Description:A METHOD AND A SYSTEM FOR OPTIMALLY CHARGING A USER EQUIPMENT IN A VEHICLE

TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a field of automobiles. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a method and a system for optimally charging a User Equipment (UE) in a vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Traditionally, smartphone charging ports for charging a smartphone provide the charging facilities. It is up to the user handling the smartphone to disconnect the smartphone when the battery is fully charged. The smartphone charging ports are not intelligent and smart enough to detect a current battery level of the smartphone and in case the user forgets to disconnect the smartphone from the smartphone charging port, the smartphone gets overcharged. Overcharging the smartphone further leads to overheating issues and damages smartphone battery.
[0003] A convention solution provides an external mobile phone charger with different charging adapters allowing different mobile phones to be connected. The user manually disconnects the mobile and the external mobile phone charger is not incorporated within the vehicle.
[0004] Another conventional solution discloses a method to automatically shut down the mobile phone charging cable when the mobile is disconnected from the charging port.
[0005] Yet another conventional solution discloses a method for preventing an anti-overcharging of an intelligent mobile terminal equipment. When, the charging time is up, the charging connector can be automatically pulled out, the situation of overcharging is avoided, damage to the battery protection board is reduced. None of the solutions are capable to discontinue the charging automatically in an intelligent way.
[0006] There is a need for a solution to overcome above mentioned drawbacks.
OBJECT OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0007] A primary object of the present disclosure is to optimally charge a UE in a vehicle.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to prevent an overheating of a battery of the UE by discontinuing a power supply when the UE is fully charged.
[0009] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an intelligent system that automatically discontinues the power supply when the UE is fully charged.
SUMMARY
[0010] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to a system for optimally charging a user equipment in a vehicle. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0011] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a system implemented in a vehicle for optimally charging a first User Equipment (UE) in the vehicle. The system includes a communication unit configured to receive, in real time, an amount of charge in a battery of the first UE upon establishment of a first connection between the first UE and the communication unit. The communication unit transmits the amount of charge to a Micro Controlling Unit (MCU) in real time. The system further includes the MCU incorporated within a charging unit configured to receive a first UE identity (ID) uniquely identifying the first UE. The first UE ID is received upon establishment of a second connection between the first UE and the charging unit to initiate supplying a charging power to the battery. The MCU is configured to compare the first UE ID with one or more UE IDs associated with one or more UE pre-stored in a memory. Each of the one or more UE IDs corresponds to UE specific charging information of a UE associated with a respective UE ID in the memory. The MCU is further configured to identify a second UE ID from the one or more UE IDs matching the first UE ID. The UE specific information corresponding to the second UE ID is associated with the first UE. The MCU is also configured to supply an optimal charging power to the first UE for a period of time to fully charge the battery via the USB charging cable based on the identified UE specific charging information and the amount of charge in the battery.
[0012] In an embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method implemented in a vehicle for optimally charging a first User Equipment (UE) in the vehicle. The method includes receiving, by a system, in real time, an amount of charge in a battery of the first UE upon establishment of a first connection between the first UE and the system. The method includes receiving, by the system, a first UE identity (ID) uniquely identifying the first UE, wherein the first UE ID is received upon establishment of a second connection between the first UE and the system to initiate supplying a charging power to the battery. The method includes comparing, by the system, the first UE ID with one or more UE IDs associated with one or more UE pre-stored in the system, wherein each of the one or more UE IDs corresponds to UE specific charging information of a UE associated with a respective UE ID in the system. The method further includes identifying, by the system, a second UE ID from the one or more UE IDs matching the first UE ID, wherein the UE specific information corresponding to the second UE ID is associated with the first UE. The method also includes supplying an optimal charging power to the first UE for a period of time to fully charge the battery via the USB charging cable based on the identified UE specific charging information and the amount of charge in the battery.
[0013] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the MCU is further configured to determine that the amount of charge in the battery is equal to a threshold amount and discontinue a supply of the optimal charging power to the battery based on the determination.
[0014] In an aspect of the present disclosure, for supplying the optimal charging power to the battery, the MCU is further configured to process the UE specific charging information and the amount of charge in the battery to determine the optimal charging power and the period of time required to fully charge the battery.
[0015] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the communication unit is one of an infotainment system configured with a Bluetooth, and a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module.
[0016] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the first connection between the system and the first UE is via a Bluetooth and the second connection between the system and the first UE is via the USB charging cable.
[0017] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the UE specific charging information comprises a plurality of parameters associated with the battery.
[0018] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0019] The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be best understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates an environment depicting a system configured to optimally charge a first UE, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram of the system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates an operational flow diagram depicting a process implemented in a vehicle for optimally charging a first UE in the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter;
[0023] FIG. 4 illustrates an architectural diagram depicting an optimal charging a first UE in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter; and
[0024] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram depicting a method implemented in a vehicle for optimally charging a first User Equipment (UE) in the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0026] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a”, “an”, and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0027] FIG. 1 illustrates an environment 100 depicting a system 102 configured to optimally charge a first UE 104, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The system 102 may be incorporated within a vehicle and intelligibly charge a battery of the first UE 104 based on UE specific information associated with the first UE 104 and an amount of charge in the battery of the first UE. The UE specific information may include a number of parameters associated with the battery. Examples of the UE 104 may include, but are not limited to, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop or the like.
[0028] According to the novel aspects of the present subject matter, the system 102 may be configured to receive in real time the amount of charge in the battery from the first UE 104. The amount of charge may be received upon establishment of a first connection between the first UE and the system 102. The first connection may be via a wireless communication standard such as Bluetooth.
[0029] Continuing with the above embodiment, the system 102 may be configured to receive a first UE ID uniquely identifying the first UE 104, from the first UE 104. The first UE ID may be received upon establishment of a second connection between the first UE 104 and the system 102 to initiate supplying a charging power to the battery. The second connection may be established between the first UE 104 and the system 102 via the USB charging cable. The first connection and the second connection may be established independently of one another such that the second connection may be established prior to the first connection. Subsequently, the first UE ID may be received prior to the amount of charge in the battery.
[0030] In response to receiving the first UE ID, the system 102 may be configured to compare the first UE ID with one or more UE IDs associated with one or more UE. The one or more UE IDs may be pre-stored pre stored in the system 102. Furthermore, the one or more UE IDs may correspond to UE specific charging information in the system 102 such that each UE ID may corresponds to the UE specific charging information of a UE associated with a respective UE ID in the system 102.
[0031] To that understanding, the system 102 may be configured to identify a second UE ID from the one or more UE IDs matching the first UE ID in response to comparing the first UE ID with the one or more UE IDs. Further, it may be ascertained by the system 102 that the UE specific information corresponding to the second UE ID may be associated with the first UE upon identifying the second UE ID matching the first UE ID.
[0032] Moving forward, upon identifying the UE specific charging information related to the first UE 104, the system 102 may be configured to supply an optimal charging power to the first UE 104 for a period of time. The optimal charging power may be supplied via the USB charging cable to fully charge the battery. The optimal charging power may be supplied based on the identified UE specific charging information and the amount of charge in the battery.
[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic block diagram 200 of the system 102, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The system 102 may be incorporated within a vehicle and may further be configured to charge a battery of the first UE 104 as referred in the fig. 1. The system 102 may be configured to intelligibly charge the battery based on UE specific charging information while receiving in real time an amount of charge in the battery. Intelligibly charging the battery may include charging the first UE 104 fully by providing optimal charging power and stopping a supply when the amount of battery reaches a threshold amount. In a preferred embodiment, the threshold amount may indicate that the battery is fully charges.
[0034] Continuing with the above embodiment, the system 102 may include a communication unit 202, a charging unit 204, an MCU 206, and a memory 208. The MCU 206 and the memory 208 may be incorporated within the charging unit 204. In an embodiment, the communication unit 202, the charging unit 204, the MCU 206, and the memory 208 may be communicably coupled with one another. In a specific embodiment, the communication unit 202 may be communicably coupled with the MCU 206. Further, the MCU 206 may be communicably coupled with the communication unit 202, the charging unit 204 and the memory 208.
[0035] According to the novel aspects of the present subject matter, the communication unit 202 may be configured to establish a first connection with the first UE 104. The first connection may be established via a wireless communication standard such as a Bluetooth. The communication unit 202 may be one of an infotainment system configured with a Bluetooth inbuilt within the vehicle, and an external Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module connected to the vehicle such that the first UE 104 communicates with the BLE module via Bluetooth. Moving forward, upon establishment of the first connection between the first UE 104 and the communication unit 202, the communication unit 202 may be configured to receive the amount of charge in the battery in the real time via the Bluetooth.
[0036] Moving forward, in response to receiving the amount of charge in the battery, the communication unit 202 may be configured to communicate with the MCU 206 for transmitting the amount of charge to the MCU 206. In an embodiment, the communication unit 202 may be communicating with the MCU 206 via a wired communication standard.
[0037] Continuing with the above embodiment, the MCU 206 may be configured to establish a second connection with the first UE 104. The second connection may be established via the wired communication standard such as via a USB charging cable. Upon establishment of the second connection, the MCU 206 may be configured to receive a first UE ID from the first UE 104. The first UE ID may be uniquely identifying the first UE 104 and may further be pre stored in the first UE 104. Further, upon establishment of the second connection, the charging unit 204 may be configured to initiate charging the battery of the first UE 104.
[0038] Subsequent to receiving the first UE ID, the MCU 206 may be configured to compare the first UE ID with one or more UE IDs associated with one or more UE pre-stored in the memory 208. Each of the one or more UE IDs may corresponds to UE specific charging information of a UE associated with a respective UE ID in the memory 208. The UE specific information may include a number of parameters related to a battery of the one or more UE. The number of parameters may include a voltage, and a current related to the battery.
[0039] In continuation with the above embodiment, the MCU 206 may be configured to identify a second UE ID from the one or more UE IDs. The identified second UE ID may be matching the first UE ID. Further, it may be ascertained by the MCU 206 that the UE specific information corresponding to the second UE ID may be related with the first UE 104.
[0040] To that understanding, the MCU 206 may be further configured to supply the optimal charging power to the first UE 104 for a period of time. The optimal charging power may be supplied by the charging unit 204 via the USB charging cable to fully charge the battery. The optimal charging power may be supplied based on the identified UE specific charging information and the amount of charge in the battery. Furthermore, for supplying the optimal charging power to the battery, the MCU 206 may be configured to process the UE specific charging information and the amount of charge in the battery to determine the optimal charging power and the period of time required to fully charge the battery.
[0041] Continuing with the above embodiment, the MCU 206 may be configured to determine that the amount of charge in the battery is equal to a threshold amount. The threshold amount may indicate that the battery is fully charged. Moving forward, based on the determination, the MCU 206 may be configured to discontinue a supply of the optimal charging power to the battery.
[0042] FIG. 3 illustrates an operational flow diagram depicting a process 300 implemented in a vehicle for optimally charging a first UE 104 in the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Examples of the UE may include, but are not limited to, a smartphone, a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop or the like. The process 300 may be performed by the system 102 as referred in the fig. 1. The process 300 may be based on processing an amount of charge in a battery of the first UE 104 and UE specific charging information associated with the battery.
[0043] At step 302a, the process 300 may include establishing by the communication unit 202 as referred in the fig. 2 a first connection with the first UE 104. The first connection may be established via Bluetooth such that the communication unit 202 may receive a connection request from the first UE 104. For establishing the first connection, the communication unit 202 may pair and connect with the first UE 104.
[0044] At step 302b, the process 300 may include receiving the amount of charge in the battery in the real time via the Bluetooth. The amount of charge may be received by the communication unit 202 and further be transmitted to the MCU 206 as referred in the fig. 2. The amount of charge may be received in real time to the communication unit 202. In an embodiment, the communication unit 202 may be an infotainment system configured with Bluetooth incorporated within the vehicle. In another embodiment, the communication unit 202 may be an external Bluetooth module such as a BLE device externally connected to the vehicle.
[0045] At step 302c, the process 300 may include communicating by the communication unit 202 with the MCU 206 in response to receiving the amount of charge in the battery. The communication may be performed for transmitting the amount of charge to the MCU 206 a wired communication standard such as via a USB charging cable.
[0046] At step 304a, the process 300 may include establishing by the MCU 206 a second connection with the first UE 104. The second connection may be established via the wired communication standard such as via the USB charging cable to initiate charging the battery of the first UE 104.
[0047] At step 304b, the process 300 may include receiving by the MCU 206, a first UE ID from the first UE 104. The first UE ID may be uniquely identifying the first UE 104 and may further be pre stored in the first UE 104.
[0048] At step 306, the process 300 may include performing a comparison by the MCU 206. The comparison may be performed between the first UE ID and one or more UE IDs associated with one or more UE pre-stored in the memory 208. Each of the one or more UE IDs may corresponds to UE specific charging information of a UE associated with a respective UE ID in the memory 208. The UE specific information may include a number of parameters related to a battery of the one or more UE. The number of parameters may include a voltage, and a current related to the battery.
[0049] At step 308, the process 300 may include identifying by the MCU 206 a second UE ID from the one or more UE IDs matching the first UE ID. Further, it may be ascertained by the MCU 206 that the UE specific information corresponding to the second UE ID may be related with the first UE 104.
[0050] At step 310, the process 300 may include supplying by the MCU 206 through the charging unit 204 as referred in the fig. 2, the optimal charging power to the first UE 104 for a period of time. The optimal charging power may be supplied by the charging unit 204 via the USB charging cable to fully charge the battery based on the identified UE specific charging information and the amount of charge in the battery. Furthermore, for supplying the optimal charging power to the battery, the MCU 206 may be configured to process the UE specific charging information and the amount of charge in the battery to determine the optimal charging power and the period of time required to fully charge the battery.
[0051] At step 312, the process 300 may include determining by the MCU 206 that the amount of charge in the battery is equal to a threshold amount. The threshold amount may indicate that the battery is fully charged. Moving forward, based on the determination, the MCU 206 may be configured to discontinue a supply of the optimal charging power to the battery.
[0052] FIG. 4 illustrates an architectural diagram 400 depicting an optimal charging a first UE 104 in a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The architectural diagram 400 may include the communication unit 202 connected with the first UE 104 via Bluetooth and receiving in real time an amount of charge in a battery of the first UE 104.
[0053] Continuing with the above embodiment, the architectural diagram 400 may further include the communication unit 202 transmitting the amount of charge to the MCU 206. Moving forward, the MCU 206 may be connected with the first UE 104 via a USB charging cable and may receive a first UE ID identifying the first UE 104. The USB charging cable may also be supplying a power for charging the battery received from the charging unit 204.
[0054] The MCU 206 may be configured to compare the first UE ID with one or more UE IDs and identify a second UE ID matching the first UE ID. Each of the one or more UE IDs may corresponds to UE specific charging information. Further, the UE specific charging information corresponding to the second UE ID may be ascertained as the UE specific charging information related to the first UE 104. To that understanding, the MCU 206 may be configured to process the amount of battery and the UE specific information for supplying an optimal charging power to the battery of the first UE 104. Further, the MCU 206 may determine that the battery of the first UE 104 is fully charged and discontinue the supply.
[0055] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram depicting a method 500 implemented in a vehicle for optimally charging a first UE in the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The method 500 may be performed by the system 102, and the components thereof.
[0056] At block 502, the method 500 includes receiving, by a system, in real time, an amount of charge in a battery of the first UE upon establishment of a first connection between the first UE and the system.
[0057] At block 504, the method 500 includes receiving, by the system, a first UE identity (ID) uniquely identifying the first UE, wherein the first UE ID is received upon establishment of a second connection between the first UE and the system to initiate supplying a charging power to the battery.
[0058] At block 506, the method 500 includes comparing, by the system, the first UE ID with one or more UE IDs associated with one or more UE pre-stored in the system, wherein each of the one or more UE IDs corresponds to UE specific charging information of a UE associated with a respective UE ID in the system.
[0059] At block 508, the method 500 includes identifying, by the system, a second UE ID from the one or more UE IDs matching the first UE ID, wherein the UE specific information corresponding to the second UE ID is associated with the first UE.
[0060] At block 510, the method 500 includes supplying, by the system, an optimal charging power to the first UE for a period of time to fully charge the battery via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) charging cable based on the identified UE specific charging information and the amount of charge in the battery.
[0061] Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Also, the various embodiments described herein are not necessarily mutually exclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one or more other embodiments to form new embodiments.
[0062] While the detailed description describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.
, Claims:We claim:
1. A system (102) implemented in a vehicle for optimally charging a first User Equipment (UE) (104) in the vehicle, the system (102) comprising:
a communication unit (202) configured to receive, in real time, an amount of charge in a battery of the first UE (104) upon establishment of a first connection between the first UE (104) and the communication unit (202), wherein the communication unit (202) transmits the amount of charge to a Micro Controller Unit (MCU) (206) in real time;
the MCU (206) incorporated within a charging unit (204) configured to:
receive a first UE (104) identity (ID) uniquely identifying the first UE (104), wherein the first UE ID is received upon establishment of a second connection between the first UE (104) and the charging unit (204) to initiate supplying a charging power to the battery;
compare the first UE ID with one or more UE IDs associated with one or more UE pre-stored in a memory (208), wherein each of the one or more UE IDs corresponds to UE specific charging information of a UE associated with a respective UE ID in the memory (208);
identify a second UE ID from the one or more UE IDs matching the first UE (104) ID, wherein the UE specific information corresponding to the second UE ID is associated with the first UE (104); and
supply an optimal charging power to the first UE (104) for a period of time to fully charge the battery via the USB charging cable based on the identified UE specific charging information and the amount of charge in the battery.

2. The system (102) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
the MCU (206) configured to:
determine that the amount of charge in the battery is equal to a threshold amount, wherein the threshold amount indicates that the battery is fully charged; and
discontinue a supply of the optimal charging power to the battery based on the determination.

3. The system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein for supplying the optimal charging power to the battery, the MCU (206) is further configured to process the UE specific charging information and the amount of charge in the battery to determine the optimal charging power and the period of time required to fully charge the battery.

4. The system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the communication unit (202) is one of an infotainment system (102) configured with a Bluetooth, or a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) module.

5. The system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first connection between the system (102) and the first UE (104) is via a Bluetooth and the second connection between the system (102) and the first UE (104) is via the USB charging cable.

6. The system (102) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the UE specific charging information comprises a plurality of parameters associated with the battery.

7. A method (500) implemented in a vehicle for optimally charging a first User Equipment (UE) in the vehicle, the method (500) comprising:
receiving (502), by a system (102), in real time, an amount of charge in a battery of the first UE (104) upon establishment of a first connection between the first UE (104) and the system (102);
receiving (504), by the system (102), a first UE (104) identity (ID) uniquely identifying the first UE (104), wherein the first UE ID is received upon establishment of a second connection between the first UE (104) and the system (102) to initiate supplying a charging power to the battery;
comparing (506), by the system (102), the first UE ID with one or more UE IDs associated with one or more UE pre-stored in the system (102), wherein each of the one or more UE IDs corresponds to UE specific charging information of a UE associated with a respective UE ID in the system (102);
identifying (508), by the system (102), a second UE ID from the one or more UE IDs matching the first UE (104) ID, wherein the UE specific information corresponding to the second UE ID is associated with the first UE (104);
supplying (510), by the system (102), an optimal charging power to the first UE (104) for a period of time to fully charge the battery via a Universal Serial Bus (USB) charging cable based on the identified UE specific charging information and the amount of charge in the battery.

8. The method (500) as claimed in claim 7, further comprising:
determining, by the system (102), that the amount of charge in the battery is equal to a threshold amount, wherein the threshold amount indicates that the battery is fully charged; and
stopping, by the system (102), a supply of the optimal charging power to the battery based on the determination.

9. The method (500) as claimed in claim 7, wherein supplying the optimal charging power to the battery comprises:
processing, by the system (102), the UE specific charging information and the amount of charge in the battery to determine the optimal charging power and the period of time required to fully charge the battery.

10. The method (500) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first connection between the system (102) and the first UE (104) is via a Bluetooth and the second connection between the system (102) and the first UE (104) is via the USB charging cable.

11. The method (500) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the UE specific charging information comprises a plurality of parameters associated with the battery.