Off-highway auto EV mode

Methods, systems, devices and apparatuses for an off-road vehicle control system. The control system for the vehicle includes at least one of a navigation unit or a sensor. The navigation unit is configured to obtain a current location of the vehicle. The sensor is configured to obtain sensor data of a surrounding environment of the vehicle. The control system includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is coupled to the at least one of the navigation unit or the sensor. The electronic control unit is configured to set the vehicle into an electrical vehicle (EV) mode based on the current location of the vehicle or the sensor data.

BACKGROUND

Field

This disclosure relates to a system, method, apparatus and/or device for automatically switching the vehicle into an electrical vehicle (EV) mode.

Description of the Related Art

Various powertrains have been developed for a variety of applications, such as passenger vehicles and class 8 trucks. Typically, current powertrains in a passenger vehicle allow a user to select a button or provide another form of user input to switch the powertrain into a different mode, such as an electrical vehicle (EV) mode or a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mode. These powertrains, however, do not assist the user in identifying when it is most fuel efficient to switch the powertrain into these different modes. Moreover, these powertrains do not learn from past trips or use other environmental variables to determine when it is best to operate in the different modes.

Additionally, these powertrains have not been developed for other industries including agriculture, mining, forestry and other off-highway applications. There are little, if any, electrical vehicle (EV) or Zero Emission Vehicles (ZEV) in the off-highway vehicle industry. Thus, the powertrains of passenger vehicles need to be adapted for off-highway vehicles that operate in different environments and need to account for the various environmental variables associated with these off-highway applications. Many vehicle manufacturers have not considered the various scenarios, environments and use cases that require zero emission operation within the off-highway vehicle industry. For example, in off-highway applications, the vehicle may need to consider factors unique to off-highway applications, such as emissions, safety hazards, objects or other situations unique to the off-highway vehicle industry when operating the off-highway vehicle.

Accordingly, there is a need for a system, apparatus and/or method to adapt the operation of different powertrains to off-highway vehicles.

SUMMARY

In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this disclosure may be embodied in an off-road vehicle control system (“control system”). The control system for the vehicle includes at least one of a navigation unit or a sensor. The navigation unit is configured to obtain a current location of the vehicle. The sensor is configured to obtain sensor data of a surrounding environment of the vehicle. The control system includes an electronic control unit. The electronic control unit is coupled to the at least one of the navigation unit or the sensor. The electronic control unit is configured to set the vehicle into an electrical vehicle (EV) mode based on the current location or the sensor data.

These and other embodiments may optionally include one or more of the following features. The at least one of the navigation unit or the sensor may include the navigation unit. The electronic control unit may be configured to obtain the current location of the vehicle using the navigation unit. The electronic control unit may compare the current location of the vehicle to a location of a geo-fenced area or a location of an entrance of a structure. The electronic control unit may be configured to determine that the current location of the vehicle is within the geo-fenced area or inside the location of the entrance of the structure. The electronic control unit may be configured to set the vehicle into the EV mode based on the current location being within the geo-fenced area or inside the entrance of the structure.

The at least one of the navigation unit or the sensor may include the sensor. The sensor may be a photodetector and the sensor data may include an amount of ambient light of the surrounding environment. The electronic control unit may be configured to set the vehicle into the EV mode when the amount of ambient light is less than a threshold value or decreases a threshold amount from a baseline.

The sensor may be an anemometer or other airflow sensor. The sensor data may include an amount of airflow of the surrounding environment. The electronic control unit may be configured to set the vehicle into the EV mode when the amount of airflow is less than a threshold value or decreases a threshold amount from a baseline.

The sensor may be an emission sensor. The sensor may include a concentration of an emission and an identification of the emission in the surrounding environment. The electronic control unit may be configured to set the vehicle into the EV mode when the concentration of the emission is greater than a threshold amount.

The sensor may be a proximity sensor or an attachment sensor. The sensor data may include an indication that there is a living being surrounding the vehicle or that a trailer or cargo has been attached to the vehicle. The electronic control unit may be configured to set the vehicle into the EV mode based on the indication.

The control system may include a memory. The memory may be configured to store multiple locations where the EV mode was previously activated. The electronic control unit may be configured to obtain user input. The user input may indicate that a user has activated the EV mode. The electronic control unit may be configured to identify a location of where the user input indicates that the user activated the EV mode. The electronic control unit may be configured to store the location among the multiple locations where the EV mode was previously activated. The electronic control unit may be configured to set the vehicle into the EV mode based on the current location and the multiple locations where the EV mode was previously activated.

In another aspect, the subject matter may be embodied in an off-road vehicle system. The off-road vehicle system includes a sensor configured to detect a parameter of a surrounding environment of the vehicle. The off-road vehicle system includes an electronic control unit coupled to the sensor. The electronic control unit is configured to set the vehicle into an electrical vehicle (EV) mode based on the parameter. The electronic control unit is configured to operate the vehicle in the EV mode.

In another aspect, the subject matter may be embodied in a method for controlling operation of a vehicle. The method includes obtaining, by an electronic control unit and using a navigation unit, a current location of the vehicle. The method includes obtaining, by the electronic control unit and using a sensor, sensor data of a surrounding environment of the vehicle. The method includes setting, by the electronic control unit, the vehicle into an electrical vehicle (EV) mode based on the current location and the sensor data. The method includes operating, by the electronic control unit, the vehicle in the EV mode.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Disclosed herein are systems, apparatuses, and methods for a control system for an off-highway vehicle. The control system automatically switches the off-highway vehicle (hereinafter, “vehicle”) into an electrical vehicle (EV) mode or other zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mode (hereinafter, referred to as EV mode) in various situations so that the vehicle operates using electrical power or other zero emission power source. By automatically switching the off-highway vehicle into the EV mode, the control system reduces or eliminates vehicle emissions and/or increase fuel efficiency.

Other benefits and advantages include the capability to learn, predict or otherwise determine when to switch or set the vehicle into the EV mode when the vehicle is not operating on a roadway. The control system identifies various environments where emitting vehicle emissions would present a hazard to the driver, the occupant or another living being. When the vehicle is within one of these various environments where vehicle emissions may be dangerous or hazardous, the control system may switch or set the vehicle into the EV mode to reduce or eliminate emissions that may endanger the driver, occupant or other living being. For example, when the vehicle is within an enclosed structure and there is no air circulation, vehicle emissions may cause carbon monoxide poisoning or other dangers to the driver or occupant of the vehicle, and as such, the control system may set the vehicle to the EV mode.

Additionally, the control system may learn when a driver previously activated or operated the vehicle in the EV mode, and on a later route, automatically switch or set the vehicle into the EV mode when control system determines that the driver is traversing the same area or path where the driver previously activated or operated the vehicle in the EV mode. This allows the control system to adapt operation of the vehicle so that the driver has a better driving experience.

FIG. 1is a block diagram of an off-road or off-highway vehicle control system (“control system”)100. The control system100or a portion of the control system100may be retro-fitted, coupled to, integrated with, include or be included within a vehicle102or may be entirely separate from the vehicle102. The control system100may include or be coupled to a user device104, a beacon106and/or an external database108. The user device104may be a personal device, a mobile device, such as a smartphone, a tablet other electronic device that may be display notifications, run applications or otherwise interact with the vehicle102and/or the control system100via a wireless or a wired connection. The user device104may belong to the driver or owner of the vehicle102and/or a third-party.

The control system100may have or use a network110to communicate among different components, such as between the vehicle102, the user device104, the beacon106and/or the external database108. The network110may be a Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) network, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a cellular network, the Internet, or combination thereof, that connects, couples and/or otherwise communicates among the different components of the control system100.

The control system100may include or be coupled to the external database108. A database is any collection of pieces of information that is organized for search and retrieval, such as by a computer, and the database may be organized in tables, schemas, queries, reports, or any other data structures. A database may use any number of database management systems. The external database108may include a third-party server or website that stores or provides information. The information may include real-time information, periodically updated information, or user-inputted information. A server may be a computer in a network that is used to provide services, such as accessing files or sharing peripherals, to other computers in the network.

The external database108may be a map database. The map database may include map information that includes the locations of various structures or objects, such as trees, mines, buildings or other objects, which may interfere with the route of the vehicle102or act as an enclosed area, which may result in vehicle emissions presenting a hazard to the driver, occupant or other living being. The map information may also include the locations of various terrain features, such as hills, slopes or other terrain features, along with other aspects surrounding the current location of the vehicle102, such as property lines, trees, physical fences, buildings, mines, or other structures, that are surrounding the vehicle102. The map information may be provided to the user device104or the user interface122so that a user can visualize the surrounding environment and provide user input that indicates a geo-fenced area on a map of the area surrounding the current location of the vehicle102. The map information may also include the locations of one or more beacons106that indicate when the EV mode of the vehicle102should be activated, such as at an entrance to a structure or within a geo-fenced area.

The one or more beacons106may be a physical device that is physically placed at an entrance of a structure to activate the EV mode within the vehicle102when the vehicle102passes by the one or more beacons106or is within a threshold distance of the one or more beacons106. The one or more beacons106may be placed around, surround, and/or enclose an area to create a geo-fence to activate the EV mode in the vehicle102when the vehicle102is within the enclosed area. In some implementations, the one or more beacons106may be a logical beacon that indicates a coordinate or location of when to activate EV mode in the vehicle102when the current location of the vehicle102is within a threshold distance of the coordinate or location or is within the enclosed area surrounded by and/or represented by the one or more beacons106.

The control system100determines whether the vehicle102is traveling in a geo-fenced area, within a structure, or otherwise presents a hazard to another individual or living being by analyzing the location of the vehicle102and/or sensor data related to the environment surrounding the vehicle102. The control system100activates or sets the vehicle102into the EV mode when the vehicle102is traveling in the geo-fenced area, within the structure, or otherwise presents the hazard to another individual or living being.

The control system100includes an electronic control unit112or other processor, a memory114, a network access device116and/or one or more sensors118. The control system100may include a receiver120, a user interface122and/or a navigation unit124. The control system100may include or be coupled to one or more components of the vehicle102, such as the motor and/or generator126, the engine128, the battery130, and/or the battery management and control unit (BMCU)132.

A vehicle102is a conveyance capable of transporting a person, an object, or a permanently or temporarily affixed apparatus. The vehicle102may be a self-propelled wheeled conveyance, such as a car, a sports utility vehicle, a truck, a bus, a van or other motor, battery or fuel cell driven vehicle. For example, the vehicle102may be an electric vehicle, a hybrid vehicle, a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, a plug-in hybrid vehicle or any other type of vehicle that has a fuel cell stack, a motor and/or a generator. Other examples of vehicles include bicycles, trains, planes, or boats, and any other form of conveyance that is capable of transportation. The vehicle102may be semi-autonomous or autonomous. That is, the vehicle102may be self-maneuvering and navigate without human input. An autonomous vehicle may have and use one or more sensors and/or a navigation unit to drive autonomously.

The control system100includes or couples to one or more processors, such as the electronic control unit (ECU)112. The one or more processors, such as the ECU112, may be implemented as a single processor or as multiple processors. For example, the ECU112may be a microprocessor, a data processor, a microcontroller or other controller, and may be electrically coupled to some or all the other components within the vehicle102. The one or more processors may obtain sensor data and/or the current location of the vehicle102and determine whether the sensor data is within a normal operating range, e.g. does not exceed one or more thresholds, and/or determine that the vehicle102is within the geo-fenced area and/or has entered or exited a structure, such as a building, a mine or other structure. The ECU112may be coupled to the memory114.

The control system100has a memory114. The memory114may be coupled to the ECU112and store instructions that the ECU112executes. The memory114may include one or more of a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM) or other volatile or non-volatile memory. The memory114may be a non-transitory memory or a data storage device, such as a hard disk drive, a solid-state disk drive, a hybrid disk drive, or other appropriate data storage, and may further store machine-readable instructions, which may be loaded and executed by the ECU112. The memory114may store user configuration settings that establish one or more thresholds for the sensor data and/or store the location of the geo-fenced area.

The control system100includes a network access device116. The network access device116may include a communication port or channel, such as one or more of a Dedicated Short-Range Communication (DSRC) unit, a Wi-Fi unit, a Bluetooth® unit, a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag or reader, or a cellular network unit for accessing a cellular network (such as 3G, 4G or 5G). The network access device116may transmit data to and receive data from the different components of the different entities of the control system100, such as the user device104, the vehicle102, the beacon106and/or the external database108.

The control system100may include a user interface122. The user interface122may include an input/output device that receives user input from a user interface element, a button, a dial, a microphone, a keyboard, or a touch screen. The user interface122may provide an output to an output device, such as a display, a speaker, an audio and/or visual indicator, or a refreshable braille display. The user input may include one or more configuration settings for the control system100, such as one or more thresholds and/or the location of the geo-fenced area or entrance to a structure, and/or may provide a notification when the EV mode of the vehicle102is activated or set.

The control system100includes one or more sensors118. The one or more sensors118may include a photodetector118aor other light sensor, a proximity sensor118b, an emission sensor118c, an airflow sensor118d, such as an anemometer, an attachment sensor118eor other sensor. The photodetector118aor other light sensor may detect or measure an amount of ambient light surrounding the vehicle102. The photodetector118aor other light sensor may also detect or measure a change or a rate of change in the amount of ambient light surrounding the vehicle102.

Similarly, the proximity sensor118bmay detect or measure a relative distance between the vehicle102and one or more objects in the surrounding environment of the vehicle102and/or may detect or measure a change or a rate of change in the relative distance between the vehicle102and the one or more objects in the surrounding environment of the vehicle102. The one or more sensors118may include an emission sensor118c. The emission sensor118cmay identify the type or kind of emissions in the surrounding environment of the vehicle102and/or detect or measure the amount of the type or kind of emissions in the surrounding environment of the vehicle102. The emission sensor118cmay also detect or measure a change or a rate of change in the amount of the type or kind of emissions in the surrounding environment of the vehicle102.

The one or more sensors118may include an airflow sensor118dand/or an attachment sensor118e. The airflow sensor118dmay detect or measure an amount of airflow in the surrounding environment of the vehicle102. The airflow sensor118dalso detect or measure a change or a rate of change in the amount of airflow in the surrounding environment of the vehicle102. The amount of airflow may be indicative of the amount of circulation in the surrounding environment. The attachment sensor118emay detect when another apparatus or device, such as a trailer, is attached to or coupled to the vehicle102.

The one or more sensors118may include other sensors. The other sensors may include LIDAR, radar, infrared, or other signal to detect one or more objects or detect other attributes or characteristics of the surrounding environment. The one or more sensors118may be positioned on the outside frame of the vehicle102.

The control system100may include a receiver120. The receiver120may receive a signal from a beacon106that indicates that the vehicle102is in proximity to the beacon106. This allows the control system100to determine the location of the vehicle102and whether the vehicle102is within a structure or other area indicated by the beacon106, such as a geo-fenced area.

The control system100may include or be coupled to one or more vehicle components. The one or more vehicle components may include a navigation unit124. The navigation unit124may be integral to the vehicle102or a separate unit coupled to the vehicle102. The vehicle102may include a Global Positioning System (GPS) unit (not shown) for detecting location data including a current location of the vehicle102and date/time information instead of the navigation unit124. The current location of the vehicle102and/or the date/time information may be used to indicate when the vehicle102is within a geo-fenced area, has passed through an entrance of a structure and/or otherwise determine the location of the vehicle102relative to one or more other objects. In some implementations, the ECU112may perform the functions of the navigation unit124based on data received from the GPS unit. The navigation unit124or the ECU112may perform navigation functions. Navigation functions may include, for example, route and route set predictions, providing navigation instructions, and receiving user input such as verification of predicted routes and route sets or destinations.

The navigation unit124may be used to obtain navigational map information. The navigational map information may include the current location of the vehicle102and/or map information that includes the locations of one or more structures, the locations of the one or more geo-fenced areas and/or other information, such as terrain information that indicates the locations, grade or other attributes of the terrain in the areas surrounding the vehicle102.

The one or more vehicle components may include a motor and/or generator126. The motor and/or generator126may convert electrical energy into mechanical power, such as torque, and may convert mechanical power into electrical energy. The motor and/or generator126may be coupled to the battery130. The motor and/or generator126may convert the energy from the battery130into mechanical power, and may provide energy back to the battery130, for example, via regenerative braking. The vehicle102may include one or more additional power generation devices such as the engine128or a fuel cell stack (not shown). The engine128combusts fuel to provide power instead of and/or in addition to the power supplied by the motor and/or generator126.

The battery130may be coupled to the motor and/or generator126and may supply electrical energy to and receive electrical energy from the motor and/or generator126. The battery130may include one or more rechargeable batteries and may supply the power to the control system100.

The BMCU132may be coupled to the battery130and may control and manage the charging and discharging of the battery130. The BMCU132, for example, may measure, using battery sensors, parameters used to determine the state of charge (SOC) of the battery130. The BMCU132may control the battery130.

FIG. 2is a flow diagram of a process200for the automatic activation of the EV mode. One or more computers or one or more data processing apparatuses, for example, the ECU112of the control system100ofFIG. 1, appropriately programmed, may implement the process200.

The control system100obtains the navigational map information (202). The navigational map information may include map information and/or the current location of the vehicle102. The control system100may extract the map information and/or the current location of the vehicle102from the navigational map information. The control system100may use the navigation unit124to obtain the navigational map information. For example, the control system100may determine the current location using the navigation unit124, provide the current location to the external database108and obtain the map information of the area surrounding the current location of the vehicle102. In another example, the navigation unit124provides the entirety of the navigational map information including the current location of the vehicle102and/or the map information.

The control system100obtains sensor data (204). The control system100may use one or more sensors118to obtain the sensor data. The sensor data may include the amount of ambient light, the amount of emissions, the type, kind or amount of emissions, and/or the amount of airflow. The amounts may be measured over a period of time so that the control system100may calculate the change or rate of change of the amounts over the period of time. The sensor data may include an indication that one or more objects are in proximity to the vehicle102, that the vehicle102has entered an enclosure or is within a geo-fenced area, and/or a cargo or trailer has been attached to the vehicle102.FIG. 6further describes the process of obtaining the sensor data from the one or more sensors118.

The control system100determines whether the vehicle102is within a geo-fenced area or structure entrance (206). The control system100may extract the current location of the vehicle102and the location of the geo-fenced area or structure entrance from the navigational map information. In some implementations, the geo-fenced area may be user inputted via the user interface122and/or the user device104.

In some implementations, the control system100may use the receiver120to detect an indication that the vehicle102is in proximity to a beacon106, which may be positioned near or in proximity to an entrance of a structure, such as a mine, barn or other enclosed area or may be positioned around an area to indicate the boundaries of an electronically fenced-in area.FIG. 3further describes the use of geo-fencing and/or beacons to activate the EV mode.

If the control system100determines that the vehicle102is within the geo-fenced area or within the structure entrance, the control system100may set the vehicle102to the EV mode (212). This allows the vehicle102to automatically enter the EV mode when the vehicle102is within the geo-fenced area where use of the EV mode is desired. The control system100may set the vehicle102to the EV mode when the vehicle102enters a structure, such as by passing through the structure entrance, and so, the vehicle102may automatically enter the EV mode when the vehicle102is enclosed or surrounded within a structure, such as a mine, bam or garage. By automatically entering the EV mode when the vehicle102enters the structure, the vehicle102limits or reduces the amount of vehicle emissions emitted by the vehicle102in the enclosed and/or confined structure so that the vehicle emissions do not present a hazard.

If the control system100determines that the vehicle102is not within the geo-fenced area or not within the structure entrance, the control system100may determine whether the vehicle102is at or in proximity to a user-activated EV mode location (208). One or more user-activated EV mode locations may have been previously stored when the vehicle102was previously driven. For example, on a previously driven trip or route, the control system100may record and learn the locations of when the driver selects to operate the vehicle102in the EV mode. The control system100may store each of these locations as a user-activated EV mode location, and when the control system100determines that the vehicle102approaches, is near or at the user-activated EV mode location, on a subsequent trip or route, the control system100may set the vehicle102to the EV mode (212). The control system100may store the location as a user-activated EV mode location after the user has activated the EV mode at the location a number of times greater than a threshold amount, such as approximately 5 or more times during a time period.

When the control system100determines that the vehicle102is not approaching, near or at the user-activated EV mode location, the control system100may determine whether the sensor data indicates that vehicles emissions would present a hazard or that the vehicle102is within an enclosure (210).FIG. 6further describes the use of the sensor data to determine if there is a hazard or that the vehicle is within a sealed enclosure. When the control system100determines that there is no hazard and that the vehicle102is not within a sealed enclosure, the control system100may continue to monitor the sensor data and the current location of the vehicle102(202).

When the control system100determines that there is a hazard or the vehicle102is within the enclosure, the control system sets the vehicle to the EV mode or other zero-emission mode. The control system100sets the vehicle into the EV mode (212). The vehicle102may self-check several conditions including the coolant temperature, that the battery130is sufficiently charged, and/or the acceleration speed and pedal positioning prior to operating the vehicle102in the EV mode. By setting the vehicle102into the EV mode, the vehicle102may only pull power from its battery130. This results in the potential for increased fuel efficiency and decreased emissions.

The control system100may provide a notification to a user on the user interface122(214). The notification may indicate to the user that the vehicle102is operating or is about to operate the vehicle102in the EV mode. Once set in the EV mode, the control system100operates the vehicle102in the EV mode (216). The vehicle102draws power from its battery130to move the wheels of the vehicle102and/or to otherwise operate the vehicle102.

FIG. 3is a flow diagram of a process300for automatically activating the EV mode in the vehicle102based on the location of the vehicle102. One or more computers or one or more data processing apparatuses, for example, the ECU112of the control system100ofFIG. 1, appropriately programmed, may implement the process300.

The control system100may obtain map information that includes the location of a geo-fenced area or the location of an entrance of a structure, such as a building, mine, barn or other structure (302). The control system100may cause the user device104or the user interface122to render a graphical representation of the area400of the surrounding environment, as shown inFIG. 4, for example, and receive user input that indicates the location of the geo-fenced area406and/or the location of the entrance of the structure402.

The graphical representation of the area400may correspond to the off-mad property or area where the vehicle102intends to travel. The control system100may cause the graphical representation to display the area400including the locations of one or more structures402, terrain features and/or objects, such as a tree408, and the anticipated path404of the vehicle102within the area400onto the display of the user device104or user interface122. The user device104or the user interface122may receive user input that indicates the geo-fenced area406. The geo-fenced area406may be associated with map coordinates, such as a longitude or latitude, that maps or corresponds to the off-road property or area where the vehicle102intends to travel. The geo-fenced area406may include multiple points or locations that outline a boundary or perimeter that surrounds an area within where the vehicle102is to operate in the EV mode. The user input may indicate the locations of one or more beacons106, such as the beacon410, which may indicate to the control system100to activate the EV mode upon entrance of the structure402.

The control system100may obtain one or more user-activated EV mode locations (304). The control system100may obtain the one or more user-activated EV mode locations from the memory114. The one or more user-activated EV mode locations may have been stored during one or more previous trips of the vehicle102. The control system100may record the number of times a user activates the EV mode via the user interface122at a location, and when the number of times the user activates the EV mode at the location exceeds a threshold frequency, such as more than 25% of the time that the user travels in proximity to the location, or exceeds a threshold amount, such as approximately 5 or more times, the control system100may store the location as a user-activated EV location. The control system100learns that the user tends to activate the EV mode at the one or more user-activated EV locations, and so, may use the user-activated EV locations to automatically activate the EV mode at those locations on subsequent trips.

The control system100may obtain a current location of the vehicle102, as described above (306). The control system100may use the navigation unit124to obtain the navigational map information and extract the current location of the vehicle102from the navigational map information.

The control system100may detect or receive a beacon signal (308). The control system100may detect or receive the beacon signal from the one or more beacons106. The one or more beacons106may be positioned at an entrance of a structure or around an area to form a geo-fenced area. The one or more beacons106may emit a beacon signal in proximity to the one or more beacons106. The control system100may detect or receive the beacon signal, e.g., via the receiver120, when the vehicle102is within a threshold distance of the one or more beacons106. The beacon signal may be used to activate the EV mode within the vehicle102, such as at an entrance of the vehicle102, and/or may be used to keep the EV mode activated within the vehicle102, such as within the geo-fenced area.

For example, a beacon504may be positioned at an entrance of the mine502, as shown inFIG. 5Afor example. The beacon504may emit a beacon signal506that when received by the receiver120may activate the EV mode of the vehicle102. In another example, the beacon504may be positioned at an entrance of the barn508, as shown inFIG. 5Bfor example. The beacon504may emit the beacon signal506that when received by the receiver120may activate the EV mode of the vehicle102.

The control system100determines whether the vehicle102is inside the geo-fenced area (310). The control system100may compare the current location of the vehicle102with the location of the geo-fenced area, which may be defined by multiple locations or coordinates that form the boundary, perimeter or outline of the geo-fenced area406.

The control system100determines whether the current location of the vehicle102is within the location of the geo-fenced area406based on the comparison. For example, the control system100may compare the current location to the locations or coordinates that form the boundary or perimeter of the geo-fenced area406, and when the current location is within the boundary or perimeter of the geo-fenced area406, the control system100may determine that the current location of the vehicle102is within the geo-fenced area. When the control system100determines that the current location of the vehicle102is within the location of the geo-fenced area, the control system100activates or sets the vehicle102into the EV mode (316). Otherwise, the control system100may determine that the current location of the vehicle102is outside and not within the geo-fenced area and check for other factors that may cause the activation of the EV mode.

The control system100determines whether the current location of the vehicle102is inside or within the entrance of the structure402(312). The control system100may determine whether the current location of the vehicle102is inside or within the entrance of the structure402based on the reception or detection of the beacon signal and/or based on a comparison of the current location with the location of the structure402.

The control system100may determine that the current location of the vehicle102is inside or within the entrance of the structure when the control system100has received or detect the beacon signal. The beacon signal may indicate the location of the entrance of the structure402, such as the mine502and/or the barn508, as shown inFIGS. 5A and 5Bfor example. For example, the control system100may receive the beacon signal506when the vehicle102passes near or in proximity to the beacon504. The beacon504may be positioned near the entrance of the mine502, as shown inFIG. 5Afor example, or the entrance of the barn508, as shown inFIG. 5Bfor example. And so, when the control system100receives the beacon signal506, this may indicate that the vehicle102has entered the mine502and/or the barn508.

In some implementations, the control system100may compare the current location of the vehicle102with the location of the structure. And when the current location of the vehicle102is within a threshold distance of the location of the structure, such as within approximately a foot, the control system100may determine that the vehicle102is within the structure. When the control system100determines that the vehicle102is within or inside the entrance of the structure, the control system100may set or activate the vehicle102into the EV mode (316). Otherwise, the control system100may determine that the current location of the vehicle102is outside and not inside or within the entrance of the structure and check for other factors that may cause the activation of the EV mode.

The control system100determines whether the current location of the vehicle102is at or in proximity to a user-activated EV mode location (314). The control system100may compare the current location of the vehicle102to the one or more user-activated EV mode locations, which represent the locations of where the user previously activated the EV mode during a previous trip. If the current location is within a threshold distance, such as approximately within a few feet of the user-activated EV mode location, the control system100may determine that the current location of the vehicle102is at or in proximity to the user-activated EV mode location and activate or set the vehicle102into the EV mode (316). Otherwise, the control system100may determine that the current location of the vehicle102is not near or in proximity to a user-activated EV mode location and continue to monitor for other the location of the vehicle102(302).

FIG. 6is a flow diagram of a process600for automatically activating the EV mode in the vehicle102based on sensor data to detect a hazardous situation or an enclosed environment. One or more computers or one or more data processing apparatuses, for example, the ECU112of the control system100ofFIG. 1, appropriately programmed, may implement the process600. The control system100may use various types or kinds of sensor data to determine whether to activate the EV mode in the vehicle102. The control system100may measure the sensor data and determine whether the measurement indicates that the vehicle emissions present a hazard and/or the vehicle102is within an enclosed area.

The control system100may identify, detect or determine the type or kind of emissions that are in the surrounding environment of the vehicle102(602). The control system100may use the emission sensor118cto detect or determine the type or kind of particulates of emissions that are in the air surrounding the vehicle102. For example, the emission sensor118cmay identify whether there are any combustible or flammable particulates in the air surround the vehicle102, such as any nitrogen-based fertilizers, mining compounds, methane, ammonia or other combustible, hazardous or flammable particulates or emissions.

Once the type or kind of emission is identified, the control system100may detect or determine an amount or concentration of each type or kind of emission that is detected and/or identified (604). The control system100may use the emission sensor118cto measure the amount or the concentration of each type or kind of emission in the air surrounding the vehicle102. For example, the emission sensor118cmay determine the amount or concentration of each of the nitrogen-based fertilizers, the amount or concentration of each of the mining compounds and/or the amount or concentration of each of the combustible or flammable particulates or emissions in the air in the surrounding environment of the vehicle102.

The control system100may detect, determine or measure an amount of ambient light in the surrounding environment (606). The control system100may use a photodetector118aor other light sensor to detect the amount of ambient light in the surrounding environment. The photodetector118aor other light sensor may measure the instantaneous amount of light in the surrounding environment and/or measure the amount of light over a period of time. The control system100may calculate or determine a rate or an amount of change of the amount of ambient light over the period of time based on the measurements of the instantaneous amount of light over the period of time.

The control system100may detect, determine or measure an amount of airflow in the surrounding environment (608). The control system100may use an airflow sensor118d, such as an anemometer, to detect the amount of airflow in the surrounding environment. The airflow sensor118dmay measure the instantaneous amount of airflow in the surrounding environment and/or measure the amount of airflow over a period of time. The control system100may calculate or determine a rate or an amount of change of the amount of ambient airflow over the period of time based on the measurements of the instantaneous amount of ambient airflow over the period of time.

The control system100may determine or measure a relative distance to a surrounding object (610). The control system100may use a proximity sensor118bto measure the relative distance to one or more objects in the surrounding environment. This allows the control system100to identify a person, animal or other living being within the vicinity of the vehicle102where vehicle emissions may present a hazard to the person, animal or other living being.

The control system100may detect an attachment that is connected to the vehicle102(612). The control system100may use an attachment sensor118eto detect that there is an attachment, such as a trailer or cargo, that is connected or being connected to the vehicle102. An attachment may be a trailer, a storage container, another vehicle or other object that is connected, coupled or otherwise attached to the vehicle102to be towed. When an attachment is connected or being connected to the vehicle102, a person, an animal or other living being may be behind the vehicle102, and so, vehicle emissions may present a hazard to the person, the animal or other living being.

The control system100determines or obtains one or more thresholds for the various parameters, described above (614). The one or more thresholds may be obtained from the memory114. The one or more thresholds may be different for each of the various parameters, and each of the one or more thresholds may correspond to one of the parameters. For example, there may be a different threshold for each of the following: the amount of ambient light, the rate or change in the ambient light, the amount of airflow, the rate or change in the airflow, the amount or concentration of each of the various types or kinds of emissions that are identified and detected, and/or the relative distance to an object. The various types or kinds of emissions may also have different thresholds. For example, for a flammable or hazardous emission, such as a nitrogen-based fertilizer and/or a mining compound the mere presence of the fertilizer and/or the mining compound may cause the emission sensor to indicate that the threshold has been exceeded. Whereas, in another example, the emission may be a non-volatile compound, such as dirt particles, and the threshold may be of a much higher amount or concentration.

The one or more thresholds may also be based on other factors, such as the time of day, weather, season of the year or the current location of the vehicle102. For example, the threshold corresponding to the amount of light may less during the evening and/or morning than during midday because the ambient light outside during the evening and/or morning is less than during midday. In another example, when the current location of the vehicle102indicates that the vehicle102is outdoors or within a huge structure the threshold corresponding to the amount of emissions may be greater than when the current location of the vehicle102indicates that the vehicle102is indoors within a smaller structure, such as a household garage.

Once the one or more thresholds have been determined, the control system100determines whether the light, airflow, emissions and/or the relative distance between an object and the vehicle102exceeds the corresponding threshold associated with the light, airflow, emissions and/or relative distance, respectively (616). The control system100may determine whether the amount of light is less than a threshold amount that corresponds to the amount of light surrounding the vehicle, the amount of airflow is less than a threshold amount that corresponds to the amount of airflow surrounding the vehicle, the amount of emissions are greater than a threshold amount and/or the relative distance between the object to the vehicle102is less than a threshold distance.

In some implementations, the control system100may determine whether the rate or change in the amount of light and/or the amount of airflow indicates that the amount of light and/or the amount of airflow, respectively, has decreased by a threshold amount. The control system100may compare the amount of light, airflow, distance or emissions over a period of time to determine whether the factors have increased or decreased.

When the control system100determines that the amount of light is less than the threshold amount of value, the amount of airflow is less than the threshold amount or that the amount of an emission is greater than the threshold amount, the control system100may determine that the vehicle102is within a sealed enclosure, such as a structure, or that the vehicle emissions present a hazard (620). Additionally, when the control system100determines that the relative distance to an object, such as person, animal or other living being, the control system100may determine that there the vehicle emissions present a hazard (620). Similarly, the control system100may determine that the vehicle emissions present a hazard and/or the vehicle102is in the sealed enclosure when the rate or change in the amount of light and/or the amount of airflow indicates that the amount of light and/or the amount of airflow has decreased by a threshold amount. The control system100may use one of the light, airflow, emissions and/or the relative distance between an object and the vehicle102and/or a combination of the light, airflow, emissions and/or the relative distance between the object and the vehicle102and their corresponding thresholds to determine whether the vehicle102is within the sealed enclosure or that the vehicle emissions present a hazard. Each parameter may be weighted or prioritized differently to determine whether the vehicle102is within the sealed enclosure or that the vehicle emissions present a hazard.

Otherwise, the control system100may determine whether an attachment is detected (618). The control system100may use the attachment sensor118eto determine whether there is an attachment that is being connected to the vehicle102, which may indicate that there is a person, animal or other living being behind the vehicle102whom may be exposed to any vehicle emissions. When there is an attachment being connected, the control system100may determine that the vehicle102is within the sealed enclosure and/or the vehicle emissions present a hazard (620). The control system100may then activate the EV mode within the vehicle102. When there is not attachment being connected to the vehicle102and the ambient light, emissions, airflow and relative distance do not exceed there corresponding thresholds, the control system100may continue monitoring the sensor data to determine whether the vehicle emissions present a hazard and/or the vehicle102is within a sealed enclosure (622).