JP7145913B2 - Apparatus, methods, and articles for providing information about vehicles via mobile devices - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure generally relates to rechargeable power storage devices (e.g., secondary batteries, supercapacitors, or ultracapacitors) that can be suitable for use in a variety of fields or applications, such as transportation and non-transportation applications. on the distribution of

A wide variety of uses or applications exist for portable power storage devices.

One such application is in the transportation field. Hybrid and fully electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular. Such vehicles can achieve many advantages over traditional internal combustion engined vehicles. For example, hybrid or electric vehicles can achieve higher fuel economy and have little or even no tailpipe pollution. In particular, all-electric vehicles can not only have zero tailpipe pollution, but can also be associated with lower overall pollution. For example, power can be generated from renewable sources (eg, solar, hydro). Also for example, power may be generated in power plants that do not contribute any air pollution (eg, nuclear power plants). Also, for example, pollution control or abatement systems that have higher efficiency than internal combustion engines and/or are too bulky, too expensive, or too expensive for use in individual vehicles (eg, industrial air purifiers) Electricity can also be generated in power plants that burn relatively “clean-burning” fuels (eg, natural gas) that employ

Personal transport vehicles such as combustion-powered scooters and/or motorcycles are ubiquitous in many places, such as many large cities in Asia. Such scooters and/or motorcycles tend to be relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to cars and trucks. Cities with large numbers of combustion engined scooters and/or motorcycles also tend to be very densely populated and also suffer from high levels of air pollution. While new, many combustion-powered scooters and/or motorcycles also provide relatively low-pollution personal transportation. For example, such scooters and/or motorcycles may have higher mileage per unit of fuel than larger vehicles. Some scooters and/or motorcycles may even be equipped with basic pollution control equipment (eg catalytic converters). Unfortunately, the scooter and/or motorcycle is used without maintenance and/or the scooter and/or motorcycle is modified, for example by intentional or unintentional removal of the catalytic converter. quickly exceed factory-specified emissions levels. Often scooter and/or motorcycle owners or drivers lack financial resources or a desire to maintain their vehicles.

Does air pollution cause diverse diseases (for example, various reports link air pollution with emphysema, asthma, cystic fibrosis pneumonitis, and other cardiovascular diseases)? is known to have negative effects on human health. Such diseases claim large numbers of lives and severely reduce the quality of life of countless people.

A zero tailpipe pollution alternative to combustion engines would be very beneficial to air quality and thus to the health of many residents.

Although the benefits of zero tailpipe emissions of all-electric vehicles are recognized, adoption of all-electric vehicles by many residents is still slow. One reason appears to be cost, especially secondary battery cost. Another reason is the limited driving distance available on a single charge of the battery, the limited places where the secondary battery can be recharged, and the recharging of the secondary battery when exhausted. The time required for charging may be relatively long (eg several hours).

The approach described therein can address some of the issues that have limited the adoption of zero-pipe-emission technologies, especially in densely populated cities and among resource-constrained residents.

For example, some of the approaches described therein employ collection, charging, and dispensing machines, which may also be referred to as kiosks or vending machines, to store power storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors, or ultracapacitors). Collect, charge and distribute. Such machines may be distributed in a variety of locations, such as convenience stores or existing gas stations, throughout a city or other area. References herein to collection machines, collection and distribution machines, collection and charging machines, and distribution machines include, but are not limited to, charging, collecting and distributing electrical storage devices and/or other items. It does not mean that it does not have or use additional functionality, including one or more of the distributions, or that it is not possible.

The collection, charging, and distribution machine can maintain a stock of fully charged or nearly fully charged electrical storage devices for use by end users. A collection, charging, and distribution machine collects, receives, or otherwise accepts depleted electrical storage devices, e.g., returned by an end user, for subsequent reuse by the end user. can recharge them.

Therefore, when a battery or other power storage device reaches or is nearing the end of the amount of electricity it is storing, the end user simply removes the battery or other power storage device in a collection, charging, and distribution machine. Power storage devices can be replaced, exchanged, or otherwise replaced. This can address issues related to cost, limited distance and recharging locations for power storage devices and relatively long recharging times.

As mentioned above, secondary batteries and other power storage devices are relatively expensive. Therefore, it is beneficial to stock collection, charging, and distribution machines with as few power storage devices as possible, while still ensuring that demand is met.

For these reasons, the ability to keep power storage devices available, and the management of the availability of such devices and the system for making such devices available, is a wireless system of information governing such systems. Communication, including that of vehicles utilizing such systems, is critical to the commercial success of such efforts. Therefore, it makes available energy storage devices, manages the availability of such devices, manages the systems for making such devices available, and also provides information about the vehicle via mobile devices. We describe a number of approaches that provide

A method within the system for providing information about a vehicle may be used by one or more computer processors of a user's mobile device of the system for providing information about a vehicle to provide information regarding the diagnosis or status of the vehicle. and receiving, by one or more computer processors of a user mobile device of a system for providing information about a vehicle, second information about the history of usage of the vehicle. one or more computers of a user mobile device of the system for providing information about the vehicle in response to receiving first information about the diagnosis or current status of the vehicle and second information about the history of use of the vehicle; - by the processor, processing the received first information and the received second information, and based on the processed received first information and the received second information, as associated with the vehicle; at least partially to the received first information and the received second information by one or more computer processors of a user mobile device of a system for providing information about a vehicle to an authenticated user; and communicating the processed information based on.

The vehicle may be an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle. The first information about the diagnosis or current status of the vehicle and the second information about the history of usage of the vehicle are, respectively, the current or condition of the vehicle, the current or condition of one or more systems of the vehicle, the vehicle owned by the user, the vehicle's customizable features; the settings of the vehicle's customizable features; the status or condition of the vehicle's engine or motor; the vehicle's electrical system(s); the vehicle's health; the vehicle's security; Vehicle locks, vehicle transmission system, vehicle maintenance, vehicle recommended maintenance, vehicle scheduled maintenance, vehicle brake pad condition, current status of one or more vehicle lights, vehicle engine temperature, vehicle distance traveled per unit of fuel of the vehicle, one or more wheels of the vehicle, one or more tires of the vehicle, wear of one or more tires of the vehicle, air pressure of one or more tires of the vehicle, speed of the vehicle statistics about different speeds of the vehicle over time one or more fluid levels of the vehicle state or current status of the electrical energy storage device of the vehicle dashboard of the vehicle dashboard view of the vehicle dashboard of the vehicle current state of the display; configurable settings for the vehicle's customizable dashboard display; information stored on a computer readable medium coupled to the vehicle's portable electrical energy storage device; configurable vehicle lighting; configurable vehicle lighting settings; current odometer reading of the vehicle; usage statistics based on vehicle history; usage statistics for electrical energy storage devices based on vehicle history; Historical motor usage statistics, historical vehicle efficiency usage statistics, vehicle geographic movement statistics, vehicle current location, vehicle previous location, vehicle target efficiency, vehicle recommended settings, associated with vehicle the vehicle's portable electrical energy storage device; the vehicle's available portable electrical energy storage devices; the location of one or more available portable electrical energy storage devices in the vehicle; One or more collection, charging, and distribution machines for energy storage devices, replacement of portable electrical energy storage devices in one or more collection, charging, and distribution machines for portable electrical energy storage devices in vehicles history, and portable electrical energy storage devices in vehicles at least some information regarding one or more of the locations of one or more collection, charging, and dispensing machines for the chair. Receiving the first information regarding the diagnosis or condition of the vehicle may be performed by receiving the first information regarding the diagnosis or condition of the vehicle from a remote source different from the source from which the second information regarding the vehicle usage history is received. may include receiving a Receiving first information regarding the diagnosis or current status of the vehicle and receiving second information regarding the usage history of the vehicle may be performed by transmitting any of the first information and the second information to the vehicle and the user. • may include receiving via a short-range wireless connection between mobile devices or via a different wireless connection from a remote vehicle data information management system to a user mobile device. Processing the received first information and the received second information includes receiving a portable electrical energy storage device replacement history associated with the user or vehicle for presentation on a display of the mobile device. Preparing the data and providing to the user about the portable electrical energy storage device in the vehicle, or the availability thereof, based at least in part on the received data regarding the portable electrical energy storage device replacement history associated with the user or the vehicle. preparing the data for presentation on a display of the mobile device to bring attention to. Portable Electrical Energy Storage Device Data on replacement history is received via a short-range wireless connection between the vehicle and the user's mobile device from a memory module attached to the portable electrical energy storage device that powers the vehicle's motors. It can be assumed that the data is The data regarding the portable electrical energy storage device replacement history may be data received from a remote vehicle data information management system via a wireless connection to the user mobile device. Data relating to portable electrical energy storage device replacement history may be received data originating from one or more collection, charging, and distribution machines for portable electrical energy storage devices for vehicles. Processing the received first information and the received second information includes selecting the first data from the first information regarding vehicle diagnostics or status; selecting second data from second information about vehicle usage history based on first data selected from; and based on the selected first data and the selected second data, the user mobile - generating third information to be presented to the user via the device. A first data selected from the first information regarding diagnostics or current status of the vehicle includes data regarding a current charge level of the portable electrical energy storage device of the vehicle, and a second data selected from the second information regarding the usage history of the vehicle. The data includes data on driving behavior associated with the user, wherein generating third information based on the selected first data and the selected second data is associated with the user Based on data about driving behavior, it is desirable to generate information about an estimate of how far, in terms of distance, and how long, in terms of time, it will be until the current charge level of the portable electrical energy storage device is reached. can contain. Additionally, the method may include presenting on the mobile device third information generated by one or more computer processors of the user mobile device. The method further includes selecting from first data selected from first information relating to diagnostics or current status of the vehicle and second information relating to vehicle usage history by one or more computer processors of the user mobile device. transmitting one or more of the obtained second data to a memory module attached to a portable electrical energy storage device that powers a motor of the vehicle. Receiving first information about the diagnosis or current status of the vehicle and receiving second information about the usage history of the vehicle include transmitting any of the first information and the second information to the vehicle. It may include receiving from a memory module attached to a portable electrical energy storage device that powers a vehicle's motor via a short-range wireless connection between a user's mobile device. Further, the method includes processing the first information, the second information, and at least a portion of the received first information and the received second information by one or more computer processors of the user mobile device. attach one or more of the processed information based on the identity to a portable electrical energy storage device that powers the vehicle's motor via a short-range wireless connection between the vehicle and the user's mobile device; communicating to the memory module that is connected to the memory module. Communicating to the user may include presenting information on a display of the user mobile device or via speakers thereof based on the processed information. Further, the method includes, by one or more computer processors of the mobile device, from the user, one or more of the first information regarding the diagnosis or current status of the vehicle and the second information regarding the usage history of the vehicle. receiving the input, and in response to receiving the input, by one or more computer processors of the mobile device based on the received input, first information regarding the diagnosis or status of the vehicle received; and selecting data from one or more of the received second information relating to vehicle usage history; and transmitting the selected data to the user mobile device based on the specifications of the user mobile device or its capabilities. and presenting the prepared selected data on a display or via a speaker of the user mobile device. The method further includes receiving input by one or more computer processors of the mobile device regarding changes to vehicle settings or configurations; wirelessly communicating, by the processor, the vehicle setting or configuration change based on received input from the user regarding the vehicle setting or configuration change. Wirelessly transmitting a setting or configuration change to the vehicle includes transferring the vehicle setting or configuration change to the vehicle by one or more computer processors of the user mobile device, and further transmitting the vehicle setting or configuration change to the vehicle as received by the vehicle. Wireless communication may be included based on the first information regarding diagnostics or current status, or second information regarding received vehicle usage history. Receiving input regarding changes to vehicle settings or configurations may include receiving input from a remote vehicle data information management system. Receiving input regarding changes to vehicle settings or configurations via a wireless connection to a mobile device and from a memory module attached to a portable electrical energy storage device that powers the vehicle's motors can include doing The change in vehicle settings or configuration may relate to one or more of selections relating to customizable lighting patterns for the vehicle's lights and selections relating to the vehicle's customizable dashboard display.

A system for providing information about a vehicle includes at least one computer processor and at least one memory coupled to the computer processor, wherein the at least one computer processor provides diagnostic or status information about the vehicle. configured to receive one or more of first information about a vehicle and second information about a history of vehicle usage, wherein the information received is a user's device associated with the vehicle or the vehicle's originating from a memory module attached to a portable electrical energy storage device configured to power a motor, and at least one computer processor, based on the received information, receives first information or It can be summarized as being configured to communicate to a remote device third information based at least in part on the obtained second information.

A remote device may be a mobile device associated with a user or vehicle. A remote device may be a collection, charging, and distribution machine for portable electrical energy storage devices.

The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium contains computer-executable instructions that, when executed by one or more computer processors, cause the one or more computer processors to run the vehicle software or Portable electrical energy to receive information about the current state of the vehicle, including software or firmware updates to update the current state of the firmware, to supply the software or firmware updates to the vehicle, and to power the motors of the vehicle. It can be summarized as being communicated via one or more of a module attached to the storage device and a mobile device associated with the vehicle or the user of the vehicle.

The computer-executable instructions, when executed by the one or more computer processors, provide the one or more computer processors with further information regarding the vehicle to the user mobile device of the system. one or more computer processors to receive information about the history of vehicle usage; It can be processed to be presented on the user's mobile device along with other information about the vehicle received from a remote source different from the source.

In the drawings, same reference numbers identify similar elements or acts. The sizes and relative positions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes of various elements and angles are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements have been arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve drawing legibility. Additionally, the particular shapes of the depicted elements are not intended to convey any information relating to the actual shape of the particular elements, and have been selected solely for ease of recognition in the drawings.

of a collection, charging, and distribution machine shown with multiple power storage devices according to one non-limiting illustrative embodiment in conjunction with an electric scooter or motorcycle and distribution services provided via a distribution grid; 1 is a schematic diagram; FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the collection, charging, and distribution machine of FIG. 1 according to one non-limiting illustrative embodiment; FIG. of a system for providing information about a vehicle via a mobile device showing a collection, charging, and distribution machine within the system, according to one non-limiting illustrative embodiment; It is a block diagram. 4 is a schematic diagram of the vehicle data information management system of FIG. 3, according to one non-limiting illustrative embodiment; FIG. FIG. 4 is an illustration of an example user interface of a user's mobile device presenting information regarding vehicle diagnostics or current status based on information regarding vehicle usage history, in accordance with one non-limiting illustrative embodiment; . FIG. 4 is an illustration of an example user interface of a user's mobile device presenting information regarding vehicle diagnostics or current status along with information regarding vehicle usage history in accordance with one non-limiting illustrative embodiment; 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of providing information to a vehicle via a user's mobile device, according to one non-limiting illustrative embodiment; 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of providing information about a vehicle from the perspective of the vehicle data information management system of FIGS. 3 and 4, according to one non-limiting illustrative embodiment; FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of providing information about a vehicle with a software or firmware update to update the current state of the vehicle's software or firmware, according to one non-limiting illustrative embodiment; 4 presents an example initial menu providing menu options relating to the location of a portable power storage device, user account and vehicle information, and other user helpful information in accordance with one limited illustrative embodiment; FIG. 2 is an illustration showing an example of a user interface of a user's mobile device; FIG. 4 is an illustration of an example user interface of a user's mobile device presenting an example user menu providing menu choices for vehicle setting options in accordance with one non-limiting illustrative embodiment; . 10 is a user's mobile device user interface presenting an example user menu providing menu choices regarding vehicle setting options for a selected portion of a vehicle, according to one non-limiting illustrative embodiment; It is an explanatory view showing an example of. 4 presents an example user menu providing menu selections for further vehicle setting options for a selected option for changing the user-configurable color of a vehicle dashboard, according to one limited illustrative embodiment; 1 is an illustration showing an example of a user interface of a user's mobile device; FIG. FIG. 11 illustrates an example user interface of a user's mobile device presenting an example user menu providing menu selections for diagnostics or vehicle status information options, according to one limited illustrative embodiment; FIG. It is an explanatory diagram. FIG. 4 is an illustration of an example user interface of a mobile device of a user presenting an example user menu providing diagnostic reports and menu options relating to diagnostic reports, in accordance with one limited illustrative embodiment; is. A user's mobile device presenting an example user menu providing further information regarding an interactive vehicle diagnostic report based on the user's menu selection for the interactive vehicle diagnostic report, according to one limited illustrative embodiment. is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a user interface of . A user's mobile device presenting an exemplary user menu providing an interactive map showing the current user location and the location of a portable power storage device collection and distribution machine, according to one limited illustrative embodiment. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a user interface of the device; An example user menu providing an interactive map showing the current user location on the map and further information regarding the location of the selected portable power storage device collection and distribution machine, according to one limited illustrative embodiment. 2 is an illustration showing an example of a user interface of a user's mobile device presenting a . A user presenting an interactive list showing portable power storage device collection and distribution machine locations and vehicle service repair locations in order of distance from the user's current location, according to one limited illustrative embodiment. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a user interface of a mobile device; FIG.

Certain specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the various disclosed embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art, however, will appreciate that the embodiments can be practiced without one or more of these specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. will recognize. In other respects, to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the description of the embodiments, references to well-known structures, namely, without limitation, transformers, vending machines, batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors, Power converters, including rectifiers, DC/DC power converters, switch-mode power converters, controllers, and communication systems and well-known structures associated with structures and networks have not been shown or described in detail.

Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the terms "comprise" and variations thereof such as "includes" shall be construed in a broad and inclusive sense, such as "including but not limited to."

References to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" throughout this specification imply that the particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. means Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

The use of ordinal numbers such as first, second, and third does not necessarily imply a ranked order meaning, but rather may only imply a distinction between instances of an action or structure.

When we refer to a portable power storage device, we mean any device capable of storing power and releasing stored power, including, but not limited to, batteries, supercapacitors, or ultracapacitors. When we refer to a battery, we mean a chemical cell or battery, such as a rechargeable or secondary battery cell, including, but not limited to, a nickel-cadmium alloy or a lithium-ion battery cell.

The headings and abstract of the disclosure provided herein are for convenience only and do not interpret the scope or meaning of the embodiments.

FIG. 1 shows an environment 100 including collection, charging, and distribution machines 102 according to one illustrative embodiment.

Collection, charging, and dispensing machine 102 may take the form of a vending machine or kiosk. Collection, charging, and distribution machine 102 removably receives portable electrical energy storage devices (eg, batteries, supercapacitors, or ultracapacitors) 106a-106n (collectively 106) for collection, charging, and distribution. It has a plurality of receivers, compartments or receptacles 104a, 104b-104n (only three are numbered in FIG. 1; collectively 104). As illustrated in FIG. 1, some of the receivers 104 are empty while other receivers 104 hold portable electrical energy storage devices 106 . Although FIG. 1 shows a single portable electrical energy storage device 106 per receiver 104, in some embodiments each receiver 104 may include two or more portable electrical energy storage devices 106. can even hold For example, each of receivers 104 may be deep enough to receive three portable electrical energy storage devices 106 . Thus, for example, the collection, charging, and distribution machine 102 illustrated in FIG. 1 may have the capacity to hold 40, 80, or 120 portable electrical energy storage devices 106 simultaneously.

Portable electrical energy storage device 106 may take a variety of forms, such as a battery (eg, an array of battery cells), or a supercapacitor, or an ultracapacitor (eg, an array of ultracapacitor cells). For example, portable electrical energy storage device 106z may take the form of a rechargeable battery (ie, secondary cell or battery). Portable electrical energy storage device 106z can be sized to physically fit into and power a personal transport vehicle such as, for example, an all-electric scooter or motorcycle 108 . As previously mentioned, combustion powered scooters and motorcycles are common in many large cities, eg in Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Having convenient access to charged batteries throughout a city or region would allow the use of all-electric scooters and motorcycles 108 to replace internal combustion engine scooters and motorcycles, thereby reducing air pollution. Potential for noise reduction, including mitigation.

Portable electrical energy storage device 106 (only shown for portable electrical energy storage device 106z) has a number of electrical terminals 110a, 110b (two illustrated; collectively 110 ). Electrical terminals 110 allow charge to be delivered from portable electrical energy storage device 106z as well as charge to portable electrical energy storage device 106z for charging or recharging it. Electrical terminals 110 are illustrated as posts in FIG. 1, but may take any other form externally accessible to portable electrical energy storage device 106z, including electrical terminals positioned within slots in the battery housing. very good

The collection, charging, and distribution machine 102 is located at a number of locations 112 where various end users can conveniently and easily access the collection, charging, and distribution machine 102 . This location may take any of a wide variety of forms and may be a retail environment such as a convenience store, supermarket, gas station, or service shop. Alternatively, the collection, charging, and distribution machine 102 may stand alone at a location 112 not associated with an existing retail store or other business, such as a park or other public place.

Thus, for example, collection, charging and distribution machines 102 can be installed at each store of a convenience store chain throughout a city or region. This can conveniently rely on the fact that convenience stores are often sited or distributed based on convenience to a target population or demographic. It can also conveniently rely on existing leases of storefronts or other retail locations, allowing rapid development of extensive networks of collection, charging, and distribution machines 102 within a city or region. Rapid achievement of large-scale, well-distributed networks to serve target populations will enhance the reliance on such systems and possibly the commercial success of such efforts. It also provides a user using a collection, charging, and distribution machine (e.g., collection, charging, and distribution machine 102, etc.) with information about the user's vehicle, settings for the user's vehicle, or To provide a system capable of providing the ability to change configurations and receive alerts regarding the maintenance of its user's vehicle and/or information regarding portable electrical energy storage devices or collection, charging and distribution machines; , increases the likelihood of reliance on such systems and perhaps also enhances the commercial success of such efforts. Here, information about the user's vehicle, the ability to change settings or configurations of the user's vehicle, and alerts regarding maintenance of the user's vehicle, and/or a portable electrical energy storage device or collection on the user's mobile device. It addresses the ability to give its users the ability to receive information about , charging, and dispensing machines.

Location 112 may include electrical distribution service 114 for receiving electrical power from a power plant (not shown) via electrical distribution system 116, for example. Electrical distribution services 114 may include, for example, one or more of electricity meters 114a, distribution boards (eg, circuit breaker panels or fuse boxes) 114b, wiring 114c, and electrical outlets 114d. Where location 112 is an existing retail or convenience store, electrical distribution service 114 may be an existing electrical distribution service and may therefore be subject to some limitations in ratings (e.g., 120 volts, 240 volts, 220 volts, 230 volts, 15 amps).

Neither the operator of the retail location 112 nor the owner, distributor, or manager of the collection, charging and distribution machine 102 may wish to incur the cost of upgrading the distribution service 114 . Nonetheless, rapid charging is desirable to maintain an adequate supply of portable electrical energy storage devices 106 available for use by end users. The ability to provide fast charging while maintaining existing or otherwise limited-rated power distribution services has been recognized by Apparatus, Methods, and Articles for Collection, Charging and Distributing Power Storage Devices, Thatch U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/511,900, entitled "APPARATUS, METHOD AND ARTICLE FOR COLLECTION, CHARGING AND DISTRIBUTING POWER STORAGE DEVICES, SUCH AS BATTERIES", filed July 26, 2011; (Attorney reference number: 170178.401P1).

Optionally, the collection, charging, and distribution machine 102 can include or be coupled with renewable power sources. For example, when installed in an outdoor location, collection, charging, and distribution machine 102 may include an array of photovoltaic (PV) cells 118 that produce power from solar radiation. Alternatively, a microturbine (e.g., wind turbine) or PV array located somewhere at location 112, e.g., on a roof or pole-mounted at the end of a pole (not shown), and collecting, charging , and distribution machine 102 can be electrically coupled.

The collection, charging, and distribution machine 102 can be communicatively coupled to one or more remotely located computer systems, such as a backend or backoffice system 120 (only one shown). A back-end or back-office system 120 can collect and/or control data from multiple collection, charging, and distribution machines 102 distributed throughout an area such as a city. This communication may occur over one or more communication channels, including one or more networks 122 or non-networked communication channels. Communication may be over one or more wired communication channels (eg, twisted pair cable, fiber optics), wireless communication channels (eg, radio, microwave, satellite, 801.11 compliant). A networked communication channel may comprise one or more local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), extranets, intranets, or the Internet, including the World Wide Web portion of the Internet. can contain.

Collection, charging, and distribution machine 102 may include user interface 124 . A user interface may include a variety of input/output (I/O) devices to enable end-user interaction with the collection, charging, and dispensing machine 102 . Various I/O devices are listed in FIG. 2 and will now be described with reference thereto.

FIG. 2 shows the collection, charging, and distribution machine 102 of FIG. 1 according to one illustrative embodiment.

Collection, charging and distribution machine 102 includes control subsystem 202 , charging subsystem 204 , communication subsystem 206 and user interface subsystem 208 .

The control subsystem 202 may include a controller 210, such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic controller (PLC), programmable gate array (PGA), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other , includes a controller that can receive signals from various sensors, perform logic operations, and send signals to various components. Controller 210 may typically take the form of a microprocessor (eg, INTEL, AMD, ATOM). Control subsystem 202 also includes one or more non-transitory processor-readable or computer-readable storage media, such as read only memory (ROM) 212, random access memory (RAM) 214, and data storage. 216 (eg, solid state storage media such as flash memory or EEPROM, rotating storage media such as hard disks). This non-transitory processor or computer readable storage media 212 , 214 , 216 may be separate from any non-transitory storage media (eg, registers) that are part of controller 210 . Control subsystem 202 includes one or more buses 218 (only one shown), such as one or more power buses, instruction buses, data buses, etc., that couple the various components together. obtain.

As illustrated, ROM 212 or any other non-transitory processor-readable or computer-readable storage medium 212, 214, 216 stores instructions and/or data or values for variables or parameters. is doing. These data sets may take a variety of forms, such as lookup tables, sets of records in a database, and the like. Instructions and data or sets of values are executable by the controller 110 . Execution of the set of instructions and data or values causes controller 110 to perform specific operations and collection, charging and distribution machine 102 to collect, charge and distribute portable energy storage devices. The specific operation of the collection, charging, and distribution machine 102 is described herein, and is also followed by a description with reference to various flow charts (FIGS. 14-16).

Controller 210 may use RAM 214 in a conventional manner for non-persistent storage of instructions, data, and the like. The controller 210 may be responsible for logging or maintaining information, such as telemetry information related to the collection, charging, and/or distribution or collection of the portable power storage device 106 and/or the operation of the collection, charging, and distribution machine 102 itself. - The storage 216 can be used. Instructions are provided by controller 210 in response to end user or operator input and using data or values for variables or parameters to control operation of collection, charging and dispensing machine 102. It is viable.

Control subsystem 202 receives signals from various sensors and/or other components of collection, charging and distribution machine 102 that indicate the operation, status or state of such other components. or contains characterizing information. In FIG. 2 the sensor is represented by the letter S in a circle with the appropriate subscript.

For example, one or more position sensors S _P1 -S _PN can detect the presence or absence of portable power storage device 106 at each receiver 104 . The position sensors S _P1 -S _PN may take a variety of forms. For example, position sensors S _P1 -S _PN close or close in response to contact with portions of respective portable power storage device 106 when portable power storage device 106 is inserted into receiver 104 . It may take the form of a mechanical switch that opens in reverse. Also for example, the position sensors S _P1 -S _PN close or close in response to contact with portions of the respective portable power storage device 106 when the portable power storage device 106 is inserted into the receiver 104 . It may take the form of an optical switch that opens in reverse (ie, light source and receiver). Also for example, the position sensors S _P1 -S _PN may be in a closed circuit state created by contact with terminals 110 of the respective portable power storage device 106 when the portable power storage device 106 is inserted into the receiver 104, or the receiver It may take the form of an electrical sensor or switch that closes or vice versa in response to detecting an open circuit condition resulting from the absence of the respective portable power storage device 106 within 104 . These examples are intended to be non-limiting and any other structure and structure for detecting the presence/absence, availability, or even insertion of the portable power storage device 106 within the receiver. It should be noted that the device can be adopted.

For example, one or more charging sensors S _C1 -S _CN can detect charging of the portable power storage device 106 at each receiver 104 . Charge sensors S _C1 -S _CN can detect the amount of charge stored by portable power storage device 106 . Additionally, the charge sensors S _C1 -S _CN can detect the amount and/or rate of charge provided to each of the portable power storage devices 106 at each receiver 104 . This can enable evaluation of the current (ie, temporal) state of charge or status of each portable power storage device 106 as well as feedback control over charging, including control over its charge rate. Charge sensors S _C1 -S _CN may include any of a variety of current and/or voltage sensors.

For example, one or more charge sensors S _T1 (only one shown) detect or can sense the temperature of the receiver 104 or the ambient environment.

The control subsystem 202 provides signals to various actuators and/or other components responsive to the control signals, which signals are actions to be performed by the components or to which the components enter. Contains information that indicates or characterizes a situation or condition. In FIG. 2, control signals, actuators or other components responsive to control signals are represented by the letter C in a circle with appropriate subscripts.

For example, one or more engine control signals C _A1 -C _AN may affect operation of one or more actuators 220 (only one illustrated). For example, control signal C _A1 may cause movement of actuator 220 between first and second positions, or modification of the magnetic field produced by actuator 220 . Actuator 220 may take any of a variety of forms including, but not limited to, a solenoid, an electric motor such as a stepper motor, or an electromagnet. Actuator 220 may be coupled to operate a latch, lock, or other retainer mechanism 222 . A latch, lock, or other retainer mechanism 222 can selectively secure or retain one or more portable power storage devices 106 (FIG. 1) within receiver 104 (FIG. 1). For example, a latch, lock, or other retainer mechanism 222 can be physically coupled with a complementary structure that becomes part of the housing of portable power storage device 106 (FIG. 1). Alternatively, the latch, lock, or other retainer mechanism 222 can be magnetically coupled with complementary structures that are part of the housing of the portable power storage device 106 (FIG. 1). Also for example, a latch, lock, or other mechanism may be used to open or prevent the opening of receiver 104 (FIG. 1) to accept a partially or fully discharged portable power storage device 106 for charging. I can allow it. For example, an actuator can open and/or close a door of receiver 104 (FIG. 1) to selectively provide access to portable power storage device 106 (FIG. 1) received therein. Also for example, an actuator may open and/or close a latch or lock to permit the end user to open and/or close the door of the receiver 104 (FIG. 1) and the portable power received therein. Access to storage device 106 (FIG. 1) can be selectively provided.

Control subsystem 202 may include one or more ports 224 a that provide control signals to one or more ports 224 b of charging subsystem 206 . Ports 224a, 224b can provide bi-directional communication. Control subsystem 202 may include one or more ports 226 a that provide control signals to one or more port 2 26 b of user interface subsystem 208 . Ports 226a, 226b can provide bi-directional communication.

Charging subsystem 102 includes various electrical and electronic components for charging portable power storage device 106 when it is positioned or received within receiver 104 . For example, charging subsystem 102 may include one or more power buses or power bus bars, relays, contactors or other switches (eg, insulated gate bipolar transistors or IGBTs, metal oxide semiconductor transistors or MOSFETs), May include bridge rectifier(s), current sensors, ground imperfect circuits, and the like. Power is supplied through contacts, which can take any of a variety of forms, such as terminals, leads, or posts. These contacts allow electrical coupling of various components. Some possible implementations are illustrated in FIG. They are not intended to be exhaustive. Additional components may be employed and others may be omitted.

The illustrated charging subsystem 102 includes a first power converter 230 that receives power over line or cord 232 from electrical distribution service 114 (FIG. 1). The power typically comes in the form of single-phase, two-phase, or three-phase AC power. As such, the first power converter 230 converts power received via the distribution service 114 (FIG. 1), for example, to rectification from an AC waveform to DC, conversion of voltage, current, phase, as well as transient and noise reduction. may need to be converted or otherwise harmonized for Accordingly, first power converter 230 may include transformer 234, rectifier 236, DC/DC power converter 238, and filter 240(s).

Transformer 234 may be any of a variety of types of commercially available transformers with suitable ratings for handling power received via distribution service 114 (FIG. 1). Some implementations may employ multiple transformers. Transformer 234 can advantageously provide galvanic isolation between the components of collection, charging, and distribution machine 102 and distribution system 116 (FIG. 1). Rectifier 236 may be of any of a variety of types, such as a full wave diode bridge rectifier or a switch mode rectifier. Rectifier 236 may operate to convert AC power to DC power. DC/DC power converter 238 may take any of a wide variety of forms. For example, DC/DC power converter 238 may take the form of a switch mode DC/DC power converter employing, for example, IGBTs or MOSFETs in a half-wave or full-wave bridge configuration, and may include one or more inductors. DC/DC power converter 238 may have any number of topologies including boost converters, buck converters, synchronous buck converters, buck-boost converters, or flyback converters. Filter 240(s) may include one or more capacitors, resistors, zener diodes, or other elements to suppress voltage spikes or to remove or reduce transients and/or noise. .

The illustrated charging subsystem 102 may also receive power from a renewable power source, such as a PV array 118 (FIG. 1). For example, it may bypass transformer 236 or rectifier 236 and be supplied directly to DC/DC power converter 238 for conversion or conditioning by first power converter 230 . Alternatively, the illustrated charging subsystem 102 may include a dedicated power converter that converts or otherwise coordinates such power.

The illustrated charging subsystem 102 draws power from one or more portable power storage devices 106 ( FIG. 1 ) over one or more lines 244 to charge other portable power storage devices 106 . A receiving second power converter 242 may optionally be included. As such, the second power converter 242 converts the power received from the portable power storage device 106, including, for example, optional voltage or current conversion, for transient and noise reduction, or otherwise. It may be necessary to reconcile. Accordingly, second power converter 242 may optionally include DC/DC power converter 246 and/or filter 248(s). Various types of DC/DC power converters and filters have been previously described.

The illustrated charging subsystem 102 includes a plurality of switches 250 responsive to control signals delivered from the control subsystem 202 via ports 224a, 224b. These switches allow the first number or set of portable power storage devices 106 to switch between power supplied by the distribution service via the first power converter 230 and the power supplied by the second number or set of portable power storage devices 106 . It may be operable to selectively combine them so that charging is done from both of the supplied powers. The first number or set of portable power storage devices 106 may include a single portable power storage device 106 , two, or even more portable power storage devices 106 . The second number or set of portable power storage devices 106 may include a single portable power storage device 106 , two, or even more portable power storage devices 106 . In FIG. 2, portable power storage devices 106 are represented as loads L ₁ , L ₂ -L _N .

Communications subsystem 206 may additionally include one or more communications modules or components that facilitate communications with various components of backend or backoffice system 120 (FIG. 1). Communications subsystem 206 may include, for example, one or more modems 252 or one or more Ethernet or other type of communications cards or components 254 . Port 256 a of control subsystem 202 can communicatively couple control subsystem 202 with port 256 b of communication subsystem 206 . Communications subsystem 206 may provide wired and/or wireless communications. Communications subsystem 206 may include one or more ports, wireless receivers, wireless transmitters or wireless transceivers to provide wireless signal paths to various remote components or systems. Remote communication subsystem 206 may include one or more bridges or routers suitable for handling network traffic including packet-switched type communication protocols (TCP/IP), Ethernet, or other network protocols.

User interface system 208 includes one or more user input/output (I/O) components. For example, user interface system 208 may include touch screen display 208a operable to provide information and a graphical user interface (GUI) to an end user and receive indications of user selections. . User interface system 208 includes a keyboard or keypad 208b and/or a cursor controller (e.g., mouse, track ball, trackpad) (not shown). The user interface system 208 may include a speaker 208c for providing audible messages to the end user and/or a microphone 208d for receiving speech user input such as speech commands.

User interface system 208 may include card reader 208 e for reading information from card-type media 209 . Card reader 208e may take a variety of forms. For example, card reader 208 e may be in the form of or include a magnetic stripe reader for reading information encoded in a magnetic stripe carried by card 209 . For example, card reader 208e may be in the form of a machine-readable symbol (eg, bar code, matrix code) card reader for reading information encoded in the machine-readable symbol carried by card 209; can contain it. For example, card reader 208 e may be in the form of or include a smart card reader for reading information encoded in non-transitory media carried by card 209 . They may include, for example, media employing radio frequency identification (RFID) transponders or electronic payment chips (eg, near field communication (NFC) chips). Thus, card reader 208e may be capable of reading information from a variety of card media 209, such as credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, prepaid cards, as well as identification media such as driver's licenses. .

User interface system 208 may include bill acceptor 208f and validator and/or coin acceptor 208g for accepting and validating cash payments. These can be very useful in serving people who do not have access to credit. Bill acceptance validator 208f and/or coin acceptor 208g may take any of a variety of forms, such as those currently available on the market and used in a variety of vending machines and kiosks.

FIG. 3 illustrates collection, charging, and distribution machines 308a, 308b, 308c, and 308d, such as collection, charging, and distribution machine 102 of FIG. 1, in a system, according to one non-limiting illustrative embodiment. 3 is a block diagram of a system 300 for providing information about vehicles via an example mobile device 313. FIG.

Shown here is vehicle data information management system 302 for providing information via a mobile device, such as mobile device 313 for example. For example, the vehicle data information management system 302 may be diagnostic or status related to the vehicle 310a, subcomponents or subsystems related to the vehicle 310a, user or user account related, users, user accounts, and/or user profiles. Information related to associated preferences or preferences, usage history of vehicle 310a or other vehicles, number of vehicles owned by the user may be provided. This information may include exemplary collection, charging, and distribution machines 308a, 308b, 308c and 308d, the mobile device 313 itself, the vehicle data information management system 302, and/or the vehicle (e.g., electric scooter 310a or 310b). can be received from one or any combination of the items shown in FIG. 3, including This may include information received from a memory module attached to the portable electrical energy storage device of electric scooter 310a or 310b. It also includes memory modules attached to or associated with the vehicle 310a or 310b (e.g., diagnostics, status, settings, control information, driving habits or route information for this vehicle or other vehicles associated with the user). history, user accounts, and/or profiles, etc., or information received from vehicle 310a or 310b subsystems or control system memory modules configured to store them. obtain. For example, this may include the current or state of the vehicle, the current or state of one or more systems of the vehicle, the number of vehicles owned by the user, the customizable characteristics of the vehicle, the settings of the customizable characteristics of the vehicle, the vehicle engine or motor status or condition of the vehicle, one or more of the vehicle's electrical systems, vehicle health, vehicle security, vehicle lock, vehicle transmission system, vehicle maintenance, vehicle recommended maintenance, vehicle scheduled maintenance, the condition of the vehicle's brake pads, the current status of one or more of the vehicle's lights, the vehicle's engine temperature, the vehicle's mileage per unit of fuel, the vehicle's one or more wheels, the vehicle's one or more multiple tires, wear of one or more tires of a vehicle, air pressure of one or more tires of a vehicle, speed of a vehicle, statistics on different speeds of a vehicle over time, fluid level of one or more of a vehicle, vehicle , electrical energy storage device status or current status, vehicle dashboard, vehicle dashboard display, vehicle dashboard display current state, vehicle customizable dashboard display configurable settings, vehicle portable Information stored in a computer readable medium coupled to an electrical energy storage device, configurable vehicle lighting, configurable vehicle lighting status, configurable vehicle lighting settings, vehicle odometer current reading. historical vehicle usage statistics historical vehicle usage statistics for electrical energy storage devices historical vehicle usage statistics for motors historical vehicle efficiency usage statistics geographic movement statistics for vehicles , vehicle current location, vehicle previous location, vehicle target efficiency, vehicle recommended settings, user account settings for users associated with the vehicle, vehicle portable electrical energy storage device, vehicle available portable electrical energy storage device, one or more available portable electrical energy storage device locations in the vehicle, one or more collection, charging, and distribution machines for the portable electrical energy storage device in the vehicle, portable electrical energy in the vehicle A history of portable electrical energy storage device replacements in one or more collection, charging, and distribution machines for storage devices and one or more collection, charging, and distribution for portable electrical energy storage devices in vehicles. one of the machine locations, etc. or may include information received from or stored in any memory module configured to store or store at least some information about a plurality.

The above information can be received directly or indirectly from memory modules of the kind described above. For example, this information may be stored by a memory module attached to the portable electrical energy storage device of the electric scooter 310a to one or more systems and/or other memory modules of the vehicle 310a described above, including, but not limited to, user The memory modules of the mobile device 313, the memory modules of one or more collection, charging and dispensing machines 308a-308d, the memory modules of the vehicle data information management system 302, the memory modules of another vehicle 310b, etc. ) may be received from. This information may also be received indirectly from the memory module via any one of the article's communication systems in system 300 shown in FIG. For example, any data relating to vehicle 310a referred to herein is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, Apparatuses, Methods, and Articles for Providing Vehicle Diagnostic Data. and/or U.S. filed on July 26, 2012, also entitled "APPARATUS, METHOD AND ARTICLE FOR PROVIDING VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC DATA" As described in patent application Ser. No. 13/559,390, the data is transmitted to and stored in a memory module or the like within a diagnostic data storage system attached to a portable electrical energy storage device of vehicle 310a. , and can be transmitted from there. In some embodiments, vehicle data information management system 302, or a portion or subcomponent thereof, may be backend or backoffice system 120 shown in FIG. In other embodiments, the vehicle data information management system 302 can be part of or operatively communicate with the backend or backoffice system 120 shown in FIG.

Information about the vehicle provided by the system 300 via the user's mobile device may include the current state or state of the vehicle, the current state or state of one or more systems in the vehicle, the number of vehicles owned by the user, the customization of the vehicle, possible features, settings for customizable features of the vehicle, current state or condition of the engine or motor of the vehicle, electrical system(s) of the vehicle, vehicle health, vehicle security, vehicle locking, vehicle shifting; system, vehicle maintenance, vehicle recommended maintenance, vehicle scheduled maintenance, vehicle brake pad condition, vehicle current status of one or more lights, vehicle engine temperature, vehicle mileage per unit of fuel, one or more wheels of a vehicle, one or more tires of a vehicle, wear of one or more tires of a vehicle, air pressure of one or more tires of a vehicle, speed of a vehicle, different speeds of a vehicle over time one or more fluid levels of the vehicle (e.g., vehicle oil level) state or current status of electrical energy storage devices of the vehicle; vehicle dashboard; vehicle dashboard display; vehicle dashboard display configurable settings for the vehicle's customizable dashboard display; information stored on a computer readable medium coupled to the vehicle's portable electrical energy storage device; configurable vehicle lighting; configurable vehicle lighting settings; current reading of vehicle odometer; usage statistics based on vehicle history; usage statistics for electrical energy storage devices based on vehicle history; Motor usage statistics, vehicle historical efficiency usage statistics, vehicle geographic movement statistics, vehicle current location, vehicle previous location, vehicle target efficiency, vehicle recommended settings, associated with vehicle the vehicle's portable electrical energy storage device; the vehicle's available portable electrical energy storage device; the location of one or more available portable electrical energy storage devices in the vehicle; the vehicle's portable electrical energy; History of portable electrical energy storage device replacements in one or more collection, charging, and distribution machines for storage devices, one or more collection, charging, and distribution machines for portable electrical energy storage devices in vehicles , and vehicle It may include or be based on at least some information regarding one or more of the locations of one or more collection, charging, and distribution machines for portable electrical energy storage devices.

For example, information regarding the usage history of vehicle 310a may include, but is not limited to, the current location of vehicle 310a and/or mobile device 313, the current location of vehicle 310a and/or mobile device 313 measured from a previously taken location. roads and driving routes to specific collection, charging, and distribution machines for distance, user preferred routes, historical user driving routes, directions in which users are currently traveling, and various collection, charging, and distribution machines; and historical user driving paths determined based on portable electrical energy storage device exchanges that have occurred at collection, charging, and dispensing machines (eg, collection, charging, and dispensing machines 308a, 308b, 308c, and 308d).

The vehicle data information management system 302 is configured to allow data to be exchanged between the vehicle data information management system 302, the collection, charging, and distribution machines 308a, 308b, 308c, and 308d, and the user's mobile communication device 313. , charging and dispensing machines 308a, 308b, 308c, and 308d, and one or more user mobile communication devices 313 (only one shown as an example). In some embodiments, such data exchange is portable electrical energy exchanged in one or more of the collection, charging, and distribution machines 308a, 308b, 308c, and 308d used by the vehicle. This can be accomplished through the storage of such data on memory modules attached to the storage device. Also, in some embodiments, the vehicle data information management system 302, the collection, charging and distribution machines 308a, 308b, 308c, and 308d, and the user's mobile Communication devices 313 can operatively communicate directly with each other.

This communication between the various items, systems and entities of FIG. 3 is enabled by the various communication subsystems of these various items, systems and entities. For example, various communication subsystems of dispensing machines 308a, 308b, 308c, and 308d, vehicle data and information management system 302, vehicles 310a and 310b, and users' mobile communication devices 313 may enable this communication. One or more of such communication subsystems may use wired and/or wireless communication (e.g., cellular, local area network connections, and/or any operable communication protocol and/or standard). , and compatible short-range wireless connections). The communication subsystem of the article of FIG. 3 may include one or more ports, wireless receivers, wireless transmitters or wireless transceivers to provide wireless signal paths to various remote components or systems. The remote communication subsystem may include one or more bridges or routers suitable for handling network traffic including packet-switched type communication protocols (TCP/IP), Ethernet, or other network protocols.

For example, the vehicle data information management system 302 can receive updates regarding vehicle diagnostics or status and/or vehicle usage history from the collection, charging, and distribution machine 308c. In some embodiments, vehicle data information management system 302 continuously or periodically monitors collection, charging and dispensing machines or other items shown in FIG. can be obtained. The collection, charging, and distribution machine can also provide continuous or periodic updates related to vehicle information to the vehicle data information management system 302 . This information may be sent to mobile device 313, vehicle 310a, and/or vehicle 310b continuously, periodically, irregularly, and/or from mobile device 313, vehicle 310a, and/or vehicle 310b. provided in response to requests for such information from For example, vehicle information about vehicle 310a may be collected, charged, and distributed from mobile device 313, vehicle 310a, and/or vehicle 310b by mobile device 313 or vehicle 310a or 310b, or by vehicle data information management system 302. Collection, charging, and dispensing may be provided by machine 308a in response to being detected as being within proximity of machine 308a.

Based on the vehicle information, alerts to mobile device 313 or vehicle 310a (e.g., text message , email, instant messaging, status updates on social media networks, automated phone calls, notifications within certain applications, etc.). Transmission of this alert may be via any of a variety of communication channels, including but not limited to cellular telephone networks, computer Wi-Fi (Wi-Fi) networks, satellite networks, short-range radio signals, etc., or Any operable combination thereof is included.

The alert may also allow the user to choose to reserve available portable electrical energy storage devices associated with the alert, or may choose to receive further information regarding the resolution of the maintenance issue, or It may also include selectable links, icons, or other user interface elements that allow other actions to be taken on the information conveyed within the alert. For example, upon selection of an element that allows a user to selectively reserve available portable electrical energy storage devices, information representing this reservation may be made available to vehicle data information management system 302 and/or the portable electrical energy storage device. Communicated to each possible collection, charging and distribution machine. This reservation information is stored in a reservation database maintained centrally by vehicle data information management system 302 and/or locally at selected collection, charging and distribution machines.

Any of the items in FIG. 3 can be accessed by a user entering a specific user credential, password, biometric data, user identification number or code, and/or by card reader 208e or the like previously described, in a vehicle, mobile device, or the like. • be capable of identifying, authenticating, verifying, or otherwise facilitating such operations via the user interface of the device and/or the collection, charging, and dispensing machine; Also, any item in FIG. 3 may alternatively or additionally be received from the user's security token (not shown), mobile device 313, or other item associated with the user. Through the information, such operations can be identified, authenticated, verified, or otherwise facilitated. Information about the vehicle may be communicated and organized in any manner, including listing as groups of selectable icons that indicate information based on vehicle data.

In some cases, certain collection, charging, and distribution machines may be closer to the user than the user's current location, but are likely currently experiencing higher demand than other collection, charging, and distribution machines. May be farther than dispensing machine. Thus, the vehicle data information management system 302 provides users' mobile devices with remote collection, charging, and distribution machines that also have available portable electrical energy storage devices. , charging, and distribution machines can convey redeemable incentives (e.g., discounted rates, free device replacement, etc.) for users to replace or return their portable electrical energy storage devices at one of the machines. . For example, the incentive may be redeemable as a discount or transfer to a balance of fees associated with the use of one of a plurality of collection, charging and dispensing machines, discounted fees, free device replacements, etc. can do. Also, similar incentives can be provided to users to return or replace electrical energy storage devices before they are depleted or nearly depleted in order to avoid or even out projected demand spikes.

In some embodiments, various options and features for changing vehicle settings or configurations can be communicated to or from the mobile device to effect the configuration or setting changes. For example, such changes may be selected by a user on mobile device 313 and then communicated to vehicle 313 over one or more of the various channels and networks described herein.

In some implementations, various options and features related to available portable electrical energy storage devices can be created and made available to users. For example, the vehicle data information management system 302 utilizes the user's historical route information to predict vehicle maintenance problems, which collection, charging, and distribution machines the user is likely to prefer to go to. Predictions can be made. Information regarding the resolution of predicted vehicle maintenance problems and/or the availability of charged portable electrical energy storage devices in those particular collection, charging and distribution machines may be obtained when and/or where maintenance problems occur. can be automatically communicated to the user (eg, by generating an alert and/or sending an alert to the user) when the charged portable electrical energy storage device becomes available in the .

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of the vehicle data information management system of FIG. 3, according to one non-limiting illustrative embodiment;

Vehicle data information management system 302 includes control subsystem 402 , communications subsystem 406 , and user interface subsystem 408 . However, such systems and associated functions, or operable subcomponents thereof, are also shown in FIG. memory module and/or within the user's mobile device 313 .

The control subsystem 402 includes a controller 410, such as a microprocessor, microcontroller, programmable logic controller (PLC), programmable gate array (PGA), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or other , includes a controller that can receive signals from various sensors, perform logic operations, and send signals to various components. Controller 410 may typically take the form of a microprocessor (eg, INTEL, AMD, ATOM). Control subsystem 402 also includes one or more non-transitory processor-readable or computer-readable storage media, such as read only memory (ROM) 412, random access memory (RAM) 414, and data storage. 416 (eg, a solid state storage medium such as flash memory or EEPROM, a rotating storage medium such as a hard disk). Non-transitory processor or computer readable storage media 412 , 414 , 416 may be distinct from any non-transitory storage media (eg, registers) made part of controller 410 . Control subsystem 402 includes one or more buses 418 (only one shown), such as one or more power buses, instruction buses, data buses, etc., that couple the various components together. obtain.

As illustrated, ROM 412 or any other non-transitory processor-readable or computer-readable storage medium 412, 414, 416 stores instructions and/or data or values for variables or parameters. is doing. These data sets may take a variety of forms, such as lookup tables, sets of records in a database, and the like. Instructions and data or sets of values are executable by the controller 410 . Execution of the set of instructions and data or values causes the controller 410 to perform specific actions to provide the vehicle data information management system 302 with information about the vehicle to various external devices (e.g., the items shown in FIG. 4). , or devices associated with these items). Execution of the set of instructions and data or values also causes controller 410 to perform certain operations to instruct vehicle data information management system 302 to receive, transmit, store, maintain, update, and otherwise process information about the vehicle. You can also let it manage. The specific operation of the vehicle data information management system 302 will now be described, followed by a description with reference to various flow charts (FIGS. 6-8).

Controller 410 may use RAM 414 in a conventional manner for non-persistent storage of instructions, data, and the like. The controller 410 uses the data store 416 to store information such as the current or state of the vehicle, the current or state of one or more systems of the vehicle, the number of vehicles owned by the user, the customizable features of the vehicle, and the like. , vehicle customizable feature settings, vehicle engine or motor status or condition, vehicle electrical system(s), vehicle health, vehicle security, vehicle lock, vehicle transmission system, Vehicle maintenance, vehicle recommended maintenance, vehicle scheduled maintenance, vehicle brake pad condition, vehicle current status of one or more lights, vehicle engine temperature, vehicle mileage per unit of fuel, vehicle One or more wheels, one or more tires of the vehicle, wear of one or more tires of the vehicle, air pressure of one or more tires of the vehicle, speed of the vehicle, statistics about different speeds of the vehicle over time , one or more fluid levels (e.g., oil level) of the vehicle, the state or current state of the electrical energy storage device of the vehicle, the vehicle dashboard, the vehicle dashboard display, the current state of the vehicle dashboard display. , configurable settings for a vehicle's customizable dashboard display, information stored on a computer readable medium coupled to a vehicle's portable electrical energy storage device, configurable vehicle lighting, current state of configurable vehicle lighting , configurable vehicle lighting settings, current vehicle odometer reading, vehicle history usage statistics, vehicle history usage statistics for portable electrical energy storage devices, vehicle history usage statistics for motors statistics, historical efficiency usage statistics of the vehicle, geographic movement statistics of the vehicle, current location of the vehicle, previous location of the vehicle, target efficiency of the vehicle, recommended settings of the vehicle, user profile of the user associated with the vehicle; for the account settings, the vehicle's portable electrical energy storage device, the vehicle's available portable electrical energy storage devices, the vehicle's location of one or more available portable electrical energy storage devices, the vehicle's portable electrical energy storage device; One or more collection, charging, and distribution machines, a history of portable electrical energy storage device replacements in one or more collection, charging, and distribution machines for a vehicle's portable electrical energy storage device, and a vehicle's portable electricity Energy Information regarding one or more of the locations of one or more collection, charging, and dispensing machines for the energy storage device can be logged or retained.

Control subsystem 402 also communicates with collection, charging, and distribution machine 102 from various sensors and/or components of collection, charging, and distribution machine 102, such as collection, charging, and distribution machine 102 of FIG. Signals can be received via subsystem 206 . This information may include information that characterizes or indicates the operation, status, or state of such components. In FIG. 2 the sensor is represented by the letter S in a circle with the appropriate subscript. For example, one or more position sensors S _P1 -S _PN can detect the presence or absence of portable power storage device 106 at each receiver 104 . This information can be communicated to control subsystem 402 . Also, one or more charge sensors S _C1 -S _CN can detect the charge level charge of the portable power storage device 106 at each receiver 104 . This information can also be communicated to control subsystem 402 .

Communications subsystem 406 is configured to allow data exchange between vehicle data information management system 302, collection, charging, and distribution machines 308a, 308b, 308c, and 308d, and users' mobile communications devices 313. various components of a collection, charging, and distribution machine, such as collection, charging, and distribution machine 112, and various components of collection, charging, and distribution machines 308a, 308b, 308c, and 308d of FIG. 3; It may include one or more communication modules or components that facilitate communication with a portable electrical energy storage device transfer service 312 and one or more user mobile communication devices 313 . Communications subsystem 406 may include, for example, one or more modems 452 or one or more Ethernet or other type of communications cards or components 454 . Port 456 a of control subsystem 402 can communicatively couple control subsystem 402 with port 456 b of communication subsystem 406 . Communications subsystem 406 may provide wired and/or wireless communications. The communication subsystem 406 includes one or more ports, wireless receivers, wireless transmitters or wireless transceivers, and employs or uses any operable wired and wireless communication standard or protocol to communicate with a wide variety of remote devices. A wireless signal path to a component or system can be provided. Remote communication subsystem 406 may include one or more bridges or routers suitable for handling network traffic including packet-switched type communication protocols (TCP/IP), Ethernet, or other network protocols.

User interface system 408 includes one or more user input/output (I/O) components (not shown). For example, user interface system 408 may include a touch screen display operable to present information and a graphical user interface (GUI) to a user and receive indications of user selections. User interface system 408 includes a keyboard or keypad and/or cursor controller (e.g., mouse, trackball, trackpad, and/or touch screen).

FIG. 5A illustrates a user interface of a user's mobile device 313 presenting information regarding the diagnosis or status of an example vehicle 310a based on information regarding the vehicle's usage history, according to one non-limiting illustrative embodiment. 502 is an explanatory diagram showing an example. FIG. User interface 502 may also, or alternatively, be the user interface of vehicle 310a or the collection, charging and distribution machine shown in FIG.

In one embodiment, under the title 510 "Your Vehicle Information," an image or drawing 512 of an example vehicle 310a is shown. Image or graphic 512 of vehicle 310a displays selectable parts, i.e., when selected, on mobile device 313 further information about the area of the vehicle selected on image or graphic 512 of vehicle 310a. Contains user interface elements that let you For example, in one implementation, when the user touches a portion of the vehicle 310a image or drawing 512 on the touchscreen of the mobile device 313 that shows headlights, the headlights and/or are associated with the headlights. Information regarding the current state of the installed electrical system (eg, the number of hours remaining before lamp replacement is required) is presented via mobile device 313 . Such information may be collected, recharged, and stored by the mobile device from appropriate systems of the vehicle 310a, from memory modules installed in portable electrical energy storage devices within the vehicle 310a, from the vehicle data information management system. It may be wirelessly received directly from a dispensing machine or the like, or via communication channels included in one or more of these items.

Diagnosing or presenting information about the current status of the vehicle 310a based on information about the history of use of the vehicle can depend on authentication or verification of the user. Such authentication can be performed in a variety of ways, as further disclosed herein. For example, a user can log on to a password protected account via mobile device 313 . This account can be associated with a user, vehicle, and/or mobile device 313 . The mobile device 313 also stores within itself credentials or other authentication information, which may possibly be shared with one or more other user devices (e.g. key fobs, security tokens, etc.). etc.) to a remote server and/or another external device (eg, vehicle 313, collection, charging and distribution machine, vehicle data information management system 302, etc.).

Also shown are one or more alerts 508 generated or received by mobile device 313 . In this example, FIG. 5A shows that the charge level of the portable electrical energy storage device in vehicle 310a is low, in addition to the alert that the headlights of vehicle 310a need replacement. An alert is presented on the mobile device 313 that the This alert about a low portable electrical energy storage device charge level is based on vehicle data about the current charge level of the portable electrical energy storage device of vehicle 310a and vehicle information about the vehicle's usage history (possibly from different sources). received from). The vehicle information relating to the usage history of the vehicle may include data relating to driving behavior associated with the user, and alerts may include data relating to the driving behavior history associated with the user and the current status of the portable electrical energy storage device. based on an estimate of how far, expressed in terms of distance, and how long, expressed in terms of time, until the current charge level of the portable electrical energy storage device ends can be generated by

This information may be received, stored, formatted, illuminated for presentation to a user, processed, and processed by any one or more of the items shown in FIG. 3 (e.g., on mobile device 313). and/or presentation is performed. A user interface element (eg, link 514) may also be selected by the user to take additional action or cause automatic action based on the presented alert 508. is presented as For example, a user may select a user interface element (e.g., link 514 ) or otherwise be alerted to a low charge level for a portable electrical energy storage device presented on mobile device 313 . A desire to reserve the portable electrical energy storage device can be displayed based on the

FIG. 5B is a diagram of a user presenting information regarding the diagnosis or current status 516 of vehicle 310a along with usage history 518 of vehicle 310a or information regarding the user associated with vehicle 310a, according to one non-limiting illustrative embodiment. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the user interface 502 of the mobile device 313. FIG. Also, available vehicle settings 520 are displayed on the user interface 502 . Each of the items listed in the appropriate area on user interface 502 is selectable by the user (e.g., a link) and, when selected, provides additional information or Further action on the item may be taken.

For example, if the user selects the "customizable dashboard display" link under vehicle settings 520, the mobile device presents a user menu that allows the user to view various dashboards. mode display configuration. The mobile device (e.g., via an application running on the mobile device's operating system) subsequently stores the selected dashboard display configuration in the vehicle 310a, a memory module attached to the vehicle's 310a portable power storage device. , vehicle data information management system, and/or any item shown in FIG. Accomplish a change or setting to a display. Examples of a user's mobile device having an operating system capable of implementing the functionality described herein via an application running on the mobile device's operating system include, but are not limited to, the iPhone. Mobile Devices, Samsung Mobile Devices, Android Devices, Windows Mobile Devices, Blackberry Mobile・Including devices, other smartphones and/or tablet devices, etc. The user interface 502 can also display confirmation that certain actions have been performed based on the vehicle data received and the input provided by the user.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method 600 of providing information regarding a vehicle via a user's mobile device, according to one illustrative non-limiting embodiment.

At 602, the mobile device 313 receives first information regarding vehicle diagnostics or status.

At 604, the mobile device 313 receives second information regarding vehicle usage history.

At 606, the mobile device 313 responds to the received first information regarding the diagnosis or status of the vehicle and the second information regarding the usage history of the vehicle by generating the received first information and the received second information. process information;

At 608, the mobile device 313, based on processing the received first information and the received second information, to the user associated with the vehicle or associated with the mobile device received the Communicate processed information based at least in part on the first information and the received second information.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a method 700 of providing information about a vehicle from the perspective of the vehicle data information management system of FIGS. 3 and 4, according to one non-limiting illustrative embodiment.

At 702, a vehicle data information management system receives one or more of first information regarding vehicle diagnostics or status and second information regarding vehicle usage history. The information received originates from a memory module attached to a user's device (e.g., mobile device 313) associated with the vehicle or a portable electrical energy storage device configured to power a motor of the vehicle. and

At 704, based on the received information, the vehicle data information management system communicates third information based at least in part on the received first information or the received second information to the remote device.

FIG. 8 illustrates a method 800 of providing information about a vehicle with a software or firmware update to update the current state of the vehicle's software or firmware, according to one non-limiting illustrative embodiment. It is a flowchart shown.

At 802, a vehicle data information management system receives information about a vehicle including software or firmware updates to update the current state of the vehicle's software or firmware.

At 804, the vehicle data information management system associates the software or firmware update to the vehicle with modules attached to the portable electrical energy storage device that powers the vehicle's motors and the vehicle or the user of the vehicle. communicated via one or more of the mobile devices.

9-19 are additional examples of the user interface 502 of the user's mobile device 313, including the vehicle, user, portable power storage device exchange service, collection and distribution machine location, user account, and vehicle. and/or information about other users or vehicles. Optional components or features of or relating to these example user interfaces are combinable with those of the example user interfaces of FIGS. 5A and 5B and are non-limiting. User interface 502 may also, or alternatively, be the user interface of vehicle 310a or a collection and distribution machine (eg, the machine shown in FIG. 3) or any presentation available to a user. It may be a device or computing device.

FIG. 9 is an example of providing menu options for portable power storage device location, user account and vehicle information, and other user helpful information, according to one non-limiting illustrative embodiment. FIG. 11 is an example of a user's mobile device user interface presenting an initial menu; FIG. User menus may also provide advertisements for portable power storage device exchange services or other third party advertisers or companies. These advertisements are "Apparatuses, Methods, and Articles for Providing Targeted Advertising in a Rechargeable Electrical Power Storage Device Distribution Entries," which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. APPARATUS, METHOD AND ARTICLE FOR PROVIDING TARGETED ADVERTISING IN A RECHARGEABLE ELECTRICAL POWER STORAGE DEVICE DISTRIBUTION ENVIRONMENT, filed March 6, 2013, U.S. Provisional Patent No. 6,36,17, filed March 6, 2013; You can target that user as described in . The selectable menu option "Battery", when selected, provides the user with additional information regarding the location of the portable power storage device and/or collection and distribution machine, which in some embodiments is Contains near from the user's current location. A selectable menu option "My Battery Provider", when selected, provides a user with a portable power storage device replacement service provider, a user battery for use with that portable power storage device replacement service provider. Provides additional information about the account, diagnostics about the user's vehicle, and/or the vehicle's configurable setting options and features. a selectable menu option "New Stuff", when selected, provides the user with additional information about other information that may be relevant to the user or of interest to the user; This includes, but is not limited to, offers and promotions relating to portable power storage device replacement services, targeted advertising and/or targeted advertising information, such as "apparatuses, methods, and articles for providing targeted advertising." “APPARATUS, METHOD AND ARTICLE FOR PROVIDING TARGETED ADVERTISEMENT IN A RECHARGEABLE ELECTRICAL POWER STORAGE DEVICE”; US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/773,614, filed March 6, 2013 entitled, New Products and/or Services, Vehicles and/or Portable Power Storage Devices; It may include updates and/or alerts about exchange services, news, social media, social media applications, information about your social media accounts, other user accounts, newly available vehicles, and so on. A selectable menu option "Account" button, when selected, provides the user with additional information about the user account used for the portable power storage device exchange service and modifying the user profile and other settings. provide the function to A selectable menu option, "Settings," when selected, provides the user with additional information regarding the settings of the application that provides the menu interface and/or its use for its portable power storage device replacement service. Provides additional information about user accounts and the ability to modify user profiles and other settings.

FIG. 10 is an example of a user's mobile device user interface presenting an example user menu providing menu choices for vehicle setting options, according to one non-limiting illustrative embodiment; be. For example, this user menu may include user selectable menu options "My Battery Provider" and/or "Settings" shown in FIG. /or may appear directly or indirectly through other menu selections as a result of or in response to selection of the selectable menu option "Settings" shown in FIG. An interactive image of the user's vehicle is shown and portions thereof can be selected by the user to change settings or learn more about the selected portion of the vehicle.

FIG. 11 is a user's mobile device presenting an example user menu that provides menu choices regarding vehicle setting options for selected portions of the vehicle, according to one non-limiting illustrative embodiment. 4 is an example of a device user interface; These further options relate to vehicle/dashboard settings. For example, this user menu may appear as a result of, or in response to, the user's selection of the dashboard portion of the vehicle image shown in FIG. 10, either directly or indirectly through other menu selections. An interactive image of the dashboard of the user's vehicle is shown and the user can select the portion indicated by the arrow to change settings or learn more about that selected portion of the dashboard. It is possible. A similar corresponding menu appears when the user selects a different corresponding portion of the vehicle image shown in FIG.

FIG. 12 is an example user providing menu selections for additional vehicle setting options for a selected option for changing the user-configurable color of a vehicle dashboard, according to one non-limiting illustrative embodiment; - An example of a user's mobile device user interface presenting a menu. For example, this user menu may appear directly or otherwise as a result of, or in response to, the user's selection of the corresponding portion indicated by one of the arrows in FIG. 11 of the dashboard image shown in FIG. may appear indirectly through a menu selection of Shown here are two interactive color wheels that the user can adjust to independently adjust the color on either side of the vehicle dashboard. A similar menu is presented when the user selects a corresponding portion of the presented vehicle image to adjust the color or arrangement of the vehicle's different lighting patterns.

FIG. 13 is a user's mobile device user interface of a user's mobile device presenting an example user menu that provides menu options for diagnostics or vehicle status information options, according to one non-limiting illustrative embodiment. It is an example of an interface. For example, this user menu may allow the user to select the menu options "My Battery Provider Me and my ride" or "My Battery Provider" shown in FIG. It may appear directly as a result of or in response to selection of "Settings" or indirectly through other menu selections. The user is shown information about current weather, current maintenance reminders, a timeline with maintenance and other reminders, a user profile picture, and other relevant information. Also shown is a user-selectable menu item "Setup" that allows the user to configure on their mobile device, for example, a vehicle as shown in Figures 10-12. Allows you to configure or set up options. Also, a selectable menu item "Diagnostics" is presented to allow the user to have diagnostic tests and/or reports run and/or presented on their mobile device. You can choose.

FIG. 14 is an example of a user's mobile device user interface presenting an example user menu providing diagnostic reports and menu options for diagnostic reports, according to one non-limiting illustrative embodiment; is. For example, the interactive diagnostic report presented may include a message or alert on or next to the selectable menu option "Lighting system" indicating that the vehicle's lights need replacement. indicates that other items related to this vehicle have been tested or detected in good condition. The user can then select various items, such as lighting errors, and look at the vehicle item corresponding to the selected item on the report.

FIG. 15 is an example user interface of a mobile device of a user presenting an example interactive vehicle diagnostic report and additional menu options for the diagnostic report, according to one non-limiting illustrative embodiment. For example, this user menu may be as a result of or in response to the user selecting the selectable menu option "Lighting system" of FIG. 14 shown as part of the diagnostic report. can appear directly as a menu item or indirectly through other menu selections. The user selects the selectable menu option "Find a Service Center" to provide further information about service centers to resolve problems associated with this menu (e.g. do you have a replacement light bulb? and/or display an interactive map showing vehicle service centers where the vehicle's lights can be replaced.

FIG. 16 presents an example user menu providing an interactive map showing the current user location and the location of the portable power storage device collection and distribution machine, according to one non-limiting illustrative embodiment; is an example of the user interface of a mobile device of a user with For example, this user menu may appear as a result of or in response to a user's selection of the selectable menu option "Batteries" shown in FIG. 14, either directly or indirectly through other menu selections. It can be said that it appears

FIG. 17 shows an interactive map showing the current user's location on the map and further information regarding the location of the selected portable power storage device collection and distribution machine, according to one non-limiting illustrative embodiment. FIG. 4 is an example user interface of a user's mobile device presenting an example user menu to provide; FIG. For example, this user menu may be directly or otherwise menued as a result of or in response to the user's selection of the corresponding selectable portable power storage device exchange locations shown on the interactive map of FIG. It can appear indirectly through selection.

FIG. 18 shows an interactive list showing portable power storage device collection and distribution machine locations and vehicle service repair locations in order of distance from the user's current location, according to one non-limiting illustrative embodiment; 1 is an example of a presenting user's mobile device user interface. For example, this user menu may appear as a result of, or in response to, the user's selection of the selectable menu option "Batteries" shown in FIG. 14, either directly or indirectly through other menu selections. can appear in Alternatively, or alternatively, this user menu may be accessed by the user by selecting the corresponding selectable option by selecting the "eye" shown in the upper right corner in the interface of FIG. 17, and/or The list can appear as a result of selection via selectable item "settings" shown in the interface, or indirectly through other menu selections, either directly or in response to it, to display the list.

Various methods described herein may include additional acts, omit some acts, and/or perform acts in a different order than shown in various flowcharts.

Various implementations of devices and/or processes have been described in detail above through the use of block diagrams, schematic diagrams, and examples. To the extent such block diagrams, schematic diagrams, and examples include one or more functions and/or acts, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize each function and/or act in such block diagrams, flowcharts, or examples. can be implemented individually and/or collectively by a wide variety of hardware, software, firmware, and/or substantially any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the subject matter of the present invention may be implemented via one or more microcontrollers. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the implementations disclosed herein may be implemented, in whole or in part, in a standard integrated circuit (e.g., an application specific integrated circuit or ASIC) by: As one or more computer programs executed by one or more computers (e.g., as one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), one or more controllers (e.g., microcontrollers) as one or more programs executed by a controller), as one or more programs executed by one or more processors (e.g., microprocessors), as firmware, or substantially any of these Implementation is equally possible as a combination and designing the circuits and/or writing the code for the software and/or firmware is within the skill of those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings of this disclosure.

If the logic is implemented as software and stored in memory, then transfer the logic or information to any non-transitory computer-readable medium for use by or with any processor-related system or method. It is possible to store For purposes of this disclosure, memory is a non-transitory computer-readable or processor-readable storage medium that permanently contains or stores a computer program and/or processor program, whether electronic, magnetic, optical or otherwise. any physical device or means of The logic and/or information fetches instructions from a computer-based system, processor-containing system, or other instruction execution system, apparatus, or device and executes instructions associated with the logic and/or information. It can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by or for use with an instruction-executing system, apparatus, or device, such as a system capable of.

For purposes of this specification, "computer-readable medium" means any physical element capable of storing a program associated with logic and/or information for use by or with an instruction-execution system, apparatus, or device. It is possible to A computer-readable medium can be, for example, without limitation, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples of computer-readable media (non-exhaustive list) are portable computer diskettes (magnetic, compact flash cards, secure digital, or the like), random access memory (RAM). , read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM, EEPROM, or flash memory), portable compact disk read-only memory (CDROM), and digital tape.

Various embodiments described above can be combined to provide additional embodiments. To the extent not inconsistent with the specific teachings and definitions herein, references to, but not limited to, "apparatuses, methods, and・Filed on March 12, 2013, titled “Article for Changing Portable Electrical Power Storage Device Exchange Plans” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/778,038 (Attorney Docket No. 170178.424P1), "Apparatuses, Methods, and Articles for Providing Locations of Power Storage Devices Collection"; , CHARGING AND DISTRIBUTION MACHINES, CHARGING AND DISTRIBUTION MACHINES, filed on Feb. 22, 2012. Application Serial No. 61/601,949 (Attorney Docket No. 170178.418 P1), "Apparatuses, Methods, and Articles for Collection, Charging and Distributing Power Storage Devices, Thatch U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/511, filed July 26, 2011, entitled APPARATUS, METHOD AND ARTICLE FOR COLLECTION, CHARGING AND DISTRIBUTING POWER STORAGE DEVICES, SUCH AS BATTERIES; No. 900 (agent reference number: 170178.401P1), "THERMAL MANAGEMENT OF COMPONENTS IN ELECTRI C MOTOR DRIVE VEHICLES, filed July 26, 2011, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/511,887 (Attorney Docket No. 170178. 406P1), U.S. Provisional Patent Application No., filed July 26, 2011, entitled "DYNAMICALLY LIMITING VEHICLE OPERATION FOR BEST EFFORT ECONOMY"; 61/511,880 (Attorney Docket Number: 170178.407P1), "Apparatuses, Methods, and Articles for Providing Information Regarding a Vehicle Via a Mobile Device (APPARATUS, METHOD AND ARTICLE FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION REGARDING A VEHICLE VIA A MOBILE DEVICE, filed March 13, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. 170178.425P1). ), “APPARATUS, METHOD AND ARTICLE FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION REGAR DING A VEHICLE VIA A MOBILE DEVICE )”, filed September 3, 2013 (Attorney Docket No. 170178.425), all U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent Applications, foreign patents, foreign patent applications and non-patent literature are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Aspects of the embodiments can be modified, if necessary, to employ systems, circuits, and concepts of the various patents, applications, and literature to provide further embodiments.

Generally discussed in and in the context of collecting, charging, and distributing portable electrical energy storage devices for use with personal transport vehicles such as fully electric scooters and motorcycles, the teachings therein is applicable to a wide variety of other environments, including non-vehicle environments as well as other vehicular environments.

The description of the embodiments set forth above, including what is set forth in the Summary of the Disclosure, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. . Although specific embodiments and examples are described herein for purposes of illustration, various equivalent modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as will be recognized by those skilled in the relevant arts. possible without deviating from

These and other changes can be made to these embodiments in light of the above detailed description. Generally speaking, in the claims that follow, the terms used should not be construed as limiting the claims to the particular embodiments disclosed in the specification, but rather The claims are to be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full range of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.

102 Collection, Charging and Distribution Machine 120 Back Office System 300 System 302 Vehicle Data Information Management System 308a, 308b, 308c, 308d Collection, Charging and Distribution Machine 310a Vehicle, Electric Scooter 312 Portable Electric Energy Storage Device Transfer Service 313 Mobile Devices 410 Controllers 412, 414, 416 Computer Readable Storage Medium 414 Random Access Memory (RAM)
416 data storage, data store 418 bus 502 user interface 508 alert 510 title 512 image or drawing 514 link 520 settings 310a, 310b vehicle, electric scooter

Claims (24)

1. A method in a system for providing information about a vehicle, said vehicle being an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle,
receiving, by one or more computer processors of a user mobile device of a system for providing information about the vehicle, first information regarding a diagnostic or current status of the vehicle;
receiving, by the one or more computer processors, second information regarding the vehicle's usage history;
processing both the received first information and the received second information by the one or more computer processors in response to receiving both the first information and the second information; and
A user authenticated as being associated with the vehicle based on both the received first information processed and the received second information processed by the one or more computer processors. to, processed information based on both at least a portion of the received first information and at least a portion of the received second information;
the vehicle includes a portable electrical energy storage device;
the vehicle diagnostics or status includes a charge level of the portable electrical energy storage device;
the vehicle usage history includes data on driving behavior associated with the user and corresponding to power consumption estimates ;
processing both the received first information and the received second information includes preparing data for presentation on a display of the user mobile device;
The processed information is generated based on both at least a portion of the first information and at least a portion of the second information informing a user about replacing the portable electrical energy storage device. , wherein the alert includes an estimate of the power consumption . The first information about the diagnosis or current status of the vehicle and the second information about the usage history of the vehicle are, respectively,
current or state of said vehicle; current or state of one or more systems of said vehicle; number of vehicles owned by a user; customizable characteristics of said vehicle; setting customizable characteristics of said vehicle; status or condition of a vehicle's engine or motor, one or more electrical systems of said vehicle, health of said vehicle, security of said vehicle, locking of said vehicle, transmission system of said vehicle, maintenance of said vehicle, said vehicle scheduled maintenance of the vehicle; brake pad condition of the vehicle; current status of one or more vehicle lights; engine temperature of the vehicle; one or more wheels of the vehicle; one or more tires of the vehicle; wear of one or more tires of the vehicle; air pressure of one or more tires of the vehicle; speed of the vehicle; statistics about different speeds over time, one or more fluid levels of the vehicle, a state or current status of the portable electrical energy storage device, a dashboard of the vehicle, a dashboard display of the vehicle, a current dashboard display of the vehicle. configurable settings for a customizable dashboard display of the vehicle; information stored on a computer readable medium coupled to the portable electrical energy storage device; configurable vehicle lighting; configurable vehicle lighting configurable vehicle lighting settings; current reading of the vehicle's odometer; usage statistics based on the vehicle's history; usage statistics for the portable electrical energy storage device based on the vehicle's history; historical motor usage statistics; historical efficiency usage statistics of the vehicle; geographic movement statistics of the vehicle; current location of the vehicle; previous locations of the vehicle; target efficiency of the vehicle; recommended settings; user account settings for a user associated with said vehicle; a portable electrical energy storage device of said vehicle; an available portable electrical energy storage device of said vehicle; location of energy storage devices; one or more collection, charging, and distribution machines for portable electrical energy storage devices of said vehicle; one or more collection, charging, for portable electrical energy storage devices of said vehicle; and porters in distribution machines information regarding at least one or more of: a history of vehicle electrical energy storage device replacements; and locations of one or more collection, charging, and distribution machines for portable electrical energy storage devices of the vehicle. 1. The method according to 1. Receiving the first information regarding the diagnosis or status of the vehicle may be performed by receiving the first information regarding the diagnosis or status of the vehicle from a remote source different from the source from which the second information regarding the usage history of the vehicle is received. 2. The method of claim 1, comprising receiving one information. Receiving the first information regarding a diagnosis or current status of the vehicle and receiving the second information regarding a usage history of the vehicle may be performed by any of the first information and the second information. via a short-range wireless connection between the vehicle and the user mobile device or via a different wireless connection from a remote vehicle data information management system to the user mobile device; 4. The method of claim 3. processing both the received first information and the received second information;
preparing received data regarding a portable electrical energy storage device replacement history associated with the user or the vehicle for presentation on the display;
to alert the user to an offer for, or availability of, a portable electrical energy storage device in a vehicle based at least in part on received data regarding a portable electrical energy storage device replacement history associated with the user or the vehicle. , preparing data for presentation on the display;
5. The method of claim 4, comprising: Data regarding the portable electrical energy storage device replacement history is stored in memory attached to a portable electrical energy storage device that powers a motor of the vehicle via a short-range wireless connection between the vehicle and the user's mobile device. - The method of claim 5, wherein the data is received from a module. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the data regarding portable electrical energy storage device replacement history is data received from the remote vehicle data information management system via a wireless connection to the user mobile device. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the data regarding the portable electrical energy storage device replacement history is received data originating from one or more collection, charging, and distribution machines for portable electrical energy storage devices for the vehicle. described method. processing both the received first information and the received second information;
selecting a first datum from the first information relating to the diagnosis or status of the vehicle;
selecting second data from the second information regarding the usage history of the vehicle based on the first data selected from the first information regarding diagnosis or current status of the vehicle;
generating third information to be presented to the user via the user mobile device based on the selected first data and the selected second data;
5. The method of claim 4, comprising: The first data selected from the first information regarding diagnostics or current status of the vehicle includes data regarding a current charge level of a portable electrical energy storage device of the vehicle, and the second data regarding a usage history of the vehicle. wherein said second data selected from information includes data relating to driving behavior associated with said user, wherein said third information is based on said selected first data and said selected second data; Generating, based on data about driving behavior associated with the user, how far in terms of distance, how far in terms of time, the current charge level of the portable electrical energy storage device is to end. 10. The method of claim 9, comprising generating information regarding an estimate of how long. 10. The method of claim 9, further comprising presenting the third information generated by the one or more computer processors on the mobile device. Further, the one or more computer processors select the first data selected from the first information relating to diagnostics or current status of the vehicle and the second data selected from the second information relating to the history of usage of the vehicle. 10. The method of claim 9, comprising communicating one or more of the two data to a memory module attached to a portable electrical energy storage device that powers a motor of the vehicle. Receiving the first information regarding a diagnosis or current status of the vehicle and receiving the second information regarding a usage history of the vehicle may be performed by any of the first information and the second information. from a memory module attached to a portable electrical energy storage device that powers a motor of the vehicle via a short-range wireless connection between the vehicle and the user's mobile device; The method of claim 1. Further, the one or more computer processors process the first information, the second information, and at least a portion of the received first information and at least a portion of the received second information. one or more of the processed information based on both to a portable electrical energy storage device that powers a motor of the vehicle via a short-range wireless connection between the vehicle and the user's mobile device. 2. The method of claim 1, comprising communicating to an attached memory module. 3. The communicating to the user comprises presenting information on a display of the user mobile device or via a speaker of the user mobile device based on the processed information. 1. The method according to 1. moreover,
Receiving, by the one or more computer processors, input from the user regarding one or more of first information regarding a diagnosis or current status of the vehicle and second information regarding a history of usage of the vehicle. When,
by the one or more computer processors, in response to receiving the input, based on the received input, receiving the first information regarding the diagnosis or status of the vehicle and the received usage history of the vehicle; selecting data from one or more of the second information about
preparing the selected data for presentation via the user mobile device based on specifications or capabilities of the user mobile device;
presenting the prepared selected data on the display or via a speaker of the user mobile device. moreover,
Receiving input by the one or more computer processors regarding changes to settings or configurations of the vehicle;
Wirelessly communicating, by the one or more computer processors, to the vehicle a change in a setting or configuration of the vehicle based on the received input from the user regarding the change in the vehicle setting or configuration. When,
2. The method of claim 1, comprising: Wirelessly communicating said change in said setting or configuration to said vehicle comprises:
the one or more computer processors transmitting the changes in the settings or configurations of the vehicle to the vehicle; wirelessly communicating based on the second information regarding the vehicle usage history obtained by
18. The method of claim 17, comprising: 18. The method of claim 17, wherein receiving the input regarding changes to the vehicle settings or configurations comprises receiving the input from a remote vehicle data information management system. Receiving said input regarding changes to settings or configurations of said vehicle via a wireless connection to said mobile device and from a memory module attached to a portable electrical energy storage device that powers a motor of said vehicle. 18. The method of claim 17, comprising receiving the input at a. 18. The changing of the settings or configuration of the vehicle relates to one or more of selecting a customizable lighting pattern for the lights of the vehicle and selecting a customizable dashboard display of the vehicle. The method described in . A system for providing information about a vehicle, the vehicle being an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle,
at least one computer processor;
at least one memory coupled to said computer processor;
wherein the at least one computer processor is configured to receive both first information regarding a diagnostic or current status of the vehicle and second information regarding a usage history of the vehicle;
the at least one computer processor configured to communicate to a remote device third information based on both the received first information and the received second information;
Both the received first information and the received second information are attached to a user's device associated with the vehicle or a portable electrical energy storage device configured to power a motor of the vehicle. Originating from memory modules with
the vehicle diagnostics or status includes a charge level of the portable electrical energy storage device;
the vehicle usage history includes data about driving behavior associated with the user;
the third information includes an alert generated based on both the first information and the second information to notify a user to replace the portable electrical energy storage device;
system. 23. The system of claim 22, wherein said remote device is a mobile device associated with said user or said vehicle. 24. The system of claim 23, wherein the remote device is a collection, charging and distribution machine for portable electrical energy storage devices.

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