ACTIVATION OF A WIRELESS CHARGING DEVICE

Abstract

Computer (110), comprising a processor programmed to: Determine that an object containing ferrous material is located in a charging field (230) of an inductive charging device (150); Activating the inductive charging device (150); Determining the temperature of the object; and Determine, based on the temperature, whether the inductive charging device (150) is ready for operation, characterized in that The object is a cover (165).

Description

GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

[0001] A vehicle may include a wireless charging device for charging various devices, such as a smartphone. Wireless charging devices can be advantageous due to their convenience and ease of use, resulting from the absence of a wired electrical connection to the device being charged. However, problems arise when a wireless charging device in a vehicle malfunctions or fails to function properly.

[0002] Computers and methods according to the preambles of the independent claims are known from US 2012 / 0 038 317 A1. Further relevant prior art is found in US 2016 / 0 134 129 A1, DE 10 2013 222 518 A1 and US 2017 / 0 077 764 A1. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary vehicle interior with an exemplary inductive charging device. Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the inductive charging device. Fig. 1 in an open position, loading a mobile device. Fig. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the inductive charging device in a closed position. Fig. 4A-4B are a flowchart of an exemplary process for operating the inductive charging device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION INTRODUCTION

[0003] The problems mentioned above are addressed by the features of independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0004] This document discloses a computer that includes a processor programmed to determine whether an object containing ferrous material is located in the charging field of an inductive charging device and to activate the inductive charging device. The processor is further programmed to determine the object's temperature and, based on that temperature, to determine whether the inductive charging device is ready for operation.

[0005] The processor can also be programmed to determine whether the inductive charging device is ready for operation only after it has been determined that no mobile device is present in the charging field.

[0006] The object can be a cover, and the processor can furthermore be programmed to issue a request via a human-machine interface to remove a mobile device from the charging field and to close the cover.

[0007] The processor can also be programmed to determine, based on data received from a position sensor, that the object is located in the loading field.

[0008] The processor can also be programmed to determine the temperature of the object based on data received from a temperature sensor located in the inductive charging device.

[0009] The inductive charging device can be located in a vehicle interior and the processor can further be programmed to determine, partly based on an outside temperature, whether the temperature sensor is ready for operation.

[0010] The processor can also be programmed to determine the temperature based on thermal imaging data received from a camera with a field of view that includes the object.

[0011] The object can touch an outer surface of the inductive charging device if it is positioned within the charging field of the inductive charging device.

[0012] The processor can also be programmed to determine a temperature change rate and, based on the determined temperature change rate and a predetermined temperature change rate threshold, to determine whether the inductive charging device is ready for operation.

[0013] The processor can also be programmed to charge a mobile device in the charging field by activating the inductive charging device.

[0014] The processor can also be programmed to deactivate the inductive charging device while the object's temperature is being determined.

[0015] The object can be a cover that has an open position and a closed position, with the cover in the closed position being located in the loading field and the cover in the open position being located outside the loading field.

[0016] The iron-containing material can be in the form of a layer, provided that at least one of the following is present: the layer is located within the object and it is attached to an outer surface of the object.

[0017] Furthermore, this document discloses a method which includes determining that an object containing ferrous material is located in the charging field of an inductive charging device, determining the object's temperature, and determining, based on the temperature, whether the inductive charging device is operational. The object may be a cover.

[0018] The procedure may also include issuing a request, via a human-machine interface, to remove a mobile device from the charging field and to close the cover.

[0019] Determining that the object is located in the loading field can be based on data received from a position sensor.

[0020] Determining the object's temperature can be based on data received from a temperature sensor located in the inductive charging device.

[0021] The procedure may further include determining a temperature change rate and determining, based on the determined temperature change rate and a predetermined threshold for the temperature change rate, whether the inductive charging device is ready for operation.

[0022] The procedure may also include deactivating the inductive charging device while the temperature of the object is determined.

[0023] Furthermore, a computing device is disclosed which is programmed to perform any of the preceding procedural steps.

[0024] Furthermore, a computer program product is disclosed which comprises a computer-readable medium on which instructions are stored that can be executed by a computer processor to perform any of the foregoing process steps. EXEMPLARY SYSTEM ELEMENTS

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 is a block diagram of a vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 can be powered in a variety of known ways, e.g., by an electric motor and / or an internal combustion engine. The vehicle 100 can include an instrument panel (IP) 105, a computer 110, actuator(s) 120, sensor(s) 130, a human-machine interface (HMI) 140, and a wireless inductive charging device 150, all of which are discussed in more detail below.

[0026] The Computer 110 includes a processor and memory as known. The memory comprises one or more forms of computer-readable media and stores instructions that can be executed by the Computer 110 to perform various operations, including those disclosed in this document.

[0027] The Computer 110 can include programming to operate one or more of the vehicle's brakes, drive system (e.g., controlling acceleration by controlling one or more internal combustion engines, electric motors, hybrid motors, etc.), steering, climate control, interior and / or exterior lighting, etc., and to determine whether and when the Computer 110 should control such processes as opposed to a human driver.

[0028] The Computer 110 is generally configured for communication within a vehicle communication network, which may include a communication bus such as a Controller Area Network (CAN) or similar. The Computer 110 may contain or be communicatively connected to more than one processor, such as controllers or similar components, which are integrated into the vehicle to monitor and / or control various subsystems, such as the powertrain, brakes, steering, etc., for example, via a vehicle communication bus, as described in detail below.

[0029] Via the vehicle network, the computer 110 can transmit messages to various devices in the vehicle 100 and / or receive messages from the various devices, e.g., controllers, actuators, sensors, etc., including the sensors 130. Alternatively or additionally, in cases where the computer 110 actually comprises several devices, the vehicle communication network can be used for communication between devices represented in this disclosure as the computer 110. Furthermore, as mentioned below, various controllers and / or sensors 130 can provide data to the computer 110 via the vehicle communication network.

[0030] Furthermore, the computer 110 can be configured to communicate with a remote computer, such as a mobile device 160, through a wireless communication interface. The wireless communication interface can communicate over a communication network. The communication network can consist of one or more wireless communication mechanisms, including any desired combination of wireless (e.g., cellular, wireless, satellite, microwave, and radio frequency) communication mechanisms and any desired network topology (or topologies if multiple communication mechanisms are used).

[0031] The wireless communication interface typically includes a conventional electronic circuit, such as a wireless (or radio frequency) signal transmitter, a wireless (or radio frequency) signal receiver, and an amplifier circuit to amplify an outgoing and incoming radio frequency signal. The vehicle's computer 110 can be programmed to receive a wireless signal via the wireless signal receiver. The computer 110 can be programmed to identify an identifier of a device, such as a mobile device 160, and transmit wireless signals based on the received wireless signal. The wireless signal receiver can be configured to receive wireless signals based on various wireless communication protocols, such as LTE, Bluetooth™, WAN, etc.For example, computer 110 can be programmed to receive a request to charge a battery of mobile device 160. Computer 110 can be programmed to determine whether the received request originates from the mobile device 160 assigned to vehicle 100 (e.g., the mobile device of a vehicle occupant) based on the received identifier of mobile device 160.

[0032] The sensors 130 can include a variety of devices known to provide data via the vehicle communication bus. For example, the sensors 130 can include one or more camera, radar, and / or light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors located in the vehicle 100 and providing data covering at least part of the vehicle's interior and / or exterior. In a Fig. In the example shown, the camera sensor 130 with a field of view 135 provides image data that includes at least part of the interior of the vehicle 100, e.g. the instrument panel 105.

[0033] The actuators 120 typically include circuits, chips, or other electronic components that can actuate various vehicle subsystems according to suitable control signals, as is known. For example, the actuators 120 may include one or more relays, servo motors, etc. The actuators 120 can thus be used to control the braking, acceleration, and steering of the vehicle 100. The control signals used to control the actuators 120 can be generated by the computer 110, a control unit located in the vehicle 100, such as the brake control unit, etc.

[0034] The HMI 140 can be configured to receive user input, for example, during vehicle operation. For instance, an HMI 140 can include touchscreens, buttons, knobs, keypads, a microphone, and so on, for receiving information from a user. Furthermore, an HMI 140 can include various interfaces, such as a Ford SYNC® computer interface, a smartphone, etc., for receiving information from a user and / or outputting information to the user.

[0035] With reference to the Fig. 1-3 The wireless inductive charging device 150 can wirelessly charge a battery, e.g., a battery of the mobile device 160. The wireless inductive charging device 150 can charge the battery using known magnetic induction techniques. The inductive charging device 150 can be mounted on a dashboard 105 of the vehicle 100. Thus, the inductive charging device 150 can be located in an interior 115 of the vehicle 100. The inductive charging device 150 can have a cover 165 with an open (see the Fig. 1-2) and a closed position (see Fig. 3) include. The wireless inductive charging device 150 can have an outer surface 155 on which a device, such as the mobile device 160, can be placed for charging while the cover 165 is in the open position (see the Fig. 1-2). The cover 165 can be moved slidably and / or pivotally from the open position to the closed position and vice versa. In one example, the cover 165 completely covers the outer surface 155 in the closed position.

[0036] The computer 110 can be programmed to activate the inductive charging device 150 to generate a magnetic charging field 230. The charging field 230 can encompass at least a portion of the outer surface 155 and areas above the surface 155. The inductive charging device 150 can include a transmitting coil, electrical and / or electronic components, etc. The transmitting coil can contain conductive material, such as copper wire wound around a plastic core, ferrous material, etc. For example, the charging field 230 can extend up to 5 cm (centimeters) above the outer surface 155.

[0037] The cover 165 may be made of hard plastic, etc. The cover 165 may contain ferrous material. The ferrous material may be a layer applied to an outer surface of the cover 165 and / or between plastic layers of the cover 165. As discussed below, the cover 165 may be heated using induction energy. The inductive charging device 150 may induce an electric current in the ferrous material contained in the cover 165. Additionally or alternatively, the vehicle 100 may include an object containing ferrous material that can be placed on the outer surface 155. As discussed below, the computer 110 may be programmed to determine, based on the heat generated in the object and / or the cover 165, whether there is a defect in the inductive charging device 150.

[0038] The cover 165, in its closed position, can touch the outer surface 155 of the inductive charging device 150. Thus, the cover 165 can be at least partially located within the charging area 230 of the inductive charging device 150. For example, the cover 165 can slide on the surface 155 while touching it. In this context, "touching" means physical contact or having a gap of less than or equal to 3 millimeters.

[0039] The mobile device 160 can include an inductive receiver 220 (e.g., an induction coil) that receives electrical energy via the charging field 230 after the mobile device 160 has been placed on the surface 155 within the charging field 230, as shown in Fig. 2 shown. A processor of the mobile device 160 can be programmed to actuate the inductive receiver 220 in order to receive electrical energy from the charging field 230 and to charge a rechargeable battery included in the mobile device 160.

[0040] The computer 110 can be programmed to activate the inductive charging device 150 to charge the battery of the charging device 160 after, for example, the mobile device 160 is detected on the outer surface 155 based on data from the sensor 130 of the vehicle 100 and / or a request to charge the battery of the mobile device 160 is received. For example, the computer 110 can receive a request to charge the battery of the mobile device 160 via a wireless communication interface of the vehicle 100. In this context, this operating mode of the charging device 150 is referred to as the "charging mode".

[0041] The wireless inductive charging device 150 may not charge the mobile device 160, for example, due to a defect in the inductive charging device 150 and / or the mobile device 160. For example, the processor of the mobile device 160 may not activate the inductive receiver 220 to receive electrical energy from the charging pad 230. Advantageously, the computer 110 can be programmed to determine whether the wireless inductive charging device 150 is operational. Thus, the computer 110 is programmed to determine whether an object, such as the cover 165 including the ferrous material in and / or on it, is located in the charging pad 230 of the inductive charging device 150, and can further be programmed to then activate the inductive charging device 150.The computer 110 is further programmed to determine the object's temperature and, based on this temperature, to determine whether the inductive charging device 150 is operational (e.g., whether the inductive charging device 150 can charge the device 160 when operating in "charging mode"). In this context, this operating mode of the inductive charging device 150 is referred to as "diagnostic mode." In "diagnostic mode," the computer 110 determines whether the inductive charging device 150 can charge, for example, the battery of the mobile device 160 in "charging mode."

[0042] The charging field 230 can induce an inductive current in the ferrous material contained in the object, e.g., the cover 165. The induced current generates a temperature increase in the ferrous material. Thus, by detecting a temperature increase in the object, the computer 110 can determine that the inductive charging device 150 is operating.

[0043] In one example, computer 110 can be programmed to determine a temperature change rate and, based on a comparison of this rate with a predetermined threshold, determine whether the inductive charging device 150 is ready for operation. Computer 110 can be programmed to determine that the inductive charging device 150 is ready for operation, i.e., that the device 160 can charge, after it has been determined that a temperature increase exceeds a predetermined rate of temperature increase, e.g., 3 degrees Celsius per minute. Computer 110 can be programmed to determine an initial temperature of the object at the time the inductive charging device 150 is activated and a second temperature after a predetermined time, e.g., 1 minute, and, based on these first and second temperatures, determine that the inductive charging device 150 is ready for operation.

[0044] The computer 110 can further be programmed to determine whether the inductive charging device 150 is ready for operation only after it has been determined that no device, such as the mobile device 160, is present in the charging field 230. As discussed above, the computer 110 can determine whether the inductive charging device 150 is ready for operation based on temperature changes of the object, e.g., the cover 165. For example, the computer 110 can be programmed to issue a prompt via the HMI 140 to remove the mobile device 160 from the charging field 230 and to close the cover 165. The cover 165 may contain ferrous material.Thus, the ferrous material contained in the cover 165 can be located inside the charging field 230 of the inductive charging device 150 in the closed position, whereas the cover 165 and therefore the ferrous material can be located outside the charging field 230 in the open position.

[0045] Computer 110 can be programmed to determine, based on data received from a position sensor 250, that the object (e.g., the cover 165) is located in the loading area 230. For example, the position sensor 250 could be a proximity switch, a mechanical switch, etc. Computer 110 can be programmed to receive data from the position sensor 250 and, based on this data, determine whether the cover 165 is in the closed position. Computer 110 can be programmed to determine that the cover 165 is closed only if, for example, data received from the position sensor 250 indicates that the cover 165 completely covers the outer surface 155.Additionally or alternatively, the computer 110 can be programmed to determine whether the cover 165 is in the closed position and / or the object is placed on the outer surface 155, based on image data received from the camera sensor 130, wherein the field of view 135 includes the outer surface 155. Thus, the computer 110 can be programmed to determine whether the cover 165 is closed using known image processing techniques.

[0046] The computer 110 can be programmed to determine the temperature of the object based on data received from a temperature sensor 240. The temperature sensor 240 can be mounted in the inductive charging device 210, under the outer surface 155, etc. As discussed above, the cover 165 can touch the outer surface 155 when closed. Thus, the temperature sensor 240, mounted, for example, under the outer surface 155, can determine the temperature of the object, e.g., the cover, on the outer surface 155. Additionally or alternatively, the computer 110 can be programmed to determine the temperature of the cover 165 based on thermal imaging data received from the camera sensor 130, using known image processing techniques.

[0047] As in the Fig. As shown in Figures 2-3, the temperature sensor 240 can be located in the charging field 230, which can cause defects, such as electrical noise, when determining the temperature. For example, the computer 110 can be programmed to deactivate the inductive charging device 210 while the temperature of the object, cover 165, etc., is being determined.

[0048] The temperature sensor 240 may have defects (i.e., faults or malfunctions) that could lead to an inaccurate temperature reading. For example, the computer 110 may be programmed to determine, partly based on the vehicle 100's ambient temperature, whether the temperature sensor 240 is operational (i.e., providing data within expected parameters, reporting no fault conditions, etc.). The vehicle 100 may include an ambient temperature sensor 130, which may be mounted, for example, in the interior 115 of the vehicle 100. For instance, the computer 110 may be programmed to determine, based on data received from the temperature sensor 240 and the ambient temperature sensor 130, that the temperature sensor 240 is operational.

[0049] The computer 110 can determine an initial temperature of the outer surface 155 and an initial ambient temperature at the time the computer 110 is switched off. The computer 110 can also be programmed to determine a second temperature of the outer surface 155 and a second ambient temperature when the vehicle 100 is switched on. The computer 110 can be programmed to determine, based on a change in the ambient temperature and a change in the temperature of the outer surface 155, whether the temperature sensor 240 is operational. The charging device 150, which includes the temperature sensor 240, can be mounted on the IP 105. This means that temperature changes measured by the temperature sensor 240 can follow temperature changes in the interior 115 of the vehicle 100, albeit with a time delay.In one example, computer 110 can be programmed to determine that temperature sensor 240 has a defect if it is determined that the temperature data received from temperature sensor 240 changes within a range threshold, e.g., 2 degrees Celsius, over a predetermined time, e.g., 30 minutes, whereas the ambient temperature changes by more than a second range threshold, e.g., 10 degrees, over the same predetermined time. In other words, while the ambient sensor shows a change, temperature sensor 240 does not change accordingly. PROCESSING

[0050] The Fig. Figures 4A-4B are a flowchart of an exemplary process 400 for operating the inductive charging device 150. In one example, the computer 110 can be programmed to execute blocks of process 400.

[0051] Process 400 begins in a decision block 405 ( Fig. 4A), wherein computer 110 determines whether the charging device 150 is in charging mode. For example, computer 110 may be programmed to determine that the charging device 150 is in "charging mode" after receiving a request to charge the battery of device 160 from the mobile device 160. If computer 110 determines that the inductive charging device 150 is in "charging mode", process 400 proceeds to block 410; otherwise, process 400 proceeds to decision block 425.

[0052] In block 410, computer 110 actuates the inductive charging device 150 to charge the battery of device 160. For example, computer 110 can be programmed to actuate the inductive charging device 150 with a magnitude and / or frequency determined based on data received from the mobile device 160 via the wireless communication interface. Additionally, computer 110 can be programmed to actuate the charging device 150 only when it is determined that device 160 is within the charging field 230. “Within the charging field 230” can be defined as (i) an area where the magnitude of the magnetic field exceeds a threshold, such as 10 µT (microtesla), and / or (ii) an area within a distance threshold, such as 2 mm, from the outer surface 155.For example, computer 110 can be programmed to determine, based on feedback received from the inductive charging device 150 and using conventional induction techniques, that the device 160 is placed in the charging field 230. Alternatively, computer 110 can be programmed to determine that the device 160 is located within the charging field 230, based on image data received from the camera sensor 130 with a field of view 135 that includes the outer surface 155.

[0053] Next, in a decision block 415, computer 110 determines whether the battery of the mobile device 160 is charged. For example, computer 110 may be programmed to receive a charge status from the mobile device 160 via the vehicle 100's wireless communication interface. In this context, the charge status may include a percentage of the battery charge, e.g., from 0 to 100%. If computer 110 determines that the battery is charged, process 400 proceeds to a block 420; otherwise, process 400 returns to decision block 415.

[0054] In block 420, computer 110 deactivates the inductive charging device 150. Following block 420, process 400 either terminates or alternatively returns to decision block 405, even if this occurs in Fig. 4A is not shown.

[0055] In decision block 425, computer 110 determines whether the charging device 150 is in diagnostic mode. For example, computer 110 may determine that the charging device 150 is in "diagnostic mode" after receiving a request from the HMI 140, e.g., based on user input, to test the charging device 150. If computer 110 determines that the inductive charging device 150 is in diagnostic mode, process 400 proceeds to decision block 430; otherwise, process 400 terminates or, alternatively, returns to decision block 405, even if this is in Fig. 4A is not shown.

[0056] In decision block 430, computer 110 determines whether the mobile device 160 has been removed from the outer surface 155. For example, computer 110 may be programmed to determine whether the device 160 has been removed based on image data received from the camera sensor 130 with the field of view 135 encompassing the outer surface, and / or on an electrical feedback signal received from the inductive charging device 150. If computer 110 determines that the device 160 has been removed from the outer surface 155, process 400 proceeds to decision block 440 (see Fig. 4B); otherwise, process 400 transitions to block 435.

[0057] In block 435, computer 110, for example, issues a request via HMI 140 to remove device 160 from outer surface 155. Following block 435, process 400 returns to decision block 430.

[0058] With reference to Fig. In decision block 440, computer 110 determines whether cover 165 is closed. Computer 110 can be programmed to determine that cover 165 is closed based on data received from position sensor 250 and / or image data received from camera sensor 130. Additionally or alternatively, computer 110 can be programmed to determine that an object containing ferrous material is located in loading bay 230. If computer 110 determines that cover 165 is closed, process 400 proceeds to block 445; otherwise, process 400 proceeds to block 455.

[0059] In block 455, computer 110, for example, issues a request to close cover 165 via HMI 140. Additionally or alternatively, computer 110 can be programmed to actuate an actuator 120 of vehicle 100 to close cover 165. Following block 455, process 400 returns to decision block 440.

[0060] In block 445, the computer 110 activates the inductive charging device 150 to heat the object, e.g. the cover 165.

[0061] Next, in decision block 450, computer 110 determines whether a predetermined waiting time, e.g., 1 minute, has elapsed. If computer 110 determines that the predetermined waiting time has elapsed, process 400 moves to decision block 460; otherwise, process 400 returns to decision block 450.

[0062] In decision block 460, computer 110 determines whether temperature sensor 240 is faulty. For example, computer 110 may be programmed to determine whether temperature sensor 240 is defective based on a specific change in ambient temperature and a change in the temperature of the outer surface 155. If computer 110 determines that temperature sensor 240 is operational (OK), process 400 proceeds to block 465; otherwise, process 400 proceeds to block 480.

[0063] In block 465, the computer 110 determines a change in the temperature of the cover 165. For example, the computer 110 can be programmed to determine a change in the temperature of the cover 165 since the beginning of the heating of the cover 165, based on data received from the temperature sensor 240, the image data received from the camera sensor 130, etc.

[0064] Next, in a decision block 470, computer 110 determines whether the inductive charging device 150 is ready for operation. For example, computer 110 can determine whether the charging device 150 is ready for operation based on the determined temperature change of the cover 165 and a predetermined expected minimum temperature change rate, e.g., 3 degrees Celsius per minute. If computer 110 determines that the inductive charging device 150 is ready for operation, process 400 ends (see Fig. 4A) or alternatively returns to decision block 405, even if this is not in the Fig. 4A-4B is shown; otherwise, process 400 transitions to block 475.

[0065] In block 475, computer 110 outputs information to HMI 140, e.g., including a defect in the charging device 150. Following block 475, process 400 ends (see Fig. 4A) or alternatively returns to decision block 405, even if this is in the Fig. 4A-4B is not shown.

[0066] In block 480, computer 110 outputs information from temperature sensor 240 to HMI 140, e.g., including a fault in temperature sensor 240. Following block 480, process 400 ends (see Fig. 4A) or alternatively returns to decision block 405, even if this is in the Fig. 4A-4B is not shown.

[0067] The noun-modifying article "ein(e)" should be understood to denote one or more, unless otherwise stated or the context requires otherwise. The phrase "basierend auf" includes "partially or entirely based on".

[0068] Computing devices, as discussed in this document, generally each comprise instructions that can be executed by one or more computing devices, such as those identified above, to perform blocks or steps of processes described above. Computer-executable instructions can be composed or designed using computer programs created using a variety of programming languages ​​and / or technologies, including, but not limited to, Java™, C, C++, Visual Basic, JavaScript, Perl, HTML, etc., either individually or in combination. In general, a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) receives instructions, for example, from memory, a computer-readable medium, etc., and executes these instructions, thereby performing one or more processes, including one or more of the processes described in this document.Such instructions and other data can be stored and transmitted using a variety of computer-readable media. A file in a computing device is generally a collection of data stored on a computer-readable medium, such as a storage medium, random-access memory, etc.

[0069] A computer-readable medium includes any medium involved in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer. Such a medium can take many forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and so on. Non-volatile media include optical disks or magnetic disks and other permanent storage devices. Volatile media include dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which is commonly considered main memory.Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a foil storage disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, a DVD, any other optical medium, punched cards, punched tape, any other physical medium with hole patterns, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH, an EEPROM, any other memory chip or any other storage cartridge or any other medium that a computer can read.

Claims

[1] Computer (110), comprising a processor programmed to: Determine that an object containing ferrous material is located in a charging field (230) of an inductive charging device (150); Activating the inductive charging device (150); Determining the temperature of the object; and Determine, based on the temperature, whether the inductive charging device (150) is ready for operation, characterized by , that The object is a cover (165). [2] Computer (110) according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further programmed to determine whether the inductive charging device (150) is ready for operation only after it has been determined that no mobile device (160) is present in the charging field (230). [3] Computer (110) according to claim 2, wherein the processor is further programmed to issue a request via a human-machine interface to remove a mobile device (160) from the charging field (230) and to close the cover (165). [4] Computer (110) according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further programmed to determine, based on data received from a position sensor (250), that the object is located in the loading field (230). [5] Computer (110) according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further programmed to determine the temperature of the object based on data received from a temperature sensor (240) located in the inductive charging device (150). [6] Computer (110) according to claim 5, wherein the inductive charging device (150) is arranged in a vehicle interior and the processor is further programmed to determine, partly based on an outside temperature, whether the temperature sensor (240) is ready for operation. [7] Computer (110) according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further programmed to determine the temperature based on thermal imaging data received from a camera (130) with a field of view (135) which includes the object. [8] Computer (110) according to claim 1, wherein the object touches an outer surface (155) of the inductive charging device (150) when it is arranged in the charging field (230) of the inductive charging device (150). [9] Computer (110) according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further programmed to determine a temperature change rate and, based on the determined temperature change rate and a predetermined threshold for the temperature change rate, to determine whether the inductive charging device (150) is ready for operation. [10] Computer (110) according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further programmed to charge a mobile device (160) in the charging field (230) by actuating the inductive charging device (150). [11] Computer (110) according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further programmed to deactivate the inductive charging device (150) while the temperature of the object is determined. [12] Computer (110) according to claim 1, wherein the cover (165) has an open position and a closed position, wherein the cover (165) is located in the charging field (230) in the closed position and the cover (165) is located outside the charging field (230) in the open position. [13] Computer (110) according to claim 1, wherein the ferrous material is in the form of a layer, wherein at least one of the following is present: the layer is arranged in the object and it is attached to an outer surface of the object. [14] Procedures, including: Determine that an object containing ferrous material is located in a charging field (230) of an inductive charging device (150); Activating the inductive charging device (150); Determining the temperature of the object; and Determine, based on the temperature, whether the inductive charging device (150) is ready for operation, characterized by , that The object is a cover (165). [15] Method according to claim 14, further comprising issuing a request, via a human-machine interface, to remove a mobile device (160) from the charging field (230) and to close the cover (165). [16] Method according to claim 14, wherein determining that the object is located in the loading field (230) is based on data received from a position sensor (250). [17] Method according to claim 14, wherein the determination of the temperature of the object is based on data received from a temperature sensor (240) located in the inductive charging device (150). [18] Method according to claim 14, further comprising determining a temperature change rate and determining, based on the determined temperature change rate and a predetermined threshold for the temperature change rate, whether the inductive charging device (150) is ready for operation. [19] Method according to claim 14, further comprising deactivating the inductive charging device (150) while the temperature of the object is determined.

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