User interface for automatic start-stop system and method of controlling the same
Vehicles equipped with an automatic start-stop system may include an interface for conveying inhibitors preventing an engine from auto-stopping in addition to the status of the automatic start-stop system. The system may identify one or more inhibitors actively preventing an auto-stop event from occurring and select at least one of the active inhibitors based on a priority scheme. The interface may communicate the at least one selected inhibitor to a driver using a display or a speaker, or both.
1. A system comprising:
a controller configured to receive input indicative of vehicle propulsion conditions and a presence of one or more auto-stop inhibitors; and
an interface, in communication with the controller, configured to output a message identifying at least one of the inhibitors, when vehicle propulsion conditions for an auto-stop event are satisfied, according to a priority scheme at least partially based on whether a driver has at least partial control over an inhibitor, the interface including a display having a selectable automatic start-stop display screen that displays the message identifying the at least one inhibitor;
wherein the controller is further configured to receive input indicating a restart action is required to restart an engine and the display is configured to display a pop-up alert conveying the required restart action, wherein the pop-up alert is displayed on any one of a number of selectable information display screens.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the display further includes an automatic start-stop indicator that is displayed in one of a plurality of indicator states based on a status of an automatic start-stop system.
3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the controller latches a current highest priority inhibitor according to the priority scheme to establish a latched inhibitor and the display displays the message identifying the latched inhibitor.
4. The system of claim 3 , wherein the latched inhibitor remains latched for as long as it is active despite a higher priority inhibitor subsequently becoming active.
5. A method comprising:
receiving input indicating an engine is currently auto-stopped and an engine restart is being requested;
identifying a restart action required by a driver to restart the engine; and
outputting a message corresponding to the restart action.
6. The method of claim 5 , wherein outputting a message corresponding to the restart action includes displaying the message on a display.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the message is a pop-up alert that is displayed on one of a number of selectable information display screens.
8. The method of claim 5 , wherein the engine restart request is in response to a request for vehicle propulsion.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the message corresponding to the restart action includes instructions to operate a pedal before the engine is automatically restarted.
10. The method of claim 8 , wherein the message corresponding to the restart action includes instructions to select a particular gear before the engine is automatically restarted.