan, the relative amount of airflow to different vents, and the ratio of fresh air to recirculated air. However, this requires the user to continuously monitor and adjust the climate control settings to maintain thermal comfort.

[0004] Automatic temperature control systems were also introduced, in which a feedback control system monitors the ambient air temperature inside the passenger cabin and elsewhere, and automatically adjusts the fan speed, airflow settings, and heating core or air conditioning operation to maintain a desired temperature setting. In some vehicles, multiple zones with separate automatic temperature control, each with its own target temperature setting, were implemented.

[0005] A typical electronic automatic temperature control (EATC) system allows the HVAC system user to select either manual or automatic control (auto mode). When auto mode is selected, the EATC software uses various inputs to determine settings for the different outputs in order to maintain a user-specified temperature setpoint. If the user desires an HVAC function that differs from the settings determined by auto mode, the user interface will continue to monitor for user control action, such as pressing a button, to override one or more output settings and / or change the temperature setpoint.

[0006] Complex algorithms have been developed to help ensure that the automatic mode responds correctly to changing environmental and other conditions, such as outside and inside temperatures, humidity, and solar exposure, to provide thermal comfort for the occupants. Developing suitable control algorithms (i.e., models) that are satisfactory for all typical users for every different vehicle model is a complicated task. Testing the control system under every possible combination of conditions can be impractical or prohibitively expensive. Furthermore, user acceptance or non-acceptance of a given algorithm's performance can only be discovered in general terms through surveys, warranty measures, or other broad characterizations. Therefore, it would be desirable to be able to better monitor user interactions with automatic controls.

[0007] EP 1 335 255 A2 discloses a method for calibrating a control system of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, comprising the following steps: reading data relating to user preferences from data storage means connected to a first control system of an HVAC system, wherein the data relating to user preferences is stored as a result of user interventions on the HVAC system, and transferring basic control data based on the data relating to user preferences to a control system of an HVAC system to be calibrated, wherein the basic control data enables the control system to operate in an automatic mode.

[0008] US Patent 5,442,553 A discloses a transceiver and an additional memory connected to the microprocessor in a vehicle, allowing all or selected parts of the operating data to be stored in memory and periodically transmitted to a remote station. The data is diagnosed at the remote station, and in the case of minor repairs, a correction is sent back to the vehicle. The information gathered from a large number of vehicles is used by the manufacturer to determine whether a problem is typical for a particular model and to implement repairs and / or model changes.

[0009] In one aspect of the present invention, a system is provided that includes a fleet of vehicles. Each vehicle comprises a climate controller with a manual mode and an automatic mode. The automatic mode controls climate actuators in the vehicle in response to a model that correlates detected climate conditions in the vehicle with respective operating settings. The vehicle has a buffer memory that periodically stores sample vectors consisting of the respective operating settings and the respective detected climate conditions. A user interface in the vehicle responds to a user's override commands to change the respective operating settings while the automatic mode is running. Each vehicle has a wireless communication system that sends data packets to a remote server when the user generates an override command. Each data packet consists of several stored sample vectors and a label for the override command.A central database associated with the remote server receives the data packets from the vehicle fleet to identify patterns within the received sample vectors that are associated with the same cancel command. Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle fleet and a central server (remote server) according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Fig. Figure 2 represents an updated model for an automatic mode of the invention. Fig. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing a preferred method of the invention taking place in the vehicle. Fig. Figure 4 is a flowchart showing a preferred method of the invention that does not take place in the vehicle.

[0010] The present invention is applicable to any automatic temperature control system in a vehicle. A typical automatic system is disclosed in US Patent 5,549,152 A, which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference. Also incorporated in its entirety by reference is US Patent 6,454,178 B1, which discloses a controller for automatic temperature control in which manual overrides of an automatic control are monitored and recorded. Based on the recorded monitoring, control coefficients in the controller are adaptively modified to optimize the automatic operation for a given user.However, implementing a localized adaptive control system 1) requires additional data processing resources and additional storage, thus increasing costs, and 2) neither identifies the vehicle designer / manufacturer nor provides any feedback on any deficiencies in the control model or regarding the user's understanding of the intended EATC operation.

[0011] Now with reference to Fig. Vehicle 10, equipped with an electronic automatic temperature control system, is a member of a fleet of similarly equipped vehicles, the remainder of the fleet being represented by Block 11. Vehicle 10 includes an EATC (automatic climate control) 12, including a model 13, which operates in an auto mode as known in the prior art. A control head 14 is coupled to the climate control 12 and includes a user interface, such as buttons and switches, allowing a user to either perform manual control or select auto mode. In auto mode, the control head 14 continues to respond to the user to generate override commands.

[0012] The climate controller 12 responds to a wide variety of input signals, for example, from sensors 15, a powertrain control module (PCM) 16, a body module 17, and a communication module 21. The sensors 15 can include left and right solar load sensors, an outside (ambient) temperature sensor, an engine coolant temperature sensor, a humidity sensor located inside the vehicle, a driver's cabin temperature sensor, and various temperature sensors located in the respective airflow ducts, as is known in the prior art. The PCM 16 can provide input data signals that include vehicle speed, engine speed, and a remote start status signal. The body module 17 can provide other information signals, such as the position of movable windows. A cellular communication module 21 provides a mobile device (e.g., a smartphone) with the vehicle's operating system.Telephone status signal to a climate controller 12 to indicate when a voice call is in progress (for example, to reduce the fan speed during a call).

[0013] Based on the acquired signals and the received data signals, together with the current values ​​for various controlled outputs of the EATC system (for example, mixing damper position, recirculation setting status, airflow mode, and fan speed), the climate controller 12 uses the model 13 to derive operating settings for the system hardware, such as several actuators 18 (climate control actuators). The actuators 18 may preferably include a multi-stage fan, airflow control dampers (such as a mixing damper to change the ratio of heated to cooled air, and register control dampers to select an air recirculation mode for selective delivery of air, for example, to panel registers, a floor duct, and / or defroster registers). The actuators 18 may further include controllable elements or settings for the heating and cooling functions, such as an engine coolant flow valve and an evaporator setpoint temperature.

[0014] While the EATC 12 uses the model 13 to implement suitable settings for the actuators 18 based on a user-controlled temperature setpoint entered via the control head 14, periodic data collection is carried out to store the captured environmental variables and current values ​​for the operating / actuator settings in a buffer memory 20.

[0015] In particular, at each sampling time, the respective operating settings and recorded climatic conditions are stored as a sampling vector with a predetermined content and format. In a preferred embodiment, a new sampling vector can be stored, for example, once every 30 seconds. The buffer memory 20 preferably has a size sufficient to record sampling vectors for approximately 20 minutes (for example, approximately 40 sampling vectors). If a sampling vector is collected when the buffer memory 20 is already full, the oldest sampling vector is discarded.

[0016] When operating in Auto mode, and when the user performs an action to generate a cancel command using the control head 14, a data packet is assembled and sent to the communication module 21. This packet consists of 1) the sample vectors in the buffer memory 20 and 2) an identifier of the respective cancel command that was generated. A cellular modem 22 in the vehicle 10, as part of the communication module 21, transmits the data packet via a cellular network 23 to a server 24, which stores a central database and performs data aggregation of data packets from the vehicle 10 and from other vehicles 11 in the fleet that also communicate with the network 23.As described in more detail below, the data packets and the central database maintained on server 24 provide input data to an analysis block 25 for identifying patterns within the received sample vectors that are associated with the same cancel command.

[0017] Known software algorithms can be used in analysis block 25 to detect cause-and-effect patterns within the data. The identified patterns reveal customer behavior that is exhibited across the entire vehicle fleet in response to similar environmental conditions. Depending on the identified pattern, a revised strategy 26 can be determined, which can be implemented using a revised model that can be remotely transmitted back to vehicle 10 and other vehicles 11 in the fleet to improve the execution of Auto Mode. On the other hand, the identified patterns may instead indicate a widespread misunderstanding or error regarding the correct operation of the automatic temperature control.In that case, revised user information and / or additional training materials can be developed and distributed to vehicle users, thus avoiding erroneous or unnecessary cancel commands.

[0018] When a data packet is created, the data preferably covers a single predetermined interval of essentially continuous operation in Auto mode. If a cancel command is generated before the buffer memory 20 is full, only the sample vectors collected during the current moment of Auto mode operation should be included in the data packet.

[0019] The data package preferably also includes a vehicle identification number (VIN), allowing data analysis to incorporate other aspects of the vehicle, such as the engine type or equipment variant. Additional data can include on-board statistics, such as the number of cancellations generated per trip or the total number of cancellations generated within the vehicle, enabling data analysis to determine whether cancellations are widespread across the fleet or generated by only a small percentage of vehicles.

[0020] Fig. Figure 2 shows Model 13 as a transfer function between multiple inputs and multiple outputs. Inputs can include detected temperatures (for example, ambient outside temperature, passenger compartment inside temperatures, and respective temperatures within panel ducts and floor ducts near the outlet registers, or temperatures within heated or cooled seats), temperature setpoints (such as left / driver and right / occupant zone temperature settings), detected humidity, detected air quality, climate control status (for example, on or off), telephone status (for example, in-course call), window opening positions, vehicle speed, engine speed, and remote start status.Outputs may include a blower speed command signal, HVAC flap position command signals (for example, to control air recirculation modes such as defroster, floor, and panel registers, as well as a mixing flap setting and a recirculation setting). Outputs may also include climate control settings, such as a target evaporator temperature or a compressor duty cycle. The captured inputs and outputs may also correspond to a rear-seat climate control system. Heater output settings from the Model 13 may also control the flow of engine coolant delivered to a heater core. The transfer function in the Model 13 may be characterized by several parameters and / or rules developed as part of a vehicle model design.Parameter updates can be fed to the model transfer function 13 to modify the characteristics of the automatic temperature control function.

[0021] Fig. Figure 3 shows a preferred method to be carried out within each individual vehicle. In step 30, the user activates the automatic mode of the climate control. As used in the present invention, the automatic mode includes a semi-automatic mode in which the driver can accept a preset temperature while, for example, making a manual selection for the fan speed. Thus, the invention would continue to monitor for other types of overrides even if the fan speed has been manually set.

[0022] After initializing the buffer memory in step 31 by deleting old data, in step 32 the climate control system periodically stores the inputs and outputs that characterize the overall environmental conditions and the EATC response as a sample vector in the buffer memory. A new sample vector is stored every x seconds (for example, approximately every 30 seconds). In step 33, a check is performed to determine whether the driver has initiated a disengagement action. If not, the sample vectors continue to be collected in step 32 at the predetermined rate. If a driver disengagement action is detected, buffer data, consisting of several sample vectors along with an identifier of the specific disengagement action initiated by the driver, is packaged into a data packet covering the last y minutes of Auto mode. The data packet is transmitted remotely to the central database in step 34.In a preferred embodiment, the data collection period y can be approximately 20 minutes. The user override command can, for example, consist of a change in fan speed or an air recirculation mode. Alternatively, an override command can also include a change in the temperature previously set by an occupant, which may indicate that an occupant is not experiencing the thermal comfort expected based on their usual temperature setting.

[0023] Using the wireless communication system in each vehicle of the fleet, the central database, which is located on a remote server, can be accessed as described in Fig. 1 shown, can be searched to reveal patterns in user behavior and / or deficiencies in auto-mode execution. As shown in Fig.As shown in Figure 4, the aggregated data can be applied to a pattern recognition system 40. Using known statistical, mathematical, or other techniques, the pattern recognition system 40 outputs correlation patterns 41 that define common customer behavior patterns that occur under similar or identical conditions. Using these patterns, an expert review 42 determines whether a workable software change can be implemented to reduce or eliminate the user behaviors that generated the patterns. Strategy changes developed by the expert review 42 can be captured in parameter updates, which can then be wirelessly transmitted back to the models in every vehicle within the fleet. Alternatively, the expert review 42 can determine that a pattern 41 results from incorrect customer knowledge of the correct system operation.In this case, the expert review generates 42 customer knowledge measures, such as modifications to the user manual or revised website information, which can be published to better educate customers and / or train vehicle dealers on the correct use of the EATC system.

Claims

[1] System comprising: a fleet of vehicles, each vehicle (10) comprising: a climate controller (12) with a manual temperature control mode and an automatic temperature control mode, wherein the automatic temperature control mode is configured to control climate actuators (18) in the vehicle (10) in response to a model (13) that links detected climate conditions in the vehicle (10) with respective operating settings; a buffer memory (20) configured to periodically store sampling vectors consisting of respective operational settings and respective detected climate conditions; a user interface in the vehicle (10) that is configured to respond to a user's cancel commands to change respective operational settings while the automatic temperature control mode is running; and a wireless communication system configured to send data packets to a remote server (24) when the user generates a cancel command, each data packet consisting of multiple stored sample vectors and a label for the cancel command; and a central database associated with the remote server (24) which is set up to receive the data packets from the vehicle fleet in order to identify patterns within the received sample vectors that are associated with the same cancel command. [2] System according to claim 1, wherein the data packet covers a predetermined interval of substantially continuous operation of the automatic temperature control mode. [3] System according to claim 1, wherein the climate actuators (18) include a multi-stage blower and several airflow control flaps, wherein air circulated by the blower is distributed by means of channels according to the respective positions of the airflow control flaps. [4] System according to claim 3, wherein the respective operating settings comprise a blower speed, an airflow mode and a target duct temperature. [5] System according to claim 1, wherein the cancellation commands comprise a change in fan speed and a change in air recirculation mode. [6] System according to claim 1, wherein the cancellation commands comprise a change in the temperature previously set by the occupant. [7] System according to claim 1, further comprising: a modified model derived from the identified patterns and stored on the remote server (24), wherein the remote server (24) transmits the modified model to climate controllers (12) of the vehicle fleet via the wireless communication systems, and wherein the climate controllers (12) are designed to receive the modified model. [8] Procedure comprising the following steps: Operating multiple climate controllers (12) in multiple vehicles (10) in an automatic temperature control mode, wherein the automatic temperature control mode uses a model (13) that links detected climate conditions in each respective vehicle (10) with respective operating settings for climate actuators (18); periodic storage of sampling vectors in respective vehicle memories, each sampling vector consisting of respective operation settings and respective recorded climate conditions at respective sampling times; Detecting manual override commands in respective vehicles (10), wherein a user modifies an actuator setting from a value set by the automatic temperature control mode; Transmitting data packets to a remote server (24) when a respective user generates one of the cancel commands, each data packet consisting of several stored sample vectors and an identifier for the corresponding cancel command; Compressing multiple data packets from at least some of the multiple vehicles (10) into a central database; Identifying patterns within the sample vectors in the central database that are associated with the same cancel command; and Identifying changes to the automatic temperature control mode to reduce the probability of a future occurrence of the override command. [9] Method according to claim 8, wherein each data packet covers a predetermined interval of substantially continuous operation of the automatic temperature control mode in a respective vehicle (10). [10] Method according to claim 8, wherein the climate actuators (18) include a multi-stage blower and several airflow control flaps, wherein air circulated by the blower is distributed by means of channels according to the respective positions of the airflow control flaps. [11] Method according to claim 10, wherein the respective operating settings comprise a blower speed, an airflow mode and a target duct temperature. [12] Method according to claim 8, wherein the user cancel commands include a fan speed change and an air recirculation mode change. [13] Method according to claim 8, wherein the user override commands include a change to the temperature previously set by the occupant. [14] Method comprising the following: automatic control of temperatures in vehicles (10) with a model (13) for determining operating settings; Storing sampling vectors in respective vehicles (10) of operating settings and recorded conditions at respective times; wireless transmission of stored sampling vectors and a labeling of corresponding cancel commands to a remote server (24) in response to a cancel command; Identifying patterns within the sampling vectors and identifying changes to the model (13) to reduce the probability of a future occurrence of the revocation order.

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