System and method for adjusting the light intensity of an analog needle

A system and method for adjusting the intensity of light provided to an analog needle are disclosed herein. The system and method adjust the intensity of light provided to the analog needle based on an operating state of an engine of a vehicle.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The subject matter described herein relates, in general, to systems and methods for adjusting the intensity of light provided to an analog needle and, more specifically, for adjusting the intensity of light provided to an analog needle of a cluster of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND

The background description provided is to present the context of the disclosure generally. Work of the inventors, to the extent it may be described in this background section, and aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present technology.

Some vehicles have hybrid powertrains that include both a traditional internal combustion engine and one or more electric motors that provide propulsion to one or more vehicle wheels. In some cases, these vehicles are hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). HEVs and PHEVs use efficiency-improving technologies such as regenerative brakes that convert the vehicle's kinetic energy to electric energy stored in a battery. PHEVs can also use electricity from a power grid to charge the battery.

When the battery is sufficiently charged, HEVs and PHEVs can operate in an electric vehicle (EV) mode, wherein the electric motors solely provide the propulsion for the vehicle. However, when the charge of the battery drops below a threshold and/or the driver demands additional power, the vehicle will switch on its internal combustion engine. Once the battery is sufficiently charged (either through regenerative braking and/or receiving power from the electrical grid) and/or the power demand from the driver drops, the vehicle may return to operating in an EV mode.

Transitions between operating in an EV mode and a more traditional mode where the internal combustion engine provides at least some of the propulsion for the vehicle, may cause the vehicle's tachometer to move erratically. This erratic movement is sometimes referred to as needle bounce or needle jump. Moreover, a tachometer provides an indication of the engine speed of the internal combustion engine. When the internal combustion engine is switched on or off, the engine speed may vary significantly, causing the tachometer needle to bounce. This bouncing of the tachometer needle can distract the driver and/or cause the driver to believe that something is wrong with their vehicle.

There are also other situations where needle bounce may occur. For example, some vehicles have a start-stop system that automatically shuts down and restarts the engine of the vehicle to reduce the amount of time the engine spends idling, which can reduce fuel consumption and emissions. However, the starting and stopping of the engine can cause the tachometer needle to bounce excessively.

SUMMARY

This section generally summarizes the disclosure and does not comprehensively explain its full scope or all its features.

In one example, a system includes a processor and a memory in communication with the processor having a needle intensity module. The needle intensity module includes instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to adjust the intensity of light provided to an analog needle based on an operating state of an engine of a vehicle. For example, when the operating state of the engine is in a shutdown state, the intensity of light provided to the analog needle may be decreased. Conversely, when the operating state of the engine is in a start state, the intensity of light provided to the analog needle may be increased. By adjusting the intensity of light provided to the analog needle when the engine is in a shutdown and/or start state, needle bounce caused when the engine is in these states becomes less distracting to the driver of the vehicle.

In another example, a method includes the steps of adjusting the intensity of light provided to an analog needle based on an operating state of an engine of a vehicle. Like before, when the operating state of the engine is in a shutdown state, the intensity of light provided to the analog needle may be decreased. Conversely, when the operating state of the engine is in a start state, the intensity of light provided to the analog needle may be increased.

In yet another example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes instructions that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to adjust the intensity of light provided to an analog needle based on an operating state of an engine of a vehicle. Again, when the operating state of the engine is in a shutdown state, the intensity of light provided to the analog needle may be decreased. Conversely, when the operating state of the engine is in a start state, the intensity of light provided to the analog needle may be increased.

Further areas of applicability and various methods of enhancing the disclosed technology will become apparent from the description provided. The description and specific examples in this summary are intended for illustration only and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A system and method for adjusting the intensity of light provided to an analog needle of a gauge are disclosed herein. As explained in the background section, some vehicles, such as HEVs and PHEVs, experience significant needle bounce of the tachometer needle when the internal combustion engine of these vehicles are in a shutdown and/or start state. Moreover, when the internal combustion engine is starting or shutting down, the engine speed of the internal combustion engine can vary significantly, causing the tachometer needle to bounce excessively. This needle bounce may also be experienced by drivers of vehicles equipped with a start-stop system that automatically shuts down and restarts the engine to reduce the amount of time the engine spends idling. The shutting down and restarting of the engine may result in significant needle bounce of the tachometer needle.

Here, the system and method adjust the intensity of light provided to the analog needle based on the operating state of the engine of the vehicle. For example, when the internal combustion engine is off or is in a running state, the intensity of light provided to the analog needle may be increased so that the driver can easily see the analog needle and understand the engine speed of the internal combustion engine. When the internal combustion engine is transitioning between an off and a running state (sometimes referred to as a start state), the intensity of light provided to the analog needle may be varied to not create a distraction to the driver. Similarly, when the internal combustion engine is transitioning between a running state and an off state (sometimes referred to as a shutdown state), the intensity of light provided to the analog needle may also be decreased to prevent distractions.

Referring toFIG.1, illustrated is one example of a cockpit10of a vehicle. Here, the cockpit10includes driver inputs, such as a steering wheel12for controlling the steering of the vehicle, a brake pedal14for applying the brakes of the vehicle, a throttle pedal16that controls the propulsion of the vehicle, and a gear selector18having a gear stick20for selecting one or more gears of the vehicle. The gear selector18can take any one of a number of different forms and does not necessarily need to include the gear stick20for selecting different gears of the vehicle. As it is generally understood, the gear selector18allows the driver of the vehicle to select different transmission states, such as drive, reverse, neutral, park, and/or other selections.

The cockpit10may also include systems that can output information to the driver. While the cockpit10may include numerous systems to output different types of information to the driver, special focus is placed on a cluster30having one or more gauges32A-32C. In this example, the gauges32A-32C include at least one analog gauge. Analog gauges are gauges that include physical elements such as a physical needle, sometimes referred to as a pointer or analog needle, and indicia. Based on the position of the analog needle with respect to the indicia, a person can be provided some information regarding some state, such as the engine state of the vehicle, vehicle speed, fuel/oil level, etc.

As mentioned before, the gauges32A-32C include at least one analog gauge. However, in addition to at least one analog gauge, other types of gauges may also be utilized, such as digital gauges that provide information digitally. These gauges typically provide information using a display that can mimic a physical gauge by displaying indicia and a digital needle.

FIG.2illustrates a more detailed view of the gauge32B. It should be understood that the gauge32B is just one example of an analog gauge that can be utilized with the needle intensity adjustment system that will be described later in this description. As such, the gauge32B can take any number of different forms and shapes. In addition, while the gauge32B provides information regarding engine speed, the gauge32B could provide other types of information, such as vehicle speed, oil/fuel level, battery level, infotainment-related information, etc.

Here, the gauge32B includes a backing34that includes indicia36and38. Here, the backing34may be a physical structure that includes indicia36and38. In this example, the indicia36relates to engine speed in the form of numbers that are multiplied by 1000. For example, when the analog needle40points to “1,” this indicates that the engine speed is approximately 1000 RPM. In addition, the backing34also includes indicia38in the form of hashmarks that provide some additional information regarding the engine speed. It should be understood that the backing34and indicia36and38can take any one of a number of different forms. Further still, the backing34and the indicia36and38can be part of a display that displays these elements electronically.

As mentioned before, the analog needle40is adjusted by rotating about an axis42to point to different indicia36and38based on changing states. In this example, when the engine speed of the vehicle changes, the analog needle40is rotated about the axis42to indicate the vehicle's engine speed. In this example, a needle cover44is provided adjacent to the axis42. The analog needle40may be made of a transparent or partially transparent material capable of receiving light such that light received by the needle40can be visually perceived by a person. Moreover, light provided to the analog needle40essentially illuminates the analog needle40so that the analog needle40is easier to see. Depending on the intensity of light provided to the analog needle40, the needle40may be more or less visually engaging. The greater the intensity of light provided to the analog needle40, the more likely that the analog needle40will attract the attention of a person.

The methodology for providing light to the analog needle40can vary significantly. For example, there are numerous systems and methods regarding how light is provided to an analog needle, such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,302,552, 6,663,251, and 7,549,390, each of which is incorporated by reference in their entirety.FIG.3illustrates one example of providing light to the analog needle40. However, as emphasized previously, there are numerous ways of providing light to an analog needle, and any suitable way may be utilized with the needle intensity adjustment system described herein.

FIG.3illustrates the analog needle40having a first end46and a second end47. The first end46and the second end47generally have an approximately 90° bend48. As mentioned before, the analog needle40may be made of a transparent or partially transparent material, such as a transparent plastic. Light52A and52B from a light source50, such as an LED light source, is provided to the second end of the analog needle40and generally travels to the bend48, where it is reflected by a reflective layer49that may be applied adjacent to the bend48of the analog needle40. The light52A and52B is reflected towards the first end46. Surface elements51located in the first end46, reflect the light52A and52B outwards towards a user who can visually perceive the analog needle40. The light52A and52B emitted can make the analog needle40easier to perceive by a user.

The intensity of the light52A and52B that illuminates the analog needle40is based on the intensity of the light source50. As such, if the light source50outputs a more intense light, the analog needle40will be perceived as “brighter” to a user, while if the light source50outputs a less intense light, the analog needle40will be perceived as “dimmer” to the user. This brightness/dimness can impact the likelihood that the user will notice the analog needle40and any movement of the analog needle40.

Illustrated inFIG.4is one example of a vehicle100having a needle intensity adjustment system140that can adjust the intensity of light provided to the analog needle40. As explained previously, the vehicle100includes the cluster30, which includes at least one analog gauge32B. As used herein, a “vehicle” is any form of powered transport. In one or more implementations, the vehicle100is an automobile and may be an HEV or PHEV. However, the vehicle can be a traditional vehicle as well. Again, the needle intensity adjustment system140can have various applications that are not just limited to traditional vehicles, HEVs, PHEVs, and the like.

The vehicle100also includes various elements. It will be understood that in various embodiments, it may not be necessary for the vehicle100to have all of the elements shown inFIG.4. The vehicle100can have any combination of the various elements shown inFIG.4. Further, the vehicle100can have additional elements to those shown inFIG.4. In some arrangements, the vehicle100may be implemented without one or more of the elements shown inFIG.4. While the various elements are shown as being located within the vehicle100inFIG.4, it will be understood that one or more of these elements can be located external to the vehicle100. Further, the elements shown may be physically separated by large distances and provided as remote services (e.g., cloud-computing services).

In this example, the vehicle100includes one or more electronic control units (ECUs)105, each having one or more processor(s)110. The ECUs105may be one or more ECUs that control the operation of one or more systems and subsystems of the vehicle100. For example, the ECUs105may include ECUs directed to managing the powertrain120of the vehicle100, such as fuel injection ECUs, hybrid motor control ECUs, transmission control ECUs, and the like.

The vehicle100can also include one or more powertrain sensor(s)130. The powertrain sensor(s)130can include any one of a number of different sensors. In this example, the powertrain sensor(s)130include an engine speed sensor132but may also include other sensors134. The engine speed sensor132can measure and output signals representative of the engine speed of the engine122of the vehicle100. The other sensors134can be any type of powertrain or propulsion related sensors, such as air mass meters, air flow meters, camshaft position sensors, crankshaft speed sensors, knock sensors, temperature sensors, wheel speed sensors, gear selection sensors, fuel flow or fuel cut sensors, and the like.

The vehicle100includes a powertrain120. As stated before, the vehicle100may be an HEV or PHEV vehicle and can be operated using the engine122and/or one or more electric motor(s)124that may act as electric traction motors. However, as explained previously, this is one example, and the vehicle100could be a traditional vehicle or could be a traditional vehicle having a start-stop system. The engine122may be an internal combustion engine, such as a natural gas, gasoline, or diesel engine. A transmission126may coordinate power to one or more wheels of the vehicle100generated by the engine122and/or the electric motor(s)124. The components of the powertrain120may be controlled by the ECUs105.

Since this example illustrates the use of electric motor(s)124, the powertrain120may also include a battery128that can store electricity that can be utilized to power the electric motor(s)124. The battery128may be made up of one or more cells. The battery128may be charged using regenerative braking and, if the vehicle100is a PHEV, may be additionally charged using electricity from a power grid. As it is well known, HEV and PHEV vehicles can operate in an EV mode based on the amount of charge in the battery128and/or power demands from the driver. As the charge in the battery128drops, or in situations where the driver places a power demand necessitating the use of the engine122, the vehicle100may start the engine122. Conversely, when the battery128is sufficiently charged or when the power demand drops, the vehicle100may shut down the engine122and return to operating in an EV mode

The components of the vehicle100may be connected via one or more buses, such as a controller area network (CAN) bus115. Of course, it should be understood that any type of methodology for connecting the various components of the vehicle100can be implemented.

With reference toFIG.5, one embodiment of the needle intensity adjustment system140is further illustrated. As shown, the needle intensity adjustment system140a processor(s)110. Accordingly, the processor(s)110may be a part of the needle intensity adjustment system140or the needle intensity adjustment system140may access the processor(s)110through a data bus or another communication path. In one or more embodiments, the processor(s)110is an application-specific integrated circuit that is configured to implement functions associated with a needle intensity module144. In general, the processor(s)110is an electronic processor such as a microprocessor that is capable of performing various functions as described herein.

In one embodiment, the needle intensity adjustment system140includes a memory142that stores the needle intensity module144. The memory142may be a random-access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), a hard disk drive, a flash memory, or other suitable memory for storing the needle intensity module144. The needle intensity module144is, for example, computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the processor(s)110, cause the processor(s)110to perform the various functions disclosed herein.

Furthermore, in one embodiment, the needle intensity module144includes one or more data store(s)146. The data store(s)146is, in one embodiment, an electronic data structure such as a database that is stored in the memory142or another memory and that is configured with routines that can be executed by the processor(s)110for analyzing stored data, providing stored data, organizing stored data, and so on. Thus, in one embodiment, the data store(s)146stores data used by the needle intensity module144in executing various functions.

For example, the data store(s)146can include sensor data148and/or operating state data149. The sensor data148may be collected by one or more of the powertrain sensor(s)130. The operating state data149may be data indicating the operating state of the engine122of the vehicle100. The operating state data149can include information on whether the engine122is in a running state, an off state, a shutdown state, and/or a start state. In one example, the running state of the engine122is when the engine is operating. The running state of the engine122may also include a determination of how long the engine has been operating and/or if the engine speed of the engine122is above a threshold. For example, the running state may occur when the engine122is running for a certain period of time, for example, more than five seconds, and/or above an engine speed threshold.

The off state of the engine122includes situations when the engine speed of the engine122is approximately zero. This may occur when the vehicle100is turned off and/or when the vehicle100utilizes the electric motor(s) to provide propulsion to the vehicle100instead of utilizing the engine122. This may occur when the vehicle100is operating in an EV mode.

The start state of the engine122includes situations when the engine122is transitioning between the off state and the running state. The shutdown state of the engine122includes situations when the engine122is transitioning between the running state and the off state.

The needle intensity module144includes instructions that cause the processor(s)110to adjust the intensity of light provided to an analog needle40, such as from the light source50, based on the operating state of the engine122. In one example, the needle intensity module144causes the processor(s)110to calculate a control signal that controls the intensity of light provided to the analog needle40by the light source50. In this example, the processor(s)110may be a processor that forms part of an electronic fuel injection ECU but could be another processor from another type of ECU. The control signal determined by the processor(s)110may then be provided to the CAN bus115, where it is received by a cluster ECU135. The cluster ECU135can then control the intensity of the light provided to the analog needle40by adjusting the output of light by the light source50. The intensity of light provided to the analog needle40refers to the strength or amount of light produced by a light source, such as the light source50. As such, the greater the light output by the light source50, the greater intensity. The less light output by the light source50, the lesser intensity.

The control signal may be represented in terms of the percentage of fading of light output by the light source50. In one example, the percentage may vary between 0 and 1, wherein 0 and 1 are the minimum and maximum levels of fading, respectively. Fading indicates how much produced the intensity of the light is as output by the light source50. As such, the closer the control signal is to 1, the intensity of the light output by the light source50is reduced. Conversely, the closer the control signal is to 0, intensity of the light output by the light source is increased. When the control signal is at 1, very little or no light may be output by the light source50. When the control signal is at 0, a maximum intensity of light may be output by the light source50Typically, the control signal defaults to 0 (no fading) unless conditions are met to transition to another intensity level. By making the light provided to the analog needle40more or less intense by adjusting the control signal, the driver operating the vehicle will be less distracted by the analog needle40in instances where the analog needle40bounces, which may occur when the engine122is in a shutdown state and/or start state.

To better understand how the control signal is generated, reference is made toFIG.6, which illustrates the control diagram200for generating a control signal240. The control diagram200may be expressed as a series of instructions stored within the needle intensity module144that are executed by the processor(s)110to cause the processor(s)110to generate the control signal240.

Here, the control diagram200illustrates one example of adjusting the control signal240output by the processor(s)110and received by the cluster ECU135of the cluster30. Here, illustrated are representations, over a time period, of the engine operating state210of the engine122, an engine speed220of the engine122, a motor-generator speed230of the electric motor(s)124, and the control signal240that is provided to the cluster ECU135that causes the intensity of light provided to the analog needle40to change.

The engine operating state210is shown over the time period to be in a running state211, followed by a shutdown state212, followed by an off state213, followed by a start state214, and followed by a running state215. It should be understood that the operating states211-215are just one example of a scenario of different operating states of the engine122over time.

Also illustrated is an engine speed220and the motor-generator speed230as they vary between the different engine operating states211-215. As can be seen in this example, the engine speed220is elevated when the engine is in the running states211and215, declines when in the shutdown state212, is at zero when in the off state213, and then rises again when in the start state214.

The control signal240that controls the intensity of light provided to the analog needle40is shown to vary during the different engine operating states211-215of the engine122. The control signal240represents a fading or reduction in intensity of light output by the light source50. As such, when the control signal is closer to 1, the intensity of the light output by the light source50is faded or reduced. Conversely, when the control signal is closer to 0, the intensity of the light output by the light source50is less faded or even completely un-faded, resulting in an increase in the intensity of the light output by the light source50When the engine122is in the running state211or215, the needle intensity module144causes the processor(s)110to set the control signal240to 0, indicating maximum fading (minimum intensity of light output by the light source50) and thus maximum visibility.

The needle intensity module144causes the processor(s)110to begin increasing the control signal240to decrease the intensity of light provided to the analog needle40when the engine122is in a shutdown state212. In one example, when in the shutdown state212, the decrease in the intensity of light provided to the analog needle40may occur when the engine122has been determined to be turned off, the engine speed of the engine122falls below a threshold, represented by threshold221, and/or when it is determined that fuel has been cut to the engine122. Information regarding if the engine122is turned off, the engine speed of the engine122, and if fuel has been cut to the engine122can be provided by one or more powertrain sensor(s)130or by the powertrain120.

During this transition, the intensity of light provided to the analog needle40may be gradually stepped down in increments based on one or more cycles of the processor(s)110. In one example, the cycles may be approximately 8.192 ms.

In the shutdown state212, the needle intensity module144causes the processor(s)110to gradually decrease the intensity of light provided to the analog needle40until reaching the off state213, where the analog needle40may not be provided any light at all or a greatly redecided amount of light. The needle intensity module144may cause the processor(s)110to determine that the engine122is in the off state when the engine speed220drops below a signal noise limit222. Once reaching the off state, the needle intensity module144may cause the processor(s)110to increase the intensity of light provided to the analog needle40, so that it is more visible but not distracting to the driver. In this example, the intensity of light provided to the analog needle40may be approximately 30% of the maximum intensity provided by the light source50, referred to as a middle intensity.

When the engine122enters the start state214, the needle intensity module144may cause the processor(s)110to gradually decrease the intensity of light provided to the analog needle40, so that it is less distracting to the driver. Upon reaching an engine speed threshold223when in the start state, the needle intensity module144may cause the processor(s)110to increase the intensity of light provided to the analog needle40, making the analog needle40more visible to the driver. The intensity of light provided to the analog needle40may be gradually stepped up in increments based on one or more cycles of the processor(s)110. Like before, the cycles may be approximately 8.192 ms. Eventually, the value of the control signal240is at 0, indicating that the analog needle40is fully illuminated. The value of the control signal240remains at 0 as the engine operating state remains in the running state215.

In the control diagram200provided inFIG.5, the control signal240is adjusted by the processor(s)110based on the operating state and possibly other inputs in a predefined manner. However, in another example, the control signal240may be adjusted to vary the intensity of light provided to the analog needle40by learning the preferences of a particular driver. The preferences of a particular driver may be learned by having the driver provide preferences regarding how they would like the intensity of light provided to the analog needle40to vary. This may be provided by the driver using an input device150and may be stored within the data store(s)146to be utilized by the needle intensity module144.

However, in another example, the preferences of a particular driver may be learned by training one or more machine learning models. Any type of machine learning or artificial intelligence type system can be utilized to learn the driver's behavior. In particular, referring back toFIG.4, a vehicle100may also include an input device150that can receive inputs from the driver. These inputs may be in the form of camera images captured of the driver that can be utilized to determine when a driver is distracted by the analog needle40. Based on inputs received from the input device150, a model can learn when the driver is distracted and adjust the intensity of light provided to the analog needle40to minimize the distraction of the driver. In effect, the system can track the driver's gaze to determine a pattern where the driver glances during certain powertrain events.

Referring toFIG.6, a method300for adjusting the intensity of light provided to an analog needle40is shown. The method300will be described from the viewpoint of the vehicle100ofFIG.4and the needle intensity adjustment system140ofFIG.5. However, it should be understood that this is just one example of implementing the method300. While method300is discussed in combination with the needle intensity adjustment system140, it should be appreciated that the method300is not limited to being implemented within the needle intensity adjustment system140but is instead one example of a system that may implement the method300.

The method300begins at step302, wherein the needle intensity module144causes the processor(s)110to determine an engine operating state of the engine122of the vehicle100. The determination regarding the engine operating state of the engine122may be determined based on information collected from the powertrain sensor(s)130. However, the engine operating state may also be provided by one or more ECUs105that can determine the engine operating state of the engine122.

As explained before, the engine operating state of the engine122of the vehicle100may include four states: a running state, an off state, a shutdown state, and a start state. Typically, because the adjustment of light provided to the analog needle40occurs when in the shutdown state or the off state, the example shown in the method300decides regarding which of these two states the engine122of the vehicle is in.

If it is determined that the engine operating state of the engine122is in the start state, the method proceeds to step304, wherein the needle intensity module144causes the processor(s)110to determine if the engine speed of the engine122is above a start threshold. For example, referring toFIG.6, the threshold may be similar to the threshold223. If the engine speed122has not yet reached the start threshold, the method300essentially waits until this condition is satisfied.

In step306, once the engine speed is above the start threshold, the needle intensity module144causes the processor(s)110to increase the intensity of light provided to the analog needle40until reaching a maximum intensity. The intensity of light provided to the analog needle40may be gradually stepped up in increments based on one or more cycles of the processor(s)110. Like before, the cycles may be approximately 8.192 ms. Once step306is completed, the method300may begin again and return to step302.

Conversely, if it is determined that the engine operating state of the engine122is in a shutdown state, the method300proceeds to step308. In step308, the needle intensity module144causes the processor(s)110to determine if the engine speed of the engine122is below a shutdown threshold. For example, referring toFIG.6, the threshold may be similar to the threshold221. If the engine speed122has not yet reached the shutdown threshold, the method300essentially waits until this condition is satisfied.

In step310, once the engine speed is below the shutdown threshold, the needle intensity module144causes the processor(s)110to decrease the intensity of light provided to the analog needle40until reaching a minimum intensity. To achieve this, the intensity of light provided to the analog needle40may be gradually stepped down in increments based on one or more cycles of the processor(s)110. In one example, the cycles may be approximately 8.192 ms.

In step312, the needle intensity module144causes the processor(s)110to determine if the engine speed of the engine122is zero or has essentially fallen below a signal noise limit. Essentially, once the engine speed is zero or has fallen below a signal noise limit, the engine122is in the off state. In step314, the needle intensity module144may cause the processor(s)110to increase the intensity of light provided to the analog needle40, so that it is illuminated but not distracting to the driver. In this example, the intensity of light provided to the analog needle40may be approximately 30% of the maximum intensity, referred to as a middle intensity.

As such, the system and method described herein can adjust the intensity of light provided to an analog needle based on the operating state of the vehicle to reduce the driver's distraction. This is particularly useful in situations where the engine of the vehicle may be switched on or off routinely, such as is the case with HEVs and PHEVs.

It should be appreciated that any of the systems described in this specification can be configured in various arrangements with separate integrated circuits and/or chips. The circuits are connected via connection paths to provide for communicating signals between the separate circuits. Of course, while separate integrated circuits are discussed, the circuits may be integrated into a common integrated circuit board in various embodiments. Additionally, the integrated circuits may be combined into fewer integrated circuits or divided into more integrated circuits.

In another embodiment, the described methods and/or their equivalents may be implemented with computer-executable instructions. Thus, in one embodiment, a non-transitory computer-readable medium is configured with stored computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a machine (e.g., processor, computer, and so on), cause the machine (and/or associated components) to perform the method.

While for purposes of simplicity of explanation, the illustrated methodologies in the figures are shown and described as a series of blocks, it is to be appreciated that the methodologies are not limited by the order of the blocks, as some blocks can occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other blocks from that shown and described. Moreover, less than all the illustrated blocks may be used to implement an example methodology. Blocks may be combined or separated into multiple components. Furthermore, additional and/or alternative methodologies can employ additional blocks that are not illustrated.

Furthermore, arrangements described herein may take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer-readable media 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. The phrase “computer-readable storage medium” means a non-transitory storage medium. A computer-readable medium may take forms, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, and volatile media. Non-volatile media may include, for example, optical disks, magnetic disks, and so on. Volatile media may include, for example, semiconductor memories, dynamic memory, and so on. Examples of such a computer-readable medium may include, but are not limited to, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, other magnetic medium, an ASIC, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a CD, other optical medium, a RAM, a ROM, a memory chip or card, a memory stick, and other media from which a computer, a processor or other electronic device can read. 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.

The following includes definitions of selected terms employed herein. The definitions include various examples and/or forms of components that fall within the scope of a term and may be used for various implementations. The examples are not intended to be limiting. Both singular and plural forms of terms may be within the definitions.

“Module,” as used herein, includes a computer or electrical hardware component(s), firmware, a non-transitory computer-readable medium that stores instructions, and/or combinations of these components configured to perform a function(s) or an action(s), and/or to cause a function or action from another logic, method, and/or system. Module may include a microprocessor controlled by an algorithm, a discrete logic (e.g., ASIC), an analog circuit, a digital circuit, a programmed logic device, a memory device including instructions that, when executed, perform an algorithm, and so on. In one or more embodiments, a module may include one or more CMOS gates, combinations of gates, or other circuit components. Where multiple modules are described, one or more embodiments may include incorporating the multiple modules into one physical module component. Similarly, where a single module is described, one or more embodiments distribute the single module between multiple physical components.

Additionally, module, as used herein, includes routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, and so on that perform tasks or implement data types. In further aspects, a memory generally stores the noted modules. The memory associated with a module may be a buffer or cache embedded within a processor, a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, or another suitable electronic storage medium. In still further aspects, a module as envisioned by the present disclosure is implemented as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a hardware component of a system on a chip (SoC), as a programmable logic array (PLA), as a graphics processing unit (GPU), or as another suitable hardware component that is embedded with a defined configuration set (e.g., instructions) for performing the disclosed functions.