Method and device for controlling the electrical energy consumption of an electric vehicle

A touch screen interface in electric vehicles allows users to deactivate energy-consuming functions, addressing the issue of reduced range and emissions by optimizing electrical energy use.

FR3166724A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-03-27STELLANTIS AUTO SAS +1
View PDF 3 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
FR · FR
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-09-24
Publication Date
2026-03-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The electrical energy consumption by auxiliary systems in electric vehicles reduces the range and necessitates frequent recharging, contributing to battery wear and pollutant emissions.

Method used

A method and device that utilize a touch screen interface to allow users to deactivate energy-consuming functions through graphical objects, reducing electrical energy consumption and extending the vehicle's range.

Benefits of technology

Enhances energy savings and reduces recharging frequency while minimizing pollutant emissions by enabling users to easily manage energy consumption through a graphical control interface.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
    Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method and device for controlling the electrical energy consumption of an electric vehicle comprising a touchscreen (13). To this end, initial data representing a request to display graphic content (20) depicting an energy-saving mode of the electric vehicle are received. The graphic content (20) is displayed on the touchscreen (20). This graphic content comprises a set of initial graphic objects (211 to 216), each configured to control the deactivation of at least one function of the electric vehicle. Secondary data representing a touch press on at least one of these graphic objects is received. Upon receipt of the second data, at least one request to deactivate at least one function is transmitted. Figure 2 (for the abstract)
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Title of the invention: Method and device for controlling the electrical energy consumption of an electric vehicle technical field

[0001] The invention relates to methods and devices for controlling the electrical energy consumption of an electric vehicle, in particular but not exclusively a motor vehicle. The invention relates in particular to a method and a device for displaying a control interface for a set of functions of the electric vehicle, which functions consume electrical energy. Technological background

[0002] The range of electric vehicles depends on several factors including the total electrical energy storage capacity of the electric vehicle's traction battery, the type of journey, the activation of on-board electrical systems such as the air conditioning system, but also the behavior of the electric vehicle driver and their driving style.

[0003] Electric vehicles, like internal combustion engine vehicles, incorporate a large number of systems configured to assist the driver in controlling the vehicle or to improve the comfort of the driver and passengers. The systems implementing these functions, for example, the control units, are powered by electrical energy supplied by the electric vehicle's traction battery. The electrical energy consumed by these systems to implement their functions reduces the amount of electrical energy available to the electric motor of the electric vehicle, thereby reducing the electric vehicle's range and consequently increasing the frequency of recharging the traction battery, with associated drawbacks such as wear on the traction battery, increased pollutant emissions during the generation of the electricity needed to recharge the battery, etc. Summary of the present invention

[0004] One object of the present invention is to solve at least one of the problems of the technological background described above.

[0005] Another object of the present invention is to improve the control of the electrical consumption of an electric vehicle.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to reduce the electrical energy consumption of an electric vehicle.

[0007] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a method for controlling the electrical energy consumption of an electric vehicle, the electric vehicle incorporating a display system including a touch screen, the process being implemented by a processor and comprising the following steps: - receipt of initial data representative of a request to display graphic content representative of an energy saving mode of the electric vehicle; - first control of displaying the graphic content on the touch screen, the graphic content comprising a set of first graphic objects each configured to control a deactivation of at least one function implemented by at least one component of the electric vehicle, the implementation of at least one function being consuming electrical energy supplied by a traction battery of the electric vehicle, the first display control being triggered by the reception of the first data; - reception of second data representing a touch press on at least one first graphic object from the set of first graphic objects; - transmission of at least one deactivation request of at least one function associated with at least one first graphical object, the transmission being triggered by the reception of the second data.

[0008] Displaying graphical content designed to control the deactivation and / or activation of electrically consuming functions by touching one or more graphical objects within the graphical content allows an electric vehicle user to easily deactivate one or more functions in order to reduce the amount of electrical energy consumed by the electric vehicle. Ultimately, this increases the electric vehicle's range and reduces the total number of traction battery recharges, resulting in overall energy savings and, where applicable, a reduction in associated pollutant emissions.

[0009] According to one variant, the method further includes receiving third data representing a request to activate the energy saving mode of the electric vehicle, the receipt of the third data triggering the generation of the first data.

[0010] According to another variant, the graphic content further includes a second graphic object configured to validate the activation of the energy saving mode, the method further including a step of transmitting a command to activate the energy saving mode triggered by a reception of fourth data representing a touch press on the second graphic object.

[0011] According to another embodiment, the graphic content further comprises a third graphic object configured to invalidate the activation of the energy-saving mode, the method further comprising a step of transmitting a cancellation command activation of the energy saving mode triggered by the reception of fifth data points representing a touch press on the third graphic object.

[0012] According to yet another variant, the graphic content further includes a fourth graphic object configured to validate the deactivation of at least one function, the transmission of at least one deactivation request being implemented only when fifth data representing a touch press on the fourth graphic object are received.

[0013] According to a further variant, the method further includes a second control of display of the graphic content following the reception of the second data representing a touch press on at least one first graphic object, the second control of display comprising a modification of a graphic representation of at least one first graphic object following the reception of the second data.

[0014] According to a second aspect, the present invention relates to a device for controlling the electrical energy consumption of an electric vehicle, the device comprising a memory associated with a processor configured for implementing the steps of the process according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0015] According to a third aspect, the present invention relates to an electric vehicle, for example of the automobile type, comprising a device as described above according to the second aspect of the present invention.

[0016] According to a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer program which includes instructions adapted for carrying out the steps of the process according to the first aspect of the present invention, in particular when the computer program is executed by at least one processor.

[0017] Such a computer program may use any programming language, and be in the form of source code, object code, or an intermediate form between source code and object code, such as in a partially compiled form, or in any other desirable form.

[0018] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the process according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0019] On the one hand, the recording medium can be any entity or device capable of storing the program. For example, the medium can include a storage means, such as a ROM, a CD-ROM or a microelectronic circuit-type ROM, or a magnetic recording means or a hard disk drive.

[0020] On the other hand, this recording medium can also be a transmissible medium such as an electrical or optical signal, such a signal being able to be transmitted via an electrical or optical cable, by conventional or radio frequency, by self-directing laser beam, or by other means. The computer program according to the present invention can, in particular, be downloaded from an Internet-type network.

[0021] Alternatively, the recording medium may be an integrated circuit in which the computer program is incorporated, the integrated circuit being adapted to execute or to be used in the execution of the process in question. Brief description of the figures

[0022] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description of the specific and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention below, with reference to the attached Figures 1 to 4, in which:

[0023] [Fig-1] schematically illustrates part of the passenger compartment of an electric vehicle, according to a particular embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] [Fig.2] schematically illustrates a display device for the electric vehicle of the [Fig.1], according to a particular and non-limiting example of the present invention;

[0025] [Fig.3] illustrates a device configured to control energy consumption electric of the electric vehicle of the [Fig.1], according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] [Fig.4] illustrates a flowchart of the different stages of a control process The electrical energy consumption of the electric vehicle in [Fig. 1], according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. Description of embodiment examples

[0027] A method and device for controlling the electrical energy consumption of an electric vehicle will now be described in what follows with joint reference to Figures 1 to 4. The same elements are identified with the same reference signs throughout the description that follows.

[0028] The terms "first," "second" (or "firsts," "seconds"), etc., are used in this document by arbitrary convention to allow for the identification and distinction of different elements (such as operations, means, etc.) implemented in the embodiments described below. Such elements may be distinct or correspond to a single element, depending on the embodiment.

[0029] According to a particular and non-limiting example of an embodiment of the present invention, the control of the electrical energy consumption of an electric vehicle is, for example, implemented by one or more computers of the electric vehicle, for example via one or more processors.

[0030] To this end, initial data representing a request to display graphic content representing an energy-saving mode of the electric vehicle are received. This initial data is, for example, generated and received following an action by a user of the electric vehicle, for example the driver, for example a command to activate an energy-saving mode of the electric vehicle by pressing a control button, whether physical or virtual.

[0031] Receiving the initial data triggers an initial display check of the graphic content on a touchscreen of the electric vehicle. The graphic content thus displayed comprises a set of initial graphic objects, each configured to control the deactivation of one or more functions implemented by at least one component of the electric vehicle, for example, a control unit or a hardware element of the electric vehicle. Each initial graphic object corresponds, for example, to a virtual object such as a button or an icon displayed within the graphic content, which graphic content corresponds, for example, to a page or a specific element of a graphical human-machine interface (HMI) displayed on the touchscreen.

[0032] Second data representing a touch press on one or more first graphic objects are received following a touch press on this or these first graphic objects displayed on the touch screen by the user of the electric vehicle.

[0033] Following the receipt of the second data point, one or more requests to deactivate the function(s) associated with the first graphic object(s) on which the user performed a touch are transmitted to disable this or these functions. The deactivation request(s) are, for example, transmitted on one or more data buses of the electric vehicle's onboard network to the electric vehicle's control unit(s) that manage the implementation of this or these functions.

[0034] Such a method makes it possible to control the deactivation of function(s) consuming electrical energy, for example when the user of the electric vehicle wishes to limit the amount of electrical energy consumed by the electric vehicle, thereby increasing the range of the electric vehicle which can then travel longer distances by prioritizing the amount of electrical energy available in the traction battery for the operation of the electric motor.

[0035] Fig. 1 schematically illustrates part of the passenger compartment of an electric vehicle 10, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] The electric vehicle 10 corresponds to a vehicle comprising one or more electric motors powered by a traction battery. The electric vehicle 10 thus corresponds, for example, to a land vehicle, for example a car, a truck, a bus, a utility vehicle.

[0037] The electric vehicle 10 incorporates a set of electrical systems, components, or parts powered by the traction battery of the electric vehicle 10, each of these electrical systems, components, or parts being configured to perform one or more functions. In the remainder of this description, the term "component" is used to designate any system, component, or part of the electric vehicle powered by the traction battery of the electric vehicle 10 to operate and perform the function(s) associated with each component.

[0038] An organ corresponds, for example, to: - an ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance System), or the control unit controlling such an ADAS, configured to implement one or more driver assistance functions of the electric vehicle 10, for example, a cruise control system with a speed regulation function and a speed limiting function, a lane keeping assist system with a lane departure warning function and a vehicle control function to actively keep the vehicle in the lane, a navigation system with a route calculation function, a graphical instruction rendering function to follow the route and a voice instruction rendering function to follow the route, etc.; and / or - a comfort system such as an infotainment system, known as an IVI (In-Vehicle Infotainment) system, with a USB media playback function, a tuner function, a remote media playback function via a Bluetooth® connection, a screen mirroring function, an electric seat position control system for one or more seats in the electric vehicle, a video system for the rear seats of the electric vehicle, an ambient lighting system in the passenger compartment, etc.; and / or - an electric vehicle air conditioning system 10, with, for example, an air conditioning function, a ventilation function, a zone temperature control function, a demisting function, a rapid heating function (boost mode), a rapid cooling function (boost mode), etc.; and / or - a heating / air conditioning system for one or more seats in the electric vehicle; and / or - a wireless communication system for the electric vehicle 10.

[0039] The above list is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not exhaustive, as all the components of the electric vehicle 10 configured for the implementation of function(s) are covered by the present invention.

[0040] The electric vehicle 10 thus incorporates a set of embedded systems, each controlled by one or more computers. These computers form, for example, a multiplexed architecture for the implementation of various services useful for the proper functioning of the electric vehicle 10 and for assisting the driver and / or passengers of the electric vehicle in controlling the electric vehicle 10 via the control of the embedded system(s) in the electric vehicle 10.Computers communicate and exchange data with each other via one or more computer buses, for example a CAN (Controller Area Network), CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate), FlexRay (according to ISO 17458), LIN (Local Interconnect Network), or Ethernet (according to ISO / IEC 802-3) type communication bus.

[0041] The electric vehicle 10 advantageously incorporates a display system comprising a screen 13, for example with a touch interface, and a computer configured to control the display of content(s) from a graphic HMI (Human-Machine Interface) on the touch screen 13. The computer corresponds, for example, to the computer of the infotainment system, called the IVI computer (from the English "In-Vehicle Infotainment" or in French "Infodivertissement étoilé") of the electric vehicle 10.

[0042] The screen 13 corresponds for example to an LCD type screen (from the English "Liquid Crystal Display" or in French "Affichage à cristals liquide"), for example of type TFT (from the English "Thin-Film Transistor" or in French "Transistor en film mince"), or OLED (from the English "Organic Light-Emitting Diode" or in French "Diode électroluminescente organique").

[0043] The screen 13 is configured to display content for the driver and passengers of the electric vehicle 10. According to one variant, the screen 13 is also configured to allow the driver and / or passengers of the electric vehicle 10 to interact with one or more systems embedded in the electric vehicle 10 via a human-machine interface (HMI) displayed on the screen 13, in particular when the screen 13 is a touch screen.

[0044] According to a particular embodiment, the display system comprises one or more other screens, for example, a screen of a so-called head-up display device or system, corresponding, for example, to a transparent or semi-transparent screen arranged in such a way that a driver seated in the seat 15 sees the content displayed or projected onto the transparent screen when the driver is driving the electric vehicle 10. The display system further comprises, for example, a screen display called instrument cluster or instrument panel and usually arranged in an area 12 behind the steering wheel 14 in the instrument panel 11.

[0045] The electric vehicle 10 is configured to operate according to several driving modes, for example according to all or part of the following driving modes: - an economy mode, also called energy saving mode, - a standard mode, - a sport mode.

[0046] The electrical energy consumption of the electric vehicle 10 increases according to the driving mode: minimum consumption for economy mode and maximum consumption for sport mode). The selection of a mode by the driver automatically triggers, for example, the activation or deactivation of certain functions, for example, the limitation of the maximum permitted acceleration values ​​in economy mode to reduce the amount of electrical energy consumed by the electric motor by reducing the possible acceleration values.

[0047] The selection of the driving mode by the user of the electric vehicle 10 is obtained via a control means or an HMI provided for this purpose, for example via a control device on the steering wheel, via a selection in a menu displayed in a page of the graphic HMI of the electric vehicle 10 or via a voice command, the electric vehicle 10 then being equipped with a microphone and means for interpreting and analyzing voice commands.

[0048] A process for controlling the electrical energy consumption of the electric vehicle 10 is advantageously implemented by one or more processors of the display system, for example by a computer of an embedded system of the electric vehicle 10.

[0049] In a first operation of the process, first data representing a request to display graphic content representative of an energy saving mode of the electric vehicle 10 are received.

[0050] This initial data is received by the computer implementing the process from another computer of the electric vehicle 10 via one or more data buses of the embedded network of the electric vehicle 10, this other computer controlling the control means configured to allow the user to select the desired driving mode.

[0051] According to a particular embodiment, the user activates the control means to select the so-called energy-saving driving mode. Activation of the control means and selection of the energy-saving mode triggers the generation of third data representing a request to activate the energy-saving mode of the electric vehicle 10, which third data triggers the generation and transmission of the first data representing the request to display the graphic content, for example to the computer controlling the touch screen 13 (for example the IVI computer).

[0052] According to one variant, the first data correspond to the third data, the request to activate the energy saving mode being interpreted by the computer controlling the touch screen 13 as a request to display the graphic content.

[0053] In a second operation of the process, a first control for displaying graphic content is implemented to display this determined graphic content on the touch screen 13. The control for displaying this graphic content is triggered by the reception of the first data, the reception of the first data triggering, for example, the generation of instructions to implement the display of the graphic content on the touch screen 13.

[0054] The graphic content advantageously comprises a set of first graphic objects each configured to control a deactivation of one or more functions implemented by one or more components of the electric vehicle 10, the implementation of this or these functions being consuming electrical energy supplied by the traction battery of the electric vehicle 10.

[0055] A display control, of graphic content, of graphic information or of any graphic object (text, pictogram, icon, etc.) includes a rendering of the graphic content, of the graphic information or of the graphic object, such rendering corresponding to a set of operations performed by one or more processors on the pixels of one or more images of the graphic content to be displayed on the touch screen 13. For example, the rendering consists of associating to a set of pixels of an image pixel data (for example color data expressed in an RGB (Red, Green, Blue) type space) associated with each graphic object.

[0056] The control of displaying graphic content and all the graphic information and / or graphic objects it contains thus includes the transmission of control signals to the touch screen 13 to modify the values ​​associated with the pixels of the touch screen 13 at the location intended to display the graphic information or graphic object.

[0057] The display of the graphic content is triggered, for example, by an action of the electric vehicle user 10, i.e., by the reception of a signal or control data emitted by the interface receiving the user's command. As described previously, the command triggering the generation of the first data corresponds, for example, to a command to activate the energy-saving mode. According to another example, the command triggering the generation of the first data corresponds to an action by the user wishing to display the graphic content, for example via a press on a physical control button or a touch press on a control button displayed on the touch screen 13 (called virtual button).

[0058] The graphic content displayed on the touch screen 13 and each piece of information and / or graphic object displayed with this graphic content take on any possible representation.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the graphic content and each associated graphic information are displayed on a screen other than the touch screen 13, for example on the dashboard 12.

[0060] Fig. 2 illustrates a graphical representation of such graphical content 20 displayed on the screen 13, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] The graphic content 20 takes, for example, the form of a page comprising a set of graphic objects, for example virtual buttons intended to trigger one or more actions following a touch press on one or more of these virtual buttons, and one or more pieces of graphic information (for example text) intended to accompany the graphic objects and provide an explanation or description relating to the virtual buttons.

[0062] The graphic content 20 includes a set of first graphic objects 211 to 216, each corresponding, for example, to a virtual button intended to receive a touch press to trigger the deactivation of one or more functions associated with each first graphic object 211 to 216.

[0063] Each first graphic object 211 to 216 is for example associated with a particular component of the electric vehicle 10, the function(s) to be deactivated following the touch press on the first graphic object chosen being implemented by the particular component associated with this first graphic object.

[0064] The function(s) associated with each first graphic object advantageously correspond to functions that do not impact the safety of the electric vehicle 10.

[0065] For example, the deactivatable function(s) correspond to a set of functions determined by the manufacturer of the electric vehicle 10. According to one variant, one or more deactivatable functions are selected by the user of the electric vehicle 10, for example via a determined page of the HMI of the electric vehicle 10.

[0066] The function(s) that can be deactivated by touching one or more of the first graphic objects 211 to 216 correspond to one or more of the following functions, the list not being exhaustive: - an air conditioning function for the rear row(s) of the electric vehicle 10; and / or - an accelerated heating function (boost mode); and / or - a voice rendering function for navigation system guidance instructions; and / or - a function for rendering ambient lighting in the passenger compartment of the electric vehicle 10; and / or - a heating and / or air conditioning function for the front passenger seat and / or the driver's seat; and / or - a function for playing audio content received from a mobile communication device (e.g., a smartphone); and / or - a display function on a head-up display device.

[0067] According to a particular embodiment, the deactivatable function(s) associated with the first graphic object 211 correspond to one or more functions of an air conditioning system of the electric vehicle 10; the deactivatable function(s) associated with the first graphic object 212 correspond to one or more functions of an infotainment system of the electric vehicle 10; the deactivatable function(s) associated with the first graphic object 213 correspond to one or more functions of a seat air conditioning system of the electric vehicle 10; the deactivatable function(s) associated with the first graphic object 214 correspond to one or more functions of an interior lighting system of the electric vehicle 10; and the deactivatable function(s) associated with the first graphic object 215 correspond to one or more functions of a navigation system of the electric vehicle 10.

[0068] According to one embodiment, a unique disableable function is associated with each first graphic object 211 to 215.

[0069] According to another particular embodiment, the first graphic object 216 is intended to control the deactivation of all the functions associated with the set of other first graphic objects 211 to 215 following a touch press on this first graphic object 216.

[0070] Text, or any other graphic element (icon, image) is for example displayed on each first graphic object 211 to 216 to indicate to the user which function(s) or organ is associated with the first graphic object concerned.

[0071] The graphic content 20 includes, for example, a text area 21 intended to describe or explain the action to be performed, for example, text of the type "Select the functions to deactivate:", this text area being arranged above the first graphic objects 211 to 216.

[0072] According to another particular embodiment, the graphic content 20 further comprises a fourth graphic object 221 configured to validate the deactivation of the function(s) associated with the first graphic object(s) 211 to 216 selected by the user by touching this or these first graphic object(s) 211 to 216 selected. According to yet another example, the graphic content 20 further includes a fifth graphic object 222 configured to invalidate or cancel the deactivation of the function(s) associated with the first graphic object(s) 211 to 216 selected by the user by touch pressing on this or these first graphic object(s) 211 to 216 selected.

[0073] The graphic content 20 further includes, for example, a text area 22 intended to describe or explain the action to be performed, for example, text of the type "Validate your functions:", this text area being arranged above the fourth and fifth graphic objects 221 and 222. Text is displayed, for example, on the fourth graphic object 221 (for example, the word "YES"), respectively on the fifth graphic object 222 (for example, the word "NO") to describe the function of the fourth graphic object 221, respectively of the fifth graphic object 222.

[0074] According to another particular embodiment, the graphic content 20 further comprises a second graphic object 231 configured to validate the activation of the power-saving mode, which activation having, for example, been required by the actuation of a control means as described above. According to this other embodiment, the transmission of a command to activate the power-saving mode is triggered only if the computer implementing the process receives fourth data points representing a touch on the second graphic object 231.

[0075] The graphic content 20 further includes, for example, a third graphic object 232 configured to invalidate or cancel the activation of the power-saving mode, which activation may have been required, for example, by the actuation of a control means as described above. According to this example, the transmission of a command to cancel the activation of the power-saving mode is triggered by the reception of fifth data points representing a touch on the third graphic object 232.

[0076] The graphic content 20 further includes, for example, a text area 23 intended to describe or explain the action to be performed, for example, text of the type "Validate the energy saving mode:", this text area being arranged above the second and third graphic objects 231 and 232. Text is displayed, for example, on the second graphic object 231 (for example, the word "YES"), respectively on the third graphic object 232 (for example, the word "NO") to describe the function of the second graphic object 231, respectively of the third graphic object 232.

[0077] In a third operation of the process, second data representing a touch press on one or more first graphic objects of the set The first graphic objects 211 to 216 are received, following a touch press by the user on this or these first graphic objects.

[0078] A touch press on a graphic object such as a first graphic object sends information to the computer implementing the process, for example the IVI computer, so that the latter implements one or more functions associated with the command corresponding to the touch press.

[0079] The second data representing the touch press are received for example via one or more data buses linking the touch interface of the screen 13 (or a computer controlling such a touch interface where applicable) and the IVI computer.

[0080] A touch press corresponds to a short or brief touch press in which the duration of the press on the indicator is less than a threshold duration (for example, equal to 500 or 1000 ms). According to one embodiment, a touch press corresponds to a long touch press in which the duration of the press on the indicator is greater than the threshold duration (for example, equal to 500 or 1000 ms).

[0081] In a fourth operation of the process, one or more requests to deactivate the function(s) associated with the first graphic object(s) that have been touched are transmitted, the transmission being triggered by the reception of the second data.

[0082] For example, if the user has performed a touch press on the first graphic object 211, a request to deactivate the function(s) associated with this first graphic object is generated and transmitted.

[0083] Each deactivation request is transmitted to the relevant organ(s), i.e. to the organ(s) implementing the function(s) to be deactivated, via one or more data buses of the on-board network of the electric vehicle 10. Each deactivation request includes information identifying each function to be deactivated, and possibly also information identifying the target organ receiving the deactivation request.

[0084] When the graphic content 20 includes the fourth graphic object 221, the transmission of the deactivation request(s) is only implemented when fifth data representing a touch press on the fourth graphic object 221 are received by the computer implementing the process, that is to say when the user who requested the deactivation of the function(s) by touch press on one or more first graphic objects has also made a touch press on the fourth graphic object 221 to confirm the deactivation of the function(s).

[0085] According to a particular embodiment, the process further comprises a second display control of the graphic content 20 following the reception of the second data representing a touch press on the first graphic object(s), following the reception of the second data. This second control display includes a modification of a graphical representation of the first graphical object(s) on which the user performed a touch press.

[0086] According to this particular embodiment, a first graphic object passes from a first graphic representation to a second graphic representation.

[0087] The first graphic object is for example displayed according to a first color (for example the color green) according to the first graphic representation, then according to a second color (different from the first color, for example the color red) according to the second graphic representation.

[0088] This particular embodiment allows the user to be visually informed which first graphic object(s) they have touched, that is, to indicate which functions will be deactivated. For example, when the graphic content is displayed following the reception of the first data, all the first graphic objects are displayed according to the first graphic representation. If the user touches the first graphic object 211 and the first graphic object 213, these first graphic objects 211 and 213 are displayed according to the second graphic representation after the touch presses, while the other first graphic objects 212, 214, 215, and 216 remain displayed according to the first graphic representation.

[0089] In a subsequent operation of the process, the computer(s) controlling the function(s) to be deactivated and receiving the deactivation request(s) for the function(s) command the deactivation of each function concerned via the generation of ad hoc instructions.

[0090] Deactivating this or these functions results in a decrease in the electrical energy consumption of the electric vehicle 10.

[0091] According to a particular embodiment, the reactivation of the deactivated function(s) is achieved by pressing the first graphic object(s) that were pressed to deactivate the function(s). In this particular embodiment, this new touch triggers the generation and transmission of one or more activation requests for the function(s) to be reactivated, as well as the transition to the first graphic representation of the first graphic object(s) that received the new touch.

[0092] Figure 3 schematically illustrates a device 3 configured for controlling the electrical energy consumption of an electric vehicle, for example the electric vehicle 10, according to specific and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention. The device 3 corresponds, for example, to a device embedded in the electric vehicle 10, for example a computer.

[0093] Depending on variants, device 3 corresponds to a device configured to control a display system of the electric vehicle 10 or to a device configured to control the implementation of one or more functions.

[0094] Device 3 is, for example, configured to carry out the operations described opposite Figures 1 and 2 and / or the steps of the process described opposite [Fig. 4]. Examples of such a device 3 include, but are not limited to, embedded electronic equipment such as an on-board computer in an electric vehicle, an electronic control unit such as an ECU (Electronic Control Unit), a smartphone, a tablet, or a laptop computer. The elements of device 3, individually or in combination, can be integrated into a single integrated circuit, into several integrated circuits, and / or into discrete components. Device 3 can be implemented in the form of electronic circuits or software (or computer) modules, or a combination of electronic circuits and software modules.

[0095] The device 3 comprises one (or more) processor(s) 30 configured to execute instructions for carrying out the steps of the process and / or for executing instructions from the software embedded in the device 3. The processor 30 may include integrated memory, an input / output interface, and various circuits known to those skilled in the art. The device 3 further comprises at least one memory 31, for example, volatile and / or non-volatile memory, and / or includes a memory storage device that may include volatile and / or non-volatile memory, such as EEPROM, ROM, PROM, RAM, DRAM, SRAM, flash, magnetic disk, or optical disk.

[0096] The computer code of the embedded software(s) including the instructions to be loaded and executed by the processor is for example stored on memory 31.

[0097] According to various particular and non-limiting embodiments, the device 3 is coupled in communication with other similar devices or systems and / or with communication devices, for example a TCU (Telematic Control Unit), for example via a communication bus or through dedicated input / output ports.

[0098] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 3 includes a block 32 of interface elements for communicating with external devices. The interface elements of the block 32 include one or more of the following interfaces: - Radio frequency (RF) interface, for example Wi-Fi® type (according to IEEE 802.11), for example in the 2.4 or 5 GHz frequency bands, or Bluetooth® type (according to IEEE 802.15.1), in the 2.4 GHz frequency band, or Sigfox type using UBN (Ultra Narrow Band) radio technology, or LoRa in the 868 MHz frequency band, LTE (Long-Term Evolution), LTE-Advanced; - USB interface (from the English "Universal Serial Bus" or "Universal Serial Bus" in French); - HDMI interface (from the English "High Definition Multimedia Interface", or "High Definition Multimedia Interface" in French); - LIN interface (from the English "Local Interconnect Network", or in French "Réseau interconnecté local").

[0099] According to another particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 3 includes a communication interface 33 which allows communication to be established with other devices (such as other computers in the embedded system) via a communication channel 330. The communication interface 33 corresponds, for example, to a transmitter configured to transmit and receive information and / or data via the communication channel 330. The communication interface 33 corresponds, for example, to a wired network of the CAN (Controller Area Network) type, CAN FD (Controller Area Network Flexible Data-Rate) type, FlexRay (standardized by ISO 17458) or Ethernet (standardized by ISO / IEC 802-3).

[0100] According to a particular and non-limiting embodiment, the device 3 can provide output signals to one or more external devices, such as a display screen 340, touch or not, one or more speakers 350 and / or other peripherals 360 (projection system) via output interfaces 34, 35 and 36 respectively. According to a variant, one or more of the external devices is integrated into the device 3.

[0101] Figure 4 illustrates a flowchart of the different steps in a method for controlling the electrical energy consumption of an electric vehicle, for example the electric vehicle 10, according to a particular and non-limiting embodiment of the present invention. The method is implemented, for example, by a device embedded in the electric vehicle 10 or by the device 3 of Figure 3.

[0102] In a first step 41, first data representing a request to display graphic content representative of an energy saving mode of the electric vehicle are received.

[0103] In a second step 42, the display of the graphic content is controlled so that this graphic content is displayed on the touch screen, the graphic content comprising a set of first graphic objects each configured to control a deactivation of at least one function implemented by at least one component of the electric vehicle, the implementation of at least one function being consuming electrical energy supplied by a traction battery of the electric vehicle, the display control being triggered by the reception of the first data.

[0104] In a third step 43, second data representing a touch press on at least one first graphic object from the set of first graphic objects are received.

[0105] In a fourth step 44, at least one deactivation request for at least one function associated with at least one first graphical object is transmitted, the transmission being triggered by the reception of the second data

[0106] According to one variant, the variants and examples of the operations described in relation to one of Figures 1 and 2 apply to the steps of the process in [Fig.4].

[0107] Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but extends to a method for displaying graphic content for controlling the activation and deactivation of a set of electrically consuming functions, which would include secondary steps without departing from the scope of the present invention. The same would apply to a device configured for implementing such a method.

[0108] The present invention also relates to an electric vehicle, for example an automobile or more generally an autonomous land-based motor vehicle, comprising the device 3 of [Fig.3] or a display system comprising the device 3 of [Fig.3] connected in communication to a screen 13.

Claims

Demands

1. Method for controlling the electrical energy consumption of an electric vehicle (10), said electric vehicle (10) having a display system including a touch screen (13), said method being implemented by a processor and comprising the following steps: - receiving (41) first data representing a request to display graphic content (20) representative of an energy saving mode of said electric vehicle (10);- first display control (42) of said graphic content (20) on said touch screen (13), said graphic content (20) comprising a set of first graphic objects (211 to 216) each configured to control the deactivation of at least one function implemented by at least one component of said electric vehicle (10), the implementation of said at least one function being consuming electrical energy supplied by a traction battery of said electric vehicle (10), said first display control (42) being triggered by the reception (41) of said first data; - reception (43) of second data representing a touch press on at least one first graphic object of said set of first graphic objects (211 to 216); - transmission (44) of at least one request to deactivate the at least one function associated with said at least one first graphic object, said transmission being triggered by the reception (43) of the second data.

2. A method according to claim 1, further comprising receiving third data representing a request to activate the energy saving mode of said electric vehicle (10), the receipt of the third data triggering a generation of said first data.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein said graphic content (20) further comprises a second graphic object (231) configured to validate the activation of the energy-saving mode, the method further comprising a step of transmitting a command to activate the energy-saving mode triggered by a reception of fourth data representative of a touch press on said second graphic object (231).

4. A method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said graphic content (20) further comprises a third graphic object (232) configured to invalidate the activation of the power saving mode, the method further comprising a step of transmitting a command to cancel the activation of the power saving mode triggered by the reception of fifth data representing a touch press on said third graphic object (232).

5. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said graphic content (20) further comprises a fourth graphic object (221) configured to validate the deactivation of said at least one function, the transmission of said at least one deactivation request being implemented only when fifth data representing a touch press on said fourth graphic object (221) are received.

6. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a second display control of said graphic content (20) following the reception (43) of the second data representing a touch press on said at least one first graphic object, said second display control comprising a modification of a graphic representation of said at least one first graphic object following the reception (43) of the second data.

7. Computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, when such instructions are executed by at least one processor.

8. A computer-readable recording medium on which is recorded a computer program comprising instructions for carrying out the steps of the process according to any one of claims 1 to 6

9. 1 d O. Device (3) for controlling the electrical energy consumption of an electric vehicle, said device (3) comprising a memory (31) associated with at least one processor (30) configured for carrying out the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

10. Electric vehicle (10) comprising device (3) according to claim 9.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Methods for operating a vehicle

    DE102020130858A1

  • Energy management of an electrified vehicle

    US20170282741A1

  • System and method for managing power in a vehicle

    US9008874B2