U.S. patent application number 15/690845 was filed with the patent office on 2019-02-28 for vehicle windshield defrosting control based on frozen precipitation accumulation.
The applicant listed for this patent is Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc.. Invention is credited to Frankie B. Reed.
Application Number | 20190061468 15/690845 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 65434778 |
Filed Date | 2019-02-28 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190061468 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Reed; Frankie B. |
February 28, 2019 |
VEHICLE WINDSHIELD DEFROSTING CONTROL BASED ON FROZEN PRECIPITATION
ACCUMULATION
Abstract
A device and method for mitigating freezing-precipitation
accumulation for a vehicle window are described. The device and
method include retrieving ambient temperature data. When the
ambient temperature data exceeds a temperature threshold for
freezing precipitation, sensing ambient light from within a vehicle
cabin to produce light magnitude sample data and comparing the
light magnitude sample data with a baseline light magnitude sample
data from within the vehicle cabin. When the light magnitude sample
data compares unfavorably with the baseline light magnitude sample
data, generating a vehicle window defroster command for
transmission to activate a vehicle window defroster operable to be
powered by a vehicle battery source.
Inventors: |
Reed; Frankie B.;
(Ypsilanti, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America,
Inc. |
Erlanger |
KY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
65434778 |
Appl. No.: |
15/690845 |
Filed: |
August 30, 2017 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60H 1/00778 20130101;
B60H 1/0075 20130101; B60H 1/00657 20130101; B60H 1/00785 20130101;
B60H 1/00814 20130101; B60H 1/00792 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B60H 1/00 20060101
B60H001/00 |
Claims
1. A method for mitigating freezing-precipitation accumulation for
a vehicle window, the method comprising: retrieving ambient
temperature data; when the ambient temperature data exceeds a
temperature threshold for freezing precipitation: sensing ambient
light from within a vehicle cabin to produce light magnitude sample
data; comparing the light magnitude sample data with a baseline
light magnitude sample data from within the vehicle cabin; and when
the light magnitude sample data compares unfavorably with the
baseline light magnitude sample data, generating a vehicle window
defroster command for transmission to activate a vehicle window
defroster operable to be powered by a vehicle battery source.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein at least one sunload sensor
operates for sensing the ambient light from within the vehicle
cabin to produce the light magnitude sample data.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the baseline light magnitude
sample data relating to a prior sensing of the ambient light within
the vehicle cabin.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the baseline light magnitude
sample data and the light magnitude sample data are each normalized
with respect to an expected ambient light for a respective
time-of-day.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the sensing ambient light from
within the vehicle cabin to produce light magnitude sample data
comprises: capturing an image of a vehicle window surface span;
processing the image to produce image data; processing the image
data to produce image recognition data; and generating the light
magnitude sample data from the image recognition data.
6. The method of claim 1, further comprising: subsequently sensing
the ambient light from within the vehicle cabin to produce
subsequent magnitude sample data; comparing the subsequent light
magnitude sample data with a baseline light magnitude sample data
from within the vehicle cabin; and when the subsequent light
magnitude sample data compares favorably with the baseline light
magnitude sample data, generating a vehicle HVAC command for
transmission to activate a vehicle cabin HVAC operable to be
powered by the vehicle battery source.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the light magnitude sample data
correlates to a refractive index of the vehicle window to be
affected by the freezing-precipitation accumulation of a vehicle
window surface span.
8. A method mitigating freezing-precipitation accumulation for an
electric-vehicle window: receiving a remote start signal;
retrieving, in response to the remote start signal, ambient
temperature data; when the ambient temperature data exceeds a
temperature threshold for freezing precipitation: sensing ambient
light from within a vehicle cabin to produce light magnitude sample
data; comparing the light magnitude sample data with a baseline
light magnitude sample data from within the vehicle cabin; and when
the light magnitude sample data compares unfavorably with the
baseline light magnitude sample data, generating an
electric-vehicle window defroster command for transmission to
activate an electric-vehicle window defroster operable to be
powered by a vehicle battery source.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein at least one sun-load sensor
operates for sensing the ambient light from within the vehicle
cabin to produce the light magnitude sample data.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the baseline light magnitude
sample data relating to a prior sensing of the ambient light within
the vehicle cabin.
11. The method of claim 8, wherein the baseline light magnitude
sample data and the light magnitude sample data are each normalized
with respect to an expected ambient light for a respective
time-of-day.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein the sensing ambient light from
within the vehicle cabin to produce light magnitude sample data
comprises: capturing an image of an electric-vehicle window surface
span; processing the image to produce image data; processing the
image data to produce image recognition data; and generating the
light magnitude sample data from the image recognition data.
13. The method of claim 8, further comprising: subsequently sensing
the ambient light from within the vehicle cabin to produce
subsequent magnitude sample data; comparing the subsequent light
magnitude sample data with a baseline light magnitude sample data
from within the vehicle cabin; and when the subsequent light
magnitude sample data compares favorably with the baseline light
magnitude sample data, generating a vehicle HVAC command for
transmission to activate a vehicle cabin HVAC operable to be
powered by a vehicle battery source.
14. The method of claim 8, wherein the light magnitude sample data
corresponds with the freezing-precipitation accumulation of an
electric-vehicle window surface span.
15. A vehicle control unit comprising: a communication interface to
service communication with a vehicle network; a processor
communicably coupled to the communication interface and a plurality
of sensor devices; and memory communicably coupled to the processor
and storing: a sensor monitoring module including instructions
that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to:
receive ambient vehicle temperature data; compare the ambient
vehicle temperature data with a temperature threshold for freezing
precipitation; and when the ambient vehicle temperature data
exceeds the temperature threshold for freezing precipitation,
receive light magnitude sample data from a sensor device operable
to sense ambient light from within a vehicle cabin; and an
accumulation assessment module including instructions that, when
executed by the processor, cause the processor to: compare the
light magnitude sample data with a baseline light magnitude sample
data from within the vehicle cabin; and when the light magnitude
sample data compares unfavorably with the baseline light magnitude
sample data, generate a vehicle window defroster command for
transmission to activate a vehicle window defroster operable to be
powered by a vehicle battery source to mitigate a
freezing-precipitation accumulation of a vehicle window span.
16. The vehicle control unit of claim 15, wherein at least one
sun-load sensor operates for sensing the ambient light from within
the vehicle cabin to produce the light magnitude sample data.
17. The vehicle control unit of claim 15, wherein the baseline
light magnitude sample data relating to a prior sensing of the
ambient light within the vehicle cabin.
18. The vehicle control unit of claim 15, wherein the baseline
light magnitude sample data and the light magnitude sample data are
each normalized with respect to an expected ambient light for a
respective time-of-day.
19. The vehicle control unit of claim 15, wherein the sensing
ambient light from within the vehicle cabin to produce light
magnitude sample data comprises: capturing an image of a vehicle
window surface span; processing the image to produce image data;
processing the image data to produce image recognition data; and
generating the light magnitude sample data from the image
recognition data.
20. The vehicle control unit of claim 15, wherein: the sensor
monitoring module including further instructions that, when
executed by the processor, cause the processor to: subsequently
sense the ambient light from within the vehicle cabin to produce
subsequent magnitude sample data; and the accumulation assessment
module including further instructions that, when executed by the
processor, cause the processor to: compare the subsequent light
magnitude sample data with the baseline light magnitude sample data
from within the vehicle cabin; and when the subsequent light
magnitude sample data compares favorably with the baseline light
magnitude sample data, generating a vehicle HVAC command for
transmission to activate a vehicle cabin HVAC operable to be
powered by a vehicle battery source.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The subject matter described herein relates in general to
vehicle windshield defrosting devices and, more particularly, to
the control of vehicle windshield defrosting devices in electric
vehicles and/or petroleum-electric hybrid vehicles based on
freezing-precipitation accumulation on the vehicle windshield.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, modern automotive vehicles include, and are
expected to include, interior comfort control systems. Such systems
include a heating, venting, air conditioning (HVAC) system that
allows a user to select a desired interior temperature of the
vehicle. However, such systems do not effectively reduce
freezing-precipitation from a vehicle windshield. Because of the
limited available charge of an electric vehicle or a
petroleum-electric hybrid vehicle, as well as lacking a heat
product such as conventional petroleum based vehicles, electric
heaters are called upon to generate a suitable comfort level as
well as defrost a windshield of freezing-precipitation. Moreover,
having all comfort controls in operation at the same time to warm
and defrost an electric or hybrid vehicle unnecessarily replenishes
the vehicle battery charge, and may cause the vehicle to not be
drivable until sufficiently re-charged. Moreover, even when the
electric or hybrid vehicle may be tethered to a charging station,
the drain of the electric heaters prolong the charging period for
the vehicle until the desired charge and driving range is
reached.
SUMMARY
[0003] A device and methods for mitigating freezing-precipitation
accumulation for a vehicle window are disclosed.
[0004] In one implementation, a method for mitigating
freezing-precipitation accumulation for a vehicle window is
disclosed. The method includes retrieving ambient temperature data.
When the ambient temperature data exceeds a temperature threshold
for freezing precipitation, sensing ambient light from within a
vehicle cabin to produce light magnitude sample data and comparing
the light magnitude sample data with a baseline light magnitude
sample data from within the vehicle cabin. When the light magnitude
sample data compares unfavorably with the baseline light magnitude
sample data, generating a vehicle window defroster command for
transmission to activate a vehicle window defroster operable to be
powered by a vehicle battery source.
[0005] In another implementation, a vehicle control unit is
disclosed. The vehicle control unit includes a communication
interface, a processor, and memory. The communication interface to
service communication with a vehicle network. The processor is
processor communicably coupled to the communication interface and a
plurality of sensor devices. The memory is communicably coupled to
the processor and stores a sensor monitoring module, and an
accumulation assessment module. The sensor monitoring module
includes instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause
the processor to receive ambient vehicle temperature data, and
compare the ambient vehicle temperature data with a temperature
threshold for freezing precipitation. When the ambient vehicle
temperature data exceeds the temperature threshold for freezing
precipitation, the sensor monitoring module includes instructions
that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to
receive light magnitude sample data from a sensor device operable
to sense ambient light from within a vehicle cabin. The
accumulation assessment module includes instructions that, when
executed by the processor, cause the processor to compare the light
magnitude sample data with a baseline light magnitude sample data
from within the vehicle cabin. When the light magnitude sample data
compares unfavorably with the baseline light magnitude sample data,
the accumulation assessment module includes instructions that, when
executed by the processor, cause the processor to generate a
vehicle window defroster command for transmission to activate a
vehicle window defroster operable to be powered by a vehicle
battery source to mitigate a freezing-precipitation accumulation of
a vehicle window span.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The description makes reference to the accompanying drawings
wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the
several views, and wherein:
[0007] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a vehicle interior including a
vehicle control unit powered by a vehicle battery source 164;
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a vehicle control unit
of FIG. 1;
[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates a functional module block diagram of a
vehicle control unit of FIG. 1; and
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates an example process for mitigating
freezing-precipitation accumulation of a vehicle windshield.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] A method and device for mitigating freezing-precipitation
accumulation of a vehicle window for an electric and/or a
petroleum-electric hybrid vehicle is described herein. In one
example method, ambient temperature data may be received, and when
the ambient exceeds a temperature threshold for freezing
precipitation, such as thirty-two degrees Fahrenheit or
zero-degrees Celsius, ambient light may be sensed from within a
vehicle cabin to produce light magnitude sample data. As may be
appreciated, as freezing precipitation may accumulate on vehicle
windows, the index of refraction as relating to the window changes,
affecting the lighting within the vehicle.
[0012] The light magnitude sample data may be compared with a
baseline light magnitude sample data from within the vehicle cabin.
The baseline light magnitude sample data may be sampled upon a
point in time (such as when the vehicle may be parked),
periodically (such as over predetermined intervals), and/or with
respect to data samples developed under varying time and/or date
conditions under varying cold-season conditions.
[0013] When the light magnitude sample data compares unfavorably
with the baseline light magnitude sample data (that is, an
indication that the lighting conditions within the vehicle may
indicate a layer of freezing precipitation covering a vehicle
window span, a vehicle window defroster command is generated for
transmission to activate a vehicle window defroster operable to be
powered by a vehicle battery source.
[0014] FIG. 1 is an illustration of a vehicle 100 including a
vehicle control unit 160 communicatively coupled with an antenna
162, powered by a vehicle battery source 164. As may be
appreciated, the vehicle 100 may be an electric vehicle (EV) or
petroleum-electric hybrid vehicle (PHV), such as an automobile,
light truck, cargo transport, or any other passenger or
non-passenger vehicle.
[0015] The vehicle 100 may include a dashboard 114 positioned
towards a front most portion of a vehicle cabin 124. The dashboard
114 extends in the lateral direction between the sides of the
vehicle 100. A top surface of the dashboard 114 is located under a
windshield 110. The top surface of the dashboard 114 may include a
plurality of vehicle window defrosters 112. Each of the vehicle
window defrosters may be individually controlled so that one or all
may operate to defrost windshield 110 upon the presence of
freezing-precipitation accumulations.
[0016] An instrument panel 118 may be positioned for viewing by a
vehicle operator. A duct 116, a blower 120, and a vehicle cabin
HVAC 122 may be arranged within the dashboard 114. Duct 116
operates to convey heated air from the vehicle cabin HVAC 122 to
the windshield 110.
[0017] Sensor device 150 may operate to sense ambient light 130
passing through the windshield 110 into the vehicle cabin 124. The
intensity of the ambient light reaching the vehicle cabin 124
relates to a refractive index of the windshield, which correlates
with the amount of freezing-precipitation that may accumulate on
the windshield 110. Examples of sensor device 150 may include a
sunload sensor, a camera sensor, etc.
[0018] A sunload sensor may operate to sense the intensity of the
ambient light 130. Generally, a sunload sensor may be used to
adjust the vehicle cabin HVAC 122 for occupant comfort in either
warm-season or cold-season weather conditions; however, in
cold-season weather, the vehicle range for electric vehicles and/or
petroleum-electric hybrid vehicles diminishes due to additional
energy demands of the vehicle cabin HVAC 122.
[0019] Unlike petroleum-based vehicles, electric vehicles (as well
as petroleum-electric hybrid vehicles at low-speed) may generate
little, if any, heat, while conventional vehicles produce
sufficient heat for warming the vehicle cabin 124. Also, the
vehicle range can be further diminished due to cold ambient
temperatures. For example, a vehicle 100 with a usual range of
eighty-four miles on a battery charge may have depleted the vehicle
power source 164 after driving for only thirty-six miles in
cold-season weather (for example, when the thermometer dips to
twenty-degrees). In one example to mitigate the effect of cold
temperatures on a vehicle power source 164, the vehicle 100 may
warm the vehicle power source 164 with forced-air heating when
tethered to the power grid.
[0020] Also, discharging at least a portion of the charge of the
vehicle power source 164 while also tethered to the power grid may
extend the time needed for charging the electric vehicle and/or
petroleum-electric hybrid vehicle for travel. For example,
tethering the vehicle 100 to a household power outlet corresponds
to 4.5 miles of range per hour of charging, or about 22 hours for a
full charge for a vehicle having a one-hundred mile range. When the
charge is provided for other vehicle functions, the charging period
increases, which may cause the vehicle 100 to be available for the
operator when desired.
[0021] Generally, in cold-season weather, an electric-vehicle range
declines due to the additional energy demand from the heating
system. Electric vehicles generate little heat as opposed to
conventional petroleum-based vehicles, which produce more than
enough engine heat to heat the vehicle cabin 124.
[0022] For occupant comfort, an additional electric heater is
needed for the vehicle cabin HVAC 122. The electric heater may draw
power from the vehicle battery source 164 that also powers the
engine of the vehicle 100. In effect, because the fuel supply for
the vehicle 100 is used on non-engine uses, an effective range of
the vehicle may be reduced by half than in mild-season
conditions.
[0023] When a vehicle 100 may be under a charging condition, the
supply may be capable of supplying charge to the vehicle battery
source 164 while heating vehicle cabin 124 with the vehicle cabin
HVAC 122.
[0024] The sensor device 150 may operate to determine whether
vehicle battery source 164 may be used for operation of the vehicle
window defrosters 112 (such as for mitigating
freezing-precipitation accumulations on windshield 110), or for
operation of the vehicle cabin HVAC 122.
[0025] The sensor device 150 may include one element or a plurality
of elements in an array configuration for greater sensitivity to
changes in the refraction index of the windshield 110 as may occur
with freezing-precipitation accumulation(s). In operation, the
[0026] The sensor device 150 may operate for a sensing region 151
that may include a horizontal vehicle window surface span 148a and
a vertical vehicle window surface span 148b. The area of the
sensing region 151 may be sized sufficient to promote ready viewing
for operation of the vehicle 100.
[0027] Generally, the sensor device 150 may operate to sense a
refractive index value as relating to the windshield 110. When
ambient temperature data 152 exceeds a temperature threshold for
freezing precipitation (that is, at or below thirty-two degrees
Fahrenheit or zero degrees Celsius, generally), the sensor device
150 may operate to sense the degree to which freezing precipitation
(such as snow, freezing rain, freezing fog, ice, etc.) may
accumulate on the windshield 110, and affects a refractive index
for the windshield 110. Based upon light magnitude sample data 154
(such as light intensity and/or object recognition) produced by the
sensor device 150 and transmitted to the vehicle control unit 160
via a vehicle network 170, the vehicle control unit 160 may operate
to determine whether one or all of the vehicle window defrosters
112a, 112b and 112c, or the vehicle cabin HVAC 122 may suffice to
mitigate freezing-precipitation accumulation on the windshield 110.
Based upon the light magnitude sample data 154, the vehicle control
unit may generate a vehicle window defroster command 156 and/or a
vehicle HVAC command 158 to optimize a charge of the vehicle
battery source 164 in relation to mitigating freezing-precipitation
accumulation, as is discussed in detail with reference to FIGS.
2-4.
[0028] The antenna 162, communicatively coupled with the vehicle
control unit 160, may include one or more conductive elements that
interact with electromagnetic signals transmitted by remote vehicle
actuators, such as a key fob, automatic start schedules scheduled
via handheld mobile device applications, or learned by the vehicle
such as a commuting routine, etc., as is discussed in detail with
reference to FIGS. 2-4.
[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a vehicle control unit
160 of FIG. 1. The vehicle control unit 160 may include a wireless
communication interface 202, a processor 204, and memory 206 that
are communicably coupled via a bus 208. The vehicle control unit
160 may provide an example platform for the device and methods
described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1-4.
[0030] The processor 204 can be a conventional central processing
unit or any other type of device, or multiple devices, capable of
manipulating or processing information. As may be appreciated,
processor 204 may be a single processing device or a plurality of
processing devices. Such a processing device may be a
microprocessor, micro-controller, digital signal processor,
microcomputer, central processing unit, field programmable gate
array, programmable logic device, state machine, logic circuitry,
analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or any device that
manipulates signals (analog and/or digital) based on hard coding of
the circuitry and/or operational instructions.
[0031] The memory (and/or memory element) 206 may be communicably
coupled to the processor 204, and may operate to store one or more
modules described herein. The modules can include instructions
that, when executed, cause the processor 204 to implement one or
more of the various processes and/or operations described
herein.
[0032] The memory and/or memory element 206 may be a single memory
device, a plurality of memory devices, and/or embedded circuitry of
the processor 204. Such a memory device may be a read-only memory,
random access memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, static
memory, dynamic memory, flash memory, cache memory, and/or any
device that stores digital information. Furthermore, arrangements
described herein may take the form of a computer program product
embodied in one or more computer-readable storage medium having
computer-readable program code embodied, e.g., stored, thereon. Any
combination of one or more computer-readable media may be utilized.
The computer-readable medium may be a computer-readable signal
medium or a computer-readable storage medium.
[0033] The phrase "computer-readable storage medium" means a
non-transitory storage medium. A computer-readable storage medium
may be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic,
optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system,
apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.
More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of the
computer-readable storage medium would include the following: a
portable computer diskette, a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid-state
drive (SSD), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable
read-only memory (EPROM or Flash memory), a portable compact disc
read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc (DVD), an
optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable
combination of the foregoing. In the context of this document, a
computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium that
can contain, or store a program for use by or in connection with an
instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. Program code
embodied on a computer-readable medium may be transmitted using any
appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless,
wireline, optical fiber, cable, RF, etc., or any suitable
combination of the foregoing.
[0034] The memory 206 is capable of storing machine readable
instructions, such that the machine readable instructions can be
accessed and/or executed by the processor 204. The machine readable
instructions can comprise logic or algorithm(s) written in
programming languages, and generations thereof, (e.g., 1 GL, 2 GL,
3 GL, 4 GL, or 5 GL) such as, for example, machine language that
may be directly executed by the processor 204, or assembly
language, object-oriented programming (OOP) such as JAVA,
Smalltalk, C++ or the like, conventional procedural programming
languages, scripting languages, microcode, etc., that may be
compiled or assembled into machine readable instructions and stored
on the memory 206. Alternatively, the machine readable instructions
may be written in a hardware description language (HDL), such as
logic implemented via either a field-programmable gate array (FPGA)
configuration or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC),
or their equivalents. Accordingly, the methods and devices
described herein may be implemented in any conventional computer
programming language, as pre-programmed hardware elements, or as a
combination of hardware and software components.
[0035] Note that when the processor 204 includes more than one
processing device, the processing devices may be centrally located
(e.g., directly coupled together via a wireline and/or wireless bus
structure) or may be distributed located (e.g., cloud computing via
indirect coupling via a local area network and/or a wide area
network). Further note that when the processor 204 implements one
or more of its functions via a state machine, analog circuitry,
digital circuitry, and/or logic circuitry, the memory and/or memory
element storing the corresponding operational instructions may be
embedded within, or external to, the circuitry including the state
machine, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or logic
circuitry.
[0036] Still further note that, the memory 206 stores, and the
processor 204 executes, hard coded and/or operational instructions
of modules corresponding to at least some of the steps and/or
functions illustrated in FIGS. 1-4.
[0037] The vehicle control unit 160 can include one or more
modules, at least some of which are described herein. The modules
may be considered as functional blocks that can be implemented in
hardware, software, firmware and/or computer-readable program code
that perform one or more functions. A module, when executed by a
processor 204, implements one or more of the various processes
described herein. One or more of the modules can be a component of
the processor(s) 204, or one or more of the modules can be executed
on and/or distributed among other processing systems to which the
processor(s) 204 is operatively connected. The modules can include
instructions (e.g., program logic) executable by one or more
processor(s) 204.
[0038] The wireless communication interface 202 generally governs
and manages the data received via a vehicle network 170. There is
no restriction on the present disclosure operating on any
particular hardware arrangement and therefore the basic features
herein may be substituted, removed, added to, or otherwise modified
for improved hardware and/or firmware arrangements as they may
develop.
[0039] The antenna 162 may include one or more conductive elements
that interact with electromagnetic signals transmitted by global
positioning system satellites. The received signals may be
transformed into a data signal indicative of operational commands
(for example, remote start, security alarm, etc). The antenna 162
operates to provide communications with the vehicle control unit
160 through wireless communication 226.
[0040] Wireless communication 226 may operate to convey a remote
start signal 220 (such as via a key fob 225, a handheld mobile
device 223, etc.). As may be appreciated, wireless communication
232 and network 270 may operate to convey the remote start signal
220, as well as provide access by the vehicle control unit 110 to a
server 233, which may be communicatively coupled to the network
cloud 270 via wireless communication 232.
[0041] The server 233 may include third party servers that are
associated with applications that are running and/or executed by
the vehicle control unit 160, etc. For example, the server 233 may
include cloud computing services accessible via application program
interfaces executed by the vehicle control unit, as well as thin
client services. In this respect, processing may be performed
remotely or locally for desired functionality, such as image
recognition processing based on an image recognition request 221 by
the vehicle control unit 160 when the sensor device 150 may include
a camera device for generating sensor data for light magnitude
sample data 154.
[0042] In response to receiving the remote start signal 220, the
vehicle control unit 160 may operate to retrieve an ambient vehicle
temperature data 152. When the ambient temperature data exceeds a
temperature threshold for freezing precipitation (that is, at or
below the freezing temperature for water), the vehicle control unit
160 may operate to sense ambient light from within a vehicle cabin
to produce light magnitude sample data 154, and compare the light
magnitude sample data 154 with a baseline light magnitude sample
data. When the light magnitude sample data 154 compares unfavorably
with the baseline light magnitude sample data, indicating a change
or affect to a windshield's refractive index, the vehicle control
unit 160 may generate an electric-vehicle window defroster command
156 for transmission to activate an electric-vehicle window
defroster 112a, 112b and/or 112c (FIG. 1) operable to be powered by
a vehicle battery source 164 (FIG. 1).
[0043] In the instance when light magnitude sample data 154
compares favorably with a baseline light magnitude data sample,
indicating that the refractive index of a windshield is
substantially unchanged (that is, little to no
freezing-precipitation accumulation), the vehicle control unit may
generate a vehicle HVAC command 158 for transmission to activate a
vehicle cabin HVAC 122 (FIG. 1) operable to be powered by a vehicle
battery source 164 (FIG. 1).
[0044] The wireless communication 226 and 232 may be based on one
or many wireless communication system specifications. For example,
wireless communication systems may operate in accordance with one
or more standards specifications including, but not limited to,
3GPP (3rd Generation Partnership Project), 4GPP (4th Generation
Partnership Project), 5GPP (5th Generation Partnership Project),
LTE (long term evolution), LTE Advanced, RFID, IEEE 802.11,
Bluetooth, AMPS (advanced mobile phone services), digital AMPS, GSM
(global system for mobile communications), CDMA (code division
multiple access), LMDS (local multi-point distribution systems),
MMDS (multi-channel-multi-point distribution systems), IrDA,
Wireless USB, Z-Wave, ZigBee, and/or variations thereof.
[0045] As may be appreciated, the communication path 213 of the
vehicle network 170 may be formed from a medium suitable for
transmitting a signal such as, for example, conductive wires,
conductive traces, optical waveguides, or the like. Moreover, the
communication path 213 can be formed from a combination of mediums
capable of transmitting signals, and may include a combination of
conductive traces, conductive wires, connectors, and buses that
cooperate to permit the transmission of electrical data signals to
components such as processors, memories, sensors, input devices,
output devices, and communication devices.
[0046] Accordingly, the communication path 213 may be provided by a
vehicle bus, or combinations thereof, such as for example, a Body
Electronic Area Network (BEAN), a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus
configuration, an Audio Visual Communication-Local Area Network
(AVC-LAN) configuration, a Local Interconnect Network (LIN)
configuration, a Vehicle Area Network (VAN) bus, and/or other
combinations of additional communication-system architectures to
provide communications between devices and systems of the vehicle
100.
[0047] The term "signal" may be understood to relate to a waveform
(e.g., electrical, optical, magnetic, mechanical or
electromagnetic), such as DC, AC, sinusoidal-wave, triangular-wave,
square-wave, vibration, and the like, capable of traveling through
at least some of the mediums described herein.
[0048] Respective modules of the vehicle control unit 160, and
associated instructions, when executed by the processor 204,
promote the method and devices relating to mitigating freezing
precipitation accumulation for a vehicle window, as is discussed in
reference to FIGS. 1-4.
[0049] FIG. 3 illustrates a functional module block diagram of a
vehicle control unit 160, in which a sensor monitoring module 306,
and accumulation assessment module 312, and a transceiver module
316 may be stored in a memory 206 for the vehicle control unit
160.
[0050] The sensor monitoring module 306 may include instructions
that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to
receive ambient vehicle temperature data 152 via temperature sensor
402, and compare the ambient vehicle temperature data 152 with a
temperature threshold 308 indicative of freezing precipitation.
When the ambient vehicle temperature data 152 exceeds the
temperature threshold 308 for freezing precipitation (that is,
drops to or below the temperature threshold 308), the sensor
monitoring module 306 receives sensor data 151 from sensor device
150. The sensor device 150 may operate to sense ambient light from
within a vehicle cabin for determining light intensity, and changes
of a refractive index of a windshield that may result from
freezing-precipitation accumulation.
[0051] Sensor device 150 may operate to sense ambient light 130
passing through the windshield 110 into the vehicle cabin 124. The
intensity of the ambient light reaching the vehicle cabin 124
relates to a refractive index of the windshield, which correlates
with the amount of freezing-precipitation that may accumulate on
the windshield 110. Light density may be understood to be a value
of is candela per square meter (cd/m.sup.2), which includes the
origin of the windshield area, or quantity, of the light, and
intensity of the light emitted ("l") per area ("A") times cosine of
surface angle, (".epsilon.") or L=l/A*cos(.epsilon.). Examples of
sensor device 150 may include a sunload sensor, a camera sensor,
etc.
[0052] A sunload sensor may operate to sense the intensity of the
ambient light to generate sensor data 151. As may be appreciated, a
sensor control unit may be coupled with a sensor control unit to
convert sensor data 151, when in an analog format, to light sample
data 154. The sensor monitoring module 306 may also operate to
provide such a conversion from an analog format to a digital format
as desired.
[0053] A camera sensor may operate to take digital images of a
vehicle windshield, which may be retrieved by the sensor monitoring
module 306 and, based on image recognition techniques, may generate
the light magnitude sample data 154.
[0054] As may be appreciated, image recognition may be implemented
via convolutional neural networks (CNNs or ConvNets). A CCN
operates with respect that any given image, such as that may be
provided via the light magnitude sample data 154, proximity is
strongly correlated with similarity. That is, pixels that are near
one another in a given image are more likely to be related than
pixels that are further apart. A CNN operates to provide image
processing efficiency through filtering connections by proximity,
so that each neuron of a CNN accepts inputs from a small subsection
of the image layer (for example, 3.times.3 pixels, 5.times.5
pixels, etc.).
[0055] The sensor monitoring module 306 may include a CNN submodule
to provide image recognition functionality for converting the
sensor data 151 to light magnitude sample data 154, as well as may,
when cloud computing services may be available via network 270 as
indicated by phantom lines, transmit an image recognition call
and/or request with the sensor data 151 and receive in response
light magnitude sample data 154.
[0056] As may also be appreciated, vehicle battery source charge
may be reserved for trigger events, such as the sensor monitoring
module 306 receiving a remote start signal 220. In this respect,
when a vehicle user or user application transmits the remote start
signal 220, the vehicle control 160 may operate to access a
freezing-precipitation accumulation of a vehicle windshield.
[0057] The accumulation assessment module 312 may include
instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the
processor to compare the light magnitude sample data 154 with a
baseline light magnitude sample data 314 from within the vehicle
cabin. The baseline light magnitude sample data 314 may be sampled
upon a point in time (such as when the vehicle may be parked),
periodically (such as over predetermined intervals), and/or with
respect to data samples developed under varying time and/or date
conditions under varying cold-season conditions. In this respect,
baseline intensities may be sampled to provide comparison samples
for light intensity determinations, which may relate to changes
and/or variations in a refractive index of a vehicle windshield
that may occur from freezing-precipitation accumulation. The
baseline light magnitude sample data 314 and the light magnitude
sample data 154 may be normalized with respect to an expected
ambient light for a respective time-of-day and a respective
calendar day.
[0058] Because freezing-precipitation accumulation may be assessed
for substantially the span of a vehicle window, more information
may be accessible as to whether to generate a vehicle window
defroster command 156 or a vehicle HVAC command 158. That is, when
freezing-precipitation may be non-uniform for a vehicle windshield,
resulting in a sufficient viewing space for vehicle operation, a
vehicle HVAC command 158 may be appropriate for mitigating the
remaining freezing-precipitation. On the other hand, for the light
intensity (such as via a sunload sensor) or based on image
recognition (such as via a camera device), accumulation assessment
(as relating to whether an accumulation affects a refractive index
of the windshield) may occur for the windshield area, instead of
specific, limited portions that may lead to false readings that are
incorrectly applied to the vehicle windshield as a
substantial-whole. In this regard, additional information may be
secured by the vehicle control unit 160 in determining whether to
engage the vehicle window defroster 112a, 112b and/or 112c (FIG.
1), and associated energy charge of the respective heater and/or
blower, or whether to engage a vehicle HVAC 122, which functions to
provide a comfort level for a vehicle user upon entering the
vehicle cabin.
[0059] Accordingly, when the light magnitude sample data 154
compares unfavorably with the baseline light magnitude sample data
314, the accumulation assessment module 312 may generate a vehicle
window defroster command 156 for transmission via transceiver
module 316 as a command message 318 to activate a vehicle window
defroster operable to be powered by a vehicle battery source to
mitigate a freezing-precipitation accumulation of a vehicle window
span. Otherwise, the accumulation assessment module 312 may
generate a vehicle HVAC command 158 for transmission via the
transceiver module 316 as a command message 318.
[0060] Also, ambient light may be subsequently sensed to determine
whether to a freezing-precipitation accumulation has been
mitigated, based on subsequent magnitude sample data 154. The
subsequent magnitude sample data may be compared with the baseline
light magnitude sample data 314, and when the subsequent light
magnitude sample data compares favorably with the baseline light
magnitude sample data 314, generating a vehicle HVAC command 158
for transmission via the transceiver module 316 as a command
message 318 to activate a vehicle cabin HVAC operable to be powered
by the vehicle battery source.
[0061] FIG. 4 illustrates an example process 400 for mitigating
freezing-precipitation accumulation of a vehicle windshield. As may
be appreciated, the process 400 may be stored by a memory 204 of
the vehicle control unit 160 for execution by the processor 204
(FIG. 2).
[0062] At operation 602, a trigger event, as an option as indicated
by phantom lines, may occur to begin the process 400. A trigger
event may be receiving a remote start signal, whether prompted by a
key fob, a mobile handheld device, or a server communicatively
coupled with a network for scheduled starts (such as at the end of
a workday), etc. In this respect, a vehicle battery source charge
may be reserved for such trigger events. In this respect, when a
vehicle user or user application transmits the remote start signal
220, the vehicle control 160 may operate to access a
freezing-precipitation accumulation status of a vehicle
windshield.
[0063] At operation 402, ambient temperature data is retrieved by
the process 400, and when the ambient temperature data exceeds a
temperature threshold for freezing precipitation at operation 406,
ambient light from within a vehicle cabin is sensed to produce
light magnitude sample data at operation 408.
[0064] As may be appreciated, ambient light from within a vehicle
cabin may be sensed for determining light intensity, and for
changes of a refractive index of a windshield that may result from
freezing-precipitation accumulation. The intensity of the ambient
light reaching the vehicle cabin 124 relates to a refractive index
of the windshield, which correlates with the amount of
freezing-precipitation that may accumulate on the windshield 110.
Light density may be understood to be a value of is candela per
square meter (cd/m.sup.2), which includes the origin of the
windshield area, or quantity, of the light, and intensity of the
light emitted ("1") per area ("A") times cosine of surface angle,
(".epsilon.") or L=l/A*cos(.epsilon.). Examples of sensor device
150 may include a sunload sensor, a camera sensor, etc.
[0065] At operation 410, the light magnitude sample data is
compared with a baseline light magnitude sample data from within
the vehicle cabin. The baseline light magnitude sample data 314 may
be sampled upon a point in time (such as when the vehicle may be
parked), periodically (such as over predetermined intervals),
and/or with respect to data samples developed under varying time
and/or date conditions under varying cold-season conditions. In
this respect, baseline intensities may be sampled to provide
comparison samples for light intensity determinations, which may
relate to changes and/or variations in a refractive index of a
vehicle windshield that may occur from freezing-precipitation
accumulation. The baseline light magnitude sample data 314 and the
light magnitude sample data 154 may be normalized with respect to
an expected ambient light for a respective time-of-day and a
respective calendar day.
[0066] When at operation 412 the light magnitude sample data
compares unfavorably with the baseline light magnitude sample data,
the process 400 generates a vehicle window defroster command at
operation 614 for transmission to activate a vehicle window
defroster operable to be powered by a vehicle battery source, or in
the alternative, end the process 400.
[0067] As may be appreciated, the process 400 may subsequently
sense at operation 416 the ambient light from within the vehicle
cabin to determine the amount of freezing-precipitation
accumulation remaining. When the subsequent ambient light sample
data compares favorably with baseline light magnitude sample data,
so the process 400 may generate a vehicle HVAC command for
providing vehicle user comfort.
[0068] Detailed embodiments are disclosed herein. However, it is to
be understood that the disclosed embodiments are intended only as
examples. Therefore, specific structural and functional details
disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely
as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for
teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the aspects
herein in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further,
the terms and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting
but rather to provide an understandable description of possible
implementations. Various embodiments are shown in FIGS. 1-4, but
the embodiments are not limited to the illustrated structure or
application.
[0069] As one of ordinary skill in the art may appreciate, the term
"substantially" or "approximately," as may be used herein, provides
an industry-accepted tolerance to its corresponding term and/or
relativity between items. Such an industry-accepted tolerance
ranges from less than one percent to twenty percent and corresponds
to, but is not limited to, component values, integrated circuit
process variations, temperature variations, rise and fall times,
and/or thermal noise. Such relativity between items range from a
difference of a few percent to magnitude differences.
[0070] As one of ordinary skill in the art may further appreciate,
the term "coupled," as may be used herein, includes direct coupling
and indirect coupling via another component, element, circuit, or
module where, for indirect coupling, the intervening component,
element, circuit, or module does not modify the information of a
signal but may adjust its current level, voltage level, and/or
power level. As one of ordinary skill in the art will also
appreciate, inferred coupling (that is, where one element is
coupled to another element by inference) includes direct and
indirect coupling between two elements in the same manner as
"coupled."
[0071] As one of ordinary skill in the art will further appreciate,
the term "compares favorably," as may be used herein, indicates
that a comparison between two or more elements, items, signals, et
cetera, provides a desired relationship.
[0072] As the term "module" is used in the description of the
drawings, a module includes a functional block that is implemented
in hardware, software, and/or firmware that performs one or more
functions such as the processing of an input signal to produce an
output signal. As used herein, a module may contain submodules that
themselves are modules.
[0073] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate
the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible
implementations of systems, methods and computer program products
according to various embodiments. In this regard, each block in the
flowcharts or block diagrams may represent a module, segment, or
portion of code, which comprises one or more executable
instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). It
should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the
functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in
the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in
fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may
sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the
functionality involved.
[0074] The systems, components and/or processes described above can
be realized in hardware or a combination of hardware and software
and can be realized in a centralized fashion in one processing
system or in a distributed fashion where different elements are
spread across several interconnected processing systems. Any kind
of processing system or another apparatus adapted for carrying out
the methods described herein is suited. A typical combination of
hardware and software can be a processing system with
computer-usable program code that, when being loaded and executed,
controls the processing system such that it carries out the methods
described herein. The systems, components and/or processes also can
be embedded in a computer-readable storage medium, such as a
computer program product or other data programs storage device,
readable by a machine, tangibly embodying a program of instructions
executable by the machine to perform methods and processes
described herein. These elements also can be embedded in an
application product which comprises all the features enabling the
implementation of the methods described herein and, which when
loaded in a processing system, is able to carry out these
methods.
[0075] Program code may execute entirely on the user's computer,
partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alone software package,
partly on the user's computer and partly on a remote computer, or
entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latter scenario,
the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through
any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide
area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an external
computer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet
Service Provider).
[0076] The terms "a" and "an," as used herein, are defined as one
or more than one. The term "plurality," as used herein, is defined
as two or more than two. The term "another," as used herein, is
defined as at least a second or more. The terms "including" and/or
"having," as used herein, are defined as comprising (i.e. open
language). The phrase "at least one of . . . and . . . ." as used
herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations
of one or more of the associated listed items. As an example, the
phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" includes A only, B only, C
only, or any combination thereof (e.g. AB, AC, BC or ABC).
[0077] Aspects herein can be embodied in other forms without
departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof.
Accordingly, reference should be made to the following claims,
rather than to the foregoing specification, as indicating the scope
hereof.
* * * * *