Adaptation of a navigation function from an electric vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for adapting a navigation function of an electric motor vehicle, comprising obtaining (205) a driving data history and determining (206) a driving style based on the driving data history obtained. The electric vehicle's navigation function is then adapted (207) according to the determined driving style and according to the activation state of a driving mode of the electric vehicle associated with a function for optimizing the electric vehicle's energy consumption. FIG. 2

Description

Title of the invention: Adaptation of a navigation function of an electric vehicle

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of navigation functions in an electric motor vehicle, and in particular in electric motor vehicles equipped with an "eco" mode.

[0002] The term “vehicle” means any type of vehicle such as a private, utility or heavy goods vehicle.

[0003] The "eco" mode is offered in most motor vehicles, especially internal combustion engines, in order to automatically adjust one or more parameters to reduce fuel consumption.

[0004] Furthermore, most vehicles have a navigation function capable of receiving data identifying a destination indicated by the driver, determining a route to the destination, and guiding the driver along the route. To do this, the navigation function is capable of displaying visual guidance instructions on a screen in the vehicle and / or speaking audible guidance instructions via a vehicle speaker. These audible or visual guidance instructions provide information useful for navigating the vehicle to its destination, such as a direction to take at an intersection or roundabout, a speed limit for the road on which the vehicle is traveling, or the distance to the next exit.

[0005] For electric vehicles, it is also desirable to provide information, via the navigation function, on the availability of electric charging stations along the route, based on the electric range allowed by the electrical energy stored in the electric vehicle at any given time. Indeed, charging times must be taken into account when estimating the time to arrival at the destination, also known as the ETA (Estimated Time to Arrive).

[0006] Several parameters, however, influence the level of electrical consumption of the electric vehicle: the speed of the vehicle, as well as the type of driving specific to the driver, exert a direct influence on the average electrical consumption of the vehicle over a given distance.

[0007] However, current navigation functions take into account: - a driving speed corresponding to the speed limits imposed on each of the road sections of the journey to the destination; - an average electrical consumption of the electric vehicle, defined by the manufacturer.

[0008] This results in a considerable lack of precision in estimating the time of arrival at the destination, but also in recommending the charging points to prioritize based on the remaining range of the vehicle and the determined route.

[0009] Such a lack of precision can cause inconvenience in the planning of the trip by the driver, or even cause a breakdown of the vehicle, in particular if the actual consumption of the vehicle is much higher than the average electrical consumption used to determine the charging station offered to the driver.

[0010] There is therefore a need to improve the accuracy of the navigation function in electric vehicles, whether for the evaluation of the time of arrival at the destination or at an electric charging station, or in the recommendations concerning the electric charging stations to be preferred.

[0011] The present invention improves the situation.

[0012] To this end, a first aspect of the invention relates to a method for adapting a navigation function of an electric motor vehicle, comprising the following steps: - obtaining a history of vehicle driving data; - determination of a driving style based on the driving data history obtained; - adaptation of the electric vehicle's navigation function according to the type of driving determined and according to an activation state of an electric vehicle driving mode associated with an electric vehicle energy consumption optimization function.

[0013] Thus, the accuracy associated with the navigation function is improved, since it takes into account driving habits represented by the selected driving style, as well as the activation status of the "eco" driving mode, which corresponds to the energy consumption optimization function of the electric vehicle. The drawbacks identified in the prior art are thus overcome.

[0014] According to embodiments, the adaptation of the navigation function of the electric vehicle may include the adaptation of an estimated time of arrival at the destination and / or at an electric charging station, and / or the adaptation of a recommendation of an electric charging station.

[0015] Thus, the accuracy associated with the estimation of the arrival time and / or the relevance of the recommendation regarding the charging station is improved.

[0016] According to embodiments, the driving type can be determined by selection from two predetermined driving types based on a set of at least one rule applied to the data history of the electric vehicle, the two predetermined types comprising a first driving type and a second driving type.

[0017] Thus, a simple classification can be carried out, which facilitates the adaptation of the navigation function.

[0018] In addition: - if the mode associated with the optimization function is activated and the first driving type is selected, then the activated state of the mode can be taken into account in adapting the navigation function; - if the mode associated with the optimization function is activated and the second driving type is selected, then the consideration of the deactivated state of the mode can be inhibited for the adaptation of the navigation function.

[0019] Thus, the activation of eco mode is only taken into account when the determined driving profile is compatible with this mode. Indeed, the second driving mode may correspond to fast and / or jerky driving, known as "hard" driving, which is incompatible with the activation of eco mode. The accuracy associated with the adaptation of the navigation function is thereby improved.

[0020] In addition, taking into account the activated state of the mode in adapting the navigation function may include setting a driving speed at a first speed on a given road for a route calculation of the navigation function, and inhibiting the taking into account the activated state of the mode in adapting the navigation function may include setting a driving speed at a second speed on the given road for the route calculation of the navigation function, the first speed being lower than the second speed.

[0021] The estimation of the time of arrival at the destination, or at an intermediate point on a journey, is thus improved. This embodiment is particularly advantageous in the case where the given road is a motorway or a highway, on which significant speed differences can be observed depending on the type of driving.

[0022] According to some embodiments, the driving data history can be associated with a vehicle driver profile.

[0023] The adaptation of the navigation function is thus considerably improved, since the driving habits of several drivers of the same electric vehicle can thus be differentiated, and taken into account in the adaptation of the navigation function.

[0024] According to embodiments of the invention, the driving data history can be obtained from a memory of the electric vehicle.

[0025] This ensures continuity of service in adapting the navigation function, as well as significant responsiveness in obtaining driving data history.

[0026] Alternatively, the history can be obtained from a user terminal or from a remote server.

[0027] Thus, it is possible to store a significant amount of driving data in the history, which improves the accuracy associated with adapting the navigation function.

[0028] A second aspect of the invention relates to a computer program comprising instructions for implementing the method according to the first aspect of the invention, when these instructions are executed by a processor.

[0029] A third aspect of the invention relates to a control device for a navigation function in an electric motor vehicle, comprising: - an interface capable of obtaining a driving data history; - a processor configured to determine a driving type based on the driving data history obtained, and to adapt the electric vehicle's navigation function based on the determined driving type and based on an activation state of an electric vehicle driving mode associated with an electric vehicle energy consumption optimization function.

[0030] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the detailed description below, and the accompanying drawings in which:

[0031] [Fig-1] illustrates an electric motor vehicle according to embodiments of the invention;

[0032] [Fig.2] is a diagram illustrating the steps of a control process for a navigation function according to embodiments of the invention;

[0033] [Fig.3] illustrates a control device for a navigation function of a vehicle electric automobile, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0034] Figure 1 illustrates an electric motor vehicle 100, according to embodiments of the invention

[0035] The electric vehicle 100 includes an electric battery and an electric motor capable of driving the vehicle 100 in motion, and of being piloted by the driver, possibly assisted by driving assistance functions.

[0036] The vehicle 100 includes, in particular, a control device 101, which may be a centralized control device responsible for a plurality of functions of the motor vehicle. The control device 101 may be of the ECU type, for "Electronic Control Unit". Alternatively, the control device 101 is dedicated to controlling a navigation function of the motor vehicle.

[0037] The term "navigation function" means a function capable of providing navigation information to a driver of the electric vehicle 100. The navigation information may, in particular, be displayed on a screen of the vehicle 100, such as a central screen 102 positioned in front of, and between, the front passenger and the driver of the electric vehicle 100. The information may take the form of a map showing the current position of the vehicle, and displaying guidance instructions to reach a destination, which can be a final destination or an intermediate point on a route towards a final destination. The route to the final destination is determined from the vehicle's current position and the final destination, as well as parameters, some of which can be defined by the user: for example, a user-adjustable parameter allows specifying whether or not the route can include sections of highway and / or tollbooths.

[0038] The user of vehicle 100 can interact with the navigation function, in particular to indicate the desired final destination, or to modify certain parameters, via a user interface.

[0039] The user interface can be the screen 102 itself when the latter is touch-sensitive. The screen 102 can, in particular, be a capacitive or resistive touchscreen, for example.

[0040] When the screen 102 is not a touchscreen, the vehicle may also include a user interface dedicated to controlling the functions displayed on the screen 102, including the navigation function. The user interface may include one or more buttons or levers that can be activated by pressing or manipulating them by the user. In addition, or alternatively, the user interface may be capable of receiving voice commands from the user.

[0041] According to embodiments of the invention, the navigation function includes a navigation mode dedicated to electric vehicles, which can be called "EVR", for "Electric Vehicle Routing" in English.

[0042] According to the EVR navigation mode, the navigation function includes calculating route guidance instructions to a destination suitable for an electric vehicle. It may, in particular, take into account the location of charging stations along the route and determine the route based on the location of charging stations, recommending one or more of them to ensure that the electric vehicle reaches its destination without running out of power. The ETA information is calculated based on electric charging constraints, including charging time.

[0043] As previously stated, in the prior art, such an EVR function takes into account an average speed over each segment of the journey corresponding to the legally defined speed limit for that segment. It is in no way adapted to the driving style of the vehicle's driver and therefore lacks precision, whether in estimating the best route, in calculating the ETA for intermediate locations such as charging stations and the final destination, or in recommending the preferred charging station(s) along the route.

[0044] The electric vehicle 100 according to the invention further comprises a driving mode user interface 103 capable of receiving user input to define an activation state for a so-called "eco" driving mode. Eco mode is a driving mode associated with a function for optimizing the vehicle's electrical energy consumption. Eco mode can, for example, limit the set temperature of the heating or air conditioning inside the vehicle or can control any parameter that reduces the vehicle's energy consumption, whether for functions implemented in the vehicle's passenger compartment or for driving the vehicle.

[0045] The driving mode user interface 103 may, for example, be a button, including an indicator light capable of indicating whether the eco mode activation state is activated or deactivated.

[0046] According to the invention, the activation status of eco mode is advantageously taken into account in adapting the navigation function. In particular, the invention proposes to consider an average speed on a given road that is lower than the speed limit when eco mode is activated, especially on highways or motorways, when activating eco mode is compatible with the driver's driving habits. For example, on a motorway with a maximum speed limit of 130 km / h, activating eco mode may result in a reduced average speed compared to the maximum speed limit, for example 110 km / h, to adapt the navigation function, specifically the calculation of the ETA to a final destination or to an intermediate point, and / or to recommend a charging station along the route.

[0047] The control device 101 is also capable of accessing at least one driving data history of the electric vehicle 100. In some embodiments, the control device 101 can access a driving data history associated with a user profile. In addition, the control device 101 can access several driving data histories, each history being associated with a given user profile.

[0048] For example, each driver of vehicle 100 can select their profile at the start of a driving cycle; the profile can indicate their first name, last name, or a pseudonym. The driving data from this driving cycle is then stored in the driving data history associated with the previously selected profile.

[0049] The history of each profile can be stored: - in a memory 105 of the electric vehicle 100; - in the memory of a user terminal 104, such as a smartphone belonging to the driver of the electric vehicle 100. The control device 101 may be authorized to access the driving data history stored in terminal 104 via a short-range wireless connection, for example a Bluetooth connection, or via a wired connection, for example when user terminal 104 is connected to the vehicle by a USB cable; - in a remote server, which the control device 101 can access via a communication module 106, for example capable of accessing a cellular network, such as a 3G, 4G, 5G network or any other cellular technology.

[0050] The driving history data may include: - an average driving speed over a given period or over several given periods; and / or - the vehicle's average electrical consumption over the given period, or over several given periods; and / or - an average acceleration over the given period, or over several given periods; and / or - any other descriptive data relating to vehicle driving parameters over the given period or over several given periods.

[0051] The given period, or periods, of the driving history may correspond to the period associated with the last X kilometers traveled with the user profile, when it is identified in step 202, or by vehicle 202 when no user profile is identified.

[0052] X may be less than 100 kilometers, or even less than 30 kilometers, but greater than 5 kilometers, in which case a recent history is taken into account, which makes it possible to smooth the driving data over a recent period, and to determine an up-to-date driving type for the selected driver profile, as described below.

[0053] X may be less than 5 kilometers, in which case the driving data history corresponds to the beginning of the current driving cycle, which allows a determination of a driving type for each current cycle, described below.

[0054] X may be greater than 100 kilometers, in which case the driving data history includes a significant amount of driving data, allowing a reliable determination of a user's driving type, described below.

[0055] Fig. 2 is a diagram illustrating the steps of a method for controlling a navigation function in the electric vehicle 100, according to embodiments of the invention.

[0056] At step 200, eco mode is activated by the user, for example by user input on the user interface 103 described previously. The activation state of eco mode thus changes from the deactivated state to the activated state.

[0057] At step 201, driving data is stored in a driving data history. As previously stated, the driving data Driving data from a driver identified during a current driving cycle, during an optional step 202, can be added to the history associated with the identified driver's profile, either during the current cycle or at the end of the current cycle. If no driver profile is identified, the driving data is stored in the vehicle's driving data history.

[0058] Thus, the method further includes an optional step 202 of identification by the control device 101 of a driver profile selected by the user. For example, the electric vehicle 100 can be shared by several users associated with several user profiles, and the current driver can select one of them. In addition, a "guest" user profile can be provided and selected by the current driver when they are not regularly driving the electric vehicle 100.

[0059] Steps 201 and 202 can be implemented independently of each other and independently of step 200 described above. Driving data can, in particular, be stored during the vehicle's lifecycle for one or more drivers, each associated with a user profile.

[0060] At step 203, the navigation function is executed by the current user and displayed on the vehicle's screen 102. The user can interact with the navigation function to modify one or more parameters and / or to specify a destination.

[0061] Furthermore, at step 204, the user can select a navigation mode dedicated to electric vehicles, namely the EVR mode described previously. Steps 203 and 204 are also implemented independently of steps 200 and 201 described previously.

[0062] At a step 205, following step 200, step 201 and optionally step 202, the control device 101 obtains a driving data history from the history, or histories, stored in the vehicle 100, in the remote server or in the terminal 104: - when step 202 is implemented, the history obtained is the history associated with the user profile identified during step 202; - otherwise, if step 202 is not implemented, the history obtained is the driving data history of electric vehicle 100.

[0063] Note that if the guest profile is identified during step 202, the history obtained for the guest profile may be an empty history, or may be the history of the driving data of the electric vehicle 100, that is to say all the history of driving data accumulated for all user profiles.

[0064] At a step 206, the control device 101 determines a driving type from the driving data history obtained in the previous step 205.

[0065] For this purpose, the control device 101 can apply a predetermined set of at least one classification rule to the driving data history obtained in step 205.

[0066] For example, the set of at least one classification rule may include a comparison with a threshold value or several comparisons with several threshold values. A first threshold value may, for example, be compared with the average speed of the history obtained in step 205 and / or a second threshold value may be compared with the average acceleration of the history obtained in step 205, and the classification of the history depends on the result of the comparison or comparisons.

[0067] By way of illustration, it is considered in the following that the control device 101 is capable of classifying the data history into a type of driving between a first type of driving and a second type of driving.

[0068] The first type of driving can correspond to driving associated with moderate or low electricity consumption, which can be described as "smooth". Such a type of driving is therefore compatible with the activation of eco driving mode, in which the driver does not systematically drive at the maximum permitted speed.

[0069] On the contrary, the second type of driving may correspond to driving associated with high electrical consumption, both for driving and for the functions inside the vehicle's passenger compartment, which is inconsistent with the activation of the eco driving mode.

[0070] A single comparison can be implemented by the control device 101 to select a driving type from the first driving type and the second driving type. For example, if the average speed over the given period from the historical data is below the first threshold, the first type is selected by the control device 101. Otherwise, the second type is selected.

[0071] Alternatively, if the average acceleration over the given period from the history is less than the second threshold, the first type is selected by the control device 101. Otherwise, the second type is selected.

[0072] Note that if an empty history is assigned to the guest profile, the first type may be selected by default. When the electric vehicle 100 driving data history is assigned to the guest profile, at least one classification rule may be applied to the electric vehicle 100 data history.

[0073] According to the invention, following step 206 and step 204, the control device 101 adapts, at a step 207, the navigation function of the electric vehicle 100 according to the type of driving determined in step 206 and according to the activation state of the eco mode.

[0074] The adaptation may, for example, include calculating the estimated time to the destination or the next charging station, or adapting the recommendation of the charging station, or charging stations on the route to the destination.

[0075] Thus, it is possible to improve the accuracy associated with the navigation function, compared to prior art solutions. Indeed, the function is adapted according to a driving style associated with a driving data history, which reflects the driver's driving habits and therefore their tendency towards high or low electrical consumption, but also the activation or not of eco mode, which may indicate a desire to drive in a way that saves the vehicle's electrical energy, and which may therefore indicate driving below the speed limit.

[0076] Examples of how the activation status of eco mode and the assigned driving type are taken into account when adapting the navigation function are given below: - if eco mode is activated and the first driving type is selected, then the activated state of the mode is taken into account when adapting the navigation function. For example, the navigation function can be adapted by considering a motorway or highway speed equal to a first speed, for example 110 km / h. In addition, the navigation function can be adapted by taking into account the average power consumption from the driving data history; - If Eco mode is activated and the second driving type is selected, then the Eco mode activation status is considered deactivated for the purposes of adapting the navigation function, even if the driver activated Eco mode during step 200. Such activation during step 200 is therefore disregarded when it conflicts with the driving type selected for that driver. The navigation function may then be based on the maximum permitted speed for each section of the route, particularly on highways or expressways where a second speed limit is considered, the second speed being higher than the first. The second speed limit could be 130 km / h on highways. Furthermore, the navigation function adaptation may be based on the average power consumption, derived from historical data, which is high in this case.

[0077] If eco mode is deactivated, a situation which is not represented in [Fig.2], the adaptation of the navigation function is identical to that of the case above in which eco mode is activated but considered deactivated because the second type of driving is assigned to the user.

[0078] Thus, in the case of "smooth" driving by the driver, characterized by the first type of driving, the activation of eco mode is taken into account to limit the speed considered in the navigation function, whereas in the case of "hard" driving ", the activation of eco mode is ignored, or inhibited, and the navigation function takes into account a maximum speed value allowed for the navigation function.

[0079] Taking into account the average electrical consumption over the given period, in adapting the navigation function, makes it possible to better determine the recommendation of charging stations along the route to the final destination.

[0080] The navigation function is thus considerably improved compared to the prior art.

[0081] Figure 3 shows the structure of a control device 101 according to embodiments of the invention.

[0082] The control device 101 includes a processor 301 configured to communicate unidirectionally or bidirectionally, via one or more buses or via a direct wired connection, with a memory 302 such as a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), or any other type of memory (Flash, EEPROM, etc.). Alternatively, the memory 302 comprises several memories of the aforementioned types.

[0083] The memory 302 is capable of storing, permanently or temporarily, at least some of the data used and / or resulting from the implementation of steps 200 and 202 to 207 of the process described with reference to [Fig.2].

[0084] In particular, memory 302 can store at least one classification rule, first speed, second speed, described above, as well as other parameters of the navigation function.

[0085] Memory 302 can also temporarily store the current activation state of eco mode, the driving data history obtained in step 205 and the driving type determined in step 206

[0086] The processor 301 is capable of executing instructions, stored in memory 302, for the implementation of steps 200 and 202 to 207 of the process according to the invention, described with reference to [Fig. 2]. Alternatively, the processor 301 can be replaced by a microcontroller designed and configured to perform steps 200 and 202 to 207 of the process according to the invention, described with reference to [Fig. 2].

[0087] The control device 101 includes a first interface 303 capable of communicating with the memory 105, the communication interface 106, and / or the terminal 104, for obtaining the driving data history, as previously described. Several distinct first interfaces may thus be provided when the control device is capable of communicating with several entities, including the memory 105, the communication interface 106, and / or the terminal 104.

[0088] The control device 101 further includes a second interface 304 capable of receiving the eco mode activation status from the eco mode activation user interface 103 described previously.

[0089] The control device 101 may further include a third interface 305 capable of receiving information on the profile selected by the user during the optional step 202.

[0090] The control device 101 further includes a fourth interface 306 capable of communicating with the screen 102 for displaying the navigation function.

[0091] The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of example; it extends to other variants.

Claims

Demands

1. Method for adapting a navigation function of an electric motor vehicle (100), comprising the following steps: - obtaining (205) a driving data history; - determining (206) a driving type based on the driving data history obtained; - adapting (207) the navigation function of the electric vehicle based on the determined driving type and based on an activation state of a driving mode of the electric vehicle associated with a function for optimizing the electric energy consumption of the electric vehicle;a method in which the driving type is determined by selection from two predetermined driving types according to a set of at least one rule applied to the data history of the electric vehicle (100), the two predetermined types comprising a first driving type compatible with the driving mode associated with said optimization function and a second driving type incompatible with the driving mode associated with said optimization function, and in which: - if the mode associated with the optimization function is activated and the first driving type is selected, then the activated state of the mode is taken into account in the adaptation (207) of the navigation function; - if the mode associated with the optimization function is activated and the second driving type is selected, then the state of the driving mode is considered to be deactivated for the adaptation of the navigation function.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the adaptation (207) of the navigation function of the electric vehicle (100) includes the calculation of an estimated time of arrival at the destination and / or at an electric charging station, and / or the determination of a recommendation of an electric charging station.

3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein taking into account the activated state of the mode in the adaptation (207) of the navigation function includes setting a driving speed to a first speed on a given road for a calculation the navigation function route, and the failure to take into account the activated state of the mode in the execution of the navigation function includes setting a driving speed to a second speed on the given road for the calculation of the navigation function route, the first speed being lower than the second speed.

4. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the driving data history is associated with a vehicle driver profile.

5. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the driving data history is obtained (205) from a memory (105) of the electric vehicle.

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the history is obtained (205) from a user terminal (104) or from a remote server.

7. Computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the method according to any one of the preceding claims, when such instructions are executed by a processor (301).

8. A control device for a navigation function in an electric motor vehicle, comprising: - an interface (303) capable of obtaining a driving data history; - a processor (301) configured to determine a driving type based on the driving data history obtained, and to adapt the navigation function of the electric vehicle based on the determined driving type and based on an activation state of an electric vehicle driving mode associated with an electric vehicle energy consumption optimization function;system in which the driving type is determined by selection from two predetermined driving types according to a set of at least one rule applied to the data history of the electric vehicle (100), the two predetermined types comprising a first driving type compatible with the driving mode associated with said optimization function and a second driving type incompatible with the driving mode associated with said optimization function, and in which:; - if the mode associated with the optimization function is activated and the first driving type is selected, then the activated state of the mode is taken into account in the adaptation (207) of the navigation function; - if the mode associated with the optimization function is activated and the second driving type is selected, then the driving mode state is considered to be deactivated for the adaptation of the navigation function.

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