LOADING INSTRUCTION SYSTEM FOR ONE VEHICLE AND VEHICLE

Abstract

A vehicle charging notification system comprises a battery, which includes a battery controller that stores battery data, and a speaker system. The charging notification system also includes an electronic control unit (ECU) that communicates with the battery controller and the speaker system. The ECU includes data processing hardware configured with an acoustic notification application and memory hardware that stores charging parameters. The acoustic notification application includes an acoustic progress monitor configured based on the charging parameters and configured to output at least one notification to the speaker system in response to the battery data.

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The information provided in this section serves to present the context of the disclosure in general. Works of the inventors currently named, insofar as they are described in this section, as well as aspects of the description that may not have been prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor implicitly recognized as prior art with respect to the present disclosure.

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a loading indication system for a vehicle.

[0003] Electric vehicles (EVs) are powered by charging at various charging stations. For example, users can charge their EV at home or use public charging stations. Often, users receive no feedback on whether a charging connection has been established between the selected public charging station and the vehicle. Furthermore, users may not receive feedback on the charging level and status. Therefore, feedback regarding the charging process and its progress needs to be improved for both public and private charging stations.

[0004] GB 2513394 A describes a device for a vehicle with an electric drive motor and energy storage means for supplying the motor, wherein the device is able to generate an audible sound signature depending on the result of a determination as to whether the vehicle is connected to a charging device for charging the energy storage means.

[0005] DE 11 2017 005 871 T5 describes a notification system for an electric vehicle.

[0006] DE 10 2023 113 063 A1 describes a computer-implemented method for controlling a system for playing music in a motor vehicle. SUMMARY

[0007] In some aspects, a vehicle's charging notification system includes a battery, which contains a battery controller that stores battery data, and a charging port, which includes a sensor. The sensor is configured to capture connection data at the charging port. The charging notification system also includes a speaker system and an electronic control unit (ECU) that communicates with the battery controller, the charging port, and the speaker system. The ECU includes data processing hardware configured to run an audible notification application and storage hardware that stores charging parameters based on the battery and connection data. The audible notification application includes an audible progress monitor configured based on the charging parameters and configured to output at least one notification through the speaker system in response to those parameters.The charging notification system includes a user device that communicates with the ECU and a mobile wallet. The mobile wallet contains the audible notification application. This application, installed on the user device, allows the user to monitor the vehicle's charging progress via the audible progress monitor, which provides notifications through the user device.

[0008] In some examples, the charging parameters may include at least a connection status, an authorization status, and a charging status. An environmental sensor may be connected to the vehicle body and may be configured to collect environmental data. An environmental sensor may be communicatively coupled to the ECU, and the acoustic alert application may be configured to provide at least one alert depending on the environmental data and the connection status. Optionally, the acoustic progress monitor may include alert characteristics, including at least one of volume, tone, pitch, and frequency. In some cases, the acoustic progress monitor may be configured to change one or more of the alert characteristics in response to one or more of the charging parameters.Optionally, the charging parameters can include a target charge level, and the acoustic progress monitor can be configured to provide at least one indication in response to a battery charge status corresponding to the charge level.

[0009] In other aspects, a vehicle charging notification system includes a battery, which contains a battery controller that stores battery data, and a speaker system. The charging notification system also includes an electronic control unit (ECU) that communicates with the battery controller and the speaker system. The ECU includes data processing hardware configured to run an audible notification application and storage hardware that stores charging parameters. The audible notification application includes an audible progress monitor configured based on the charging parameters and configured to provide at least one notification via the speaker system in response to the battery data. The charging notification system includes a user device that communicates with the ECU and includes a mobile wallet. The mobile wallet contains the audible notification application.The acoustic alert application installed on the user device can assist the user in monitoring the progress of the vehicle's charging process via the acoustic progress monitor, which outputs the alerts through the user device.

[0010] In some examples, the charging parameters may include at least a connection status, an authorization status, and a charging status. An environmental sensor may be connected to the vehicle body and configured to collect environmental data. An environmental sensor may be communicatively coupled to the ECU, and the acoustic alert application may be configured to provide at least one alert depending on the environmental data and the connection status. Optionally, the acoustic progress monitor may include alert characteristics, including at least one of volume, tone, pitch, and frequency. In some cases, the acoustic progress monitor may be configured to change one or more of the alert characteristics in response to one or more of the charging parameters.Optionally, the charging parameters can include a target charge level, and the acoustic progress monitor can be configured to provide at least one indication in response to a battery charge status corresponding to the charge level.

[0011] In other aspects, a computer-implemented procedure, when executed by data processing hardware, causes the data processing hardware to perform operations. These operations include detecting a connection of a charging device to a vehicle's charging port via a charging sensor, activating an audible alert application in response to the detected connection via an electronic control unit (ECU), and running an audible progress monitor in response to the activated audible alert application. The operations also include outputting a connection alert from the running audible progress monitor, monitoring the vehicle's charging parameters via the audible alert application, and updating the audible progress monitor with alert information based on charging parameters.

[0012] In some examples, the notification information may depend on the charging parameters. Optionally, updating the acoustic progress monitor may include outputting a charging notification based on the charging status of the charging parameters. In some cases, updating the acoustic progress monitor may include outputting at least one notification to one or more of the vehicle's speaker systems and a user device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The drawings described herein serve only to illustrate selected configurations and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a loading indication system according to the present disclosure; Fig. 2 is an exemplary block diagram of a charging indicator system according to the present disclosure, comprising an electronic control unit (ECU), a battery controller, a connection sensor, an environmental sensor, a speaker system and a charging station, which are communicatively coupled via a network; Fig. Figure 3 is another exemplary block diagram of a charging notification system according to the present disclosure, which includes communication between an ECU, a charging station and a user device; Fig. Figure 4 is an exemplary flowchart of a loading notification system according to the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 5 is another exemplary block diagram of a loading indication system according to the present disclosure, which includes various indications of an acoustic progress monitor; Fig. Figure 6 is an exemplary flowchart of a loading notification system according to the present disclosure; and Fig. 7 is a continued flowchart of the loading notification system of Fig. 5.

[0014] The corresponding reference symbols indicate the corresponding parts in all drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] Exemplary configurations are now described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Exemplary configurations are provided to ensure that this disclosure is thorough and fully conveys its scope to those skilled in the field. Specific details, such as examples of particular components, devices, and processes, are presented to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of the configurations of this disclosure. It is obvious to those skilled in the field that specific details need not be used, that exemplary configurations can be implemented in many different forms, and that the specific details and exemplary configurations should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

[0016] The terminology used herein serves only to describe certain exemplary configurations and is not to be understood as restrictive. The singular articles "a" and "the" used herein also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprehensive," "including / include," and "exhibits / exhibit" are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of specified features, steps, processes, numbers, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, processes, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.The procedures, processes, and processes described herein are not to be interpreted as necessarily requiring them to be carried out in the specific order explained or illustrated, unless they are expressly designated as the order of execution. Additional or alternative steps may be used.

[0017] When an element or layer is described as being "on" or "interacting with" another element or layer, or as being "connected" or "coupled" or "attached" to the same, it may be directly on or interacting with, connected with, coupled to, or attached to the other element or layer, or there may be intervening elements or layers. However, when an element is described as being "directly on" or "directly interacting with" another element or layer, or as being "directly connected" or "directly coupled" or "attached" to the same, there must be no intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted similarly (e.g.,“Between” as opposed to “directly between”, “neighboring” or “adjacent” as opposed to “directly adjacent” or “directly bordering”, etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes all combinations of one or more of the related listed items.

[0018] The terms first, second, third, etc., may be used here to describe different elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be restricted by these terms. These terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms do not imply any sequence or order unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.Thus, one could refer to a first element, a first component, a first area, a first layer or a first section discussed below as a second element, second component, second area, second layer or second section, without deviating from the lessons of the exemplary configurations.

[0019] In this application, which includes the following definitions, the term "module" may be replaced by the term "circuit". The term "module" may refer to being part of, or comprising, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital discrete circuit, a digital, analog, or mixed analog / digital integrated circuit, a combinational logic circuit, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) that executes code, a memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that stores code executed by a processor, other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality, or a combination of some or all of the above components, such as in a system-on-a-chip.

[0020] The term "code," as used above, may include software, firmware, and / or microcode, and may refer to programs, routines, functions, classes, and / or objects. The term "shared processor" includes a single processor that executes code from multiple modules, either sectionally or as a whole. The term "group processor" includes a processor that, in combination with additional processors, executes code from one or more modules, either sectionally or as a whole. The term "shared memory" includes a single memory that stores code from multiple modules, either sectionally or as a whole. The term "group memory" includes memory that, in combination with additional memory, stores code from one or more modules, either sectionally or as a whole. The term "memory" may be a subset of the term "computer-readable medium."The term "computer-readable medium" excludes transitory electrical and electromagnetic signals propagating through a medium and can therefore be considered tangible, non-transient storage. Non-restrictive examples of non-transient storage include tangible, computer-readable media, including non-volatile memory, magnetic storage, and optical storage.

[0021] The devices and methods described in this application can be implemented in part or in their entirety by one or more computer programs executed by one or more processors. The computer programs comprise processor-executable instructions stored on at least one non-transient, concrete, computer-readable medium. The computer programs may also include or be based on stored data.

[0022] A software application (i.e., a software resource) can refer to computer software that causes a computer device to perform a task. In some examples, a software application may be called an "application," "app," or "program." Examples of applications include, but are not limited to, system diagnostic applications, system administration applications, system maintenance applications, word processing applications, spreadsheet applications, messaging applications, media streaming applications, social networking applications, and gaming applications.

[0023] Non-transient memory can refer to physical devices used for the temporary or permanent storage of programs (e.g., sequences of instructions) or data (e.g., program status information) for use by a computer device. Non-transient 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) / electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) (e.g., typically used for firmware, such as boot programs).Examples of volatile storage 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 floppy disks or tapes.

[0024] These computer programs (also known as programs, software, software applications, or code) comprise machine instructions for a programmable processor and may be implemented in a procedural and / or object-oriented high-level language and / or in assembly / machine language. The terms "machine-readable medium" and "computer-readable medium" as used herein refer to any computer program product, non-transient computer-readable medium, device, and / or apparatus (e.g., magnetic disks, optical disks, memory, programmable logic devices (PLDs)) used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor, including any machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and / or data to a programmable processor.

[0025] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described herein may be realized in digital electronic and / or optical circuits, integrated circuits, specially designed ASICs (application-specific integrated circuits), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations may include implementation in one or more computer programs that are executable and / or interpretable on a programmable system comprising at least one programmable processor, which can be used for special or general purposes and is coupled such that it receives data and instructions from and transmits data and instructions to a storage system, and includes at least one input device and at least one output device.

[0026] The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be executed by one or more programmable processors, also known as data processing hardware, which run one or more computer programs to perform functions by responding to input data and producing outputs. The processes and logic flows can also be executed by specialized logic circuits, such as an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit). Processors suitable for executing a computer program include, for example, both general-purpose and specialized microprocessors, as well as one or more processors of any type of digital computer. Generally, a processor receives instructions and data from read-only memory, random-access memory, or both.The essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer also includes one or more mass storage devices for storing data, such as magnetic, magneto-optical, or optical disks, or is operationally coupled to them to receive data from or transmit data to them, or both. However, a computer does not necessarily have to have such devices. Computer-readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and storage devices, such as semiconductor memory devices (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices), magnetic disks (e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks), magneto-optical disks, and CD-ROM and DVD-ROM disks.The processor and memory can be supplemented by special logic circuits or integrated into them.

[0027] To enable interaction with a user, one or more aspects of the revelation can be implemented on a computer that has a display device, such as a CRT (cathode ray tube), LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor, or touchscreen, for showing information to the user, and optionally a keyboard and pointing device, such as a mouse or trackball, with which the user can input information into the computer. Other types of devices can also be used to enable interaction with the user; for example, the user can receive any form of sensory feedback, such as visual, auditory, or tactile feedback, and user input can be received in any form, including acoustic, verbal, or tactile input.Additionally, a computer can interact with a user by sending and receiving documents to and from a device used by the user, for example, by sending web pages to a web browser on a user's client device in response to requests received from the web browser.

[0028] With reference to Fig. 1-3 comprises a charging notification system 10 for a vehicle 100, an electronic control unit (ECU) 12 configured with an application 14 for acoustic notifications. In some examples, the application 14 for acoustic notifications can be configured as part of a user device 200 that is communicatively coupled to the vehicle 100 and can be part of the charging notification system 10. The charging notification system 10 is configured to connect the vehicle 100 and the user device 200 to a charging station 300. The vehicle 100's ECU 12 can be communicatively coupled to the user device 200 and the charging station(s) 300 via a network 400. The charging notification system 10 is configured to provide acoustic support to the user when monitoring the various phases and progress of the vehicle 100's charging process. Accordingly, vehicle 100 is an electric vehicle (EV) 100, which includes a battery 102.However, the application 14 described herein for acoustic cues can be modified so that it can also be used with an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle 100 and / or a hybrid vehicle 100.

[0029] The battery 102 includes a battery controller 104 that collects battery data 106. The battery data 106 is communicated with the ECU 12 as part of the charging control system 10. For example, the battery data 106 can provide information about a state of charge 108, and the application 14 for acoustic alerts can generally provide information about the degree or level of charge desired to achieve optimal battery performance, as described herein. The vehicle 100 also includes a charging port 109 equipped with a port sensor 110 configured to collect port data 112, which is also communicated with the ECU 12 as part of the charging alert system 10 described herein. The ECU 12 receives the battery data 106 and the port data 112 and updates the charging parameters 20 accordingly.

[0030] With further reference to Fig. 1-3 The ECU 12 comprises a data processing hardware 16 configured to run the acoustic cueing application 14, and a memory hardware 18 that stores the charging parameters 20 of the charging cueing system 10. The memory hardware 18 communicates with the data processing hardware 16 so that the acoustic cueing application 14 uses the charging parameters 20 stored in the memory hardware 18 during operation. The acoustic cueing application 14 includes, for example, an acoustic progress monitor 22, which is run by the charging cueing system 10 depending on the charging parameters 20. The acoustic progress monitor 22 is designed to provide the user with acoustic updates regarding the state of charge 108 of the battery 102.The loading parameters 20 are used to update the acoustic progress monitor 22 via a notification 24, which is output via a loudspeaker system 114 of the vehicle 100 and / or the user device 200.

[0031] For example, the speaker system 114 can be located both inside and outside the vehicle 100. In some examples, the acoustic progress monitor 22 can be output via the speaker system 114 outside the vehicle 100, allowing the user to approach the vehicle 100 and hear an update of the acoustic progress monitor 22 based on the cue 24. In some cases, the vehicle 100 is also equipped with an environmental sensor 116 that detects environmental data 118 relative to the vehicle 100. For example, the environmental sensor 116 is located along a body 120 of the vehicle 100. The environmental data 118 detected by the environmental sensor 116 informs the charging cue system 10 whether the user is approaching or near the vehicle 100.The detection of the user near the vehicle 100 can cause the charging notification system 10 to activate the acoustic progress monitor 22 to issue the notification 24. In this way, the acoustic progress monitor 22 can selectively execute the notification 24 based on the environmental data 118. The notification 24 can represent a charging phase 26 determined by the charging parameters 20.

[0032] The acoustic cues application 14 receives the charging parameters 20 from the storage hardware 18 to update the acoustic progress monitor 22 to display the charging phase 26. The charging phase 26 is relative to the execution of the battery 102 charging process. Comparatively, the charging parameters 20 include status checks in addition to the execution of the charging process. For example, the charging parameters 20 display various stages of the connection to the charging station 300 and the execution of the charging process. The charging parameters 20 are configured to correspond to cues 24 issued by the acoustic progress monitor 22, such that the cues 24 display a different parameter of the charging parameters 20. For example, the cues 24 issued by the acoustic progress monitor 22 can have different cue characteristics 28 set by the acoustic cues application 14.In some cases, the user can adjust the alert characteristics 28 to match one or more of the loading parameters 20. The alert characteristics 28 include, but are not limited to, volume, tone, pitch, and frequency. In some cases, the acoustic progress monitor 22 is configured to change one or more of the alert characteristics 28 in response to one or more of the loading parameters 20. The alert 24 is designed as a pleasant sound that is output via the vehicle's speaker system 114 100 and / or via the user device 200.

[0033] The indicator characteristics 28 can be adjusted or otherwise modified by the user to customize the indicator 24. For example, the user can customize the indicator 24 so that it has a first indicator characteristic 28 during a first charging phase 26 and a second indicator characteristic 28 during a second charging phase 26. As the battery 102 charges, the frequency 28 of the indicator 24 issued by the acoustic progress monitor 22 can increase. The increase in the frequency of the indicator 24 indicates that the charging phase 26 is progressing and nearing completion. It is also conceivable that the acoustic progress monitor 22 issues several different indicators 24 throughout the entire charging process, corresponding to the various charging parameters 20.

[0034] With reference to Fig. 2-4 The charging parameters 20 include a connection status 30, an authorization status 32, a charging status 34, and, in some examples, a payment status. The charging parameters 20 are defined by one or more of the battery data 106 and the connection data 112. For example, when the connection sensor 110 detects that the vehicle 100 is connected to a charging station 300, the connection status 30 is updated with the connection data 112, and the acoustic progress monitor 22 can issue a notification 24 with notification characteristics 28 that correspond to the connection status 30 of the vehicle 100 and the charging station 300. The charging notification system 10 can then receive an authentication message from the charging station 300 to inform it about the authorization status 32 of the charging parameters 20.Charging station 300, for example, can be a plug-and-charge station where charging phase 26 is initiated as soon as vehicle 100 authorizes charging station 300. Once vehicle 100 has authenticated charging station 300, the authorization status 32 is updated, indicated by a notification from the acoustic progress monitor 22, and charging phase 26 can begin. Thus, the acoustic progress monitor 22 can provide acoustic updates to the user by issuing notification 24 in response to the connection status 30 and the authorization status 32.

[0035] Fig. Figure 4 illustrates an example flowchart of the acoustic progress monitor 22. At 500, the user connects the vehicle 100 to the charging station 300, and in response, the acoustic progress monitor 22 outputs a connection notification 24a at 502 ( Fig. 5) The vehicle 100 then authenticates itself at charging station 300 with 504 to authorize the charging of battery 102. The acoustic progress monitor 22 can play a notification 24 while the user waits for authorization to inform the user of the authorization status 32 in progress. Once authorized, the acoustic progress monitor 22 executes an authorization notification 24b at 506, indicating that charging station 300 has been authorized and charging can begin at 508.

[0036] The acoustic progress monitor 22 can continuously output a charging cue 24c at 510 throughout the entire charging phase 26 to indicate the charging status 34. In other examples, the acoustic progress monitor 22 can output the charging cue 24c in response to environmental data 118. For example, the acoustic cue application 14 can receive environmental data 118 detected by the environmental sensor 116, indicating that the user is near or near the vehicle 100. Thus, the environmental sensor 116 is communicatively coupled to the ECU 12, and the acoustic cue application 14 is configured to output the cue 24 in response to the environmental data 118 and the connection status 30. Subsequently, the acoustic progress monitor 22 can output the cue 24 to indicate the charging phase 26 and the corresponding charging status 34.Once the charging phase is complete, the acoustic progress monitor 22 at 512 can issue a completion message 24d.

[0037] Accordingly, the acoustic progress monitor 22 can issue one notification 24 based on the connection status 30 and another notification 24 in response to the confirmation of the authorization status 32. As mentioned earlier, the acoustic progress monitor 22 can modify the notification characteristics 28 based on the loading parameters 20, since the loading parameters 20 generally correspond to the loading phase 26. Thus, each loading parameter 20 can be associated with different notification characteristics 28, which can be set by the user or programmed as part of the acoustic notification application 14.

[0038] In some examples, the charging parameters 20 may include a target charge level 36, which is stored as part of the charge status 34. For example, the target charge level 36 may correspond to a percentage of the battery that is less than a full charge, a charge to 100 percent, or a full charge. The target charge level 36 can be set by the user to a desired level. In some cases, the user may want the battery 102 to be fully charged to minimize the number of stops along a route. In other cases, the user may want the charging process to stop at a percentage that is less than a full charge to optimize the operating time of the battery 102. The target charge level 36 can be set and adjusted by the user via the application 14 for acoustic cues, which is communicatively linked to the charging parameters 20.

[0039] As mentioned above, the acoustic progress monitor 22 provides a notification 24 associated with the charging status 34 and can adjust the notification characteristics 28 based on the charging status 34. In some cases, the user may interrupt or stop the charging process. For example, the user may disconnect the vehicle 100 from the charging station 300 before the target charging level 36 or a full charge is reached. In response, the acoustic progress monitor 22 may issue a notification 24 with a different notification characteristic 28 to inform the user of the interrupted charging status 34. The user can reconnect the vehicle 100 or ignore the notification 24 if the interruption was intentional. In some cases, the vehicle 100 may be unintentionally disconnected from the charging station 300, so the notification 24 can alert the user to the interruption of the charging phase 26.When the vehicle 100 has completed the charging process, the acoustic progress monitor 22 emits a signal 24 corresponding to the completion of charging phase 26. As mentioned above in general, the cues 24 associated with the charging phase(s) 26 are customizable by the user, so that the user can identify charging phase 26 based on the acoustic progress cue 24 emitted by the monitor 22.

[0040] Furthermore, various charging parameters 20 can be configured and assigned to different notifications 24, which have different notification characteristics 28. For example, the characteristics 28 of the notification 24 assigned to connection status 30 may differ from the notification characteristics 28 of the notification 24 assigned to charging status 34. The individual customization of the notifications 24 with the respective charging parameters 20 also assists the user in using audio signals to monitor the charging process. The acoustic progress monitor 22 advantageously assists the user in monitoring the charging phase 26, while they can leave the vehicle 100 or perform other functions while waiting for the charging process to complete. Alternatively, the user can listen to the respective notification 24, which informs them about the charging phase 26 via the acoustic progress monitor 22.

[0041] With reference to Fig. 2-5 The acoustic progress monitor 22 can be configured to output a single cue 24 that has changing cue characteristics 28 depending on the charging phase 26. For example, the volume 28 of the cue 24 can increase as the charging phase 26 progresses. In other examples, the acoustic progress monitor 22 can output multiple cues 24, each with different cue characteristics 28 corresponding to the different phases of the charging phase 26, as generally mentioned above. For example, each cue 24 can have a different pitch 28 to represent a different phase of the charging phase 26. The user can identify the charging status 34 based on the acoustic progress monitor 22 and the corresponding cue 24.

[0042] With renewed reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 The operating function of the charging notification system 10 can comprise different stages or phases, which are assigned to the charging parameters 20 described above and which inform the acoustic progress monitor 22. For example, when the user attaches the vehicle 100 to the charging station 300, the acoustic progress monitor 22 can output a signal 24 indicating whether the vehicle 100 is properly attached to the charging station 300. If the vehicle 100 is properly connected, the acoustic progress monitor 22 can output the connection notification 24a, and if there is a fault in the connection between the vehicle 100 and the charging station 300, the acoustic progress monitor 22 can output a fault notification 24e, which differs from the connection notification 24a.Thus, the user can be alerted via the acoustic error message 24e to adjust or check the connection between the vehicle 100 and the charging station 300.

[0043] Furthermore, the vehicle 100 can use an authorization step to verify the charging station 300. The acoustic progress monitor 22 can play authorization note 24b, which corresponds to the authentication process, and issue authorization note 24b in response to the confirmation of authorization status 32. Authorization note 24b provides the user with feedback on the progress of the ongoing authentication task and indicates that the user should wait until authorization status 32 has been confirmed. Once authorization status 32 has been confirmed, the charging status 34 can be updated to issue or execute charging note 24c, which corresponds to charging phase 26.

[0044] Thus, the charging notification system 10 can issue the connection notification 24a via the acoustic progress monitor 22, which corresponds to a confirmation of the connection status 30. The charging notification system 10 can then coordinate with the charging station 300 via the network 400 to authorize the vehicle 100 at the charging station 300, which is indicated by the authorization status 32. The authorization status 32 can also indicate a possible payment between the user (e.g., via the user device 200 or another payment method) and the charging station 300. During the authorization process, the acoustic progress monitor 22 can play a pleasant, looped notification 24 to indicate that the charging notification system 10 is in the authorization process.Once authenticated, the acoustic progress monitor 22 can output the authorization message 24b according to the positive authentication and the loading message 24c according to the initiation of the loading phase 26.

[0045] The charging indicator 24c can have successive phases associated with charging phase 26, allowing the indicator characteristics 28 to change to reflect a new charging phase 26. The acoustic progress monitor 22 can issue the indicator 24d once the battery data 106 indicates that a charge is approaching the target charge level 36. The charging indicator 24c can be updated or changed throughout charging phase 26 by modifying or altering the indicator characteristics 28, as described above. Changes to the indicator characteristics 28 provide the user with acoustic information about the progress and status of the charging process. In some cases, the charging indicator 24c is configured to reflect both charging phase 26 and station characteristics 302. For example, station characteristics 302 might include a current level 304 of charging station 300.The current level 304 can reflect the quality and type of charge provided by the charging station 300. In some examples, the quality of the charge can correspond to the time the charging station 300 takes to complete a charge, and the type of charge can indicate whether the charging station 300 is configured as a fast charger.

[0046] The notification 24 can provide the user with feedback on the current level 304 based on the notification characteristic 28 and also inform the user about possible errors related to the charging station 300. Furthermore, if the user approaches the vehicle 100 while the vehicle 100 is connected to the charging station 300, the application 14 for acoustic notifications can cause the acoustic progress monitor 22 to output the notification 24 based on the environmental data 118 or otherwise. The output notification 24 can reflect the station characteristics 302 by including modified notifications 28.

[0047] Once the charging process is complete, the acoustic progress monitor 22 outputs the completion message 24d, which, as mentioned above, may have another message characteristic 28 indicating that the charging phase 26 is complete. If the user has set a target charge level 36, the acoustic progress monitor 22 can output message 24d once the battery 102 has been charged to the target charge level 36. The acoustic message application 14 can also issue a reminder message 24f that the target charge level 36 is less than a full charge.

[0048] With renewed reference to Fig. 3-5 The user device 200 can be equipped with application 14 for acoustic cues. For example, the user device 200 can include a mobile wallet 202 configured with application 14 for acoustic cues. The mobile wallet 202 can be used to operate or otherwise control the operational aspects of the vehicle 100. Application 14 for acoustic cues, which is part of the mobile wallet 202, allows the user to output the acoustic progress monitor 22 via the user device 200 while the user is not in the vehicle 100. For example, the user can connect the vehicle 100 to the charging station 300 and leave the vehicle 100 at the charging station 300 while the user performs other tasks.The application 14 for acoustic hints, which is installed on the user device 200, can assist the user in monitoring the progress of the charging process of the vehicle 100 via the acoustic progress monitor 22, which outputs the hints 24 via the user device 200.

[0049] Thus, the user can advantageously monitor the charging phase 26 while not in the vehicle 100. Furthermore, the acoustic progress monitor 22 supports the provision of updates to the user via acoustic cues 24, so that the user no longer needs to monitor the user device 200 for visual cues or updates that may be assigned to other applications. In some examples, the user can manually set the cue characteristics 28 for different cues 24 that are assigned to different charging phases 26. By manually setting the cue characteristics 28 based on a particular charging phase 26, the user can use the acoustic progress monitor 22 to audibly track the charging phase 26 via the acoustic cues 24.

[0050] With the following reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 is an example flowchart of the charging notification system 10. The charging notification system 10 is activated at 600 by connecting the vehicle 100 to the charging station 300. Communication between the vehicle 100 and the charging station 300 is initiated at 602, and the authorization process begins at 604. At 606, the charging notification system 10 determines whether authorization exists between the charging station 300 and the vehicle 100. If no authorization exists, the charging notification system 10 executes an error message 24e at 608. If authorization exists, the charging notification system 10 executes the authorization message 24b at 610 and begins the charging process at 612.

[0051] The charging notification system 10 monitors the charging progress via the acoustic progress monitor 22 at 614 and determines at 616 whether the charging process is complete. If charging is not complete, the charging notification system 10 determines at 618 whether an error has occurred. If no error is detected, the charging notification system 10 continues monitoring the charging process. If an error is detected, the charging notification system determines at 620 and 622 whether there was a power outage or whether charging was interrupted below the target charge level 36, and issues an error message 24e at 624. If the charging process is complete, the charging notification system 10 determines at 626-630 whether charging was stopped by a user, whether charging was completed to the target charge level 36, or whether charging was completed to a full charge, and executes the completion message 26d at 632.

[0052] With renewed reference to Fig.1-7 The charging notification system 10 is configured to assist the user in acoustically monitoring the charging phase 26 and the connection status 30 of the vehicle 100 relative to the charging station 300. By providing the notifications 24 of the acoustic progress monitor 22 via the speaker system 114, the user can acoustically track the progress of each phase of the connection, authorization, and charging of the vehicle 100. Thus, the acoustic progress monitor 22 provides a convenient method by which the user can perform other tasks while simultaneously monitoring the charging process of the vehicle 100. Furthermore, the integration of the acoustic progress monitor 22 via the acoustic notification application 14 as part of a mobile wallet 202 on the user device 200 maximizes the convenience associated with acoustically tracking and monitoring the charging phase 26.

[0053] Several implementations have been described. However, it is understood that various modifications can be made without deviating from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, other embodiments also fall within the scope of the following claims.

[0054] The foregoing description is provided for illustrative and descriptive purposes only. It makes no claim to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not restricted to that particular configuration but are optionally interchangeable and may be used in a selected configuration even if not specifically shown or described. They may also be modified in many ways. Such modifications are not to be considered a departure from the disclosure, and all such changes are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

[1] Charging guidance system (10) for a vehicle (100), wherein the charging guidance system (10) comprises: a battery (102) which includes a battery controller (104) which stores battery data (106); a loudspeaker system (114); and an electronic control unit (ECU) (12) that is communicatively coupled to the battery control unit (104) and the loudspeaker system (114), wherein the ECU (12) comprises data processing hardware (16) configured to execute an application (14) for acoustic cues (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e, 24f), and memory hardware that stores charging parameters (20), wherein the application (14) for acoustic cues (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e, 24f) comprises an acoustic progress monitor (22) configured depending on the charging parameters (20), and is configured to provide at least one cue (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e, 24f) to the loudspeaker system (114) in response to to output the battery data (106), wherein the charging notification system (10) further comprises a user device (200) that communicates with the ECU (12) and includes a mobile wallet (202), wherein the mobile wallet (202) includes the application (14) for acoustic notifications (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e, 24f), wherein the application (14) for acoustic cues (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e, 24f) installed on the user device (200) can assist the user in monitoring the progress of the charging process of the vehicle (100) via the acoustic progress monitor (22) which outputs the cues (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e, 24f) via the user device (200). [2] Charging notification system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the charging parameters (20) comprise at least a connection status (30), an authorization status (32) and a charging status (34). [3] Charging indicator system (10) according to claim 2, which further comprises an environmental sensor (116) coupled to a body of the vehicle (100) and configured to collect environmental data (118). [4] Charging indicator system (10) according to claim 3, wherein the environment sensor (116) is communicatively coupled with the ECU (12), and the application (14) for acoustic indicators (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e, 24f) is configured to indicate the at least one indicator (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e, 24f) depending on the environment data (118) and the connection status (30). [5] Loading indication system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the acoustic progress monitor comprises indication characteristics including at least one of volume, tone, pitch and frequency. [6] Charging indicator system (10) according to claim 5, wherein the acoustic progress monitor (22) is configured to change one or more of the indicator characteristics (28) in response to one or more of the charging parameters (20). [7] Charging indicator system (10) according to claim 1, wherein the charging parameters (20) comprise a target charging level (36) and the acoustic progress monitor (22) is configured to output the at least one indicator (24, 24a, 24b, 24c, 24d, 24e, 24f) in response to a charging status (34) of the battery (102) according to the charging level. [8] Charging indicator system (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a charging port (109) comprising a sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to detect connection data at the charging port (109), wherein the memory hardware stores the charging parameters (20) based on the connection data. [9] Vehicle (100) configured with the charging indicator system (10) according to claim 1.

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