FR3087561A1 - METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ASSISTING THE PREDICTION OF A ENERGY RECHARGE OF A VEHICLE, ACCORDING TO ITS USER HABITS - Google Patents

Abstract

A method assists a user of a moving vehicle by consuming stored energy, and includes: - a first step (10) in which future journeys that the user is likely to make with the vehicle in a time interval are determined, - a second step (20-40) in which an amount of energy necessary for the vehicle to carry out these future journeys is estimated, then it is determined whether there will be a need to recharge the vehicle with energy during the time interval taking into account this estimated quantity of energy, the quantity of stored energy and an energy threshold from which the user is used to recharging the vehicle, then if so, a route and a schedule are determined for carry out this recharging according to the user's recharging habits, and - a third step (50) in which the user is informed by means of a message of these determined routes and times.

Description

DESCRIPTION TITLE: METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ASSISTANCE FOR PREDICTING A VEHICLE'S ENERGY RECHARGE, DEPENDING ON THE HABITS OF ITS USER Technical field of the invention The invention relates to vehicles which move while consuming fuel. stored energy and are used by users, and more specifically assistance in forecasting energy recharging of such vehicles.

STATE OF THE ART In most current vehicles, the driver is informed of the need to recharge his vehicle with energy by an indicator light which is displayed on an on-board screen (generally forming part of the dashboard) and / or the emission an audible alert.

This information is provided when the amount of remaining energy falls below a fixed or variable threshold depending on the type of driving and / or the average speed of the vehicle.

Consequently, it only concerns the vehicle, without real anticipation and without taking into account the driver's energy recharging habits.

In addition, it does not offer personalized guidance to a charging station at a time suited to the habits or preferences of the driver and to the latter's schedule.

It has certainly been proposed in patent document 1/1/0 2012/101681 a device that learns the recharging locations, the instants of the start of recharging and the recharging times of electric vehicles in a fleet, in order to have historical records. charging allowing the driver of one of these vehicles to be offered guidance to a charging location adapted to his current position at the current instant.

It will be understood that such a device performs learning related to the vehicle alone but not to its driver (s), and in particular to its / their habits and constraints (in particular temporal).

The aim of the invention is therefore in particular to improve the situation.

2 Presentation of the invention For this purpose, it proposes in particular an assistance method intended to assist a user of a vehicle moving while consuming stored energy.

This assistance method is characterized by the fact that it comprises: - a first step in which future journeys that the user is likely to make with the vehicle in a chosen time interval are determined, - a second step in which an amount of energy necessary for the vehicle to achieve these determined future journeys is estimated, then it is determined whether there will be a need to recharge the vehicle with energy during this time interval taking into account this estimated quantity of energy, of the quantity of stored energy and of a threshold representative of an average quantity of energy from which the user is used to recharging the vehicle, then, in the affirmative, a path is determined for carrying out this recharging as a function of at least one charging habit of the user and a start time for this journey, and - a third step in which the user is informed by means of a message of these determined journeys and times.

Thanks to the invention, the user can be offered, in an automated manner, to make a trip at a certain time to recharge the vehicle with energy, taking into account the information contained in his electronic diary and his habits. recharge.

The assistance method according to the invention can include other characteristics which can be taken separately or in combination, and in particular: - in its first step, each future journey can be determined as a function of the user's habits and / or information defining appointments and / or journeys programmed in an agenda associated with the user; in its second step, the route and time can be determined as a function of at least one constraint relating to the user (for example defined in his electronic diary or by a declaration); - in its second step, each recharging habit can be chosen from among 3 a time interval of one day of a week during which the user is used to recharging energy, a type of journey during which the user is used to recharging energy, a type of recharging station where the user is used to recharging energy, and a type of energy that the user is used to choosing; - in its second step, it is possible to estimate the quantity of energy that will be consumed as a function of a driving style of the user and / or of a type of each road taken during each determined future journey; - in its third step, the user can be informed by means of a text message which is displayed on a screen associated with at least one communication device used by the user, such as for example a communication module fitted to the vehicle and coupled to a screen or mobile communication equipment comprising a screen and carried by the user; in its third step, the message can be transmitted at a time which is a function of the determined journey start time and of an estimate of a duration necessary for the user to reach the vehicle.

The invention also proposes a computer program product comprising a set of instructions which, when it is executed by processing means, is suitable for implementing an assistance method of the type of that presented above. to assist a user of a vehicle, moving while consuming stored energy, to provide energy recharging of this vehicle.

The invention also proposes an assistance device intended to assist a user of a vehicle moving while consuming stored energy.

This assistance device is characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one computer: - determining the future journeys that the user is likely to make with the vehicle in a chosen time interval, - estimating a quantity of energy required to the vehicle to make these 30 determined future journeys, then determining whether there will be a need to recharge the vehicle with energy during this time interval taking into account this estimated quantity of energy, the quantity of stored energy and a threshold representative of an average quantity of energy from which the user is accustomed to recharging the vehicle, then, if so, determining a route for carrying out this recharging as a function of at least one recharging habit of the user and a start time of this trip, and - generating a message intended to inform the user of these determined trip and schedule.

The invention also proposes mobile communication equipment, on the one hand, intended to equip a user of a vehicle storing energy, comprising a communication module suitable for exchanging messages by means of waves, and suitable for consume this stored energy to move, and, on the other hand, comprising an assistance device of the type of that presented above.

For example, this communication equipment can be an intelligent mobile phone (or smartphone) or a communicating electronic tablet.

The invention also proposes a vehicle, possibly of the automobile type, storing energy, suitable for consuming this stored energy for moving, and comprising a communication module suitable for exchanging messages by means of waves, and a device. assistance of the type presented above and coupled to the communication module.

The invention also proposes a server comprising a communication module capable of exchanging messages (possibly by means of waves), and an assistance device of the type of that presented above and coupled to the communication module.

Brief description of the figures Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on examination of the detailed description below, and of the appended drawings, in which: - Figure 1 illustrates schematically and functionally a vehicle equipped with a assistance device according to the invention and a display screen coupled to a communication module, itself coupled to mobile communication equipment equipped with an assistance device according to the invention, and 5 - FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an example of an algorithm implementing an assistance method according to the invention.

Detailed description of the invention The object of the invention is in particular to propose an assistance method, and an associated assistance device DA, intended to assist a user of a vehicle V, moving while consuming energy. stored, to provide energy recharging of this vehicle V as a function at least of its habits and mobility needs.

In what follows, it is considered, by way of nonlimiting example, that the vehicle V is of the automobile type.

This is for example a car, as illustrated in Figure 1.

But the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle.

It relates in fact to any type of vehicle storing energy and consuming this energy to move.

Thus, it concerns land vehicles, airplanes and boats.

Moreover, it is considered in what follows, by way of nonlimiting example, that the vehicle V comprises a powertrain (or GMP) comprising a heat engine using a fuel such as gasoline or diesel (which it stores in at least one tank).

But the invention is not limited to this type of GMP.

Indeed, the GMP can also be of the all-electric type (and in this case the energy is stored in electrical form in at least one battery) or of the hybrid type (for example with at least one heat engine and at least one electric machine. ).

FIG. 1 schematically shows an example of a motor vehicle V comprising an assistance device DA according to the invention and a display screen EA2 coupled to a communication module MC, itself coupled to communication equipment. mobile EC equipped with a display screen EA1 and with another assistance device DA according to the invention.

This vehicle V is used by at least one user (who can optionally drive it, although it can also be driven, for example by a driver).

Moreover, this user is the user of this mobile communication equipment EC which can, for example, be an intelligent mobile telephone (or “smartphone”) or a communicating electronic tablet.

6 Each assistance device DA comprises at least one computer CA comprising, for example, at least one digital signal processor (or DSP (“Digital Signal Processor”)), possibly associated with at least one memory.

It will be noted that in the example illustrated without limitation in FIG. 1, the assistance device DA is installed in a central display (or handset) CC which constitutes a display device comprising a display screen EA2.

For example, this central instrument panel CC can be installed in or on the dashboard PB of the vehicle, as illustrated without limitation in FIG. 1.

But the assistance device DA could be installed in the instrument panel of vehicle V, or else in the engine compartment of vehicle V, for example.

In the latter case in particular, it may, for example, comprise a protective housing.

As mentioned above, the invention proposes in particular an assistance method intended to assist the user of the vehicle V to provide energy recharging of this vehicle V as a function at least of his habits.

This assistance method can be at least partially implemented by an assistance device DA equipping the vehicle V or the mobile communication equipment EC of the user or else a remote server equipped with a coupled communication module. to at least one communication network (possibly wireless).

In what follows, it is considered, by way of nonlimiting example, that it is the assistance device DA which equips the mobile communication equipment EC which implements, at least partially, the assistance method.

However, the assistance device DA which is fitted to the vehicle V (or a remote server) could also implement, at least partially, the assistance method.

The assistance method, according to the invention, comprises first 10, second 20-40 and third 50 steps.

In the first step 10 of the assistance method, the computer 30 CA of the assistance device DA (here fitted to EC)) determines future journeys that the user is likely to make with the vehicle V in a chosen time interval. .

This time interval can be predefined or chosen by the user.

7 For example, it can be between a day and a week, or even a month.

In fact, this time interval is mainly a function of the use that the user makes of his vehicle V (number of uses and kilometers traveled), the type of GMP, the energy storage capacity of the vehicle 5 V and the average energy consumption of the vehicle V.

For example, in the first step 10 one (the CA computer) can determine each future trip as a function of the user's habits and / or of information defining the appointments and / or trips which are programmed in an electronic diary. associated with the user.

This electronic organizer can be stored in the mobile communication equipment EC and / or in a computer or a server which can be accessed by the latter (EC) by establishing a communication by means of waves.

It will be noted that when it is the assistance device DA of the vehicle V which implements the assistance method, it accesses the user's electronic diary, stored in electronic equipment, by triggering the establishment. a communication by means of waves between the communication module MC of the vehicle V and this electronic equipment item.

The user's travel habits can be learned by the computer CA (or by a remote server) as a function of the journeys he has made in the past with vehicles (not necessarily V) and whose starting geographical positions and arrival have been recorded, for example by a DAN navigation aid device or an on-board geolocation device in its mobile communication equipment EC (or in vehicle V (when the user is the only one driving it). and that he only drives 25 regularly (V))).

In the second step 20-40 of the assistance method, the computer CA (the computer CA) begins by estimating the quantity of energy qee which will be necessary for the vehicle V to carry out the determined future journeys.

For example, in this second step 20-40 one (the computer CA) 30 can estimate the quantity of energy qee which will be consumed according to the driving style of the user (possibly according to the type of road) and / or of the type of each road taken during each determined future route.

Of course, this estimate also takes into account the type of GMP or the average energy consumption of the vehicle V, and the cumulative number of kilometers of the different routes of the future determined journeys, as well as preferably the limit speeds authorized on these different. roads and / or average speeds observed on motorists using the same 5 road sections.

This information is stored in a navigation aid device DAN (of the mobile communication equipment EC or of the vehicle V) or in an on-board computer OB on board the vehicle V (and accessible in particular via the communication module MC ).

Then, in this second step 20-40, it (the calculator CA) 10 determines whether there will be a need to recharge the vehicle V with energy during the chosen time interval, taking into account the estimated quantity of energy qee, of the quantity of energy qes which is stored in the vehicle V, and a threshold sqe which is representative of the average quantity of energy from which the user is used to recharging the vehicle V.

The quantity of stored energy qes is for example known at all times by the on-board computer OB.

Furthermore, the threshold sqe can be learned by the computer CA as a function of the quantities of energy remaining at the time of each recharging of the vehicle V and recorded, for example by the on-board computer OB.

For example, the computer CA may consider that there will be a need to recharge the vehicle V with energy during the chosen time interval if the difference between the quantity of stored energy qes and the estimated quantity of energy qee is less than sqe threshold (i.e. (qes - qee) <sqe).

In the negative ((qes - qee)> sqe) the assistance process ends since the difference (qes - qee) is greater than the sqe threshold.

On the other hand, in the affirmative ((qes - qee) <sqe), and therefore if there is a need to recharge the vehicle V with energy, we (the computer CA) determine a recharging route to perform the recharging according to at least one charging habit of the user and a start time for this charging journey.

For example, in this second step 20-40 one (the computer CA) can determine the route and schedule as a function of at least one constraint which relates to the user.

Each constraint can, for example, be defined in the user's electronic diary or by a declaration supplied by the latter 9 to the computer CA.

It may be, for example, an appointment at a geographically defined place and at a defined time or a need to go through a geographically defined place at a defined time (for example to take a race or drop off or pick up someone or play sports).

Also for example, in this second step 20-40 one (the AC computer) can choose each charging habit from a time interval of one day of a week during which the user is used to charging. energy, a type of journey during which the user is used to recharging energy, a type of recharging station where the user is used to recharging energy, and a type of energy that the user is used to choosing.

Each recharging habit can be learned by the CA computer as a function of the journeys made by the user in the past with vehicles 15 (not necessarily V), during which the user has stopped in a recharging station for a certain period. time (and therefore for recharging), and of which the starting, finishing and intermediate geographical positions have been recorded, for example by a DAN navigation aid device or a geolocation device on board the 20 mobile communication EC (or in the vehicle V (when the user is the only one to drive it and that he only drives regularly (V))).

The type of charging trip can be a home / work or work / home trip or between two appointments, or a trip alone or accompanied, for example.

This information can be determined as a function of the user's schedule, for example defined in his electronic diary.

The type of charging station can be a specific brand or a range (such as supermarkets or independent stations), for example.

This information can be determined as a function of the geographical positions of the places where the recharges are carried out.

The type of energy can be gasoline or diesel or electricity, for example.

This information can be determined depending on the type of vehicle V.

Additional information (such as, for example, fuel type (standard or premium) or price) can be determined if the driver provides it himself or if it is possible to have access to a driver's account. .

In the third step 50 of the assistance method, the computer 5 CA informs the user by means of a message of these routes and times determined in the second step 20-40.

In this case the computer CA generates the information message then either triggers its display on the display screen EA1 of the mobile communication equipment EC (if it is part of the latter (EC)), or triggers its transmission to the mobile communication equipment 10 EC by the communication module MC of the vehicle V (with a view to its display on its display screen EA1), or even trigger its display by a display screen EA2 of the vehicle V ( here that of the central handset CC).

It will be noted that when the user is away from the vehicle V, one can first of all inform him of these routes and times on his mobile communication equipment EC, then, once he is installed in the vehicle V at around this time, we can ask him if he agrees to follow this route in order to recharge the vehicle V.

This request can be made, for example, by means of a text message displayed on at least one screen associated with at least one communication device EC or MC used by the user.

For example, this text message can be displayed by the display screen EA1 of the user's mobile communication equipment EC and / or by a display screen EA2 of the vehicle V.

As a variant or in addition, the request can be made by means of a sound message broadcast by a loudspeaker of the user's mobile communication equipment EC and / or by a loudspeaker 25 of the vehicle V.

Thus, the user is offered, in an automated manner, to make a trip at a certain time to recharge the vehicle V with energy, taking into account the information contained in his electronic diary and his recharging habits, as well as possible constraint (s).

It is therefore now the user who is taken into account and not the vehicle V thanks to the learning of his own mobility and recharging habits, and to the knowledge of his electronic diary.

If the user signals that he agrees with this displayed proposal 11 and / or broadcast which has just been made to him, the computer CA transmits the definition of the recharging path to the vehicle's DAN navigation aid device V (or mobile communication equipment EC) so that it begins its guidance to the charging station defined in this charging path.

5 It will be noted that in the third step 50 the message can be transmitted at a time which is a function of the trip start time determined in the second step 20-40 and of an estimate of the time necessary for the user to join the vehicle V.

This option requires that the current geographic position of the user be known (for example by a DAN navigation aid device or a geolocation device on board his mobile communication equipment EC).

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an example of an algorithm implementing the first 10, second 20-40 and third 50 steps of the assistance method described above.

In a first sub-step 10 of the first step, one (a computer CA) determines future journeys that the user is likely to make with the vehicle V in a chosen time interval.

In a second sub-step 20 of the second step, one (this calculator CA) estimates the quantity of energy qee which will be necessary for the 20 V vehicle to carry out the future journeys determined in the first sub-step 10.

In a third sub-step 30 of the second step, one (this computer CA) determines whether there will be a need to recharge the vehicle V with energy during the chosen time interval, taking into account this estimated quantity of energy qee, of the quantity of energy stored in the vehicle V (at the instant considered) and of the threshold sqe (representative of the average quantity of energy from which the user is used to recharging the vehicle V).

If not, and therefore if (qes - qee)> sqe, the assistance process ends, and consequently we (the computer CA) can start performing the first sub-step 10 again, possibly after a predefined time.

On the other hand, in the affirmative, and therefore if (qes - qee) <sqe, one (the computer CA) determines in a fourth sub-step 40 of the second step a recharging path to perform the recharging as a function of at least one charging habit of the user and a start time for this 12 charging journey.

In a fifth sub-step 50 of the third step, the user (the computer CA) informs the user by means of a message of these routes and times determined in the fourth sub-step 40.

It will also be noted that the invention also proposes a computer program product comprising a set of instructions which, when it is executed by processing means of the electronic circuit (or hardware) type, such as for example the computer CA, is suitable for implementing the assistance method described above to assist the user of the vehicle V to provide for recharging the latter's energy (V).

It will also be noted that in FIG. 1 the processing (or calculation) and control means of each assistance device DA are very schematically and functionally illustrated by its sole computer CA.

This computer CA can comprise at least one digital signal processor 15 (or DSP (Digital Signal Processor)), possibly associated with a random access memory for storing instructions for the implementation by this processor of at least part of the process. 'assistance.

Furthermore, the processing (or calculation) and control means of an assistance device DA can optionally comprise a box comprising integrated circuits (or printed matter), connected by wired or non-wired connections.

By integrated circuit (or printed circuit) is meant any type of device capable of performing at least one electrical or electronic operation.

In addition, this DA assistance device may optionally comprise a plurality of processors, at least one mass memory, an input interface, in particular for receiving the required information useful for learning and comparisons, and an output interface, in particular to deliver the information messages generated and the information requests (for learning and comparisons).

One or more sub-steps of at least one of the steps of the assistance method can be carried out by different components.

Thus, the assistance method can be implemented by a plurality of processors, random access memory, mass memory, input interface, output interface and / or

Claims (10)

CLAIMS 1. Method of assisting a user of a vehicle (V) moving while consuming stored energy, characterized in that it comprises i) a first step (10) in which future journeys that said user are determined is capable of performing with said vehicle (V) in a chosen time interval, ii) a second step (20-40) in which an amount of energy necessary for said vehicle (V) is estimated to carry out said determined future journeys, then it is determined whether there will be a need to recharge said vehicle (V) with energy during said time interval taking into account this estimated quantity of energy, the quantity of stored energy and a threshold representative of an average quantity d 'energy from which said user is used to recharging said vehicle (V), then if so, a route is determined to perform said recharging as a function of at least one recharging habit of said user and a start time of this route, and iii) a third I step (50) in which said user is informed by means of a message of these determined route and schedule. 2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that in said first step (10) each future journey is determined as a function of the habits of said user and / or of information defining appointments and / or journeys programmed in an agenda associated with said user. 3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in said second step (20-40) said route and time are determined as a function of at least one constraint relating to said user. 23 4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that in said second step (20-40) each charging habit is chosen from a time interval of one day of a week during which said user has the habit of recharging energy, a type of journey during which said user is used to recharging energy, a type of recharging station where said user is used to making an energy recharge, and a type of energy that the said user is used to choosing. 5. Method according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that in said second step (20-40) said quantity of energy which will be consumed is estimated as a function of a driving style of said user and / or of a type of each route taken during each determined future route. 6. Method according to one of claims I to 5, characterized in that in said third step (50) said user is informed by means of a text message displayed on a screen (EA1, EA2) associated with at least one item of equipment. communication (EC, MC) used by said user. 7. Computer program product comprising a set of instructions which, when it is executed by processing means, is suitable for implementing the assistance method according to one of the preceding claims to assist a user. 'a vehicle (V), moving while consuming stored energy, to provide energy recharging of said vehicle (V). 8. Assistance device (DA) for assisting a user of a vehicle (V) moving while consuming stored energy, characterized in that it comprises at least one computer (CA) i) determining future journeys that said user is likely to make with said vehicle (V) in a chosen time interval, ii) estimating a quantity of energy necessary for said vehicle (V) to carry out said future determined journeys, then determining whether there will be a need to recharge said vehicle (V) with energy 20 during said time interval taking into account this estimated quantity of energy, the quantity of stored energy and a threshold representative of an average quantity of energy from which said user has the habit of recharging said vehicle (V), then, in the affirmative, determining a route for performing said recharging as a function of at least one recharging habit of said user and a start time of this journey, and iii ) generating a message for info rm said user of these determined route and schedule. 9. Mobile communication equipment (EC) for a user of a vehicle (V) storing energy, comprising a communication module (MC) suitable for exchanging messages by means of waves, and suitable for consuming this energy stored to move, characterized in that it comprises an assistance device (DA) according to claim 8. 10. Vehicle (V) storing energy, comprising a communication module (MC) suitable for exchanging messages by means of waves, and I 6 suitable for consuming this stored energy to move, characterized in that it further comprises an assistance device (DA) according to claim 8, coupled to said communication module (MC).