Method and system for route planning in electric vehicles using activity and wireless charging infrastructure

Abstract

A method for planning a route 20 of an at least in part electrically operated motor vehicle 10 by a navigation system 12 of the vehicle 10, comprising: capturing an input of a user 18 of the vehicle 1

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of automobiles and more specifically to a method for route planning in electric vehicles using user activity and wireless charging infrastructure according to claim 1. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a system, a corresponding computer program product and a corresponding non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. BACKGROUND INFORMATION

[0002] The present invention is in the field of electric vehicle technology, specifically related to a navigation system that assists in planning a route for an electric motor vehicle. With the increasing popularity and adoption of electric vehicles, navigation systems that can efficiently guide these vehicles to their destination while considering various factors such as the vehicle's current state of charge, the location of charging stations, and the activities of the user during the charging process are becoming increasingly important. The navigation system of the present invention incorporates these considerations and provides a method for planning a route that is both efficient and convenient for the user considering wireless charging roads.

[0003] In the current technology, electric vehicles are often equipped with navigation systems that rely on pre-determined routes and fixed charging stations. These systems are typically unable to adapt to changing conditions or to consider user inputs and activities. As a result, the routes provided by these systems may not always be the most efficient or convenient for the user. For instance, if a user needs to perform certain activities during the charging process, such as shopping or dining, the user may have to deviate from the suggested route to reach a suitable location. This can result in unnecessary travel time and energy consumption.

[0004] Furthermore, conventional navigation systems often fail to take into account the state of charge of the vehicle. This can lead to situations where the vehicle runs out of charge before reaching a charging station. In addition, these systems typically do not consider the availability or service parameters of charging stations, which can further complicate the route planning process. As such, there is a need for a more intelligent and adaptable navigation system that can effectively guide electric vehicles to their destination while considering various factors such as the user's activities, the vehicle's state of charge, and the charging infrastructure.

[0005] Prior art, such as DE-102018203392-A1, CN-108162771 -B, and CN-110174117-B, have proposed solutions to address some of these issues. For instance, DE-102018203392-A1 proposes an intelligent charging navigation method that uses a wireless network to upload vehicle, road condition and charging station information to calculate the optimal charging path and upload it to the EV vehicle-mounted terminal. CN-108162771-B and CN-110174117-B propose a method for planning a charging route of an electric automobile that involves acquiring basic data, segmenting a route, calculating an optimal charging station, and generating a charging route.

[0006] There is a need to provide a novel method for planning a route for an electric vehicle that effectively incorporates the user's activities, the state of charge of the vehicle, and the availability wireless charging roads, as well as a navigation system capable of performing this method. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a method for planning a route of an at least in part electrically operated motor vehicle by a navigation system of the motor vehicle. This method takes into account user activities during the charging of the motor vehicle, thereby optimizing the route for the convenience of the user and the efficient use of the vehicle's electric power.

[0008] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a digital map with a wireless charging road by an electronic computing device of the navigation system. The digital map assigns the wireless charging road and activities in the surrounding area of the wireless charging road, thus providing the user with a comprehensive view of the route, charging options, and nearby activities.

[0009] Yet another objective of the present invention is to plan the route of the motor vehicle depending on activities and the wireless charging road. This ensures that the route is not only efficient in terms of power usage but also aligns with the user's activities, enhancing the overall user experience.

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, a method for planning a route of an at least in part electrically operated motor vehicle by a navigation system of the motor vehicle is provided. This method comprises capturing an input of a user of the motor vehicle by a capturing device of the navigation system, wherein the input describes an activity during a charging of the motor vehicle. The method further involves providing a digital map with a wireless charging road by an electronic computing device of the navigation system, wherein the digital map assigns the wireless charging road and activities in the surrounding area of the wireless charging road. Finally, the method includes planning the route of the motor vehicle depending on activities and the wireless charging road by the electronic computing device.

[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, the capturing device is provided as a touch sensitive display device. This allows for easy and intuitive input from the user, enhancing the user experience and the efficiency of the route planning process. In another embodiment, the route is planned depending on a starting point of the motor vehicle and a destination point. This ensures that the route is the most efficient and convenient for the user, taking into account both the starting and ending points of the journey. In yet another embodiment, the wireless charging road is suggested depending on the activity, wherein the wireless charging road is a wireless charging road network. This allows for the most efficient use of the wireless charging infrastructure, ensuring that the vehicle is always optimally charged.

[0012] In a further embodiment, a plurality of activities may be taken into consideration for planning the route. This ensures that the route is not only efficient in terms of power usage, but also aligns with the user's activities, enhancing the overall user experience. In another embodiment, a state of charge of the motor vehicle is taken into consideration for planning the route. This ensures that the vehicle is always optimally charged, improving the efficiency of the vehicle and reducing the risk of running out of power.

[0013] The present invention also provides a computer program product comprising program code means for performing the above-mentioned method. This allows for the method to be easily implemented in a variety of navigation systems.

[0014] In another aspect, the present invention provides a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising at least the computer program product. This ensures that the program can be easily stored and transferred, allowing for easy implementation in a variety of systems.

[0015] In a further aspect, a navigation system for planning a route of an at least in part electrically operated motor vehicle is provided. The navigation system comprises at least one capturing device and one electronic computing device, wherein the navigation system is configured for performing the above-mentioned method.

[0016] An “electronic computing device” may in particular be understood as a data processing device, which comprises processing circuitry. The electronic computing device may therefore in particular process data to perform computing operations. This may also include operations to perform indexed accesses to a data structure, for example a look-up table, LUT.

[0017] In particular, the electronic computing device may include one or more computers, one or more microcontrollers, and / or one or more integrated circuits, for example, one or more application-specific integrated circuits, ASIC, one or more field-programmable gate arrays, FPGA, and / or one or more systems on a chip, SoC. The computing unit may also include one or more processors, for example one or more microprocessors, one or more central processing units, CPU, one or more graphics processing units, GPU, and / or one or more signal processors, in particular one or more digital signal processors, DSP. The computing unit may also include a physical or a virtual cluster of computers or other of said units.

[0018] In various embodiments, the electronic computing device includes one or more hardware and / or software interfaces and / or one or more memory units.

[0019] A memory unit may be implemented as a volatile data memory, for example a dynamic random access memory, DRAM, or a static random access memory, SRAM, or as a non-volatile data memory, for example a read-only memory, ROM, a programmable read-only memory, PROM, an erasable programmable read-only memory, EPROM, an electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, EEPROM, a flash memory or flash EEPROM, a ferroelectric random access memory, FRAM, a magnetoresistive random access memory, MRAM, or a phase-change random access memory, PCRAM.

[0020] Further advantages, features, and details of the present invention derive from the following description of preferred embodiments as well as from the drawing. The features and feature combinations previously mentioned in the description as well as the features and feature combinations mentioned in the following description of the figure and / or shown in the figure alone can be employed not only in the respectively indicated combination but also in any other combination or taken alone without leaving the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0021] The novel features and characteristic of the present disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments and together with the description, serve to explain the disclosed principles. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the figures to reference like features and components. Some embodiments of system and / or methods in accordance with embodiments of the present subject matter are now described below, by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying figures.

[0022] The drawing shows in:

[0023] Fig. 1 a diagram illustrating a motor vehicle and its components designed to determine a route for charging along a wireless charging road; and

[0024] Fig. 2 a flowchart depicting a three-step process for determining a route to enable charging along a wireless charging road.

[0025] In the figure the same elements or elements having the same function are indicated by the same reference signs. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] In the present document, the word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example, instance, or illustration". Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.

[0027] While the present disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawing and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[0028] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion so that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus preceded by “comprises” or “comprise” does not or do not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or method.

[0029] In the following detailed description of the embodiment of the present disclosure, reference is made to the accompanying drawing that forms part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration a specific embodiment in which the disclosure may be practiced. This embodiment is described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The following description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0030] The present invention provides a method for planning a route of an at least in part electrically operated motor vehicle by a navigation system of the motor vehicle. The method comprises the steps of capturing an input of a user of the motor vehicle by a capturing device of the navigation system, wherein the input describes an activity during a charging of the motor vehicle; providing a digital map with a wireless charging road by an electronic computing device of the navigation system, wherein the digital map assigns the wireless charging road and activities in the surrounding area of the wireless charging road; and planning the route of the motor vehicle depending on activities and the wireless charging road by the electronic computing device. This method enables efficient and convenient travel for users of electric vehicles, providing a seamless integration of charging and travel activities.

[0031] The capturing device in this invention is provided as a touch-sensitive display device. This type of device is known for its ease of use and intuitive interface, allowing for quick and accurate input from the user. Examples of touch-sensitive display devices include, but are not limited to, capacitive touch screens, resistive touch screens, infrared touch screens, and surface acoustic wave touch screens. The advantages of using a touch-sensitive display device as a capturing device include its versatility, ease of use, and the ability to provide real-time feedback to the user. Other possibilities for capturing devices could include voice recognition systems, physical buttons or dials, or gesture recognition systems.

[0032] The route of the motor vehicle is planned depending on a starting point of the motor vehicle and a destination point. This allows for efficient route planning, taking into account the user's desired start and end points. Examples of starting points could include a user's home, workplace, or any other location the user wishes to depart from. Similarly, destination points could include a user's home, workplace, a shopping center, a recreational area, or any other location the user wishes to travel to. This method of route planning allows for a personalized and user-centric approach, improving the overall user experience.

[0033] The wireless charging road is suggested depending on the activity, wherein the wireless charging road is a wireless charging road network. A wireless charging road network is a network of roads equipped with wireless charging capabilities, allowing electric vehicles to charge while in motion. Examples of wireless charging road networks include, but are not limited to, networks using inductive charging technology, resonant inductive coupling technology, or microwave transmission technology. The advantages of using a wireless charging road network include the ability to charge the vehicle while in motion, reducing the need for stationary charging and increasing the overall efficiency of the vehicle's operation. Other possibilities for wireless charging could include stationary wireless charging stations, charging pads, or charging docks.

[0034] A plurality of activities may be taken into consideration for planning the route. This allows for a holistic approach to route planning, taking into account various activities the user may wish to engage in during the journey. Examples of activities could include shopping, dining, sightseeing, attending events, or any other activity the user wishes to partake in. This method of route planning allows for a more personalized and enjoyable travel experience, improving the overall user experience.

[0035] A state of charge of the motor vehicle is taken into consideration for planning the route. This allows for efficient route planning, taking into account the vehicle's current charge level and the need for recharging. Examples of states of charge could include a full charge, half charge, low charge, or any other level of charge. This method of route planning allows for efficient use of the vehicle's battery, reducing the need for unnecessary recharging and improving the overall efficiency of the vehicle's operation.

[0036] The invention also provides a computer program product comprising program code means for performing the method. This computer program product allows for the method to be implemented on a suitable computing device, such as the electronic computing device of the navigation system. Examples of computer program products include, but are not limited to, software programs, firmware programs, or any other form of program code means. The advantages of using a computer program product include its flexibility, ease of implementation, and the ability to be updated or modified as needed.

[0037] The computer program product is stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. This allows for the program code means to be stored and accessed as needed. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums include, but are not limited to, hard drives, solid state drives, flash drives, optical discs, or any other form of storage medium. The advantages of using a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium include its durability, reliability, and the ability to store large amounts of data.

[0038] The invention also provides a navigation system for planning a route of an at least in part electrically operated motor vehicle, comprising at least one capturing device and one electronic computing device, wherein the navigation system is configured for performing the method. This navigation system allows for the method to be implemented in a practical and user-friendly manner, providing a seamless integration of charging and travel activities. Examples of navigation systems include, but are not limited to, standalone GPS devices, integrated car navigation systems, or navigation apps on mobile devices. The advantages of using a navigation system include its ease of use, accuracy, and the ability to provide real-time updates and feedback to the user.

[0039] Referring to Figure 1, a diagram illustrating a motor vehicle 10 and its components designed to determine a route 20 for charging along a wireless charging road 26 is shown. To address the problem of an extended charging times, the present objective is to plan a route 20 for a motor vehicle 10 to charge along a wireless charging road 26. The wireless charging road 26 may include a charging road network that may charge the motor vehicle 10 that is an at least partially electrically operated vehicle wirelessly while driving on the road network that supports wireless charging. When a user 18 enters a destination or activity 22, the navigation system 12, which may include an electronic computing device 14, may determine the route 20 that provides wireless charging along the way, based on GPS 34 to locate the motor vehicle 10 and user 18 preferences such as the activity 22 in the surrounding area 28, the current state of charge, and the desired battery percentage or state of charge when reaching the destination point 32 from the starting point 30. The user 18 may select preferences using the capturing device 16.

[0040] The motor vehicle 10 is at least in part electrically operated and is equipped with a navigation system 12. The navigation system 12 comprises a capturing device 16 and an electronic computing device 14. The capturing device 16 is designed to capture an input of a user 18 of the motor vehicle 10. This input describes an activity 22 during a charging of the motor vehicle 10. The electronic computing device 14 is configured to provide a digital map 24 with a wireless charging road 26. The digital map 24 assigns the wireless charging road 26 and activities 22 in the surrounding area 28 of the wireless charging road 26. The electronic computing device 14 is also responsible for planning the route 20 of the motor vehicle 10 depending on activities 22 and the wireless charging road 26.

[0041] The motor vehicle 10 is the primary component of the system and is designed to be at least partially electrically operated. The motor vehicle 10 is capable of moving along a route 20 and receiving a charge from a wireless charging road 26. The motor vehicle 10 could be any type of vehicle that is capable of utilizing electric power for propulsion, including but not limited to, cars, buses, trucks, motorcycles, scooters, and bicycles. In an alternative embodiment, the motor vehicle 10 could also be a hybrid vehicle capable of utilizing both an internal combustion engine and electric power for propulsion.

[0042] The navigation system 12 of the motor vehicle 10 plays a crucial role in planning the route 20 of the motor vehicle 10. It comprises a capturing device 16 and an electronic computing device 14. The capturing device 16 is designed to capture an input of a user 18 of the motor vehicle 10. This input describes an activity 22 during a charging of the motor vehicle 10. The capturing device 16 could be a touch-sensitive display device, a keyboard, a microphone for voice commands, or any other suitable input device. In an alternative embodiment, the capturing device 16 could also be a combination of two or more input devices.

[0043] The navigation system 12 may be connected online. For example, a B2C online connection to retrieve real time wireless charging road 26 network details and charging station details. The navigation system 12 may include a database that has the details of the networks of wireless charging road 26 and charging stations.

[0044] The electronic computing device 14 of the navigation system 12 is responsible for providing a digital map 24 with a wireless charging road 26 and planning the route 20 of the motor vehicle 10. The digital map 24 assigns the wireless charging road 26 and activities 22 in the surrounding area 28 of the wireless charging road 26. The electronic computing device 14 could be a dedicated device within the motor vehicle 10, or it could be a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet that is connected to the motor vehicle 10. In an alternative embodiment, the electronic computing device 14 could also be a remote server that is connected to the motor vehicle 10 via a network.

[0045] The wireless charging road 26 is a specially designed road that provides wireless charging to the motor vehicle 10 as it moves along the route 20. The wireless charging road 26 could be a part of a wireless charging road network that covers a city, a region, or even an entire country. In an alternative embodiment, the wireless charging road 26 could also be a single stretch of road, such as a highway or a main road.

[0046] The activity 22 during a charging of the motor vehicle 10 could be any activity that the user 18 wishes to perform while the motor vehicle 10 is being charged. This could include, but is not limited to, shopping, dining, exercising, working, or resting. The activity 22 is taken into consideration by the electronic computing device 14 when planning the route 20 of the motor vehicle 10. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of activities 22 could be taken into consideration for planning the route 20.

[0047] For example, user 18 may initiate the present invention using a toggle switch for routing the motor vehicle 10 along a wireless charging road 26 in the menu of the navigation system 12 with a capturing device 16, which may be a touch sensitive display screen. The user 18 logs in to the user profile and the setting is toggled on. Then, user 18 enters a destination point 32. Based on current State of Charge (SOC) level of the vehicle 10 and the user 18 desired SOC level when reaching destination point 32, the navigation system 12 calculates the route 20 by including network of wireless charging roads 26 along the route 20 to charge the motor vehicle 10 to the user 18 desired SOC level.

[0048] In another example, the user 18 logs in to the user profile and the setting is toggled off. User 18 enters a destination point 32. Before calculation of the route 20, there will be pop-up or message asking the user 18 to confirm the usage of the wireless charging road 26 along the route 20 to charge the motor vehicle 10. Upon confirmation, the navigation system 12 calculates the route 20 by including the wireless charging roads 26 along the route 20 to the user 18 desired SOC level.

[0049] In a different example, the user 18 logs in to the user profile and the setting is toggled on. User 18 enters a destination point 32. Based on current State of Charge (SOC) level of the motor vehicle 18 and the user 18 desired SOC level when reaching destination point 32, when the navigation system 12 cannot meet the user 18 required SOC level before reaching the destination point 32 while calculating the route 20, the navigation system 12 provides warning pop-up message presenting with the approximate SOC level of the motor vehicle 10 when reaching the destination point 32and ask the user 18 to confirm if the route 20 is acceptable or not. If yes, the route 20 will be calculated with wireless charging road 26. Otherwise, the navigation system 12 may advise the user 18 to charge at a charging station and calculates a route 20 including the charging station.

[0050] Figure 2 provides a flowchart that illustrates a three-step process for determining a route that enables charging along a wireless charging road for an at least in part electrically operated motor vehicle 10. The process begins with the first step S1 for capturing an input of a user 18 of the motor vehicle 10 by a capturing device 16 of the navigation system 12. The input describes an activity 22 during a charging of the motor vehicle 10. The capturing device 16 could be implemented as a touch-sensitive display device, allowing the user 18 to intuitively input their desired activity 22.

[0051] The second step S2 of the process involves providing a digital map 24 with a wireless charging road 26 by an electronic computing device 14 of the navigation system 12. The digital map 24 assigns the wireless charging road 26 and activities 22 in the surrounding area 28 of the wireless charging road 26. The electronic computing device 14 could be a processor or a microcontroller capable of executing instructions to generate the digital map 24 and assign the wireless charging road 26 and activities 22. The wireless charging road 26 could be part of a wireless charging road network, and the digital map 24 could include multiple such roads.

[0052] The third step S3 of the process is planning the route 20 of the motor vehicle 10 depending on activities 22 and the wireless charging road 26 by the electronic computing device 14. The route 20 could be planned depending on a starting point 30 of the motor vehicle 10 and a destination point 32. The electronic computing device 14 takes into consideration a plurality of activities 22 and the state of charge of the motor vehicle 10 for planning the route 20. The route 20 is planned such that the motor vehicle 10 can be charged wirelessly while the user 18 performs the desired activity 22.

[0053] The method described above can be implemented as a computer program product comprising program code means for performing the method. The computer program product can be stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The navigation system 12 for planning the route 20 of the motor vehicle 10 comprises at least the capturing device 16 and the electronic computing device 14. The navigation system 12 is configured for performing the method as described above.

[0054] It is important to note that the embodiments of the present invention disclosed herein are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Other embodiments, variations, modifications, and alternative implementations are possible and within the scope of the invention. The advantages of the present invention over the prior arts include, but are not limited to, a more efficient and convenient route planning process, improved user experience, and better energy efficiency for electric vehicles.

[0055] In conclusion, the present invention provides a novel method for planning a route 20 of an electrically operated motor vehicle 10, along with a system and computer program product for implementing the method. The present solution may allow user 18 to avoid stopping for extended periods of time to charge the motor vehicle 10. The present solution includes a navigation system 12 and a method. The embodiments, features, advantages, and potential applications of the present invention will be best understood by those skilled in the art, and the scope of the invention should not be limited to the specific embodiments described herein. List of reference signs 10 motor vehicle 12 navigation system 14 electronic computing device 16 capturing device 18 user 20 route 22 activity 24 digital map 26 wireless charging road 28 surrounding area 30 starting point 32 destination point 34 GPS device S1-S3 steps of method

Claims

1. A method for planning a route (20) of an at least in part electrically operated motor vehicle (10) by a navigation system (12) of the motor vehicle (10), comprising the steps of:- capturing an input of a user (18) of the motor vehicle (10) by a capturing device (16) of the navigation system (12), wherein the input describes an activity (22) during a charging of the motor vehicle (10); (S1)- providing a digital map (24) with a wireless charging road (26) by an electronic computing device (14) of the navigation system (12), wherein the digital map (24) assigns the wireless charging road (26) and activities (22) in the surrounding area (28) of the wireless charging road (26); and (S2)- planning the route (20) of the motor vehicle (10) depending on activities (22) and the wireless charging road (26) by the electronic computing device (14). (S3)2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the capturing device (16) is provided as a touch sensitive display device.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the route (20) is planned depending on a starting point (30) of the motor vehicle (10) and a destination point (32).

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the wireless charging road (26) is suggested depending on the activity (22), wherein the wireless charging road (26) is a wireless charging road network.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a plurality of activities (22) may be taken into consideration for planning the route (20).

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that a state of charge of the motor vehicle (10) is taken into consideration for planning the route (20).

7. A computer program product comprising program code means for performing a method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium comprising at least the computer program product according to claim 7.

9. A navigation system (12) for planning a route (20) of an at least in part electrically operated motor vehicle (10), comprising at least one capturing device (16) and one electronic computing device (14), wherein the navigation system (12) is configured for performing a method according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

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