SECURITY MONITORING SYSTEMS, METHODS AND DEVICES FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS
First Claim
1. A security system for monitoring an electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) having a connector dock and an electrical connector for electrically coupling to an electric vehicle, the security system comprising:
- a digital camera configured to record images of a surrounding area of the EVCS and output a camera signal indicative thereof;
a sensor configured to detect objects within a predetermined proximity of the EVCS or to detect removal of the electrical connector from the connector dock of the EVCS, or both, and output a sensor signal indicative thereof; and
a controller operatively coupled to the digital camera and the sensor, the controller being configured to;
receive the sensor signal output from the sensor; and
responsive to the sensor signal indicating that an object is within the predetermined proximity of the EVCS or the electrical connector is removed from the connector dock of the EVCS;
direct the digital camera to record images of the surrounding area of the EVCS;
output to a user the camera signal indicative of the images of the surrounding area of the EVCS; and
receive from the user a command signal operable to change an operational state of the EVCS, the security system, or both.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Systems, methods and devices for monitoring an electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) are disclosed. A security system is disclosed for monitoring an EVCS having an electrical connector for electrically coupling to an electric vehicle. The security system includes a camera for recording images of a surrounding area of the EVCS. A sensor detects objects near the EVCS and/or detects removal of the electrical connector from the EVCS. A controller, which is operatively coupled to the camera and the sensor, is configured to: receive sensor signals output from the sensor; responsive to the sensor signals indicating that an object is near the EVCS or the electrical connector is removed from the EVCS: direct the camera to record images of the surrounding area of the EVCS; output to a user the images of the surrounding area of the EVCS; and, receive user command signals to control the EVCS and/or the security system.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A security system for monitoring an electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) having a connector dock and an electrical connector for electrically coupling to an electric vehicle, the security system comprising:
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a digital camera configured to record images of a surrounding area of the EVCS and output a camera signal indicative thereof; a sensor configured to detect objects within a predetermined proximity of the EVCS or to detect removal of the electrical connector from the connector dock of the EVCS, or both, and output a sensor signal indicative thereof; and a controller operatively coupled to the digital camera and the sensor, the controller being configured to; receive the sensor signal output from the sensor; and responsive to the sensor signal indicating that an object is within the predetermined proximity of the EVCS or the electrical connector is removed from the connector dock of the EVCS; direct the digital camera to record images of the surrounding area of the EVCS; output to a user the camera signal indicative of the images of the surrounding area of the EVCS; and receive from the user a command signal operable to change an operational state of the EVCS, the security system, or both. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of monitoring an electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) with a security system having a sensor and a digital camera, the EVCS having a connector dock and an electrical connector for electrically coupling to an electric vehicle, the method comprising:
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receiving from the sensor of the security system a first sensor signal indicating that an object is within a predetermined proximity of the EVCS, or a second sensor signal indicating that the electrical connector has been removed from the connector dock of the EVCS; and responsive to receiving the first sensor signal or the second sensor signal; directing the digital camera to record images of a surrounding area of the EVCS and output a camera signal indicative thereof; transmitting to a user the camera signal indicative of the images of the surrounding area of the EVCS; and receiving from the user a command signal operable to change an operational state of the EVCS, the security system, or both.
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16. A security kit for monitoring an electric vehicle charging station (EVCS) having a housing, a connector dock, and an electrical connector attached to the housing and configured to electrically couple the EVCS to an electric vehicle, the security kit comprising:
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a digital camera configured to attach to the EVCS housing, the digital camera being configured to record images of a surrounding area of the EVCS and output a camera signal indicative thereof; and first and second sensors configured to attach to the EVCS housing, the first sensor being configured to detect objects within a predetermined proximity of the EVCS and output a first sensor signal indicative thereof, the second sensor being configured to detect removal of the electrical connector from the connector dock of the EVCS and output a second sensor signal indicative thereof, a controller operatively coupled to the digital camera and the first and second sensors, wherein the controller, responsive to receiving the first sensor signal or the second sensor signal, is configured to; direct the digital camera to record images of the surrounding area of the EVCS; output to a user the camera signal indicative of the images of the surrounding area of the EVCS; and receive from the user a command signal operable to change an operational state of the EVCS, the security kit, or both. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification