TW201535926A - Apparatus, method and article for changing portable electrical power storage device exchange plans - Google Patents

Abstract

A network of collection, charging and/or distribution machines collect, charge and/or distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). In some embodiments, if the user selects to change their current portable electrical power storage device exchange plan to a two-portable electrical power storage device exchange plan while exchanging their current portable electrical power storage device, the user will return their current portable electrical power storage device and will receive two portable electrical power storage devices in exchange at the collection, charging and distribution machine. The user may also be required to pay additional fees and/or commit to additional obligations while at the collection, charging and distribution machine in order to change to the different portable electrical power storage device exchange plan.

Description

Apparatus, method and object for changing a portable power storage device switching scheme

The present invention relates generally to the distribution of rechargeable power storage devices ( e.g. , auxiliary battery packs, ultracapacitors, or supercapacitors) that may be suitable for use in various fields or applications, for example, Transport use and non-transport use.

Portable power storage devices exist in a wide variety of uses or applications.

One such application is in the field of transportation. Hybrid vehicles and all-electric vehicles are becoming more and more common. These vehicles can achieve several advantages over conventional internal combustion engine vehicles. For example, a hybrid or electric vehicle may achieve higher fuel economy and may have less or even zero tail pipe contamination. In particular, an all-electric vehicle may have not only zero tail pipe contamination, but may also be associated with lower overall pollution. For example, electricity can be generated from renewable energy sources ( eg , solar energy, hydraulic power). Further, for example, power can be generated at a power plant ( eg , a nuclear power plant) that does not generate air pollution. Moreover, for example, power can be generated at a power plant that burns relative to "clean combustion" fuel ( eg , natural gas) that has higher efficiency than the internal combustion engine and/or employs a pollution control or removal system ( eg , Industrial air scrubbers), such pollution control or removal systems are too large, costly or expensive to use with individual vehicles.

Personal transport vehicles such as small turbines powered by gas turbines and/or locomotives are ubiquitous in many places (for example, in many large cities in Asia). Such small turbine treadmills and/or locomotives tend to be relatively inexpensive, especially when compared to motor vehicles, cars or trucks. Cities with a high number of small turbines and/or locomotives are also highly polluted and subject to high levels of air pollution. When the system is new, many small turbines and/or locomotives provide a relatively low source of personal transportation pollution. For example, such small turbine treadmills and/or locomotives may have mileage ratings that are higher than larger vehicles. Some small turbine treadmills and/or locomotives may even be equipped with basic pollution control equipment ( eg , catalytic converters). Unfortunately, when using a small turbine treadmill and/or locomotive without maintenance and/or modifying the small turbine treadmill and/or locomotive, for example by intentional or unintentional disassembly of the catalytic converter, It will soon exceed the factory-specified emission level. Typically, the owner or operator of a small turbine treadmill and/or locomotive lacks the financial resources or motivation to maintain its vehicle.

It is known that air pollution has a negative effect on human health, and air pollution is associated with various diseases or deterioration of various diseases ( for example , numerous reports on air pollution and emphysema, asthma, pneumonia and cystic fibrosis, and various cardiovascular diseases) Diseases are linked together). These diseases take a lot of lives and seriously reduce the quality of life of countless others.

The alternative to zero tailpipe emissions from gas turbines will greatly benefit the air quality and hence the health of a large population.

While understanding the benefits of zero tailpipe emissions from all-electric vehicles, the adoption of all-electric vehicles by a large population has been slow. One of the reasons can be considered as a cost, especially the cost of the auxiliary battery pack. The other of the reasons may be considered to be a limited range of travel available for a single charge of a battery pack, a limited location where the auxiliary battery pack can be recharged, and a recharge of an auxiliary battery pack when idle is relatively long ( For example, multiple hours).

The methods described herein address some of the problems that have limited the use of zero tailpipe emissions technologies, particularly in densely populated cities and in populations with limited financial resources.

For example, some of the methods set forth herein employ a collection, charging, and dispensing machine (which may otherwise be referred to as a server or vending machine) to collect, charge, and distribute power storage devices (eg, battery packs, ultracapacitors). Or super capacitor). Such machines may be distributed throughout a city or other area at various locations, such as convenience stores or existing gas stations or gas stations. References herein to collectors; collection and distribution of machines; collection and charging of machines and distribution of machines do not imply that such machines may or may not have or use additional functionality including, but not limited to, one or more of the following: Charging, collection and distribution of electrical storage devices and/or other items.

The collection, charging and dispensing machine maintains an inventory of one of fully charged or nearly fully charged electrical storage devices for use by the end user. The collection, charging and dispensing machine can collect, receive or otherwise accept the spent electrical storage device, for example, if returned by the end user, for which the empty storage storage device is recharged for reuse by subsequent end users.

Thus, an end user can simply replace, exchange, or otherwise exchange a battery pack or other power storage device when a battery pack or other power storage device reaches or approaches the end of its stored charge. This solves the problems associated with cost and limitations on limited range and recharging locations and relatively long recharge times.

As mentioned previously, auxiliary battery packs and other power storage devices are relatively expensive. Therefore, it is advantageous to store a minimum number of power storage devices at the collection, charging and distribution machine while still ensuring that the requirements for the power storage device are met.

For these reasons, the ability to make power storage devices available and manage the distribution of such power storage devices is important to the commercial success of any such effort. Accordingly, several methods are described herein to provide a user with an opportunity to change the portable power storage device switching scheme of one of the users.

The method in a system for changing a portable power storage device switching scheme can be summarized as comprising: one or more of a portable power storage device switching solution system a computer processor to receive information about a user exchanging a portable power storage device of a vehicle; and one or more computer processors of the portable power storage device switching solution system based on the user exchange The received information of the portable power storage device determines whether to provide information about changing a portable power storage device switching scheme of the user; and based on whether to provide the portable power for changing the user The determination of the information of the storage device switching scheme is provided by the one or more computer processors of the portable power storage device switching solution system to provide information about changing the portable power storage device switching scheme of the user to One user.

The information provided regarding changing a portable power storage device switching scheme may be information regarding changing one of the user's current portable power storage device switching schemes to a different portable power storage device switching scheme. The current portable power storage device switching scheme of the user may be such that the user is allowed to collect, charge and distribute the machine from one or more portable power storage devices at a time with only one portable power storage device for One of the vehicles is a portable power storage device exchange solution. The different portable power storage device switching scheme of the user may be such that the user is allowed to collect, charge and distribute the machine from one or more portable power storage devices at one time with multiple portable power storage devices. A portable power storage device exchange solution for one vehicle. Information about a user exchanging a portable power storage device of a vehicle may be information about one or more of: whether one of the users of the vehicle is configured to accommodate or use at least two at a time One or more compartments of a portable power storage device, and the number of one of the vehicles associated with the user. Information about a user's exchange of a portable power storage device of a vehicle may be information about the user's driving history. Information regarding a user's exchange of a portable power storage device of a vehicle may be received from a remote portable power storage device switching solution information management system or one or more collection, charging and distribution machines. Information about a user exchanging a portable power storage device of a vehicle may be used as a receiving indication that a user exchanges one of the portable power storage devices owned by the user into a Received as a result of charging one of the inputs of the portable power storage device. Providing information regarding the portable power storage device switching scheme for changing the user can include providing the information regarding the portable power storage device switching scheme for changing the user at a collection, charging and distribution machine. The providing information about changing the portable power storage device switching scheme of the user may include: providing the information about changing the portable power storage device switching scheme of the user on a mobile device of the user .

A system for changing a portable power storage device switching scheme can be summarized as comprising: at least one processor; and at least one memory coupled to the at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to Determining whether to provide a change in portable one of the users via the collection, charging and distribution machine based on information received by one of the users in exchange of one of the portable power storage devices at a collection, charging and distribution machine Information about a power storage device switching scheme; and providing, by the collection, charging and distribution machine, based on the determination of whether to provide information regarding a change in the portable power storage device switching scheme of the user Information on portable power storage device switching solutions.

The information provided regarding changing a portable power storage device switching scheme may be information regarding changing one of the user's current portable power storage device switching schemes to a different portable power storage device switching scheme. The current portable power storage device switching scheme of the user may be such that the user is allowed to collect, charge and distribute the machine from one or more portable power storage devices at a time with only one portable power storage device for One of the vehicles is a portable power storage device exchange solution. Different portable power storage device switching schemes may allow the user to collect, charge and distribute the machine from one or more portable power storage devices at one time with one of two portable power storage devices for one vehicle Portable power storage device switching solution. Information regarding a user exchanging a portable power storage device of a vehicle may be related to whether the vehicle of the user has been configured to cause the vehicle to use at least two portable powers one at a time or in tandem. One of the storage devices Or information about multiple compartments. Information regarding a user exchanging a portable power storage device of a vehicle may include information regarding a promotion or reward to the user for changing one of the current portable power storage device exchange schemes of the user.

A non-transitory computer readable storage medium can be summarized as comprising computer executable instructions thereon that, when executed by one or more computer processors, cause the one or more computer processors to: Receiving, by the user, a request for exchanging one of the portable power storage devices of one of the vehicles; receiving a driving habit about the user based on the received request of the user to exchange the portable power storage device And determining whether to provide information about changing a portable power storage device exchange scheme of the user based on the received information about the user's driving habits.

The non-transitory computer readable medium, wherein the instructions thereon, when executed by one or more computer processors, further cause the one or more computer processors to rely on whether to provide a portable power storage for changing one of the users The determination of the information of the device switching scheme provides information on changing the portable power storage device switching scheme for the user. The providing information regarding the portable power storage device switching scheme for changing the user may include providing the information about the portable power storage device switching scheme for changing the user at a collection, charging and distribution machine . The information about the user's driving habits may be information about the user's portable power storage device exchange history.

100‧‧‧ Environment

102‧‧‧Collection, Charging and Distribution Machine/Charging Subsystem

104a‧‧‧Receiver/compartment/receiver

104b‧‧‧Receiver, compartment or receptacle

104n‧‧‧Receiver, compartment or receptacle

106a‧‧‧Portable Energy Storage Device

106c‧‧‧Portable Energy Storage Device/Portable Power Storage Device

106d‧‧‧Portable Energy Storage Device/Portable Power Storage Device

106e‧‧‧Portable Energy Storage Device/Portable Power Storage Device

106n‧‧‧Portable Energy Storage Device

106z‧‧‧Portable Energy Storage Device

108‧‧‧All electric small turbine treadmill/locomotive

110a‧‧‧Electrical terminals

110b‧‧‧Electrical terminals

112‧‧‧ places

114‧‧‧Power supply facilities

114a‧‧‧Power supply instrumentation

114b‧‧‧Circuit Panel/Disconnector Panel/Fuse Box

114c‧‧‧Wiring

114d‧‧‧Electric socket

116‧‧‧Power grid

118‧‧‧Photovoltaic battery array / photovoltaic array

120‧‧‧ Back-end or back-office systems

122‧‧‧Network

124‧‧‧User interface

202‧‧‧Control subsystem

204‧‧‧Charging subsystem

206‧‧‧Communication subsystem

208‧‧‧User Interface Subsystem/User Interface System

208a‧‧‧ touch screen display

208b‧‧‧Keyboard/Keyboard

208c‧‧‧Speaker

208d‧‧‧ microphone

208e‧‧‧ card reader

208f‧‧‧Banknote/Detector

208g‧‧‧Scoin machine

209‧‧‧Card type media/card/card media

210‧‧‧ Controller

212‧‧‧Read-only memory/non-transitory processor or computer readable storage medium

214‧‧‧ Random access memory/non-transitory processor or computer readable storage medium

216‧‧‧data storage area/non-transitory processor or computer readable storage medium

218‧‧ ‧ busbar

220‧‧‧Actuator

222‧‧‧Latch/lock/other retainer mechanism

224a‧‧‧埠

224b‧‧‧埠

226a‧‧‧埠

226b‧‧‧埠

230‧‧‧First Power Converter

232‧‧‧Line/cord

234‧‧‧Transformers

236‧‧‧Rectifier

238‧‧‧DC/DC Power Converter

240‧‧‧ filter

242‧‧‧Second power converter

244‧‧‧ line

246‧‧‧DC/DC Power Converter

248‧‧‧Filter

250‧‧‧ switch

252‧‧‧Data machine

254‧‧‧Ethernet/other types of communication cards/components

256a‧‧‧埠

256b‧‧‧埠

300‧‧‧ system

302‧‧‧Portable Power Storage Device Exchange Solution Information Management System/System

308a‧‧‧Collection, charging and distribution machines

308b‧‧‧Collection, charging and distribution machines

308c‧‧‧Collection, charging and distribution machines

308d‧‧‧Collection, charging and distribution machines

310a‧‧‧Vehicle/Electric small turbine treadmill

310b‧‧‧Vehicle/Electric small turbine treadmill

313‧‧‧Mobile devices/user mobile communication devices/user mobile devices

402‧‧‧Control subsystem

406‧‧‧Communication Subsystem/Remote Communication Subsystem

408‧‧‧User Interface Subsystem/User Interface System

410‧‧‧ Controller

412‧‧‧Read-only memory/non-transitory or computer-readable storage media

414‧‧‧ Random access memory/non-transitory or computer readable storage media

416‧‧‧data storage area/non-transitory processor or computer readable storage medium

418‧‧ ‧ busbar

452‧‧‧Data machine

454‧‧‧Ethernet/other types of communication cards/components

456a‧‧‧埠

456b‧‧‧埠

502‧‧‧Display area

508‧‧‧ Tips

512‧‧‧user menu

514‧‧‧"Yes" link/button

526‧‧‧Can be used as a portable power storage device exchange solution

534‧‧‧Double Battery Pack Solution

536‧‧‧"Normal Performance" Program

C _A1 ‧‧‧Engine Control Signal / Control Signal

C _AN ‧‧‧Engine Control Signal

L ₁ ‧‧‧load

L ₂ ‧‧‧load

L _N ‧‧‧load

S _C1 ‧‧‧Charge Sensor

S _CN ‧‧‧Charge sensor

S _P1 ‧‧‧ position sensor

S _PN ‧‧‧ position sensor

S _T1 ‧‧‧Charge Sensor

In the various figures, the same element symbols indicate the same elements or acts. The size and relative position of the elements in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the shapes and angles of the various elements are not drawn to scale, and some of these elements are arbitrarily enlarged and positioned to improve the clarity of the figure. Moreover, the particular shapes depicted for the elements are not intended to convey any information about the actual shapes of the particular elements, and are only selected for ease of identification in the drawings.

1 is a collection, charging and dispensing machine, together with several power storage devices, connected to the same electric small-turbine treadmill or locomotive and via a non-limiting illustrated embodiment A schematic diagram of one of the power supply facilities provided by a grid.

2 is a block diagram of one of the collection, charging and dispensing machines of FIG. 1 in accordance with one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.

Figure 3 is a diagram of one of the systems for changing a portable power storage device at a collection, charging and dispensing machine (such as the collection, charging and dispensing machine of Figure 1) in accordance with a non-limiting illustrated embodiment. Block diagram.

4 is a schematic diagram of a portable power storage device switching scheme information management system of FIG. 3 in accordance with one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.

5A is an exemplary user interface for presenting information to a user regarding a change in the portable power storage device switching scheme for the user, in accordance with a non-limiting illustrated embodiment.

5B is an exemplary user interface for presenting information to a user regarding an available portable power storage device switching scheme in accordance with a non-limiting illustrated embodiment.

6 is a flow diagram of one of the methods in a system for changing a portable power storage device switching scheme in accordance with a non-limiting illustrated embodiment.

7 is a flow diagram of one of the methods in a system for changing a portable power storage device switching scheme in accordance with a first alternative, non-limiting, illustrated embodiment.

8 is a flow chart showing one of the methods in a system for changing a portable power storage device switching scheme in accordance with a second alternative, non-limiting, illustrated embodiment.

In the following description, certain specific details are set forth in order to provide a It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, however, that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or by other methods, components, materials, and the like. In other cases, it has not been shown or explained in detail with the selling device, battery pack, Ultracapacitors or supercapacitors, power converters (including but not limited to: transformers, rectifiers, DC/DC power converters, switched mode power converters), controllers, and communication systems and structures and networks associated with well-known structures to avoid The description of the embodiments is unnecessarily obscured.

Unless the context requires, the words "comprise" and variations thereof (such as "comprises" and "comprising") should be interpreted as open throughout the following description and claims. Inclusive meaning, that is, "including but not limited to".

A reference to "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" in this specification means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearance of the phrase "in an embodiment" or "in an embodiment"

The use of ordinal numbers (such as first, second, and third) does not necessarily imply a hierarchical order meaning, but rather may distinguish only a plurality of instances of an action or structure.

Reference to a portable power storage device means any device capable of storing power and releasing stored power, including but not limited to battery packs, ultracapacitors or supercapacitors. Reference to a battery pack means one or several chemical storage batteries, for example, rechargeable or auxiliary battery cells (including but not limited to: nickel cadmium alloys or lithium ion battery cells).

The title and summary of the invention are provided for convenience and are not intended to limit the scope or meaning of the embodiments.

FIG. 1 shows an environment 100 including a collection, charging and dispensing machine 102 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment. It should be understood that although the specific embodiments set forth herein refer to power storage device collection, charging, and dispensing machines, such machines may implement three collection, charging, and dispensing functions, or a subset of these three functions.

The collection, charging and dispensing machine 102 can take the form of a vending machine or server. The collection, charging and dispensing machine 102 has a plurality of receivers, compartments or receptacles 104a, 104b to 104n (only three are labeled in Figure 1, collectively referred to as 104) to receive the portable electrical energy storage device in a removable manner ( For example, battery packs, ultracapacitors, or supercapacitors) 106a through 106n (collectively 106) are used for collection, charging, and dispensing. As illustrated in FIG. 1, some of the receivers 104 are empty while the other receivers 104 house the portable electrical energy storage device 106. Although FIG. 1 shows a single portable electrical energy storage device 106 per receiver 104, in some embodiments each receiver 104 can accommodate two or even more than two portable electrical energy storage devices 106. For example, each of the receivers 104 can be deep enough to receive three portable electrical energy storage devices 106. Thus, for example, the collection, charging, and dispensing machine 102 illustrated in FIG. 1 can have a capacity that can accommodate one, 40, 80, or 120 portable electrical energy storage devices 106 at the same time.

The portable electrical energy storage device 106 can take a variety of forms, for example, a battery pack ( eg , a battery cell array) or an ultracapacitor or supercapacitor ( eg , a supercapacitor battery array). For example, the portable electrical energy storage device 106z can take the form of a rechargeable battery pack ( ie, an auxiliary battery cell or battery pack). The portable electrical energy storage device 106z can, for example, be sized to physically mate with and power a personal transportation vehicle, such as an all-electric small turbine or locomotive 108. As mentioned previously, gas turbine small turbines and locomotives are common in many large cities (for example, in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East). The ability to conveniently access rechargeable battery packs throughout the city or region may allow the use of all-electric small turbine treadmills and locomotives 108 to replace gas turbine small turbines and locomotives, thereby reducing air pollution and reducing noise.

The portable electrical energy storage device 106 (visible only to the portable electrical energy storage device 106z) may include a plurality of electrical terminals 110a, 110b accessible from one of the portable electrical energy storage devices 106z (illustrated two, collectively referred to as 110). Electrical terminal 110 allows charge to be delivered from portable electrical energy storage device 106z and allows charge to be delivered to portable electrical energy storage device 106z for charging or recharging it. Although illustrated as a post in FIG. 1, the electrical terminal 110 can take any other form of external access to one of the portable electrical energy storage devices 106z (package An electrical terminal comprising a slot positioned in a battery pack housing).

The collection, charging and dispensing machine 102 is positioned at a location 112 at which the collection, charging and dispensing machine 102 can be conveniently and easily accessed by various end users. The venue may take any of a variety of forms, such as, for example, a convenience store, a supermarket, a gas or gas station, or a retail environment. Alternatively, the collection, charging and dispensing machine 102 can be located separately at one of the locations 112 that are not associated with an existing retail or other business, for example, in a public parking lot or other public place.

Thus, for example, the collection, charging, and dispensing machine 102 can be located at each of the convenience store chains of an entire city or region. This may advantageously depend on the fact that convenience stores are typically sited or distributed based on the convenience of the target group or population. This may advantageously rely on pre-existing leases at storefronts or other retail locations to allow rapid development of one of the collection, charging and distribution machines 102 in a city or region. Rapidly achieving geographically well-distributed to serve one of the target groups of large networks enhances the ability to rely on this system and possibly the commercial success of this effort. Providing information about the vehicle to the user on the mobile device using the user of the collection, charging and dispensing machine (eg, such as the collection, charging and dispensing machine 102) to change the vehicle settings or configuration and The ability to receive information about the ability to maintain a warning of a vehicle and/or information about a portable electrical energy storage device or a collection, charging and distribution machine is also enhanced by the ability of the system and the potential commercial success of such an effort. Provided herein are information for presenting information about its vehicle to the user on the user's mobile device, for changing vehicle settings or configuration and for receiving alerts regarding maintenance of the vehicle, and/or for portable electrical energy The ability to store devices or collect, charge, and distribute information about the machine.

Site 112 may include a power supply facility 114 to receive power from a power plant (not shown), for example, via a power grid 116. The power supply facility 114 can, for example, include one or more of a power supply facility meter 114a, a circuit panel (eg, circuit breaker panel or fuse box) 114b, a wiring 114c, and an electrical outlet 114d. At location 112 is an existing retail or convenience store In this case, the power supply facility 114 can be an existing power supply facility and thus can be somewhat limited in rating (eg, 120 volts, 240 volts, 220 volts, 230 volts, 15 amps).

The owner, dealer or operator of the operator, collection, charging and distribution machine 102 of the retail location 112 is unwilling to bear the cost of upgrading the power supply facility 114. In addition, fast charging is desirable in order to maintain an adequate supply of one of the portable electrical energy storage devices 106 for use by the end user. 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 on July 26, 2011 (Attorney Docket No. 170178.401) P1) proposes the ability to quickly charge while maintaining existing or additional limited rated power supply facilities.

The collection, charging and dispensing machine 102 can include or be coupled to a source of renewable power, as appropriate. For example, in the case of installation in an external location, the collection, charging and dispensing machine 102 can include a photovoltaic (PV) battery array 118 to generate electrical power from insolation. Alternatively, the collection, charging and dispensing machine 102 can be electrically coupled to one of the microturbines positioned elsewhere on the site 112 (eg, on a roof or at the top of one of the poles (not shown)) ( For example, a wind turbine) or a PV array.

The collection, charging and distribution machine 102 can be communicatively coupled to one or more remotely located computer systems, such as a backend or back office system (only one shown) 120. The backend or back office system 120 can collect data from a plurality of collection, charging and distribution machines 102 distributed throughout an area (such as a city) and/or control the plurality of collection, charging and distribution machines 102. Communication may occur via one or more communication channels including one or more networks 122 or non-network connected communication channels. Communication may be via one or more wired communication channels (eg, twisted pair wiring, fiber optics), wireless communication channels (eg, radio, microwave, satellite, 801.11 compliance). A network-connected communication channel can include one or more local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), external networks, internal networks, or the Internet (including the World Wide Web portion of the Internet) ).

The collection, charging and dispensing machine 102 can include a user interface 124. The user interface can include various input/output (I/O) devices to allow an end user to interact with the collection, charging and dispensing machine 102. Various I/O devices are labeled and illustrated below with reference to FIG.

2 shows the collection, charging and dispensing machine 102 of FIG. 1 in accordance with an illustrative embodiment.

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

The control subsystem 202 includes a controller 210, for example, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic controller (PLC), a programmable gate array (PGA), and an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Or another controller capable of receiving signals from various sensors, performing logical operations, and transmitting signals to various components. In general, controller 210 can take the form of a microprocessor (eg, INTEL, AMD, ATOM). Control subsystem 202 can also include one or more non-transitory processors or computer readable storage media, such as read only memory (ROM) 212, random access memory (RAM) 214, and data storage area 216. (eg, solid state storage media such as flash memory or EEPROM, rotating storage media such as hard drives). The non-transitory processor or computer readable storage medium 212, 214, 216 may additionally pass to any non-transitory storage medium (eg, a scratchpad) of a portion of the controller 210. Control subsystem 202 may include one or more bus bars 218 (illustrating only one) that couple the various components together, for example, one or more power busses, instruction busses, data busses, and the like.

As illustrated, ROM 212 or some other of the non-transitory or computer readable storage media 212, 214, 216 stores data or values of instructions and/or variables or parameters. The data set can take various forms, for example, a lookup table, a set of records in a database, and the like. The instructions and data or sets of values can be executed by controller 110. Execution of the instructions and data or sets of values causes the controller 110 to perform specific actions to cause the collection, charging and dispensing machine 102 to collect, charge, and dispense the portable energy storage device. References herein and also to The flowchart (Figs. 7-9) illustrates the particular operation of the collection, charging and dispensing machine 102.

Controller 210 can use RAM 214 in a conventional manner for volatile storage of instructions, data, and the like. The controller 210 can use the data storage area 216 to record or retain information, for example, related to the collection, charging and/or distribution or collection and/or collection of the portable power storage device 106, and the operation of the charging and distribution machine 102 itself. Telemetry information. The instructions may be executed by controller 210 to control the operation of collection, charging and dispensing machine 102 in response to input by the end user or operator and using data or values of variables or parameters.

Control subsystem 202 receives signals from various sensors and/or other components of collection, charging and distribution machine 102, including information characterizing or indicating the operation, status, or conditions of such other components. The sensor is represented in Figure 2 by the letter S appearing in a circle along with the appropriate subscript letter.

For example, one or more position sensors _SP1 to _SPN can detect the presence or absence of portable power storage device 106 at each of the receivers 104. The position sensors S _P1 to S _PN can take various forms. For example, the position sensors S _P1 through S _PN may be closed when the portable power storage device 106 is inserted into the receiver 104 in response to contact with a portion of a respective portable power storage device 106 or (Another option is the form of a mechanical switch that is disconnected. Moreover, for example, position sensors _SP1 to _SPN can be in response to contact with a portion of the portable power storage device 106 when a respective portable power storage device 106 is inserted into the receiver 104. And in the form of an optical switch (ie, an optical source and a receiver) that is closed or (another option is) disconnected. In addition, for example, the position sensors S _P1 to S _PN may be configured to respond to detection by the portable power storage device when a respective portable power storage device 106 is inserted into the receiver 104 The contact of the terminal 110 of 106 forms a closed circuit condition or an inductance detector that is closed from the open circuit condition or is disconnected from the other portable power storage device 106 in the receiver 104. Or the form of a switch. These examples are intended to be non-limiting, and it is noted that any other structure and device for detecting the presence/absence, availability, or even the insertion of the portable power storage device 106 into the receiver can be employed.

For example, one or more of the charge sensors S _C1 through S _CN can detect the charging of the portable power storage device 106 at each of the receivers 104. The charge sensors S _C1 through S _CN can detect the amount of charge stored by the portable power storage device 106. The charge sensors S _C1 through S _CN may additionally detect a charge amount and/or a charge rate of one of the portable power storage devices in the portable power storage device 106 at each of the receivers 104. This may allow for evaluation of the current (i.e., temporary) state of charge or state of each portable power storage device 106, and allows for feedback control of the charging of the portable power storage device 106, including control of the charging rate. The charge sensors S _C1 through S _CN can include any of a variety of current and / or voltage sensors.

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

Control subsystem 202 provides signals to various actuators and/or other components in response to control signals containing information characterizing or indicating that one of the operations or components should perform one of the states or conditions. The control signal, the actuator or other component responsive to the control signal is represented in Figure 2 by the letter C appearing in a circle along with the appropriate subscript letter.

For example, one or more of the engine control signals C _A1 through C _AN may affect the operation of one or more actuators 220 (only one is illustrated). For example, a control signal C _A1 can cause the actuator 220 to move or change a magnetic field generated by the actuator 220 between a first position and a second position. Actuator 220 can take a variety of forms including, but not limited to, a solenoid, an electric motor (such as a stepper motor), or an electromagnet. Actuator 220 can be coupled to operate a latch, lock or other retainer mechanism 222. A latch, lock or other retainer mechanism 222 can selectively retain or maintain one or more of the portable power storage devices 106 (FIG. 1) in the receiver 104 (FIG. 1). For example, a latch, lock or other retainer mechanism 222 can be physically coupled to a complementary structure that is part of one of the housings of one of the portable power storage devices 106 (FIG. 1). Alternatively, the latch, lock or other retainer mechanism 222 can be magnetically coupled to a complementary structure that is part of one of the housings of the portable power storage device 106 (FIG. 1). Moreover, for example, a latch, lock or other mechanism can open a receiver 104 (FIG. 1) or can allow a receiver 104 to be turned on to receive a partially or fully discharged portable power storage device 106 for use. For charging. For example, the actuator can open and/or close one of the receivers 104 (FIG. 1) to selectively provide access to one of the portable power storage devices 106 (FIG. 1). Moreover, for example, the actuator can open and/or close a latch or lock to allow an end user to open and/or close one of the receivers 104 (FIG. 1) to selectively provide access to the One of the portable power storage devices 106 (Fig. 1) is accessed.

Control subsystem 202 can include one or more ports 224a to provide control signals to one or more of 224b of charging subsystem 204.埠224a, 224b provide two-way communication. Control subsystem 202 can include one or more ports 226a to provide control signals to one or more of user interface subsystems 208. The 埠226a, 226b can provide two-way communication.

The charging subsystem 102 includes various electrical and electronic components to charge the portable power storage device 106 as it is positioned or received in the receiver 104. For example, charging subsystem 102 can include one or more power bus or power bus bars, relays, contactors, or other switches (eg, insulated gate bipolar transistors or IGBTs, metal oxide semiconductor transistors, or MOSFETs) ), (one or more) rectifier bridges, current sensors, ground fault circuits, and the like. Power is supplied via contacts that can take any of a variety of forms, such as terminals, leads, posts, and the like. These contacts allow for electrical coupling of various components. Some possible embodiments are illustrated in Figure 2. This is not intended to be exhaustive. Additional components can be used while other components can be omitted.

The illustrated charging subsystem 102 includes a first power converter 230 that receives power from a power supply facility 114 (FIG. 1) via a line or cord 232. Power will typically be in the form of single phase, two phase or three phase AC power. As such, the first power converter 230 may need to be converted and In addition, power received via power supply facility 114 (FIG. 1) is regulated, for example, to rectify an AC waveform to DC, convert voltage, current, phase, and reduce transients and noise. Accordingly, the first power converter 230 can include a transformer 234, a rectifier 236, a DC/DC power converter 238, and a filter(s) 240.

Transformer 234 can take the form of various commercially available transformers having suitable ratings for handling power received via power supply facility 114 (FIG. 1). Some embodiments may employ multiple transformers. Transformer 234 can advantageously provide galvanic isolation between components of collection, charging and distribution machine 102 and grid 116 (FIG. 1). Rectifier 236 can take any of a variety of forms, such as a full bridge diode rectifier or a switched mode rectifier. Rectifier 236 is operable to convert AC power to DC power. The DC/DC power converter 238 can be in any of a variety of forms. For example, the DC/DC power converter 238 can take the form of a switched mode DC/DC power converter (for example, using an IGBT or MOSFET in a half or full bridge configuration) and can include one or more inductors Device. The DC/DC power converter 238 can have any number of topologies including a boost converter, a buck converter, a synchronous buck converter, a buck-boost converter, or a flyback converter. Filter 240 may include one or more capacitors, resistors, Zener diodes, or other components to suppress voltage spikes, or to remove or reduce transients and/or noise.

The illustrated charging subsystem 102 can also receive power from a renewable power source (e.g., PV array 118 (FIG. 1)). This power may be converted or regulated by the first power converter 230, for example, directly to the DC/DC power converter 238, bypassing the transformer 234 and/or the rectifier 236. Alternatively, the illustrated charging subsystem 102 can include a dedicated power converter to convert or otherwise adjust the power.

The illustrated charging subsystem 102 can optionally include a second power converter 242 that receives power from one or more portable power storage devices 106 (FIG. 1) via one or more lines 244. Used to charge others in the portable power storage device 106. As such, the second power converter 242 may need to be converted and/or otherwise adjusted The power received by the portable power storage device 106, for example, varies voltage or current as appropriate, and reduces transients and noise. Thus, the second power converter 242 can optionally include a DC/DC power converter 246 and/or filter(s) 248. Various types of DC/DC power converters and filters are discussed above.

The illustrated charging subsystem 102 includes a plurality of switches 250 responsive to control signals delivered from the control subsystem 202 via the ports 224a, 224b. The switches are operative to selectively couple a first number or first set of portable power storage devices 106 to freely supply power supplied by the first power converter 230 and free to a second number or second The power supplied by the group of portable power storage devices 106 is charged. The first number or first set of portable power storage devices 106 can include a single portable power storage device 106, two or even more than two portable power storage devices 106. The second or second set of portable power storage devices 106 can include a single portable power storage device 106, two or even more than two portable power storage devices 106. Portable power storage device 106 is shown in FIG. 2 as loads L ₁ , L ₂ through L _N .

Communication subsystem 206 may additionally include one or more communication modules or components that facilitate communication with various components of a backend or back office system 120 (FIG. 1). Communication subsystem 206 may, for example, include one or more data machines 252 or one or more Ethernet or other types of communication cards or components 254. One of the control subsystems 202a 256a can communicatively couple the control subsystem 202 with one of the communication subsystems 206 256b. Communication subsystem 206 can provide wired and/or wireless communication. Communication 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. The remote communication subsystem 206 can include one or more bridges or routers suitable for handling network traffic (including Switched Packet Type Protocol (TCP/IP), Ethernet or other network connection protocols).

User interface system 208 includes one or more user input/output (I/O) components. For example, the user interface system 208 can include a touch screen display 208a that is operable To present information and a graphical user interface (GUI) to an end user and receive an indication of user selection. The user interface system 208 can include a keyboard or keypad 208b and/or a cursor controller (eg, a mouse, trackball, track pad) (not illustrated) to allow an end user to type in information and/or in a Select the user to select the icon in the GUI. The user interface system 208 can include a microphone 208d for providing an audible message to one of the end user speakers 208c and/or for receiving the user input (such as the command).

The user interface system 208 can include a card reader 208e to read information from the card type media 209. The card reader 208e can take a variety of forms. For example, the card reader 208e can take the form of or include a magnetic stripe reader for reading information encoded in a magnetic strip carried by a card 209. For example, card reader 208e can take the form of a machine readable symbol (e.g., bar code, matrix code) card reader for reading information encoded in a machine readable symbol carried by a card 209. Or include the machine readable symbol reader. For example, the card reader 208e can take the form of or include the smart card reader for reading information encoded in one of the non-transitory media carried by a card 209. It may, for example, comprise media using 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 various card media 209 (eg, credit cards, debit cards, gift cards, prepaid cards, and identification media (such as a driver's license)).

The user interface system 208 can include a bill acceptor 208f and a validator and/or coin acceptor 208g to accept and verify cash payments. This can be very useful for groups where the service lacks credit. The banknote and currency detector 208f and/or the slot machine 208g can take a variety of forms, for example, currently marketed and used in various sales machines and service machines.

3 is a block diagram of a system 300 for changing a portable power storage device switching scheme, such as the collection, charging, and the like in FIG. 1 in accordance with a non-limiting illustrated embodiment. Instance collection, charging and distribution with distribution machine 102 Machines 308a, 308b, 308c, and 308d.

A portable power storage device switching solution information management system 302 for changing a portable power storage device switching scheme, such as, for example, at a machine like the collecting, charging and dispensing machine 102 of FIG. For example, the portable power storage device switching solution information management system 302 exchanges one of the current portable power storage devices owned by the user at the user's collection, charging and distribution machine 308a to a fully charged (or Information about one of the current plans of the user is provided during the program of the almost fully charged) portable power storage device.

For example, the user of the vehicle 310a may currently be in a portable power storage device switching scheme managed by the portable power storage device switching solution information management system 302, wherein the user may only have one portable system 300 at a time. Power storage device. The user can authenticate at the collection, charging and dispensing machine 308a by the collection, charging and dispensing machine 308a or the portable power storage device exchange program information management system 302. The portable power storage device switching solution information management system 302 may be based on information about the user after authentication and during the process of the user exchanging their current portable power storage device 106c at the collection, charging and distribution machine 308a. (such as the ability of the user's vehicle 310a to carry and/or use at least two portable power storage devices) to determine to upgrade the user to a two portable power storage device switching scheme to enable the user to The Self-System 300 has two portable power storage devices.

In particular, in the exemplary implementation shown in FIG. 3, if the user chooses to change their current portable power storage device switching scheme to two portable power storage devices at the collection, charging and distribution machine 308a In an exchange scenario, the user will return their current portable power storage device 106c and will receive two portable power storage devices in exchange at the collection, charging and distribution machine 308a (eg, portable power storage device 106d) And a portable power storage device 106e). The user may also be required to pay additional fares, fees and/or additional obligations when collecting, charging and dispensing the machine 308a in order to change to The same as the portable power storage device exchange program. The proposal may also be communicated via the mobile device 313 via the user's mobile device 313 from the collection, charging and distribution machine 308a, the portable power storage device exchange protocol information management system 302, or the vehicle 310a.

The collection, charging and distribution machine 308a and/or the portable power storage device switching solution information management system 302 determines whether to present a portable power storage device switching solution to the user and propose which portable power storage device to exchange The information of the solution may be based on various information including but not limited to user driving habits, vehicle usage history, portable power storage device exchange history (eg, exchange location and number), capacity of vehicle 310a, a user Profile, user preferences, number of vehicles owned by the user, etc. This information may be received from various sources including, but not limited to, one or more of: a vehicle 310a; attached to a portable power storage device being exchanged by a user (eg, a portable power storage device) 106c) A memory module that stores this information and has information transmitted thereto by a system of the vehicle 310a; the mobile device 313 and the like. The portable power storage device switching scheme can be for any number and/or type of portable power storage devices, depending on the determination made by system 302 as set forth above and the capacity of vehicle 310a.

The collection, charging and distribution machine 308a and/or the portable power storage device exchange solution information management system 302 determines whether to present to the user the portable power storage device exchange solution and which (or) The information of the portable power storage device switching scheme can be transmitted to a memory module of the portable electrical energy storage device attached to the vehicle 310a, stored in the memory module, and transmitted from the memory module, as in Application filed on February 21, 2012 and entitled "APPARATUS, METHOD AND ARTICLE FOR PROVIDING VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC DATA", US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/601,404, and/or filed on July 26, 2012 U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13/559,390, entitled "APPARATUS, METHOD AND ARTICLE FOR PROVIDING VEHICLE DIAGNOSTIC DATA", Both of them are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. In some embodiments, the portable power storage device switching solution information management system 302 can be coupled to the back end or back office system 120 shown in FIG. Additionally, this information may include information received from a memory module of one of the portable electrical energy storage devices attached to the electric small motor cycle treadmill 310a or 310b. This may also include a memory module that is attached to or associated with the vehicle 310a or 310b (eg, stored or configured to store diagnostics, status, settings for the vehicle or other vehicles associated with a user) Information received by the control module, historical driving habits or routes and one of the users' accounts and/or one of the vehicles 310a or 310b or one of the memory modules of the control system. In addition, the collection, charging and distribution machine 308a and/or the portable power storage device switching solution information management system 302 determines whether to present the portable power storage device exchange solution to the user and which one to propose. The information of the portable power storage device switching scheme can be transferred to any of the memory modules stored or configured to store at least some of the information, stored in the memory module and Any memory module is passed. In other embodiments, the portable power storage device switching solution information management system 302 can be part of or can be in operative communication with one of the back end or back office systems 120 shown in FIG.

In some embodiments, the collection, charging and distribution machine 308a and/or the portable power storage device switching solution information management system 302 determines whether to present the portable power storage device exchange protocol (s) to the user and The information on which portable storage device exchange protocol(s) is proposed may include information about the history of use of the vehicle. For example, this information may include, but is not limited to, the current location of vehicle 310a and/or mobile device 313, the user's portable power storage device exchange history, previous current location record from vehicle 310a and/or mobile device 313 The journey and driving route to a specific collection, charging and distribution machine, the user's preferred route, the user's historical driving route, the current direction of the user's driving, based on various collection, charging and distribution machines (eg, collecting, charging) Portable electrical energy storage occurring at the distribution machines 308a, 308b, 308c and 308d) The historical driving route of the user determined by the exchange of the pieces.

Portable power storage device switching solution information management system 302 and collection, charging and distribution machines 308a, 308b, 308c and 308d, vehicle 310a and one or more user mobile communication devices 313 (only one shown as an example) The communication is operated such that data can be exchanged between the portable power storage device switching solution information management system 302, the collection, charging and distribution machines 308a, 308b, 308c and 308d, the vehicle 310a, and the user mobile communication device 313. In some embodiments, this exchange of data may be via the use of one of the vehicles stored in one or more of the collection, charging and dispensing machines 308a, 308b, 308c, and 308d. The memory module of one of the portable energy storage devices is completed. Moreover, in some embodiments, the portable power storage device switching solution information management system 302, the collection, charging and distribution machines 308a, 308b, 308c, and 308d, and the user mobile communication device 313 can additionally or alternatively be directly Operational communication.

This communication between the various items, systems, and entities of Figure 3 is accomplished by various communication subsystems of various items, systems, and entities. For example, this communication can be implemented by distribution machines 308a, 308b, 308c, and 308d, portable power storage device switching solution information management system 302, vehicles 310a and 310b, and various communication subsystems of user mobile communication device 313. One or more of such communication subsystems may provide wired and/or wireless communication ( eg, using any operational communication protocol and/or standard or cellular or regional compatible with any operational communication protocol and/or standard) Internet connection and / or short-range wireless connection). The communication subsystem of Figure 3 can 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 Switched Packet Type Protocol (TCP/IP), Ethernet or other network link protocols.

For example, the portable power storage device switching solution information management system 302 can receive an update from the collection, charging and distribution machine 308a regarding the user's current portable power storage device switching scheme and/or vehicle usage history. . In some embodiments, The portable power storage device switching solution information management system 302 can continuously or periodically monitor the collection, charging and dispensing machines or other items shown in FIG. 3 to obtain this information. In addition, the collection, charging, and distribution machine can provide updates to the portable power storage device switching solution information management system 302, either continuously or periodically, regarding the portable power storage device switching scheme. This information may be provided to the mobile device 313, the vehicle 310a, and/or the vehicle 310b continuously, periodically, aperiodically, and/or in response to a request for one of the information from the mobile device 313, the vehicle 310a, and/or the vehicle 310b. . For example, the user-portable power storage device switching scheme system information can be detected in response to the mobile device 313 and/or the vehicle 310 being detected by the collection, charging and dispensing machine 308a as being in close proximity to the collection, charging and dispensing machine 308a. And provided to the mobile device 313, the vehicle 310a, and/or the portable power storage device exchange solution information management system 302.

Based on the exchange plan information, an alert regarding the diagnosis or status of the vehicle (eg, charge level of the portable energy storage device, maintenance warning, offer, promotion), etc., may be sent to the mobile device 313 or the vehicle 310a ( For example, via a text message, email, instant message, status update on a social media network, automated phone call, as a notification within a particular application, etc.). This alert can be sent via any of a variety of communication channels including, but not limited to, a cellular telephone network, a computer wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) network, a satellite network, a short range wireless signal, etc., or any operative combination thereof.

The alert may also include an optional link, or a user interface selectable to retain other user interfaces of an available portable electrical energy storage device associated with a current or an upgraded portable power storage device switching scheme. element. For example, once the component is selected, the information indicating the reserved area is passed to the portable power storage device switching solution information management system 302 and/or the individual collection, charging, and distribution available at the portable electrical energy storage device. machine. If the upgrade plan is selected, the portable power storage device exchange solution information management system 302 records the upgrade in a database that associates the exchange plan with the user and/or the vehicle, and the reserved area information is stored in the Portable power storage device exchange program The management system 302 centrally maintains one of the reserved area databases and/or the local end is stored at the selected collection, charging and distribution machine.

Any item of FIG. 3 can be entered by a user via a user interface of the vehicle 310a, the mobile device 313, and/or the collection, charging and distribution machine 308a by a user, a password, a biometric identification, a user identification number, or The code and/or the identification, authentication, verification or otherwise facilitating such operations by the card reader 208e or the like as set forth above. In addition, any of the items of FIG. 3 may additionally, or alternatively, be identified, authenticated, verified, or otherwise via a user security token (not shown), mobile device 313, or other item associated with the user. Promote these operations. In addition, the information about the portable power storage device switching scheme and the proposed solution for changing the scheme can be used as an indication and/or a representative of the information. The selectable group of icons can be communicated and organized in any manner (including in a list). . In addition, a reward (e.g., a discounted fee, free device exchange, etc.) can be provided to the user to change their current portable power storage device exchange scheme via the mobile device 313 and/or at the collection, charging and distribution machine.

4 is a schematic diagram of a portable power storage device switching scheme information management system 302 of FIG. 3 in accordance with one non-limiting illustrated embodiment.

The portable power storage device switching solution information management system 302 includes a control subsystem 402, a communication subsystem 406, and a user interface subsystem 408. However, such a system and associated functionality, or an operable sub-assembly thereof, may also be present in a vehicle (eg, vehicle 310a of FIG. 3), a memory module attached to a portable electrical energy storage device, collected, charged And dispensing machine 308a and/or user action device 313 (also shown in Figure 3).

The control subsystem 402 includes a controller 410, for example, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a programmable logic controller (PLC), a programmable gate array (PGA), and an application specific memory circuit (ASIC). Or another controller capable of receiving signals from various sensors, performing logical operations, and transmitting signals to various components. In general, controller 410 can take the form of a microprocessor ( eg, INTEL, AMD, ATOM). Control subsystem 402 can also include one or more non-transitory processors or computer readable storage media, such as read only memory (ROM) 412, random access memory (RAM) 414, and data storage area 416 ( For example, a solid state storage medium such as a flash memory or EEPROM, a rotating storage medium such as a hard disk. The non-transitory or computer readable storage medium 412, 414, 416 may additionally pass to any non-transitory storage medium (eg, a scratchpad) of a portion of the system controller 410. Control subsystem 402 can include one or more bus bars 418 (illustrated only one) that couple the various components together, for example, one or more power busses, instruction busses, data busses, and the like.

As illustrated, ROM 412 or some other of the non-transitory or computer readable storage media 412, 414, 416 stores data or values of instructions and/or variables or parameters. The data set can take various forms, for example, a lookup table, a set of records in a database, and the like. The instructions and data or groups of values may be executed by controller 410. Execution of the instructions and data or value groups causes the controller 410 to perform specific actions to cause the portable power storage device switching solution information management system 302 to receive information regarding a vehicle, a user, and/or a portable power storage device exchange solution. Information, transmission, and/or information about a vehicle, a user, and/or a portable power storage device exchange program information to various external devices (eg, such items as shown in FIG. 4, or with them) The device associated with the project). Execution of the instructions and data or value sets may also cause the controller 410 to perform certain actions to cause the portable power storage device switching solution information management system 302 to receive, transmit, store, maintain, update, and otherwise manage the use of a vehicle, Information on the exchange scheme information of the portable power storage device associated with the user and/or associated with the particular user. Specific operations of the portable power storage device switching scheme information management system 302 are set forth herein and also with reference to various flow diagrams (FIGS. 6-8).

Controller 410 can use RAM 414 in a conventional manner for volatile storage of instructions, data, and the like. The controller 410 can use the data storage area 416 to record or retain information, for example, information about one or more of the following: a vehicle, a user, and a special User-associated portable power storage device switching solution information, one or more users' portable power storage device exchange history, current portable power storage device inventory, proposal to change the exchange plan for users And/or rewards, status or condition of the vehicle, status or condition of one or more systems of the vehicle, customized features of the vehicle, setting of customized features of the vehicle, condition or status of one of the engines or motors of the vehicle, One or more electric systems, vehicle health, vehicle safety, vehicle lock, vehicle drive system, vehicle maintenance, recommended maintenance of the vehicle, regular maintenance of the vehicle, brake pad condition of the vehicle, or State of multiple vehicle lights, engine temperature of the vehicle, mileage of the vehicle, one or more wheels of the vehicle, one or more tires of the vehicle, tire wear of one or more tires of the vehicle, one or more tires of the vehicle Tire pressure, vehicle speed, statistics about the speed of the vehicle over time, one or more levels of the vehicle (eg, oil level), one of the vehicle's energy storage The condition or state of the device, one of the vehicle's dashboards, one of the vehicle's instrument displays, one of the vehicle's instrument displays, the current state, one of the vehicle's customizable instrument display configurable settings, stored in one of the coupled vehicles Information on a computer readable medium on a portable energy storage device, configurable vehicle lighting, configurable vehicle lighting status, configurable vehicle lighting settings, current odometer readings of the vehicle, historical usage statistics of the vehicle, vehicle Historical usage statistics for one electrical energy storage device, historical usage statistics for one of the vehicles, historical usage statistics for vehicle efficiency, geographic travel statistics for the vehicle, current location of the vehicle, previous position of the vehicle, target efficiency of the vehicle , recommended settings for the vehicle, user account settings for one of the users associated with the vehicle, portable electrical energy storage device for the vehicle, portable portable electrical energy storage device for the vehicle, one or more for the vehicle Location of a portable portable electrical energy storage device, one or more of a portable electrical energy storage device for a vehicle Collecting, charging and dispensing machines, exchange of historical records of portable electrical energy storage devices in one or more portable energy storage devices for vehicles or multiple collection, charging and distribution machines, and portable electrical energy storage for vehicles The location of one or more devices that collect, charge, and dispense the machine.

Control subsystem 402 may also receive signals from communication subsystem 206 of collection, charging and distribution machine 102 from various sensors and/or components such as the collection, charging and distribution machine of one of the collection, charging and distribution machines 102 of FIG. . Information may be included that characterizes or indicates the operation, status, or condition of such components. The sensor is represented in Figure 2 by the letter S appearing in a circle along with the appropriate subscript letter. For example, one or more position sensors _SP1 to _SPN can detect the presence or absence of portable power storage device 106 at each of the receivers 104. This information can be passed to control subsystem 402. Additionally, one or more of the charge sensors S _C1 through S _CN can detect a charge level charge of one of the portable power storage devices 106 at each of the receivers 104. This information can also be passed to control subsystem 402.

Communication subsystem 406 can include various components that facilitate the collection, charging, and dispensing of a machine such as the collection, charging and dispensing machine 102 of FIG. 1, and the collection, charging and dispensing machines 308a, 308b, 308c, and 308d of FIG. One or more communication modules or components of the component and communication of one or more user mobile communication devices 313 to enable data to be exchanged in the portable power storage device information management system 302, collection, charging and distribution machine 308a , 308b, 308c, and 308d and user mobile communication device 313 are exchanged. For example, communication subsystem 406 can include one or more data machines 452 or one or more Ethernet or other types of communication cards or components 454. One of the control subsystems 402, 456a, can communicatively couple the control subsystem 402 with one of the communication subsystems 406b.

Communication subsystem 406 can provide wired and/or wireless communication. Communication subsystem 406 may include one or more ports, wireless receivers, wireless transmitters or wireless transceivers to provide wireless signal paths to various remote components or systems using or utilizing any operable wired and wireless communication standard or protocol . The remote communication subsystem 406 can include one or more bridges or routers suitable for handling network traffic (including Exchange Packet Type Protocol (TCP/IP), Ethernet or other network connection protocols).

User interface system 408 includes one or more user input/output (I/O) components (not illustrated). For example, the user interface system 408 can include a touch screen display. The device is operable to present information and a graphical user interface (GUI) to a user and receive an indication of user selection. The user interface system 408 can include a keyboard or keypad and/or a cursor controller (eg, a mouse, trackball, track pad, and/or touch screen) to allow a user to type in information and/or in a GUI Select the user to select the icon.

5A presents information during a process in which a user exchanges a current portable power storage device at a collection, charging and distribution machine 308a, providing the user with an upgrade to a plurality of portable power storage device exchanges. One of the opportunities for a single collection, charging and dispensing machine (eg, such as the collection, charging and dispensing machine 308a in FIG. 3) to replace one of its current single portable power storage devices with multiple portable power storage devices An example user interface 124. Once upgraded to multiple portable power storage device switching schemes, the user may be allowed to have multiple (eg, two) portable power storage devices provided by system 302 (eg, via a collection, charging, and distribution machine) at a time. . For example, when the user has the ability to carry and/or use multiple portable power storage devices at one time in order to replace one or more of the depleted portable power storage devices with one or more fully charged portable carriers This may be useful when the power storage device is previously increased in efficiency and/or one of the chargeable devices of the portable power storage device.

The upgrade of the portable power storage device switching scheme may be upgraded to one of any of the schemes including one of the number of portable power storage devices that the user can have at one time in the solution. For example, this can be from one to more portable power storage devices (eg, one to two, one to three, one to five, two to three, two to four, four to Five, etc.). Moreover, in some embodiments, instead of an upgrade, one of the number of portable power storage devices that the user can have at one time may be degraded, which may vary in the number of vehicles or vehicles of a user. It is useful to reduce the number of portable power storage devices at a time.

In particular, in one embodiment, a display area 502 (eg, a touch screen display) is displayed on the user interface 124 when the user has turned his current portable power A storage device is provided to the collection, charging and dispensing machine to receive a substantially fully charged portable power storage device to provide a user menu 512 on the display area. Prior to providing the fully charged portable power storage device, the collection, charging and dispensing machine 308a presents a prompt 508 asking the user if the user wants to upgrade to more than one when at the collection, charging and dispensing machine 308a Portable power storage device exchange solution. The user may select a user interface component (eg, "Yes" link or button 514) to indicate to the user that they want to upgrade to multiple portable power storage device switching schemes.

The user may be prompted to upgrade or otherwise change their portable power storage device switching scheme based on various information including but not limited to one or more of the following: user driving habits, vehicle usage history Recording, portable power storage device exchange history (eg, exchange location and number), capacity of vehicle 310a, a user profile, user preferences, number of vehicles owned by the user, and the like. This information may be received from a variety of sources including, but not limited to, one or more of: a vehicle 310a; attached to one of the portable power storage devices being exchanged by the user (eg, portable power storage device 106c) And a memory module that stores the information and has information transmitted thereto by a system of the vehicle 310a; the mobile device 313 and the like. The portable power storage device switching scheme can be for any number and/or type of portable power storage devices, depending on the determination made by system 302 as set forth above and the capacity of vehicle 310a. The user-changeable portable power storage device switching solution and/or the user's current solution may include various features and/or components, depending on various features and/or components, and/or with various features and/or components. Associated, the various features and/or components include, but are not limited to, rewards, trial periods, offers, promotions, referral rewards, credits, coupons, giveaways, etc., some or all of which may be time-sensitive Time sensitive. For example, in some embodiments, a user may be prompted or otherwise notified that they may benefit from an upgraded portable power storage device switching scheme.

The user may provide a trial period (eg, a seven-day trial period) and The system for changing a portable power storage device switching scheme after the trial period may automatically or otherwise begin charging the user an upgrade program fee. If the user decides that they do not like the upgrade plan, or for any reason they want to cancel their participation in the upgrade program before the end of the free trial period, the user can cancel in any of a variety of ways. For example, the user may cancel the upgrade plan by placing one or more portable power storage devices back into the portable power storage device collection and distribution machine before the end of the free trial period. The user will then be prompted (eg, on the interface of the collection and distribution machine, on the user's mobile device, on a vehicle interface, etc.) to select whether to continue the upgrade program trial and revert to their previous plan (eg, reply) To a single portable power storage device switching solution or other different solutions).

FIG. 5B is an exemplary user interface 124 for presenting information to a user regarding an available portable power storage device switching scheme in accordance with a non-limiting illustrated embodiment. The user interface 124 illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B herein may also be a user interface of the user action device 313.

For example, if the user selects the "Yes" button or link 514 as shown in FIG. 5A, the user is presented with the available portable power storage device exchange scheme 526 selected therefrom. For example, the user can select such items via the user interface 124 by selecting the "normal performance" scheme 536 under "Dual Battery Pack Scheme" 534 on the menu. The user will then pass this selection to the portable power storage device switching scheme information management system 302 via the collection, charging and distribution machine 308a and switch to this scheme.

6 is a flow diagram of one of the methods 600 in a system for changing a portable power storage device switching scheme in accordance with a non-limiting illustrated embodiment.

At 602, a collection, charging and distribution machine receives information regarding a user exchanging a portable power storage device of a vehicle.

At 604, the collection, charging, and distribution machine determines whether to provide one of the portable users regarding the change based on the received information about the user exchanging the portable power storage device. Information on power storage device switching solutions.

At 606, the collection, charging, and distribution machine will information regarding changing the portable power storage device exchange scheme for the user based on a determination as to whether to provide information regarding changes to the user's portable power storage device switching scheme. Provided to the user.

7 is a flow diagram of one of the methods 700 shown in one of the systems for changing a portable power storage device switching scheme in accordance with a first alternative, non-limiting, illustrated embodiment.

At 702, the portable power storage device switching solution information management system determines whether to collect, charge, and distribute based on information received by a user in exchanging a portable power storage device at a collection, charging, and distribution machine. The machine provides information on changing the portable power storage device switching scheme of one of the users.

At 704, the portable power storage device switching solution information management system provides for the change via the collection, charging and distribution machine based on a determination as to whether to provide information regarding a change in the portable power storage device switching scheme of the user Information on the user's portable power storage device exchange solution.

8 is a flow diagram of one of the methods 800 shown in one of the systems for changing a portable power storage device switching scheme in accordance with a second alternative, non-limiting, illustrated embodiment.

At 802, the portable power storage device exchange solution information management system authenticates the user.

At 804, the portable power storage device switching solution information management system receives a request from a user to exchange one of the portable power storage devices of a vehicle.

At 806, the portable power storage device switching solution information management system receives information regarding the user's driving habits and/or vehicle characteristics based on the user receiving the received request from the portable power storage device. For example, this information about the user's driving habits may be (or may be based on or derived from) collection and charging from various portable power storage devices. The portable and electronic storage devices that are received by the distribution machine and then stored by the power storage device exchange program information management system exchange history records.

At 808, the portable power storage device exchange solution information management system determines whether to provide a portable power storage device exchange solution for changing the user based on the received information about the user's driving habits and/or vehicle characteristics. News.

The foregoing detailed description has set forth various embodiments of the embodiments of the invention As long as such block diagrams, schematics, and examples contain one or more functions and/or operations, those skilled in the art will understand that they can be individually formed by a wide range of hardware, software, firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. Each of the functions and/or operations within the block diagrams, flowcharts or examples are implemented in the form and/or in the embodiments. In one embodiment, the subject matter of the present invention can be implemented via one or more microcontrollers. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as one or more computer programs executed by one or more computers ( eg , as one or more of one or more computer systems) a plurality of programs, as one or more programs executed by one or more controllers ( eg , microcontrollers), as one or more programs executed by one or more processors ( eg , microprocessors) Either as a firmware or in almost any combination thereof, in whole or in part equivalently implemented in a standard integrated circuit ( eg , a special application integrated circuit or ASIC), and in view of the teachings of the present invention, for software and/or firmware The design circuit and/or programming code will be within the skill of those skilled in the art.

When the logic is implemented as software and stored in memory, the logic or information can be stored on any non-transitory computer readable medium for use by or in connection with any processor related system or method. In the context of the present invention, a memory system is a non-transitory computer or processor readable storage medium that non-transitoryly contains or stores one of a computer and/or processor program electronic, magnetic, optical or otherwise. Physical device or component. The logic and/or information may be embodied in any computer readable medium for use in an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device (such as a computer-based system, a processor-containing system, or a self-executable execution system) The system, device, or device that extracts instructions and executes other systems that are associated with logic and/or information is used or used with it.

In the context of this specification, a "computer-readable medium" can be any physical component that can store a program associated with logic and/or information for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, and/or device. A computer readable medium can be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples of computer readable media (a non-exhaustive list) would include the following: a portable computer disk (magnetic compression flash card, secure digital or the like), a random access memory (RAM) ), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM, EEPROM or flash memory), a portable compact disc-reading memory (CDROM) and a digital tape.

The above embodiments may be combined to provide other embodiments. In the event of inconsistency with the specific teachings and definitions herein, all U.S. patents, U.S. patent application publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, and Foreign patent applications and non-patent publications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, including but not limited to: "APPARATUS, METHOD AND ARTICLE FOR PROVIDING LOCATIONS OF POWER STORAGE DEVICE COLLECTION, CHARGING AND DISTRIBUTION MACHINES U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/601,949 (Attorney Docket No. 170178.418P1) filed on February 22, 2012, entitled "APPARATUS, METHOD AND ARTICLE FOR COLLECTION, CHARGING AND DISTRIBUTING POWER STORAGE DEVICES, SUCH US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/511,900 (Attorney Docket No. 170178.401P1) filed on July 26, 2011, entitled "THERMAL MANAGEMENT OF COMPONENTS IN ELECTRIC MOTOR DRIVE VEHICLES" and in 2011 US Provisional Patent Application No. 1 filed on July 26 US Provisional Patent Application No. 61/511,880 (Proxy File No. 61/511,887 (Attorney Docket No. 170178.406P1) and titled "DYNAMICALLY LIMITING VEHICLE OPERATION FOR BEST EFFORT ECONOMY" and filed on July 26, 2011 No. 170178.407P1). If desired, the embodiments can be modified to provide further embodiments using the systems, circuits, and concepts of the various patents, applications, and disclosures.

Although generally discussed in the context of the collection, charging, and distribution of portable electrical energy storage devices used with personal transportation vehicles (such as all-electric small-turbine treadmills and/or locomotives), the teachings herein may be Used in a variety of other environments, including other vehicles as well as non-vehicle environments.

The above description of the illustrated embodiments, including the description of the invention, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments. While the invention has been described with respect to the specific embodiments and embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that

These and other changes can be made to the embodiments in light of the above detailed description. In general, the terms used in the following claims are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims. The full range of equivalents given. Therefore, the scope of patent application is not limited to the disclosure.

100‧‧‧ Environment

102‧‧‧Collection, Charging and Distribution Machine/Charging Subsystem

104a‧‧‧Receiver/compartment/receiver

104b‧‧‧Receiver, compartment or receptacle

104n‧‧‧Receiver, compartment or receptacle

106a‧‧‧Portable Energy Storage Device

106n‧‧‧Portable Energy Storage Device

106z‧‧‧Portable Energy Storage Device

108‧‧‧All electric small turbine treadmill/locomotive

110a‧‧‧Electrical terminals

110b‧‧‧Electrical terminals

112‧‧‧ places

114‧‧‧Power supply facilities

114a‧‧‧Power supply instrumentation

114b‧‧‧Circuit Panel/Disconnector Panel/Fuse Box

114c‧‧‧Wiring

114d‧‧‧Electric socket

116‧‧‧Power grid

118‧‧‧Photovoltaic battery array / photovoltaic array

120‧‧‧ Back-end or back-office systems

122‧‧‧Network

124‧‧‧User interface

Claims (20)

A method in a system for changing a portable power storage device switching scheme, the method comprising: receiving, by one of a portable power storage device switching solution system, a computer processor Exchange information of one of the portable power storage devices of one of the vehicles; and exchange the portable power storage device with respect to the user by one or more computer processors of the portable power storage device switching solution system Receiving information, determining whether to provide information about changing a portable power storage device switching scheme of the user; and using one or more computer processors of the portable power storage device switching scheme system, based on Whether to provide information regarding changes to the user's portable power storage device switching scheme, information regarding changes to the portable power storage device switching scheme of the user is provided to a user. The method of claim 1, wherein the information about changing a portable power storage device switching scheme is related to changing one of the user's current portable power storage device switching schemes to a different portable power storage. Information on device switching solutions. The method of claim 2, wherein the current portable power storage device switching scheme of the user allows the user to collect and distribute the machine from one or more portable power storage devices at a time only having one portable type The power storage device is used in a portable power storage device switching scheme of one vehicle. The method of claim 3, wherein the different portable power storage device switching scheme of the user allows the user to collect and distribute the machine from one or more portable power storage devices at one time with multiple carriers Power storage device for a car One of the portable power storage device exchange solutions. The method of claim 1, wherein the information relating to a user exchanging a portable power storage device of a vehicle is information about one or more of: whether the vehicle of the user has a group The state accommodates or uses one or more compartments of at least two portable power storage devices at a time; and the number of vehicles associated with the user. The method of claim 1, wherein the information relating to the exchange of a portable power storage device of a vehicle with respect to a user is information about the driving history of the user. The method of claim 1, wherein the information relating to a user exchanging a portable power storage device of a vehicle is from a remote portable power storage device exchange solution information management system or one or more collection and distribution Received by the machine. The method of claim 1, wherein the information about a user exchanging a portable power storage device of a vehicle is used as a receiving instruction to exchange a portable power storage device owned by the user into a Received as a result of charging one of the inputs of the portable power storage device. The method of claim 8, wherein the providing information about the portable power storage device switching scheme for changing the user comprises: providing the portable power storage device for changing the user at a collection and distribution machine Exchange this information for the program. The method of claim 8, wherein the providing information about changing the portable power storage device switching scheme of the user comprises: providing the portable power to change the user on a mobile device of the user This information is stored in the device exchange scheme. A system for changing a portable power storage device switching scheme, the system comprising: at least one processor; At least one memory coupled to the at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: receive information based on exchange of one of the portable power storage devices with respect to a user at a collection and distribution machine And determining whether to provide information about changing a portable power storage device switching scheme of the user via the collection and distribution machine; and based on whether to provide a portable power storage device exchange scheme for changing the user This determination of information provides information about the portable power storage device switching scheme that changes the user via the collection and distribution machine. The system of claim 11, wherein the information about changing a portable power storage device switching scheme is related to changing one of the user's current portable power storage device switching schemes to a different portable power storage. Information on device switching solutions. The system of claim 12, wherein the current portable power storage device switching scheme of the user allows the user to collect and distribute the machine from one or more portable power storage devices at a time only having one portable type The power storage device is used in a portable power storage device switching scheme of one vehicle. The system of claim 13, wherein the different portable power storage device switching scheme allows the user to collect and distribute the machine from one or more portable power storage devices at one time with two portable power storage devices A portable power storage device switching scheme for one vehicle. The system of claim 11, wherein the information relating to a user exchanging a portable power storage device of a vehicle is related to whether the vehicle of the user has a configuration configured to make the vehicle once or in tandem Information on one or more compartments of at least two portable power storage devices. The system of claim 11, wherein the information regarding a user exchanging a portable power storage device of a vehicle includes one of a current portable power storage device exchange scheme for the user to propose a change to the user Promotion or reward information. A non-transitory computer readable storage medium having computer executable instructions thereon, when executed by one or more computer processors, causing the one or more computer processors to: identify a user Receiving a request by a user to exchange one of the portable power storage devices of one of the vehicles; receiving information about the driving habits of the user based on the received request of the user to exchange the portable power storage device And determining whether to provide information about changing a portable power storage device exchange scheme of the user based on the received information about the user's driving habits. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 17, wherein the instructions thereon, when executed by one or more computer processors, further cause the one or more computer processors to change the usage based on whether the offer is provided One of the information of the portable power storage device switching scheme provides information about changing the portable power storage device switching scheme for the user. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 18, wherein the providing information regarding the portable power storage device exchange scheme for changing the user comprises: providing a change to the user at a collection and distribution machine This information of the portable power storage device exchange scheme. The non-transitory computer readable storage medium of claim 17 wherein the information about the user's driving habits is information relating to the user's portable power storage device exchange history.