Electric vehicle charging network services
First Claim
1. A computer-implemented method comprising the steps of:
- providing a server computer;
coupling the server computer to a wireless network for wireless communications;
establishing a first communication session over the wireless network between the server computer and an electric vehicle (EV);
in the first communication session, acquiring trip data from the EV and determining a current charge level of the EV; and
in the server computer;
analyzing the acquired trip data and comparing results of the analysis to the current charge level of the EV to estimate a range;
receiving and storing input data defining a proposed trip using the EV, the proposed trip comprising at least a destination location, and optionally a series of one or more route points;
determining a proposed route to implement the proposed trip;
in the case that the estimated range is not sufficient to traverse the proposed route, identifying a charging station located proximate to the proposed route;
proposing a modified proposed trip to include a recharging stop at the identified charging station en route to the destination location;
establishing a second communication session over the wireless network between the server computer and a hand-held personal portable device;
in the second communication session, communicating the modified proposed trip to the hand-held personal portable device; and
in the hand-held personal portable device, displaying the modified proposed trip.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
To provide remote services, including dynamic, interactive assistance to electric vehicle (EV) users, a central server is arranged for electronic communications with EVs (15) and with client devices (11). The server also communicates with at least one EV charging station network, which in turn communicate with individual charging stations (30). Remote services may include trip planning, locating charging stations, checking availability and suitability of charging stations, making reservations at charging stations, and updating plans en route. The server collects data from the EV and analyzes the data to determine various statistics. The system advises a user on readiness of the EV to complete a proposed trip before recharging the EV batteries. Client devices may include smart phones, computers, or a head unit in the EV. Application software programs are executable on the client devices to provide user interfaces for accessing the remote services and for communicating with the central server.
21 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A computer-implemented method comprising the steps of:
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providing a server computer; coupling the server computer to a wireless network for wireless communications; establishing a first communication session over the wireless network between the server computer and an electric vehicle (EV); in the first communication session, acquiring trip data from the EV and determining a current charge level of the EV; and
in the server computer;analyzing the acquired trip data and comparing results of the analysis to the current charge level of the EV to estimate a range; receiving and storing input data defining a proposed trip using the EV, the proposed trip comprising at least a destination location, and optionally a series of one or more route points; determining a proposed route to implement the proposed trip; in the case that the estimated range is not sufficient to traverse the proposed route, identifying a charging station located proximate to the proposed route; proposing a modified proposed trip to include a recharging stop at the identified charging station en route to the destination location; establishing a second communication session over the wireless network between the server computer and a hand-held personal portable device; in the second communication session, communicating the modified proposed trip to the hand-held personal portable device; and in the hand-held personal portable device, displaying the modified proposed trip. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A non-transitory computer readable memory storing instructions executable in a processor of a hand-held personal portable device, the portable device having a user interface including a display screen, and the portable device configured for communications over a wireless network, the instructions arranged for causing the processor to:
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acquire and store trip data responsive to operation of an electric vehicle (EV); determine a current charge level of the EV; determine a current location of the EV; transmit the driving data and the current charge level and the current location over a wireless communication link to a remote server for range analysis; receive estimated range data based on the analysis over a wireless communication from the remote server; and display the estimated range data on the display screen of the portable device. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A computer-implemented method comprising the steps of:
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providing a server computer; arranging the server computer for wireless communications with a remote client device associated with an electric vehicle (EV), the wireless communications including communications to acquire trip data from the EV and to acquire a current charge level of the EV; and
in the server computer;analyzing the acquired trip data and comparing results of the analysis to the current charge level of the vehicle to estimate a range; reporting the estimated range to the remote client device via the wireless communications, and displaying the estimated range on a display screen of the client device. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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Specification