Systems for controlling vehicle performance attributes

Abstract

A vehicle is provided, the vehicle comprising: a receiver configured to receive vehicle performance modification commands from a computing device, a controller configured to receive the vehicle performance modification commands from the receiver and provide performance modification commands, a power source configured to receive the performance modification commands from the controller, and an electrically powered hardware element configured to receive power from the power source, the controller configured to modify operation of the power source to achieve vehicle performance in accordance with the vehicle performance modification commands.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates generally to controlling performance attributes of a vehicle, such as vehicle speed, and more particularly to a system for user control of available performance attributes of a vehicle, such as an electric motorcycle. [Background technology]

[0002] Motorized bicycle-like vehicles have been around for decades. Moped-like devices not only offer the ability to pedal, but also allow the vehicle to be operated by power. Mopeds have historically employed small gasoline-powered engines. Newer devices, called electric bikes, use electrical power in the form of batteries and can often be operated using a set of pedals.

[0003] However, jurisdictions and circumstances may require that the speed of electric motorcycles and similar vehicles be maintained within prescribed speed limits. Some government agencies intervene and require maximum speed limits for operating such vehicles. Exceeding these speed limits may be illegal. Various government agencies, as well as private entities, mandate various operating limits for motorized vehicles such as electric motorcycles, and the number of entities requiring speed limits for such devices is likely to increase over time. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0090249 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] A challenge for owners and manufacturers of such devices is the ability of a particular vehicle to operate according to the operator's wishes and the jurisdiction in which it is operated, sold, and / or located. As will be appreciated, electric motorcycles can be manufactured anywhere in the world and shipped almost anywhere. A buyer may purchase an electric motorcycle in a first jurisdiction where speeds are limited by law to 25 miles per hour. The buyer may then drive the electric motorcycle in a second jurisdiction where the speed limit is 20 miles per hour. The buyer may then sell the electric motorcycle to a subsequent buyer who will maintain and operate the electric motorcycle in a third jurisdiction where there is no speed limit.

[0006] Historically, such vehicles might be manufactured to adhere to the most restrictive speed limit wherever it exists. This would be undesirable for buyers who live in jurisdictions where, for example, the permitted speed is higher than the most restrictive speed limit or is unlimited. Alternatively, such vehicles could be manufactured for specific jurisdictions: one electric bike that does not exceed speed limit P, another electric bike of the same model that does not exceed speed limit Q, and yet another electric bike of the same model that does not exceed speed limit R. This requires additional manufacturing effort and inventory space, both of which are undesirable. A manufacturer could also wait for an order to be placed and then manufacture an electric bike that does not exceed speed limit Q due to government regulations in jurisdiction QQ, but this would result in delays in shipping and customer receipt, which is also undesirable. Also, in either of these scenarios, if an electric bike was manufactured in Ohio and sold to a user, manufactured to Ohio's speed limit requirements, and then the user brought the electric bike to Michigan, which has a different speed limit, nothing could be done until now. The electric motorcycle could only be operated in accordance with Ohio law, and operating such a vehicle in Michigan could result in criminal or civil penalties due to Michigan's more stringent speed requirements.

[0007] Additionally, vehicles such as electric motorcycles have labeling requirements and must display a label that lists certain attributes of the vehicle. For example, if a vehicle operates at a maximum speed of G miles per hour, certain jurisdictions require the vehicle to have a label indicating the maximum speed of G miles per hour. For electric motorcycles with changeable performance attributes, the challenge is that the labeling may not match the performance attributes.

[0008] It is desirable to provide a vehicle whose operating attributes, such as speed limits, can be modified in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction the vehicle is operated in at any given time. Additionally, it would be beneficial to provide a design that allows vehicles, such as electric motorcycles, to be safely and legally operated in any jurisdiction by overcoming past problems associated with the sale and purchase of such vehicles and by providing accurate labeling of the capabilities the vehicle offers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to one embodiment, a vehicle system is provided, comprising: a computing device configured to transmit a vehicle performance modification command; and a vehicle, the vehicle comprising: a receiver configured to receive the vehicle performance modification command; and a controller configured to receive the vehicle performance modification command from the receiver, the controller modifying at least one electrical performance attribute of an electrically powered hardware component provided in the vehicle to operate the vehicle in accordance with the vehicle performance modification command.

[0010] According to another embodiment, a vehicle is provided that includes a receiver configured to receive vehicle performance modification commands from a computing device, a controller configured to receive the vehicle performance modification commands from the receiver and provide performance modification commands, a power source configured to receive the performance modification commands from the controller, and an electrically powered hardware element configured to receive power from the power source, wherein the controller is configured to modify operation of the power source to achieve vehicle performance in accordance with the vehicle performance modification commands.

[0011] According to a further embodiment, there is provided a vehicle comprising: a receiver configured to receive vehicle performance modification commands; a controller configured to receive the vehicle performance modification commands from the receiver and to provide performance modification commands; a power source configured to receive the performance modification commands from the controller; and an electrically powered hardware element configured to receive power from the power source, wherein the controller is configured to modify operation of the power source to modify a maximum level of vehicle performance in accordance with the vehicle performance modification commands.

[0012] These and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the invention and the accompanying drawings. For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is now made to the following figures, in which like reference numbers refer to like items throughout: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a vehicle, specifically an electric motorcycle, that may be used in accordance with the present design. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a component according to the present design. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen when implemented on a computing device such as a smartphone. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 illustrates operation according to one aspect of the present design. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 illustrates operation according to a second aspect of the present design. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The following description and drawings sufficiently illustrate particular embodiments to enable those skilled in the art to practice the described systems and methods. Other embodiments may incorporate structural, logical, process, and other changes. The examples merely typify possible variations. Individual elements and functions are generally optional, unless explicitly required, and the order of operations may vary. Portions and features of some embodiments may be included in or substituted for portions and features of other embodiments.

[0015] The design includes hardware that provides for changes to speed limits or other performance attributes to address or conform to local rules or performance restrictions established by various entities. The design is typically provided to people with remote computing devices, such as enabled smartphones, to transmit requests for performance changes over available or appropriate communication channels. The vehicle includes a receiver for receiving communications over the communication channel, and security may be provided for such communications. A user of the computing device can request a change from one performance attribute to another, e.g., from one performance mode to another, and the vehicle receiver receives the communication. The receiver provides the communication to a controller, which issues a command to implement the requested performance attribute change. Different performance attributes may be added to the vehicle controller as needed, for example, via software or firmware updates to both the computing device and the controller.

[0016] Another aspect of the present design provides electronic signs or signage that change whenever a class, mode, or related performance attribute changes. Again, a user may issue a command to change a particular performance attribute. A vehicle receiver may receive the command and provide the command to a controller on the vehicle. The controller may, for example, command battery performance to limit the vehicle's speed according to a commanded maximum speed value. Furthermore, the controller may determine whether the commanded performance attribute change requires alternative signage and provide a signal to a sign or display element conveying the change in performance attribute. For example, if a switch to Mode 3 is commanded and the jurisdiction requires that signage indicating Mode 3 performance, such as the vehicle's maximum speed, be displayed on the provided electronic signage. In one embodiment, a speed indicator may be provided near the center of the handlebars of the electric motorcycle and may display the mode, class, or performance attribute, as well as any information necessary to convey jurisdiction-required performance information.

[0017] Figure 1 shows one version of a vehicle that may be used in accordance with the present design. Figure 1 shows an electric bike 101 having a battery housed in a battery compartment 102. The electric bike 101 also includes a controller, which may be located within the battery compartment 102 or elsewhere. Other types of vehicles may also be used in accordance with the present design.

[0018] In one representative example, the present design seeks to limit the maximum speed at which an electric motorcycle may travel on a flat road. Local regulations may dictate, for example, that the maximum speed be 25 miles per hour, 15 miles per hour, unlimited, and / or other appropriate speeds. Such regulations may be promulgated by a governmental agency, such as a local, city, or state government, or the federal government, or other appropriate agency. For example, a university or private housing complex may limit the speed of an electric motorcycle. As an example, speed levels may be designated by modes, such as Mode 1, 2, 3, etc., with each mode indicating a maximum speed.

[0019] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an overall system implemented in accordance with the present design. As shown in Figure 2, a computing device 201 held by a user 202 can receive commands, such as by loading an application, which can then cause the computing device 201 to transmit the commands to a vehicle 203 via a suitable communication means, such as Bluetooth. The vehicle 203 includes a receiver 204 that is configured to receive transmissions over a communication channel (again, such as Bluetooth) and communicate the commands to a controller 205. The controller 205 is configured to receive the commands, determine the content of the commands, and provide a signal(s) to appropriately control the vehicle.

[0020] In one example, the received command may be in a mode, e.g., mode 1, 2, or 3, corresponding to different performance attributes. In one embodiment, mode 1 represents a first speed limit, mode 2 represents a second speed limit, and mode 3 represents a third speed limit. When controller 205 receives a command to execute according to mode 2, for example, it may compare the command to available known commands and, for example, convert the command to an available value. This value may be, for example, the speed in question, e.g., 25 mph, or a voltage or current that will achieve a desired performance attribute. For example, if a 25 mph speed limit requires N volts to be applied to the motor (so that the vehicle is limited to 25 mph on level ground), the controller supplies such a voltage, or up to that voltage, to motor 206. Battery 207 then applies up to N volts, rotating rear wheels 208, e.g., via drive belt 209, such that a speed of up to 25 mph can be achieved. Alternatively, if the motor 206 is to drive the rear wheel at a desired speed of Mode 2 (25 mph) with a current of C amps, the controller 205 will control the battery 207 to electrically distribute up to C amps to the motor 206, causing the rear wheel to rotate to move the electric bike up to the assigned maximum speed of 25 mph.

[0021] Other performance attributes may also be modified in this manner. For example, but not limited to, a person may be renting a vehicle to another person who intends to drive through a known residential area. The user may use their computing device to limit the output of the headlights equipped on the vehicle, and if the headlights should be operated at a reduced light level to avoid disturbing others in a particular area, the user may instruct the controller to operate at a reduced light level. An appropriate amount of electricity, e.g., voltage or current, is delivered to the headlights, and the delivered lumens are adapted to the amount or mode selected by the user. Other examples may also be used, including, but not limited to, limiting power consumption to a predetermined level, horn volume, etc.

[0022] FIG. 3 is a general layout of screens on a user device illustrating one embodiment of the present design. Screen 301 identifies vehicle type 302 and mode selection (here applicable to the United States at point 303). Other options offered to the user include restoring to defaults or unpairing the vehicle, i.e., disconnecting the communication channel between the computing device or smartphone and the vehicle (e.g., disconnecting or unpairing the Bluetooth® connection). Screen 320 shows a US mode selection in this example, but also includes four US modes and two EU modes. Other modes for other jurisdictions, or the modes shown, can be provided as needed. This particular screen shows that slider 321 is currently in Mode 2 or Class 2; if the user is operating in the United States, four modes or classes are available. Mode 1 or Class 1 is for PAS (pedal assist system), with a maximum speed set at 20 mph. PAS allows the user to power the electric motor by turning the pedals, eliminating the need to press the throttle. In this Mode 1, the throttle is not enabled or used. In Mode 2 or Class 2, the PAS and throttle are enabled, and in this mode too, the maximum speed is 20 mph. As shown, Class 2 is the default mode of operation. In Mode 3 or Class 3, only the PAS is enabled, and the maximum speed is 28 mph. Mode 4 or Class 4 allows unlimited speed. A warning 322 may be displayed. Although miles per hour (mph) are used in the examples and figures herein, one skilled in the art will understand that any speed or speed unit may be displayed, including but not limited to kilometers per hour (kph).

[0023] In this example, the user changes to Mode 4 or Class 4. Screen 340 is displayed and the user can select "save," resulting in a change to Mode 4 or Class 4 (here, unlimited speed). Vehicle menu 360 displays the US mode selection (here, Mode 4). Restrictions may be placed on any or more modes. For example, but not limited to, the user may be provided with the ability to limit PAS speed, and / or may be provided with the ability to limit throttle performance or speed. Alternatively, performance restraints may include the inability to operate certain switches, such as switches on the vehicle.

[0024] In one embodiment, the text displayed on screen 320 includes: Different riding modes depending on the region mode US 1 Class 1 PAS only, 20 mph 2 Class 2 (default) PAS and throttle, 20mph 3 Class 3 PAS only, 28 mph 4 Unlimited Throttle Unlimited mode EU 1 EPAC PAS only, 25mph 2. Off-road Unlimited By pressing the SAVE button, you accept full responsibility for complying with the maximum allowable speed and motor assist level set by your local electrical laws. The "def (default)" above indicates that mode 2 is the default operating mode.

[0025] FIG. 4 provides an overview of one aspect of the present design. Referring to FIG. 4, point 401 provides a request for the computing device to pair with the vehicle, which includes establishing a communication channel. Point 402 requests the user to select or navigate an appropriate screen or menu, such as a vehicle menu screen. The user may then select a desired mode, class, or performance attribute at point 403. At point 404, the computing device transmits the user-selected mode, class, or performance attribute to the vehicle, such as an electric motorcycle, over the desired communication channel. At point 405, a receiver on the vehicle receives the selected mode, class, or performance attribute over the communication channel. Point 406 requests that the receiver provide or transmit information representing the selected mode, class, or performance attribute to the controller. Point 407 indicates the controller limiting performance based on the performance attribute limit (e.g., limiting the voltage or current supplied from the battery to the motor to limit the vehicle's speed). Point 408 indicates the actual performance limit. Although performance limits are discussed herein, it should be understood that performance allowances (e.g., changing a desired speed limit from 28 miles per hour to unlimited) may also be provided. Performance can be adjusted as needed, and terms such as "limiting performance" or "performance restrictions" are not intended to be limiting and are to be interpreted broadly.

[0026] Although a computing device or a remote computing device, such as a smartphone, is described herein as providing commands to the vehicle, such commands may also be provided on the vehicle itself, for example, via switches or selectors provided on the vehicle. Other functions similar to those described may also be provided, such as varying different performance attributes, limiting switching capabilities, etc. Also, while an electric motorcycle is discussed herein, any type of vehicle may be used in conjunction with the presented designs. Furthermore, the restrictions presented to the user may change and be modified. For example, a change in jurisdiction K may go from an unlimited top speed to a maximum of 22 miles per hour (not available on the vehicle and not required in other jurisdictions). Such new requirements may be provided to both the computing device (e.g., via an app update) and the vehicle, with the 22 miles per hour speed being translated into a voltage or current level that the battery applies to the motor, and such mode or class being provided on the vehicle via software, firmware, or other applicable mechanisms.

[0027] Further embodiments of the present design include the ability to provide signage that reflects applicable performance attributes. The design described above provides the ability to use a single vehicle to meet a variety of requirements (such as different speed limit performance levels that can be switched by the user). However, certain jurisdictions require signage on the vehicle that discloses specific information, including performance attributes. For example, a simple single-speed electric motorcycle may include a sign indicating its maximum speed limit is 25 miles per hour, which is typically provided in the form of a sticker or placard listing the performance attributes. If a user changes this performance capability according to the proposed design, the signage must accurately reflect the new performance attribute value.

[0028] FIG. 2 illustrates signage device 210, which may be a digital or analog signage device and any hardware or device capable of displaying information (including, but not limited to, electrophoretic, LED, LCD, and / or OLED displays). Signage device 210 receives mode or class change information from controller 205 and displays the necessary information. While a mode or class change may be provided or requested, a display of such a change may not be necessary. For example, if a command is issued to reduce the light level from the headlights, such a reduction may not need to be displayed using signage device 210. Signage device 210 may be located in any reasonable and available position on the vehicle and may have more functionality than mere signage (e.g., being part of a speedometer or odometer display visible to the user). Signage device 210 may be located, for example, on the handlebars in front of the vehicle user.

[0029] In one embodiment, the sign device 210 is always operational or always on so that the displayed information is always visible to an observer. If part of a display containing other information, the signage text or display is always operational. Internal power may be provided by the vehicle battery, or a separate power source may be provided so that the display is always available. While a total power loss may occur, during normal driving, the signage is always available once power is restored.

[0030] FIG. 5 illustrates the operation of the signage element of the present design. Referring to FIG. 5, point 501 indicates a request for a computing device to pair with a vehicle, which includes establishing a communication channel. Point 502 indicates a user selecting or navigating an appropriate screen or menu, such as a vehicle menu screen. The user may then select a desired mode, class, or performance attribute at point 503. At point 504, the computing device transmits the user-selected mode, class, or performance attribute to a vehicle, such as an electric motorcycle, over a desired communication channel. At point 505, a receiver on the vehicle receives the selected mode, class, or performance attribute over the communication channel. Point 506 requests that the receiver provide or transmit information representing the selected mode, class, or performance attribute to a controller. Point 507 indicates that the controller determines the need to modify existing signage based on the change in the received mode, class, or performance attribute. As previously mentioned, in some cases, a change in the desired mode, class, or performance attribute may not require a change in the signage. Point 508 requests that the information displayed on the signage be changed. At point 508, if valid, the controller transmits performance attribute related information to a sign device to display, for example, 28 miles per hour. While performance limitations have been described, it should be understood that it is also possible to enable a performance, for example, to change the desired speed limit from 28 miles per hour to unlimited.

[0031] Thus, according to one embodiment, a vehicle system is provided comprising a computing device configured to transmit vehicle performance modification commands and a vehicle, the vehicle comprising a receiver configured to receive the vehicle performance modification commands and a controller configured to receive the vehicle performance modification commands from the receiver, the controller modifying at least one electrical performance attribute of an electrically powered hardware component provided in the vehicle to operate the vehicle in accordance with the vehicle performance modification commands.

[0032] According to another embodiment, a vehicle is provided that includes a receiver configured to receive vehicle performance modification commands from a computing device, a controller configured to receive the vehicle performance modification commands from the receiver and to provide the performance modification commands, a power source configured to receive the performance modification commands from the controller, and electric drive hardware elements configured to receive power from the power source, wherein the controller is configured to modify operation of the power source to achieve vehicle performance in accordance with the vehicle performance modification commands.

[0033] According to a further embodiment, a vehicle is provided that includes a receiver configured to receive vehicle performance modification commands, a controller configured to receive the vehicle performance modification commands from the receiver and to provide the performance modification commands, a power source configured to receive the performance modification commands from the controller, and an electric drive hardware element configured to receive power from the power source, wherein the controller is configured to modify operation of the power source to modify a maximum level of vehicle performance in accordance with the vehicle performance modification commands.

[0034] The above description of specific embodiments sufficiently reveals the general nature of the present disclosure so that others, using their current knowledge, can easily modify and / or adapt the present system and method for various applications without departing from the general concept. Accordingly, such adaptations and modifications are within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. The phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

1. 1. A vehicle system, comprising: a computing device configured to transmit vehicle performance modification commands including instructions to operate the vehicle at or below a jurisdiction-based predetermined speed limit, the vehicle performance modification commands allowing the user to select from a plurality of different operating modes, each mode having a jurisdiction-based predetermined maximum speed limit, and a pedal assist mode allowing the user to provide power using a pedal; a vehicle, wherein the vehicle a receiver configured to receive the vehicle performance modification command; a controller configured to receive the vehicle performance modification command from the receiver; The controller: modifying at least one electrical performance attribute of an electrically powered hardware component of the vehicle; controlling a power source to limit the power supplied to the one electrically powered hardware component to a level that prevents the vehicle from traveling at a speed greater than a maximum speed limit; A vehicle system characterized by:

2. The vehicle system of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle includes an electric motorcycle and the electric hardware components include an electric motor that drives a wheel of the electric motorcycle.

3. The vehicle system of claim 2 , wherein the computing device is configured to transmit a plurality of the vehicle performance modification commands for operating the vehicle at a predetermined speed limit based on each of a plurality of jurisdictions.

4. The vehicle system of claim 1 , wherein controlling the power source comprises varying one of voltage and current to achieve a level corresponding to the vehicle performance change command.

5. The vehicle system of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle performance modification commands include a command to set a maximum speed of the vehicle within the predetermined speed limit.

6. The vehicle system of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle performance change command includes a desired performance class or a desired performance mode.

7. The vehicle system of claim 1 , wherein the computing device includes a smartphone, and the smartphone transmits the vehicle performance alteration commands over a wireless communication channel.

8. A vehicle, a receiver configured to receive vehicle performance modification commands from a computing device, the vehicle performance modification commands including instructions to operate the vehicle at or below a jurisdiction-based predetermined speed limit, the user being able to select from a plurality of different operating modes, each mode having a respective jurisdiction-based predetermined maximum speed limit, and a pedal assist mode that allows the user to provide power using a pedal; a controller configured to receive the vehicle performance modification commands from the receiver and to provide performance modification commands; a power supply configured to receive the performance change command from the controller; an electrically powered hardware element configured to receive power from the power source; the controller is configured to limit power provided from a power source to the hardware elements to a level that prevents the vehicle from traveling at speeds that exceed a predetermined speed limit based on a jurisdiction associated with the predetermined operational mode selected by the user.

9. The vehicle of claim 8 , wherein the vehicle comprises an electric motorcycle, and the electrically driven hardware element comprises an electric motor that drives a wheel of the electric motorcycle.

10. 10. The vehicle of claim 9, wherein the controller varies one of the voltage and current supplied by the power source to the electric motor.

11. The vehicle of claim 8 , wherein the computing device is configured to transmit a plurality of the vehicle performance modification commands to cause the vehicle to operate at a predetermined speed limit based on each of a plurality of jurisdictions.

12. The vehicle of claim 8 , wherein the vehicle performance change command includes a desired performance class or a desired performance mode.

13. The vehicle of claim 12 , wherein the controller converts the desired performance class or the desired performance mode into an electrical level at which the power source provides power.

14. The vehicle of claim 8 , wherein the vehicle receives the vehicle performance alteration command from a smartphone over a wireless communication channel.

15. A vehicle, a receiver configured to receive vehicle performance modification commands including instructions to operate the vehicle at or below a jurisdiction-based predetermined speed limit, the operation mode being selectable by a user from a plurality of different operation modes, each mode having a respective jurisdiction-based predetermined speed limit, and a pedal assist mode that allows the user to provide power using a pedal; a controller configured to receive the vehicle performance modification commands from the receiver and to provide performance modification commands; a power supply configured to receive the performance change command from the controller; an electrically powered hardware element configured to receive power from the power source; The vehicle, wherein the controller is configured to limit power provided from a power source to the hardware elements to a level that prevents the vehicle from traveling at speeds that exceed a jurisdiction-based predetermined speed limit.

16. 16. The vehicle of claim 15, wherein the vehicle comprises an electric motorcycle, and the electrically powered hardware element comprises an electric motor used to drive a wheel of the electric motorcycle.

17. 17. The vehicle of claim 16, wherein the controller varies one of the voltage and current supplied by the power source to the electric motor.

18. the receiver is configured to receive a plurality of the vehicle performance modification commands and to transmit any of the plurality of the vehicle performance modification commands to the controller; each of the plurality of vehicle performance modification commands includes an instruction to operate the vehicle at a predetermined speed limit based on a corresponding plurality of jurisdictions; 16. The vehicle of claim 15.

19. The vehicle of claim 15 , wherein the vehicle performance change command includes a desired performance class or a desired performance mode.

20. 20. The vehicle of claim 19, wherein the controller converts the desired performance class or the desired performance mode into an electrical level at which the power source provides power.

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