EP2328775A2

EP2328775A2 - Vehicle battery charging

Info

Publication number: EP2328775A2
Application number: EP09784971A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Richard Jupp; Mark Knight
Original assignee: Park And Power Ltd; Sybre Ltd
Current assignee: CHARGELOCK LIMITED
Priority date: 2008-08-20
Filing date: 2009-08-19
Publication date: 2011-06-08
Also published as: GB0815234D0; WO2010020783A3; CA2771686A1; GB2462677A; WO2010020783A2

Abstract

A method of charging a vehicle (170) having a battery is disclosed. The method comprises the step of stopping power supply to a connector (160) in response to an interruption in the power supplied to the battery via said connector (160), wherein said interruption occurs while said connector (160) is connected to a power supply means such as a charging station (100). Also disclosed is a method comprising the steps of detecting an interruption in an authorised power supply and requiring successful completion of a reauthorisation step prior to any further power being supplied to the vehicle. Both methods prevent the theft of a power supply by an unauthorised user. Also disclosed are systems comprising means for implementing the various methods.

Description

Vehicle battery charging

The present invention relates to vehicles having batteries and more particularly to systems and methods for preventing unauthorised charging of such batteries and vehicles. The invention also extends to a charging station.

Recently there has been increased interest in environmental issues, and more sustainable forms of transport. In this context, electric vehicles have gained in popularity. The electric vehicles may be fully or part electric. The main problems associated with using electric vehicles revolve around the need to recharge the vehicles periodically. Typically recharging of vehicles is accomplished by connecting a power lead from the vehicle to a connection provided at the charging station enabling power to be supplied from a power source to the battery of the vehicle. Often it is necessary to recharge vehicles when the vehicle is away from home, and shared charging stations may be installed for this purpose. The users of such vehicles are billed for the electricity that they use at these charging stations. As such vehicles are often left unattended at these charging stations during charging, there is an associated risk of other users hijacking their charge by unplugging the power lead from the vehicle being charged and plugging it into their own vehicle. The dishonest user will thus be charging their vehicle at the legitimate user's expense. Furthermore, the legitimate user may return to find their vehicle not charged as expected.

This problem is especially acute as the power leads used are often of standard sizes such that they fit many different types of vehicle.

The present invention seeks to solve the problems associated with the systems of the prior art. In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising the step of stopping power supply to a connector in response to an interruption in the power supplied to a battery of a vehicle via said connector during charging of the battery, wherein said interruption occurs while said connector is connected to a power supply means. This aspect of the present invention may provide a method of preventing charging of a battery of a vehicle.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising means for stopping power supply to a connector in response to an interruption in the power supplied to a battery of a vehicle via said connector during charging of the battery, wherein said interruption occurs while said connector is connected to a power supply means. This aspect of the present invention may provide a system for preventing charging of a battery of a vehicle. The method and system of these aspects of the present invention address problems with the prior art as they may prevent use of the connector after a power supply to a battery of a vehicle is interrupted while the connector is still connected to the power supply means. When the power supply to the battery, via the connector, is interrupted, while the connector is connected to the power supply means, the power supply to the connector is stopped. The present invention may therefore prevent unauthorised use of the connector, e.g. by someone attempting to hijack another person's charge by disconnecting the connector from one vehicle and connecting it to another. Once the power to the connector has been stopped, the connector is then rendered useless to an unauthorised user as no current can flow through the connector, i.e. it is no longer live. This also brings safety benefits as there is no risk of electric shock from a disconnected connector, for example, due to an unplugging of the connector from the vehicle for any reason, or if the connector were to be cut between its ends for any reason.

Preferably, the connector is a flexible connector. In particularly preferred embodiments, the connector is a power cable, which may be flexible. Alternatively, the connector may comprise a rigid body such as a rod or a bar. Preferably, the connector has a first end connected to the power supply means and a second end connected to a vehicle comprising the battery. The connector may be connected to the vehicle in any manner which enables power to be supplied to the battery in use. The connector may be directly or indirectly connected to the battery. The connections between the ends of the connector and the vehicle and power supply means may be via electrical contacts or induction.

The connector may be portable and carried in the vehicle so that it can be used at various power supply means. The first end of the connector is preferably removably connectable to the power supply means. Preferably, the second end of the connector is removably connectable to the vehicle. Preferably the first and second ends of the connector comprise plugs which cooperate with sockets on the power supply means and the vehicle respectively. Alternatively, the connector could be permanently connected to the power supply means at its first end, or to the vehicle at its second end.

The interruption to the power supplied may be due to any interruption occurring while the first end of the connector is connected to the power supply means. The interruption will be due to an event 'downstream' of the first end of the connector. The interruption may be due to an event occurring between first and second ends, i.e. along the length of the connector, or at the second end.

The interruption in the power supplied to the battery may be due to a disconnection of the second end of the connector from the vehicle. For example, the second end of the connector may comprise a plug and the vehicle may comprise a complementary shaped socket or vice versa, and the disconnection could be due to the unplugging.o£the,plug_or_ socket on the second end of the connector from the socket or plug on the vehicle.

Alternatively, in other embodiments, the interruption in the power supplied to the battery may be due to damage to the connector between its first and second ends. For example, the connector could be fully or partially severed. This could be caused intentionally and maliciously, or could be merely accidental.

These interruptions could be caused by a person associated with the battery being charged or another person.

Preferably, the system comprises means for detecting the interruption in the power supplied to the battery.

Preferably, an authentication process is required to be performed after the power supply has been stopped and prior to any further power being supplied to said connector. The power supply to the connector may be restarted only once the authentication process is successfully completed. The authentication process may include requiring a person wishing to obtain power to be successfully authorised to do so. Authentication may involve any steps which may allow the system to establish that a person wishing to receive power is entitled to do so. It may involve requiring a person wishing to receive power to carry out a verification process. It may involve the person providing information actively or passively. It may require a person wishing to receive power to establish that they are entitled to receive power, e.g. to establish that they are registered to receive power, for example by being members of an association whose members may receive power.

The authentication process may comprise obtaining identification information relating to a person wishing to obtain power. As such, the system may comprise means for obtaining such information. Identification information may be any type of identifier such as a username, a code or a password and may relate directly or indirectly to the person. For example, the information may be an identifier of the person or a vehicle associated with the person. The person wishing to obtain power may be the owner of the vehicle, or merely a user of the vehicle or any other person associated with the vehicle.

The authentication process may involve any number of steps and further comprise verifying whether the identified person is authorised to receive power, e.g. by checking the identification information against a database. This check could verify whether the identified person is a registered member of a charging system. It is particularly preferred to obtain identification information as this allows the system to access user accounts for billing purposes. However, the present invention is also applicable to methods where the power is supplied free of charge. In some embodiments, the authentication process may only be successfully completed by the person authorised to receive the power being supplied to the vehicle being charged when the interruption occurred. Accordingly, subsequent power supply may be prevented if the identified person is not the person authorised to receive the power being supplied to the vehicle being charged when the interruption occurred. The method may comprise comparing the identity information obtained relating to the person wishing to obtain power to the identity of the person authorised to receive the power being supplied to the vehicle being charged when said interruption occurred. The method may then further comprise restarting power supply only if the identification information matches. In other embodiments, the authentication process may be deemed to be successfully completed by any person able to demonstrate that they are an authorised user of the system. This may avoid the power supply means being rendered inactive for long periods until reset. The authentication process may then comprise verifying that a person wishing to obtain power is entitled to do so and restarting power supply only if the person is found to be an authorised user of the system.

By only supplying power after an authentication process including obtaining identification information, the system may know which user to charge for the power supplied and each user will only pay for the power that they have actually used. It may also be possible to detect when a person has unplugged another person's, connector and plugged it into their own vehicle, and, if desired, prevent any further power supply.

Identifying the person wishing to use the power supply means may require the person to provide identification information in any manner. The person may be required to directly or indirectly provide information. The person may be required to actively input information or the method may comprise the person, or a device associated with that person, being interrogated in some way. Preferred methods of identification include: interrogating an identification device, e.g. an RFID chip or any other type of transponder, an electronic chip, a magnetic strip or a bar code; prompting a user to enter an identifier e.g. a personal identification number (PIN) or. password; biometric scanning such as fingerprint or retinal scanning; or any combinations thereof. In the preferred embodiment the identification means may comprise a sensor for obtaining identification information. Preferably, the sensor is arranged to interrogate a RFDD key fob, carried by the person wishing to use the power supply means.

The identification means preferably 'looks up' the data received by the identification means in a database of registered users. If the received data matches that of a registered user, it will be assumed that the person wishing to use the power supply means is that user and the identification of the person referred to above should be understood to refer to the person identified by the system on the basis of the information supplied to it.

The identification means will preferably establish the actual identity of the person wishing to use the power supply means. However, this may not always be the case if, for example, the interrogated device, e.g. a RFID key fob, of one user is being used by another person, either legally or illegally. To prevent unauthorised use of, for example a RFE) key fob, the person wishing to use the power supply means may also have to directly input information such as a PIN or password or undergo biometric scanning. This two-stage process could thus be similar to using bank cards having 'chip-and-pin' functionality. In accordance with the invention in any of its aspects and embodiments, in the event of an interruption, a person associated with the vehicle may be alerted via email, text message (SMS) or a telephone call. This may inform a person that they need to return to the vehicle to be re-authenticated to re-commence charging of the battery. This person may be ^• the person authorised to receive the power being supplied when the interruption occurred or another person registered to receive such alerts. The system may check who is registered to receive such alerts using a database. In order that a user is not alerted when they have disconnected their own connector, the person may be required to be authenticated before disconnecting their connector from the power supply means. A certain time delay could be allowed after disconnection and before sending the alert so that if a person disconnected the second end of the connector from the vehicle first, they could then disconnect the first end of the connector from the power supply means, after being authenticated to do so, without causing the alert to be sent.

The detecting of the interruption, the stopping of the power supply means and the authentication processes may all be performed electronically, for example using a processor and associated software.

Preferably, the power supplied to the battery prior to the interruption is an authorised power supply, and the method further comprises authorising the power to be supplied to the battery prior to the interruption. The method may further comprise the steps of requiring an initial authentication process to be performed before said power is supplied to the battery of the vehicle via the connector prior to the interruption. The authentication process used may be the same as that previously described in relation to the authentication which may occur after the interruption has occurred. The method may further comprise the step of supplying power to the battery prior to the interruption.

In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method comprising the steps of detecting an interruption in an authorised power supply from a power supply means to a battery of a vehicle and requiring successful reauthorisation prior to any further power being supplied from said power supply means. This aspect of the present invention may provide a method of preventing charging of a battery of a vehicle.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising means for detecting an interruption in the power supplied to a battery of a vehicle from a power supply means and means for requesting reauthorisation prior to any further power being supplied from said power supply means. This aspect of the present invention may provide a system for preventing charging of a battery of a vehicle.

Again, the method and system of these aspects of the present invention address problems with the prior art as they can prevent unauthorised use of a power supply means when an interruption in an authorised power supply from a power supply means to a battery is detected. When the power supply to the vehicle is interrupted, further power supply is prevented until a reauthorisation process is successfully completed.

An authorised power supply refers to one which is provided only after some authorisation has occurred. This may be by direct or indirect reference to the person wishing to obtain the power, e.g. a person associated with the vehicle comprising the battery receiving the power supply, or the vehicle itself. The person may have undergone an authentication process, as previously described, prior to the power supply being started. The subsequent power supply is then said to be authorised.

A reauthorisation process is an authorisation process which is successfully completed if it is determined that it is the person previously authorised to receive power from the power supply means at the time of the interruption who is undergoing the authorisation process.

These further aspects of the present invention may therefore prevent unauthorised use of the connector, e.g. by someone attempting to hijack another person's charge by disconnecting the connector from one vehicle and connecting it to another. Once the power to the connector has been stopped, the connector is then rendered useless i.e. it is no longer live, until the person associated with the vehicle is reauthorised. It also brings safety benefits as there is no risk of electric shock from a disconnected connector, for example, due to an unplugging of the connector from the vehicle for any reason, or if the connector were to be cut between its ends for any reason.

Preferably, the power supply from the power supply means to the battery is via a connector.

Preferably, the connector is a flexible connector. In particularly preferred embodiments, the connector is a power cable, which may be flexible. Alternatively, the connector may comprise a rigid body such as a rod or a bar. Preferably, the connector has a first end connected to the power supply means and a second end connected to a vehicle comprising the battery. The connector may be connected to the vehicle in any manner which enables power to be supplied to the battery in use. The connector may be directly or indirectly connected to the battery. The connections between the ends of the connector and the vehicle and power supply means may be via electrical contacts or induction. The connector may be portable and carried in the vehicle so that it can be used at various power supply means. The first end of the connector is preferably removably connectable to the power supply means. Preferably, the second end of the connector is removably connectable to the vehicle. Preferably, the first and second ends of the connector comprise plugs which cooperate with sockets on the power supply means and the vehicle respectively. Alternatively, the connector could be permanently connected to the power supply means at its first end.

The interruption to the power supplied may be due to any interruption occurring between the connector and the power supply means.

The interruption in the power supplied to the battery may be due to a disconnection of the second end of the connector from the vehicle. For example, the second end of the connector may comprise a plug and the vehicle may comprise a complementary shaped socket or vice versa, and the disconnection could be due to the unplugging of the plug or socket on the second end of the connector from the socket or plug on the vehicle.

Alternatively, the interruption in the power supplied to the battery may be due to a disconnection of the first end of the connector from the power supply means. For example, the first end of the connector may comprise a plug and the power supply means may comprise a complementary shaped socket or vice versa, and the disconnection could be due to the unplugging of the plug or socket on the first end of the connector from the socket or plug on the power supply means. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the interruption in the power supplied to the battery may be due to damage to the connector between its first and second ends. For example, the connector could be fully or partially severed. This could be caused intentionally and maliciously, or could be merely accidental.

The power supply to the connector may be restarted only once the reauthorisation process is successfully completed. The reauthorisation process may include requiring a person wishing to obtain power to be successfully authorised to do so. Authorisation may involve any steps which may allow the system to establish that a person wishing to receive power is entitled to do so. It may involve requiring such a person wishing to receive power to carry out any verification process. It may involve the person providing information actively or passively.

The reauthorisation process may comprise obtaining identification information relating to a person wishing to obtain power. As such, the system may comprise means for obtaining such information. Identification information may be any type of identifier such as a username, a code or a password and may relate directly or indirectly to the person. For example, the information may be an identifier of the person or a vehicle associated with the person or an identification of a vehicle. The person wishing to obtain power may be the owner of the vehicle (comprising the battery), or merely a user of the vehicle or any other person associated with the vehicle.

The reauthorisation process may involve any number of steps, and may further comprise verifying whether the identified person is authorised to receive power, e.g. by checking the identification information against a database. This check could verify whether the identified person is a registered member of a charging system. It is particularly preferred to obtain identification information as this allows the system to access user accounts for billing purposes. However, it is also envisaged that the power supply could be provided free of charge and the present invention is also applicable to such an arrangement.

The reauthorisation process may only be successfully completed by the person authorised to receive the power being supplied to the battery being charged when the interruption occurred. Accordingly, subsequent power supply is prevented if the identified person is not the person authorised to receive the power being supplied to the battery being charged when the interruption occurred. The method may comprise comparing the identity information obtained relating to the person wishing to obtain power to the identity of the person authorised to receive the power being supplied to the battery being charged when said interruption occurred. The method may then further comprise restarting power supply if the identification information matches.

The system could however, be reset by a person authorised to do so by the supplier, e.g. an employee of the supplier such as a maintenance worker. This would prevent charging stations being inactive for long periods due to a person associated with the vehicle not returning to the vehicle to be reauthorised.

By only supplying power after this reauthorisation process including obtaining identification information, it is possible to prevent further power supply when a person has unplugged another person's connector and plugged it into their own vehicle. This will dissuade persons from behaving in such a way, which is clearly undesirable as the person authorised to receive power prior the interruption may return to their vehicle to find it disconnected, not charged as expected and/or another vehicle being charged at their expense. Hijacking of another person's supply is thus prevented by these aspects of the present invention.

Identifying the person wishing to use the power supply means may require the person to provide identification information in any manner. The person may be required to directly or indirectly provide information. The person may be required to actively input information or the method may comprise the person, or a device associated with that person, being interrogated in some way. Preferred methods of identification include: interrogating an identification device, e.g. an RFID chip or any other type of transponder, an electronic chip, a magnetic strip or a bar code; prompting a user to enter an identifier, e.g. a personal identification number (PIN) or password; biometric scanning such as fingerprint or retinal scanning; or any combinations thereof. In the preferred embodiment the identification means may comprise a sensor for obtaining identification information. Preferably, the sensor is arranged to interrogate a RFID key fob, carried by the person wishing to use the power supply means.

The identification means will preferably establish the actual identity of the person wishing to use the power supply means. However, this may not always be the case if, for example, the interrogated device, e.g. a RFID key fob, of one user is being used by another person, either legally or illegally. To prevent unauthorised use of, for example a RFID key fob, the person wishing to use the power supply means may also have to directly input information such as a PIN or password or undergo biometric scanning. This two-stage process could thus be similar to using bank cards having 'chip-and-pin' functionality.

In accordance with the invention in any of its aspects and embodiments, in the event of an interruption, a person associated with the vehicle may be alerted via email, text message (SMS) or a telephone call. This may inform a person that they need to return to the vehicle to be re-authenticated to re-commence charging of the battery. This person may be the person authorised to receive the power being supplied when the interruption occurred or another person registered to receive such alerts. The system may check who is registered to receive such alerts using a database. In order that a user is not alerted when they have disconnected their own connector, the person may be required to be authenticated before disconnecting their connector from the power supply means. A certain time delay could be allowed after disconnection and before sending the alert so that if a person disconnected the second end of the connector from the vehicle first, they could then disconnect the first end of the connector from the power supply means, after being authenticated to do so, without causing the alert to be sent. Preferably, the method further comprises the step of requiring an initial authorisation process to be performed before supplying power to the battery via the connector prior to the interruption. The authorisation process used may be the authentication process previously described with respect to the first aspect of the present invention. The method may further comprise the step of supplying power to the battery prior to the interruption.

In accordance with the invention in any of the above aspects and embodiments, the power supply means may provided by a charging station, and the power supply means is therefore a power supply means of a charging station.

The present invention extends to a charging station arranged to carry out the methods in accordance with any of the aspects or embodiments of the present invention.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a charging station comprising means for supplying power to a battery of a vehicle via a connector connected to said charging station, means for detecting an interruption in the power supplied to the battery and means for stopping the power supply to said connector in response to a detected interruption. In a preferred embodiment, the charging station further comprises means for requiring and performing an authentication process prior to any further power being supplied to said connector.

In accordance with the invention in any of the above aspects and embodiments, the charging station may comprise at least one power supply socket. Preferably, a plurality of power supply sockets are provided such that the batteries of a plurality of vehicles can be charged simultaneously. Preferably, the charging station is self contained and comprises all means necessary for performing the methods of the present invention. In particular, the charging station may comprise a processor for carrying out the steps of the present invention in any of its aspects and embodiments and associated software. Preferably, the detecting of the interruption, the stopping of the power supply, the authentication, authorisation and/or the reauthorisation processes may all be performed electronically using the processor and the associated software.

The charging station may be in the form of a tower.

In accordance with the invention any of the above aspects and embodiments, the phrase "battery of a vehicle" preferably refers to a battery located in or on the vehicle. The vehicle comprising the battery may be a bicycle, a motorcycle, a car, a van, a motor home, a wheelchair, a golf buggy, a boat, a jet-ski, a scooter, a buggy, a disabled/older person vehicle, a Segway®, an Ireal® or any other vehicle that comprises an battery that can be electrically charged.

The various aspects of the present invention are applicable to any vehicle having an electric battery for some purpose which needs to be recharged from time to time. The invention may be implemented in relation to one or more batteries of the vehicle. The battery is preferably a battery which is arranged to provide propulsive power to the vehicle in use. Preferably, the charging of the battery results in charging of the vehicle, and in these embodiments, references to charging the battery of the vehicle may interchangeably refer to charging of the vehicle. Preferably, the vehicle is therefore an electric vehicle.

The vehicle may be an electric vehicle that runs fully or partially on electricity. References to electric vehicles, do not require that the vehicle is necessarily fully electric in operation, and the vehicle may only be partially electricized. For example, some electric cycles require a user to pedal for some time before the' electric motor starts to work, while others are more similar to a motorbike, and only require pedalling in an emergency, e.g. if the electric motor fails. The electric vehicle may be run purely on electricity or may also comprise other propulsion means such as an internal combustion engine as in a 'hybrid' engine.

Alternatively, the vehicle having a battery may not comprise electric propulsion means and may use the battery merely for powering accessories or auxiliary loads such as lights, electronics, air-conditioning, GPS, multimedia entertainment, engine management, alarm systems, immobilisers and engine ignition etc. For example, vehicles such as boats have batteries that require charging, for example in a marina. Of course, the invention may be used in relation to a battery of an electrically propelled vehicle which battery is, however, not used for the purpose of electric propulsion. Thus, the battery may be a battery for powering accessories or auxiliary loads even if the vehicle also has a battery for providing electric propulsion. Of course, the various aspects of the present invention may be used in relation to both types of battery on such a vehicle.

It will be appreciated that any references to charging of vehicles herein may involve full or partial recharging of the vehicle. For example, a vehicle may be charged for the duration of the time is connected to the power supply means which may or may not be sufficiently long to fully charge the vehicle.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising the step of stopping power supply to a connector in response to an interruption in the power supplied to an electric vehicle via said connector, wherein said interruption occurs while said connector is connected to a power supply means. In these aspects, the interruption therefore occurs during charging of the vehicle.

The present invention extends to the system of the invention in any of its aspects or embodiments in combination with the vehicle having said battery and/or in combination with said connector, and/or in combination with the power supply means, and/or in combination with the charging station.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising: a vehicle having a battery; a power supply means; and a connector, the system further comprising means for stopping power to the connector in response to an interruption in the power supplied to the battery of the vehicle via the connector, wherein said interruption occurs while said connector is connected to said power supply means.

It will be appreciated that in accordance with the invention in any of its aspects and embodiments, while the power supply is stopped in response to the interruption, it may not be a direct immediate result. Instead, it may be the result of a chain of effects initiated by the detection,

In accordance with the invention any of the above aspects and embodiments, the method may further comprise the step of alerting a person associated with the vehicle when said battery is at or near full charge, and the system or charging station may further comprise means for detecting when a battery of a vehicle being charged is at or near full charge and means for alerting a person associated with a vehicle being charged when a battery of the vehicle is at or near full charge.

The alert may be in the form of any type of communication and may comprise a message such as an email, a text message (e.g. SMS) or a telephone call. Preferably, the alert comprises a message sent to a mobile communications device of the person. According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of charging a battery of a vehicle, comprising the step of alerting a person associated with the vehicle when said battery is at or near full charge. This alert will inform the person that their vehicle is nearly or fully charged. They may wish to return to their vehicle as soon as possible after receiving this alert. The method may comprise the step of reducing or stopping the current supply to the battery when said battery is at or near full charge.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system comprising means for charging a battery of a vehicle, means for detecting when a battery of the vehicle being charged is at or near full charge and means for alerting a person associated with a vehicle being charged when a battery of the vehicle is at or near full charge.

The system may be in the form of, or part of, a charging station. The alert may be in the form of any type of communication and may comprise a message such as an email, a text message (e.g. SMS) or a telephone call. Preferably, the alert comprises a message sent to a mobile communications device of the person.

Although it is described above that the alert is sent when the battery is at or near full charge, it is envisaged that an alert could instead be sent once the battery has reached a given level of charge other than at or near full charge, such as half charge. References to the alert being given when the battery is at or near full charge will then instead refer to an alert being sent when the battery reaches a given level of charge. The given level may be a predetermined e.g. preset level, which may be set by a user, who may e.g. be the person to whom the alert is sent. As used herein, the term 'near' should be understood to mean within 10%, or preferably 5%, of the charge level in question.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program element comprising software code portions for performing a method according to any of the aspects or embodiment of the present invention, when the program element is run on data processing means.

The methods in accordance with the present invention may be implemented at least partially using software, e.g. computer programs. It will thus be seen that when viewed from further aspects the present invention provides computer software specifically adapted to carry out the methods herein described when installed on data processing means, a computer program element comprising computer software code portions for performing the methods herein described when the program element is run on data processing means, and a computer program comprising code means adapted to perform all the steps of a method or of the methods herein described when the program is run on a data processing system. The data processor may be a microprocessor system, a programmable FPGA (field programmable gate array), etc.

The invention also extends to a computer software carrier comprising such software which when used to operate a processor, or microprocessor system comprising data processing means causes, in conjunction with said data processing means, said processor or system to carry out the steps of the methods of the present invention. Such a computer software carrier could be a physical storage medium such as a ROM chip, CD ROM or disk, or could be a signal such as an electronic signal over wires, an optical signal or a radio signal such as to a satellite or the like.

It will further be appreciated that not all steps of the methods of the invention need be carried out by computer software and thus from a further broad aspect the present invention provides computer software, and such software installed on a computer software carrier, for carrying out at least one of the steps of the methods set out herein. The present invention may accordingly suitably be embodied as a computer program product for use with a computer system. Such an implementation may comprise a series of computer readable instructions either fixed on a tangible medium, such as a computer readable medium, for example, diskette, CD-ROM, ROM, or hard disk, or transmittable to a computer system, via a modem or other interface device, over either a tangible medium, including but not limited to optical or analogue communications lines, or intangibly using wireless techniques, including but not limited to microwave, infrared or other transmission techniques. The series of computer readable instructions embodies all or part of the functionality previously described herein. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that such computer readable instructions can be written in a number of programming languages for use with many computer architectures or operating systems. Further, such instructions may be stored using any memory technology, present or future, including but not limited to, semiconductor, magnetic, or optical, or transmitted using any communications technology, present or future, including but not limited to optical, infrared, or microwave. It is contemplated that such a computer program product may be distributed as a removable medium with accompanying printed or electronic documentation, for example, shrink-wrapped software, pre-loaded with a computer system, for example, on a system ROM or fixed disk, or distributed from a server or electronic bulletin board over a network, for example, the Internet or World Wide Web. The present invention in these further aspects of the invention may include any or all of the features described in respect of the other aspects and embodiments of the invention to the extent that they are not mutually inconsistent therewith.

Some preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to Figures 1 and 2 of which: Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a power supply means in the form of a charging station, which may be used in methods and systems in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 2 is a schematic view of a system for charging a vehicle in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention and including the charging station of Figure 1. Figures 1 and 2 show a power supply means in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. According to this embodiment, the power supply means is a charging station 100. Such a facility could be provided in any suitable place such as in a public or private car park or on a pavement. Charging station 100 comprises at least one power supply socket 140 for supplying power to an electric vehicle 170 to charge the vehicle. Each charging station 100 could comprise a plurality of sockets 140, such that each charging station could simultaneously be connectable to a number of electric vehicles. In particular, one socket may be provided on front panel 110 and another socket may be provided on the opposite back panel (not shown). The socket can be any 2 or 3 pin plug compatible with standard plugs in the relevant region.

In one embodiment, the charging station 100 is in the form of a tower containing all necessary electronics and communications systems. This results in a secure, compact system that is resistant to damage and weather. It is connected to a mains source of electricity. The communication with the suppler may be via underground wires or wirelessly. The charging station may be a dual socket power tower, available from the Applicants, Park & Power Ltd, under model no. PTD09.2. The charging station may be constructed from stainless steel, powder coated mild steel or recycled plastic.

Each socket 140 is located in a compartment located behind a sliding door 120 having a handle 121. Figure 1 shows door 120 in a closed position. In Figure 2, the door 120 is in an open position, exposing socket 140.

A connector in the form of a power cable 160 connects the charging station 120 to the vehicle 170. The power cable 160 comprises a plug 151 at its first end 150 which is removably connectable to socket 140 on the charging station 120, as shown in Figure 2. Power cable 160 also comprises a plug 181 at its second end 180 (opposite to the first end 150) which is removably connected to power supply socket 190 on vehicle 170, in use to charge the vehicle, as also shown in Figure 2. The power cable may be any cable such as those often supplied with vehicles for connection to charging 'stations.

The charging station includes means for verifying the identity of a person wishing to obtain charge before commencing power supply, for example to ensure that they are permitted to use the station and to determine who should be charged for the power supplied. The charging station may obtain identity information from a potential user and compare this to a list of authorised users or members of the charging system.

A sensor 130 is provided in order to obtain identification information from a person who wishes to use the charging station. The sensor 130 may detect a RFID chip or any other type of transponder, read a magnetic strip or a bar code or perform biometric scanning such as fingerprint or retinal scanning. In a preferred embodiment, the information is obtained by interrogating an RFID key fob in the proximity of sensor 130. Alternatively or additionally, means may be provided to prompt a user to enter a personal identification number (PIN) or password on a provided keypad.

Power supplied to the vehicle 170 serves to charge the vehicle battery or batteries. To fully charge the battery or batteries could take a very short time or a rather long time, such as hours, or even days. Once fully charged, the power cable 160 may continue to be live, for example a trickle charge may continue. The amount of electricity supplied is monitored for billing purposes by a metering system. Means for detecting an interruption in the power supplied to the vehicle is provided within the charging station 100. These means preferably comprise electronics such as a processor and associated software. The detection means may be part of, or associated with the electricity metering system. Operation of the system will now be described. A person wishing to charge their electrical vehicle arrives at charging station 100. To charge their vehicle, the person connects the power cable 160 to the charging station 100 by inserting plug 151 into socket 140. In order to do this, the user may have to be authenticated. For example, the door 120 may be locked until a person is identified and their details checked, e.g. by presenting a valid RFID tag to sensor 130. The door may be locked using a solenoid bolt which can be operated electronically in response to a successful authentication. Once the user has been authenticated, the door 120 is unlocked and can be lifted via handle 121 to expose socket 140. Once the plug 151 is connected to socket 140, power can be supplied to the power cable 160. However, as an extra safety feature, the power cable 160 may only be made live once its second end 180 is connected to the vehicle 170. This would prevent the risk of electric shock from any exposed terminals at the second end 180 of the power cable 160.

In order to charge the vehicle 170, the plug 180 of the power cable 160 is connected to socket 190 on vehicle 170 and power is supplied to the power cable 160.

Alternatively, the user may connect the second end 180 of the power cable 160 to the vehicle 170 prior to connecting the first end 150 to the charging station 100.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention, in response to an interruption to the power supply to the vehicle 170 occurring while the cable 160 is connected to the power supply, the power supplied to the power cable 160 is stopped. If the disconnection occurs between the second end 150 of the power cable 160 and the vehicle 170, then the unconnected second end 150 will not be live. If the disconnection occurs at a location between the first and second ends 150, 180, for example due to the power cable 160 being severed, the cable 160 again will not be live. This is clearly beneficial on safety grounds, as the risk of electric shocks is reduced. Stopping power supply to the power cable 160 also prevents another user plugging the power cable 160 into their vehicle and receiving power for which they are not billed. hi order for the power supply to be recommenced an authentication process must be successfully completed. This includes the person wishing to obtain power being identified by presenting a RFID tag to the sensor 130 and/or inputting a PIN or password as described above. The system can then verify whether the identified person is authorised to receive power. Preferably this involves comparing the identity of this person to the person previously authorised to charge their vehicle and only allowing power supply if these two persons match.

According to a second embodiment of the present invention, in response to a detection of an interruption to the power supply to the vehicle 170, further power supply is prevented until a reauthorisation step is successfully completed. The power cable 160 and the power supply socket 140 will not be live. The reauthorisation step comprises identifying a person wishing to obtain power, as described above and comparing the identity of this person with that of the person authorised to receive power at the time of the interruption. It can only be successfully completed by the previously authorised person. As mentioned previously, the system could however, be reset by a person authorised to do so by the supplier, e.g. an employee of the supplier such as a maintenance worker.

According to either embodiment, upon detection of the interruption and subsequent stopping of the power supply, an alert may be sent to a person associated with the vehicle 170 being charge to notify them that the charging process has been interrupted. Upon detection of the interruption, the system can look up which person should be notified and their contact details and send an alert to that person. The alert is preferably in the form of a text message (SMS) to a mobile phone. As the person that caused the interruption could be the person authorised to receive power at that time, then it is preferable for a time delay to be provided before sending the alert. This would give the person time to undergo another authentication process either in order for the power supply to be recommenced or, at the end of the desired charge, for the sliding door 120 to be opened so that the second end 180 of the power cable 160 can be accessed and disconnected. Successful completion of this authentication process would prevent the alert being sent.

According to either embodiment, once successfully authenticated or reauthorised, power supply can once again be provided to the connector 160. The power supply will again be monitored for billing purposes and to detect any further interruptions.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A method comprising the step of: stopping power supply to a connector in response to an interruption in the power supplied to a battery of a vehicle via said connector, wherein said interruption occurs while said connector is connected to a power supply means.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said connector is a power cable.

3. The method of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein said connector has a first end connected to said power supply means and a second end connected to said vehicle.

4. The method of claim 4, wherein said interruption is due to:

(i) the disconnection of said second end of said connector from said vehicle; or (ii) damage to the connector between its first and second ends.

5. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising the step of requiring an authentication process to be performed prior to any further power being supplied to said connector.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein said authentication process comprises identifying a person wishing to obtain power.

7. The method of claim 5, wherein said authentication further comprises checking the identified user's credentials against a database.

8. The method of claim 6 or 7, further comprising comparing the identity of said person to the identity of the person authorised to receive the power being supplied to the battery being charged when said interruption occurred.

9. The method of any of claims 5 to 8, wherein said authentication process comprises interrogating a RFED chip or any other type of transponder, an electronic chip, a magnetic strip or a bar code, prompting a user to enter a personal identification number (PIN) or password, biometric scanning, or any combinations thereof.

10. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising the step of alerting a person associated with said vehicle of said interruption via e-mail, text message (SMS) or a telephone call.

11. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising detecting said interruption and stopping said power supply to said connector in response to said detection.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein said detecting and stopping steps are performed electronically using a processor and associated software.

13. A system comprising: means for stopping power supply to a connector in response to an interruption in the power supplied to a battery of a vehicle via said connector, wherein said interruption occurs while said connector is connected to a power supply means.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein said connector is a power cable.

15. The system of claim 13 or 14, wherein, in use, said connector has a first end removably connected to said power supply means and a second end removably connected to said vehicle.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein said interruption is due to:

17. The system of any of claims 13 to 16, further comprising means for requiring and performing an authentication process prior to any further power being supplied to said connector.

18. The system of any of claims 13 to 17, further comprising means for identifying a person wishing to obtain power.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein said identifying means comprise a sensor.

20. The system of claim 18 or 19, further comprising means for comparing the identity of said person to the identity of the person authorised to receive the power being supplied to the battery being charged when said interruption occurred.

21. The system of any of claims 13 to 20, further comprising means for detecting said interruption.

22. The system of any of claims 13 to 21, comprising a processor and associated software.

23, The system of any of claims 13 to 22, wherein said power supply means is a power supply means of a charging station, the charging station having at least one power supply socket.

24. A method comprising the steps of: detecting an interruption in an authorised power supply from a power supply means to a battery of a vehicle; and requiring successful completion of a reauthorisation process prior to any further power being supplied from said power supply means.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein said power supply to said battery is via a connector having a first end connected to a power supply means and a second end connected to said vehicle.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein said connector is a power cable.

27. The method of claim 25 or 26, wherein said interruption is due to:

(i) the disconnection of said second end of said connector from said vehicle; (ii) the disconnection of said first end of said connector from said power supply means; or

(iii) damage to the connector between its first and second ends.

28. The method of any of claims 24 to 27, wherein said reauthorisation process comprises identifying a person wishing to obtain power.

29. The method of claim 28, farther comprising comparing the identity of said person wishing to obtain power to the identity of the person authorised to receive the power being supplied to the battery being charged when said interruption occurred.

30. The method of any of claims 24 to 29, wherein said reauthorisation process comprises interrogating a RFID chip or any other type of transponder, an electronic chip, a magnetic strip, or a bar code, prompting a user to enter a personal identification number (PIN), or password, biometric scanning, or any combinations thereof.

31. The method of any of claims 28 to 30, wherein said reauthorisation process further comprises checking the identified person's credentials against a database.

32. The method of any of claims 24 to 31 , further comprising the step of alerting a person associated with said vehicle of said disconnection via e-mail, text message (SMS) or a telephone call.

33. The method of any of claims 24 to 32, wherein said detecting and stopping are performed electronically using a processor and associated software.

34. A system comprising: means for detecting an interruption in the power supplied to a battery of a vehicle from a power supply means; and means for requesting reauthorisation prior to any further power being supplied from said power supply means.

35. The system of claim 34, further comprising a connector, through which said power is supplied to said battery, wherein, in use, said connector has a first end connected to said power supply means and a second end connected to said vehicle.

36. The system of claim 34 or 35, wherein said connector is a power cable.

37. The system of claim 35 or 36, wherein said interruption is due to:

(iii) damage to the connector between its first and second ends.

38. The system of any of claims 34 to 37, further comprising means for performing said reauthorisation process.

39. The system of any of claims 34 to 38, further comprising means for identifying a person wishing to obtain power.

40. The system of claim 39, wherein said identifying means comprises a sensor.

41. The system of claim 39 or 40, further comprising means for comparing the identity of said person wishing to obtain power to the identity of the person authorised to receive the power being supplied to the battery being charged when said interruption occurred.

42. The system of any of claims 34 to 41 , comprising a processor and associated software.

43. The system of any of claims 34 to 42, wherein said power supply means is a power supply means of a charging station, the charging station having at least one power supply socket.

44. The method or system of any preceding claim, wherein said vehicle is a bicycle, a motorcycle, a car, a van, a motor home, a wheelchair, a golf buggy, a boat, a jet-ski, a scooter, a buggy, a disabled/older person vehicles, a Segway®, or an Ireal® .

45. The method or system of any preceding claim, wherein said vehicle is an electric vehicle and said battery provides propulsive power to the electric vehicle.

46. A charging station arranged for carrying out any or all of the steps of the methods of any of claims 1 to 12, 24 to 33, 44 and 45.

47. A computer program element comprising computer software code portions for performing the methods of any one of claims 1 to 12, 24 to 33, 44 and 45, when the program element is run on data processing means.

48. A charging station comprising: means for supplying power to a battery of a vehicle via a connector connected to said charging station; means for detecting an interruption in the power supplied to said battery; means for stopping the power supply to said connector in response to a detected interruption.

49. The charging station of claim 48, further comprising means for requiring and performing an authentication process prior to any further power being supplied to said connector.

50. A charging station comprising: means for supplying power to a battery of a vehicle; means for detecting an interruption in the power supplied to said battery; means for requesting reauthorisation prior to any further power being supplied.

51. The method of any of claims 1 to 12, 24 to 33, 44 and 45, further comprising the step of alerting a person associated with the vehicle when said battery is at or near full charge.

52. The system or charging station of any of claims 13 to 23, 34 to 46 and 48 to 50, further comprising: means for detecting when said battery is at or near full charge; and means for alerting a person associated with the vehicle when said battery is at or near full charge.

53. A method of charging a battery of a vehicle, comprising the step of alerting a person associated with the vehicle when said battery is at or near full charge.

54. The method of claim 53, further comprising the step of reducing or stopping the current supply to the battery when said battery is at or near fill charge.

55. A system comprising: means for charging a battery of a vehicle; means for detecting when a battery of a vehicle being charged is at or near full charge; and means for alerting a person associated with a vehicle being charged when a battery of the vehicle is at or near full charge.

56. A charging station comprising the system of claim 55.

57. The method, system or charging station of any of claims 51 to 56, wherein said alert is in the form of an email, a text message (SMS) or a telephone call.

58. A method substantially as herein described, and/or with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.

59. A system substantially as herein described, and/or with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.

60. A charging station substantially as herein described, and/or with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.