Electric vehicle network
Abstract
The present invention is an electric vehicle that includes an electric motor that drives one or more wheels of the vehicle and is powered by a battery. The electric vehicle determines the battery status of the vehicle and the geographic location of the vehicle. The electric vehicle then identifies at least one battery service station that the vehicle can reach, based on the state of charge of the vehicle's battery and the geographic location of the vehicle. The electric vehicle displays at least one of its battery service stations to the vehicle user. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1
Term
Projected expiry 19 September 2028.
- Priority
- Filed
- Published
- Today
- Projected expiry
42 claims: 8 independent, 34 dependent
- 1車両の1つまたは複数の車輪を駆動し、かつバッテリによって電力を供給される電気モータを含む電気車両に、バッテリサービスステーションに関する情報を提供するための方法であって、 車両において、 前記車両のバッテリの状態を判定することと、 前記車両の地理的位置を判定することと、 前記車両の前記バッテリの前記充電状態および前記車両の前記地理的位置に基づいて、前記車両が到達できる少なくとも1つのバッテリサービスステーションを識別することと、 前記少なくとも1つのバッテリサービスステーションのユーザを、前記車両のユーザに通知することと、を含む方法。
- 2前記車両において、少なくとも1つのバッテリサービスステーションに対する前記車両の前記地理的位置を、前記車両の測位システムのユーザインタフェースにおける地図上に表示することをさらに含む、請求項1に記載の方法。
- 3前記車両において、前記車両が到達できる前記バッテリサービスステーションを前記地図上にマークすることをさらに含む、請求項1に記載の方法。
- 4前記少なくとも1つのバッテリサービスステーションが、前記車両の前記バッテリを充電する充電ステーションか、または前記車両の少なくとも部分的に消耗したバッテリを充電したバッテリと交換するバッテリ交換ステーションである、請求項1に記載の方法。
- 5前記バッテリが、前記ユーザによって所有されず、 前記車両の前記ユーザが、前記車両の法的所有権を有するユーザか、または前記車両の法的占有権を有するユーザである、請求項1に記載の方法。
- 6前記車両のユーザからバッテリサービスステーションの選択を受信することと、 前記車両のために、前記バッテリサービスステーションの予約をすることと、をさらに含む、請求項1に記載の方法。
- 7前記車両の前記バッテリの前記状態を判定することが、 前記バッテリの充電レベルを判定することと、 前記バッテリの製造からの年数を判定することと、 前記バッテリの充電/放電サイクルの回数を判定することと、 前述の動作の任意の組み合わせと、からなる群から選択される1つを含む、請求項1に記載の方法。
- 8前記車両の前記バッテリの前記状態に基づいて、前記車両が到達できる前記バッテリサービスステーションを識別することが、 前記バッテリが前記車両の前記電気モータにもはや電力を供給できなくなる前に前記車両が走行できる最大距離を判定することと、 前記車両の前記地理的位置から前記最大距離内にある前記バッテリサービスステーションを決定することと、を含む、請求項1に記載の方法。
- 9前記最大距離が、指定の安全率を含む、請求項8に記載の方法。
- 10前記バッテリが前記車両の前記電気モータにもはや電力を供給できなくなる前に前記車両が走行できる最大距離を判定することと、 前記車両の前記地理的位置の前記最大距離内にある地図エリアを、前記車両の測位システムのユーザインタフェースにマークすることと、を含む、請求項1に記載の方法。
- 11前記車両の前記バッテリの前記状態を、データネットワークを通じてサービスプロバイダに定期的に送信することを含む、請求項1に記載の方法。
- 12前記車両の前記地理的位置を、データネットワークを通じてサービスプロバイダに定期的に送信することを含む、請求項1に記載の方法。
- 13前記バッテリサービスステーションの状態を、データネットワークを通じてサービスプロバイダから定期的に受信することを含む、請求項1に記載の方法。
- 14それぞれの前記バッテリサービスステーションの前記状態が、 前記それぞれのバッテリサービスステーションにおける占有された充電ステーションの数と、 前記それぞれのバッテリサービスステーションにおける空いた充電ステーションの数と、 前記それぞれのバッテリサービスステーションにおける占有されたバッテリ交換ベイの数と、 前記それぞれのバッテリサービスステーションにおける空いたバッテリ交換ベイの数と、 前記バッテリサービスステーションの位置と、 前述の状態の任意の組み合わせと、からなる群から選択される、請求項13に記載の方法。
- 15前記車両の1つまたは複数の車輪を駆動し、かつバッテリによって電力を供給される電気モータを含む車両が、 1つまたは複数のプロセッサと、 メモリと、 前記メモリに記憶された1つまたは複数のプログラムであって、 前記車両のバッテリの状態を判定する命令と、 前記車両の地理的位置を判定する命令と、 前記車両の前記バッテリの前記充電状態および前記車両の前記地理的位置に基づいて、前記車両が到達できる少なくとも1つのバッテリサービスステーションを識別する命令と、 前記少なくとも1つのバッテリサービスステーションのユーザを、前記車両のユーザに通知する命令と、を含む1つまたは複数のプログラムと、を含む車両。
- 16少なくとも1つのバッテリサービスステーションに対する前記車両の前記地理的位置を、前記車両の測位システムのユーザインタフェースにおける地図上に表示する命令をさらに含む、請求項15に記載の車両。
- 17前記車両が到達できる前記バッテリサービスステーションを、前記地図上にマークする命令をさらに含む、請求項15に記載の車両。
- 18前記少なくとも1つのバッテリサービスステーションが、前記車両の前記バッテリを充電する充電ステーションか、または前記車両の少なくとも部分的に消耗したバッテリを充電したバッテリと交換するバッテリ交換ステーションである、請求項15に記載の車両。
- 19前記バッテリがユーザによって所有されず、 前記車両の前記ユーザが、前記車両の法的所有権を有するユーザか、または前記車両の法的占有権を有するユーザである、請求項15に記載の車両。
- 20前記車両のユーザからバッテリサービスステーションの選択を受信する命令と、 前記車両のために、前記バッテリサービスステーションの予約をする命令と、をさらに含む、請求項15に記載の車両。
- 21前記車両の前記バッテリの前記状態を判定する前記命令が、 前記バッテリの充電レベルを判定する命令と、 前記バッテリの製造からの年数を判定する命令と、 前記バッテリの充電/放電サイクルの回数を判定する命令と、 前述の命令の任意の組み合わせと、からなる群から選択される1つを含む、請求項15に記載の車両。
- 22前記車両の前記バッテリの前記状態に基づいて、前記車両が到達できる前記バッテリサービスステーションを識別する前記命令が、 前記バッテリが前記車両の前記電気モータにもはや電力を供給できなくなる前に前記車両が走行できる最大距離を判定する命令と、 前記車両の前記地理的位置から前記最大距離内にある前記バッテリサービスステーションを決定する命令と、を含む、請求項15に記載の車両。
- 23前記最大距離が、指定の安全率を含む、請求項22に記載の車両。
- 24前記バッテリが前記車両の前記電気モータにもはや電力を供給できなくなる前に前記車両が走行できる最大距離を判定する命令と、 前記車両の前記地理的位置から前記最大距離内にある地図エリアを、前記車両の測位システムのユーザインタフェースにマークする命令と、をさらに含む、請求項15に記載の車両。
- 25前記車両の前記バッテリの前記状態を、データネットワークを通じてサービスプロバイダに定期的に送信する命令を含む、請求項15に記載の車両。
- 26前記車両の前記地理的位置を、データネットワークを通じてサービスプロバイダに定期的に送信する命令を含む、請求項15に記載の車両。
- 27前記バッテリサービスステーションの状態を、データネットワークを通じてサービスプロバイダから定期的に受信する命令を含む、請求項15に記載の車両。
- 28それぞれのバッテリサービスステーションの前記状態が、 前記それぞれのバッテリサービスステーションにおける占有された充電ステーションの数と、 前記それぞれのバッテリサービスステーションにおける空いた充電ステーションの数と、 前記それぞれのバッテリサービスステーションにおける占有されたバッテリ交換ベイの数と、 前記それぞれのバッテリサービスステーションにおける空いたバッテリ交換ベイの数と、 前記バッテリサービスステーションの位置と、 前述の状態の任意の組み合わせと、からなる群から選択される、請求項27に記載の車両。
- 29コンピュータによる実行のために構成された1つまたは複数のプログラムを記憶するコンピュータ可読記憶媒体であって、前記1つまたは複数のプログラムが、 前記車両のバッテリの状態を判定する命令であって、前記車両が、前記車両の1つまたは複数の車輪を駆動する電気モータを含み、前記電気モータが、前記バッテリからエネルギを受け取る命令と、 前記車両の地理的位置を判定する命令と、 前記車両の前記バッテリの前記充電状態および前記車両の前記地理的位置に基づいて、前記車両が到達できる少なくとも1つのバッテリサービスステーションを識別する命令と、 前記少なくとも1つのバッテリサービスステーションのユーザを、前記車両のユーザに通知する命令と、を含むコンピュータ可読記憶媒体。
- 30少なくとも1つのバッテリサービスステーションに対する前記車両の前記地理的位置を、前記車両の測位システムのユーザインタフェースにおける地図上に表示する命令をさらに含む、請求項29に記載のコンピュータ可読記憶媒体。
- 31前記車両が到達できる前記バッテリサービスステーションを、前記地図上にマークする命令をさらに含む、請求項29に記載のコンピュータ可読記憶媒体。
- 32前記少なくとも1つのバッテリサービスステーションが、前記車両の前記バッテリを充電する充電ステーションか、または前記車両の少なくとも部分的に消耗したバッテリを充電したバッテリと交換するバッテリ交換ステーションである、請求項29に記載のコンピュータ可読記憶媒体。
- 33前記バッテリが前記ユーザによって所有されず、 前記車両の前記ユーザが、前記車両の法的所有権を有するユーザか、または前記車両の法的占有権を有するユーザである、請求項29に記載のコンピュータ可読記憶媒体。
- 34前記車両のユーザからバッテリサービスステーションの選択を受信する命令と、 前記車両のために、前記バッテリサービスステーションの予約をする命令と、をさらに含む、請求項29に記載のコンピュータ可読記憶媒体。
- 35前記車両の前記バッテリの前記状態を判定する前記命令が、 前記バッテリの充電レベルを判定する命令と、 前記バッテリの製造からの年数を判定する命令と、 前記バッテリの充電/放電サイクルの回数を判定する命令と、 前述の命令の任意の組み合わせと、からなる群から選択される1つを含む、請求項29に記載のコンピュータ可読記憶媒体。
- 36前記車両の前記バッテリの前記状態に基づいて、前記車両が到達できる前記バッテリサービスステーションを識別する前記命令が、 前記バッテリが前記車両の前記電気モータにもはや電力を供給できなくなる前に前記車両が走行できる最大距離を判定する命令と、 前記車両の前記地理的位置から前記最大距離内にある前記バッテリサービスステーションを決定する命令と、を含む、請求項29に記載のコンピュータ可読記憶媒体。
- 37前記最大距離が、指定の安全率を含む、請求項36に記載のコンピュータ可読記憶媒体。
- 38前記バッテリが前記車両の前記電気モータにもはや電力を供給できなくなる前に前記車両が走行できる最大距離を判定する命令と、 前記車両の前記地理的位置から前記最大距離内にある地図エリアを、前記車両の測位システムのユーザインタフェースにマークする命令と、を含む、請求項29に記載のコンピュータ可読記憶媒体。
- 39前記車両の前記バッテリの前記状態を、データネットワークを通じてサービスプロバイダに定期的に送信する命令を含む、請求項29に記載のコンピュータ可読記憶媒体。
- 40前記車両の前記地理的位置を、データネットワークを通じてサービスプロバイダに定期的に送信する命令を含む、請求項29に記載のコンピュータ可読記憶媒体。
- 41前記バッテリサービスステーションの状態を、データネットワークを通じてサービスプロバイダから定期的に受信する命令を含む、請求項29に記載のコンピュータ可読記憶媒体。
- 42それぞれのバッテリサービスステーションの前記状態が、 前記それぞれのバッテリサービスステーションにおける占有された充電ステーションの数と、 前記それぞれのバッテリサービスステーションにおける空いた充電ステーションの数と、 前記それぞれのバッテリサービスステーションにおける占有されたバッテリ交換ベイの数と、 前記それぞれのバッテリサービスステーションにおける空いたバッテリ交換ベイの数と、 前記バッテリサービスステーションの位置と、 前述の状態の任意の組み合わせと、からなる群から選択される、請求項41に記載のコンピュータ可読記憶媒体。
Independent claims42
100 paragraphs, as filed
Technical field [0001] The disclosed embodiments generally relate to electric vehicles. The embodiments of the disclosure relate, among other things, to electric vehicle networks and relationships between vehicle users, service providers, power providers and / or financial institutions.
background [0002] Vehicles (eg, passenger cars, trucks, planes, ships, etc.) are an integral part of the modern economy. Unfortunately, fossil fuels such as petroleum used to power automobiles have a number of drawbacks, including dependence on the limited foreign resources for these fossil fuels, pollution, and climate change. One solution to these problems is to improve the fuel economy of automobiles. Recently, gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles have been introduced, which have a much higher fuel economy than the fuel economy of conventional non-hybrid vehicles. However, hybrid vehicles do not eliminate the need for fossil fuels.
[0003] Another solution to these problems is to use clean engine technology, such as fuel cells or batteries powered by batteries. However, many of these clean engine technologies are not yet practical. Fuel cell vehicles, for example, are still in development and are expensive. Similarly, battery technology has not advanced to the point where batteries can power electric vehicles over long distances. Batteries are expensive and can add up to 40% to the cost of the vehicle. In addition, batteries can take hours to charge.
[0004] Therefore, it would be highly desirable to provide a vehicle that addresses the above drawbacks.
<p>Overview [0005] To overcome the above drawbacks, some embodiments provide an electric vehicle that includes a battery that can be quickly replaced. In doing so, the depleted (or partially depleted) battery can be replaced with a recharged battery. Therefore, long battery charge times are no longer needed by users of electric vehicles traveling long distances. Moreover, the cost of the electric vehicle can be significantly reduced as the battery of the electric vehicle is no longer an integral part of the vehicle. Therefore, the battery can be owned by a party other than the user of the vehicle. For example, a financial institution or service provider may own the battery and charge the user based on the battery service provided (eg, charging the battery, replacing the battery, etc.). Finally, because electric vehicles are powered by batteries, the dependence of fossil fuels on foreign resources can be eliminated. In addition, the energy required to charge the battery can be generated by renewable and / or clean resources (eg, solar power, wind power, hydraulic power, etc.).</p><p>[0006] Some embodiments provide a network of battery service stations in which the vehicle's battery can be replaced and / or charged. The term "battery service station" as used herein refers to a battery replacement station that replaces a depleted (or partially depleted) battery in a vehicle with a charged battery, and / or energy to charge the vehicle's battery. Used to refer to the charging station that supplies. Further, the term "charging spot" can refer to a "charging station".</p><p>[0007] Some embodiments provide methods, computer-readable storage media, and systems for providing information about the battery service station to the vehicle. The vehicle includes an electric motor that drives one or more wheels of the vehicle, in which case the electric motor receives energy from the battery. In these embodiments, the system including hardware and / or software (eg, vehicle operating system) provides an interface between the user and the service provider and between the vehicle and the vehicle-area network. In some embodiments, the vehicle operating system is integrated with the vehicle controller-area network (CAN) and multimedia head unit. The vehicle operating system may provide energy management, navigation, rate management, assistive services, and other media and content services, as well as information between the vehicle and networks, multimedia components and other services. The transmitting network service can be integrated in the vehicle. The vehicle operating system can determine the state of the vehicle's battery. The vehicle operating system then determines the geographic location of the vehicle. The vehicle operating system displays the geographic location of the vehicle with respect to the battery service station on a map in the user interface of the vehicle positioning system. Then, in some embodiments, the vehicle operating system identifies the battery service stations reachable by the vehicle based on the battery status of the vehicle and the geographic location of the vehicle, and maps these battery service stations. indicate.</p><p> [0008] Some embodiments provide methods, computer-readable storage media, and systems for providing information about a battery service station to a vehicle. The service provider receives the vehicle's battery status and vehicle geographic location from the vehicle through the data network. Note that the service provider is also called the "service control center". Vehicles include electric motors that drive one or more wheels of the vehicle, which receive energy from the battery. The service provider then determines from the state of the battery that the battery needs to be charged. The service provider determines the battery service station based at least in part on the vehicle's battery status and geographic location. The service provider then sends information about the battery service station to the vehicle through the data network.</p><p>[0009] In some embodiments, information about the battery service station is displayed on a map in the user interface of the vehicle positioning system.</p><p>[0010] In some embodiments, determining from the state of the battery that the battery needs to be charged includes determining whether the charge level of the battery is below a specified threshold.</p><p>[0011] In some embodiments, the battery service station is a charging station that charges one or more batteries in the vehicle, a battery replacement station that replaces a depleted battery in the vehicle with a charged battery, and the battery service described above. Selected from the group consisting of any combination of stations.</p><p>[0012] In some embodiments, the battery is not owned by the user of the vehicle. In these embodiments, the vehicle user is selected from the group consisting of users who have legal ownership of the vehicle and users who have legal possession of the vehicle as part of a loan agreement for the vehicle.</p><p>[0013] In some embodiments, the service provider requests the vehicle's battery status from the vehicle through the data network before receiving the vehicle's battery status and vehicle geographic location from the vehicle through the data network. And request the vehicle's geographic location through the data network.</p><p>[0014] In some embodiments, the service provider periodically transmits information about the battery service station to the vehicle through the data network.</p><p> In some embodiments, the service provider receives the selection of the battery service station from the user of the vehicle through the data network and reserves time at the battery service station for the vehicle.</p><p>[0016] In some embodiments, determining the battery service station based at least in part on the condition and geographic location of the vehicle's battery is before the battery can no longer power the vehicle's electric motor. Includes determining the maximum distance a vehicle can travel and selecting a battery service station within the maximum distance from the vehicle's geographic location.</p><p>[0017] In some embodiments, the information for each battery service station is the number of occupied charging stations in each battery service station and the number of free charging stations in each battery service station, respectively. Select from the group consisting of the number of occupied battery replacement bays at the battery service station, the number of free battery replacement bays at each battery service station, the location of the battery service station, and any combination of the above conditions. Will be done.</p><p>[0018] Some embodiments provide methods, computer-readable storage media, and systems for providing information about a battery service station to a vehicle. The vehicle determines the battery status of the vehicle and the geographic location of the vehicle. The vehicle includes an electric motor that drives one or more wheels of the vehicle, which receives energy from the battery. The vehicle then determines from the state of the battery that the battery needs to be charged. The vehicle determines the battery service station based at least in part on the vehicle's battery status and geographic location. The vehicle then obtains information about the battery service station, at least in part, from the service provider through the data network.</p><p>[0019] In some embodiments, the vehicle displays information about the battery service station on a map in the user interface of the vehicle's positioning system.</p><p>[0020] In some embodiments, determining from the state of the battery that the vehicle needs to be charged includes determining if the charge level of the battery is below a specified threshold.</p><p>[0021] In some embodiments, the battery service station is a charging station that charges one or more batteries in the vehicle, a battery replacement station that replaces a depleted battery in the vehicle with a charged battery, and the battery service described above. Selected from the group consisting of any combination of stations.</p><p>[0022] In some embodiments, the battery is not owned by the user of the vehicle. In these embodiments, the vehicle user is selected from the group consisting of users who have legal ownership of the vehicle and users who have legal possession of the vehicle as part of a loan agreement for the vehicle.</p><p>[0023] In some embodiments, the vehicle obtaining information about the battery service station also includes obtaining information about the battery service station from the vehicle's positioning system.</p><p>[0024] In some embodiments, the vehicle periodically obtains information about the battery service station from the service provider through a data network.</p><p>[0025] In some embodiments, the vehicle receives a selection of battery service stations from the user of the vehicle and sends a request to the service provider to reserve time at the battery service station for the vehicle.</p><p>[0026] In some embodiments, determining the battery service station based, at least in part, on the condition and geographic location of the vehicle's battery is before the battery can no longer power the vehicle's electric motor. Includes determining the maximum distance a vehicle can travel and selecting a battery service station within the maximum distance from the vehicle's geographic location.</p><p>[0027] In some embodiments, the information for each battery service station is the number of occupied charging stations at each battery service station and the number of free charging stations at each battery service station, respectively. Select from the group consisting of the number of occupied battery replacement bays at the battery service station, the number of free battery replacement bays at each battery service station, the location of the battery service station, and any combination of the above conditions. Will be done.</p><p>[0028] Some embodiments provide methods, computer-readable storage media, and systems for monitoring battery service stations in a vehicle-area network. The service provider periodically requests the status of the battery service station through the data network. The service provider receives the data network through the state of the battery service station and updates the database containing information about the battery service station in the vehicle-area network along with the state of the battery service station.</p><p>[0029] In some embodiments, the battery service station is a charging station that charges one or more batteries in the vehicle, a battery replacement station that replaces a depleted battery in the vehicle with a charged battery, and the battery service described above. Selected from the group consisting of any combination of stations.</p><p>[0030] In some embodiments, the state of the battery service station is the number of occupied charging stations in the battery service station, the number of free charging stations in the battery service station, and the occupied battery in the battery service station. It is selected from the group consisting of the number of replacement bays, the number of free battery replacement bays in the battery service station, the location of the battery service station, and any combination of the above states.</p><p>[0031] In some embodiments, the service provider delivers at least a portion of the database containing information about the battery service station to the vehicle in the vehicle-area network through the data network.</p><p>[0032] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the database containing information about the battery service station consists of a group consisting of the geographic location of the vehicle, the charge level of the vehicle battery, and any combination of the aforementioned selection criteria. Selected based on the selection criteria selected.</p><p>[0033] In some embodiments, periodically requesting the status of a battery service station comprises periodically sending an inquiry to the battery service station through a data network, where the inquiry is the status of the battery service station. To request.</p><p>[0034] Some embodiments provide methods, computer-readable storage media, and systems for reporting the status of battery service stations in a vehicle-area network. The battery service station periodically receives requests for the status of the battery service station from the service provider through the data network. The battery service station determines the status of the battery service station and transmits the status of the battery service station to the service provider through the data network.</p><p>[0035] Some embodiments provide methods, computer readable storage media, and systems for energizing a vehicle at a battery service station. The battery service station receives the account status of the vehicle user from the service provider through the data network. The battery service station then determines whether the account status indicates that the user's account is good standing. The battery service station energizes the vehicle at the battery service station if the account status indicates that the user's account is good. The battery service station then charges the user's account for the energy supplied at the battery service station.</p><p>[0036] In some embodiments, prior to receiving the vehicle user's account status, the battery service station contacts the service provider to determine the vehicle user's account status.</p><p>[0037] In some embodiments, the battery service station provides the user with an option to make the account good if the account status indicates that the user's account is not good.</p><p>[0038] In some embodiments, the options are to apply for a monthly service plan, to apply for an annual service plan, to apply for a mileage-based service plan, to apply for an energy consumption-based service plan. , Apply for a pay-per-use plan, and be selected from the group consisting of any combination of the plans mentioned above.</p><p>[0039] In some embodiments, the battery service station includes a charging station that charges one or more batteries in the vehicle, a battery replacement station that replaces the depleted battery in the vehicle with a charged battery, and the above-mentioned battery. It is selected from any combination of service stations and a group consisting of.</p><p>[0040] In some embodiments, determining whether the account status indicates that the user's account is good is determining whether the application associated with the account is valid and the account. Includes determining whether the relevant funding source is valid, determining whether the fees for the application associated with the account have been paid, and any combination of the aforementioned actions.</p><p>[0041] In some embodiments, energizing a vehicle at a battery service station energizes the vehicle to charge the vehicle's battery, and replaces the depleted battery of the vehicle with a charged battery. Includes one selected from the group consisting of things to do.</p><p>[0042] Some embodiments provide methods, computer-readable storage media, and systems for providing vehicle-related account information to facilitate energizing the vehicle at a battery service station. .. The service provider receives an inquiry from the battery service station through the data network to determine the account status of the user in the vehicle. The service provider then determines the user's account status and sends the user's account status to the battery service station over the data network.</p><p>[0043] Some embodiments provide methods, computer-readable storage media, and systems for providing access to battery service stations in a vehicle-area network. Vehicles-Multiple subscription options for accessing battery service stations in the area network are provided to vehicle users. The vehicle includes an electric motor that drives one or more wheels of the vehicle, which receives energy from the vehicle's battery. Moreover, the battery is not owned by the user of the vehicle. A selection of application options is received from the user. The contract is signed with the user under the terms of the application options selected by the user. Vehicle-Information about battery service stations in the area network is provided to the user of the vehicle.</p><p>[0044] In some embodiments, multiple subscription options include signing up for a monthly service plan, signing up for a yearly service plan, signing up for a mileage-based service plan, and energy consumption-based service plans. Includes signing up for, signing up for a pay-as-you-go plan, and any combination of the plans mentioned above.</p><p>[0045] In some embodiments, access to the battery service station is provided to the user of the vehicle.</p><p>[0046] In some embodiments, the user is billed for access to the battery service station under contract and for the services provided at the battery service station.</p><p>[0047] In some embodiments, the battery service station is a charging station that charges one or more batteries in the vehicle, a battery replacement station that replaces a depleted battery in the vehicle with a charged battery, and the battery service described above. Selected from the group consisting of any combination of stations.</p><p>[0048] In some embodiments, the vehicle user is selected from a group consisting of a user who has legal ownership of the vehicle and a user who has legal possession of the vehicle as part of a loan agreement for the vehicle. The vehicle.</p><p>[0049] Some embodiments provide methods, computer-readable storage media, and systems for distributing energy in the power grid. Energy is generated from one or more power plants. Energy is distributed through the power grid. Energy is stored in the vehicle battery. Each vehicle includes a respective electric motor that drives one or more wheels of each vehicle, and each electric motor receives energy from its own battery in the vehicle. The energy stored in the vehicle's battery is extracted when the energy production from one or more power plants is less than the demand for the power grid. The energy extracted from the vehicle battery is distributed to the power grid.</p><p>[0050] In some embodiments, one or more power plants are coal power plants, solar power plants, biofuel power plants, nuclear power plants, wind power plants, wave power plants, geothermal power plants, natural It is selected from the group consisting of gas power plants, fossil fuel power plants, hydroelectric power plants, and any combination of the aforementioned power plants.</p><p>[0051] In some embodiments, the vehicle user is compensated for the energy extracted from the vehicle battery.</p><p>[0052] In some embodiments, the vehicle user is charged for the energy stored in the vehicle battery.</p><p>[0053] Some embodiments provide a vehicle that includes one or more drive wheels, an electric motor, and a battery. The electric motor is connected to one or more drive wheels of the vehicle, and the electric motor is configured to drive one or more drive wheels. The battery is electrically and mechanically connected to the vehicle, and the battery is configured to supply energy to drive an electric motor. In these embodiments, the battery is not owned by the user of the vehicle. In addition, the vehicle is owned by the first party and the battery is owned by the second party.</p><p>[0054] In some embodiments, the vehicle user is selected from the group consisting of users who have legal ownership of the vehicle and users who have legal possession of the vehicle as part of a loan agreement for the vehicle. The vehicle.</p><p>[0055] In some embodiments, the first party is selected from the group consisting of vehicle users, financial institutions, and service providers.</p><p>[0056] In some embodiments, the second party is selected from the group consisting of financial institutions and service providers.</p><p>[0057] In some embodiments, the vehicle comprises a communication module configured to communicate with a third party.</p><p>[0058] In some embodiments, the third party provides the vehicle with information about the battery service station.</p><p>[0059] In some embodiments, the owner of the communication module is selected from the group consisting of financial institutions and service providers.</p>
A brief description of the drawing<figref num="1">[0060] An electric vehicle network is shown according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="2">[0061] A flow diagram of a process for providing information about a battery service station to a user of a vehicle, according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="3">[0062] A flow diagram of another process for providing information about a battery service station to a user of a vehicle, according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="4">[0063] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of another process for providing information about a battery service station to a user of a vehicle, according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="5">[0064] A flow diagram of a process for monitoring a battery service station in a vehicle-area network, according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="6">[0065] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a process for supplying energy to a vehicle at a battery replacement station, according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="7">[0066] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a process for supplying energy to a vehicle at a charging station, according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="8">[0067] A flow diagram of a process for providing access to a battery service station in a vehicle-area network, according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="9">[0068] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of a process for distributing energy in a power grid, according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="10">[0069] A flow diagram of a process for establishing a relationship between a vehicle user and a service provider, according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="11">[0070] A flow diagram of the process for establishing relationships between vehicle users, service providers, and financial institutions, according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="12">[0071] A flow diagram of another process for establishing a relationship between a vehicle user and a service provider, according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="13">[0072] A flow diagram of another process for establishing relationships between vehicle users, service providers, and financial institutions, according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="14">[0073] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of another process for establishing relationships between vehicle users, service providers, and financial institutions, according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="15">[0074] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a process for establishing a relationship between a vehicle user and a financial institution, according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="16">[0075] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of another process for establishing a relationship between a vehicle user and a financial institution, according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="17">[0076] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a vehicle according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="18">[0077] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a service provider according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="19">[0078] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a battery replacement station according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="20">[0079] FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a charging station according to some embodiments.</figref><figref num="21">[0080] An exemplary user interface of a vehicle positioning system is shown according to some embodiments.</figref>
[0001] Throughout the drawing, similar reference numbers refer to the corresponding parts.
Description of the embodiment<u style="single">Electric vehicle network</u>[0081] FIG. 1 shows an electric vehicle network 100 according to some embodiments. The electric vehicle network 100 includes a vehicle 102 and a battery 104. In some embodiments, the battery 104 can store electrical energy, such as a battery (eg, a lithium ion battery, a lead acid battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, etc.), a capacitor, a reaction cell (eg, a zinc air battery), etc. Includes equipment.
[0082] In some embodiments, the vehicle 102 includes an electric motor 103 that drives one or more wheels of the vehicle. In these embodiments, the electric motor 103 draws energy from a battery electrically and mechanically mounted in the vehicle (eg, battery 104) (shown separately from the vehicle for ease of explanation). receive. The battery 104 of the vehicle 102 may be charged at the home 130 of the user 110. Alternatively, the battery 104 of the vehicle 102 may be charged at one or more charging stations 132. For example, the charging station 132 may be in the parking lot of a shopping center. Further, in some embodiments, the battery 104 of the vehicle 102 can be replaced with a charged battery at one or more battery replacement stations 134. Therefore, if the user travels a distance that exceeds the limit of one charge of the vehicle battery, the depleted (or partially depleted) battery is replaced with the charged battery and the user You can allow yourself to continue driving without waiting for the battery to charge. As used herein, the term "battery service station" refers to a battery replacement station that replaces a depleted (or partially depleted) battery in a vehicle with a charged battery, and / or energy to charge the vehicle's battery. Used to refer to the charging station provided. Further, the term "charging spot" can refer to a "charging station".
[0083] In some embodiments, the vehicle 102 includes a communication module 106 that includes hardware and software used to communicate with a vehicle-area network service provider 112. Note that the term "vehicle-area network" is used herein to refer to a network of vehicles, batteries, battery replacement stations, charging stations and data networks. In some embodiments, the vehicle communication module 106 is owned by user 110 of vehicle 102, financial institution 114, and / or service provider 112.
[0084] In some embodiments, vehicle 102 includes positioning system 105. For example, the positioning system can include a satellite positioning system, a wireless tower positioning system, a Wi-Fi positioning system, and any combination of the positioning systems described above. In addition, positioning system 105 may include a navigation system that creates routes and / or guidance between geographic locations and destinations.
[0085] In some embodiments, the battery is not owned by user 110 of vehicle 102. In these embodiments, user 110 of vehicle 102 is a user who has legal ownership of the vehicle or holds the vehicle as part of a loan agreement (eg, loan or lease) for the vehicle. A user who has legal possession rights.
[0086] FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing the vehicle 1700 according to some embodiments. For example, vehicle 1700 may be vehicle 102 in FIG. Typically, the vehicle 1700 has one or more processing units (CPUs) 1702, one or more networks or other communication interfaces 1704 (eg, antennas, I / O interfaces, etc.), and memory 1710. A battery control unit that controls the charging and / or replacement of a partially depleted battery with a charged battery, a motor control unit 1762 that manages the electric motor 103, and a positioning system 1764 (eg, FIG. 1). The positioning system 105), a battery charge sensor that determines the state of the battery 104 as described herein, and one or more communication buses 1709 for interconnecting these components. Communication bus 1709 may include circuits (sometimes referred to as chipsets) that interconnect and control communication between system components. Optionally, the vehicle 1700 may include a user interface 1705 including a display device 1706 and an input device 1708 (eg, mouse, keyboard, touchpad, touch screen, etc.). Memory 1710 includes high-speed random access memory such as DRAM, SRAM, DDR RAM, or other random access solid-state memory device, and may also include one or more magnetic disk storage devices, optical disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or It may include non-volatile memory such as other non-volatile solid state storage devices. Optionally, memory 1710 may include one or more storage devices located remote from CPU 1702. The memory 1710 or the non-volatile memory device in the memory 1710 includes a computer-readable storage medium. In some embodiments, memory 1710 stores the following programs, modules and data structures, or subsets thereof: · Operating system 1712, which includes procedures for handling various basic system services and for performing hardware-dependent tasks; · One or more communications network interface 1704 (wired or wireless), and one or more communications networks such as the Internet, other wide area networks, local area networks, metropolitan area networks, etc. Communication module 1714 used to connect to a computer (eg vehicle communication module 106); User interface module 1716; which receives commands from the user via input device 1708 and generates user interface objects on display device 1706; A positioning module 1718 that determines the position of the vehicle 1700 and includes a destination 1744 selected by the user of the vehicle using a positioning system as described herein; Battery status module 1720; determines vehicle battery status A battery control module 1722 that controls the charging of the vehicle's battery and / or the replacement of a partially depleted battery with a charged battery, between the vehicle 1700 and the battery service station and / or service provider 112. Battery control module 1722 with handshaking and encryption functions used during communication -Account module 1724 that manages the account information of vehicle users; Database module 1726, which interfaces with the database on the vehicle 1700, A battery status database containing current and / or historical information about the vehicle's battery status 1740; -Vehicle geographic location database 1742; which stores the current location and / or historical location and address. · Battery service station database 1746; and contains information about battery service stations. -Account data including vehicle user account information 1748.
Positioning System 105 (and Positioning System 1764), Vehicle Communication Module 106, User Interface Module 1716, Positioning Module 1718, Battery Status Module 1720, Battery Control Module 1722, Account Module 1724, Database Module 1726, Battery Status Database 1740, Note that the geolocation database 1742 and the battery service station database 1746 can be referred to as the "vehicle operating system".
[0088] Each of the elements identified above may be stored in one or more of the aforementioned memory devices and corresponds to an instruction set for performing the above functions. The instruction set can be executed by one or more processors (eg, CPU1702). The modules or programs identified above (ie, the instruction set) need not run as separate software programs, procedures, or modules, so different subsets of these modules may be combined in different embodiments. Alternatively, it may be rearranged. In some embodiments, memory 1710 may store a subset of the modules and data structures identified above. In addition, memory 1710 may store additional modules and data structures not described above.
Although a single vehicle is discussed herein, it should be noted that the methods and systems are applicable to multiple vehicles.
[0090] In some embodiments, the service provider 112 provides information about the battery service station via the vehicle communication module 106. Service provider 112 also provides vehicle 102 with access to the battery service station. Service provider 112 obtains information about the vehicle and / or battery service station by sending an inquiry to vehicle 102, charging station 132, and / or battery replacement station 134 through the data network 120. For example, the service provider 112 can contact the vehicle 102 to determine the geographic location of the vehicle and the battery status of the vehicle. Similarly, service provider 112 can contact charging station 132 (and / or battery replacement station 134) to determine the status of charging station 132 (and / or battery replacement station 134). The state of the battery service station is the number of occupied charging stations in each battery service station, the number of vacant charging stations in each battery service station, and the charging of each vehicle charging at each charging station. Estimated time to complete, number of occupied battery replacement bays at each battery service station, number of free battery replacement bays at each battery service station, and charged batteries available at each battery service station. , The number of depleted batteries in each battery service station, the types of batteries available in each battery service station, the estimated time to charge each depleted battery, and each replacement bay. It can include an estimated time to free, the location of the battery service station, and any combination of the aforementioned conditions. Service provider 112 also de Information and / or commands can be sent to the vehicle 102, charging station 132, and / or battery replacement station 134 through the network. For example, service provider 112 may send information about the status of the user's account, the location of the battery service station, and / or the status of the battery service station.
FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing a service provider 1800 according to some embodiments. For example, service provider 1800 may be service provider 112 in FIG. The service provider 1800 may be the computer system of the service provider. Typically, the service provider 1800 has one or more processing units (CPUs) 1802 and one or more networks or other communication interfaces 1804 (eg, antennas, I / O interfaces, etc.) and memory 1810. It includes a positioning system 1860 that uses a positioning system to track the location of vehicles and battery service stations, and one or more communication buses 1809 for interconnecting these components. The communication bus 1809 is similar to the communication bus 1709 described above. Optionally, the service provider 1800 may include a user interface 1805 including a display device 1806 and an input device 1808 (eg, mouse, keyboard, touchpad, touch screen, etc.). Memory 1810 is DRAM, SRAM, DDR Contains high-speed random access memory such as RAM, or other random access solid-state memory devices, and is also non-volatile, such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, optical disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state storage devices. It may include sex memory. Optionally, memory 1810 may include one or more storage devices located remote from CPU 1802. The memory 1810 or the non-volatile memory device in the memory 1810 includes a computer-readable storage medium. In some embodiments, memory 1810 stores the following programs, modules and data structures, or subsets thereof: · Operating system 1812, which includes procedures for handling various basic system services and for performing hardware-dependent tasks; · Other service providers 1800 via one or more communication network interfaces 1804 (wired or wireless) and one or more communication networks such as the Internet, other wide area networks, local area networks, metropolitan area networks, etc. Communication module used to connect to computing devices in 1814; User interface module 1816; which receives commands from the user via input device 1808 and generates user interface objects on display device 1806; Positioning module 1818 that tracks the location of vehicles and battery service stations using positioning systems as described herein; -Battery status module 1820 to determine the battery status of the vehicle; · Battery service station module 1822; which tracks the status of the battery service station -Account module 1824 that manages the account information of vehicle users; Database module 1826 that interfaces with the database in service provider 1800; Vehicles-Vehicle location database containing vehicle current and / or historical locations in the area network 1840; · Vehicle-Battery status database containing battery status in the area network 1842 · Vehicle-Battery Service Station Database 1844; and includes the status of Battery Service Stations in the Area Network. -Account data including vehicle user account information 1846.
[0092] Each of the elements identified above may be stored in one or more of the aforementioned memory devices and corresponds to an instruction set for performing the above functions. The instruction set can be executed by one or more processors (eg, CPU 1802). The modules or programs identified above (ie, the instruction set) need not run as separate software programs, procedures, or modules, so different subsets of these modules may be combined in different embodiments. Alternatively, it may be rearranged. In some embodiments, memory 1810 may store a subset of the modules and data structures identified above. In addition, memory 1810 may store additional modules and data structures not described above.
[0093] In some embodiments, the battery replacement station 134 replaces a depleted (or partially depleted) battery (eg, battery 104) of a vehicle (eg, vehicle 102) with a charged battery. In these embodiments, instead of charging the vehicle battery, the battery is replaced with a fully charged battery. The battery replacement station 134 may charge the partially depleted battery after removing the battery from the vehicle. Thus, the battery replacement station 134 can quickly replace a depleted or partially depleted battery in a vehicle with a charged battery, just as a gas station can quickly refill the petrol tank of a petrol vehicle. ..
[0094] FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing a battery replacement station 1900 according to some embodiments. For example, the battery replacement station 1900 may be the battery replacement station 134 of FIG. The battery replacement station 1900 may be the computer system of the battery replacement station. Typically, the battery exchange station 1900 has one or more processing units (CPUs) 1902 and one or more networks or other communication interfaces 1904 (eg, antennas, I / O interfaces, etc.) and memory. 1910, a battery replacement unit 1960 that replaces the vehicle's battery, a battery control unit 1962 that manages the charging of the depleted battery removed from the vehicle, a sensor 1964 that determines the status of the battery replacement station 1900, and a battery replacement station. Includes a positioning module 1966 that determines and / or reports the location of the 1900, and one or more communication buses 1909 for interconnecting these components. The communication bus 1909 is similar to the communication bus 1709 described above. Optionally, the battery replacement station 1900 may include a user interface 1905 including a display device 1906 and an input device 1908 (eg, mouse, keyboard, touch pad, touch screen, etc.). Memory 1910 is DRAM, SRAM, DDR Contains high-speed random access memory such as RAM, or other random access solid-state memory devices, as well as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, optical disk storage devices, flash memory devices, or other non-volatile solid-state storage devices. May include non-volatile memory. Optionally, memory 1910 may include one or more storage devices located remote from CPU 1902. The memory 1910 or the non-volatile memory device in the memory 1910 includes a computer-readable storage medium. In some embodiments, memory 1910 stores the following programs, modules, and data structures, or subsets thereof: · Operating system 1912, which includes procedures for handling various basic system services and for performing hardware-dependent tasks; · Battery exchange station 1900 via one or more communication network interfaces 1904 (wired or wireless) and one or more communication networks such as the Internet, other wide area networks, local area networks, metropolitan area networks, etc. Communication module used to connect to other computers 1914; User interface module 1916; which receives commands from the user via input device 1908 and generates user interface objects on display device 1906; Determine the location of the battery replacement station using a positioning system as described herein (eg, via a positioning system as described herein, via user input, etc.) and / or report. Positioning module 1918; -Battery status module 1920; which determines the status of the battery at the battery exchange station; A battery replacement module 1922 that determines and reports on the status of the battery replacement station 1900 and performs operations related to replacing the vehicle battery as described herein; -Account module 1924 that manages the account information of vehicle users; The database module 1926, which interfaces with the database at the battery exchange station 1900, -Battery status database including battery status at battery exchange stations 1940; · Battery replacement database 1942; and includes the state of the battery and / or battery replacement bay at the battery replacement station. -Account data including vehicle user account information 1944.
[0095] Each of the elements identified above may be stored in one or more of the aforementioned memory devices and corresponds to an instruction set for performing the above functions. The instruction set can be executed by one or more processors (eg, CPU 1902). The modules or programs identified above (ie, the instruction set) need not run as separate software programs, procedures, or modules, so different subsets of these modules may be combined in different embodiments. Alternatively, it may be rearranged. In some embodiments, memory 1910 may store a subset of the modules and data structures identified above. In addition, memory 1910 may store additional modules and data structures not described above.
[0096] In some embodiments, the charging station 132 supplies energy to the vehicle to charge the battery 104 of the vehicle 102. The charging station can be located in a position where the vehicle can park. For example, charging stations can be located in parking lots and / or street parking lots. In some embodiments, the charging station can be located in the user's home (eg, home 130). In some embodiments, the charging station 132 may charge the battery 104 of the vehicle 102 at different speeds. For example, the charging station 132 may charge the battery 104 of the vehicle 102 using a fast charging mode or a trickle charging mode.
[0097] FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing a charging station 2000 according to some embodiments. For example, the charging station 2000 may be the charging station 132 of FIG. The charging station 2000 may be the computer system of the charging station. Typically, the charging station 2000 has one or more processing units (CPUs) 2002, one or more networks or other communication interfaces 2004 (eg, antennas, I / O interfaces, etc.), and memory 2010. The positioning system 2060 that determines and / or reports the position of the charging station 2000, the battery control unit 2062 that charges the battery at the charging station 2000, the sensor 2064 that determines the status of the charging station 2000, and their components. Includes one or more communication buses 2009 for interconnecting. Communication bus 2009 is similar to the communication bus 1709 described above. Optionally, the charging station 2000 may include a user interface 2005 that includes a display device 2006 and an input device 2008 (eg, mouse, keyboard, touchpad, touch screen, etc.). Memory 2010 includes fast random access memory such as DRAM, SRAM, DDR RAM, or other random access solid state memory devices, as well as one or more magnetic disk storage devices, optical disk storage devices, flash memory devices. , Or other non-volatile memory such as a non-volatile solid state storage device. Optionally, memory 2010 may include one or more storage devices located remote from CPU 2002. A computer-readable storage medium is included in the memory 2010 or the non-volatile memory device in the memory 2010. In some embodiments, memory 2010 stores the following programs, modules, and data structures, or subsets thereof: · Operating system 2012, which includes procedures for handling various basic system services and for performing hardware-dependent tasks; · Other Charging Station 2000 via one or more communication network interfaces 2004 (wired or wireless) and one or more communication networks such as the Internet, other wide area networks, local area networks, metropolitan area networks, etc. Communication module used to connect to a computer in 2014; -User interface module 2016 that receives commands from the user via input device 2008 and generates user interface objects on display device 2006; Determine the location of the battery replacement station using a positioning system as described herein (eg, via a positioning system as described herein, via user input, etc.) and / or report. Positioning module 2018; Battery control module 2020; and the battery control module 2020; which determines and reports the status of charging station 2000 and performs operations relating to battery charging at charging stations as described herein. -Account module 2022 that manages the account information of vehicle users.
[0098] Each of the elements identified above may be stored in one or more of the aforementioned memory devices and corresponds to an instruction set for performing the above functions. The instruction set can be executed by one or more processors (eg, CPU2002). The modules or programs identified above (ie, the instruction set) need not run as separate software programs, procedures, or modules, so different subsets of these modules may be combined in different embodiments. Alternatively, it may be rearranged. In some embodiments, memory 2010 may store a subset of the modules and data structures identified above. In addition, memory 2010 may store additional modules and data structures not described above.
[0099] Although FIGS. 17-20 each show a respective computer system, FIG. 17-20 may be present in a set of computer systems rather than as a structural schematic of the embodiments described herein. The purpose is to provide a functional explanation of various functions. In practice, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the items shown separately can be combined and some items can be separated. For example, some items shown separately in Figures 17-20 can be implemented on a single computer system, and a single item can be implemented on one or more computer systems. The actual number of computer systems used to implement each computer system and how features are assigned among them will vary from embodiment to peak usage period as well as during average usage period. It may depend in part on the amount of data traffic that the system must handle inside.
[00100] The electric vehicle network 100 shown in FIG. 1 also includes a data network 120 and a power grid 140.
[00101] The data network 120 may include any type of wired or wireless communication network to which computing nodes can be coupled together. Includes, but is not limited to, local area networks, wide area networks, or combinations of networks. In some embodiments, the data network 120 includes a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, a WiMAX network, an EDGE network, a GPRS network, an EV-DO network, an RTT network, an HSPA network, a UTMS network, and a flash OFDM network. , An iBurst network, and a wireless data network that includes any combination of the aforementioned networks. In some embodiments, the data network 120 includes the Internet.
[00102] As shown in FIG. 1, the data network 120 is connected to the vehicle 102, the service provider 112, the charging station 132, and the battery replacement station 134. For clarity, only one vehicle, one battery, one charging station, and one battery replacement station are shown, but the Electric Vehicle Network 100 has any number of vehicles, batteries, and charging stations. Note that, and / or battery replacement stations, etc. may be included. In addition, the electric vehicle network 100 may include zero or more charging stations and / or battery replacement stations. For example, the electric vehicle network 100 may include only charging stations. On the other hand, the electric vehicle network 100 may include only the battery replacement station. In some embodiments, any of the vehicle 102, the service provider 112, the charging station 132, and / or the battery exchange station 134 includes a communication module that can be used to communicate with each other through the data network 120.
[00103] The power grid 140 can include generators 156, transmission lines, distribution stations, transformers, etc., which facilitate power generation and transmission. The generators 156 include wind power plants 150, fossil fuel power plants 152, solar power plants 154, biofuel power plants, nuclear power plants, wave power plants, geothermal power plants, natural gas power plants, hydroelectric power plants, and the aforementioned. It may include any type of energy generating plant, such as a combination of power plants. The energy generated by one or more generators 156 may be distributed through the power grid 140 to home 130, charging station 132, and / or battery replacement station 134. The power grid 140 can also include batteries such as the battery 104 of the vehicle 102, the battery at the battery exchange station, and / or the battery not related to the vehicle. Therefore, the energy generated by the generator 156 can be stored in these batteries and extracted when the energy demand exceeds the energy generation.
[00104] As shown in FIG. 1, there are numerous relationships between the vehicle 102, the battery 104, the user 110, the service provider 112, the financial institution 114, and the power grid 140. In some embodiments, the financial institution 114 may own a vehicle 102, a battery 104, and / or a vehicle-area network. In some embodiments, the service provider 112 owns a vehicle 102, a battery 104, and / or a vehicle-area network. In some embodiments, the user 110 owns the vehicle 102 but not the battery 104. In some embodiments, the user 110 owns both the vehicle 102 and the battery 104. In some embodiments, the user does not own the battery 104 or the vehicle 102. In these embodiments, the user can lease / rent a vehicle from service provider 112 and / or financial institution 114. These relationships are described in more detail below in relation to FIGS. 10-16.
<u style="single">Providing information about battery service stations</u>[00105] In the methods described in Figure 2-16, each method is managed by instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium and executed by one or more processors in one or more computer systems. You may. Each of the operations shown in FIG. 2-16 may correspond to an instruction stored in computer memory or a computer-readable storage medium, respectively. Computer-readable storage media may include magnetic or optical disk storage devices, solid state storage devices such as flash memory, or other non-volatile memory devices. A computer-readable instruction stored on a computer-readable storage medium is a source code, assembly language code, object code, or other instruction form interpreted by one or more processors.
[00106] FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating method 200 for providing information about a battery service station to a user of a vehicle according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, method 200 is performed in a vehicle. Method 200 begins when the vehicle battery status module 1720 determines the vehicle battery status (202). In some embodiments, determining the state of the vehicle's battery includes determining the charge level of the battery, determining the number of years since the battery was manufactured, determining the number of charge / discharge cycles of the battery, and of the operations described above. Including combinations. In some embodiments, the vehicle periodically transmits the battery status of the vehicle to the service provider through the data network (216).
[00107] The vehicle positioning module 1718 then determines the geographic location of the vehicle (204). In some embodiments, the positioning system includes a satellite positioning system, a radio tower positioning system, a Wi-Fi positioning system, and any combination of the positioning systems described above. In some embodiments, the vehicle periodically transmits the geographic location of the vehicle to the service provider through the data network (218).
[00108] The vehicle user interface module 1716 then displays the vehicle's geographic location with respect to the battery service station on a map at user interface 1705 of the vehicle positioning system 1764 (206). As mentioned above, the battery service station includes a charging station that charges one or more batteries in the vehicle, a battery replacement station that replaces the depleted battery in the vehicle with a charged battery, and any of the battery service stations described above. Including combinations and. For example, FIG. 21 shows an exemplary user interface 2100 in the positioning system 1764 of vehicle 102, according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 21, the highlighted area 2102 indicates an area that the vehicle 102 can reach based on the state of charge of the battery 104. The shaded area 2106 indicates an area that the vehicle 102 cannot reach based on the state of charge of the battery 104. Several charging stations 132 and battery replacement stations 2108 are displayed on the user interface 2100.
[00109] The positioning module 1718 in the vehicle identifies the battery service stations reachable by the vehicle based on the battery status of the vehicle and the geographic location of the vehicle (208). In some embodiments, identifying a battery service station that the vehicle can reach based on the state of the vehicle's battery determines the maximum distance the vehicle can travel before the battery can no longer power the vehicle's electric motors. Includes determining (212) and determining the battery service station within the maximum distance from the vehicle's geographic location (214). In some embodiments, the maximum distance includes a specified safety factor (eg, a 20% margin is added to the maximum distance). In some embodiments, the battery service station is identified by the service provider and / or vehicle positioning module 1718.
[00110] In some embodiments, the positioning system informs the user of a battery service station that the vehicle can reach. For example, the user interface 1705 of the positioning system 1764 in a vehicle may display on a map the battery service stations reachable by the vehicle (210).
[00111] In some embodiments, the vehicle positioning module 1718 determines the maximum distance a vehicle can travel before the battery can no longer power the vehicle's electric motors (224) and the vehicle's geographic location. Display the map area within the maximum distance from (226). For example, the area that the vehicle can reach can be highlighted, circled, and so on. Alternatively or additionally, areas not reachable by the vehicle may be shaded.
[00112] The vehicle user may then select a particular battery service station from the displayed battery service stations to charge or replace the vehicle battery. Thus, in some embodiments, the vehicle receives a selection of battery service stations from the vehicle user (220) and reserves time at the battery service station for the vehicle (222). The vehicle positioning module 1718 may then create a route from the vehicle's geographic location to the selected battery service station.
[00113] In some embodiments, the vehicle periodically receives the status of one or more battery service stations from the service provider through the data network (228). The status of each battery service station is the number of occupied charging stations in each battery service station, the number of available or free charging stations in each battery service station, and charging at each charging station. Estimated time to complete charging of each vehicle, the number of occupied battery replacement bays at each battery service station, and the number of unoccupied or vacant battery replacement bays at each battery service station, respectively. The number of charged batteries available at each Battery Service Station, whether the appropriate / suitable batteries are available at each Battery Service Station, and the estimated time to charge each depleted battery. And the estimated time to free each replacement bay, the location of the battery service station, and any combination of the aforementioned conditions.
[00114] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram illustrating method 300 for providing information about a battery service station to a user of vehicle 102, according to some embodiments. Method 300 begins when service provider 112 receives the battery status of vehicle 102 and the geographic location of vehicle 102 from vehicle 102 through the data network 120 (314).
[00115] In some embodiments, before receiving the battery status of the vehicle 102 and the geographic location of the vehicle 102 from the vehicle 102 through the data network 120, the service provider 112 provides the battery status of the vehicle 102 and / Alternatively, request a geographic location from vehicle 102 through data network 120 (306). Vehicle 102 receives a request for the battery status and / or geographic location of vehicle 102 (308). The battery status module 1720 of the vehicle 102 then determines the battery status (310) and / or the positioning module 1718 determines the geographic location of the vehicle (eg, using the positioning system described above). The vehicle 102 then transmits the battery status and / or geographic location of the vehicle 102 to the service provider 112 (312).
[00116] In some embodiments, the battery status module 1820 of service provider 112 updates the battery status database 1842 (316), which database 1842 contains information about the battery status as well as the battery status. And / or the positioning module 1818 of service provider 112 updates the vehicle location database 1840, which contains the geographic location of the vehicle in the vehicle-area network as well as the geographic location of the vehicle 102.
[00117] The battery status module 1820 of service provider 112 then determines from the battery status that the battery needs to be charged. For example, the battery status module 1820 of service provider 112 can determine if the battery charge level is below a specified threshold (318). If the battery does not need to be charged (320, No), the service provider 112 waits for a specified period of time (342), after which the method returns to step 306. If the battery needs to be charged (320, Yes), the service provider 112 positioning module 1818 determines the appropriate battery service station based at least in part on the battery status and geographic location of the vehicle 102. (322). In some embodiments, determining the battery service station based at least in part on the condition and geographic location of the vehicle's battery allows the vehicle to run before the battery can no longer power the vehicle's electric motors. Includes determining the maximum distance possible and selecting a battery service station within the maximum distance from the vehicle's geographic location.
[00118] Service provider 112 then sends information about the battery service station to vehicle 102 through data network 120 (324). In some embodiments, the service provider 112 periodically transmits information about the battery service station to the vehicle 102 through the data network 120. Vehicle 102 receives information about the battery service station from service provider 112 (326) and displays information about the battery service station to the user in user interface 1705 of the positioning system 1764 (328). In some embodiments, information about the battery service station is displayed on a map in user interface 1705 of vehicle 102 positioning system 1764.
[00119] The vehicle 102 can then receive a selection of battery service stations from the user of the vehicle 102 (330). Vehicle 102 sends a request to service provider 112 to reserve time for vehicle 102 at the battery service station (332). Service provider 112 receives a selection of battery service station from the user of vehicle 102 through the data network (334) and reserves a time slot or time at the battery service station for vehicle 102 (336).
[00120] Vehicle 102 then creates a route to the selected battery service station (338) and displays this route to the user (340). In some embodiments, the positioning module 1718 of vehicle 102 guides the user to the selected battery service station. For example, visual and / or voice route guidance can be provided by the positioning module 1718 of vehicle 102.
[00121] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating method 400 for providing information about a battery service station to a user of a vehicle according to some embodiments. Method 400 is initiated when the battery status module 1720 of the vehicle 102 determines the battery status of the vehicle (406) and the positioning module 1718 of the vehicle 102 determines the geographic location of the vehicle.
[00122] Next, the battery status module 1720 of vehicle 102 determines from the battery status that the battery needs to be charged. For example, the battery status module 1720 of vehicle 102 can determine if the battery charge level is below a specified threshold (408). If the battery does not need to be charged (410, No), the vehicle 102 waits for a specified period of time (412), after which the method returns to step 406. If the battery needs to be charged (410, Yes), the vehicle 102 positioning module 1718 determines the battery service station based at least in part on the vehicle 102 battery status and geographic location (414). ). In some embodiments, determining the battery service station based at least in part on the condition and geographic location of the vehicle's battery allows the vehicle to run before the battery can no longer power the vehicle's electric motors. Includes determining the maximum distance possible and selecting a battery service station within the maximum distance from the vehicle's geographic location.
[00123] In some embodiments, vehicle 102 obtains information about the battery service station, at least in part, from service provider 112 through data network 120 (416 and 432). In some embodiments, the vehicle 102 periodically receives information about the battery service station from the service provider 112 through the data network 120. In some embodiments, vehicle 102 also obtains information about the battery service station from vehicle 102's positioning module 1718. The vehicle 102 displays information about the battery service station on a map in the user interface 1705 of the positioning module 1718 of the vehicle 102 (418).
[00124] Next, in some embodiments, vehicle 102 receives a selection of battery service station from the user of vehicle 102 (420) and also reserves a time slot or time at the battery service station for the vehicle. (422) Send a request to service provider 112 (422). Service provider 112 receives a request to reserve time at the battery service station for vehicle 102 (424) and reserves time at the battery service station for vehicle 102 (426).
[00125] Vehicle 102 positioning module 1718 may create a route to the selected battery service station (428) and display this route to the user in user interface 1705 of vehicle 102 positioning system 1764 (428). 430). In some embodiments, vehicle 102 guides the user to a selected battery service station. For example, visual and / or voice route guidance can be provided by the positioning module 1718 of vehicle 102.
<u style="single">Battery service station monitoring</u>[00126] Vehicle-In order to provide the vehicle with information about the battery service station in the area network, some embodiments monitor the status of the battery service station. Method 500 is initiated when the service provider 112's battery service station module 1822 periodically requests the status of the battery service station through the data network 120 (508). In some embodiments, periodically requesting the state of the battery service station comprises periodically sending an inquiry to the battery service station through the data network, and the inquiry requests the state of the battery service station. .. The battery service station periodically receives a request for the battery service station status (510) and determines the battery service station status (512). For example, the battery replacement module 1922 can determine the status of the battery replacement station 134. Similarly, the battery control module 2020 can determine the status of the charging station 132. The battery service station then sends the status of the battery service station 514 to the service provider 112 (514). In some embodiments, the battery service station may periodically transmit the status of the battery service station without a request from service provider 112.
[00127] Service provider 112 receives the status of the battery service station through the data network 120 (516) and also updates the battery status database 1842 (518), but this database 1842 contains the status of this battery service station. Contains information about battery service stations in the vehicle-area network, along with status.
[00128] In some embodiments, service provider 112 delivers at least a portion of the battery service station database 1844 containing information about battery service stations to vehicle 102 in the vehicle-area network through data network 120 (520). .. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the database containing information about the battery service station is selected based on the geographic location of the vehicle, the charge level of the vehicle's battery, and any combination of the selection criteria described above. In addition, service provider 112 may deliver the entire Battery Service Station Database 1844, or only new or updated information (522). Vehicle 102 receives at least part of the Battery Service Station Database 1844 (522).
<u style="single">Energy supply to the vehicle at the battery service station</u>[00129] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating method 600 for energizing a vehicle at a battery replacement station, according to some embodiments. Method 600 begins (608) when vehicle 102 requests a charged battery from battery replacement station 134. The battery exchange station 134 receives a request for a charged battery (610), contacts service provider 602 (612), and determines the account status of user 110 in vehicle 102. Service provider 112 receives an inquiry to determine the account status of user 110 in vehicle 102 (614), and account module 1824 of service provider 112 determines account status of user 110 in vehicle 102 (616). Service provider 112 then sends the account status to battery exchange station 134 (618).
[00130] Battery exchange station 134 receives the account status of user 110 in vehicle 102 from service provider 112 through data network 120 (620). The account module 1924 of battery exchange station 134 then determines whether the account status indicates that the user's account is good (622). In some embodiments, determining whether the account status indicates that the user's account is good is determining whether the application associated with the account is valid and the funds associated with the account. Includes determining if the source is valid, determining if the fees for the application associated with the account have been paid, and any combination of the actions described above.
[00131] If the account status indicates that the user's account is good (624, Yes), the vehicle 102 battery control module 1722 releases the partially depleted battery from the vehicle 102 (628) and the battery replacement station. The 134 battery replacement module 1922 removes a partially depleted battery from the vehicle 102 (626). The battery replacement module 1922 of the battery replacement station 134 attaches the charged battery to the vehicle 102 (630 and 632), and the account module 1924 of the battery replacement station 134 is the user's account for the services provided at the battery replacement station 604. Charge to (630). In some embodiments, the battery 104 is placed on an adapter when released from the vehicle 102, the adapter including an interface surface to the battery replacement unit 1960 and an interface surface to the battery 104. The interface to the battery 104 may be unique for each type of battery pack. The surface that interfaces with the battery replacement unit 1960 device may be common to all adapters.
[00132] If the account status indicates that the user's account is not good (624, No), the battery exchange station 134 provides the user with an option to make the account good (634), and the method is , Return to step 612. In some embodiments, options include signing up for a monthly service plan, signing up for a yearly service plan, signing up for a mileage-based service plan, signing up for an energy consumption-based service plan, and pay-per-use. Includes signing up for a plan and any combination of the plans mentioned above.
[00133] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram illustrating a method 700 for energizing a vehicle at a battery service station according to some embodiments. Method 700 starts (708) when vehicle 102 demands energy from charging station 132. Charging station 132 receives a request for energy (710), and account module 2022 of charging station 132 contacts service provider 112 to determine the account status of the user of the vehicle (712). Service provider 112 receives an inquiry to determine the account status of user 110 in vehicle 102 (714), and account module 1824 of service provider 112 determines the account status of user 110 in vehicle (716). Service provider 112 then sends the account status to charging station 132 (718).
[00134] Charging station 132 receives the status of the user account of vehicle 102 from service provider 112 through data network 120 (720). The account module 2022 of charging station 132 then determines whether the account status indicates that the user's account is good (722). In some embodiments, determining whether the account status indicates that the user's account is good is determining whether the application associated with the account is valid, the source of funding associated with the account. Includes determining if is valid, determining if the application fees associated with the account have been paid, and any combination of the actions described above.
[00135] If the account status indicates that the user's account is good (724, Yes), the battery control module 2020 of charging station 132 energizes vehicle 102 (726 and 728) and charging station. Charge the user's account for the services provided in 132 (726).
[00136] If the account status indicates that the user's account is not good (724, No), the charging station 132 provides the user with an option to make the account good (730). Return to step 712. In some embodiments, options include signing up for a monthly service plan, signing up for a yearly service plan, signing up for a mileage-based service plan, signing up for an energy consumption-based service plan, and paying. Includes signing up for a youth plan and any combination of the plans mentioned above.
[00137] Note that "providing energy to the vehicle" can refer to charging the vehicle's battery and / or replacing the vehicle's depleted battery with a charged battery.
[00138] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating method 800 for providing access to a battery service station in a vehicle-area network according to some embodiments. Method 800 begins (802) when multiple application options for accessing the battery service station in the vehicle-area network are provided to user 110 of vehicle 102. In some embodiments, multiple subscription options include signing up for a monthly service plan, signing up for a yearly service plan, signing up for a mileage-based service plan, or signing up for an energy consumption-based service plan. Includes applying for a pay-per-use plan, and any combination of the aforementioned plans.
[00139] Next, a selection of application options is received from user 110 (804). A contract with user 110 is entered into under the terms of the application options selected by user 110 (806). Information about battery service stations in the vehicle-area network is provided to user 110 of vehicle 102 (808).
[00140] User 110 of vehicle 102 may then be provided with access to the battery service station (810). The user is then charged for access to the battery service station under the contract and for the services provided by the battery service station (812).
<u style="single">Energy distribution in the power grid</u>[00141] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating method 900 for distributing energy in the power grid according to some embodiments. Method 900 begins (908) when generator 156 generates energy from one or more power plants.
[00142] Energy is then distributed through the power grid 140 (910). Vehicle 102 may then receive energy from power grid 140 (912). The vehicle 102 uses energy to charge the battery 104 of the vehicle 102 (914). In doing so, the vehicle 102 stores energy in the battery 104 of the vehicle 102. In some embodiments, the user 110 of the vehicle 102 is charged for the energy stored in the battery 104 of the vehicle 102.
[00143] The vehicle 102 supplies the energy stored in the battery 104 of the vehicle 102 (916) and is removed from the battery if the energy generation from one or more power plants is less than the demand for the power grid. Supply the energy to the power grid 140 (918). The energy extracted from the battery 104 of the vehicle 102 (or, in some embodiments, the batteries of the plurality of vehicles) is then distributed to the power grid 140 (920). In some embodiments, the user 110 of the vehicle 102 is compensated for the energy extracted from the battery 104 of the vehicle 102 (922).
Note that the process described in FIG. 9 can also be applied to batteries at the battery exchange station and / or batteries that are not related to the vehicle.
<u style="single">Relationships between users, service providers, and financial institutions</u>[00145] Figure 10-16 illustrates a number of relationships between users, service providers, and financial institutions, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the financial institution may assume the roles and / or services provided by the service provider as described above, and vice versa. In some embodiments, the financial institution owns a battery service station and / or a vehicle-area network. In some embodiments, the service provider owns a battery service station and / or a vehicle-area network.
[00146] FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating method 1000 for establishing a relationship between a vehicle user and a service provider, according to some embodiments. Method 1000 begins when user 110 signs a contract with service provider 112 (1006 and 1008) to gain access to vehicle 102, battery 104, and / or vehicle-area network services. Service provider 112 provides access to vehicle 102, battery 104, and / or vehicle-area network services (1010), and user 110 receives them (1012). Thus, in the relationship described in FIG. 10, the service provider 112 owns the vehicle 102, the battery 104, and the vehicle-area network service.
[00147] User 110 may then request vehicle-area network services on a regular basis (1014), and service provider 112 may provide them on a regular basis (1016).
[00148] FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating method 1100 for establishing relationships between vehicle users, service providers, and financial institutions, according to some embodiments. Method 1100 begins when user 110 signs a contract with financial institution 114 (1108 and 1110) to raise funds for vehicle 102 and battery 104. For example, a loan can include a loan or a lease. Financial institution 114 provides a loan for vehicle 102 and battery 104 (1112), and user 110 receives it (1114).
[00149] In some embodiments, the financial institution 114 provides the vehicle 102 and the battery 104 (1118), and the user 110 acquires them (1116). Alternatively, the user 110 can obtain the vehicle 102 and the battery 104 from a third party (eg, a car dealer).
[00150] User 110 signs a contract with service provider 112 to gain access to vehicle-area network services (1120 and 1122). Service provider 112 then provides access to the vehicle-area network service (1124), and user 110 receives it (1126).
[00151] Therefore, in the relationship described in FIG. 11, the financial institution 114 owns the vehicle 102 and the battery 104, and the service provider 112 owns the vehicle-area network service.
[00152] User 110 may then periodically request access to the vehicle-area network service (1128), and service provider 112 may provide it on a regular basis (1130). ..
[00153] FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating method 1200 for establishing a relationship between a vehicle user and a service provider, according to some embodiments. Method 1200 is initiated when user 110 acquires vehicle 102 (1208). For example, the user 110 can obtain the vehicle 102 from a third party (eg, a car dealer). User 110 contracts with service provider 112 (1210 and 1212) to gain access to battery 104 and / or vehicle-area network services. Service provider 112 provides access to battery 104 and / or vehicle-area network services (1214), and user 110 receives them (1216).
[00154] Therefore, in the relationship described in FIG. 12, the user 110 owns the vehicle 102, and the service provider owns the battery 104 and the vehicle-area network service.
[00155] User 110 may then request vehicle-area network services on a regular basis (1218), and service provider 112 may provide them on a regular basis (1220).
[00156] FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating method 1300 for establishing relationships between vehicle users, service providers, and financial institutions, according to some embodiments. Method 1300 begins when user 110 acquires a vehicle (1308). For example, user 110 can acquire a vehicle from a third party (eg, a car dealer). User 110 signs a contract with financial institution 114 (1310 and 1312) to raise funds for battery 104. For example, a loan can include a loan or a lease. Financial institution 114 provides a loan for the battery (1314), and user 110 receives it (1316).
[00157] In some embodiments, the financial institution 114 provides the battery 104 (1320) and the user 110 acquires it (1320). Alternatively, the user 110 can obtain the battery from a third party.
[00158] User 110 signs a contract with service provider 112 (1322 and 1324) to gain access to vehicle-area network services. Service provider 112 provides access to the vehicle-area network service (1424), and user 110 receives it (1326).
[00159] Thus, in the relationship described in FIG. 13, the user 110 owns the vehicle 102, the financial institution 114 owns the battery 104, and the service provider 112 owns the vehicle-area network service.
[00160] User 1302 can then periodically request access to the vehicle-area network service, and service provider 1304 can provide it on a regular basis (1330 and 1332).
[00161] FIG. 14 is a flow diagram illustrating method 1400 for establishing relationships between vehicle users, service providers, and financial institutions, according to some embodiments. Method 1400 begins when user 110 signs a contract with financial institution 114 (1408 and 1410) to raise funds for vehicle 102. For example, a loan can include a loan or a lease. Financial institution 114 provides a loan for vehicle 102 (1412), and user 110 receives it (1414).
[00162] In some embodiments, the financial institution 114 provides the vehicle (1418) and the user 110 acquires it (1416). Alternatively, the user 110 can acquire the vehicle 102 from a third party.
[00163] User 110 contracts with service provider 112 (1420 and 1422) to gain access to battery and vehicle-area network services. Service provider 112 provides access to battery 104 and vehicle-area network services (1424), and user 110 receives them (1426).
[00164] Therefore, in the relationship described in FIG. 14, the financial institution 114 owns the vehicle 102, and the service provider 112 owns the battery 104 and the vehicle-area network service.
[00165] User 110 may then periodically request access to the vehicle-area network service (1428), and service provider 112 may provide it on a regular basis (1430). ..
[00166] FIG. 15 is a flow diagram illustrating method 1500 for establishing a relationship between a vehicle user and a financial institution according to some embodiments. Method 1500 begins when user 110 signs a contract with financial institution 114 (1508 and 1510) to gain access to vehicle 102, battery 104, and / or vehicle-area network services. Financial institution 114 provides access to vehicle 102, battery 104, and / or vehicle-area network services (1512), and user 110 receives them (1514).
[00167] Therefore, in the relationship described in FIG. 15, financial institution 114 owns vehicle 102, battery 104, and vehicle-area network service.
[00168] User 110 may then request vehicle-area network services on a regular basis (1514), and financial institution 114 may provide them on a regular basis (1516).
[00169] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram illustrating method 1600 for establishing a relationship between a vehicle user and a financial institution according to some embodiments. Method 1600 begins when user 110 acquires vehicle 102 (1608). For example, user 110 can obtain the vehicle 102 from a third party (eg, a car dealer). User 110 signs a contract with financial institution 114 (1610 and 1612) to gain access to battery 104 and / or vehicle-area network services. Financial institution 114 provides access to battery 104 and / or vehicle-area network services (1614), and user 110 receives them (1616).
[00170] Thus, in the relationship described in FIG. 16, user 110 owns vehicle 102, and financial institution 114 owns battery 104 and vehicle-area network service.
[00171] Next, the user 110 of the vehicle - Area Network Services periodically essential to be able to seek (1618), the financial institution 114 may provide them periodically (1620).
[00172] Each of the methods described herein may be managed by instructions stored on a computer-readable storage medium and executed by one or more processors in one or more computer systems. Each of the operations shown in FIG. 2-16 may correspond to an instruction stored in computer memory or a computer-readable storage medium.
[00173] The above description has been described in relation to a particular embodiment for illustration purposes. However, the above exemplary description is neither exhaustive nor intended to precisely limit the invention to the disclosed forms. In view of the above teachings, many modifications and modifications are possible. The embodiments best describe the principles of the invention and the practical uses of the invention, thereby allowing those skilled in the art to describe the invention and various embodiments with various modifications suitable for the particular intended use. Selected and described for best use.
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| US11222485B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| JP2012145499A | Cited by | Japan | Search report |
| JP2018027012A | Cited by | Japan | Search report |
| US11075530B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| US10186094B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| US9908506B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| JP2015510199A | Cited by | Japan | Search report |
| JP2018206438A | Cited by | Japan | Search report |
| US10421462B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| JP2015510199A | Cited by | Japan | Search report |
| JP2017091426A | Cited by | Japan | Search report |
| WO2013088877A1 | Cited by | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | International search |
| JP2014533480A | Cited by | Japan | Examiner |
| US10345843B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| US9830753B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| US10650444B2 | Cited by | United States of America | Applicant |
| JP2001057711A | Cites | Japan | Examiner |
| JP2001112121A | Cites | Japan | Search report |
| JP2001291530A | Cites | Japan | Search report |
| JP2002140398A | Cites | Japan | Examiner |
| JP2002291110A | Cites | Japan | Search report |
| JP2004215468A | Cites | Japan | Search report |
| JP2005238969A | Cites | Japan | Search report |
| JP2006331405A | Cites | Japan | Examiner |
| JP2007116799A | Cites | Japan | Examiner |
| JP2007148590A | Cites | Japan | Search report |
| JPH0785397A | Cites | Japan | Search report |
| JPH09119839A | Cites | Japan | Search report |
26 members in 9 offices
Priority claims9
| Document | Office | Kind | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60973794 | United States of America | – | |
| 97379407 | United States of America | P | |
| 97379407 | United States of America | P | |
| 2008077132 | United States of America | W | |
| 2008077132 | United States of America | W | |
| 2007973794 | – | – | – |
| 2008077132 | – | – | – |
| US20070973794P | – | – | – |
| WO2008US77132 | – | – | – |
Members26
| Document | Office | Kind | |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2008302073A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| CA2737243A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| US2009082957A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| WO2009039454A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| AU2009293389A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| CA2730372A1 | Canada | A1 | |
| WO2010033517A2 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A2 | |
| US2010094496A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| EP2195184A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| DK201000114U3 | Denmark | U3 | |
| JP2010540907AThis record | Japan | A | |
| CN101952137A | China | A | |
| EP2195184A4 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A4 | |
| US2011071932A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| WO2010033517A3 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A3 | |
| EP2323866A2 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A2 | |
| CN102164773A | China | A | |
| AU2008302073B2 | Australia | B2 | |
| JP2012503468A | Japan | A | |
| AU2012200943A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| JP2012211903A | Japan | A | |
| JP2013037004A | Japan | A | |
| AU2012200943B2 | Australia | B2 | |
| AU2013273723A1 | Australia | A1 | |
| IL210453A | Israel | A | |
| JP2014135892A | Japan | A |
15 legal events, as the office reported them to INPADOC
Over the term
Point at a mark for the eventEvents
| Event | Code | |
|---|---|---|
| Decision of refusalJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A02A02 | A02 | |
| Written amendmentJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A523A521 | A521 | |
| Written permission of extension of timeJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A602A602 | A602 | |
| Written request for extension of timeJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A601A601 | A601 | |
| Written permission of extension of timeJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A602A602 | A602 | |
| Written request for extension of timeJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A601A601 | A601 | |
| Written permission of extension of timeJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A602A602 | A602 | |
| Written request for extension of timeJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A601A601 | A601 | |
| Notification of reasons for refusalJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A131A131 | A131 | |
| Written amendmentJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A523A521 | A521 | |
| Notification of reasons for refusalJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A131A131 | A131 | |
| Report on accelerated examinationJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A971005A975 | A975 | |
| Written amendmentJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A523A521 | A521 | |
| Written request for application examinationJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A621A621 | A621 | |
| Explanation of circumstances concerning accelerated examinationJAPANESE INTERMEDIATE CODE: A871A871 | A871 |
Numbers
- Publication
- 2010540907
- Publication, DOCDB
- 2010540907
- Publication, EPODOC
- JP2010540907
- Application
- 2010526033
- Application, DOCDB
- 2010526033
- Application, EPODOC
- JP20100526033
Titles2
- Japanese
- 電気車両ネットワーク
- English
- Electric vehicle network
Classification
- CPC, 25
- G08G1/202
- B60L3/12
- B60L2240/622
- B60L2240/72
- B60L2240/80
- B60L2250/16
- B60L2260/52
- B60L2260/54
- B60L2260/58
- B60L2270/32
- G06Q30/04
- Y02T90/14
- Y02T90/16
- Y02T10/7072
- Y04S30/14
- B60L53/80
- B60L53/65
- B60L53/11
- B60L58/12
- B60L53/67
- B60L53/305
- Y02T10/70
- Y02T10/72
- Y02T90/12
- Y02T90/167
- IPC, 3
- G01C21 00
- B60L11 18
- G06Q50 00
Designated states4
- Regional, 4
- Zimbabwe
- Turkmenistan
- Türkiye
- Togo