METHOD FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION RELATING TO THE STATUS OF AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE

Abstract

A method for providing information related to the charging status of an electric vehicle includes monitoring vehicle charging status information with a system controller connected to an electrical system within the vehicle, and displaying vehicle charging status information with the system controller to a person near the vehicle.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for providing information related to a charging status of an electric vehicle.

[0002] With the increasing number of electric vehicles and the limited number of available charging stations, it is important to use the charging infrastructure efficiently to both reduce waiting time and provide the user and others in a queue with live information about the charging status, charging speed and the estimated time remaining until the desired charge level is reached, as well as to report a non-functioning charging station to the owner in order to keep maintenance providers informed and ensure timely repair.

[0003] Consequently, while the current systems and methods serve their intended purpose, there is a need for a new and improved system and method for providing information related to a charging status of an electric vehicle. SUMMARY

[0004] According to several aspects of the present disclosure, a method for providing information related to a charging status of an electric vehicle includes monitoring information related to a charging status of the vehicle with a system controller in communication with an electrical system within the vehicle, and displaying the information related to a charging status of the vehicle with the system controller to a person proximate the vehicle.

[0005] According to another aspect, monitoring information related to a charging status of the vehicle with the system controller in communication with the electrical system within the vehicle further comprises monitoring with the system controller at least one of: a charging state of the electrical system within the vehicle; a charging rate of the electrical system within the vehicle when the vehicle is connected to a charging station; a time remaining until the vehicle is charged to a predetermined threshold when the vehicle is connected to a charging station; and an operational status of a charging station connected to the vehicle.

[0006] In another aspect, monitoring a time remaining until the vehicle is charged to a predetermined threshold when the vehicle is connected to a charging station further comprises, with the system controller, calculating the predetermined threshold based on one of: when the vehicle is fully charged; and when the vehicle is sufficiently charged to allow the vehicle to travel from the charging station to a scheduled destination.

[0007] According to another aspect, displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle with the system controller to a person near the vehicle further comprises displaying with an internal / external display system that is in communication with the system controller and is configured to project information related to the charging status of the vehicle onto a window surface of the vehicle, wherein the projected information is visible from inside the vehicle and from outside the vehicle.

[0008] In another aspect, displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle with the system controller to a person near the vehicle further comprises at least one of: actuating at least one exterior light of the vehicle with a lighting system within the vehicle and in communication with the system controller; and actuating an audible device with the system controller.

[0009] According to another aspect, displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle with the system controller to a person near the vehicle further comprises displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle on a surface adjacent to the vehicle with an externally mounted projector in communication with the system controller.

[0010] According to another aspect, displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle with the system controller to a person near the vehicle further comprises displaying light outward from the vehicle onto floating particles near the vehicle with an externally mounted projector in communication with the system controller and generating a three-dimensional image containing information related to the charging status of the vehicle.

[0011] According to another aspect, displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle with the system controller to a person near the vehicle further comprises: sending information related to the charging status of the vehicle with the system controller to a connected charging station; and displaying the information related to the charging status of the vehicle with a display associated with the charging station.

[0012] According to another aspect, displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle with the system controller to a person near the vehicle further comprises: sending information related to the charging status of the vehicle with the system controller to a personal device associated with a person; and displaying the information related to the charging status of the vehicle with the personal device.

[0013] According to another aspect, displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle with the system controller to a person near the vehicle further comprises displaying with a vehicle infotainment system that is in communication with the system controller and is configured to display information related to the charging status of the vehicle within a human-machine interface of the infotainment system.

[0014] In another aspect, displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle with the system controller to a person proximate the vehicle further comprises displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle with the system controller to a person proximate the vehicle when a status request is initiated by at least one of: a manual request by a person within the vehicle; a manual request by a remote person via a personal device; automatically based on a distance to a destination, travel time to the destination, and the current charging status of the vehicle; and automatically based on the current charging status of the vehicle and the proximity of the vehicle to a charging station.

[0015] According to several aspects of the present disclosure, a system for providing information related to a charging status of an electric vehicle comprises a system controller in communication with an electrical system within the vehicle, the system controller configured to: monitor information related to a charging status of the vehicle, including at least one of: a state of charge of the electrical system within the vehicle; a charging rate of the electrical system within the vehicle when the vehicle is connected to a charging station; a time remaining until the vehicle is charged to a predetermined threshold when the vehicle is connected to a charging station, the system controller configured to determine the predetermined threshold based on one of: when the vehicle is fully charged;and when the vehicle is sufficiently charged to allow the vehicle to travel from the charging station to a scheduled destination; and an operational status of a charging station connected to the vehicle; and for a person near the vehicle, display at least one of: a state of charge of the electrical system within the vehicle; a charging rate of the electrical system within the vehicle when the vehicle is connected to a charging station; a time remaining until the vehicle is charged to the predetermined threshold when the vehicle is connected to a charging station; and an operational status of a charging station connected to the vehicle.;

[0016] According to another aspect, when displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle, the system controller is further configured to display information related to the charging status of the vehicle onto a window surface of the vehicle with an internal / external display system in communication with the system controller and configured to project information related to the charging status of the vehicle onto a window surface of the vehicle, wherein the projected information is visible from inside the vehicle and from outside the vehicle.

[0017] According to another aspect, when displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle, the system controller is further configured to: operate at least one exterior light of the vehicle with a lighting system within the vehicle and in communication with the system controller; and / or operate an audible device with the system controller.

[0018] According to another aspect, when displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle, the system controller is further configured to: display information related to the charging status of the vehicle on a surface adjacent to the vehicle with an externally mounted projector in communication with the system controller; and / or display light outward from the vehicle onto suspended particles in the vicinity of the vehicle with an externally mounted projector in communication with the system controller and generate a three-dimensional image containing information related to the charging status of the vehicle.

[0019] According to another aspect, when displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle, the system controller is further configured to: send information related to the charging status of the vehicle to a connected charging station; and display the information related to the charging status of the vehicle with a display associated with the charging station.

[0020] According to another aspect, when displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle, the system controller is further configured to: send information related to the charging status of the vehicle to a personal device associated with a person; and display the information related to the charging status of the vehicle with the personal device.

[0021] According to another aspect, when displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle, the system controller is further configured to communicate with a vehicle infotainment system that is in communication with the system controller and is configured to display information related to the charging status of the vehicle within a human-machine interface of the infotainment system.

[0022] According to another aspect, the system controller is further configured to display information related to the charging status of the vehicle to a person proximate the vehicle when a status request is initiated by at least one of: a manual request by a person within the vehicle; a manual request by a remote person via a personal device; automatically based on a distance to a destination, travel time to the destination, and the current charging status of the vehicle; and automatically based on the current charging status of the vehicle and the proximity of the vehicle to a charging station.

[0023] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way; they show: Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle having a system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a system according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. Figure 3 is a schematic front view of a vehicle connected to a charging station; Fig. 4 a schematic side view of the Fig. 3 vehicle shown; Fig. 5 is a schematic view of a hybrid augmented reality head-up display system for the system; Fig. 6 is a schematic illustration of a substrate for the windshield of the vehicle according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. 7 an enlarged section after Fig. 4, as in Fig. 6 is indicated by the circle labelled ‘7’; Fig. 8A is a schematic front view of a vehicle connected to a charging station with the vehicle's headlights flashing; Fig. 8B is a schematic side view of the Fig. 8B shown vehicle; Fig. Figure 9 is a schematic front view of a vehicle connected to a charging station with externally mounted projectors displaying information on a surface adjacent to the vehicle; Fig. 10 is a schematic front view of a vehicle connected to a charging station with a system controller sending information to a personal device associated with an individual; Fig. 11 a schematic view of the interior of the Fig. 10 vehicle shown; and Fig. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0025] The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized, such as to show the details of specific components. In some instances, well-known components, systems, materials, or methods have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The following description is merely exemplary and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary, or the following detailed description. It should be appreciated that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference characters indicate like or corresponding parts and features.As used herein, the term module refers to any hardware, software, firmware, electronic control component, processing logic, and / or processor device, individually or in any combination, including, without limitation, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory executing one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and / or other suitable components that provide the described functionality. Although the figures shown herein illustrate an example with particular arrangements of elements, in actual embodiments, additional intervening elements, devices, features, or components may be present.It should also be recognized that the figures are merely illustrative and may not be drawn to scale.

[0027] As used herein, the term "vehicle" is not limited to passenger cars. Although the present technology is described primarily in the context of passenger cars, it is not limited to passenger cars. The concepts can be used in a wide variety of applications, such as those related to aircraft, watercraft, other vehicles, and consumer electronics components.

[0028] According to an exemplary embodiment, Fig. 1 shows an electric vehicle 10 with an associated system 11 for providing information related to a charging status of the electric vehicle 10 according to various embodiments. In general, the system 11 operates in conjunction with other systems within the vehicle 10 to display various information and infotainment content for the occupant. The vehicle 10 generally includes a chassis 12, a body 14, the front wheels 16, and the rear wheels 18. The body 14 is disposed on the chassis 12 and substantially encloses the components of the vehicle 10. The body 14 and the chassis 12 may together form a frame. The front wheels 16 and the rear wheels 18 are each rotatably coupled to the chassis 12 near a corresponding corner of the body 14.

[0029] According to various embodiments, the vehicle 10 is an autonomous vehicle, and the system 11 is incorporated into the autonomous vehicle 10. An autonomous vehicle 10 is, for example, a vehicle 10 that is automatically controlled to transport passengers from one location to another. The vehicle 10 is depicted as a passenger car in the illustrated embodiment, but it should be recognized that any other vehicle, including motorcycles, trucks, sport utility vehicles (SUVs), recreational vehicles (RVs), etc., may also be used. According to one exemplary embodiment, the vehicle 10 is equipped with a so-called Level Four or Level Five automation system.A Level Four system indicates "high automation," which refers to the driving mode-specific execution of all aspects of the dynamic driving task by an automated driving system, even if a human driver does not respond appropriately to a request for intervention. A Level Five system indicates "full automation," which refers to the full-time execution of all aspects of the dynamic driving task by an automated driving system under all road and environmental conditions that can be managed by a human driver.

[0030] As shown, the vehicle 10 generally includes a drive system 20, a transmission system 22, a steering system 24, a braking system 26, a sensor system 28, an actuator system 30, at least one data storage device 32, a vehicle controller 34, and a communication system 36. According to an embodiment in which the vehicle 10 is an electric vehicle, no transmission system 22 may be present. The drive system 20 may, according to various embodiments, include an internal combustion engine, an electric machine such as a traction motor, and / or a fuel cell drive system. The transmission system 22 is configured to transfer power from the drive system 20 to the front wheels 16 and the rear wheels 18 of the vehicle according to selectable gear ratios. According to various embodiments, the transmission system 22 may include a stepped-ratio automatic transmission, a continuously variable transmission, or other suitable transmission.The braking system 26 is configured to provide braking torque to the front wheels 16 and the rear wheels 18 of the vehicle. The braking system 26 may include friction brakes, an electromechanical brake, a regenerative braking system such as an electric machine, and / or other suitable braking systems, according to various embodiments. The steering system 24 influences a position of the front wheels 16 and the rear wheels 18. While a steering wheel is shown included for illustrative purposes, the steering system 24 may not include a steering wheel, according to some embodiments contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0031] The sensor system 28 includes one or more sensing devices 40a-40n that sense observable conditions of the external environment and / or the internal environment of the autonomous vehicle 10. The sensing devices 40a-40n may include, but are not limited to, radars, lidars, global positioning systems, optical cameras, thermal cameras, ultrasonic sensors, and / or other sensors. The cameras may include two or more digital cameras spaced apart by a selected distance, wherein the two or more digital cameras are used to obtain stereo images of the surrounding environment to obtain a three-dimensional image. The plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n are used to determine information about an environment surrounding the vehicle 10.According to an exemplary embodiment, the plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n includes at least one of an engine speed sensor, an engine torque sensor, an electric drive motor voltage and / or current sensor, an accelerator pedal position sensor, a coolant temperature sensor, a cooling fan speed sensor, and a transmission oil temperature sensor. According to another exemplary embodiment, the plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n further includes sensors for determining information about the environment surrounding the vehicle 10, e.g., an ambient air temperature sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, and / or a photo and / or video camera positioned to view the environment in front of the vehicle 10. According to another exemplary embodiment, at least one of the plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n can measure distances in the environment surrounding the vehicle 10.

[0032] According to one non-limiting example, where the plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n includes a camera, the plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n measure distances using an image processing algorithm configured to process images from the camera and determine distances between objects. According to another non-limiting example, the plurality of vehicle sensors 40a-40n includes a stereo camera with distance measurement capabilities. According to one example, at least one of the plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n is mounted inside the vehicle 10, e.g., in a headliner of the vehicle 10, having a view through the windshield 56 of the vehicle 10. According to another example, at least one of the plurality of sensing devices 40a-40n is mounted outside the vehicle 10, e.g., on a roof of the vehicle 10, having a view of the environment surrounding the vehicle 10.It should be appreciated that various additional types of sensing devices, such as LiDAR sensors, ultrasonic ranging sensors, radar sensors, and / or time-of-flight sensors, are within the scope of the present disclosure. Actuator system 30 includes, but is not limited to, one or more actuator devices 42a-42n that control one or more features of vehicle 10, such as, but not limited to, propulsion system 20, transmission system 22, steering system 24, and braking system 26.

[0033] The vehicle controller 34 includes at least one processor 44 and a computer-readable storage device or media 46. The at least one data processor 44 may be any custom or off-the-shelf processor, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an auxiliary processor among multiple processors associated with the vehicle controller 34, a semiconductor-based microprocessor (in the form of a microchip or chipset), a macroprocessor, any combination thereof, or generally any device for executing instructions. The computer-readable storage device or media 46 may include volatile and non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and persistent memory (RAM).KAM is a permanent or non-volatile memory that can be used to store various operating variables while the at least one data processor 44 is powered off. The computer-readable storage device or media 46 can be implemented using any number of known storage devices, such as PROMs (programmable read-only memory), EPROMs (electrically PROM), EEPROMs (electrically erasable PROM), flash memory, or any other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combination storage devices capable of storing data, some of which represents executable instructions used by the controller 34 in controlling the vehicle 10.

[0034] The instructions may include one or more separate programs, each containing an ordered list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions. The instructions, when executed by the at least one processor 44, receive and process signals from the sensor system 28, execute logic, calculations, methods, and / or algorithms for automatically controlling the components of the vehicle 10, and generate control signals for the actuator system 30 to automatically control the components of the vehicle 10 based on the logic, calculations, methods, and / or algorithms. Although in Fig. 1 only one controller 34 is shown, embodiments of the vehicle 10 may include any number of controllers 34 that communicate via any suitable communication medium or combination of communication media and that cooperate to process the sensor signals, execute logic, calculations, methods and / or algorithms, and generate control signals to automatically control the features of the autonomous vehicle 10.

[0035] According to various embodiments, one or more instructions of the vehicle controller 34 are embodied in a trajectory planning system, which, when executed by the at least one data processor 44, generate a trajectory output that addresses kinematic and dynamic constraints of the environment. The instructions receive, for example, process sensor and map data as an input. The instructions execute a graph-based approach with an adapted cost function to handle various road scenarios on both urban streets and highways.

[0036] The communication system 36 is configured to wirelessly transmit information to and from other remote entities 48, such as, but not limited to, other vehicles ("V2V" communication), infrastructure ("V2I" communication), remote systems, remote servers, cloud computers, and / or personal devices. According to an exemplary embodiment, the communication system 36 is a wireless communication system configured to communicate over a wireless local area network (WLAN) using the IEEE 802.11 standards or using cellular data communication. However, additional or alternative communication methods, such as a dedicated short-range communication (DSRC) channel, are also contemplated within the scope of the present disclosure.DSRC channels refer to one-way or two-way short- to medium-range wireless communication channels specifically designed for automotive use and a corresponding set of protocols and standards.

[0037] The vehicle controller 34 is a non-generalized electronic control device having a preprogrammed digital computer or processor, a memory or non-transitory computer-readable medium used to store data such as control logic, software applications, instructions, computer code, data, lookup tables, etc., and a transmitter / receiver [or input / output ports]. A computer-readable medium includes any type of medium accessible by a computer, such as read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), a hard disk drive, a compact disc (CD), a digital video disc (DVD), or any other type of storage. A "non-transitory" computer-readable medium excludes wired, wireless, optical, or other communication links that carry transient electrical or other signals.A non-transitory computer-readable medium includes media in which data can be permanently stored and media in which data can be stored and later overwritten, such as a rewritable optical disk or an erasable storage device. Computer code includes any type of program code, including source code, object code, and executable code.

[0038] In Fig. 2, the system 11 is shown in more detail, where the system 11 includes a system controller 34A. The system controller 34A may be the vehicle controller 34, or the system controller 34A may be a separate controller that communicates with the vehicle controller 34. The system controller 34A communicates with an electrical system 52 of the electric vehicle 10 via a vehicle communications bus 50. The electrical system 52 includes a battery pack 54, a power inverter 56, an electric motor 58, an on-board battery charger 60, and a battery management system 62.

[0039] The system controller 34A is configured to monitor information related to a charging status of the vehicle 10. According to an exemplary embodiment, the system controller 34A is configured to monitor at least one of a state of charge of the electrical system 52 within the vehicle 10, a charging rate of the electrical system 52 within the vehicle 10 when the vehicle 10 is connected to a charging station 64, a time remaining until the vehicle 10 is charged to a predetermined threshold when the vehicle 10 is connected to a charging station 64, and an operational status of a charging station 64 connected to the vehicle 10.

[0040] According to an exemplary embodiment, the system controller 34A is configured to calculate the predetermined threshold based on one of: when the vehicle is fully charged; and when the vehicle is sufficiently charged to allow the vehicle to travel from the charging station to a scheduled destination. For example, the predetermined threshold may be based on when the vehicle 10 is fully charged. When the vehicle 10 is connected to a charging station, the system controller 34A monitors the charging of the vehicle 10, and the time remaining until the vehicle 10 is charged to the predetermined threshold is the time remaining until the vehicle 10 is fully charged. According to another example, the vehicle 10 may be located at a charging station 64 that is one hundred miles from the owner's residence.To ensure that the vehicle owner spends as little time as possible at the charging station, the predetermined threshold is based on when the vehicle 10 is charged to a sufficient level to allow the vehicle 10 to travel from the charging station 64 to the owner's residence or to the nearest charging station 64. The vehicle 10 may only need to be charged to 35% or more to ensure that the electric vehicle 10 can travel the one hundred miles to the owner's residence, at which point the owner can connect the vehicle 10 to a home charger to fully charge the vehicle 10.

[0041] The system controller 34A is further configured to display, to a person 66 proximate the vehicle 10, information related to a charging status of the vehicle 10, including at least one of: (1) a state of charge of the electrical system 52 within the vehicle 10, (2) a charging rate of the electrical system 52 within the vehicle 10 when the vehicle 10 is connected to a charging station 64, (3) a time remaining until the vehicle 10 is charged to the predetermined threshold when the vehicle 10 is connected to a charging station 64, and (4) an operational status of a charging station 64 connected to the vehicle 10.

[0042] According to an exemplary embodiment, when displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10, the system controller 34A is further configured to communicate with an internal / external display system 68 that is in communication with the system controller 34A and is configured to project information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 onto a window surface 70 of the vehicle 10, wherein the projected information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 is visible from inside the vehicle 10 and from outside the vehicle 10.

[0043] In Fig. 3, the internal / external display system 68 includes, according to an exemplary embodiment, a hybrid augmented reality head-up display (HUD) 68. The system controller 34A uses the HUD 68 to display the charging status 72 of the vehicle 10 connected to the charging station 64 on the windshield 70A of the vehicle 10 (e.g., including, but not limited to, active, full, suspended, fault). Fig. 4, according to another exemplary embodiment, the system controller 34A similarly uses the HUD 68 to display the remaining time 74 (based on the predetermined threshold) for charging the vehicle 10 and the current charge level 76 of the vehicle 10 on a side window 70B. The displayed charge status 72, the remaining time 74, and the current charge level 76 may be represented with text information, such as the displayed remaining time 74 in Fig. 4, or may be represented by a graphic that provides an illustrative representation of the information, such as the Fig. 3, wherein the charge status 72 includes a graphical image of a battery and the charge status is illustrated by highlighting 1-5 bars within the battery graphic (as shown, one bar is highlighted).

[0044] Displaying information such as the charging status 72, the remaining time 74 and the current charging state 76 with the internal / external display system 68, such as the HUD 68, allows a person 66 inside the vehicle 10 and a person 66 outside the vehicle 10, as in Fig. 3, the displayed information can be viewed from a distance. Consequently, a driver can park the vehicle 10 at the charging station 64, exit the vehicle 10, and position themselves at a distance from the vehicle 10 while the vehicle 10 is charging, and still receive information from the system 11. For example, a person 66 may be seated at a picnic table near the charging station 64 and may periodically glance briefly at the vehicle 10 to view the charging status. Further, according to another example, a driver of the vehicle 10 may be notified of the current charge level of the vehicle 10 when the vehicle 10 detects that the vehicle 10 is approaching a charging station 64 via communication with external sources 48 (with the communication system 36), such as, but not limited to, GPS, maps, infrastructure databases, and the like.The system controller 34A may further provide information about the location and availability of additional charging stations. Consequently, after receiving information about the current state of charge of the vehicle 10 and being notified of the availability of an upcoming charging station 64 and the location of other charging stations, the driver of the vehicle 10 may make a decision to stop at the upcoming charging station 64 or continue driving.

[0045] The internal / external display system 68 may use any suitable transparent display technology to display information on the window surfaces 70 of the vehicle 10 to be viewed by persons both internally and externally or only by persons outside the vehicle 10. In Fig. 5, according to an exemplary embodiment, the HUD 68 includes a digital light projector (DLP) 78 configured to project images 80 onto a window surface 70 of the vehicle 10. The DLP 78 projects an image 80 that may include various information, such as the charge status 72, the remaining time 74, and the current charge level 76, as shown in Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. The DLP 78 can project two-dimensional and three-dimensional images. According to an exemplary embodiment, the DLP 78 includes a light source 82 configured to project an excitation light 84, a condenser lens 86 configured to focus the excitation light 84 from the light source 82, a color filter 88 (color wheel) configured to split the focused excitation light 84 into red, green, and blue light, a shaping lens 90 configured to focus the excitation light 84 passing through the color filter 88, a digital micromirror device (DMD) 92 configured to redirect the excitation light 84, and a projection lens 94 configured to receive the excitation light 84 from the digital micromirror device (DMD) 92 and project the excitation light 84 onto the window surface 70.

[0046] In Fig. 3, the vehicle controller 34 includes a DLP engine 96. The DLP engine 96 includes a programmable processor that contains programming to monitor various inputs and determine which information is suitable for display. The DLP engine 96 can communicate directly with various systems and components, or the DLP engine 96 can alternatively or additionally communicate via a LAN / CAN system. The window surfaces 70, 70A, 70B are equipped with features that can display an image projected thereon while remaining transparent or substantially transparent, so that occupants inside the vehicle 10 can clearly see the displayed images 80 and still observe the exterior of the vehicle 10 through the window surfaces 70, 70A, 70B, and persons 66 outside the vehicle 10 can clearly see the displayed images 80 and still observe inside the vehicle 10 through the window surfaces 70, 70A, 70B.

[0047] The DLP engine 96 contains display software or programming that translates requests from the DLP engine 96 to display information into graphical representations describing the information. The DLP engine 96 contains programming to compensate for the curved and sloped surfaces of the window surfaces 70, 70A, 70B. The DLP engine 96 controls the light source 82, which includes a laser or projector device that generates an excitation light 84 to project the images 80.

[0048] The window surfaces 70, 70A, 70B operate as a medium through which relevant features are observable, while serving as a display device on which images 80, such as the charging status 72, the remaining time 74 and the current charging state 76 after Fig. 3 and Fig. 4. The window surfaces 70, 70A, 70B are both transparent and capable of displaying images projected by an excitation light 84. In Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, a person 66 may view any object (e.g., a cube 98) through a substrate 100 positioned on window surfaces 70, 70A, 70B. Substrate 100 may be transparent or substantially transparent. While viewing any object 98 through substrate 100, person 66 may also view images (e.g., a circle 102 and a triangle 104) formed on substrate 100. Substrate 100 may be part of window surfaces 70, 70A, 70B, a glass substrate, a plastic substrate, a polymer substrate, or other transparent (or substantially transparent) medium that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. Other substrates may complement substrate 100 to provide tinting, substrate protection, light filtering (e.g., filtering external ultraviolet light), and other functions.

[0049] Fig. Figure 7 illustrates the illumination of transparent displays illuminated with excitation light 84 (e.g., ultraviolet light or infrared light) from a light source 82. The substrate 100 receives the excitation light 84 from the light source 82. The received excitation light 84 can be absorbed by the light-emitting material 106 on the substrate 100. When the light-emitting material receives the excitation light 84, the light-emitting material 106 emits visible light. Accordingly, images (e.g., a circle 102 and a triangle 104) can be created on the substrate 100 by selectively illuminating the substrate 100 with the excitation light 84.

[0050] According to an exemplary embodiment, the light-emitting material 106 includes transparent phosphors embedded in the substrate 100. The transparent phosphors are light-emitting particles that fluoresce in response to excitation by the excitation light 84. According to an exemplary embodiment, the transparent phosphors are red, green, and blue (RGB) phosphors, which enable full color. The use of single-color and / or dual-color phosphors is also within the scope of the present disclosure. When the excitation light 84 is absorbed by the transparent phosphors, visible light is emitted by the transparent phosphors. The excitation light 84 is provided by the light source 82. The use of the substrate 100 and the light-emitting material 106 to display graphics is described in U.S. application Ser. No.No. 17 / 749,464, entitled “HYBRID AUGMENTED REALITY HEAD-UP DISPLAY FOR CREATING AN EDGE-TO-EDGE AUGMENTED REALITY VIEW,” filed May 20, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0051] The excitation light 84 may be ultraviolet light according to embodiments of the present disclosure. If the excitation light 84 is ultraviolet light, then a physical phenomenon of downconversion occurs when the light-emitting material 90 emits visible light in response to the ultraviolet light. Specifically, ultraviolet light has a shorter wavelength and higher energy than visible light. Accordingly, when the light-emitting material 106 absorbs the ultraviolet light and emits lower-energy visible light, the ultraviolet light is downconverted to visible light because the energy level of the ultraviolet light decreases when it is converted to visible light.

[0052] As in Fig. 5, the excitation light 84 is output by the light source 82 of the DLP 78. According to one exemplary embodiment, the light source 82 is a micromirror array (MMA) projector (e.g., a digital light processing (DLP) projector 78). In the DLP 78, the images 80 are created by microscopic mirrors arranged in a matrix on a semiconductor chip within the DMD 92. An MMA projector that outputs ultraviolet light may be similar to an MMA projector that outputs visible light, except that the color filter 68 includes light filters tailored to the ultraviolet light spectrum. According to other embodiments, the DLP 78 is a liquid crystal display (LCD) projector. According to embodiments, the DLP 78 may be a liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) projector. According to some embodiments, the DLP 78 may be an analog projector (e.g.a slide projector or a film projector). One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other types of projectors that can be used to project ultraviolet light onto the substrate 100.

[0053] According to an exemplary embodiment, when displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10, the system controller 34A is further configured to (1) operate at least one external light of the vehicle 10 with a lighting system 108 within the vehicle 10 and in communication with the system controller 34A, and / or (2) operate an audible device 114 with the system controller 34A. According to an exemplary embodiment, the at least one external light comprises the vehicle headlights 110 and / or the vehicle taillights 112. In Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B, the system controller 34A transmits information by activating the headlights and / or taillights of the vehicle 10. Consequently, a person 66 outside the vehicle 10, as in Fig. 3, receive information remotely. Consequently, a driver may park the vehicle 10 at the charging station 64, exit the vehicle 10, and position themselves at a distance from the vehicle 10 while the vehicle 10 is charging, and still receive information from the system 11. For example, a person 66 may be sitting at a picnic table near the charging station 64 and may periodically glance briefly at the vehicle 10 to see if the headlights and / or taillights have been activated.

[0054] As non-limiting examples, while charging the vehicle 10, the headlights 110 and / or taillights 112 may flash on / off periodically, with the headlights 110 and / or taillights 112 flashing on / off more frequently as the vehicle 10 gets closer to full charge and remaining on when the vehicle 10 is fully charged. Consequently, the person 66 gains insight into the charging status based on what the headlights 110 and / or taillights 112 are doing at any given time. As another non-limiting example, while charging the vehicle 10, the system controller 34A may cause an audible device 114, such as a car horn, to honk periodically, with the audible device 114 honking more frequently as the vehicle 10 gets closer to full charge and emitting three rapid honks when the vehicle 10 is fully charged.Consequently, the person 66 receives insight into the charging status based on hearing the horn signals of the audible device 114 and based on how often the horn signals occur.

[0055] According to another exemplary embodiment, when displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10, the system controller 34 is further configured to (1) display information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 on a surface 118 adjacent to the vehicle 10 with an externally mounted projector 116 in communication with the system controller 34A and / or (2) display light outward from the vehicle 10 onto airborne particles in the vicinity of the vehicle 10 and generate a three-dimensional image 122 containing information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 with an externally mounted projector 120 in communication with the system controller 34A.

[0056] In Fig. 9, the externally mounted projector 116 projects the remaining time 74 and the current charge level 76, which are Fig. 4, onto the surface 118, which, as shown in Fig. 9, which is the ground adjacent to the vehicle 10. Furthermore, the externally mounted projector 120 projects light, e.g., laser light, outwardly, which uses particles suspended in the air near the vehicle 10, such as dust and haze, to generate a three-dimensional image 122 containing the remaining time 74 and the current charge level 76, which are shown in Fig. 4. The external projector 120 may use known methods for generating floating three-dimensional images by reflecting laser light off airborne dust and haze particles or other volumetric display methods to generate a three-dimensional image 122 containing the remaining time 74 and the current charge level 76, as shown in Fig. 9. Systems that use floating particles to generate three-dimensional images 122 depend on the consistency of the floating particle matrix to create a "screen" for displaying (reflecting) the projected light. A system that generates such a floating particle matrix may be mounted within the vehicle, e.g., under the hood, to project such floating particles outward, with the three-dimensional image 122 appearing to float just above the hood of the vehicle 10.

[0057] Displaying information such as the remaining time 74 and the current charge level 76 as in Fig. 9, allows a person 66 inside the vehicle 10 and a person 66 outside the vehicle 10 to view the displayed information from a distance. Consequently, a driver can park the vehicle 10 at the charging station 64, exit the vehicle 10, and position themselves at a distance from the vehicle 10 while the vehicle 10 is charging, and still receive information from the system 11. For example, a person 66 may be sitting at a picnic table near the charging station 64 and may periodically glance briefly toward the vehicle 10 to view the remaining time 74 and the current charge level 76 displayed by one or both of the externally mounted projectors 116, 120.

[0058] According to another exemplary embodiment, when displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10, the system controller 34A is further configured to send information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 to a connected charging station 64 and to display the information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 with a display 124A, 124B associated with the charging station. The system controller 34A can communicate with the charging station 64 either via the direct connection between the vehicle 10 and the charging station 64 when the vehicle is connected to the charging station 64, or wirelessly via known methods using the communication system 36.

[0059] Again in Fig. 3, the charging station 64 is equipped with a display including a display screen 124A configured to display information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10. As shown in Fig. 3, the display screen 124A shows the remaining time 74 and the current charge level 76, which are shown in Fig. 4. Further, the charging station 64 is equipped with a display comprising a light pole 124B having a plurality of lights positioned thereon, the lights configured to display information related to charging the vehicle 10. As a non-limiting example, the light pole 124B includes three lights 126A, 126B, 126C. A first light 126A is a red light configured to either flash on / off or remain lit when the vehicle 10 is charging and is less than 50% fully charged. A second light 126B is an amber light configured to either flash on / off or remain lit when the vehicle 10 is charging and is more than 50% fully charged but not yet fully charged.A third light 126C is a green light designed to either flash on / off or remain on when the vehicle is fully charged.

[0060] Displaying information such as the remaining time 74 and the current charge level 76 on the display screen 124A of the charging station 64, as in Fig. 3, or displaying information with the light tower 124B allows a person 66 inside the vehicle 10 and a person 66 outside the vehicle 10 to view the displayed information from a distance. Consequently, a driver can park the vehicle 10 at the charging station 64, exit the vehicle 10, and position themselves at a distance from the vehicle 10 while the vehicle 10 is charging, and still receive information from the system 11. For example, a person 66 may be sitting at a picnic table near the charging station 64 and may periodically glance briefly toward the vehicle 10 to view the remaining time 74 and the current charge level 76 displayed on the display screen 124A, or to see which of the lights 126A, 126B, 126C of the light tower 124B are on or flashing.

[0061] According to another exemplary embodiment, when displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10, the system controller 34A is further configured to send the information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 to a personal device 128 associated with a person 66 and to display the information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 with the personal device 128.

[0062] In Fig. 10, the communication system 36, as a non-limiting example, sends information wirelessly to a personal device 128, as shown, a cellular phone of the person 66. Thus, a person 66 seated in the vehicle 10 or at a distance from the vehicle 10 when the vehicle 10 is charging can receive information, such as the current charge level of the vehicle 10 or the time remaining until the vehicle 10 is charged to a predetermined level, by simply looking at a personal device 128, such as a cellular phone, smartwatch, or tablet.

[0063] According to another exemplary embodiment, when displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10, the system controller 34A is further configured to communicate with a vehicle infotainment system 130 that is in communication with the system controller 34A and is configured to display information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 within a human-machine interface 132 of the infotainment system 130.

[0064] In Fig. 11, a person 66 seated in the vehicle 10 can receive information related to the charging status of the vehicle via the human-machine interface 132 of the infotainment system 130. Consequently, the person 66 seated in the vehicle 10 can receive information, such as the current charging status of the vehicle 10 or the time remaining until the vehicle 10 is charged to a predetermined level, simply by looking at the human-machine interface 132, either when the vehicle 10 is stationary or when the vehicle 10 is traveling along a roadway. Furthermore, according to another example, a driver of the vehicle 10 can be informed of the current charging status of the vehicle 10 via the human-machine interface 132 when the vehicle 10 is communicating with external sources 48 (with the communication system 36), such as, but not limited to GPS, maps, infrastructure databases, and the like, detects that the vehicle 10 is approaching a charging station 64. The system controller 34A may further provide information about the location of additional charging stations and their availability. Thus, after receiving the information about the current state of charge of the vehicle 10 and being informed of the availability of an upcoming charging station 64 and the location of other charging stations, the driver of the vehicle 10 may make a decision to stop at the upcoming charging station 64 or to continue driving.

[0065] According to another exemplary embodiment, the system controller 34A is further configured to display information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 to a person 66 proximate the vehicle 10 when a status request is initiated by at least one of: (1) a manual request by a person 66 within the vehicle 10, (2) a manual request by a remote person 66 via a personal device 128, (3) automatically based on a distance to a destination, travel time to the destination, and the current charging status of the vehicle 10, and (4) automatically based on the current charging status of the vehicle 10 and the proximity of the vehicle to a charging station 64.

[0066] As a non-limiting example, the system controller 34A initiates the display of information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 when the system controller 34A calculates, based on the distance to a current destination and the current charge of the vehicle 10, that the vehicle 10 cannot travel all the way to the destination with the current charge level of the vehicle 10. Under such circumstances, the system controller 34A may display such information to the driver of the vehicle 10 via the HUD 68, a personal device 128, or the human-machine interface 132 of an infotainment system 130 to alert the driver of the insufficient current charge level of the vehicle 10 and to alert the driver of upcoming charging stations 64.

[0067] In Fig.12, a method 200 for providing information related to a charging status of an electric vehicle 10 includes, beginning at block 202, monitoring information related to a charging status of the vehicle 10 with a system controller 34A in communication with an electrical system 52 within the vehicle 10, and, continuing at block 204, displaying information related to a charging status of the vehicle 10 with the system controller 34A to a person 66 proximate the vehicle 10.

[0068] According to an exemplary embodiment, monitoring, with the system controller 34A in communication with the electrical system 52 within the vehicle 10, information related to a charging status of the vehicle 10 at block 202 further comprises monitoring, with the system controller 34A, at least one of, proceeding to block 206, a state of charge of the electrical system 52 within the vehicle 10, proceeding to block 208, a charging rate of the electrical system 52 within the vehicle 10 when the vehicle 10 is connected to a charging station 64, proceeding to block 210, a time remaining until the vehicle 10 is charged to a predetermined threshold when the vehicle 10 is connected to a charging station 64, and, proceeding to block 212, an operational status of a charging station 64 connected to the vehicle 10.

[0069] According to an exemplary embodiment, when monitoring a time remaining until the vehicle 10 is charged to a predetermined threshold when the vehicle 10 is connected to a charging station 64, block 210 further includes calculating with the system controller 34A the predetermined threshold based on one of, proceeding to block 214, when the vehicle 10 is fully charged and, proceeding to block 216, when the vehicle 10 is sufficiently charged to allow the vehicle 10 to travel from the charging station 64 to a scheduled destination.

[0070] According to an exemplary embodiment, displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 at block 204 with the system controller 34A to a person 66 proximate the vehicle 10 further comprises, proceeding to block 218, displaying with a hybrid augmented reality head-up display system 68 in communication with the system controller 34A and configured to project information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 onto a window surface 70 of the vehicle 10.

[0071] According to an exemplary embodiment, displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 at block 204 with the system controller 34A to a person 66 proximate the vehicle 10 further comprises at least one of, proceeding to block 220, actuating, with a lighting system 108 within the vehicle 10 and in conjunction with the system controller 34A, the vehicle headlights 110 and / or the vehicle tail lamps 112 of the vehicle 10 and, proceeding to block 222, actuating, with the system controller 34A, the audible device 114.

[0072] According to an exemplary embodiment, displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 at block 204 with the system controller 34A to a person 66 proximate the vehicle 10 further comprises, proceeding to block 224, displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 on a surface 118 proximate the vehicle 10 with an externally mounted projector 116 in communication with the system controller 34A.

[0073] According to an exemplary embodiment, displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 at block 204 with the system controller 34A to a person 66 in the vicinity of the vehicle 10 further comprises, proceeding to block 226, displaying light outward from the vehicle 10 onto airborne particles in the vicinity of the vehicle 10 with an externally mounted projector 120 in communication with the system controller 34A and generating a three-dimensional image 122 containing information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10.

[0074] According to an exemplary embodiment, displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 in block 204 with the system controller 34A for a person 66 in the vicinity of the vehicle 10 further comprises, proceeding to block 228, sending information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 with the system controller 34A to a connected charging station 64 and, proceeding to block 230, displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 with a display 124A, 123B associated with the charging station 64.

[0075] According to an exemplary embodiment, displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 at block 204 with the system controller 34A to a person 66 in the vicinity of the vehicle 10 further comprises, proceeding to block 232, sending information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 to a personal device 128 associated with a person 66 with the system controller 34A and, proceeding to block 234, displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 with the personal device 128.

[0076] According to an exemplary embodiment, displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 at block 204 with the system controller 34A to a person 66 in the vicinity of the vehicle 10 further comprises, proceeding to block 236, displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 with a vehicle infotainment system 130 that is in communication with the system controller 34A and is configured to display information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 within a human-machine interface 132 of the infotainment system 130.

[0077] According to an exemplary embodiment, displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 in block 204 with the system controller 34A to a person 66 near the vehicle 10 further comprises displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle 10 with the system controller 34A to a person 66 near the vehicle 10 when a status request is made by at least one of, continuing from block 202 to block 238, a manual request by a person 66 within the vehicle 10, continuing from block 202 to block 240, a manual request by a remote person 66 via a personal device 128, continuing from block 202 to block 242, automatically based on a distance to a destination, the travel time to the destination, and the current charge level of the vehicle 10, and continuing from block 202 to block 244,automatically based on the current charging status of the vehicle 10 and the proximity of the vehicle to a charging station 64.

[0078] The description of the present disclosure is merely exemplary in nature, and variations that do not depart from the gist of the present disclosure are intended to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 17 / 749,464

[0050]

Claims

[1] A method for providing information related to a charging status of an electric vehicle, comprising: Monitoring information related to a charging status of the vehicle with a system controller that is in communication with an electrical system within the vehicle; and Displaying information related to a vehicle's charging status using the system controller to a person near the vehicle. [2] The method of claim 1, wherein monitoring information regarding a charging status of the vehicle with the system controller in communication with the electrical system within the vehicle further comprises monitoring with the system controller at least one of: a charge level of the electrical system within the vehicle; a charging speed of the electrical system within the vehicle when the vehicle is connected to a charging station; a time remaining until the vehicle is charged to a predetermined threshold when the vehicle is connected to a charging station; and an operating status of a charging station connected to the vehicle. [3] The method of claim 2, wherein monitoring a time remaining until the vehicle is charged to a predetermined threshold when the vehicle is connected to a charging station further comprises, with the system controller, calculating the predetermined threshold based on one of: when the vehicle is fully charged; and when the vehicle is sufficiently charged to enable the vehicle to travel from the charging station to a planned destination. [4] The method of claim 3, wherein displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle with the system controller to a person near the vehicle further comprises displaying with an internal / external display system in communication with the system controller and configured to project information related to the charging status of the vehicle onto a window surface of the vehicle, the projected information being visible from inside the vehicle and from outside the vehicle. [5] The method of claim 3, wherein displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle with the system controller to a person in proximity to the vehicle further comprises at least one of: Actuating at least one exterior light of the vehicle with a lighting system within the vehicle and in connection with the system controller; and Operating an audible device with the system controller. [6] The method of claim 3, wherein displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle with the system controller to a person proximate the vehicle further comprises displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle on a surface proximate the vehicle with an externally mounted projector in communication with the system controller. [7] The method of claim 3, wherein displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle with the system controller to a person near the vehicle further comprises displaying light outward from the vehicle onto airborne particles near the vehicle with an externally mounted projector in communication with the system controller and generating a three-dimensional image containing information related to the charging status of the vehicle. [8] The method of claim 3, wherein displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle with the system controller to a person in proximity to the vehicle further comprises: Sending information related to the vehicle's charging status to a connected charging station using the system controller; and Display information related to the vehicle's charging status using a display associated with the charging station. [9] The method of claim 3, wherein displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle with the system controller to a person in proximity to the vehicle further comprises: Sending information related to the charging status of the vehicle with the system controller to a personal device assigned to a person; and Display information related to the vehicle's charging status using the personal device. [10] The method of claim 3, wherein displaying information related to the charging status of the vehicle with the system controller to a person near the vehicle further comprises displaying with a vehicle infotainment system in communication with the system controller and configured to display information related to the charging status of the vehicle within a human-machine interface of the infotainment system.

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