U.S. patent application number 13/015957 was filed with the patent office on 2011-12-08 for managing an energy transfer between a vehicle and an energy transfer system.
Invention is credited to Bryan Marc Failing.
Application Number | 20110302078 13/015957 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45063951 |
Filed Date | 2011-12-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110302078 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Failing; Bryan Marc |
December 8, 2011 |
MANAGING AN ENERGY TRANSFER BETWEEN A VEHICLE AND AN ENERGY
TRANSFER SYSTEM
Abstract
A method, computer-readable medium, and system for managing a
transfer of energy is disclosed.
Inventors: |
Failing; Bryan Marc; (Morgan
Hill, CA) |
Family ID: |
45063951 |
Appl. No.: |
13/015957 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2011 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61350771 |
Jun 2, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/39 ;
700/297 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H02J 5/00 20130101; B60L
53/305 20190201; Y02T 90/14 20130101; B60L 58/22 20190201; H02J
7/025 20130101; Y02T 90/167 20130101; B60L 11/1838 20130101; B60L
53/68 20190201; Y02T 10/70 20130101; Y02T 10/7072 20130101; Y02T
90/169 20130101; G06Q 20/10 20130101; H02J 3/32 20130101; B60L
53/126 20190201; H02J 7/00034 20200101; B60L 53/66 20190201; H02J
5/005 20130101; Y02E 60/00 20130101; H02J 3/381 20130101; B60L 3/00
20130101; H02J 7/00045 20200101; H02J 3/008 20130101; H02J 3/322
20200101; Y02T 90/16 20130101; H02J 50/40 20160201; H02J 50/70
20160201; G06Q 20/145 20130101; B60L 53/67 20190201; B60L 55/00
20190201; H02J 50/80 20160201; Y04S 10/126 20130101; H02J 50/90
20160201; B60L 2200/26 20130101; H02J 2310/48 20200101; Y02T 90/12
20130101; Y04S 30/14 20130101; B60L 53/124 20190201; H02J 50/10
20160201 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/39 ;
700/297 |
International
Class: |
G06Q 40/00 20060101
G06Q040/00; G06F 1/26 20060101 G06F001/26 |
Claims
1. A method of managing at least one transfer of energy, said
method comprising: determining a plurality of attributes associated
with a transfer of energy between a vehicle and an energy transfer
system; determining a plurality of costs associated with said
plurality of attributes; determining a selection, input via a user
interface, associated with at least one attribute of said plurality
of attributes, wherein said user interface includes a listing of
said plurality of attributes and a listing of said plurality of
costs; and generating a request to perform, in accordance with said
at least one attribute, an energy transfer between said vehicle and
said energy transfer system.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein said user interface enables a
user to initiate said energy transfer.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein said user interface is a
graphical user interface, and further comprising: generating data
to display said graphical user interface to enable a user to make
said selection, and wherein said generating further comprises
communicating said data for displaying said graphical user
interface using a display device selected from a group consisting
of a display device of said vehicle, a display device of said
energy transfer system, a display device of a computer system
located remotely from said vehicle and said energy transfer system,
and a display device of a portable electronic device.
4. The method of claim 1 further comprising: determining at least
one recommendation associated with said at least one attribute; and
communicating said recommendation via said user interface.
5. The method of claim 1 further comprising: performing said energy
transfer using an interface between said vehicle and said energy
transfer system; and communicating data, over said interface,
between said vehicle and said energy transfer system.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein said determining said plurality
of attributes further comprises determining said plurality of
attributes based on information selected from a group consisting
of: at least one attribute associated with said vehicle; at least
one attribute associated with said energy transfer system; and at
least one state of said energy transfer system.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein said determining said plurality
of attributes further comprises determining said plurality of
attributes based on a user selection of a capacity level associated
with an energy storage component of said vehicle.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein said plurality of attributes
includes a plurality of energy transfer rates, wherein each of said
plurality of energy transfer rates is selected from a group
consisting of a power and a current, and wherein said determining
said plurality of costs further comprises determining each of said
plurality of costs based on a respective energy transfer rate of
said plurality of energy transfer rates.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of
attributes is selected from a group consisting of an energy
transfer type, an interface type, a power, a current, a voltage, an
energy transfer profile, a duration, a waveform, and a
temperature.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein said vehicle is selected from a
group consisting of a vehicle with at least one wheel, a vehicle
configured to move on at least one rail, a boat, and an
aircraft.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein said user interface further
comprises a listing of a plurality of interfaces operable to
transfer energy between said vehicle and said energy transfer
system, and wherein each interface of said plurality of interfaces
corresponds to at least one respective attribute of said plurality
of attributes.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein said plurality of interfaces
includes a first interface of a first type, wherein said plurality
of interfaces further comprises a second interface of a second
type, and wherein said first and second types are different.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein said determining said plurality
of costs further comprises determining said plurality of costs
based on an amount of energy transferred by said energy transfer
system to at least one other vehicle.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein said user interface is
configured to present information generated as a result of
monitoring said vehicle, and wherein said information is selected
from a group consisting of at least one image, video, and
sound.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein said energy transfer includes a
first energy transfer from said energy transfer system to said
vehicle, wherein said energy transfer further comprises a second
energy transfer from said vehicle to said energy transfer system,
and wherein said user interface enables a chronological ordering of
said first and second energy transfers.
16. The method of claim 1 further comprising: measuring an amount
of energy received by said vehicle using a meter of said vehicle;
and executing a payment transaction for said energy transfer based
upon said amount of energy received by said vehicle.
17. The method of claim 1 further comprising: measuring an amount
of energy received by said energy transfer system using a meter of
said energy transfer system; and executing a payment transaction
for said energy transfer based upon said amount of energy received
by said energy transfer system.
18. A computer-readable medium having computer-readable program
code embodied therein for causing a computer system to perform a
method of managing at least one transfer of energy, said method
comprising: determining a plurality of attributes associated with a
transfer of energy between a vehicle and an energy transfer system;
determining a plurality of costs associated with said plurality of
attributes; determining a selection, input via a user interface,
associated with at least one attribute of said plurality of
attributes, wherein said user interface includes a listing of said
plurality of attributes and a listing of said plurality of costs;
and generating a request to perform, in accordance with said at
least one attribute, an energy transfer between said vehicle and
said energy transfer system.
19. A system comprising a processor and a memory, wherein said
memory includes instructions that when executed by said system
implement a method of managing at least one transfer of energy,
said method comprising: determining a plurality of attributes
associated with a transfer of energy between a vehicle and an
energy transfer system; determining a plurality of costs associated
with said plurality of attributes; determining a selection, input
via a user interface, associated with at least one attribute of
said plurality of attributes, wherein said user interface includes
a listing of said plurality of attributes and a listing of said
plurality of costs; and generating a request to perform, in
accordance with said at least one attribute, an energy transfer
between said vehicle and said energy transfer system.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is related to U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______, filed Jan. 28, 2011, entitled
"IMPROVING ENERGY TRANSFER WITH VEHICLES," naming Bryan Marc
Failing as the inventor, which claims the benefit of U.S.
Provisional Patent Application No. 61/350,771, filed Jun. 2, 2010,
entitled "MANAGING A TRANSFER OF ENERGY AND INCREASING VEHICLE
SECURITY." Those applications are incorporated herein by reference
in their entirety and for all purposes.
[0002] The present application is related to U.S. patent
application Ser. No. ______, filed Jan. 28, 2011, entitled
"INCREASING VEHICLE SECURITY," naming Bryan Marc Failing as the
inventor, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 61/350,771, filed Jun. 2, 2010, entitled "MANAGING
A TRANSFER OF ENERGY AND INCREASING VEHICLE SECURITY." Those
applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety
and for all purposes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Conventional solutions for charging automobiles require a
user to manually plug the automobile into a wall socket or connect
the automobile to an external charging system via a plug. The
charge rate is usually low, thereby requiring the automobile to
remain stationary at the conventional charge station for an
extended period of time. The automobile is typically charged at a
single, constant charge rate until the user either turns off the
charger or disconnects the plug from the automobile. As such,
conventional solutions for charging automobiles are inconvenient
and inefficient.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] Accordingly, a need exists for a more convenient way to
charge a vehicle. A need also exists for a more efficient way to
charge a vehicle. Embodiments of the present invention provide
novel solutions to these needs and others as described below.
[0005] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a
method, computer-readable medium, and system for managing a
transfer of energy.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The present invention is illustrated by way of example, and
not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying
drawings and in which like reference numerals refer to the same or
similar elements.
[0007] FIG. 1A shows a system for managing one or more energy
transfers in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0008] FIG. 1B shows a system for managing one or more energy
transfers using an energy transfer interface that is separate from
a signal interface in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 shows a system for managing one or more energy
transfers using different types of interfaces in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 shows a system for managing one or more energy
transfers with a plurality of vehicles in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0011] FIG. 4 shows a system for managing one or more energy
transfers with a plurality of vehicles using separate components in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 5 shows a system for managing one or more energy
transfers using an interface system in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] FIG. 6 shows an interface system in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0014] FIG. 7 shows a system for enabling a vehicle to interface
with any number of a plurality of energy transfer systems in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] FIG. 8 shows a graphical user interface for registering an
energy transfer system in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0016] FIG. 9 shows a graphical user interface for registering a
vehicle in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0017] FIG. 10 shows a graphical user interface for managing one or
more energy transfers in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0018] FIG. 11A shows a graph of a first energy transfer profile in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
invention.
[0019] FIG. 11B shows a graph of a second energy transfer profile
in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
invention.
[0020] FIG. 11C shows a graph of a third energy transfer profile in
accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
invention.
[0021] FIG. 11D shows a graph of a fourth energy transfer profile
in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present
invention.
[0022] FIG. 12A shows data associated with at least one energy
transfer system in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0023] FIG. 12B shows data associated with at least one vehicle in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG. 13 shows a system including components used to perform
operations associated with an energy transfer in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG. 14 shows an energy transfer management component for
managing an energy transfer in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 15 shows an energy transfer management component
including a plurality of charge and/or discharge components in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] FIG. 16 shows a diagram of energy transfer components
disposed at different locations along a vehicle route in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 17 shows a diagram of components for performing one or
more energy transfers with a vehicle in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0029] FIG. 18 shows a vehicle in a position for performing an
energy transfer in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0030] FIG. 19 shows a system for determining the position of a
vehicle or a component thereof with respect to an energy transfer
system in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0031] FIG. 20 shows a system for determining the position of a
vehicle or a component thereof with respect to an energy transfer
system using at least one energy transfer component in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 21 shows a diagram of at least one position detection
component and at least one energy transfer component in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 22A shows a diagram of a tire including at least one
energy transfer component in a first orientation in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] FIG. 22B shows a diagram of a tire including at least one
energy transfer component in a second orientation in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] FIG. 23A shows a diagram of a wheel including at least one
energy transfer component in a first orientation in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] FIG. 23B shows a diagram of a wheel including at least one
energy transfer component in a second orientation in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] FIG. 24 shows a system including one or more interfaces
coupled to an energy transfer component of a tire and/or one or
more interfaces coupled to an energy transfer component of a wheel
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0038] FIG. 25 shows a diagram of a wheel that includes elements
for increasing heat transfer from at least one energy transfer
component in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0039] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing heat transfer from at least one
energy transfer component of a vehicle and/or at least one energy
transfer component of an energy transfer system in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a component for performing one
or more operations associated with at least one energy transfer
component in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0041] FIG. 28 shows a system for increasing the security of a
vehicle and/or at least one component thereof in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention.
[0042] FIG. 29A shows a flowchart of a first portion of a
computer-implemented process for managing at least one transfer of
energy in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0043] FIG. 29B shows a flowchart of a second portion of a
computer-implemented process for managing at least one transfer of
energy in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0044] FIG. 30A shows a flowchart of a first portion of a
computer-implemented process for increasing vehicle security in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0045] FIG. 30B shows a flowchart of a second portion of a
computer-implemented process for increasing vehicle security in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0046] FIG. 31 shows a flowchart of a computer-implemented process
for determining at least one energy transfer interface in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0047] FIG. 32 shows a flowchart of a computer-implemented process
for determining at least one energy transfer component in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
[0048] FIG. 33 shows a flowchart of a computer-implemented process
for determining at least one energy transfer component by analyzing
at least one response to an activation of one or more energy
transfer components in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0049] FIG. 34 shows a flowchart of a computer-implemented process
for determining at least one attribute in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0050] FIG. 35 shows a flowchart of a computer-implemented process
for performing an interrupt service routine in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0051] FIG. 36 shows a flowchart of a computer-implemented process
for performing an interrupt service routine associated with a user
selection in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0052] FIG. 37 shows a flowchart of a computer-implemented process
for managing at least one energy transfer in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0053] FIG. 38 shows a flowchart of a computer-implemented process
for controlling a temperature of a component in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention.
[0054] FIG. 39 shows a flowchart of a computer-implemented process
for transferring energy in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0055] FIG. 40 shows a flowchart of a computer-implemented process
for transferring heat in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention.
[0056] FIG. 41 shows a computer system upon which embodiments of
the present invention may be implemented.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0057] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the
present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the
accompanying drawings. While the present invention will be
discussed in conjunction with the following embodiments, it will be
understood that they are not intended to limit the present
invention to these embodiments alone. On the contrary, the present
invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and
equivalents which may be included with the spirit and scope of the
present invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore,
in the following detailed description of the present invention,
numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a
thorough understanding of the present invention. However,
embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these
specific details. In other instances, well-known methods,
procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in
detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present
invention.
Notation and Nomenclature
[0058] Some regions of the detailed descriptions which follow are
presented in terms of procedures, logic blocks, processing and
other symbolic representations of operations on data bits within a
computer memory. These descriptions and representations are the
means used by those skilled in the art to most effectively convey
the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. In the
present application, a procedure, logic block, process, or the
like, is conceived to be a self-consistent sequence of steps or
instructions leading to a desired result. The steps are those
requiring physical manipulations of physical quantities. Usually,
although not necessarily, these quantities take the form of
electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored,
transferred, combined, compared, and otherwise manipulated in a
computer system.
[0059] It should be borne in mind, however, that all of these and
similar terms are to be associated with the appropriate physical
quantities and are merely convenient labels applied to these
quantities. Unless specifically stated otherwise as apparent from
the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the
present invention, discussions utilizing the terms such as
"aborting," "accepting," "accessing," "activating," "adding,"
"adjusting," "allocating," "analyzing," "applying," "assembling,"
"assigning," "authenticating," "authorizing," "balancing,"
"blocking," "calculating," "capturing," "causing," "charging,"
"combining," "comparing," "collecting," "communicating,"
"configuring," "controlling," "converting," "creating,"
"deactivating," "debugging," "decreasing," "defining,"
"delivering," "depicting," "detecting," "determining,"
"discharging," "displaying," "downloading," "enabling,"
"establishing," "executing," "forwarding," "flipping,"
"generating," "grouping," "hiding," "identifying," "increasing,"
"initiating," "instantiating," "interacting," "measuring,"
"modifying," "monitoring," "moving," "outputting," "parsing,"
"performing," "placing," "presenting," "processing," "programming,"
"providing," "provisioning," "querying," "receiving," "regulating,"
"removing," "rendering," "repeating," "resuming," "retaining,"
"sampling," "simulating," "sending," "sorting," "storing,"
"subtracting," "suspending," "tracking," "transcoding,"
"transforming," "transmitting," "unblocking," "using," "verifying,"
or the like, may refer to the action and/or processes of a computer
system, or similar electronic computing device, that manipulates
and transforms data represented as physical (electronic) quantities
within the computer system's registers and memories into other data
similarly represented as physical quantities within the computer
system memories or registers or other such information storage,
transmission and/or display devices.
[0060] As used herein, the term "coupled with" may refer to an
arrangement of objects where at least two objects are in physical
contact with one another (e.g., touching) or where at least two
objects are separated by at least one other object (e.g., two
objects that are coupled with one another may have at least one
other object positioned between the two objects).
EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0061] FIG. 1A shows system 100A for managing one or more energy
transfers in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 1A, energy transfer system 110 and
vehicle 120 are coupled by interface 130, where interface 130 may
carry an energy transfer signal to enable a transfer of energy
(e.g., electricity) between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle
120 (e.g., from energy transfer system 110 to vehicle 120, from
vehicle 120 to energy transfer system 110, etc.). Energy transfer
system 110 may be separate or located remotely from vehicle 120 in
one embodiment. And in one embodiment, energy transfer system 110
and vehicle 120 may be owned or affiliated with different
individuals, business entities, etc.
[0062] Vehicle 120 may be a vehicle with at least one wheel (e.g.,
an automobile, a bus, a motorcycle, a scooter, a personal
transportation vehicle such as the Segway.TM., a golf cart, etc.),
a vehicle configured to move on at least one rail or at least one
track (e.g., a train, a trolley, a shuttle, etc.), a boat (e.g., a
cruise liner, a ship, a yacht, a sailboat, a fishing boat, a
speedboat, a houseboat, a dinghy, etc.), an aircraft (e.g., an
airplane or fixed-wing aircraft, a rotary-wing aircraft such as a
helicopter, a glider, an aerostat such as a balloon or blimp,
etc.), etc. Vehicle 120 may be an all-electric vehicle (e.g., using
only electricity to move the vehicle), a hybrid vehicle (e.g.,
using electricity and/or another source of energy to move the
vehicle), a vehicle which uses a source of energy other than
electricity to move the vehicle, etc. Energy transfer system 110
may be any system, device, component, etc. capable of performing an
energy transfer with vehicle 120 (e.g., transferring energy to
and/or transferring energy from vehicle 120). In one embodiment,
energy transfer system 110 may be capable of communicating data
with vehicle 120, communicating a clock signal (e.g., used to
extract data transmitted over interface 130, used to synchronize
circuits of energy transfer system 110 and/or vehicle 120, etc.) or
other type of signal with vehicle 120, etc.
[0063] The energy transfer signal carried by interface 130 may be
sufficient to charge an energy storage component of energy transfer
system 110 (e.g., energy storage component 216 of FIG. 2) and/or an
energy storage component of vehicle 120 (e.g., energy storage
component 226 of FIG. 2). In one embodiment, interface 130 may
support energy transfers at low energy transfer rates (e.g., down
to approximately 0.5 kW or less) to implement "trickle charging" or
charging using a low energy transfer rate, to comply with limits on
the energy transfer (e.g., set by energy transfer system 110,
vehicle 120, interface system 550 of FIG. 5, a user, some
combination thereof, etc.), or otherwise enable energy transfer at
low energy transfer rates. Interface 130 may support energy
transfers at high energy transfer rates (e.g., up to approximately
500 kW or more) to enable "fast charging" or charging using a high
energy transfer rate, to comply with limits on the energy transfer
(e.g., set by energy transfer system 110, vehicle 120, interface
system 550 of FIG. 5, a user, some combination thereof, etc.), or
otherwise enable energy transfer at high energy transfer rates.
[0064] The term "energy transfer rate" as used herein may be an
amount of energy per unit time. For example, an energy transfer
rate may be a current (e.g., measured or expressed in units of
amps, etc.), a power (e.g., measured or expressed in units of
watts, kilowatts, etc.), etc. In one embodiment, an energy transfer
rate may be calculated or determined at a particular time or
instant (e.g., an instantaneous energy transfer rate), and
therefore, may be distinguishable from an average energy transfer
rate which can be calculated by dividing an amount of energy by a
duration (e.g., a length of time during which the amount of energy
is transferred).
[0065] As shown in FIG. 1A, interface 130 may be used to
communicate signals (e.g., data signals, clock signals, etc.)
between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120. In one
embodiment, the signals may be transmitted over the same interface
used to perform the energy transfer. For example, the signals
(e.g., data signals, clock signals, etc.) may be communicated over
interface 130 using modulation (e.g., amplitude modulation,
frequency modulation, phase modulation, some combination thereof,
etc.) and demodulation (e.g., amplitude demodulation, frequency
demodulation, phase demodulation, some combination thereof, etc.),
where the energy transfer signal functions as the carrier wave. As
another example, the signals (e.g., data signals, clock signals,
etc.) may be communicated over interface 130 using an
electromagnetic field surrounding at least one conductor of
interface 130 (e.g., similar to communication using a power line
area network or the like). In one embodiment, interface 130 may
include a plurality of interfaces, where the signals (e.g., data
signals, clock signals, etc.) may be communicated over a separate
interface (e.g., signal interface 134 of system 100B as shown in
FIG. 1B) than that used to perform the energy transfer (e.g.,
energy transfer interface 132 of system 100B as shown in FIG. 1B).
In this manner, interface 130 may enable communication of signals
over an energy transfer interface (e.g., 132), over a separate
interface (e.g., 134), or over both an energy transfer interface
(e.g., 132) and a separate interface (e.g., 134).
[0066] In one embodiment, signals communicated over energy transfer
interface 132 may be analog signals, digital signals, pulse width
modulated signals, some combination thereof, etc. Energy transfer
interface 132 may be capable of implementing unidirectional signal
communication and/or bidirectional signal communication. Energy
transfer interface 132 may utilize single-ended signaling and/or
differential signaling. And in one embodiment, signals communicated
over signal interface 134 may be analog signals, digital signals,
pulse width modulated signals, some combination thereof, etc.
Signal interface 134 may be capable of implementing unidirectional
signal communication and/or bidirectional signal communication.
Signal interface 134 may utilize single-ended signaling and/or
differential signaling.
[0067] Utilizing an energy transfer interface (e.g., 132, etc.) to
communicate signals may reduce cost in one embodiment. For example,
where an existing system does not include a dedicated signal
interface capable of communicating signals between an energy
transfer system and a vehicle, embodiments of the present invention
can enable the use of existing components and interfaces (e.g.,
energy transfer interface 132) to communicate signals. In this
manner, cost can be reduced since the system does not have to be
redesigned and/or retrofitted to include the dedicated signal
interface.
[0068] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, interface 130 may be a wired
interface (e.g., including one or more conductors, trace, lines,
lanes, etc.) and/or a wireless interface (e.g., using radio waves,
microwaves, infrared waves, visible light waves, ultraviolet waves,
x-rays, gamma rays, etc.). In one embodiment, interface 130 may
operate in accordance with a wireless standard such as 802.11x,
Bluetooth, or the like. In this manner, an energy transfer may be
performed using one or more interfaces (e.g., 132, etc.) which are
wired, wireless, or some combination thereof (e.g., using at least
one wired interface and at least one wireless interface). In one
embodiment, a communication of signals (e.g., a data signal, clock
signal, etc.) may be performed using one or more interfaces (e.g.,
132, 134, etc.) which are wired, wireless, or some combination
thereof (e.g., using at least one wired interface and at least one
wireless interface).
[0069] As shown in FIG. 1A, interface 130 may include one or more
interfaces capable of transferring energy and/or one or more
interfaces capable of communicating signals (e.g., data signals,
clock signals, etc.) in one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1B, energy
transfer interface 132 may include one or more interfaces capable
of transferring energy in one embodiment. Additionally, as shown in
FIG. 1B, signal interface 134 may include one or more interfaces
capable of communicating signals (e.g., data signals, clock
signals, etc.) in one embodiment.
[0070] Although FIGS. 1A and 1B show only one energy transfer
system (e.g., 110), it should be appreciated that system 100A
and/or system 100B may include more than one energy transfer system
in other embodiments. Although FIGS. 1A and 1B show only vehicle
(e.g., 120), it should be appreciated that system 100A and/or
system 100B may include more than one vehicle in other embodiments.
Although FIGS. 1A and 1B show a specific number of interfaces
(e.g., 130, 132, 134, etc.), it should be appreciated that system
100A and/or system 100B may include any number of interfaces in
other embodiments. For example, system 100A and/or system 100B may
include one or more interfaces similar to interface 130, one or
more energy transfer interfaces (e.g., similar to energy transfer
interface 132), one or more signal interfaces (e.g., similar to
signal interface 134), etc.
[0071] FIG. 2 shows system 200 for managing one or more energy
transfers using different types of interfaces in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 2, energy
transfer system 110 and vehicle 120 can be coupled by energy
transfer interface 231, energy transfer interface 234, energy
transfer interface 237, some combination thereof, etc. In one
embodiment, system 200 may include at least two different types of
interfaces (e.g., a wired energy transfer interface, an inductive
energy transfer interface, a wireless energy transfer interface,
some combination thereof, etc.). In one embodiment, energy transfer
interface 132 as shown in FIG. 1B may be implemented in accordance
with (e.g., include components of, function similarly to, etc.) one
or more of the energy transfer interfaces of system 200 (e.g., 231,
244, 237, etc.). Since the type and/or number of interfaces may
vary from vehicle to vehicle and/or from energy transfer system to
energy transfer system, embodiments of the present invention can
improve compatibility between energy transfer systems and vehicles
by providing an energy transfer system (e.g., 110) and/or a vehicle
(e.g., 120) with multiple types of interfaces.
[0072] In one embodiment, signals communicated between energy
transfer system 110 and vehicle 120 (e.g., over interface 130,
energy transfer interface 132, energy transfer interface 231,
energy transfer interface 234, energy transfer interface 237,
signal interface 134, etc.) may be analog signals, digital signals,
pulse width modulated signals, some combination thereof, etc. An
interface (e.g., 130, 132, 231, 234, 237, 134, etc.) coupling
energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120 may implement
unidirectional signal communication and/or bidirectional signal
communication in one embodiment. And in one embodiment, signals may
be communicated between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120
(e.g., over interface 130, energy transfer interface 132, energy
transfer interface 231, energy transfer interface 234, energy
transfer interface 237, signal interface 134, etc.) using
single-ended signaling and/or differential signaling.
[0073] Energy may be transferred over one or more of the interfaces
of system 200 between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120
(e.g., from energy transfer system 110 to vehicle 120, from vehicle
120 to energy transfer system 110, etc.) using at least one energy
transfer component. For example, energy may be transferred over
energy transfer interface 231 using energy transfer components 232
and 233, energy may be transferred over energy transfer interface
234 using energy transfer components 235 and 236, and energy may be
transferred over energy transfer interface 237 using energy
transfer components 238 and 239.
[0074] In one embodiment, energy transfer components 232 and 233
may include electrical contacts that are capable of implementing a
wired interface for transferring energy when brought into physical
contact with one another. For example, energy transfer component
232 may be a first electrical contact (e.g., disposed in or coupled
with a plug) and energy transfer component 233 may be a second
electrical contact (e.g., disposed in or coupled with a
receptacle), where energy transfer component 232 may be brought
into physical contact with energy transfer component 233 (e.g.,
responsive to the plug being plugged into the receptacle or
otherwise mated to one another) to enable energy transfer over
energy transfer interface 231. Alternatively, energy transfer
component 233 may be a first electrical contact (e.g., disposed in
or coupled with a plug) and energy transfer component 232 may be a
second electrical contact (e.g., disposed in or coupled with a plug
receptacle), where energy transfer component 233 may be brought
into physical contact with energy transfer component 232 (e.g.,
responsive to the plug being plugged into the receptacle or
otherwise mated to one another) to enable energy transfer over
energy transfer interface 231. Energy transfer components 232 and
233 may include a respective plurality of electrical contacts that
when brought into contact with one another enable a flow of
electricity over energy transfer interface 231. Energy transfer
components 232 and 233 may also include one or more respective
features for aligning the electrical contacts (e.g., for
positioning the plug with respect to the receptacle for aligning
the respective electrical contacts of each energy transfer
component), enabling the energy transfer components to remain
secured to one another (e.g., during the energy transfer), to
reduce the ability of a user to touch an energized component and be
shocked or otherwise injured, some combination thereof, etc. And in
one embodiment, energy transfer component 232 and/or energy
transfer component 233 may be disposed in or coupled with a
component (e.g., plug, receptacle, etc.) which also houses or is
coupled with at least one other electrical contact configured to
communicate a signal (e.g., a data signal, a clock signal,
etc.).
[0075] Energy transfer components 235 and 236 may enable an
inductive energy transfer between energy transfer system 110 and
vehicle 120 over energy transfer interface 234 in one embodiment.
For example, energy transfer component 235 may be capable of
creating a magnetic field that enables an energy transfer over
energy transfer interface 234 when energy transfer component 236 is
disposed at least partially within the magnetic field created by
energy transfer component 235. Energy transfer component 236 may be
capable of creating a magnetic field that enables an energy
transfer over energy transfer interface 234 when energy transfer
component 235 is disposed at least partially within the magnetic
field created by energy transfer component 236. In one embodiment,
energy transfer component 235 may include at least one coil, energy
transfer component 236 may include at least one coil, or both
energy transfer components 235 and 236 may include at least one
respective coil. Energy transfer components 235 and 236 may enable
an energy transfer and/or signal communication between energy
transfer system 110 and vehicle 120 without a wire directly
connecting energy transfer component 235 to energy transfer
component 236.
[0076] In one embodiment, energy transfer components 238 and 239
may be any components capable of sending and/or receiving wireless
energy transmission signals. For example, energy transfer component
238 may convert electricity (e.g., from energy transfer system 110)
into a wireless energy transmission signal for transmission to
energy transfer component 239, where energy transfer component 239
may receive the wireless energy transmission signal and convert it
into electricity for use by vehicle 120. As another example, energy
transfer component 239 may convert electricity (e.g., from vehicle
120) into a wireless energy transmission signal for transmission to
energy transfer component 238, where energy transfer component 238
may receive the wireless energy transmission signal and convert it
into electricity for use by energy transfer system 110. The
wireless energy transmission signals communicated between energy
transfer components 238 and 239 may include radio waves,
microwaves, infrared waves, visible light waves, ultraviolet waves,
x-rays, gamma rays, some combination thereof, etc. In this manner,
energy transfer components 238 and 239 may enable a wireless energy
transfer between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120 over
energy transfer interface 237.
[0077] As shown in FIG. 2, interface component 211 of energy
transfer system 110 may be coupled to one or more energy transfer
interfaces (e.g., 231, 234, 237, etc.), thereby enabling interface
component 211 to supply and/or receive energy transferred over any
of the interfaces (e.g., 231, 234, 237, etc.). Energy distribution
component 212 of interface component 211 may control how energy is
transferred over any of the interfaces (e.g. 231, 234, 237, etc.)
between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120. For example,
energy distribution component 212 may control which interface or
interfaces are active (e.g., in a state enabling an energy
transfer), which interface or interfaces are not active (e.g., not
able to transfer energy, capable of transferring energy at a lower
energy transfer rate, able to communicate signals but not able to
transfer energy, etc.), whether the energy transfer is to occur
sequentially or simultaneously (e.g., at least partially
overlapping in time) over multiple interfaces between energy
transfer system 110 and vehicle 120, which direction energy is
transferred between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120, at
least one attribute of the energy transfer (e.g., an energy
transfer type, an interface type, an energy transfer type, an
interface type, a power, a current, a voltage, an energy transfer
profile, a duration, a waveform, a temperature, etc.), some
combination thereof, etc. Energy distribution component 212 may
control the energy transfer alone or in combination with at least
one other component (e.g., at least one other component of energy
transfer system 110, energy distribution component 222 of vehicle
120, at least one other component of vehicle 120, etc.).
[0078] Interface monitoring component 213 may monitor the
interfaces coupled to interface component 211. For example,
interface monitoring component 213 may detect a problem with one or
more of the interfaces, determine which interface or interfaces are
active and/or not active, determine whether the energy transfer is
occurring sequentially or simultaneously over multiple interfaces
between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120, determine which
direction energy is transferred between energy transfer system 110
and vehicle 120, determine at least one attribute of the energy
transfer (e.g., an energy transfer type, an interface type, a
power, a current, a voltage, an energy transfer profile, a
duration, a waveform, a temperature, etc.), some combination
thereof, etc. In one embodiment, interface monitoring component 213
may communicate the results of the monitoring to energy
distribution component 212, thereby providing feedback and enabling
energy distribution component 212 to adjust or configure the energy
transfer between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120. For
example, if interface monitoring component 213 detects a problem
with an interface, energy distribution component 212 may disable
(e.g., stop energy transfer over) the interface. As another
example, if interface monitoring component 213 detects that an
attribute of an energy transfer over an interface (e.g., 231, 234,
237, etc.) exceeds a threshold or limit, then energy distribution
component 212 may adjust the energy transfer accordingly (e.g.,
adjust the energy transfer so that the attribute is brought below
the limit or threshold, disable the interface, etc.). In one
embodiment, if a temperature of an energy transfer component (e.g.,
as measured by component 2664 of FIG. 26, component 2684 of FIG.
26, etc.) is determined to be above a predetermined threshold, then
energy distribution component 212 may adjust an attribute (e.g.,
the energy transfer rate, etc.) of the energy transfer to reduce
the temperature of the energy transfer component.
[0079] As shown in FIG. 2, interface component 221 of vehicle 120
may be coupled to one or more energy transfer interfaces (e.g.,
231, 234, 237, etc.), thereby enabling interface component 221 to
supply and/or receive energy transferred over any of the interfaces
(e.g., 231, 234, 237, etc.). Energy distribution component 222 of
interface component 221 may control how energy is transferred over
any of the interfaces (e.g. 231, 234, 237, etc.) between energy
transfer system 110 and vehicle 120. For example, energy
distribution component 222 may control which interface or
interfaces are active (e.g., in a state enabling an energy
transfer), which interface or interfaces are not active (e.g., not
able to transfer energy, capable of transferring energy at a lower
energy transfer rate, able to communicate signals but not able to
transfer energy, etc.), whether the energy transfer is to occur
sequentially or simultaneously over multiple interfaces between
energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120, which direction energy
is transferred between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120,
at least one attribute of the energy transfer (e.g., an energy
transfer type, an interface type, a power, a current, a voltage, an
energy transfer profile, a duration, a waveform, a temperature,
etc.), some combination thereof, etc. Energy distribution component
222 may control the energy transfer alone or in combination with at
least one other component (e.g., at least one other component of
vehicle 120, energy distribution component 212 of energy transfer
system 110, at least one other component of energy transfer system
110, etc.).
[0080] Interface monitoring component 223 may monitor the
interfaces coupled to interface component 221. For example,
interface monitoring component 223 may detect a problem with one or
more of the interfaces, determine which interface or interfaces are
active and/or not active, determine whether the energy transfer is
occurring sequentially or simultaneously over multiple interfaces
between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120, determine which
direction energy is transferred between energy transfer system 110
and vehicle 120, determine at least one attribute of the energy
transfer (e.g., an energy transfer type, an interface type, a
power, a current, a voltage, an energy transfer profile, a
duration, a waveform, a temperature, etc.), some combination
thereof, etc. In one embodiment, interface monitoring component 223
may communicate the results of the monitoring to energy
distribution component 222, thereby providing feedback and enabling
energy distribution component 222 to adjust or configure the energy
transfer between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120. For
example, if interface monitoring component 223 detects a problem
with an interface (e.g., 231, 234, 237, etc.), energy distribution
component 222 may disable (e.g., stop energy transfer over) the
interface. As another example, if interface monitoring component
223 detects that an attribute of an energy transfer over an
interface (e.g., 231, 234, 237, etc.) exceeds a threshold or limit,
then energy distribution component 222 may adjust the energy
transfer accordingly (e.g., adjust the energy transfer so that the
attribute is brought below the limit or threshold, disable the
interface, etc.). In one embodiment, if a temperature of an energy
transfer component (e.g., as measured by component 2462 of FIG. 24,
component 2463 of FIG. 24, component 2634 of FIG. 26, component
2644 of FIG. 26, etc.) is determined to be above a predetermined
threshold, then energy distribution component 222 may adjust an
attribute (e.g., the energy transfer rate, etc.) of the energy
transfer to reduce the temperature of the energy transfer
component.
[0081] As shown in FIG. 2, interface component 211 includes signal
communication component 214 for enabling the communication of
various signals (e.g., data signals, clock signals, etc.) over one
or more energy transfer interfaces (e.g., 132, 231, 234, 237, etc.)
between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120. In one
embodiment, signal communication component 214 may transmit a
signal (e.g., a data signal, a clock signal, etc.) over one or more
energy transfer interfaces (e.g., 132, 231, 234, 237, etc.) using
modulation (e.g., amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, phase
modulation, some combination thereof, etc.), where the energy
transfer signal (e.g., transmitted using at least one energy
transfer interface coupled to interface component 211) functions as
the carrier wave. Upon receipt of the energy transfer signal, the
signals (e.g., data signals, clock signals, etc.) carried by the
energy transfer signal may be demodulated (e.g., using amplitude
demodulation, frequency demodulation, phase demodulation, some
combination thereof, etc.) by signal communication component 224
(e.g., for use by vehicle 120).
[0082] In one embodiment, signals (e.g., data signals, clock
signals, etc.) may be communicated over an energy transfer
interface (e.g., 132, 231, 234, 237, etc.) using an electromagnetic
field surrounding at least one conductor of the energy transfer
interface. For example, signal communication component 214 may
alter (e.g., change the strength or amplitude over time) an
electromagnetic field surrounding at least one conductor of an
energy transfer interface to transmit the signals (e.g., data
signals, clock signals, etc.) over the energy transfer interface. A
component of vehicle 120 (e.g., signal communication component 224)
may detect the changes in the electromagnetic field and recreate
the signals (e.g., data signals, clock signals, etc.) based on the
changes in the electromagnetic field (e.g., for use by vehicle
120).
[0083] The signal (e.g., a data signal, a clock signal, etc.)
communicated using the energy transfer interface may be supplied by
communication interface 241 in one embodiment, where communication
interface 241 is capable of communicating with vehicle 120 (e.g.,
over signal interface 134, over at least one energy transfer
interface via signal communication component 214, etc.), with a
component of energy transfer system 110, with another system or
device located remotely from energy transfer system 110, etc.
Communication interface 241 may be capable of sending and/or
receiving communications over a cellular network (e.g., cellular
data network, cellular phone network, etc.), thereby enabling
communication between energy transfer system 110 and an external
system (e.g., vehicle 120, interface system 550 of FIG. 5, payment
system 560 of FIG. 5, a computer system located remotely from
energy transfer system 110, etc.) over the cellular network. In one
embodiment, communication interface 241 may be implemented in
accordance with (e.g., include components of, function similarly
to, etc.) communication interface 4170 of FIG. 41. In this manner,
a signal (e.g., a data signal, a clock signal, etc.) may be
communicated over an energy transfer interface (e.g., 132, 231,
234, 237, etc. using signal communication component 214) and/or
over a separate signal interface (e.g., 134 using communication
interface 241).
[0084] As shown in FIG. 2, interface component 221 includes signal
communication component 224 for enabling the communication of
various signals (e.g., data signals, clock signals, etc.) over one
or more energy transfer interfaces (e.g., 132, 231, 234, 237, etc.)
between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120. In one
embodiment, signal communication component 224 may transmit a
signal (e.g., a data signal, a clock signal, etc.) over one or more
energy transfer interfaces (e.g., 132, 231, 234, 237, etc.) using
modulation (e.g., amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, phase
modulation, some combination thereof, etc.), where the energy
transfer signal (e.g., transmitted using at least one energy
transfer interface coupled to interface component 221) functions as
the carrier wave. Upon receipt of the energy transfer signal, the
signals (e.g., data signals, clock signals, etc.) carried by the
energy transfer signal may be demodulated (e.g., using amplitude
demodulation, frequency demodulation, phase demodulation, some
combination thereof, etc.) by signal communication component 214
(e.g., for use by energy transfer system 110).
[0085] In one embodiment, signals (e.g., data signals, clock
signals, etc.) may be communicated over an energy transfer
interface (e.g., 132, 231, 234, 237, etc.) using an electromagnetic
field surrounding at least one conductor of the energy transfer
interface. For example, signal communication component 224 may
alter (e.g., change the strength or amplitude over time) an
electromagnetic field surrounding at least one conductor of an
energy transfer interface to transmit the signals (e.g., data
signals, clock signals, etc.) over the energy transfer interface. A
component of energy transfer system 110 (e.g., signal communication
component 214) may detect the changes in the electromagnetic field
and recreate the signals (e.g., data signals, clock signals, etc.)
based on the changes in the electromagnetic field (e.g., for use by
energy transfer system 110).
[0086] The signal (e.g., a data signal, a clock signal, etc.)
communicated using the energy transfer interface may be supplied by
communication interface 242 in one embodiment, where communication
interface 242 is capable of communicating with energy transfer
system 110 (e.g., over signal interface 134, over at least one
energy transfer interface via signal communication component 224,
etc.), with a component of vehicle 120, with another system or
device located remotely from vehicle 120, etc. Communication
interface 242 may be capable of sending and/or receiving
communications over a cellular network (e.g., cellular data
network, cellular phone network, etc.), thereby enabling
communication between a vehicle (e.g., 120) and an external system
(e.g., energy transfer system 110, interface system 550 of FIG. 5,
payment system 560 of FIG. 5, a computer system located remotely
from energy transfer system 110, etc.) over the cellular network.
In one embodiment, communication interface 242 may be implemented
in accordance with (e.g., include components of, function similarly
to, etc.) communication interface 4170 of FIG. 41. In this manner,
a signal (e.g., a data signal, a clock signal, etc.) may be
communicated over an energy transfer interface (e.g., 132, 231,
234, 237, etc. using signal communication component 224) and/or
over a separate signal interface (e.g., 134 using communication
interface 242).
[0087] In one embodiment, signals (e.g., data signals, clock
signals, etc.) communicated between energy transfer system 110 and
vehicle 120 may be encrypted. For example, a component of energy
transfer system 110 (e.g., communication interface 241, signal
communication component 214, etc.) may encrypt a signal which may
be decrypted by a component of vehicle 120 (e.g., communication
interface 242, signal communication component 224, etc.). As
another example, a component of vehicle 120 (e.g., communication
interface 242, signal communication component 224, etc.) may
encrypt a signal which may be decrypted by a component of energy
transfer system 110 (e.g., communication interface 241, signal
communication component 214, etc.).
[0088] Different types of signals may be communicated
simultaneously or contemporaneously over different interfaces
(e.g., 132, 231, 234, 237, 134, etc.) in one embodiment. For
example, one interface may be used to communicate data signals
while another interface is used to communicate clock signals. As
another example, one interface may be used to communicate signals
in one direction while another interface is used to communicate
signals in the other direction. As yet another example, a plurality
of interfaces (e.g., 132, 231, 234, 237, 134, some combination
thereof, etc.) may be used to implement parallel data
communication. As a further example, one or more interfaces (e.g.,
132, 231, 234, 237, 134, some combination thereof, etc.) may each
be used to implement serial data communication. In this manner,
system 200 may offer improved signal transfer capabilities over
conventional systems.
[0089] In one embodiment, a clock signal and a data signal may be
communicated over the same interface. For example, the clock signal
may be encoded into the data signal by the transmitting device
(e.g., communication interface 241, signal communication component
214, communication interface 242, signal communication component
224, etc.) and then extracted from the data signal by the receiving
device (e.g., communication interface 241, signal communication
component 214, communication interface 242, signal communication
component 224, etc.). The combined data and clock signal may be
communicated over an energy transfer interface (e.g., 132, 231,
234, 237, etc.) and/or over a separate signal interface (e.g.,
134).
[0090] The length of the energy transfer interface (e.g., 130, 132,
231, 234, 237, etc.) coupling energy transfer system 110 and
vehicle 120 may be variable or fixed. For example, a wired energy
transfer interface may have a fixed length (e.g., the length of
cabling, traces, etc. from interface component 211 to interface
component 221, etc.) which may not vary responsive to a change in
relative position or distance between the vehicle and the energy
transfer system. As another example, an inductive energy transfer
interface and/or wireless energy transfer interface may have a
variable length, where the length may be based on the distance
between the energy transfer system and the vehicle, the distance
between an energy transfer component of the energy transfer system
and an energy transfer component of the vehicle, etc. In one
embodiment, an energy transfer interface may be less than 2 miles
in length. In one embodiment, an energy transfer interface may be
shorter (e.g., less than 1000 feet in length). And in one
embodiment, an energy transfer interface may be even shorter (e.g.,
less than 100 feet in length, less than 20 feet in length, less
than 10 feet in length, less than a foot in length, etc.).
[0091] As shown in FIG. 2, interface component 211 and/or interface
component 221 may include at least one component capable of at
least partially isolating an energy transfer interface from a
signal interface (e.g., 134, etc.) and/or a component coupled to a
signal interface (e.g., communication interface 241, communication
interface 242, etc.). For example, interface component 211 and/or
interface component 221 may include at least one transformer, at
least one optocoupler, at least one capacitor, at least one
component capable of providing galvanic isolation, some combination
thereof, etc. In one embodiment, the signal (e.g., data signal,
clock signal, etc.) accessed by interface component 211 (e.g., from
communication interface 241 and/or another component of energy
transfer system 110) may pass through the component (e.g., at least
one transformer, at least one optocoupler, at least one capacitor,
at least one component capable of providing galvanic isolation,
some combination thereof, etc.) before being communicated using an
energy transfer interface (e.g., 130, 132, 231, 234, 237, etc.),
thereby at least partially isolating the energy transfer interface
from the component communicating the signal (e.g., communication
interface 241 and/or another component of energy transfer system
110). In one embodiment, the signal (e.g., data signal, clock
signal, etc.) accessed by interface component 221 (e.g., from
communication interface 242 and/or another component of vehicle
120) may pass through the component (e.g., at least one
transformer, at least one optocoupler, at least one capacitor, at
least one component capable of providing galvanic isolation, some
combination thereof, etc.) before being communicated using an
energy transfer interface (e.g., 130, 132, 231, 234, 237, etc.),
thereby at least partially isolating the energy transfer interface
from the component communicating the signal (e.g., communication
interface 242 and/or another component of vehicle 120). Improving
isolation between an energy transfer interface and another
component (e.g., of energy transfer system 110, vehicle 120, etc.)
may increase safety, increase component lifetime and/or reliability
(e.g., by reducing voltage spikes, current spikes, etc.), improve
signal transfer (e.g., by reducing ground loops, reducing noise
and/or other factors which would otherwise degrade signal transfer,
etc.), some combination thereof, etc.
[0092] As shown in FIG. 2, charge and/or discharge component 218 of
energy transfer system 110 may supply an energy transfer signal to
enable an energy transfer between energy transfer system 110 and
vehicle 120, where the energy transfer signal may be supplied in
accordance with an energy transfer profile, in accordance with a
voltage, in accordance with an energy transfer rate, in accordance
with a current, in accordance with a power, in accordance with
another attribute, some combination thereof, etc. In one
embodiment, an energy transfer profile (e.g., 1115 of FIG. 11A,
1125 of FIG. 11B, 1135 of FIG. 11C, 1145 of FIG. 11D, etc.) may be
a relationship between an energy transfer rate and another energy
transfer attribute (e.g., power, current, voltage, temperature,
time, etc.). Charge and/or discharge component 218 may convert the
energy transfer signal from an alternating current (AC) to a direct
current (DC), may convert the energy transfer signal from DC to AC,
may alter a waveform of the energy transfer signal, may generate or
supply a pulse-width modulated (PWM) energy transfer signal, some
combination thereof, etc. In one embodiment, charge and/or
discharge component 218 may supply an energy transfer signal
sufficient to charge an energy storage component (e.g., energy
storage component 216 of energy transfer system 110, energy storage
component 226 of vehicle 120, etc.). And in one embodiment, charge
and/or discharge component 218 may pass the energy transfer signal
with little or no alteration.
[0093] Charge and/or discharge component 228 of vehicle 120 may
supply an energy transfer signal to enable an energy transfer
between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120, where the
energy transfer signal may be supplied in accordance with an energy
transfer profile, in accordance with a voltage, in accordance with
an energy transfer rate, in accordance with a current, in
accordance with a power, in accordance with another attribute, some
combination thereof, etc. Charge and/or discharge component 228 may
convert the energy transfer signal from AC to DC, may convert the
energy transfer signal from DC to AC, may alter a waveform of the
energy transfer signal, may supply a PWM energy transfer signal,
some combination thereof, etc. In one embodiment, charge and/or
discharge component 228 may supply an energy transfer signal
sufficient to charge an energy storage component (e.g., energy
storage component 216 of energy transfer system 110, energy storage
component 226 of vehicle 120, etc.). And in one embodiment, charge
and/or discharge component 228 may pass the energy transfer signal
with little or no alteration.
[0094] Charge and/or discharge component 218 and/or charge and/or
discharge component 228 may be capable of implementing an
equalization charge of an energy storage component (e.g., 216, 226,
some combination thereof, etc.). For example, charge and/or
discharge component 218 and/or charge and/or discharge component
228 may raise the charge level of at least one cell of the energy
storage component to make it substantially equal to a charge level
of at least one other cell of the energy storage component. In one
embodiment, charge and/or discharge component 218 and/or charge
and/or discharge component 228 may be able to control the amount of
energy transferred to each cell, a group of cells, etc. of an
energy storage component (e.g., 216, 226, some combination thereof,
etc.) independently of an amount of energy transferred to at least
one other cell.
[0095] Charge and/or discharge component 218 and/or charge and/or
discharge component 228 may be capable of filtering the energy
transfer signal. For example, noise (e.g., from power grid 250, a
component of energy transfer system 110, a component of vehicle
120, from another component, etc.) may be filtered from the energy
transfer signal. In one embodiment, filtering the energy transfer
signal may improve the transfer of signals (e.g., data signals,
clock signals, etc.) over the energy transfer interface by
improving bandwidth, improving data rate, improving the distance
that the signals may be communicated, reducing jitter, reducing
errors, some combination thereof, etc.
[0096] In one embodiment, charge and/or discharge component 218 and
charge and/or discharge component 228 may work together to
implement an energy transfer between energy transfer system 110 and
vehicle 120. For example, when transferring energy from energy
transfer system 110 to vehicle 120, charge and/or discharge
component 218 may prepare the energy transfer signal for
transmission (e.g., by altering the energy transfer signal as
discussed above) while charge and/or discharge component 228 may
pass the energy transfer signal with little or no alteration (e.g.,
to enable charging of energy storage component 226). As another
example, when transferring energy from vehicle 120 to energy
transfer system 110, charge and/or discharge component 228 may
prepare the energy transfer signal for transmission (e.g., by
altering the energy transfer signal as discussed above) while
charge and/or discharge component 218 may pass the energy transfer
signal with little or no alteration (e.g., to enable charging of
energy storage component 216).
[0097] Charge and/or discharge component 218 and charge and/or
discharge component 228 may perform multiple energy transfers
simultaneously. The simultaneous energy transfers may be from
energy transfer system 110 to vehicle 120 over one or more energy
transfer interfaces (e.g., 130, 132, 231, 234, 237, etc.).
Alternatively, the simultaneous energy transfers may be from
vehicle 120 to energy transfer system 110 over one or more energy
transfer interfaces (e.g., 130, 132, 231, 234, 237, etc.). In one
embodiment, the simultaneous energy transfers may include at least
one energy transfer from energy transfer system 110 to vehicle 120
and at least one energy transfer from vehicle 120 to energy
transfer system 110. As such, energy may be transferred between
energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120 in different directions
simultaneously. In one embodiment, simultaneous energy transfers in
different directions may be used to charge energy storage component
226 of vehicle 120 (e.g., in accordance with a first attribute such
as a first energy transfer rate, first current, etc.) while power
source 227 simultaneously discharges (e.g., in accordance with a
second attribute such as a second energy transfer rate, second
current, etc.).
[0098] As shown in FIG. 2, power management component 215 of energy
transfer system 110 is capable of managing one or more energy
transfers. For example, power management component 215 may source
energy from one or more components (e.g., of energy transfer system
110, of vehicle 120, power grid 250, another component coupled to
either energy transfer system 110 or vehicle 120, etc.) and supply
the energy to one or more other components (e.g., of energy
transfer system 110, of vehicle 120, power grid 250, another
component coupled to either energy transfer system 110 or vehicle
120, etc.).
[0099] In one embodiment, power management component 215 can enable
at least two simultaneous or contemporaneous energy transfers. For
example, power management component 215 can enable power source 217
to charge energy storage component 216 while energy from power grid
250 is supplied for transfer to vehicle 120 (e.g., via charge
and/or discharge component 218, via interface component 211, etc.).
As another example, power management component 215 can enable power
grid 250 to charge energy storage component 216 while energy from
power source 217 is supplied for transfer to vehicle 120 (e.g., via
charge and/or discharge component 218, via interface component 211,
etc.). And as yet another example, power management component 215
can enable power source 217 to charge energy storage component 216
while power grid 250 is also used to charge energy storage
component 216. It should be appreciated that power management
component 215 may source energy from any number of components
(e.g., of system 200) and/or supply energy to any number of
components (e.g., of system 200), where the sourcing and supplying
may occur simultaneously (or contemporaneously) or
sequentially.
[0100] As shown in FIG. 2, power management component 225 of
vehicle 120 is capable of managing one or more energy transfers.
For example, power management component 225 may source energy from
one or more components (e.g., of energy transfer system 110, of
vehicle 120, power grid 250, another component coupled to either
energy transfer system 110 or vehicle 120, etc.) and supply the
energy to one or more other components (e.g., of energy transfer
system 110, of vehicle 120, power grid 250, another component
coupled to either energy transfer system 110 or vehicle 120,
etc.).
[0101] In one embodiment, power management component 225 can enable
at least two simultaneous or contemporaneous energy transfers. For
example, power management component 225 can enable power source 227
to charge energy storage component 226 while energy from energy
transfer system 110 (e.g., received over an energy transfer
interface such as 130, 132, 231, 234, 237, etc.) is also supplied
to charge energy storage component 226. As another example, power
management component 215 can supply energy from both energy storage
component 226 and power source 227 for transfer to energy transfer
system 110 over an energy transfer interface (e.g., received over
an energy transfer interface such as 130, 132, 231, 234, 237,
etc.). And as yet another example, power management component 225
can supply energy from energy transfer system 110 (e.g., received
over an energy transfer interface such as 130, 132, 231, 234, 237,
etc.) to charge energy storage component 226 while power management
component 225 simultaneously supplies energy from power source 227
for transfer to energy transfer system 110 over an energy transfer
interface (e.g., received over an energy transfer interface such as
130, 132, 231, 234, 237, etc.). It should be appreciated that power
management component 225 may source energy from any number of
components (e.g., of system 200) and/or supply energy to any number
of components (e.g., of system 200), where the sourcing and
supplying may occur simultaneously (or contemporaneously) or
sequentially.
[0102] Energy storage component 216 may be any component capable of
storing energy. In one embodiment, energy storage component 216 may
include an energy storage medium, where the energy storage medium
includes at least one battery, at least one capacitor, at least one
ultracapacitor, some combination thereof, etc. In one embodiment,
the energy storage medium may include a number of cells, where each
cell can be accessed (e.g., by charge and/or discharge component
218, power management component 215, charge and/or discharge
component 228, etc.) for charge, discharge, some combination
thereof, etc. The cells may be individually accessed (e.g.,
separately from at least one other cell), accessed as a group which
is a subset of all the cells of energy storage component 216,
accessed as a group which includes all the cells of energy storage
component 216, etc. In one embodiment, the energy storage medium of
energy storage component 216 may utilize a chemistry such as
lithium ion (e.g., lithium cobalt oxide, lithium nickel oxide,
lithium aluminum oxide, lithium iron phosphate, lithium manganese
oxide, etc.), lithium ion polymer, nickel metal hydride, nickel
cadmium, nickel hydrogen, nickel zinc, silver zinc, lead acid, some
combination thereof, etc.
[0103] As shown in FIG. 2, energy storage component 226 may be any
component capable of storing energy. In one embodiment, energy
storage component 226 may include an energy storage medium (e.g.,
2810 of FIG. 28), where the energy storage medium includes at least
one battery, at least one capacitor, at least one ultracapacitor,
some combination thereof, etc. In one embodiment, the energy
storage medium (e.g., 2810 of FIG. 28) may include a number of
cells, where each cell can be accessed (e.g., by charge and/or
discharge component 228, power management component 225, charge
and/or discharge component 218, etc.) for charge, discharge, some
combination thereof, etc. The cells may be individually accessed
(e.g., separately from at least one other cell), accessed as a
group which is a subset of all the cells of energy storage
component 226, accessed as a group which includes all the cells of
energy storage component 226, etc. In one embodiment, the energy
storage medium (e.g., 2810 of FIG. 28) of energy storage component
226 may utilize a chemistry such as lithium ion (e.g., lithium
cobalt oxide, lithium nickel oxide, lithium aluminum oxide, lithium
iron phosphate, lithium manganese oxide, etc.), lithium ion
polymer, nickel metal hydride, nickel cadmium, nickel hydrogen,
nickel zinc, silver zinc, lead acid, some combination thereof,
etc.
[0104] Power source 217 may be any component capable of generating
energy. For example, power source 217 may supply energy generated
using the sun, the wind, the flow of water or another fluid, heat
(e.g., from the sun, the earth, etc.), a nuclear reaction, etc. In
one embodiment, power source 217 may be located near (e.g., on the
same plot of land, on an adjacent plot of land, on a plot of land
in the same town, etc.) and/or owned by the same entity as at least
one other component of system 200. In one embodiment, power source
217 may supply electricity in the form of AC, where the AC may have
a phase (e.g., single-phase, three-phase, etc.), a voltage (e.g.,
120 volts, 240 volts, 480 volts, etc.), and a frequency (e.g., 60
Hz, 50 Hz, etc.). It should be appreciated that the voltage and/or
frequency may vary over a predetermined range (e.g., determined by
a manufacturer of power source 217, determined by energy transfer
system 110, etc.). In one embodiment, power source 217 may supply
electricity in the form of DC, PWM, etc.
[0105] As shown in FIG. 2, power source 227 may be any component
capable of generating energy. For example, power source 227 may
supply energy generated using the sun, the wind, the flow of water
or another fluid, heat (e.g., from the sun, the earth, etc.), a
nuclear reaction, etc. In one embodiment, power source 227 may be
disposed within vehicle 120 and/or on vehicle 120 (e.g., on an
external body panel, a window, etc.). In one embodiment, power
source 227 may supply electricity in the form of AC, where the AC
may have a phase (e.g., single-phase, three-phase, etc.), a voltage
(e.g., 120 volts, 240 volts, 480 volts, etc.), and a frequency
(e.g., 60 Hz, 50 Hz, etc.). It should be appreciated that the
voltage and/or frequency may vary over a predetermined range (e.g.,
determined by a manufacturer of power source 217, determined by
energy transfer system 110, etc.). In one embodiment, power source
217 may supply electricity in the form of DC, PWM, etc.
[0106] As shown in FIG. 2, power grid 250 may include at least one
component capable of generating and/or supplying energy to energy
transfer system 110. For example, power grid 250 may include at
least one power plant, at least one transmission line or power
line, at least one transformer, etc. In one embodiment, power grid
250 may supply electricity in the form of AC, where the AC may have
a phase (e.g., single-phase, three-phase, etc.), a voltage (e.g.,
120 volts, 240 volts, 480 volts, etc.), and a frequency (e.g., 60
Hz, 50 Hz, etc.). It should be appreciated that the voltage and/or
frequency may vary over a predetermined range (e.g., determined by
the utility providing the electricity). In one embodiment, power
grid 250 may supply electricity in the form of DC, PWM, etc.
[0107] In one embodiment, an interface (e.g., 130, 132, 231, 234,
237, 134, etc.) used to transfer energy and/or communicate signals
between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120 may be separate
from, isolated from, not directly coupled to, and/or not part of a
power line or transmission line (e.g., of power grid 250). In this
manner, power grid 250 may be separate from an interface coupling
energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120. In one embodiment, an
interface coupling energy transfer system 110 to power grid 250 may
be isolated from an energy transfer interface (e.g., 130, 132,
etc.) by a component capable of filtering or removing signals
communicated between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120
from an energy transfer signal. For example, a transformer that
supplies electricity to at least one circuit of energy transfer
system 110 may be used to attenuate or not pass higher frequency
signal components to the interface coupling energy transfer system
110 and power grid 250, where the attenuation of the higher
frequency signal components may reduce unauthorized access to
signals communicated between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle
120. As another example, a circuit (e.g., disposed on a printed
circuit board, disposed within an integrated circuit, etc.) may be
used to reduce unauthorized access to signals communicated between
energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120 (e.g., by reducing the
ability of the signals to pass outside of energy transfer system
110 and/or vehicle 120, by isolating energy transfer system 110
from power grid 250, by filtering or removing the signals before
passing outside of energy transfer system 110 and/or vehicle 120,
etc.). As such, the ability of an external component (e.g., a
component coupled to power grid 250, a system or device other than
energy transfer system 110 and/or vehicle 120, etc.) to access
signals communicated between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle
120 (e.g., over an energy transfer interface and/or a separate
signal interface) can be advantageously reduced to improve
security.
[0108] As shown in FIG. 2, meter 219 may be capable of monitoring
energy transfers to energy transfer system 110 (e.g., from vehicle
120, power grid 250, etc.), from energy transfer system 110 (e.g.,
to vehicle 120, power grid 250, etc.), through energy transfer
system 110, some combination thereof, etc. Meter 219 may store (or
caused to be stored) at least one attribute (e.g., an energy
transfer type, an interface type, a power, a current, a voltage, an
energy transfer profile, a duration, a waveform, a temperature,
etc.) of an energy transfer, where the at least one attribute may
be associated with one or more times (e.g., a voltage, current,
etc. associated with an energy transfer at a given time or times).
The at least one attribute may also include at least one cumulative
attribute (e.g., a total amount of energy transferred to vehicle
120 during at least one energy transfer, a total amount of energy
transferred from vehicle 120 during at least one energy transfer,
etc.) in one embodiment. In this manner, meter 219 may enable data
to be collected over time and analyzed to determine trends,
patterns, or the like.
[0109] Meter 219 may be used to determine the amount of energy
received by energy transfer system 110 (e.g., as a result of an
energy transfer from vehicle 120 to energy transfer system 110). In
one embodiment, energy may be lost during the energy transfer, and
therefore, the amount of energy transferred from vehicle 120 (e.g.,
as measured by meter 229) may be different from the amount of
energy received by energy transfer system 110 (e.g., as measured by
meter 219). Thus, the amount of energy measured by meter 219 may be
advantageously used to more accurately or precisely account for
(e.g., during a financial or payment transaction associated with
the energy transfer) energy transferred from vehicle 120.
[0110] Meter 229 may be capable of monitoring energy transfers to
vehicle 120 (e.g., from energy transfer system 110, etc.), from
vehicle 120 (e.g., to energy transfer system 110, power grid 250,
etc.), through vehicle 120, some combination thereof, etc. Meter
229 may store (or caused to be stored) at least one attribute
(e.g., an energy transfer type, an interface type, a power, a
current, a voltage, an energy transfer profile, a duration, a
waveform, a temperature, etc.) of an energy transfer, where the at
least one attribute may be associated with one or more times (e.g.,
a voltage, current, etc. associated with an energy transfer at a
given time or times). The at least one attribute may also include
at least one cumulative attribute (e.g., a total amount of energy
transferred to vehicle 120 during at least one energy transfer, a
total amount of energy transferred from vehicle 120 during at least
one energy transfer, etc.) in one embodiment. In this manner, meter
229 may enable data to be collected over time and analyzed to
determine trends, patterns, or the like.
[0111] Meter 229 may be used to determine the amount of energy
received by vehicle 120 (e.g., as a result of an energy transfer
from energy transfer system 110 to vehicle 120). In one embodiment,
energy may be lost during the energy transfer, and therefore, the
amount of energy transferred from energy transfer system 110 (e.g.,
as measured by meter 219) may be different from the amount of
energy received by vehicle 120 (e.g., as measured by meter 229).
Thus, the amount of energy measured by meter 229 may be
advantageously used to more accurately or precisely account for
(e.g., during a financial or payment transaction associated with
the energy transfer) energy transferred from energy transfer system
110.
[0112] In one embodiment, meter 219 and meter 229 may be used to
determine an amount of energy lost during an energy transfer
between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120. For example,
the difference between an amount of energy measured by meter 219
and an amount of energy measured by meter 229 may be used to
determine an amount of energy lost during an energy transfer. And
in one embodiment, the difference between an amount of energy
measured by meter 219 and an amount of energy measured by meter 229
may be used to determine an efficiency of an energy transfer
between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120, another
attribute or parameter associated with the energy transfer,
etc.
[0113] Although FIG. 2 shows a specific number of interfaces
between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120, it should be
appreciated that any number of interfaces may exist or be used
(e.g., to transfer energy, communicate signals, some combination
thereof, etc.) between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120
in other embodiments. Additionally, although FIG. 2 shows a
specific combination of types of interfaces between energy transfer
system 110 and vehicle 120, it should be appreciated that any
combination of types of interfaces may exist or be used (e.g., to
transfer energy, communicate signals, some combination thereof,
etc.) between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120 in other
embodiments. Further, although FIG. 2 shows a specific number of
components (e.g., six energy transfer components, two charge and/or
discharge components, etc.), it should be appreciated that system
200 may include a larger or smaller number of components in other
embodiments. In one embodiment, two or more components may be
combined, a component may be separated into multiple components,
some combination thereof, etc. It should also be appreciated that
the components depicted in FIG. 2 may be arranged differently
(e.g., a sub-component of one component may be a sub-component of
another component, a sub-component of a component may exist outside
the component as another component, a component may be a
sub-component of another component, etc.) in other embodiments.
[0114] FIG. 3 shows system 300 for managing one or more energy
transfers with a plurality of vehicles in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, energy
transfer system 110 is coupled to a plurality of vehicles via a
plurality of interfaces. For example, vehicle 320a is coupled to
energy transfer system 110 via interface 330a, vehicle 320b is
coupled to energy transfer system 110 via interface 330b, and
vehicle 320c is coupled to energy transfer system 110 via interface
330c. Accordingly, in one embodiment, interfaces 330a, 330b, and
330c may be used to transfer energy and/or communicate signals
between energy transfer system 110 and a plurality of vehicles
(e.g., 320a, 320b, and 320c, respectively).
[0115] In one embodiment, signals communicated between energy
transfer system 110 and a vehicle (e.g., vehicle 320a over
interface 330a, vehicle 320b over interface 330b, vehicle 320c over
interface 330c, etc.) may be analog signals, digital signals, pulse
width modulated signals, some combination thereof, etc. An
interface (e.g., 330a, 330b, 330c, etc.) coupling energy transfer
system 110 and a vehicle (e.g., 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.) may
implement unidirectional signal communication and/or bidirectional
signal communication in one embodiment. And in one embodiment,
signals may be communicated between energy transfer system 110 and
a vehicle (e.g., vehicle 320a over interface 330a, vehicle 320b
over interface 330b, vehicle 320c over interface 330c, etc.) using
single-ended signaling and/or differential signaling.
[0116] In one embodiment, interface 330a may be implemented in
accordance with (e.g., include components of, function similarly
to, etc.) one or more of the interfaces described herein (e.g.,
interface 130, 132, 231, 234, 237, 134, etc.). Interface 330b may
be implemented in accordance with (e.g., include components of,
function similarly to, etc.) one or more of the interfaces
described herein (e.g., interface 130, 132, 231, 234, 237, 134,
etc.). Interface 330c may be implemented in accordance with (e.g.,
include components of, function similarly to, etc.) one or more of
the interfaces described herein (e.g., interface 130, 132, 231,
234, 237, 134, etc.). And in one embodiment, one or more of the
vehicles of system 300 (e.g., vehicle 320a, vehicle 320b, vehicle
320c, etc.) may be implemented in accordance with (e.g., include
components of, function similarly to, etc.) vehicle 120.
[0117] As shown in FIG. 3, energy distribution component 212 may
control energy transfers over one or more of the interfaces (e.g.,
330a, 330b, 330c, etc.). Energy distribution component 212 may
enable multiple energy transfers to occur over the same interface
(e.g., 330a, etc.) or over multiple interfaces (e.g., 330a and
330b, etc.). The multiple energy transfers may occur in the same
direction between energy transfer system 110 and a vehicle (e.g.,
320a, 320b, 320c, etc.) or in different directions. The multiple
energy transfers may take place simultaneously (or
contemporaneously) or sequentially.
[0118] As shown in FIG. 3, energy distribution component 212 may
enable at least one energy transfer between two or more vehicles
(e.g., 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.). For example, energy supplied by at
least one vehicle (e.g., from one or more energy storage components
of the at least one vehicle, from one or more power sources of the
at least one vehicle, etc.) may be supplied to one or more other
vehicles (e.g., to charge an energy storage component of the one or
more other vehicles) by energy distribution component 212. In one
embodiment, the at least one energy transfer between two or more
vehicles may occur simultaneously or contemporaneously with at
least one other energy transfer implemented by energy distribution
component 212 (e.g., an energy transfer from charge and/or
discharge component 218 to one or more of vehicles 320a through
320c, an energy transfer from another component of energy transfer
system 110 to one or more of vehicles 320a through 320c, an energy
transfer to charge and/or discharge component 218 from one or more
of vehicles 320a through 320c, an energy transfer to another
component of energy transfer system 110 from one or more of
vehicles 320a through 320c, some combination thereof, etc.). In one
embodiment, energy obtained from a vehicle (e.g., 320a, 320b, 320c,
etc.) may be less expensive than energy obtained from another
source (e.g., a utility company via power grid 250, power source
217, etc.), and therefore, revenue or profit may be increased
through the sale of energy to one vehicle which was obtained from
at least one other vehicle. As such, in one embodiment, energy
obtained from a vehicle (e.g., 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.) may be used
(e.g., for transfer to one or more vehicles, to charge energy
storage component 216, etc.) before energy obtained from another
source (e.g., a utility company via power grid 250, power source
217, etc.).
[0119] Signal communication component 214 may enable communication
of signals (e.g., data signals, clock signals, etc.) over one or
more of the interfaces (e.g., 330a, 330b, 330c, etc.). The multiple
communications may occur over the same interface (e.g., 330a, etc.)
or over multiple interfaces (e.g., 330a and 330b, etc.). The
multiple communications may occur in the same direction between
energy transfer system 110 and a vehicle (e.g., 320a, 320b, 320c,
etc.) or in different directions. In one embodiment, the multiple
communications may take place simultaneously or contemporaneously.
The multiple communications may take place sequentially in one
embodiment.
[0120] As shown in FIG. 3, signal communication component 214 may
enable at least one communication between two or more vehicles
(e.g., 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.). For example, at least one
communication transmitted by at least one vehicle may be
transmitted to one or more other vehicles via signal communication
component 214. In one embodiment, the at least one communication
between two or more vehicles may occur simultaneously or
contemporaneously with at least one other communication between a
component of energy transfer system 110 (e.g., signal communication
component 214, communication interface 241, etc.) and at least one
vehicle (e.g., 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.). The at least one signal
communication between two or more vehicles may occur simultaneously
or contemporaneously with at least one energy transfer between
energy transfer system 110 and at least one vehicle (e.g., 320a,
320b, 320c, etc.).
[0121] Although FIG. 3 shows only one interface between energy
transfer system 110 and a given vehicle (e.g., 320a, 320b, 320c,
etc.), it should be appreciated that any number of interfaces may
exist or be used (e.g., to transfer energy, communicate signals,
some combination thereof, etc.) between energy transfer system 110
and a given vehicle (e.g., 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.) in other
embodiments. Additionally, although FIG. 3 shows a specific number
of components (e.g., three vehicles, one charge and/or discharge
component, etc.), it should be appreciated that system 300 may
include a larger or smaller number of components in other
embodiments. In one embodiment, two or more components may be
combined, a component may be separated into multiple components,
some combination thereof, etc. It should also be appreciated that
the components depicted in FIG. 3 may be arranged differently
(e.g., a sub-component of one component may be a sub-component of
another component, a sub-component of a component may exist outside
the component as another component, a component may be a
sub-component of another component, etc.) in other embodiments.
[0122] FIG. 4 shows system 400 for managing one or more energy
transfers with a plurality of vehicles using separate components in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown
in FIG. 4, first set of components 410 (e.g., charge and/or
discharge component 418a, meter 419a, interface component 411a,
communication interface 441a, etc.) may be controllable to transfer
energy and/or communicate signals over a first interface (e.g.,
330a) to a first vehicle (e.g., 320a), second set of components 420
(e.g., charge and/or discharge component 418b, meter 419b,
interface component 411b, communication interface 441b, etc.) may
be controllable to transfer energy and/or communicate signals over
a second interface (e.g., 330b) to a second vehicle (e.g., 320b),
and third set of components 430 (e.g., charge and/or discharge
component 418c, meter 419c, interface component 411c, communication
interface 441c, etc.) may be controllable to transfer energy and/or
communicate signals over a third interface (e.g., 330c) to a third
vehicle (e.g., 320c).
[0123] In one embodiment, one or more of the charge and/or
discharge components (e.g., 418a, 418b, 418c, etc.) may be
implemented in accordance with (e.g., include components of,
function similarly to, etc.) charge and/or discharge component 218.
One or more of the meters (e.g., 419a, 419b, 419c, etc.) may be
implemented in accordance with (e.g., include components of,
function similarly to, etc.) meter 219 in one embodiment. In one
embodiment, one or more of the interface components (e.g., 411a,
411b, 411c, etc.) may be implemented in accordance with (e.g.,
include components of, function similarly to, etc.) interface
component 211. One or more of the communication interfaces (e.g.,
441a, 441b, 441c, etc.) may be implemented in accordance with
(e.g., include components of, function similarly to, etc.)
communication interface 241 in one embodiment.
[0124] As shown in FIG. 4, system 400 may be capable of performing
energy transfers between two or more vehicles (e.g., 320a, 320b,
320c, etc.). In one embodiment, the interface components (e.g.,
411a, 411b, 411c, etc.) may function as a single interface
component (e.g., interface component 211) to control the one or
more energy transfers between two or more vehicles. For example,
the interface components (e.g., 411a, 411b, 411c, etc.) may
communicate with one another (e.g., wirelessly, using a wired
interface, via respective interfaces coupling each interface
component to power management component 215, etc.) and transfer
energy between one another (e.g., via respective interfaces
coupling each interface component to power management component
215). Therefore, the interface components may control an energy
transfer between two or more vehicles similar to interface
component 211 as discussed herein (e.g., with respect to FIG.
3).
[0125] In one embodiment, power management component 215, either
alone or in combination with at least one other component (e.g.,
charge and/or discharge component 418a, charge and/or discharge
component 418b, charge and/or discharge component 418c, interface
component 411a, interface component 411b, interface component 411c,
some combination thereof, etc.), may control the one or more energy
transfers between two or more vehicles. For example, as shown in
FIG. 4, power management component 215 is coupled to each of the
charge and/or discharge components (e.g., 418a, 418b, 418c, etc.)
and is capable of receiving energy from and/or supplying energy to
each of the charge and/or discharge components (e.g., 418a, 418b,
418c, etc.). As such, power management component 215 can direct
energy received from one or more vehicles to one or more other
vehicles (e.g., via a respective charge and/or discharge component,
a respective interface component, etc.).
[0126] In one embodiment, the at least one energy transfer between
two or more vehicles (e.g., implemented in accordance with power
management component 215) may occur simultaneously or
contemporaneously with at least one other energy transfer. For
example, power management component 215 may be capable of enabling
the at least one energy transfer between two or more vehicles
simultaneously or contemporaneously with one or more energy
transfers between a component (e.g., power grid 250, energy storage
component 216, power source 217, etc.) and at least one vehicle
(e.g., 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.).
[0127] As shown in FIG. 4, signals (e.g., data signals, clock
signals, etc.) may be communicated between any two components of
system 400. For example, signals may be communicated between a
vehicle (e.g., 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.) and a communication
interface (e.g., 441a, 441b, 441c, etc.) similar to signal
communication using communication interface 241 as discussed
herein. The communication interfaces (e.g., 441a, 441b, 441c, etc.)
may communicate signals with one another using a wireless interface
and/or a wired interface. Additionally, other components of system
400 may be communicatively coupled to at least one of the
communication interfaces (e.g., 441a, 441b, 441c, etc.). In this
manner, one or more components of system 400 may communicate
signals with one or more other components of system 400.
[0128] In one embodiment, a communication interface (e.g., 441a,
441b, 441c, etc.) may communicate signals with another component of
system 400 using any of the signal communication techniques
discussed herein. For example, a communication interface (e.g.,
441a, 441b, 441c, etc.) may communicate signals with another
component of system 400 (e.g., another communication interface,
power management component 215, etc.) via modulation and/or
demodulation, where both the communication interface (e.g., using a
signal communication component similar to signal communication
component 214) and the other component (e.g., using a signal
communication component similar to signal communication component
214) are each capable of modulating and demodulating signals
transferred over an interface coupling the communication interface
and the other component. As another example, a communication
interface (e.g., 441a, 441b, 441c, etc.) may communicate signals
with another component of system 400 (e.g., another communication
interface, power management component 215, etc.) via an
electromagnetic field surrounding at least one conductor of an
interface coupling the communication interface and the other
component, where both the communication interface (e.g., using a
signal communication component similar to signal communication
component 214) and the other component (e.g., using a signal
communication component similar to signal communication component
214) are each capable of altering the electromagnetic field
surrounding the at least one conductor of the interface to
communicate signals between the communication interface and the
other component. Alternatively, a communication interface (e.g.,
441a, 441b, 441c, etc.) may communicate signals with another
component of system 400 using a separate signal interface (e.g.,
similar to signal interface 134) coupling the communication
interface to the other component.
[0129] As shown in FIG. 4, a first set of components (e.g., 410)
and a second set of components (e.g., 420) may be disposed in
different locations (e.g., remotely from one another, within
eyeshot of one another, etc.). For example, components 410 may be
disposed near one parking space in a parking lot, while components
420 may be disposed near another parking space in the parking lot.
As another example, components 410 may be disposed near one
location of a boat dock, while components 420 may be disposed near
another location of the boat dock. As yet another example,
components 410 may be disposed near one location of an airport,
while components 420 may be disposed near another location of an
airport. And as a further example, components 410 may be disposed
at a first location along a vehicle route (e.g., a roadway, a route
for a boat, a taxiway or runway for an aircraft, etc.), while
components 420 may be disposed at a second location along the
vehicle route (e.g., a roadway, a route for a boat, a taxiway or
runway for an aircraft, etc.).
[0130] Each of the set of components (e.g., 410, 420, 430, etc.)
may be disposed in at least one respective housing in one
embodiment. The one or more housings containing each set of
components may be disposed at least partially in the ground, in a
curb, in the water, in a sign, in a guard rail, in an overpass, in
a street light, in a stoplight, etc. In one embodiment, each of the
set of components (e.g., 410, 420, 430, etc.) may implement a
respective charge station capable of performing an energy transfer
with one or more vehicles (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.).
[0131] Power management component 215 may be located remotely from
one or more components of system 400 (e.g., charge and/or discharge
component 418a, set of components 410, etc.). In one embodiment,
power management component 215 may be located in a first location
(e.g., near a utility meter, utility service entrance, breaker box,
near a building, near or attached to a building owned by an entity
profiting from an energy transfer carried out using system 400,
etc.), while the one or more other components are located in a
second location (e.g., in or near a parking lot owned by an entity
profiting from an energy transfer carried out using system 400, in
or near a boat dock owned by an entity profiting from an energy
transfer carried out using system 400, in or near an airport owned
by an entity profiting from an energy transfer carried out using
system 400, in a vehicle route, in an object disposed near a
vehicle route, etc.). Power management component 215 may be coupled
to a remotely-located component (e.g., charge and/or discharge
component 418a, charge and/or discharge component 418b, charge
and/or discharge component 418c, set of components 410, set of
components 420, set of components 430, etc.) via single interface
capable of transferring energy and/or communicating signals.
Alternatively, power management component 215 may be coupled to a
remotely-located component (e.g., charge and/or discharge component
418a, charge and/or discharge component 418b, charge and/or
discharge component 418c, set of components 410, set of components
420, set of components 430, etc.) via a plurality of interfaces,
where each interface may be capable of transferring energy and/or
communicating signals.
[0132] Although FIG. 4 shows only one interface between energy
transfer system 110 and a given vehicle (e.g., 320a, 320b, 320c,
etc.), it should be appreciated that any number of interfaces may
exist or be used (e.g., to transfer energy, communicate signals,
some combination thereof, etc.) between energy transfer system 110
and a given vehicle (e.g., 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.) in other
embodiments. Additionally, although FIG. 4 shows a specific number
of components (e.g., three vehicles, three charge and/or discharge
components, three sets of components 410 to 430, etc.), it should
be appreciated that system 400 may include a larger or smaller
number of components in other embodiments. In one embodiment, two
or more components may be combined, a component may be separated
into multiple components, some combination thereof, etc. It should
also be appreciated that the components depicted in FIG. 4 may be
arranged differently (e.g., a sub-component of one component may be
a sub-component of another component, a sub-component of a
component may exist outside the component as another component, a
component may be a sub-component of another component, etc.) in
other embodiments.
[0133] FIG. 5 shows system 500 for managing one or more energy
transfers using an interface system in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 5, interface
system 550 may communicate with a vehicle (e.g., 320a, 320b, 320c,
etc.), a computer system (e.g., 570, 590, 592, 594, etc.), an
energy transfer system (e.g., 110), a payment system (e.g., 560),
some combination thereof, etc. In one embodiment, computer system
570 may be associated with (e.g., owned by the same entity or
individual as, etc.) energy transfer system 110, where computer
system 570 and energy transfer system 110 may be located in the
same location or located remotely from one another. Each vehicle
(e.g., 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.) of system 500 may be associated with
(e.g., owned by the same entity or individual as, etc.) a
respective computer system (e.g., 590, 592, and 594, respectively),
where the associated computer system and vehicle may be located in
the same location or located remotely from one another. Each
computer system of system 500 (e.g., 570, 590, 592, 594, etc.) may
be implemented in accordance with (e.g., include components of,
function similarly to, etc.) computer system 4100 of FIG. 41 in one
embodiment. Each display of system 500 (e.g., 511, 571, 521, 591,
522, 593, 523, 595, etc.) may be implemented in accordance with
(e.g., include components of, function similarly to, etc.) output
component 4190 of FIG. 41 in one embodiment. And in one embodiment,
each display of system 500 (e.g., 511, 571, 521, 591, 522, 593,
523, 595, etc.) may be any device capable of displaying an image
such as a liquid crystal display (LED), light emitting diode (LED)
display, organic light emitting diode (OLED) display, plasma
display, cathode ray tube (CRT) display, projector, etc.
[0134] As shown in FIG. 5, interface system 550 may perform one or
more tasks related to an energy transfer between energy transfer
system 110 and one or more vehicles (e.g., 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.).
For example, interface system 550 may enable registration (e.g.,
using registration component 610 of FIG. 6) of one or more energy
transfer systems (e.g., by one or more users of the one or more
energy transfer systems) and/or one or more vehicles (e.g., by one
or more users of the one or more vehicles). As another example,
interface system 550 may perform tasks prior to an energy transfer
(e.g., using pre-transfer processing component 620 of FIG. 6),
during an energy transfer (e.g., using energy transfer processing
component 630 of FIG. 6), after an energy transfer (e.g., using
post-transfer processing component 640 of FIG. 6), some combination
thereof, etc. And as yet another example, interface system 550 may
store information (e.g., collected during registration, before an
energy transfer, during an energy transfer, after an energy
transfer, etc.) in a memory or database accessible to interface
system 550 (e.g., in database 650, database 660, database 665,
database 670, database 675, database 680, database 690, etc.).
[0135] As shown in FIG. 6, registration component 610 may enable
registration of one or more energy transfer systems. For example,
information may be collected about an energy transfer system (e.g.,
110), about a user of an energy transfer system (e.g., an
organization or business, an individual, an owner, a lessee, an
attendant, etc.), about preferences or attributes related to the
energy transfer system, etc. The collected information may be
stored in a memory or database (e.g., 650, 670, 675, etc.)
accessible to interface system 550. In one embodiment, the
information may be collected using a user interface (e.g.,
graphical user interface (GUI) 800 of FIG. 8), where the user
interface may be accessed and displayed on a display device (e.g.,
571 of FIG. 5) of a computer system (e.g., 570 of FIG. 5) and/or a
display device (e.g., 511 of FIG. 5) of an energy transfer system
(e.g., 110). In this manner, an energy transfer system (e.g., 110)
may be registered to enable the energy transfer system to
participate in energy transfers with one or more vehicles and also
participate in transactions related to the energy transfers.
[0136] Registration component 610 may enable registration of one or
more vehicles. For example, information may be collected about a
vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.), about a user of the
vehicle (e.g., an owner, lessee, driver, etc.), about preferences
or attributes related to the vehicle, etc. The collected
information may be stored in a memory or database (e.g., 650, 660,
665, 680, etc.) accessible to interface system 550. In one
embodiment, the information may be collected using a user interface
(e.g., GUI 900 of FIG. 9), where the user interface may be accessed
and displayed on a display device (e.g., 591 of FIG. 5, 593 of FIG.
5, 595 of FIG. 5, etc.) of a computer system (e.g., 590 of FIG. 5,
592 of FIG. 5, 594 of FIG. 5, etc.) and/or a display device (e.g.,
521 of FIG. 5, 522 of FIG. 5, 523 of FIG. 5, etc.) of a vehicle
(e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.). In this manner, a vehicle
(e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.) may be registered to enable the
vehicle to participate in energy transfers with one or more energy
transfer systems and also participate in transactions related to
the energy transfers.
[0137] As shown in FIG. 6, pre-transfer processing component 620
may perform tasks prior to an energy transfer between an energy
transfer system (e.g., 110) and at least one vehicle (e.g., 120,
320a, 320b, 320c, etc.). For example, pre-transfer processing
component 620 may access information related to vehicle, related to
a user of a vehicle, related to an energy transfer system, related
to a user of an energy transfer system, a current state of an
energy transfer system, a current state of a vehicle, some
combination thereof, etc. In one embodiment, the information may be
stored in a database (e.g., 650, 660, 665, 670, 675, 680, etc.)
accessible to interface system 550. The information may be used to
determine at least one attribute associated with at least one
energy transfer between an energy transfer system (e.g., 110) and
at least one vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.), where the
at least one attribute may include an energy transfer type (e.g., a
"charge" or transfer of energy to the vehicle, a "discharge" or
transfer of energy from the vehicle, etc.), an interface type
(e.g., a wired energy transfer interface including a plug and/or
cable, an inductive energy transfer interface, a wireless energy
transfer interface, etc.), a power (e.g., measured in watts,
kilowatts, etc.), a current (e.g., measured in amps, etc.), a
voltage, an energy transfer profile, a duration, a waveform, a
temperature, some combination thereof, etc. The information may
also be used to determine at least one cost (e.g., billable to an
individual and/or entity associated with the vehicle, billable to
an individual and/or entity associated with the energy transfer
system, etc.) associated with the at least one energy transfer,
where the cost may correspond to an energy transfer rate (e.g.,
different energy transfer rates may have different costs), an
energy transfer profile (e.g., different energy transfer profiles
may have different costs), a quantity of energy transferred (e.g.,
different quantities of energy transferred may have different
costs), some combination thereof, etc.
[0138] In one embodiment, at least one attribute may be determined
using information related to an energy transfer system (e.g., 110)
and information related to a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c,
etc.). For example, attributes compatible with the energy transfer
system may be compared to attributes compatible with the vehicle to
determine at least one attribute compatible with both the energy
transfer system and the vehicle. The at least one attribute may
then be filtered using other information (e.g., a state of the
energy transfer system, a user preference associated with the
energy transfer, etc.). For example, one or more attributes may be
filtered which exceed a remaining capacity of the energy transfer
system to transfer energy at a particular time, where the remaining
capacity may vary over time based on, for example, a load on the
energy transfer system due to charging other vehicles, a change in
an amount of energy supplied by a component of the energy transfer
system (e.g., energy storage component 216, power source 217,
etc.), supplying electricity to a building or lights in a parking
lot, etc. As another example, one or more attributes may be
filtered which correspond to an energy transfer which cannot be
performed (e.g., due to a problem with an energy transfer
interface, due to a problem with a signal interface, etc.). As yet
another example, one or more attributes may be filtered based on a
user preference associated with a state of the energy transfer
system (e.g., higher energy transfer rates should be filtered as
the capacity of the energy transfer system to transfer energy goes
down). As a further example, one or more attributes may be filtered
based on a user preference associated with an energy transfer
system (e.g., entered using GUI 800 of FIG. 8) and/or a vehicle
(e.g., entered using GUI 900 of FIG. 9), where the user preference
may be a user-specified maximum threshold, a user-specified minimum
threshold, a user-specified parameter, etc.
[0139] At least one cost (e.g., billable to an individual and/or
entity associated with the vehicle, billable to an individual
and/or entity associated with the energy transfer system, etc.) may
be determined based on a cost of electricity to the energy transfer
system (e.g., as determined by the utility providing power, by a
cost to purchase and/or install a power source such as power source
217, by a cost to operate a power source such as power source 217,
etc.) and/or a cost of electricity to the vehicle (e.g., as
determined by a cost to purchase and/or install a power source such
as power source 227, by a cost to operate a power source such as
power source 227, etc.). For example, a utility may charge more for
power during the day than at night (e.g., due to variations in
demand for electricity throughout the day), and therefore, the cost
may be higher for an energy transfer performed during the day than
for an energy transfer performed at night. As another example, a
power source (e.g., 217, 227, etc.) which has a higher upfront cost
(e.g., the cost to purchase and/or install the power source and any
related components) and/or has a higher cost to operate (e.g.,
higher maintenance costs, higher fees for licensing the equipment,
etc.) may result in a higher cost.
[0140] In one embodiment, at least one cost (e.g., billable to an
individual and/or entity associated with the vehicle, billable to
an individual and/or entity associated with the energy transfer
system, etc.) may be determined based on supply of and/or demand
for electricity. For example, if the demand for energy is low
(e.g., caused by a fewer number of vehicles requesting energy from
the energy transfer system, a larger number of vehicles requesting
to transfer energy to the energy transfer system, etc.), then the
cost may be lower. If the demand for energy is high (e.g., caused
by a larger number of vehicles requesting energy from the energy
transfer system, a smaller number of vehicles requesting to
transfer energy to the energy transfer system, etc.), then the cost
may be higher. As another example, if the supply of energy is low
(e.g., the amount of energy capable of being transferred by the
energy transfer system is low, a large number of vehicles
requesting to transfer energy from the energy transfer system, a
small number of vehicles requesting to transfer energy to the
energy transfer system, etc.), then the cost may be higher. If the
supply of energy is high (e.g., the amount of energy capable of
being transferred by the energy transfer system is high, a small
number of vehicles requesting to transfer energy from the energy
transfer system, a large number of vehicles requesting to transfer
energy to the energy transfer system, etc.), then the cost may be
lower.
[0141] At least one cost (e.g., billable to an individual and/or
entity associated with the vehicle, billable to an individual
and/or entity associated with the energy transfer system, etc.) may
be determined based on incentives presented to one or more parties
to the transaction. For example, if the energy transfer system
advertises for another party (e.g., entity, individual, etc.),
directs business to the other party, etc., a cost of energy
transferred to a vehicle may be lowered in exchange for a kickback
(e.g., financial, exchange of services, etc.) to the energy
transfer system (e.g., an entity associated therewith, an
individual associated therewith, etc.) from the other party. In one
embodiment, a region (e.g., 1095) of a GUI (e.g., 1000) may be used
to present incentives. As another example, it may be advantageous
to receive the energy at a higher energy transfer rate (e.g., an
energy transfer system can accumulate a larger amount of energy
more quickly that can be transferred to other vehicles for profit,
the duration of the energy transfer to a vehicle can be reduced to
enable use of the vehicle in a shorter amount of time, etc.), and
therefore, the cost may be increased when transferred at a higher
rate (e.g., an increase in the energy transfer rate may result in a
larger overall cost for the energy transfer even though the same
amount of energy may be transferred at both energy transfer
rates).
[0142] In one embodiment, at least one cost (e.g., billable to an
individual and/or entity associated with the vehicle, billable to
an individual and/or entity associated with the energy transfer
system, etc.) may be determined based on a user preference. For
example, a user may input a preference (e.g., using region 842 of
GUI 800 of FIG. 8, using region 961 of GUI 900 of FIG. 9)
associated an energy transfer to a vehicle (e.g., which defines a
relationship between cost and a supply of electricity, which
defines a relationship between cost and a demand for electricity,
etc.) may be used to determine at least one cost. As another
example, a user may input a preference (e.g., using region 843 of
GUI 800 of FIG. 8, using region 962 of GUI 900 of FIG. 9)
associated with an energy transfer from a vehicle (e.g., which
defines a relationship between cost and a supply of electricity,
which defines a relationship between cost and a demand for
electricity, etc.) may be used to determine at least one cost. As
yet another example, a capacity level associated with an energy
storage component (e.g., 216, 226, etc.) which is specified or
selected by a user (e.g., using region 1050 of GUI 1000 of FIG. 10)
may be used to determine at least one cost.
[0143] As shown in FIG. 6, pre-transfer processing component 620
may be used to present a user interface (e.g., GUI 1000 of FIG. 10)
including at least one attribute and/or at least one cost, where
the user interface may be accessed and displayed on a display
device (e.g., 591 of FIG. 5, 593 of FIG. 5, 595 of FIG. 5, etc.) of
a computer system (e.g., 590 of FIG. 5, 592 of FIG. 5, 594 of FIG.
5, etc.) and/or a display device (e.g., 521 of FIG. 5, 522 of FIG.
5, 523 of FIG. 5, etc.) of a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c,
etc.). The user interface may enable a user to make a selection
associated with one or more attributes (e.g., of the at least one
attribute) and/or one or more costs (e.g., of the at least one
cost). For example, the user interface may enable a user to select
an energy transfer to be performed in accordance with an attribute
at a given cost. A request may be generated, based on the
selection, to perform an energy transfer (e.g., in accordance with
the one or more attributes associated with the selection) between
the energy transfer system (e.g., 110) and the at least one vehicle
(e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.).
[0144] Pre-transfer processing component 620 may handle problems
which occur prior to performing an energy transfer. For example,
pre-transfer processing component 620 may monitor and detect a
problem with an interface (e.g., a plug is not properly inserted
into a receptacle to enable energy transfer and/or signal
communication over the interface, etc.). In one embodiment,
pre-transfer processing component 620 may request that corrective
action be taken (e.g., instruct a user to properly insert the plug
into the receptacle, etc.), attempt corrective action without user
participation (e.g., restart or reinitialize the interface to
attempt to restore energy transfer capability and/or signal
communication ability to the interface, etc.), etc. Pre-transfer
processing component 620 may filter one or more attributes which
correspond to the problem (e.g., if the problem with an interface
cannot be corrected, if the problem is not corrected by a user
within a predetermined period of time after notification, etc.),
where the filtering may provide one or more attributes to be
displayed on a GUI (e.g., 1000) for selection by a user (e.g., to
initiate an energy transfer in accordance with at least one
attribute selected using the GUI).
[0145] As shown in FIG. 6, pre-transfer processing component 620
may communicate with an energy transfer system (e.g., 110) and/or a
vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.) to increase security
prior to an energy transfer. For example, pre-transfer processing
component 620 may communicate information about a location and/or
status of a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.) for
presentation to a user (e.g., using GUI 1000 of FIG. 10), thereby
enabling a user to locate the vehicle and/or communicate its
location to the authorities if the vehicle has been stolen (e.g.,
using region 1090 of GUI 1000 of FIG. 10). Pre-transfer processing
component 620 may enable monitoring of the vehicle by, for example,
processing and/or communicating image data (e.g., one or more still
images, video, etc.) and/or audio data associated with a vehicle
for presentation to a user (e.g., using video surveillance display
region 1030 of GUI 1000, etc.). The image data may be captured
using a component of the energy transfer system (e.g., camera 1321)
and/or a component of the vehicle (e.g., camera 1371). The audio
data may be captured using a component of the energy transfer
system (e.g., microphone 1323) and/or a component of the vehicle
(e.g., microphone 1373). As such, in one embodiment, image data
and/or audio data captured by components of an energy transfer
system may be communicated to interface system 550 for processing
and/or presentation to a user. And in one embodiment, image data
and/or audio data captured by components of a vehicle may be
communicated to interface system 550 (e.g., directly from the
vehicle to interface system 550, via energy transfer system 110,
etc.) for processing and/or presentation to a user.
[0146] In one embodiment, pre-transfer processing component 620 may
increase security by communicating authentication results to a user
(e.g., using auxiliary display region 1095 of GUI 1000, etc.),
where the authentication results may correspond to an
authentication of a user (e.g., responsive to a user entering an
incorrect code to attempt to charge, discharge, use, and/or move
the vehicle), an authentication of one or more components of the
vehicle (e.g., authentication of energy storage component 226,
authentication of charge and/or discharge component 228,
authentication of security component 2820 of FIG. 28,
authentication of security component 2840 of FIG. 28, etc.), an
authentication of one or more components of energy transfer system
110 (e.g., authentication of interface component 211,
authentication of power management component 215, authentication of
energy storage component 216, authentication of power source 217,
authentication of charge and/or discharge component 218, etc.),
some combination thereof, etc. Pre-transfer processing component
620 may enable a user to report the vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b,
320c, etc.) as stolen by, for example, receiving a request from a
user to report the vehicle as stolen (e.g., responsive to an
interaction with region 1090 of GUI 1000 of FIG. 10) and reporting
the vehicle as stolen to the authorities (e.g. the police) based on
the request.
[0147] In one embodiment, pre-transfer processing component 620 may
be used to perform an authentication. For example, pre-transfer
processing component 620 may be used to perform an authentication
of a user to enable (e.g., if the authentication is successful) an
energy transfer to a vehicle, an energy transfer from a vehicle,
use of a vehicle, movement of a vehicle, some combination thereof,
etc. As another example, pre-transfer processing component 620 may
be used to perform an authentication of a component of a vehicle
(e.g., 120) and/or of a component of an energy transfer system
(e.g., 110) to enable (e.g., if the authentication is successful)
communication between at least two systems (e.g., interface system
550, payment system 560, energy transfer system 110, vehicle 120,
etc.), an energy transfer between an energy transfer system and a
vehicle, a signal communication between an energy transfer system
and a vehicle, some combination thereof, etc. In one embodiment,
the authentication may be performed by pre-transfer processing
component 620 alone or in combination with at least one other
component (e.g., authentication component 1340 of FIG. 13,
authentication component 1380 of FIG. 13, authentication component
2822 of FIG. 28, authentication component 2842 of FIG. 28, some
combination thereof, etc.).
[0148] As shown in FIG. 6, energy transfer processing component 630
may perform tasks during an energy transfer between an energy
transfer system (e.g., 110) and at least one vehicle (e.g., 120,
320a, 320b, 320c, etc.). For example, energy transfer processing
component 630 may handle problems which occur during an energy
transfer, increase security during an energy transfer, process
information for an energy transfer, some combination thereof,
etc.
[0149] In one embodiment, energy transfer processing component 630
may identify an interface corresponding to the problem (e.g., a
plug is fully or partially removed from a receptacle during an
energy transfer, the vehicle moves during an energy transfer which
reduces an ability to transfer energy over an inductive interface
or wireless interface, a component of an interface fails or goes
offline, etc.). Energy transfer processing component 630 may
determine if any interfaces remain to carry out the energy
transfer. If at least one other interface is available, then energy
transfer processing component 630 may adjust the energy transfer
accordingly. For example, energy transfer processing component 630
may confirm the operability of one or more of the at least one
interface, begin to transfer energy using an interface which was
not being used to transfer energy, adjust at least one attribute of
an interface which was being used to transfer energy (e.g.,
increase the amount of energy transferred over an interface which
is already in use to accommodate the reduction in energy
transferred caused by the deactivation of the interface associated
with the problem, to carry out a request by a user for an increase
in the energy transfer, to carry out an automated request for an
increase in the energy transfer, etc.), etc. If no interfaces
remain to carry out the energy transfer, then energy transfer
processing component 630 may notify a user (e.g., using GUI 1000 of
FIG. 10).
[0150] In one embodiment, energy transfer processing component 630
may identify an attribute of the energy transfer corresponding to
the problem (e.g., energy transfer system 110 may not be able to
support an energy transfer at a selected power or current due to a
problem with energy transfer system 110, due to an unforeseen
change in load on energy transfer system 110, etc.). Energy
transfer processing component 630 may determine if any attributes
remain to carry out the energy transfer. If at least one other
attribute is available, then energy transfer processing component
630 may adjust the energy transfer accordingly. For example, energy
transfer processing component 630 may confirm the operability of
one or more of the at least one attribute, begin to transfer energy
in accordance with the one or more remaining attributes, etc. In
one embodiment, at least one attribute may be selected from the one
or more remaining attributes, where the selection is made
automatically (e.g., by energy transfer system 110, by energy
transfer processing component 630, etc.) or manually (e.g., by a
user via a GUI such as GUI 1000, etc.). If no attributes remain to
carry out the energy transfer, then energy transfer processing
component 630 may notify a user (e.g., using GUI 1000 of FIG.
10).
[0151] As shown in FIG. 6, energy transfer processing component 630
may communicate with an energy transfer system (e.g., 110) and/or a
vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.) to increase security
during an energy transfer. For example, energy transfer processing
component 630 may communicate information about a location and/or
status of a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.) to a user
(e.g., for presentation using GUI 1000 of FIG. 10), thereby
enabling a user to locate the vehicle and/or communicate its
location to the authorities if the vehicle has been stolen (e.g.,
using region 1090 of GUI 1000 of FIG. 10). Energy transfer
processing component 630 may enable monitoring of the vehicle by,
for example, processing and/or communicating image data (e.g., one
or more still images, video, etc.) and/or audio data associated
with the vehicle for presentation to a user (e.g., using video
surveillance display region 1030 of GUI 1000). The image data may
be captured using a component of the energy transfer system (e.g.,
camera 1321) and/or a component of the vehicle (e.g., camera 1371).
The audio data may be captured using a component of the energy
transfer system (e.g., microphone 1323) and/or a component of the
vehicle (e.g., microphone 1373). As such, in one embodiment, image
data and/or audio data captured by components of an energy transfer
system may be communicated to interface system 550 for processing
and/or presentation to a user. And in one embodiment, image data
and/or audio data captured by components of a vehicle may be
communicated to interface system 550 (e.g., directly from the
vehicle to interface system 550, via energy transfer system 110,
etc.) for processing and/or presentation to a user.
[0152] In one embodiment, energy transfer processing component 630
may increase security by communicating authentication results to a
user (e.g., for presentation using auxiliary display region 1095 of
GUI 1000), where the authentication results may correspond to an
authentication of a user (e.g., responsive to a user entering an
incorrect code to attempt to charge, discharge, use and/or move the
vehicle), an authentication of one or more components of the
vehicle (e.g., authentication of energy storage component 226,
authentication of charge and/or discharge component 228,
authentication of security component 2820 of FIG. 28,
authentication of security component 2840 of FIG. 28, etc.), an
authentication of one or more components of energy transfer system
110 (e.g., authentication of interface component 211,
authentication of power management component 215, authentication of
energy storage component 216, authentication of power source 217,
authentication of charge and/or discharge component 218, etc.),
some combination thereof, etc. Energy transfer processing component
630 may enable a user to report the vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b,
320c, etc.) as stolen by, for example, receiving a request from a
user to report the vehicle as stolen (e.g., responsive to an
interaction with region 1090 of GUI 1000 of FIG. 10) and
communicating the request to the authorities.
[0153] Energy transfer processing component 630 may process
information for an energy transfer. For example, energy transfer
processing component 630 may collect and store information (e.g. in
database 690), where the information may include the value or level
of one or more attributes sampled at one or more times during the
energy transfer. Energy transfer processing component 630 may
process the stored information to determine trends, patterns, or
the like for the energy transfer. In one embodiment, energy
transfer processing component 630 may process the stored
information by comparing data for one or more energy transfers
associated with a particular vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c,
etc.), comparing data for one or more energy transfers associated
with a particular energy transfer system (e.g., 110), comparing
data for one or more energy transfers associated with a particular
vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.) against data for one or
more energy transfers associated with at least one other vehicle,
comparing data for one or more energy transfers associated with a
particular energy transfer system (e.g., 110) against data for one
or more energy transfers associated with at least one other energy
transfer system, etc.
[0154] As shown in FIG. 6, post-transfer processing component 640
may perform tasks after an energy transfer between an energy
transfer system (e.g., 110) and at least one vehicle (e.g., 120,
320a, 320b, 320c, etc.). For example, post-transfer processing
component 640 may execute a payment transaction for at least one
energy transfer and/or increase security after the at least one
energy transfer.
[0155] In one embodiment, post-transfer processing component 640
may execute a payment transaction between two or more parties for
at least one energy transfer. For example, responsive to receiving
an indication that the at least one energy transfer has been
concluded and/or responsive to receiving a cost for the at least
one energy transfer, post-transfer processing component 640 may
implement a funds transfer from a first account (e.g., held by or
otherwise accessible using payment system 560 or another payment
system, selected or identified by a user using region 1080 of GUI
1000, etc.) associated with a vehicle and/or at least one user
thereof to a second account (e.g., held by or otherwise accessible
using payment system 560 or another payment system, selected or
identified by a user using region 941 of GUI 900, etc.) associated
with an energy transfer system and/or at least one user thereof. As
another example, responsive to receiving an indication that the at
least one energy transfer has been concluded and/or responsive to
receiving a cost for the at least one energy transfer,
post-transfer processing component 640 may implement a funds
transfer from a first account (e.g., held by or otherwise
accessible using payment system 560 or another payment system,
selected or identified by a user using region 941 of GUI 900, etc.)
associated with an energy transfer system and/or at least one user
thereof to a second account (e.g., held by or otherwise accessible
using payment system 560 or another payment system, selected or
identified by a user using region 1080 of GUI 1000, etc.)
associated with a vehicle and/or at least one user thereof. In one
embodiment, the term "payment system" (e.g., with reference to
payment system 560, another payment system, etc.) as used herein
may be a bank or other financial institution, a credit card
company, an online payment service such as Paypal, etc.
[0156] In one embodiment, post-transfer processing component 640
may implement a funds transfer using a component of energy transfer
system 110. For example, a payment interface (e.g., payment
interface 1330 of FIG. 13) may be used to implement a funds
transfer (e.g., alone or in combination with payment system 560,
another payment system, at least one other component of the energy
transfer system, at least one component of a vehicle, etc.). As
another example, a dispenser (e.g., dispenser 1331 of FIG. 13) may
be used to implement a funds transfer (e.g., alone or in
combination with payment system 560, another payment system, at
least one other component of the energy transfer system, at least
one component of a vehicle, etc.).
[0157] Post-transfer processing component 640 may communicate with
an energy transfer system (e.g., 110) and/or a vehicle (e.g., 120,
320a, 320b, 320c, etc.) to increase security after an energy
transfer. For example, post-transfer processing component 640 may
communicate information about a location and/or status of a vehicle
(e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.) to a user (e.g., for
presentation using GUI 1000 of FIG. 10), thereby enabling a user to
locate the vehicle and/or communicate its location to the
authorities if the vehicle has been stolen (e.g., using region 1090
of GUI 1000 of FIG. 10). Post-transfer processing component 640 may
enable monitoring of the vehicle by, for example, processing and/or
communicating image data (e.g., one or more still images, video,
etc.) and/or audio data associated with the vehicle for
presentation to a user (e.g., using video surveillance display
region 1030 of GUI 1000). The image data may be captured using a
component of the energy transfer system (e.g., camera 1321) and/or
a component of the vehicle (e.g., camera 1371). The audio data may
be captured using a component of the energy transfer system (e.g.,
microphone 1323) and/or a component of the vehicle (e.g.,
microphone 1373). As such, in one embodiment, image data and/or
audio data captured by components of an energy transfer system may
be communicated to interface system 550 for processing and/or
presentation to a user. And in one embodiment, image data and/or
audio data captured by components of a vehicle may be communicated
to interface system 550 (e.g., directly from the vehicle to
interface system 550, via energy transfer system 110, etc.) for
processing and/or presentation to a user.
[0158] In one embodiment, post-transfer processing component 640
may increase security by communicating authentication results to a
user (e.g., using GUI 1000 of FIG. 10, using auxiliary display
region 1095 of GUI 1000, etc.), where the authentication results
may correspond to an authentication of a user (e.g., responsive to
a user entering an incorrect code to attempt to charge, discharge,
use, and/or move the vehicle), an authentication of one or more
components of the vehicle (e.g., authentication of energy storage
component 226, authentication of charge and/or discharge component
228, authentication of security component 2820 of FIG. 28,
authentication of security component 2840 of FIG. 28, etc.), an
authentication of one or more components of energy transfer system
110 (e.g., authentication of interface component 211,
authentication of power management component 215, authentication of
energy storage component 216, authentication of power source 217,
authentication of charge and/or discharge component 218, etc.),
some combination thereof, etc. Post-transfer processing component
640 may enable a user to report the vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b,
320c, etc.) as stolen by, for example, receiving a request from a
user to report the vehicle as stolen (e.g., responsive to an
interaction with region 1090 of GUI 1000 of FIG. 10) and
communicating the request to the authorities.
[0159] In one embodiment, post-transfer processing component 640
may implement a securing of one or more energy transfer interfaces
after the energy transfer. After the one or more energy transfer
interfaces are secured, an authentication procedure (e.g., an
authentication of a user, an authentication of a component of an
energy transfer system, an authentication of a component of a
vehicle, some combination thereof, etc.) may be conducted (e.g.,
using pre-transfer processing component 620, authentication
component 1340 of FIG. 13, authentication component 1380 of FIG.
13, authentication component 2822 of FIG. 28, authentication
component 2842 of FIG. 28, some combination thereof, etc.) to
enable (e.g., if the authentication is successful) communication
between at least two systems (e.g., interface system 550, payment
system 560, energy transfer system 110, vehicle 120, etc.), an
energy transfer between a vehicle and an energy transfer system,
communication of signals between a vehicle and an energy transfer
system, movement and/or use of a vehicle, some combination thereof,
etc. In this manner, post-transfer processing component 640 may
increase vehicle security.
[0160] In one embodiment, registration component 610 may access,
generate, process and/or communicate any information presented
using GUI 800 of FIG. 8 and/or GUI 900 of FIG. 9. Pre-transfer
processing component 620 may access, generate, process and/or
communicate any information presented using GUI 1000 of FIG. 10 in
one embodiment. In one embodiment, energy transfer processing
component 630 may access, generate, process and/or communicate any
information presented using GUI 1000 of FIG. 10 in one embodiment.
Post-transfer processing component 640 may access, generate,
process and/or communicate any information presented using GUI 1000
of FIG. 10 in one embodiment.
[0161] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, interface system 550 may increase
security by reducing unauthorized access to information about an
energy transfer system (e.g., 110) and/or a vehicle (e.g., 120,
320a, 320b, 320c, etc.). For example, information associated with
an energy transfer system (e.g., 110) and/or a vehicle (e.g., 120,
320a, 320b, 320c, etc.) may be communicated to interface system 550
(e.g., registration component 610) in a secure manner (e.g., using
a secure socket layer (SSL), using secure HTTP (HTTPS), using a
VPN, using encryption, etc.), where interface system 550 can store
the information (e.g., in database 650, 660, 665, 670, 675, 680,
690, etc.) in a secure manner (e.g., limiting access by other
systems to the information, encrypting the information, etc.). In
one embodiment, one or more communications between interface system
550 and an external system (e.g., payment system 560) may be
conducted in a secure manner (e.g., using a secure socket layer
(SSL), using secure HTTP (HTTPS), using a VPN, using encryption,
etc.). In one embodiment, interface system 550 may advantageously
enable an energy transfer to be setup and performed where only
less-secure information (e.g., a vehicle identifier, a license
plate number, an energy transfer system identifier, etc.) is
communicated between a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.)
and an energy transfer system (e.g., 110), thereby further
increasing security by reducing access to more secure information
(e.g., managed, processed, stored, etc. by interface system
550).
[0162] In one embodiment, interface system 550 may enable an energy
transfer system (e.g., 110) to more efficiently and conveniently
perform an energy transfer with one or more vehicles (e.g., 120,
320a, 320b, 320c, etc.). For example, interface system 550 may
coordinate an energy transfer between an energy transfer system and
a vehicle regardless of the type of vehicle (e.g., make of vehicle,
model of vehicle, year of manufacture of the vehicle, user
modifications to the vehicle, etc.), the type of energy transfer
interface or energy transfer interfaces used by the vehicle, the
number of energy transfer interfaces used by the vehicle, etc.
Interface system 550 may handle one or more aspects of the
transaction (e.g., contacting a user of the vehicle, presenting one
or more energy transfer options to the user, initiating the energy
transfer based on a user selection of at least one of the options,
communicating notifications to the user, handling or assisting in
the handling of problems encountered during the energy transfer,
collecting payment from the user, sending payment to the user, some
combination thereof, etc.), thereby reducing the work or number of
tasks performed by the energy transfer system (or a user of the
energy transfer system) to conduct one or more energy transfers. In
one embodiment, interface system 550 may communicate with a user
(e.g., of the vehicle) who is not physically present at the vehicle
and/or not physically present at the energy transfer system,
thereby enabling an energy transfer to be setup and initiated
regardless of the location of the user (e.g., of the vehicle).
[0163] Although FIG. 5 shows only one energy transfer system (e.g.,
110), it should be appreciated that system 500 may include more
than one energy transfer system in other embodiments. Although FIG.
5 shows only three vehicles (e.g., 320a, 320b, and 320c) and three
computer systems (e.g., 590, 592, and 594), it should be
appreciated that system 500 may include any number of vehicles
and/or any number of computer systems in other embodiments. In one
embodiment, two or more components of system 500 may be combined
(e.g., interface system 550 may be incorporated, either in whole or
in part, within energy transfer system 110, etc.), a component of
system 500 may be separated into multiple components, some
combination thereof, etc. It should also be appreciated that the
components depicted in FIG. 5 may be arranged differently (e.g., a
sub-component of one component may be a sub-component of another
component, a sub-component of a component may exist outside the
component as another component, a component may be a sub-component
of another component, etc.) in other embodiments.
[0164] Although FIG. 6 shows only four processing components (e.g.,
registration component 610, pre-transfer processing component 620,
energy transfer processing component 630, and post-transfer
processing component 640), it should be appreciated that interface
system 550 may include any number of processing components in other
embodiments. Although FIG. 6 shows only seven memories or databases
(e.g., 650, 660, 665, 670, 675, 680, and 690), it should be
appreciated that interface system 550 may include any number of
memories or databases in other embodiments. In one embodiment, two
or more components of interface system 550 may be combined, a
component of interface system 550 may be separated into multiple
components, some combination thereof, etc. It should also be
appreciated that the components depicted in FIG. 6 may be arranged
differently (e.g., a sub-component of one component may be a
sub-component of another component, a sub-component of a component
may exist outside the component as another component, a component
may be a sub-component of another component, etc.) in other
embodiments.
[0165] FIG. 7 shows system 700 for enabling a vehicle to interface
with any number of a plurality of energy transfer systems in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown
in FIG. 7, interface system 550 may communicate with a vehicle
(e.g., 120), a computer system (e.g., 790), an energy transfer
system (e.g., 710a, 710b, 710c, etc.), a payment system (e.g.,
560), some combination thereof, etc. In one embodiment, computer
system 790 may be associated with (e.g., owned by the same entity
or individual as, etc.) vehicle 120, where computer system 790 and
vehicle 120 may be located in the same location or located remotely
from one another. One or more of the energy transfer systems of
system 700 (e.g., energy transfer system 710a, energy transfer
system 710b, energy transfer system 710c, etc.) may be implemented
in accordance with (e.g., include components of, function similarly
to, etc.) energy transfer system 110 in one embodiment. Computer
system 790 may be implemented in accordance with (e.g., include
components of, function similarly to, etc.) computer system 4100 of
FIG. 41 in one embodiment. Each display of system 700 (e.g., 725,
795, etc.) may be implemented in accordance with (e.g., include
components of, function similarly to, etc.) output component 4190
of FIG. 41 in one embodiment. And in one embodiment, each display
of system 700 (e.g., 725, 795, etc.) may be any device capable of
displaying an image such as a liquid crystal display (LED), light
emitting diode (LED) display, organic light emitting diode (OLED)
display, plasma display, cathode ray tube (CRT) display, projector,
etc.
[0166] The energy transfer systems of system 700 (e.g., 710a, 710b,
710c, etc.) may be located near one another in one embodiment.
Alternatively, at least one of the energy transfer systems may be
remotely located from at least one other energy transfer system. In
one embodiment, the energy transfer systems of system 700 (e.g.,
710a, 710b, 710c, etc.) may be associated with or owned by the same
user (e.g. an organization or business, an individual, an owner, a
lessee, an attendant, etc.). Alternatively, at least one of the
energy transfer systems may be associated with or owned by a user
(e.g., an organization or business, an individual, an owner, a
lessee, an attendant, etc.) which is different from that of at
least one other energy transfer system.
[0167] As shown in FIG. 7, interface system 550 may be used to
present a user interface (e.g., GUI 1000 of FIG. 10) which provides
a consistent "look and feel" and/or user experience across any
number of different energy transfer systems (e.g., 110, 710a, 710b,
710c, etc.). For example, a user interface presented to enable an
energy transfer with a first energy transfer system may use
regions, an arrangement of the regions, a theme, colors, etc. that
are similar to that of a user interface presented to enable an
energy transfer with a second energy transfer system. In one
embodiment, the user (e.g., an organization or business, an
individual, an owner, a lessee, an attendant, etc.) associated with
the energy transfer system may be hidden or not displayed. As
another example, a user interface presented to enable an energy
transfer with a first energy transfer system may provide a user
experience (e.g., associated with a response of the user interface
to a user interaction, associated with navigation through a menu
hierarchy of the user interface, etc.) that is similar to that of a
user interface presented to enable an energy transfer with a second
energy transfer system. As such, confusion, frustration, and the
like associated with setting up, conducting, paying for, etc. an
energy transfer can be reduced (e.g., since the number of user
interface configurations that a user has to learn and/or become
familiar with is reduced). Additionally, by providing user
interfaces that look and/or function similarly, embodiments of the
present invention can increase sales and/or revenue (e.g., by
establishing brand loyalty, by providing users with a product
and/or service that the user is familiar with, etc.).
[0168] In one embodiment, interface system 550 may be used to
present a user interface (e.g., GUI 1000 of FIG. 10) which provides
a more standardized presentation of terms for energy transfers
performed with different energy transfer systems (e.g., 110, 710a,
710b, 710c, etc.). For example, the arrangement of attributes
associated with different energy transfers can be similar from one
user interface (e.g., associated with one energy transfer system)
to another user interface (e.g., associated with another energy
transfer system). As another example, the relationship between a
cost and another attribute (e.g., an energy transfer rate, a
quantity of energy, etc.) can be indicated in a similar fashion
(e.g., by consistently arranging costs associated with one
attribute with respect to costs associated with another attribute,
by consistently labeling costs associated with each type of
attribute, etc.) from one user interface (e.g., associated with one
energy transfer system) to another user interface (e.g., associated
with another energy transfer system). As yet another example, the
units for the attributes associated with different energy transfers
can be similar from one user interface (e.g., associated with one
energy transfer system) to another user interface (e.g., associated
with another energy transfer system). In this manner, confusion
with respect to terms associated with an energy transfer can be
reduced, thereby resulting in increased sales and/or revenue.
[0169] In one embodiment, communications between a vehicle (e.g.,
120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.) and an external system may be sent
over a cellular network (e.g., cellular data network, cellular
phone network, etc.) using a component of the vehicle (e.g.,
communication interface 242). For example, communication interface
242 may be used to transmit and receive communications over a
cellular network with an external system, where the external system
may be an energy transfer system (e.g., 110, 710a, 710b, 710c,
etc.), an interface system (e.g., 550), a payment system (e.g.,
560), etc.
[0170] In one embodiment, communications between a vehicle (e.g.,
120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.) and an external system may be sent
over a cellular network (e.g., cellular data network, cellular
phone network, etc.) using a computer system (e.g., 790, 590, 592,
594, etc.) disposed in proximity to or within the vehicle. For
example, a communication from the vehicle may be sent over an
interface (e.g., a wired interface, a wireless interface which
operates in accordance with a wireless standard such as 802.11x,
Bluetooth, etc.) to a computer system (e.g., 790, 590, 592, 594,
etc.), where the computer system may then transmit the
communication to the external system using a cellular network. As
another example, a communication may be sent to a computer system
(e.g., 790, 590, 592, 594, etc.) over a cellular network, where the
computer system may then transmit the communication to the vehicle
over an interface (e.g., a wired interface, a wireless interface
which operates in accordance with a wireless standard such as
802.11x, Bluetooth, etc.). In one embodiment, access to the
cellular network may be granted or enabled by an application
executed by the computer system (e.g., 790, 590, 592, 594, etc.),
where the application may be used to register a vehicle (e.g., by
causing GUI 900 of FIG. 9 to be rendered on a display device of the
computer system), select and/or initiate an energy transfer with
the vehicle (e.g., by causing GUI 1000 of FIG. 10 to be rendered on
a display device of the computer system), some combination thereof,
etc. In this manner, embodiments can increase connectivity with a
vehicle, reduce cost associated with vehicle communication (e.g.,
by utilizing an existing communication network, by enabling
communication without the installation or utilization of additional
communication components such as cellular transmitters or cellular
receivers, etc.), increase the bandwidth of other vehicle
communication interfaces by offloading data communication to a
cellular network, etc.
[0171] Although FIG. 7 shows only three energy transfer systems
(e.g., 710a, 710b, and 710c), it should be appreciated that system
700 may include any number of energy transfer systems in other
embodiments. Although FIG. 7 shows only one vehicle (e.g., 120) and
one computer system (e.g., 790), it should be appreciated that
system 700 may include any number of vehicles and/or any number of
computer systems in other embodiments. In one embodiment, two or
more components of system 700 may be combined, a component of
system 700 may be separated into multiple components, some
combination thereof, etc. It should also be appreciated that the
components depicted in FIG. 7 may be arranged differently (e.g., a
sub-component of one component may be a sub-component of another
component, a sub-component of a component may exist outside the
component as another component, a component may be a sub-component
of another component, etc.) in other embodiments.
[0172] FIG. 8 shows graphical user interface 800 for registering an
energy transfer system in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention. As shown in FIG. 8, GUI 800 enables a user to
communicate information used to register an energy transfer system
(e.g., 110, 710a, 710b, 710c, etc.) and/or configure features of
the energy transfer system. GUI 800 can be displayed on a display
device (e.g., 511) of an energy transfer system (e.g., 110), a
display device (e.g., 571, 591, 593, 595, etc.) of a computer
system (e.g., 570, 590, 592, 594, etc.), a display device of a
vehicle (e.g., display 725, display 521, display 522, display 523,
etc.), another display device, etc. Information collected using GUI
800 may be communicated (e.g., to registration component 610 of
interface system 550) in a secure manner (e.g., using a secure
socket layer (SSL), using secure HTTP (HTTPS), using a VPN, using
encryption, etc.). And in one embodiment, the information may be
communicated responsive to an interaction (e.g., a touch of a touch
screen, a click of a mouse, a depression of a physical button,
etc.) associated with region 805 of GUI 800.
[0173] As shown in FIG. 8, GUI 800 may enable input of information
associated with an energy transfer system (e.g., 110, 710a, 710b,
710c, etc.). For example, region 810 may be used to input a name
associated with a user (e.g., an organization or business, an
individual, an owner, a lessee, an attendant, etc.) of the energy
transfer system, region 811 may be used to input an address
associated with the user, region 812 may be used to input a phone
number associated with the user, and region 813 may be used to
input an email address associated with the user. Region 814 may be
used to input a name of an organization or business associated with
the user.
[0174] GUI 800 may enable input of authentication information
(e.g., credentials) associated with an energy transfer system
(e.g., 110, 710a, 710b, 710c, etc.). For example, region 830 may be
used to input a username. Region 831 may be used to input a
password. In one embodiment, the authentication information (e.g.,
entered using regions 830 and 831) may be used to perform an
authentication of the energy transfer system (or a user of the
energy transfer system) to enable (e.g., if the authentication is
successful) communication with another system (e.g., interface
system 550, payment system 560, vehicle 120, etc.), an energy
transfer between the energy transfer system and a vehicle,
communication of signals between the energy transfer system and a
vehicle, some combination thereof, etc. The authentication
information may be used to gain access to GUI 800 to make changes
to a configuration of an energy transfer system or further
configure an energy transfer system in one embodiment. And in one
embodiment, authentication using information entered using GUI 800
(e.g., region 830, region 831, etc.) may be performed by a
component of a vehicle (e.g., authentication component 1380 of FIG.
13, authentication component 2822 of FIG. 28, authentication
component 2842 of FIG. 28, etc.), a component of an energy transfer
system (e.g., authentication component 1340 of FIG. 13, etc.), a
component of interface system 550 (e.g., pre-transfer processing
component 620, energy transfer processing component 630,
post-transfer processing component 640, etc.), some combination
thereof, etc.
[0175] As shown in FIG. 8, GUI 800 (e.g., any of regions 840 to
855) may enable input of information used to configure an energy
transfer system (e.g., 110, 710a, 710b, 710c, etc.) to perform an
energy transfer (e.g., with one or more vehicles such as vehicle
120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.). In one embodiment, region 840 may be
used to define one or more sets of components (e.g., 410, 420, 430,
etc.) associated with the energy transfer system. For example,
region 840 may be used to input a number of the sets of components,
a name for each set of components, a location of each set of
components, etc.
[0176] Region 841 may be used to input or configure one or more
attributes (e.g., an energy transfer type, an interface type, a
power, a current, a voltage, an energy transfer profile, a
duration, a waveform, a temperature, etc.) associated with an
energy transfer performed by the energy transfer system, where the
attributes may be configured for the energy transfer system as a
whole, for each set of components defined using region 840, for a
plurality of components, for individual components, etc. For
example, region 841 may be used to define a minimum value of an
attribute (e.g., such that an energy transfer below the minimum
value of the attribute will not be performed, energy transfers
below the minimum value of the attribute will not be displayed for
selection by a user on GUI 1000 of FIG. 10, etc.) and/or a maximum
value of an attribute (e.g., such that an energy transfer above the
maximum value of the attribute will not be performed, energy
transfers above the maximum value of the attribute will not be
displayed for selection by a user on GUI 1000 of FIG. 10, etc.). As
another example, region 841 may be used to specify specific values
for one or more attributes (e.g., at least one specific energy
transfer rate, at least one specific voltage, etc.), where
specified values of the one or more attributes may be used to form
a list of energy transfers (e.g., to be displayed for selection by
a user on GUI 1000, etc.).
[0177] In one embodiment, region 841 may be used to configure one
or more attributes based on a variation in supply of energy. The
supply of energy may be determined based upon a state of an energy
transfer system (e.g., 110), where the state may include a
remaining capacity of the energy transfer system to transfer energy
(e.g., measured in units of a current, power, etc.). In one
embodiment, the remaining capacity of the energy transfer system to
transfer energy may be calculated by subtracting a current energy
transfer rate of energy transferred to the energy transfer system
(e.g., from power grid 250) from a maximum energy transfer rate of
energy transferred to the energy transfer system (e.g., determined
by power grid 250, a utility supplying power to the energy transfer
system, a rating of an electrical service entrance supplying energy
to the energy transfer system, a local building code, etc.) and
then adding the result to a cumulative energy transfer rate (if any
exists) supplied by components of the energy transfer system (e.g.,
energy storage component 216, power source 217, etc.) and/or
supplied by one or more vehicles (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c,
etc.). For example, region 841 may be used to define a first
configuration (e.g., a value, range of values, etc.) of one or more
attributes for a first supply level and a second configuration
(e.g., a value, range of values, etc.) of one or more attributes
for a second supply level. As such, in one embodiment, higher
energy transfer rates may be excluded or prevented as the capacity
of the energy transfer system to transfer energy decreases (e.g.,
as more vehicles request or receive energy from the energy transfer
system).
[0178] Region 841 may be used to configure one or more attributes
based on a variation in demand for energy. The demand for energy
may be determined based upon a number of vehicles requesting or
performing an energy transfer with the energy transfer system, an
amount of energy being requested or transferred from the energy
transfer system at a particular time, etc. For example, region 841
may be used to define a first configuration (e.g., a value, range
of values, etc.) of one or more attributes for a first demand level
and a second configuration (e.g., a value, range of values, etc.)
of one or more attributes for a second demand level. As such, in
one embodiment, lower energy transfer rates may be excluded or
prevented as the capacity of the energy transfer system to transfer
energy increases (e.g., as fewer vehicles request or receive energy
from the energy transfer system).
[0179] As shown in FIG. 8, region 842 may be used to input
information for configuring one or more costs associated with a
charge (e.g., a transfer of energy from the energy transfer system
to one or more vehicles). For example, a minimum cost and/or
maximum cost may be defined using region 842, where the minimum
cost and/or maximum cost may be associated with a total cost for a
charge, an energy transfer rate cost, an energy transfer profile
cost, some combination thereof, etc. As another example, costs for
one or more charges may be defined based upon an ability of an
energy transfer system (e.g., 110) to supply energy and/or a demand
for energy from the energy transfer system. In one embodiment, the
relationship between cost (e.g., associated with at least one
charge) and supply may be input using an interactive feature (e.g.,
a table, graph, pie chart, or the like) displayed in region 842.
The relationship between cost (e.g., associated with at least one
charge) and demand may be input using an interactive feature (e.g.,
a table, graph, pie chart, or the like) displayed in region 842 in
one embodiment. Accordingly, costs for a charge may be
conveniently, efficiently and/or effectively configured using
region 842.
[0180] Region 843 may be used to input information for configuring
one or more costs associated with a discharge (e.g., a transfer of
energy to the energy transfer system from one or more vehicles).
For example, a minimum cost and/or maximum cost may be defined
using region 843, where the minimum cost and/or maximum cost may be
associated with a total cost for a discharge, an energy transfer
rate cost, an energy transfer profile cost, some combination
thereof, etc. As another example, costs for one or more discharges
may be defined based upon an ability of a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a,
320b, 320c, etc.) to supply energy and/or a demand for energy from
the vehicle. In one embodiment, the relationship between cost
(e.g., associated with at least one discharge) and supply may be
input using an interactive feature (e.g., a table, graph, pie
chart, or the like) displayed in region 843. The relationship
between cost (e.g., associated with at least one discharge) and
demand may be input using an interactive feature (e.g., a table,
graph, pie chart, or the like) displayed in region 843 in one
embodiment. Accordingly, costs for a discharge may be conveniently,
efficiently and/or effectively configured using region 843.
[0181] As shown in FIG. 8, region 844 may be used to configure one
or more wired interfaces (e.g., interface 231), region 845 may be
used to configure one or more inductive interfaces (e.g., 234), and
region 846 may be used to configure one or more wireless interfaces
(e.g., 237). For example, regions 844, 845, and/or 846 may be used
to change a state of an interface (e.g., enabled, disabled, etc.),
configure interface-specific attributes, configure problem
resolution options (e.g., notify a user if a plug is not connected
properly, instruct a user to relocate vehicle if energy transfer
components are misaligned, use an alternative interface if a
problem occurs with an interface, etc.), etc.
[0182] Region 847 may be used to configure charges and/or
discharges between the energy transfer system and one or more
vehicles. For example, region 847 may be used to specify a
chronological ordering of one or more charges and/or one or more
discharges. Region 847 may be used to enable and/or disable a
charge, enable and/or disable a discharge, etc. Region 847 may be
used to configure how the energy transfer system adapts to an
addition of one or more vehicles (e.g., the energy transfer rate
for at least one vehicle is lowered to enable an energy transfer to
the additional vehicle or vehicles, etc.) and/or a removal of one
of more vehicles (e.g., the energy transfer rate for at least one
vehicle is increased after at least one energy transfer with at
least one vehicle is completed, etc.).
[0183] As shown in FIG. 8, region 848 may be used to configure a
power management component (e.g., 215) of an energy transfer system
(e.g., 110). For example, region 848 may be used to define where
energy is sourced from (e.g., a component of energy transfer system
110, a component of vehicle 120, power grid 250, another component
coupled to energy transfer system 110 and/or vehicle 120, etc.)
and/or where energy is supplied to (e.g., a component of energy
transfer system 110, a component of vehicle 120, power grid 250,
another component coupled to energy transfer system 110 and/or
vehicle 120, etc.). Region 848 may be used to define how
simultaneous (or contemporaneous) transfers of energy are handled
(e.g., by power management component 215) and/or how sequential
transfers of energy are handled (e.g., by power management
component 215).
[0184] Region 850 may be used to configure signal communication of
an energy transfer system (e.g., 110). In one embodiment, region
850 may be used to define how signals are communicated between the
energy transfer system and an external system (e.g., interface
system 550, one or more vehicles, a computer system such as
computer system 570, etc.). For example, region 850 may be used to
define which interfaces are used to communicate signals (e.g.,
using a signal interface such as interface 134, using an energy
transfer interface such as energy transfer interface 231, 234, 237,
etc.), how the signals are communicated over each type of interface
(e.g., by configuring components used to communicate signals such
as communication interface 241, signal communication component 214,
power management component 215, etc.), etc. As another example,
region 850 may be used to define parameters or attributes of signal
communication (e.g., techniques used to secure data, a bandwidth, a
data rate, jitter reduction techniques, synchronization techniques,
error correction, etc.).
[0185] Region 850 may be used to define how signals are
communicated within the energy transfer system (e.g., between
communication interface 241 and power management component 215,
between signal communication component 214 and power management
component 215, etc.). For example, region 850 may be used to define
which interfaces are used to communicate signals (e.g., using an
energy transfer interface, using a separate signal communication
interface, etc.) within the energy transfer system, how the signals
are communicated over each type of interface (e.g., by configuring
components used to communicate signals such as communication
interface 241, signal communication component 214, power management
component 215, etc.), etc. As another example, region 850 may be
used to define parameters or attributes of signal communication
(e.g., techniques used to secure data, a bandwidth, a data rate,
jitter reduction techniques, synchronization techniques, error
correction, etc.) within the energy transfer system.
[0186] As shown in FIG. 8, region 851 may be used to configure
surveillance associated with an energy transfer system (e.g., 110),
where the surveillance may utilize at least one component of an
energy transfer system (e.g., camera 1321 of FIG. 13, microphone
1323 of FIG. 13, etc.) and/or at least one component of a vehicle
(e.g., camera 1371 of FIG. 13, microphone 1373 of FIG. 13, etc.).
For example, the type of surveillance (e.g., using images, video,
sound, some combination thereof, etc.) may be defined using region
851. Region 851 may be used to configure parameters or attributes
of the surveillance (e.g., a frame rate of the video, a resolution
of an image or video, an encoding format of the video, an encoding
format of the sound, etc.). And in one embodiment, the state of the
surveillance (e.g., enabled, disabled, whether or not to
communicate the captured data to a user, etc.) may be changed or
configured using region 851.
[0187] Region 852 may be used to configure a display of an energy
transfer system (e.g., display device 511). For example, region 852
may be used to configure a state (e.g., enabled, disabled, etc.) of
the display. A parameter or attribute of the display (e.g., a
brightness, contrast, automatic dimming or powering off of the
display after a predetermined time, etc.) may be configured using
region 852. Region 852 may also be used to configure a parameter or
attribute of a touch screen (e.g., sensitivity, x and y position
calibration, etc.) corresponding to (e.g., overlaying) the
display.
[0188] As shown in FIG. 8, region 853 may be used to configure
sound output (e.g., from speaker 1324 of FIG. 13) and/or sound
input (e.g., to microphone 1323 of FIG. 13) of an energy transfer
system. For example, region 853 may be used to configure a state
(e.g., enabled, disabled, etc.) of the sound output and/or sound
input. A parameter or attribute of the sound (e.g., an encoding
format, a volume, a sensitivity of the microphone, etc.) may be
configured using region 853.
[0189] Region 854 may be used to configure a payment interface
(e.g., 1330 of FIG. 13) of an energy transfer system (e.g., 110).
For example, region 854 may be used to configure a state (e.g.,
enabled, disabled, etc.) of the payment interface. A parameter or
attribute of the payment interface (e.g., a type of credit card
that the payment interface will accept, a denomination of currency
that the payment interface will accept, a type of gift card that
the payment interface will accept, etc.) may be configured using
region 854.
[0190] As shown in FIG. 8, region 855 may be used to configure a
dispenser (e.g., 1331 of FIG. 13) of an energy transfer system
(e.g., 110). For example, region 855 may be used to configure a
state (e.g., enabled, disabled, etc.) of the dispenser. A parameter
or attribute of the dispenser (e.g., a denomination of currency
that the dispenser will output, information about a gift card that
the dispenser will output, information about a coupon that the
dispenser will output, etc.) may be configured using region
855.
[0191] In one embodiment, each of the regions (e.g., 805, 810, 811,
812, 813, 814, 830, 831, 840, 841, 842, 843, 844, 845, 846, 847,
848, 850, 851, 852, 853, 854, 855, etc.) of GUI 800 may be a field
enabling entry of at least one character, a radio button, a menu,
drop-down menu, an interactive image (e.g., enabling a user to make
a selection using the image, modify the image, etc.), or any other
element enabling the input of information.
[0192] Although FIG. 8 has been described with respect to the entry
of particular information, it should be appreciated that GUI 800
may enable the entry of different information in other embodiments.
Additionally, although FIG. 8 shows a specific number of regions,
it should be appreciated that GUI 800 may include any number of
regions in other embodiments. Further, it should be appreciated
that information entered using GUI 800 may be entered into a
smaller number of regions (e.g., two or more types of information
may be entered into the same region) in other embodiments.
[0193] FIG. 9 shows graphical user interface 900 for registering a
vehicle in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 9, GUI 900 enables a user to input information
used to register a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.)
and/or configure features of the vehicle. GUI 900 can be displayed
on a display device (e.g., 725, 521, 522, 523, etc.) of a vehicle
(e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.), a display device (e.g., 795,
591, 593, 595, etc.) of a computer system (e.g., 790, 590, 592,
594, etc.), a display device of an energy transfer system (e.g.,
511, etc.), another display device, etc. Information collected
using GUI 900 may be communicated (e.g., to registration component
610 of interface system 550) in a secure manner (e.g., using a
secure socket layer (SSL), using secure HTTP (HTTPS), using a VPN,
using encryption, etc.). And in one embodiment, the information may
be communicated responsive to an interaction (e.g., a touch of a
touch screen, a click of a mouse, a depression of a physical
button, etc.) associated with region 905 of GUI 900.
[0194] As shown in FIG. 9, GUI 900 may enable input of information
associated with a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.). For
example, region 910 may be used to input a name associated with a
user (e.g., an organization or business, an individual, an owner, a
lessee, an attendant, etc.) of the vehicle, region 911 may be used
to input an address associated with the user, region 912 may be
used to input a phone number associated with the user, and region
913 may be used to input an email address associated with the user.
Region 920 may enable input of a year of the vehicle, region 921
may enable input of a make of the vehicle, and region 922 may
enable input of a model of the vehicle.
[0195] GUI 900 may enable input of authentication information
(e.g., credentials) associated with a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a,
320b, 320c, etc.). For example, region 930 may be used to input a
username. Region 931 may be used to input a password. In one
embodiment, the authentication information (e.g., entered using
regions 930 and 931) may be used to perform an authentication of
the vehicle (or a user of the vehicle) to enable (e.g., if the
authentication is successful) communication with another system
(e.g., interface system 550, payment system 560, energy transfer
system 110, etc.), an energy transfer between the vehicle and an
energy transfer system, communication of signals between the
vehicle and an energy transfer system, some combination thereof,
etc. The authentication information may be used to gain access to
GUI 900 to make changes to a configuration of a vehicle or further
configure a vehicle in one embodiment. And in one embodiment,
authentication using information entered using GUI 900 (e.g.,
region 930, 931, etc.) may be performed by a component of a vehicle
(e.g., authentication component 1380 of FIG. 13, authentication
component 2822 of FIG. 28, authentication component 2842 of FIG.
28, etc.), a component of an energy transfer system (e.g.,
authentication component 1340 of FIG. 13, etc.), a component of
interface system 550 (e.g., pre-transfer processing component 620,
energy transfer processing component 630, post-transfer processing
component 640, etc.), some combination thereof, etc.
[0196] As shown in FIG. 9, region 940 enables input of a code for
use in authenticating a user of the vehicle. For example, a code
entered using region 940 may enable authentication of a user
attempting to transfer energy to the vehicle, transfer energy from
the vehicle, use the vehicle, move the vehicle, etc. In one
embodiment, the code entered using region 940 may be compared to a
code entered at a later time (e.g., using region 1040 of GUI 1000
of FIG. 10) to determine if a user is authorized to perform an
energy transfer to and/or from the vehicle. The code entered using
region 940 may be compared to a code entered at a later time (e.g.,
using region 1040 of GUI 1000 of FIG. 10) to determine if a user is
authorized to use and/or move the vehicle. In this manner,
embodiments of the present invention can improve vehicle
security.
[0197] Region 941 may enable information associated with a payment
system (e.g., 560) to be entered. For example, a user may use
region 941 to indicate a payment system (e.g., a name, website,
etc.), to enter authentication information (e.g., username,
password, etc.) associated with the payment system, to enter other
information (e.g., account number, credit card number, etc.) used
to execute a transaction with the payment system, etc. In one
embodiment, entry of information using region 941 may enable more
efficient payment for an energy transfer (e.g., as a user need not
re-enter payment information for each energy transfer).
[0198] Region 950 may enable configuration of a graphical user
interface (e.g., GUI 1000 of FIG. 10) associated with an energy
transfer to and/or from a vehicle. For example, region 950 may
enable the appearance or "look and feel" of the user interface
(e.g., the number of regions, an arrangement of the regions, a
theme, colors, etc.) to be changed. Region 950 may enable the user
experience of the user interface (e.g., associated with a response
of the user interface to a user interaction, associated with
navigation through a menu hierarchy of the user interface, etc.) to
be changed in one embodiment.
[0199] As shown in FIG. 9, region 951 may enable configuration of a
presentation of a graphical user interface (e.g., GUI 1000 of FIG.
10) associated with an energy transfer to and/or from a vehicle.
For example, a display device or location at which the user
interface is presented (e.g., a display device of a vehicle such as
display device 725, a display device of a computer system such as
display device 795, etc.) may be configured using region 951.
Region 951 may also enable the time at which the user interface is
presented (e.g., responsive to the vehicle stopping, responsive to
the vehicle shutting off, responsive to a determination of at least
one interface capable of transferring energy from and/or to the
vehicle, etc.) to be configured.
[0200] Region 952 may be used to configure email notifications
associated with an energy transfer to and/or from a vehicle. For
example, region 952 may be used to enable and/or disable
notifications sent via email. Region 952 may be used to specify at
least one email address to which notifications can be sent.
[0201] As shown in FIG. 9, region 953 may be used to configure
notifications sent via text (e.g., short messaging service text
messages, multimedia messaging service text messages, etc.)
associated with an energy transfer to and/or from a vehicle. For
example, region 953 may be used to enable and/or disable
notifications sent via text. Region 953 may be used to specify at
least one location (e.g., a phone number, a portable electronic
device, etc.) to which notifications may be sent.
[0202] Region 954 may be used to configure notifications sent via
phone (e.g., as an automated call communicating the notification
using sound) associated with an energy transfer to and/or from a
vehicle. For example, region 954 may be used to enable and/or
disable notifications sent via phone. Region 954 may be used to
specify at least one recipient (e.g., a phone number, a portable
electronic device, etc.) to which notifications may be sent.
[0203] As shown in FIG. 9, region 960 may be used to input or
configure one or more attributes (e.g., an energy transfer type, an
interface type, a power, a current, a voltage, an energy transfer
profile, a duration, a waveform, a temperature, etc.) associated
with an energy transfer performed by the vehicle. For example,
region 960 may be used to define a minimum value of an attribute
(e.g., an energy transfer below the minimum value of the attribute
will not be performed, energy transfers below the minimum value of
the attribute will not be displayed for selection by a user on GUI
1000 of FIG. 10, etc.) and/or a maximum value of an attribute
(e.g., an energy transfer above the maximum value of the attribute
will not be performed, energy transfers above the maximum value of
the attribute will not be displayed for selection by a user on GUI
1000 of FIG. 10, etc.). As another example, region 960 may be used
to specify specific values for one or more attributes (e.g., at
least one specific energy transfer rate, at least one specific
voltage, etc.), where specified values of the one or more
attributes may be used to form a list of energy transfers (e.g., to
be displayed for selection by a user on GUI 1000, etc.).
[0204] In one embodiment, region 960 may be used to configure one
or more attributes based on a variation in supply of energy. The
supply of energy may be determined based upon a remaining capacity
(e.g., a remaining current, a remaining power, etc.) of the vehicle
to transfer energy. For example, region 960 may be used to define a
first configuration (e.g., a value, range of values, etc.) of one
or more attributes for a first supply level and a second
configuration (e.g., a value, range of values, etc.) of one or more
attributes for a second supply level. As such, in one embodiment,
higher energy transfer rates may be excluded or prevented as the
capacity of the vehicle to transfer energy decreases (e.g., as more
energy is requested from or transferred to an energy transfer
system, as more energy is requested from or transferred to at least
one other vehicle, as the ability of a power source of the vehicle
to produce energy is reduced, etc.).
[0205] Region 960 may be used to configure one or more attributes
based on a variation in demand for energy. The demand for energy
may be determined based upon a number of systems (e.g., energy
transfer systems, other vehicles, etc.) requesting or performing an
energy transfer with the vehicle, an amount of energy being
requested or transferred from the vehicle at a particular time,
etc. For example, region 960 may be used to define a first
configuration (e.g., a value, range of values, etc.) of one or more
attributes for a first demand level and a second configuration
(e.g., a value, range of values, etc.) of one or more attributes
for a second demand level. As such, in one embodiment, lower energy
transfer rates may be excluded or prevented as the capacity of the
vehicle to transfer energy increases (e.g., as less energy is
requested from or transferred to an energy transfer system, as less
energy is requested from or transferred to at least one other
vehicle, etc.).
[0206] As shown in FIG. 9, region 961 may be used to input
information for configuring one or more costs associated with a
charge (e.g., a transfer of energy to the vehicle). For example, a
minimum cost and/or maximum cost may be defined using region 961,
where the minimum cost and/or maximum cost may be associated with a
total cost for a charge, an energy transfer rate cost, an energy
transfer profile cost, some combination thereof, etc. As another
example, costs for one or more charges may be defined based upon an
ability of an energy transfer system (e.g., 110) to supply energy
and/or a demand for energy from the energy transfer system. In one
embodiment, the relationship between cost (e.g., associated with at
least one charge) and supply may be input using an interactive
feature (e.g., a table, graph, pie chart, or the like) displayed in
region 961. The relationship between cost (e.g., associated with at
least one charge) and demand may be input using an interactive
feature (e.g., a table, graph, pie chart, or the like) displayed in
region 961 in one embodiment. Accordingly, costs for a charge may
be conveniently, efficiently and/or effectively configured using
region 961.
[0207] Region 962 may be used to input information for configuring
one or more costs associated with a discharge (e.g., a transfer of
energy from the vehicle). For example, a minimum cost and/or
maximum cost may be defined using region 962, where the minimum
cost and/or maximum cost may be associated with a total cost for a
discharge, an energy transfer rate cost, an energy transfer profile
cost, some combination thereof, etc. As another example, costs for
one or more discharges may be defined based upon an ability of a
vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.) to supply energy and/or
a demand for energy from the vehicle. In one embodiment, the
relationship between cost (e.g., associated with at least one
discharge) and supply may be input using an interactive feature
(e.g., a table, graph, pie chart, or the like) displayed in region
962. The relationship between cost (e.g., associated with at least
one discharge) and demand may be input using an interactive feature
(e.g., a table, graph, pie chart, or the like) displayed in region
962 in one embodiment. Accordingly, costs for a discharge may be
conveniently, efficiently and/or effectively configured using
region 962.
[0208] As shown in FIG. 9, region 963 may be used to configure one
or more wired interfaces (e.g., interface 231), region 964 may be
used to configure one or more inductive interfaces (e.g., 234), and
region 965 may be used to configure one or more wireless interfaces
(e.g., 237). For example, regions 963, 964, and/or 965 may be used
to change a state of an interface (e.g., enabled, disabled, etc.),
configure interface-specific attributes, configure problem
resolution options (e.g., notify a user if a plug is not connected
properly, instruct a user to relocate vehicle if energy transfer
components are misaligned, use an alternative interface if a
problem occurs with an interface, etc.), etc.
[0209] Region 966 may be used to configure charges and/or
discharges between the vehicle and another system (e.g., energy
transfer system 110, one or more other vehicles, etc.). For
example, region 966 may be used to specify a chronological ordering
of one or more charges and/or one or more discharges. Region 966
may be used to enable and/or disable a charge, enable and/or
disable a discharge, etc. Region 966 may be used to configure how
the vehicle adapts to an addition or removal of one or more systems
(e.g., energy transfer system 110, one or more other vehicles,
etc.) receiving energy from the vehicle (e.g., lowering or
increasing the energy transfer rate to accommodate the larger or
smaller number of systems, etc.).
[0210] As shown in FIG. 9, region 967 may be used to configure a
power management component (e.g., 225) of a vehicle (e.g., 120,
320a, 320b, 320c, etc.). For example, region 967 may be used to
define where energy is sourced from (e.g., a component of vehicle
120, a component of energy transfer system 110, another component
coupled to either energy transfer system 110 or vehicle 120, etc.)
and/or where energy is supplied to (e.g., a component of vehicle
120, a component of energy transfer system 110, another component
coupled to either energy transfer system 110 or vehicle 120, etc.).
Region 967 may be used to define how simultaneous (or
contemporaneous) transfers of energy are handled (e.g., by power
management component 225) and/or how sequential transfers of energy
are handled (e.g., by power management component 225).
[0211] Region 970 may be used to configure signal communication of
a vehicle. In one embodiment, region 970 may be used to define how
signals are communicated between the vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a,
320b, 320c, etc.) and an external system (e.g., interface system
550, energy transfer system 110, a computer system such as computer
system 790, etc.). For example, region 970 may be used to define
which interfaces are used to communicate signals (e.g., using a
signal interface such as interface 134, using an energy transfer
interface such as energy transfer interface 231, 234, 237, etc.),
how the signals are communicated over each type of interface (e.g.,
by configuring components used to communicate signals such as
communication interface 242, signal communication component 224,
etc.), etc. As another example, region 970 may be used to define
parameters or attributes of signal communication (e.g., techniques
used to secure data, a bandwidth, a data rate, jitter reduction
techniques, synchronization techniques, error correction,
etc.).
[0212] Region 970 may be used to define how signals are
communicated within the vehicle (e.g., between communication
interface 242 and power management component 225, between signal
communication component 224 and power management component 225,
etc.). For example, region 970 may be used to define which
interfaces are used to communicate signals (e.g., using an energy
transfer interface, using a separate signal communication
interface, etc.) within the vehicle, how the signals are
communicated over each type of interface (e.g., by configuring
components used to communicate signals such as communication
interface 242, signal communication component 224, power management
component 225, etc.), etc. As another example, region 970 may be
used to define parameters or attributes of signal communication
(e.g., techniques used to secure data, a bandwidth, a data rate,
jitter reduction techniques, synchronization techniques, error
correction, etc.) within the vehicle.
[0213] As shown in FIG. 9, region 971 may be used to configure
surveillance associated with a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b,
320c, etc.), where the surveillance may utilize at least one
component of an energy transfer system (e.g., camera 1321 of FIG.
13, microphone 1323 of FIG. 13, etc.) and/or at least one component
of a vehicle (e.g., camera 1371 of FIG. 13, microphone 1373 of FIG.
13, etc.). For example, the type of surveillance (e.g., using
images, video, sound, some combination thereof, etc.) may be
defined using region 971. Region 971 may be used to configure
parameters or attributes of the surveillance (e.g., a frame rate of
the video, a resolution of an image or video, an encoding format of
the video, an encoding format of the sound, etc.). And in one
embodiment, the state of the surveillance (e.g., enabled, disabled,
whether or not to communicate the captured data to a user, etc.)
may be changed or configured using region 971.
[0214] Region 972 may be used to configure a display of a vehicle
(e.g., display device 725, 521, 522, 523, etc.). For example,
region 972 may be used to configure a state (e.g., enabled,
disabled, etc.) of the display. A parameter or attribute of the
display (e.g., a brightness, contrast, automatic dimming or
powering off of the display after a predetermined time, etc.) may
be configured using region 972. Region 972 may also be used to
configure a parameter or attribute of a touch screen (e.g.,
sensitivity, x and y position calibration, etc.) corresponding to
(e.g., overlaying) the display.
[0215] As shown in FIG. 9, region 973 may be used to configure
sound output (e.g., from speaker 1374 of FIG. 13) and/or sound
input (e.g., to microphone 1373 of FIG. 13) of a vehicle. For
example, region 973 may be used to configure a state (e.g.,
enabled, disabled, etc.) of the sound output and/or sound input. A
parameter or attribute of the sound (e.g., an encoding format, a
volume, a sensitivity of the microphone, etc.) may be configured
using region 973.
[0216] In one embodiment, each of the regions (e.g., 905, 910, 911,
912, 913, 920, 921, 922, 930, 931, 940, 941, 950, 951, 952, 953,
954, 960, 961, 962, 963, 964, 965, 966, 967, 970, 971, 972, 973,
etc.) of GUI 900 may be a field enabling entry of at least one
character, a radio button, a menu, drop-down menu, an interactive
image (e.g., enabling a user to make a selection using the image,
modify the image, etc.), or any other element enabling the input of
information.
[0217] Although FIG. 9 has been described with respect to the entry
of particular information, it should be appreciated that GUI 900
may enable the entry of different information in other embodiments.
Additionally, although FIG. 9 shows a specific number of regions,
it should be appreciated that GUI 900 may include any number of
regions in other embodiments. Further, it should be appreciated
that information entered using GUI 900 may be entered into a
smaller number of regions (e.g., two or more types of information
may be entered into the same region) in other embodiments.
[0218] FIG. 10 shows graphical user interface 1000 for managing one
or more energy transfers in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention. As shown in FIG. 10, GUI 1000 can be displayed
on a display device (e.g., 725, 521, 522, 523, etc.) of a vehicle
(e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.), a display device (e.g., 795,
591, 593, 595, etc.) of a computer system (e.g., 790, 590, 592,
594, etc.), a display device (e.g., 511, etc.) of an energy
transfer system (e.g., 110), another display device, etc.
Information collected using GUI 1000 (e.g., a selection of at least
one energy transfer, etc.) may be communicated (e.g., to
pre-transfer processing component 620 of interface system 550,
energy transfer processing component 630 of interface system 550,
etc.) in a secure manner (e.g., using a secure socket layer (SSL),
using secure HTTP (HTTPS), using a VPN, using encryption, etc.).
And in one embodiment, the information may be communicated
responsive to an interaction (e.g., a touch of a touch screen, a
click of a mouse, a depression of a physical button, etc.) with
region 1070 of GUI 1000.
[0219] As shown in FIG. 10, GUI 1000 may be used to indicate the
status of one or more components of a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a,
320b, 320c, etc.). For example, region 1010 may be used to indicate
a location of the vehicle (e.g., in a particular parking lot, at a
particular address, at a particular set of coordinates, etc.),
region 1011 may be used to indicate the status of a front door of
the vehicle (e.g., open, closed, etc.), region 1012 may be used to
indicate the status of a back door of the vehicle (e.g., open,
closed, etc.), region 1013 may be used to indicate the status of a
hood of the vehicle (e.g., open, closed, etc.), and region 1014 may
be used to indicate the status of a trunk of the vehicle (e.g.,
open, closed, etc.).
[0220] GUI 1000 may be used to indicate the value of a parameter of
the vehicle in one embodiment. For example, region 1015 may be used
to indicate a temperature of the vehicle (e.g., an interior
temperature, a water temperature, an oil temperature, etc.), a
pressure of the vehicle (e.g., a manifold pressure, etc.), a fluid
level (e.g., oil, coolant, washer fluid, etc.), a voltage (e.g., of
energy storage component 226, of a battery of a key fob, etc.),
another parameter, etc.
[0221] Region 1020 may be used to indicate the status (e.g.,
connected, disconnected, currently transferring energy, unable to
transfer energy due to problem, able to communicate signals, unable
to communicate signals, etc.) of at least one wired interface (e.g.
231), region 1021 may be used to indicate the status (e.g.,
connected, disconnected, currently transferring energy, unable to
transfer energy due to problem, able to communicate signals, unable
to communicate signals, etc.) of at least one inductive interface
(e.g., 234), and region 1022 may be used to indicate the status
(e.g., connected, disconnected, currently transferring energy,
unable to transfer energy due to problem, able to communicate
signals, unable to communicate signals, etc.) of at least one
wireless interface (e.g., 237). Region 1023 may be used to indicate
the status (e.g., connected, disconnected, currently transferring
energy, unable to transfer energy due to problem, able to
communicate signals, unable to communicate signals, etc.) of at
least one signal interface (e.g., 134).
[0222] Region 1024 may be used to indicate a status of at least one
energy transfer. For example, region 1024 may list one or more
energy transfers currently being performed, one or more attributes
of the one or more energy transfers, whether any problems have
occurred with respect to the one or more energy transfers, etc. In
one embodiment, region 1024 may include information (e.g., one or
more attributes of the energy transfer, whether any problems have
occurred with respect to the energy transfer, whether the energy
transfer was completed successfully, etc.) about at least one
energy transfer already performed. Region 1024 may include
information about at least one energy transfer to be performed in
the future (e.g., one or more attributes of the energy transfer,
whether any problems have been identified which may impact the
performance of the energy transfer, etc.). In one embodiment,
region 1024 may list a plurality of energy transfers in a
chronological ordering (e.g., an order in which the energy
transfers are scheduled to be performed).
[0223] As shown in FIG. 10, region 1060 of GUI 1000 includes
information associated with at least one energy transfer. Each row
of the information in region 1060 may correspond to a respective
energy transfer, and each column of the information in region 1060
may correspond to either a respective attribute (e.g., an energy
transfer type, an interface type, an energy transfer rate, a
voltage, an energy transfer profile, etc.), a respective cost
(e.g., for a particular attribute such as energy transfer rate
and/or energy transfer profile, for a quantity of energy
transferred as a result of the energy transfer, etc.), or a
respective duration of the energy transfer as indicated by each
column header in row 1069. In this manner, region 1060 may include
at least one respective attribute and at least one respective cost
(e.g., billable to an individual and/or entity associated with the
vehicle, billable to an individual and/or entity associated with
the energy transfer system, etc.) for each energy transfer.
[0224] In one embodiment, selection of one or more energy transfers
using region 1060 may cause the one or more energy transfers to be
performed. In one embodiment, one or more energy transfers selected
using region 1060 may be performed responsive to an interaction
with region 1070 of GUI 1000.
[0225] The at least one attribute (e.g., as indicated by row 1069)
may include an energy transfer type (e.g., a "charge" or transfer
of energy to the vehicle, a "discharge" or transfer of energy from
the vehicle, etc.), an interface type (e.g., a wired interface
including a plug and/or cable, an inductive interface, a wireless
energy transfer interface, etc.), an energy transfer rate (e.g., a
power measured in kilowatts, a current measured in amps, etc.), an
energy transfer voltage (e.g., measured in volts, kilovolts, etc.),
an energy transfer profile (e.g., 1115 of FIG. 11A, 1125 of FIG.
11B, 1135 of FIG. 11C, 1145 of FIG. 11D, etc.), an energy transfer
duration (e.g., a period of time to complete the energy transfer,
to bring an energy storage component to a user-defined or
predetermined level, etc.), etc. The at least one cost (e.g., as
indicated by row 1069) may include an energy transfer rate cost
(e.g., a cost corresponding to and/or determined based on a
particular energy transfer rate), an energy transfer profile cost
(e.g., a cost corresponding to and/or determined based on a
particular energy transfer profile), a total cost (e.g., a cost for
the energy transfer determined based upon an energy transfer rate
and/or energy transfer profile), etc.
[0226] It should be appreciated that a total cost determined based
on an energy transfer rate may be distinguishable from a total cost
determined based on a quantity of energy transferred. For example,
where two different energy transfers are used to transfer the same
quantity of energy at two different energy transfer rates,
determining the total cost based on the quantity of energy
transferred may result in the same total cost for the two energy
transfers (e.g., since the same quantity of energy was transferred
in each energy transfer). However, if the total cost is determined
based upon an energy transfer rate, each energy transfer may have a
different total cost (e.g., since each energy transfer is performed
using a different energy transfer rate).
[0227] FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D show graphs of different energy
transfer profiles in accordance with one or more embodiments of the
present invention. For example, FIG. 11A shows graph 1110 of energy
transfer profile 1115, FIG. 11B shows graph 1120 of energy transfer
profile 1125, FIG. 11C shows graph 1130 of energy transfer profile
1135, and FIG. 11D shows graph 1140 of energy transfer profile
1145. Each of the energy transfer profiles (e.g., 1115, 1125, 1135,
1145, etc.) may represent a different relationship between an
energy transfer rate and another energy transfer attribute (e.g.,
power, current, voltage, temperature of an energy storage
component, time, etc.). For example, an energy transfer rate may be
substantially constant and then slowly taper off (e.g., as shown by
energy transfer profile 1115), an energy transfer rate may be
substantially constant and then more quickly taper off (e.g., as
shown by energy transfer profile 1125), an energy transfer rate may
be substantially constant at different values for a different
ranges of attribute values (e.g., as shown by energy transfer
profile 1135), an energy transfer rate may be substantially
constant at a single value (e.g., as shown by energy transfer
profile 1145), etc.
[0228] Each of the energy transfer profiles (e.g., 1115, 1125,
1135, 1145, etc.) may have different advantages and/or
applications. For example, energy transfer profile 1115 may enable
a more complete charge of an energy storage component (e.g., 216,
226, etc.) in a relatively low energy transfer duration. Energy
transfer profile 1125 may result in a small energy transfer
duration. Energy transfer profile 1135 may be used for interval
charging or in applications where an energy storage component
(e.g., 216, 226, etc.) requires or may benefit from being charged
at different energy transfer rates. Energy transfer profile 1145
may result in a more complete charge of an energy storage component
(e.g., 216, 226, etc.) when used with a lower energy transfer rate
for a longer energy transfer duration (e.g., to implement a
"trickle charge" or the like).
[0229] As shown in FIGS. 11A through 11D, each of the energy
transfer profiles (e.g., 1115, 1125, 1135, 1145, etc.) may
correspond to a charge (e.g., an energy transfer to a vehicle) or a
discharge (e.g., an energy transfer from a vehicle). In this
manner, each of the vertical axes of the graphs (e.g., 1110, 1120,
1130, 1140, etc.) may be either a positive axis (e.g., associated
with a charge) or a negative axis (e.g., associated with a
discharge).
[0230] Turning back to FIG. 10, an energy transfer profile cost
(e.g., billable to an individual and/or entity associated with the
vehicle, billable to an individual and/or entity associated with
the energy transfer system, etc.) may be cost for performing an
energy transfer using an energy transfer profile for a unit of
time. For example, an energy transfer profile cost of $1.50 per
minute would result in a total cost of $15 if the energy transfer
is performed for 10 minutes (e.g., as shown in the first row below
row 1069 of the information presented in region 1060 of GUI 1000).
As shown in FIG. 10, the labels of "A," "B," "C," and "D" may be
used to represent different energy transfer profiles (e.g., 1115,
1125, 1135, 1145, etc.) associated with different energy transfers.
As such, in one embodiment, energy transfers with different energy
transfer profiles may have or be assigned different energy transfer
profile costs (e.g., the first row below row 1069 shows an energy
transfer with an energy transfer profile "A" and an energy transfer
profile cost of $1.50, whereas the third row below row 1069 shows
an energy transfer profile "C" and an energy transfer profile cost
of $0.32).
[0231] In one embodiment, energy transfers with different energy
transfer rates may have or be assigned different energy transfer
rate costs. For example, the first row below row 1069 shows an
energy transfer with an energy transfer rate of "200" and an energy
transfer rate cost of $1.50, whereas the third row below row 1069
shows an energy transfer rate of "100" and an energy transfer rate
cost of $0.32.
[0232] In one embodiment, a total cost (e.g., billable to an
individual and/or entity associated with the vehicle, billable to
an individual and/or entity associated with the energy transfer
system, etc.) for an energy transfer may be determined based upon
an energy transfer rate and an energy transfer profile. For
example, considering the energy transfers associated with the first
two rows of information in region 1060 below row 1069, each of the
energy transfers use the same energy transfer rates (e.g., 200) and
have the same energy transfer rate cost (e.g., $1.50). However,
each of the energy transfers uses a different energy transfer
profile (e.g., "A" versus "B"), thereby resulting in different
energy transfer durations (e.g., 10 minutes versus eight minutes)
and different total costs (e.g., $15 versus $12). As such, the
total cost for each energy transfer may be determined based upon
the energy transfer profile (e.g., which may affect or be used to
determine the energy transfer duration) and the energy transfer
rate (e.g., the total cost may be calculated by multiplying the
energy transfer rate by the energy transfer duration).
[0233] The information displayed in region 1060 may be organized or
sorted based on at least one attribute and/or at least one cost in
one embodiment. For example, an interaction with GUI 1000 (e.g., an
interaction with the column header labeled "Energy Transfer Type"
in row 1069) may organize or sort the information based on an
energy transfer type (e.g., producing a first grouping of energy
transfers in region 1067 associated with a charge, producing a
second grouping of energy transfers in region 1068 associated with
a discharge, etc.). As another example, an interaction with GUI
1000 (e.g., an interaction with the column header labeled "Total
Cost" in row 1069) may organize or sort the information based on a
total cost (e.g., ordering the energy transfers within each of
regions 1067 and 1068 from highest-to-lowest total cost). As yet
another example, an interaction with GUI 1000 (e.g., a subsequent
interaction with the column header labeled "Total Cost" in row
1069) may reorganize or re-sort the information based on a total
cost (e.g., ordering the energy transfers within each of regions
1067 and 1068 from lowest-to-highest total cost).
[0234] As shown in FIG. 10, GUI 1000 may enable a selection of at
least one energy transfer. For example, a user interaction with at
least one region (e.g., 1061, 1062, 1063, 1064, 1065, 1066, etc.)
corresponding to at least one energy transfer may be used to select
the at least one energy transfer. For example, a user interaction
with region 1061 may indicate a selection of an energy transfer
associated with at least one attribute and/or at least one cost
associated with the first row of information below row 1069 in
region 1060, a user interaction with region 1062 may indicate a
selection of an energy transfer associated with at least one
attribute and/or at least one cost associated with the second row
of information below row 1069 in region 1060, etc. Alternatively, a
user interaction with another region of GUI 1000 (e.g., a region
such as region 1075, a region associated with an attribute of the
energy transfer to be selected, a region associated with a cost of
the energy transfer to be selected, etc.) may be used to select an
energy transfer.
[0235] In one embodiment, GUI 1000 may enable a chronological
ordering of a plurality of energy transfers. For example, a user
may enter numbers in regions associated with energy transfers to
indicate an order that the energy transfers should be performed in.
As such, entering a "1" in region 1062, a "2" in region 1065, and a
"3" in region 1064 may result in the following chronological
ordering of energy transfers: an energy transfer associated with
region 1062; then an energy transfer associated with region 1065;
and then an energy transfer associated with region 1064. It should
be appreciated that GUI 1000 may enable a chronological ordering of
charges (e.g., an energy transfer to a vehicle) and/or discharges
(e.g., an energy transfer from a vehicle).
[0236] A plurality of energy transfers selected using GUI 1000 may
be performed simultaneously or contemporaneously (e.g., at least
partially overlapping in time). In one embodiment, the plurality of
energy transfers performed simultaneously or contemporaneously may
be part of a chronological ordering defined using GUI 1000. For
example, where three energy transfers are ordered using GUI 1000
and the first two energy transfers are capable of being performed
simultaneously or contemporaneously, the first two energy transfers
may be performed simultaneously or contemporaneously before
performing the third energy transfer may be performed (e.g., the
third energy transfer may begin during performance of the first two
energy transfers or after the conclusion of one or both of the
first two energy transfers).
[0237] In one embodiment, a plurality of energy transfers selected
using GUI 1000 may be performed sequentially (e.g., one after
another). The sequential energy transfers may be performed
contiguously (e.g., with little or no time between energy
transfers) and/or with a period of time in between two or more of
the energy transfers. The period of time in between two or more of
the energy transfers may be short (e.g., less than a second, less
than a minute, etc.).
[0238] In one embodiment, the at least one energy transfer selected
using GUI 1000 may be performed during a window of time. For
example, the at least one energy transfer may be performed in a
less than five hours. As another example, the at least one energy
transfer may be performed in another time window (e.g., less than
two hours, less than an hour, etc.). In one embodiment, the at
least one energy transfer selected using GUI 1000 may be performed
while a cost of energy (e.g., determined by a utility company and
paid by a user of an energy transfer system) is constant or varies
no more than a predetermined amount (e.g., by no more than 5%, by
no more than 1%, etc.). And in one embodiment, a plurality of
energy transfers with different energy transfer rates (e.g., listed
in region 1060 for selection by a user) may be performed while a
cost of energy (e.g., determined by a utility company and paid by a
user of an energy transfer system) is constant or varies no more
than a predetermined amount (e.g., by no more than 5%, by no more
than 1%, etc.).
[0239] As shown in FIG. 10, at least one attribute displayed in
region 1060 may be determined based on information related to an
energy transfer system (e.g., 110) and information related to a
vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.). For example,
attributes compatible with the energy transfer system (e.g., data
1200A as shown in FIG. 12A) may be compared to attributes
compatible with the vehicle (e.g., data 1200B as shown in FIG. 12B)
to determine at least one attribute (e.g., an energy transfer rate,
voltage, energy transfer profile, etc.) compatible with both the
energy transfer system and the vehicle.
[0240] FIG. 12A shows data 1200A associated with at least one
energy transfer system (e.g., 110) in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12A, data
1200A may include at least one attribute (e.g., an energy transfer
rate, voltage, energy transfer profile, etc.) for one or more
energy transfer systems. Data 1200A may be stored in a database
(e.g., energy transfer system attribute database 675 of FIG. 6) in
one embodiment.
[0241] FIG. 12B shows data 1200B associated with at least one
vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.) in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 12B, data
1200B may include at least one attribute (e.g., an energy transfer
rate, voltage, energy transfer profile, etc.) for one or more
vehicles. Data 1200B may be stored in a database (e.g., vehicle
attribute database 665 of FIG. 6) in one embodiment.
[0242] Turning back to FIG. 10, at least one attribute displayed in
region 1060 may be determined based on a state of the energy
transfer system (e.g., one or more attributes may be filtered based
on a state of the energy transfer system as monitored by energy
transfer monitoring component 1412 of FIG. 14). For example, one or
more attributes (e.g., which are compatible with an energy transfer
system and a vehicle) may be filtered (e.g., and therefore not
displayed in region 1060) which exceed a remaining capacity of the
energy transfer system to transfer energy. The remaining capacity
may vary over time based on, for example, a load on the energy
transfer system due to charging other vehicles, a change in an
amount of energy supplied by a component of the energy transfer
system (e.g., energy storage component 216, power source 217,
etc.), supplying electricity to a building or lights in a parking
lot, etc. As another example, one or more attributes (e.g., which
are compatible with an energy transfer system and a vehicle) may be
filtered which correspond to an energy transfer which cannot be
performed (e.g., due to a problem with an energy transfer
interface, due to a problem with a signal interface, etc.).
[0243] At least one attribute displayed in region 1060 may be
determined based on a user preference associated with the energy
transfer. In one embodiment, one or more attributes (e.g., which
are compatible with an energy transfer system and a vehicle) may be
filtered (e.g., and therefore not displayed in region 1060) based
on a user preference associated with an energy transfer system
(e.g., entered using GUI 800 of FIG. 8) and/or a vehicle (e.g.,
entered using GUI 900 of FIG. 8). For example, an attribute which
exceeds a user-specified maximum threshold, falls below a
user-specified minimum threshold, conflicts with a user-specified
parameter, etc. may be filtered. It should be appreciated that the
user preference may be associated with an attribute and/or a cost.
For example, if a user specifies that a charge for an energy
transfer should not exceed a particular value, then an energy
transfer (and any corresponding attributes) associated with a cost
that exceeds the particular value may be filtered (e.g., and
therefore not displayed in region 1060).
[0244] At least one cost displayed in region 1060 may be determined
based on a cost of electricity to the energy transfer system (e.g.,
as determined by the utility providing power, as determined by an
upfront cost and/or cost to operate a power source such as power
source 217, etc.) and/or a cost of electricity to the vehicle
(e.g., as determined by an upfront cost and/or cost to operate a
power source such as power source 227, etc.). In one embodiment, at
least one cost displayed in region 1060 may be determined based on
supply of and/or demand for electricity. At least one cost
displayed in region 1060 may be determined based on incentives
presented to one or more parties to the transaction (e.g., using
region 1095 of GUI 1000). And in one embodiment, at least one cost
displayed in region 1060 may be determined based on a user
preference (e.g., entered using region 842 of GUI 800, region 961
of GUI 900, region 843 of GUI 800, region 962 of GUI 900, etc.)
associated with a transfer of energy to and/or from a vehicle,
where the user preference may define a relationship between cost
and a supply of electricity, between cost and a demand for
electricity, etc.
[0245] In one embodiment, a cost (e.g., an energy transfer rate
cost, an energy transfer profile cost, etc.) displayed in region
1060 may be determined by a user (e.g., an organization or
business, an individual, an owner, a lessee, an attendant, etc.) of
an energy transfer system (e.g., 110). And in one embodiment, a
cost (e.g., an energy transfer rate cost, an energy transfer
profile cost, etc.) displayed in region 1060 may be independent or
(e.g., not based on) a cost for electricity charged by a utility
company to a user (e.g., an organization or business, an
individual, an owner, a lessee, an attendant, etc.) of an energy
transfer system (e.g., 110).
[0246] As shown in FIG. 10, region 1050 may display a capacity
level associated with an energy storage component (e.g., 216, 226,
etc.), where a capacity level may be an amount of energy stored by
the energy storage component at any given time. For example, region
1052 may indicate a capacity level measured in percent (e.g., 50
percent). As another example, region 1052 may be used to indicate a
capacity level measured in units of energy (e.g., 50 units of
energy), where the units of energy may be amp-hours (Ah),
kilowatt-hours (kWh), or the like. In one embodiment, region 1054
may indicate a capacity level at a particular instant in time
(e.g., before one or more energy transfers, during one or more
energy transfers, after one or more energy transfers, etc.), in
real-time (e.g., varying over time based upon changes in the
capacity level of an energy storage component), etc.
[0247] Region 1050 may enable a capacity level associated with an
energy storage component (e.g., 216, 226, etc.) to be specified or
selected, where the specified capacity level may be achieved by one
or more energy transfers. For example, if the specified capacity
level is above a current capacity level (e.g., indicated by region
1052 and/or region 1054), then one or more energy transfers may be
performed to increase the capacity level of the energy storage
component to the specified capacity level. As another example, if
the specified capacity level is below a current capacity level
(e.g., indicated by region 1052 and/or region 1054), then one or
more energy transfers may be performed to decrease the capacity
level of the energy storage component to the specified capacity
level.
[0248] In one embodiment, the one or more energy transfers used to
achieve the specified capacity level may include any combination
and ordering of energy transfers to the energy storage component
(e.g., 216, 226, etc.) and/or energy transfers from the energy
storage component (e.g., 216, 226, etc.). For example, where the
capacity level is to be increased, the capacity level may
decreased, then increased a certain amount, then decreased, then
finally increased to the specified level. As another example, where
the capacity level is to be decreased, the capacity level may
increased, then decreased a certain amount, then increased, then
finally decreased to the specified level.
[0249] A capacity level may be specified using slider 1056 in one
embodiment. For example, slider 1056 may be moved (e.g., to the
left, to the right, etc.) to specify a capacity level measured in
percent, a unit of energy, etc. In one embodiment, region 1058 may
indicate the capacity level specified using slider 1056.
[0250] In one embodiment, region 1058 may be used to specify a
capacity level. For example, a user may enter a capacity level
using region 1058, where specified capacity level is measured in
percent, a unit of energy, etc. In one embodiment, slider 1056 may
indicate the capacity level specified using region 1058. For
example, responsive to a user specifying a capacity level using
region 1058, the position of slider 1056 may be automatically
updated to indicate the capacity level specified using region
1058.
[0251] As shown in FIG. 10, the information displayed in region
1060 may be determined based on a capacity level specified using
region 1050. In one embodiment, an energy transfer duration (e.g.,
displayed in region 1060) may be determined based on amount of
energy used to increase a capacity level to the specified capacity
level. For example, the energy transfer duration may be determined
by calculating the difference between the specified capacity level
and the current capacity level (e.g., associated with region 1052),
and then dividing the result by an energy transfer rate associated
with the energy transfer. As another example, the energy transfer
duration may be determined based upon the time it takes to complete
an energy transfer using an energy transfer profile (e.g.,
associated with the energy transfer and displayed in region 1060),
where the energy transfer profile may vary based on a capacity
level (e.g., indicated by region 1052 and/or region 1054) and/or a
specified capacity level (e.g., entered using slider 1056, region
1058, etc.). In one embodiment, an energy transfer profile may be
determined based on amount of energy used to increase a capacity
level to the specified capacity level. For example, parameters of
the energy transfer profile (e.g., one or more values of the curve
of the energy transfer profile, one or more slopes of the curve of
the energy transfer profile, a scaling factor applied to the
profile, etc.) may be determined by equating the difference between
the specified capacity level and the current capacity level (e.g.,
associated with region 1052) with the area under the curve of the
energy transfer profile. In this manner, a curve of an energy
transfer profile may be determined which makes the area under the
curve (e.g., representing an amount of energy) approximately
equivalent to the amount of energy needed to bring an energy
storage component up or down to a specified capacity level in one
embodiment, thereby enabling the energy transfer duration to be
determined from the resulting energy transfer profile (e.g., the
time it takes to complete an energy transfer using the determined
energy transfer profile). And in one embodiment, another attribute
(e.g., a power, a current, a voltage, a waveform, a temperature,
etc.) may be determined based on amount of energy used to increase
a capacity level to the specified capacity level.
[0252] In one embodiment, a cost (e.g., displayed in region 1060)
may be determined based on an amount of energy used to increase a
capacity level to the specified capacity level. For example, a cost
(e.g., displayed in region 1060) may be a function of or otherwise
determined based on at least one attribute (e.g., an energy
transfer type, an interface type, a power, a current, a voltage, an
energy transfer profile, a duration, a waveform, a temperature,
etc.), where the at least one attribute may be determined based on
amount of energy used to increase a capacity level to the specified
capacity level.
[0253] As shown in FIG. 10, the information displayed in region
1060 may be determined based on an energy generation capability of
a power source (e.g., 217, 227, etc). For example, an energy
transfer duration (e.g., displayed in region 1060) may be
calculated by solving for "t" in the equation
E=(R.sub.ET.times.t)+(R.sub.EG.times.t)
where "E" may represent an amount of energy to be transferred
(e.g., the difference between the specified capacity and the
current capacity of an energy source), R.sub.ET may represent an
energy transfer rate, and R.sub.EG may represent an energy
generation rate (e.g., a rate at which a power source is capable of
generating energy). As another example, a cost (e.g., displayed in
region 1060) associated with an energy transfer may be determined
based upon an energy transfer duration, where the energy transfer
duration may be determined based on an energy generation rate of a
power source. As yet another example, a capacity level (e.g.,
indicated by region 1052 and/or region 1054) may include or be
determined based on an energy generation capability of a power
source (e.g., a capacity level may be determined by a current
capacity level of an energy storage component and an energy
generation capability of a power source), and therefore, at least
one attribute (e.g., displayed in region 1060) and/or at least one
cost (e.g., displayed in region 1060) may be determined based on an
energy generation capability of a power source (e.g., since the
information displayed in region 1060 may be determined based on a
capacity level specified using region 1050 as discussed
herein).
[0254] As shown in FIG. 10, the information displayed in region
1060 may be updated based on a capacity level specified using
region 1050. For example, responsive to a specification of a
capacity level (e.g., using slider 1056, region 1058, etc.), the
information displayed in region 1060 may be updated. In one
embodiment, at least one attribute (e.g., an energy transfer type,
an interface type, a power, a current, a voltage, an energy
transfer profile, a duration, a waveform, a temperature, etc.)
and/or at least one cost (e.g., a total cost of an energy transfer,
an energy transfer rate cost, an energy transfer profile cost,
etc.) may be updated responsive to a specification of a capacity
level. In one embodiment, responsive to a specification of a
capacity level, at least one energy transfer may be added or
removed. In one embodiment, interface system 550 (e.g.,
pre-transfer processing component 620) may access a capacity level
(e.g., specified using slider 1056, region 1058, etc.) and
determine updated information (e.g., including at least one
attribute associated with an energy transfer, at least one cost
associated with an energy transfer, some combination thereof, etc.)
to be displayed in region 1060.
[0255] In one embodiment, the information displayed in region 1060
may be updated based on data entered in region 1059. For example,
where region 1059 is used to enter a distance (e.g., a distance to
be traveled on a next trip), one or more energy transfers capable
of transferring an amount of energy sufficient to enable the
vehicle to travel the specified distance (e.g., entered using
region 1059) may be displayed in region 1060. As another example,
where region 1059 is used to enter an amount of money (e.g., an
amount a user wishes to spend on one or more energy transfers), one
or more energy transfers with a total cost less than or equal to
the specified amount of money may be displayed in region 1060. As
yet another example, where region 1059 is used to enter an amount
of time (e.g., a duration or window of time during which the one or
more energy transfers can be performed), one or more energy
transfers capable of being performed in the specified amount of
time may be displayed in region 1060.
[0256] In one embodiment, a recommendation associated with one or
more energy transfers may be communicated using GUI 1000. The
recommendation may be communicated by displaying a border (e.g.,
similar to the dotted line of region 1075) around a cost or
attribute of an energy transfer, by displaying an image (e.g., an
arrow, etc.) in proximity to a cost or attribute of an energy
transfer, by shading or highlighting a region associated with an
energy transfer, by displaying a number in a region (e.g.,
1061-1066) to recommend a chronological ordering of energy
transfers, etc. The one or more energy transfers associated with
the recommendation may be determined based on a threshold
associated with an attribute (e.g., one or more energy transfers
associated with an energy transfer rate above a predetermined
energy transfer rate threshold, etc.), a threshold associated with
a cost (e.g., one or more energy transfers associated with an cost
below a predetermined cost threshold, etc.), a user preference
(e.g., one or more energy transfers associated with a user
preference input using GUI 800, GUI 900, etc.), an incentive (e.g.,
one or more energy transfers associated with an incentive, etc.),
etc.
[0257] The recommendation communicated using GUI 1000 may be
determined based upon a time of day in one embodiment. For example,
if it is determined that a power source (e.g., 227) of a vehicle
(e.g., 120) can only generate energy for a particular duration
(e.g., using a time of day to estimate an amount of remaining
sunlight, using a solar sensor to estimate an amount of remaining
sunlight, etc.), the recommendation may suggest to a user that a
discharge be performed (e.g., for all or part of the particular
duration). As another example, if it is determined that the cost of
energy (e.g., to the energy transfer system as set by the utility)
will reduce at a particular time (e.g., at night when the cost of
energy is usually lower from a utility), the recommendation may
suggest to a user that a charge be initiated at or after the
particular time.
[0258] As shown in FIG. 10, region 1040 may be used to perform an
authentication of a user. For example, a user may enter a code
using character entry region 1044 (e.g., including one or more
"soft keys" enabling the input of a character such as a letter,
number, symbol, etc.), an input device of a vehicle (e.g., one or
more physical buttons or keys, a touch screen, an audio input
system, a voice recognition system, an optical recognition system
capable of recognizing a fingerprint or eye, etc.), an input device
of an energy transfer system (e.g., one or more physical buttons or
keys, a touch screen, a voice recognition system, an optical
recognition system capable of recognizing a fingerprint or eye,
etc.), etc. In one embodiment, the code (e.g., entered using region
1044) may be displayed in region 1042. In one embodiment, the code
entered using region 1040 may be compared to other information
(e.g., a code entered using region 940 of FIG. 9) to determine if a
user is authorized to perform an energy transfer associated with
the vehicle (e.g., transfer energy to the vehicle, transfer energy
from the vehicle, etc.), use the vehicle, move the vehicle, etc.
User authentication using information entered using region 1040 may
be performed by a component of a vehicle (e.g., authentication
component 1380 of FIG. 13, authentication component 2822 of FIG.
28, authentication component 2842 of FIG. 28, etc.), a component of
an energy transfer system (e.g., authentication component 1340 of
FIG. 13, etc.), a component of interface system 550 (e.g.,
pre-transfer processing component 620, energy transfer processing
component 630, post-transfer processing component 640, etc.),
computer system 2890, some combination thereof, etc.
[0259] In one embodiment, if the code entered using region 1040
does not match the other information (e.g., a code entered using
region 940 of FIG. 9), a user may be prompted to re-enter a code
using region 1040 and the newly-entered code may be compared to the
other information (e.g., a code entered using region 940 of FIG. 9)
to determine if a user is authorized. If the number of unsuccessful
attempts to enter the code reaches a predetermined number, then the
user may be determined to be unauthorized and/or the further
attempts to enter a code in region 1040 may be prevented (e.g., by
reducing the ability to enter a code using region 1044 or another
user interface component).
[0260] In one embodiment, a user may be authenticated (e.g., using
authentication component 1340, authentication component 1380,
authentication component 2822, authentication component 2842,
computer system 2890, interface system 550, another component, some
combination thereof, etc.) using other information associated with
the user. For example, user authentication may involve comparing
audio captured of a user's voice (e.g., captured using microphone
1323 of FIG. 13, microphone 1373 of FIG. 13, etc.) to audio
captured of an authorized user's voice to determine if the user is
authorized to perform one or more actions (e.g., an energy transfer
associated with the vehicle, use the vehicle, move the vehicle,
etc.). As another example, user authentication may involve
comparing a retinal scan of the user's eye (e.g., captured using
camera 1321 of FIG. 13, camera 1371 of FIG. 13, etc.) to an image
captured of an authorized user's eye to determine if the user is
authorized to perform one or more actions (e.g., an energy transfer
associated with the vehicle, use the vehicle, move the vehicle,
etc.). As another example, user authentication may involve
comparing an image of a fingerprint (e.g., captured using camera
1321 of FIG. 13, camera 1371 of FIG. 13, etc.) to an image captured
of an authorized user's fingerprint to determine if the user is
authorized to perform one or more actions (e.g., an energy transfer
associated with the vehicle, use the vehicle, move the vehicle,
etc.).
[0261] Region 1040 may be displayed using a separate GUI (e.g.,
separate from a GUI used to display other information depicted in
FIG. 10) in one embodiment. For example, region 1040 may be
displayed in one location (e.g., on a display of vehicle 120,
etc.), while the other information of GUI 1000 may be displayed in
a second location (e.g., on a display of a portable electronic
device or other computer system, on a display of energy transfer
system 110, etc.).
[0262] In one embodiment, region 1040 may be displayed sequentially
with other information of GUI 1000. For example, region 1040 may be
displayed while the rest of the information of GUI 1000 is hidden
or not displayed, where the rest of the information of GUI 1000 may
be displayed responsive to (e.g., after) an authentication of a
user (e.g., using information entered using region 1040). As
another example, region 1040 may be displayed using a first GUI
before the display of any other information of GUI 1000, where the
rest of the information of GUI 1000 may be displayed using a second
GUI responsive to (e.g., after) an authentication of a user (e.g.,
using information entered using region 1040). In this manner,
security may be increased by reducing the amount of information
(e.g., displayed using GUI 1000) accessible to an unauthorized user
(e.g., who is not authorized to perform an energy transfer
associated with the vehicle, who is not authorized to use and/or
move the vehicle, etc.).
[0263] As shown in FIG. 10, GUI 1000 may enable monitoring of a
vehicle before an energy transfer, during an energy transfer, after
an energy transfer, some combination thereof, etc. For example,
region 1030 may be used to display one or more images (e.g., a
still image, video, etc.) captured using a camera of an energy
transfer system (e.g., 1321 of FIG. 13), a camera of a vehicle
(e.g., 1371 of FIG. 13), etc. The images may include at least one
vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.) and/or at least one
energy transfer system (e.g., 110, 710a, 710b, 710c, etc). As
another example, sound may be presented to a user (e.g., using a
speaker in proximity to a display used to present GUI 1000, a
speaker of a device which also displays GUI 1000, a speaker of a
vehicle such as speaker 1374, a speaker of an energy transfer
system such as speaker 1324, etc.) captured using a microphone of
an energy transfer system (e.g., 1323 of FIG. 13), a microphone of
a vehicle (e.g., 1373 of FIG. 13), etc. The volume of the sound may
be adjusted using region 1032 of GUI 1000 (e.g., by moving slider
1034, etc.).
[0264] In one embodiment, interface system 550 may enable
monitoring of a vehicle. For example, image data (e.g., one or more
still images, video, etc.) and/or audio data associated with a
monitoring of a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.) may be
communicated to interface system 550. In one embodiment, the image
data may be captured using a camera (e.g., 1321, 1371, etc.), and
the audio data may be captured using a microphone (e.g., 1323,
1373, etc.). Interface system 550 (e.g., pre-transfer processing
component 620, energy transfer processing component 630,
post-transfer processing component 640, etc.) may process the
received data (e.g., image data, audio data, etc.), where the
processing may include decoding, encoding, decrypting, encrypting,
filtering, changing at least one parameter of image data (e.g.,
brightness, contrast, saturation, hue, resolution, sharpness, bit
depth, bit rate, sampling frequency, size when stored on a
computer-readable medium, etc.), changing at least one parameter of
audio data (e.g., volume, frequency response, tone, bit rate,
sampling frequency, size when stored on a computer-readable medium,
etc.), adapting the data for rendering by a component of a remote
system (e.g., energy transfer system 110, vehicle 120, another
computer system, a computer system capable of rendering GUI 1000,
etc.), some combination thereof, etc. In one embodiment, interface
system 550 may perform little or no processing of the received
data. Interface system 550 may communicate image data and/or audio
data back for rendering (e.g., using GUI 1000, a display, a
speaker, etc.) by another system such as an energy transfer system
(e.g., 110, 710a, 710b, 710c, etc.), a computer system associated
with an energy transfer system (e.g., computer system 570, etc.), a
vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.), a computer system
associated with a vehicle (e.g., computer system 590, computer
system 592, computer system 594, etc.), another computer system,
some combination thereof, etc.
[0265] As shown in FIG. 10, GUI 1000 may enable a vehicle to be
reported as stolen. For example, region 1090 may be used to send a
request to report a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.) as
stolen. In one embodiment, interface system 550 may receive the
request (e.g., responsive to a user interaction with region 1090)
and report the vehicle as stolen to the authorities (e.g. the
police) based on the request. Information about the situation
(e.g., the location of the vehicle, a time at which the vehicle
arrived at this location, an identification of the vehicle, a
vehicle identifier such as the license plate number of the vehicle,
image data of the vehicle, audio data associated with the vehicle,
etc.) may be automatically accessed and communicated as part of the
report to the authorities. In this manner, GUI 1000 may increase
security by enabling a user to report the vehicle as stolen. In one
embodiment, region 1090 may be used to report that a vehicle has
been stolen responsive to information presented (e.g., using region
1030, region 1032, etc.) as a result of monitoring the vehicle.
[0266] In one embodiment, region 1095 may be used to display
results of a user authentication. For example, if a user
authentication is unsuccessful (e.g., incorrect authentication
information is entered using region 1040, audio captured of a voice
does not match that of an authorized user, an image captured of an
eye does not match that of an authorized user, an image captured of
a fingerprint does not match that of an authorized user, some
combination thereof, etc.), a user may be notified (e.g., using a
message displayed in region 1095) that the authentication was
unsuccessful. GUI 1000 may be advantageously displayed using a
display device (e.g., 511, 571, 591, 593, 595, 795, etc.) located
remotely from a vehicle, thereby enabling a user (e.g., the owner
of the vehicle, a user authorized to use and/or move the vehicle,
etc.) who is also located remotely from the vehicle to be made
aware that the vehicle has been stolen. In one embodiment, region
1090 may be used to report that a vehicle has been stolen
responsive to information presented (e.g., using region 1095) as a
result of performing a user authentication associated with the
vehicle.
[0267] Region 1095 may be used to display results of an
authentication of a component. For example, results of an
authentication of a component (e.g., energy storage component 216,
charge and/or discharge component 218, power management component
215, power source 217, interface component 211, etc.) of an energy
transfer system (e.g., 110) and/or a component (e.g., energy
storage component 226, charge and/or discharge component 228, power
management component 225, power source 227, interface component
221, etc.) of a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.) may be
displayed using region 1095. Success of the authentication may be a
prerequisite to communication between at least two systems (e.g.,
interface system 550, payment system 560, energy transfer system
110, vehicle 120, etc.), an energy transfer between the energy
transfer system and the vehicle, a signal communication between the
energy transfer system and the vehicle, some combination thereof,
etc. Success of the authentication may be a prerequisite to
movement and/or use of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the
authentication may be performed using an authentication component
of the energy transfer system (e.g., 1340 of FIG. 13) and/or an
authentication component of the vehicle (e.g., 1380 of FIG. 13,
2822 of FIG. 28, 2842 of FIG. 28, etc.). In one embodiment, region
1090 may be used to report that a vehicle has been stolen
responsive to information presented (e.g., using region 1095) as a
result of performing an authentication of a component of an energy
transfer system and/or a component of a vehicle.
[0268] Region 1095 may be used to display incentives and/or
advertisements in one embodiment. For example, an incentive (e.g.,
displayed using region 1095) may encourage a user to perform an
energy transfer in exchange for a benefit to the user. The benefit
may be a discount on an item (e.g., from a store affiliated with
the energy transfer system, from a store providing a kick back or
other reward to a user of the energy transfer system for referring
business, etc.), a discount on another energy transfer (e.g.,
performed with the energy transfer system or another energy
transfer system associated with the same user), currency (e.g.,
provided using dispenser 1331 of FIG. 13), a coupon (e.g., provided
using dispenser 1331 of FIG. 13), a gift card (e.g., provided using
dispenser 1331 of FIG. 13), etc. As another example, an
advertisement may be displayed using region 1095, thereby providing
a user of an energy transfer system an alternative source of
revenue (e.g., paid to the user of the energy transfer system in
exchange for presenting the advertisement).
[0269] As shown in FIG. 10, region 1080 may enable information
associated with a payment system (e.g., 560) to be entered. For
example, a user may use region 1080 to identify or indicate a
payment system (e.g., a name, website, etc.), to enter
authentication information (e.g., username, password, etc.)
associated with the payment system, to enter other information
(e.g., an account number, credit card number, etc.) used to execute
a transaction with the payment system, etc. In one embodiment,
region 1080 may be used to recall and/or confirm information
associated with a payment system (e.g., entered previously using
region 941 of GUI 900, etc.). And in one embodiment, an interaction
with region 1080 may execute a transaction (e.g., associated with
an energy transfer between an energy transfer system and a vehicle)
between an energy transfer system (e.g., 110, 710a, 710b, 710c,
etc.) and a payment system (e.g., 560).
[0270] Although FIG. 10 has been described with respect to the
entry and/or display of particular information, it should be
appreciated that GUI 1000 may enable the entry and/or display of
different information in other embodiments. Additionally, although
FIG. 10 shows a specific number of regions, it should be
appreciated that GUI 1000 may include any number of regions in
other embodiments. Further, it should be appreciated that
information entered using GUI 1000 may be entered into a smaller
number of regions (e.g., two or more types of information may be
entered into the same region) in other embodiments. Additionally,
although FIG. 10 depicts only a single column for energy transfer
rate costs and energy transfer profile costs, it should be
appreciated that energy transfer rate costs and energy transfer
profile costs may be separated into separate columns (e.g., where
values in the energy transfer rate cost and energy transfer profile
cost columns for a particular energy transfer may be different or
the same) in other embodiments.
[0271] Although FIG. 11 has been described with respect to the
entry and/or display of particular information, it should be
appreciated that GUI 1000 may enable the entry and/or display of
different information in other embodiments. Additionally, although
FIG. 10 shows a specific number of regions, it should be
appreciated that GUI 1000 may include any number of regions in
other embodiments. Further, it should be appreciated that
information entered using GUI 1000 may be entered into a smaller
number of regions (e.g., two or more types of information may be
entered into the same region) in other embodiments.
[0272] Although FIGS. 11A, 11B, 11C, and 11D show energy transfer
profiles (e.g., 1115, 1125, 1135, and 1145, respectively) with
specific shapes, it should be appreciated that one or more of
energy transfers profiles (e.g., 1115, 1125, 1135, 1145, etc.) may
have different shapes in other embodiments. Additionally, it should
be appreciated that an energy transfer may include any combination
of one or more energy transfer profiles in one embodiment.
[0273] Although FIGS. 12A and 12B show data (e.g., 1200A and 1200B,
respectively) with specific number of attributes, it should be
appreciated that the data (e.g., 1200A, 1200B, etc.) may include a
smaller or larger number of attributes in other embodiments.
Additionally, although data 1200A is shown in FIG. 12A as including
a specific amount and/or type of data (e.g., a specific number of
rows of data, a specific number of rows of data for each energy
transfer system, a specific number of rows of data for each
attribute, etc.), it should be appreciated that data 1200A may
include a different amount and/or type of data in other
embodiments. Further, although data 1200B is shown in FIG. 12B as
including a specific amount and/or type of data (e.g., a specific
number of rows of data, a specific number of rows of data for each
vehicle, a specific number of rows of data for each attribute,
etc.), it should be appreciated that data 1200B may include a
different amount and/or type of data in other embodiments.
[0274] FIG. 13 shows system 1300 including components used to
perform operations associated with an energy transfer in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 13,
energy transfer system 110 may include pre-transfer control
component 1350 for performing operations before an energy transfer
between the energy transfer system (e.g., 110) and one or more
vehicles (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.). Pre-transfer control
component 1350 may perform operations before an energy transfer
(e.g., one or more of steps 2905 to 2960 of process 2900 of FIGS.
29A and 29B) either alone or in combination with at least one other
component (e.g., a component of energy transfer system 110, a
component of interface system 550, a component of one or more
vehicles, etc.). In one embodiment, information transferred between
an energy transfer system (e.g., 110) and interface system 550 or
information transferred between a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b,
320c, etc.) and interface system 550 may be communicated through or
using pre-transfer control component 1350. And in one embodiment,
information accessed by pre-transfer control component 1350 may be
communicated between energy transfer system 110 and a vehicle
(e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.) over an energy transfer
interface (e.g., 132, 231, 234, 237, etc.) and/or a signal
interface (e.g., 134).
[0275] Post-transfer control component 1351 of energy transfer
system 110 may be used to perform operations after an energy
transfer between the energy transfer system (e.g., 110) and one or
more vehicles (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.). Post-transfer
control component 1351 may perform operations after an energy
transfer (e.g., one or more of steps 2980 to 2990 of process 2900
of FIG. 29B) either alone or in combination with at least one other
component (e.g., a component of energy transfer system 110, a
component of interface system 550, a component of one or more
vehicles, etc.). In one embodiment, information transferred between
an energy transfer system (e.g., 110) and interface system 550 or
information transferred between a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b,
320c, etc.) and interface system 550 may be communicated through or
using post-transfer control component 1351. And in one embodiment,
information accessed by post-transfer control component 1351 may be
communicated between energy transfer system 110 and a vehicle
(e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.) over an energy transfer
interface (e.g., 132, 231, 234, 237, etc.) and/or a signal
interface (e.g., 134).
[0276] As shown in FIG. 13, vehicle 120 may include pre-transfer
control component 1390 for performing operations before an energy
transfer between the vehicle (e.g., 120) and one or more energy
transfer systems (e.g., 110, 710a, 710b, 710c, etc.). Pre-transfer
control component 1390 may perform operations before an energy
transfer (e.g., one or more of steps 2905 to 2960 of process 2900
of FIGS. 29A and 29B) either alone or in combination with at least
one other component (e.g., a component of vehicle 120, a component
of interface system 550, a component of one or more energy transfer
systems, etc.). In one embodiment, information transferred between
an energy transfer system (e.g., 110) and interface system 550 or
information transferred between a vehicle (e.g., 120) and interface
system 550 may be communicated through or using pre-transfer
control component 1390. And in one embodiment, information accessed
by pre-transfer control component 1390 may be communicated between
vehicle 120 and an energy transfer system (e.g., 110, 710a, 710b,
710c, etc.) over an energy transfer interface (e.g., 132, 231, 234,
237, etc.) and/or a signal interface (e.g., 134).
[0277] Post-transfer control component 1391 of vehicle 120 may be
used to perform operations after an energy transfer between the
vehicle (e.g., 120) and one or more energy transfer systems (e.g.,
110, 710a, 710b, 710c, etc.). Post-transfer control component 1391
may perform operations after an energy transfer (e.g., one or more
of steps 2980 to 2990 of process 2900 of FIG. 29B) either alone or
in combination with at least one other component (e.g., a component
of vehicle 120, a component of interface system 550, a component of
one or more energy transfer systems, etc.). In one embodiment,
information transferred between an energy transfer system (e.g.,
110) and interface system 550 or information transferred between a
vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.) and interface system
550 may be communicated through or using post-transfer control
component 1391. And in one embodiment, information accessed by
post-transfer control component 1391 may be communicated between
vehicle 120 and an energy transfer system (e.g., 110, 710a, 710b,
710c, etc.) over an energy transfer interface (e.g., 132, 231, 234,
237, etc.) and/or a signal interface (e.g., 134).
[0278] As shown in FIG. 13, camera 1321 and/or microphone 1323 may
be used to monitor the site of an energy transfer system before an
energy transfer, during an energy transfer, after an energy
transfer, or some combination thereof. For example, camera 1321 may
capture one or more images (e.g., at least one still image, at
least one frame of video data, etc.) of at least one vehicle (e.g.,
120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.), at least one other component of
energy transfer system 110, at least one component of at least one
other energy transfer system (e.g., 710a, 710b, 710c, etc.), a user
of a vehicle, a user attempting to perform an energy transfer
involving a vehicle, at least one other object at the site of an
energy transfer, some combination thereof, etc. As another example,
microphone 1323 may capture sound of at least one vehicle (e.g.,
120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.), at least one other component of
energy transfer system 110, at least one component of at least one
other energy transfer system (e.g., 710a, 710b, 710c, etc.), a user
of a vehicle, a user attempting to perform an energy transfer
involving a vehicle, other objects at the site of an energy
transfer, some combination thereof, etc. In one embodiment, camera
1321 and/or microphone 1323 may be disposed in or coupled with a
housing which encloses components of energy transfer system 110,
mounted separate from other components of energy transfer system
110 (e.g., as a standalone unit, in a building associated with a
user of the energy transfer system, in an object within eyeshot or
earshot of an energy transfer component of energy transfer system
110, etc.).
[0279] Camera 1371 and/or microphone 1373 may be used to monitor
the site of an energy transfer system before an energy transfer,
during an energy transfer, after an energy transfer, or some
combination thereof. For example, camera 1371 may capture one or
more images (e.g., at least one still image, at least one frame of
video data, etc.) of at least one other component of vehicle 120,
at least one component of another vehicle (e.g., 320a, 320b, 320c,
etc.), at least one component of an energy transfer system (e.g.,
110, 710a, 710b, 710c, etc.), a user of vehicle 120, a user
attempting to perform an energy transfer involving vehicle 120,
other objects at the site of an energy transfer, some combination
thereof, etc. As another example, microphone 1373 may capture sound
of at least one other component of vehicle 120, at least one other
vehicle (e.g., 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.), at least one energy
transfer system (e.g., 110, 710a, 710b, 710c, etc.), a user of
vehicle 120, a user attempting to perform an energy transfer
involving vehicle 120, other objects at the site of an energy
transfer, some combination thereof, etc. In one embodiment, camera
1371 and/or microphone 1373 may be disposed in or coupled with a
body panel of vehicle 120, a frame member of vehicle 120, a
component within an interior of vehicle 120, a trunk of vehicle
120, or another component of vehicle 120. In this manner, events
outside or inside one or more compartments of vehicle 120 can be
monitored using camera 1371 and/or microphone 1373.
[0280] As shown in FIG. 13, speaker 1324 and/or speaker 1374 may be
used to output sound associated with an energy transfer. For
example, speaker 1324 and/or speaker 1374 may be used to provide
instructions to a user (e.g., to plug in the vehicle to the energy
transfer system, to relocate the vehicle to enable activation of at
least one other energy transfer interface, to pay for at least one
energy transfer using payment interface 1330, etc.). As another
example, speaker 1324 and/or speaker 1374 may be used to provide
information about an energy transfer (e.g., a duration of an energy
transfer, at least one attribute of an energy transfer, one or more
problems encountered before or during an energy transfer, etc.).
Speaker 1324 and/or speaker 1374 may be used to sound an alarm,
siren, warning or the like (e.g., responsive to determining that a
vehicle has been stolen or that a user is attempting an
unauthorized energy transfer involving the vehicle). As another
example, speaker 1324 and/or speaker 1374 may be used to present an
advertisement, incentive, or the like to a user. As yet another
example, speaker 1324 and/or speaker 1374 may be used to provide
output to a user (e.g., prompting user input via user interface
1325, user interface 1375, etc.). In one embodiment, speaker 1324
may be disposed in or coupled with a housing which encloses
components of energy transfer system 110, mounted separate from
other components of energy transfer system 110 (e.g., as a
standalone unit, in a building associated with a user of the energy
transfer system, in an object within earshot of an energy transfer
component of energy transfer system 110, etc.). In one embodiment,
speaker 1374 may be disposed in or coupled with a body panel of
vehicle 120, a frame member of vehicle 120, a component within an
interior of vehicle 120, a trunk of vehicle 120, or another
component of vehicle 120.
[0281] User interface 1325 may be any component capable of
receiving a user input. For example, user interface 1325 may
include at least one physical button or key, a touch screen
disposed over or otherwise corresponding to one or more regions of
display 511, an audio input system, a voice recognition system, an
optical recognition system capable of recognizing a fingerprint or
eye (e.g., a retina of an eye, some other part of an eye, a
distance between two eyes, etc.), some combination thereof, etc. In
one embodiment, user interface 1325 may be implemented in
accordance with (e.g., include components of, function similarly
to, etc.) input component 4180 of FIG. 41. User interface 1325 may
be disposed in or coupled with a housing which encloses components
of energy transfer system 110, mounted separate from other
components of energy transfer system 110 (e.g., as a standalone
unit, in a building associated with a user of the energy transfer
system, in an object within earshot of an energy transfer component
of energy transfer system 110, etc.).
[0282] As shown in FIG. 13, user interface 1375 may be any
component capable of receiving a user input. For example, user
interface 1375 may include at least one physical button or key, a
touch screen disposed over or otherwise corresponding to one or
more regions of display 725, an audio input system, a voice
recognition system, an optical recognition system capable of
recognizing a fingerprint or eye (e.g., a retina of an eye, some
other part of an eye, a distance between two eyes, etc.), some
combination thereof, etc. In one embodiment, user interface 1375
may be implemented in accordance with (e.g., include components of,
function similarly to, etc.) input component 4180 of FIG. 41. User
interface 1375 may be disposed in or coupled with a body panel of
vehicle 120, a frame member of vehicle 120, a component within an
interior of vehicle 120, a trunk of vehicle 120, or another
component of vehicle 120.
[0283] Authentication component 1340 may perform or assist in
performing an authentication of a user. For example, authentication
component 1340 may compare information associated with a user
(e.g., a code entered using region 1040 of GUI 1000, audio captured
of the user's voice, an image captured of the user's eye, an image
captured of the user's fingerprint, etc.) to other information
(e.g., a code entered using region 940 of GUI 900, audio captured
of an authorized user's voice, an image captured of an authorized
user's eye, an image captured of an authorized user's fingerprint,
etc.) to determine if a user is authorized to perform an energy
transfer between an energy transfer system (e.g., 110, 710a, 710b,
710c, etc.) and a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.). As
another example, authentication component 1340 may compare
information associated with a user (e.g., a code entered using
region 1040 of GUI 1000, audio captured of the user's voice, an
image captured of the user's eye, an image captured of the user's
fingerprint, etc.) to other information (e.g., a code entered using
region 940 of GUI 900, audio captured of an authorized user's
voice, an image captured of an authorized user's eye, an image
captured of an authorized user's fingerprint, etc.) to determine if
a user is authorized to use and/or move a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a,
320b, 320c, etc.). Results of the user authentication may be
communicated to interface system 550 (e.g., for presentation to a
user via GUI 1000 if the user authentication is unsuccessful, to
proceed with selection of an energy transfer using GUI 1000 if the
user authentication is successful, etc.), to a vehicle associated
with the user undergoing the authentication (e.g., to enable one or
more components of the vehicle to allow the user to use and/or move
the vehicle, to disable one or more components of the vehicle to
reduce the ability of the user to use and/or move the vehicle,
etc.), etc.
[0284] As shown in FIG. 13, authentication component 1380 may
perform or assist in performing an authentication of a user. For
example, authentication component 1380 may compare information
associated with a user (e.g., a code entered using region 1040 of
GUI 1000, audio captured of the user's voice, an image captured of
the user's eye, an image captured of the user's fingerprint, etc.)
to other information (e.g., a code entered using region 940 of GUI
900, audio captured of an authorized user's voice, an image
captured of an authorized user's eye, an image captured of an
authorized user's fingerprint, etc.) to determine if a user is
authorized to perform an energy transfer between an energy transfer
system (e.g., 110, 710a, 710b, 710c, etc.) and vehicle 120. As
another example, authentication component 1380 may compare
information associated with a user (e.g., a code entered using
region 1040 of GUI 1000, audio captured of the user's voice, an
image captured of the user's eye, an image captured of the user's
fingerprint, etc.) to other information (e.g., a code entered using
region 940 of GUI 900, audio captured of an authorized user's
voice, an image captured of an authorized user's eye, an image
captured of an authorized user's fingerprint, etc.) to determine if
a user is authorized to use and/or move vehicle 120. Results of the
user authentication may be communicated to interface system 550
(e.g., for presentation to a user via GUI 1000 if the user
authentication is unsuccessful, to proceed with selection of an
energy transfer using GUI 1000 if the user authentication is
successful, etc.), to energy transfer system 110 (e.g., to reduce
an ability of a user to transfer energy to and/or from vehicle 120,
to report that the vehicle has been stolen, to sound an alarm,
siren, warning, or the like, to begin monitoring the vehicle if the
monitoring has not already begun, etc.), etc.
[0285] Payment interface 1330 may include at least one component
configured to accept a payment associated with an energy transfer.
For example, payment interface 1330 may include a payment
receptacle capable of accepting coins, bills, checks, coupons, some
combination thereof, etc. Payment interface may include a card
reader capable of accepting payment via a credit card, debit card,
gift card, etc., where the card reader may include a sensor capable
of reading the card as it is slid through a slot of payment
interface 1330, placed in proximity to a surface of payment
interface 1330, placed on a surface of payment interface 1330,
etc.
[0286] As shown in FIG. 13, dispenser 1331 may dispense an object
associated with an energy transfer. For example, dispenser 1331 may
dispense currency such as coins, bills, etc. (e.g., as payment for
energy transferred from a vehicle to an energy transfer system). As
another example, dispenser 1331 may dispense gift cards. As yet
another example, dispenser 1331 may dispense coupons or other
objects associated with an incentive (e.g., encouraging a user to
make a purchase at a store owned by the same owner as the energy
transfer system, encouraging a user to make a purchase at a store
in a business relationship with an owner of the energy transfer
system, etc.). In one embodiment, dispenser 1331 may be used to
receive payment for one or more energy transfers (e.g., where a
user is owed money due to an amount of energy transferred to an
energy transfer system exceeding an amount of energy transferred
from the energy transfer system).
[0287] Payment interface 1330 and/or dispenser 1331 may be used to
provide payment for one or more energy transfers (e.g., where a
user owes money due to an amount of energy transferred from an
energy transfer system exceeding an amount of energy transferred to
the energy transfer system) in one embodiment. For example, payment
interface 1330 may be used to pay for the one or more energy
transfers. As another example, dispenser 1331 may provide a coupon
or an object associated with an incentive.
[0288] Although FIG. 13 shows energy transfer system 110 and
vehicle 120 with a specific number of components, it should be
appreciated that energy transfer system 110 and/or vehicle 120 may
include a larger or smaller number of components in other
embodiments. In one embodiment, two or more components may be
combined, a component may be separated into multiple components,
some combination thereof, etc. It should also be appreciated that
the components depicted in FIG. 13 may be arranged differently
(e.g., a sub-component of one component may be a sub-component of
another component, a sub-component of a component may exist outside
the component as another component, a component may be a
sub-component of another component, etc.) in other embodiments. In
one embodiment, energy transfer system 110 and/or vehicle 120 may
include one or more components of computer system 4100 of FIG.
41.
[0289] FIG. 14 shows energy transfer management component 1410 for
managing an energy transfer in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention. In one embodiment, energy transfer
monitoring component 1412 may monitor a state of energy transfer
system 110. For example, energy transfer monitoring component 1412
may monitor parameters of power management component 215, charge
and/or discharge component 218, interface component 211, another
component of energy transfer system 110, etc., where the parameters
may include a number of energy transfers handled by a component at
a particular time, a direction of the energy transfers through a
component, an attribute (e.g., an energy transfer type, an
interface type, a power, a current, a voltage, an energy transfer
profile, a duration, a waveform, a temperature, etc.) of one or
more energy transfers handled by a component, etc. As another
example, energy transfer monitoring component 1412 may monitor at
least one energy transfer from one component of energy transfer
system 110 to another component of energy transfer system 110, at
least one energy transfer between energy transfer system 110 and at
least one vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.), at least one
energy transfer between energy transfer system 110 and another
system, etc. And as yet another example, energy transfer monitoring
component 1412 may monitor a remaining capacity of the energy
transfer system to transfer energy (e.g., measured in units of a
current, power, etc.). In one embodiment, the remaining capacity of
the energy transfer system to transfer energy may be calculated by
subtracting a current energy transfer rate to the energy transfer
system (e.g., from power grid 250) from a maximum energy transfer
rate to the energy transfer system (e.g., determined by power grid
250, a utility supplying power to the energy transfer system, a
rating of an electrical service entrance supplying energy to the
energy transfer system, a local building code, etc.) and then
adding the result to a cumulative energy transfer rate (if any
exists) supplied by components of the energy transfer system (e.g.,
energy storage component 216, power source 217, etc.) and/or
supplied by one or more vehicles (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c,
etc.). And as another example, energy transfer monitoring component
1412 may monitor problems or interrupts associated with energy
transfer system 110 (e.g., associated with one or more components
of energy transfer system 110, associated with one or more energy
transfer interfaces coupled to energy transfer system 110 and/or at
least one vehicle, as detected or monitored by interface monitoring
component 213, as detected or monitored by interface monitoring
component 223, etc.).
[0290] A state of energy transfer system 110 (e.g., monitored
and/or determined using energy transfer management component 1410)
may be used to determine at least one attribute for an energy
transfer. For example, the state of the energy transfer system may
be used to filter attributes associated with energy transfers which
exceed a capacity of the energy transfer system to transfer energy
at a particular time, which cannot be performed (e.g., due to a
problem with an energy transfer interface, due to a problem with a
signal interface, etc.), etc. As another example, attributes may be
filtered based upon a user preference associated with a state of
the energy transfer system (e.g., higher energy transfer rates
should be filtered as the capacity of the energy transfer system to
transfer energy goes down). In one embodiment, the attributes which
are not filtered may be displayed to a user for selection (e.g., in
region 1060 of GUI 1000), while the attributes which are filtered
may be hidden or not displayed to a user for selection. As such,
embodiments can provide more efficient user interaction, more
efficient data processing, a reduction in an amount of data
transferred related to one or more energy transfers, etc.
[0291] In one embodiment, a state of energy transfer system 110
(e.g., monitored and/or determined using energy transfer management
component 1410) may be used to determine at least one cost for an
energy transfer. For example, the state of the energy transfer
system may be used to determine a supply of energy and/or a demand
for energy, where the supply and/or demand may be used to determine
a cost of an energy transfer. As another example, a state of the
energy transfer system may be used to determine an attribute for
the energy transfer and the attribute may be used to determine a
cost for the energy transfer, and therefore, the cost of an energy
transfer may be determined based upon a state of the energy
transfer system.
[0292] Energy transfer monitoring component 1412 may monitor the
state of the energy transfer system (e.g., 110) over time. For
example, data associated with one or more components or interfaces
of the energy transfer system may be sampled or captured at a
plurality of times. As such, in one embodiment, energy transfer
monitoring component 1412 may provide real-time monitoring (or
nearly real-time monitoring due to latencies associated with data
reads, data writes, data transfer, etc.) of the energy transfer
system. Additionally, in one embodiment, the data may be stored
(e.g., in a memory of energy transfer system 110) for subsequent
access and/or processing (e.g., to perform analysis used to
determine trends, patterns, etc.).
[0293] In one embodiment, information associated with the state of
the energy transfer system (e.g., monitored and/or determined using
energy transfer monitoring component 1412) may be communicated to
an external system. For example, communication interface 241 may be
used to communicate the information associated with the state
(e.g., represented by arrow 1422) to interface system 550 (e.g.,
for use in presenting one or more energy transfers for selection by
a user via a GUI such as GUI 1000). In one embodiment, the
information associated with the state may be used (e.g., by
interface system 550) to determine at least one attribute
associated with an energy transfer, determine at least one cost
associated with an energy transfer, to determine a recommendation
associated with an energy transfer, etc. In one embodiment, the
information associated with the state may be used (e.g., by
interface system 550) to determine at least one energy transfer to
present to a user for selection (e.g., via a GUI such as GUI
1000).
[0294] As shown in FIG. 14, energy transfer control component 1414
may control one or more energy transfers between a plurality of
components, where the components are part of energy transfer system
110 (e.g., energy storage component 216, power source 217, power
management component 215, charge and/or discharge component 218,
charge and/or discharge component 418a, charge and/or discharge
component 418b, charge and/or discharge component 418c, etc.) or
part of another system (e.g., one or more vehicles coupled to
energy transfer system 110, etc.). In one embodiment, energy
transfer control component 1414 may control one or more energy
transfers by controlling or configuring at least one component of
energy transfer system 110 (e.g., energy storage component 216,
power source 217, power management component 215, charge and/or
discharge component 218, charge and/or discharge component 418a,
charge and/or discharge component 418b, charge and/or discharge
component 418c, etc.), where the controlling or configuring may
involve specifying the number of energy transfers implemented using
a particular component of energy transfer system 110 at any given
time, one or more components supplying energy for an energy
transfer, one or more components receiving energy as a result of an
energy transfer, the direction of each energy transfer, some
combination thereof, etc. In one embodiment, energy transfer
control component 1414 may control one or more energy transfers by
controlling or configuring at least one component of another system
(e.g., energy storage component 226, power source 227, power
management component 225, charge and/or discharge component 228,
another component of vehicle 120, a component of another system,
etc.), where the controlling or configuring may involve specifying
the number of energy transfers implemented using a particular
component of the system at any given time, one or more components
supplying energy for an energy transfer, one or more components
receiving energy as a result of an energy transfer, the direction
of each energy transfer, some combination thereof, etc.
[0295] In one embodiment, energy transfer control component 1414
may control one or more energy transfers based on at least one
communication with another system. For example, information about
an energy transfer to be performed (e.g., represented by arrow
1424) may be received by communication interface 241 (e.g.,
communicated from interface system 550), where the information may
include at least one attribute of one or more energy transfers to
be performed. In one embodiment, the information may be determined
(e.g., by interface system 550) based upon one or more user
selections associated with at least one energy transfer (e.g.,
input using a GUI such as GUI 1000). In this manner, the
information received by energy transfer system 110 (e.g.,
communicated from interface system 550) may be used to control or
configure at least one component (e.g., of energy transfer system
110 and/or of another system such as at least one vehicle coupled
to energy transfer system 110) to implement the one or more energy
transfers.
[0296] Although FIG. 14 shows energy transfer system with a
specific number of components, it should be appreciated that energy
transfer system 110 may include any number of components in other
embodiments. For example, although FIG. 14 shows only one charge
and/or discharge component (e.g., 218), energy transfer system 110
may include more than one charge and/or discharge component (e.g.,
three charge and/or discharge components 418a, 418b, and 418c as
shown in FIG. 15, another number of charge and/or discharge
components, etc.) in other embodiments.
[0297] FIG. 16 shows diagram 1600 of energy transfer components
(e.g., 1610, 1620, 1630, 1645, 1655, 1662, 1665, 1675, etc.)
disposed at different locations along a vehicle route (e.g., 1605)
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The
vehicle route (e.g., 1605) may be a roadway, a route for a boat, a
taxiway or runway for an aircraft, etc. One or more of the energy
transfer components (e.g., 1610, 1620, 1630, 1645, 1655, 1662,
1665, 1675, etc.) may be part of or coupled to an energy transfer
system (e.g., 110). As such, one or more energy transfers may be
performed between a vehicle (e.g., 120) and an energy transfer
system (e.g., 110) at a plurality of locations (e.g., while the
vehicle is moving or stationary) along the vehicle route (e.g.,
1605) using at least one energy transfer component (e.g., 1610,
1620, 1630, 1645, 1655, 1662, 1665, 1675, etc.). And in one
embodiment, one or more of the energy transfer components (e.g.,
1610, 1620, 1630, 1645, 1655, 1662, 1665, 1675, etc.) depicted in
FIG. 16 may be part of or coupled to an energy transfer system
(e.g., 110) for performing one or more energy transfers with at
least one vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.).
[0298] As shown in FIG. 16, at least one energy transfer component
(e.g., 1610, 1620, 1630, etc.) may be disposed on a surface of the
vehicle route (e.g., 1605), protruding from a surface of the
vehicle route (e.g., 1605), or disposed beneath a surface of the
vehicle route (e.g., 1605). In one embodiment, the energy transfer
component may be disposed within a component that performs another
function (e.g., within a reflector coupled with a surface of the
vehicle route, within a marker coupled with a surface of the
vehicle route, within a light coupled with a surface of the vehicle
route, etc.). As such, in one embodiment, energy may be transferred
between a vehicle and an energy transfer system using at least one
energy transfer component located on the bottom of the vehicle, the
front of the vehicle, the rear of the vehicle, a wheel of the
vehicle, a tire of the vehicle, another component of the vehicle,
etc. Energy may be transferred between the vehicle and the energy
transfer system as the vehicle moves toward the energy transfer
component, as the vehicle moves over the energy transfer component,
as the vehicle moves away from the energy transfer component, some
combination thereof, etc.
[0299] At least one energy transfer component (e.g., 1645, 1655,
1662, etc.) may be disposed beside the vehicle route (e.g., 1605).
For example, one or more energy transfer components (e.g., 1645)
may be coupled with and/or disposed at least partially within a
guardrail (e.g., 1640) located near or next to a vehicle route. As
another example, one or more energy transfer components (e.g.,
1655) may be coupled with and/or disposed at least partially within
a sign or billboard (e.g., 1650) located near or next to a vehicle
route. As yet another example, one or more energy transfer
components (e.g., 1662) may be coupled with and/or disposed at
least partially within a lamp or pole (e.g., 1660) located near or
next to a vehicle route. As such, in one embodiment, energy may be
transferred between a vehicle and an energy transfer system using
at least one energy transfer component disposed on the side of the
vehicle, the bottom of the vehicle, the top of the vehicle, the
front of the vehicle, the rear of the vehicle, a wheel of the
vehicle, a tire of the vehicle, another component of the vehicle,
etc. Energy may be transferred between the vehicle and the energy
transfer system as the vehicle moves toward the energy transfer
component, as the vehicle passes by the energy transfer component,
as the vehicle moves away from the energy transfer component, some
combination thereof, etc.
[0300] As shown in FIG. 16, at least one energy transfer component
(e.g., 1665, 1675, etc.) may be disposed above the vehicle route
(e.g., 1605). For example, one or more energy transfer components
(e.g., 1665) may be coupled with and/or disposed at least partially
within a lamp or streetlight (e.g., 1660) located above a vehicle
route. As another example, one or more energy transfer components
(e.g., 1675) may be coupled with and/or disposed at least partially
within an overpass or footbridge (e.g., 1670) located above a
vehicle route. As such, in one embodiment, energy may be
transferred between a vehicle and an energy transfer system using
at least one energy transfer component disposed on the top of the
vehicle, the front of the vehicle, the rear of the vehicle, the
side of the vehicle, a wheel of the vehicle, a tire of the vehicle,
another component of the vehicle, etc. Energy may be transferred
between the vehicle and the energy transfer system as the vehicle
moves toward the energy transfer component, as the vehicle passes
under the energy transfer component, as the vehicle moves away from
the energy transfer component, some combination thereof, etc.
[0301] One or more of the energy transfer components (e.g., 1610,
1620, 1630, 1645, 1655, 1662, 1665, 1675, etc.) may be implemented
in accordance with (e.g., include components of, function similarly
to, etc.) energy transfer component 232, and therefore, the one or
more energy transfer components (e.g., 1610, 1620, 1630, 1645,
1655, 1662, 1665, 1675, etc.) may include at least one electrical
contact (e.g., disposed in or coupled with a plug, disposed in or
coupled with a receptacle, etc.). In one embodiment, one or more
energy transfer components (e.g., 1610, 1620, 1630, 1645, 1655,
1662, 1665, 1675, etc.) may be implemented in accordance with
(e.g., include components of, function similarly to, etc.) energy
transfer component 235, and therefore, the one or more energy
transfer components (e.g., 1610, 1620, 1630, 1645, 1655, 1662,
1665, 1675, etc.) may be capable of enabling an inductive energy
transfer over an energy transfer interface (e.g., 234) between the
vehicle (e.g., 120) and the energy transfer system (e.g., 110). And
in one embodiment, one or more energy transfer components (e.g.,
1610, 1620, 1630, 1645, 1655, 1662, 1665, 1675, etc.) may be
implemented in accordance with (e.g., include components of,
function similarly to, etc.) energy transfer component 238, and
therefore, the one or more energy transfer components (e.g., 1610,
1620, 1630, 1645, 1655, 1662, 1665, 1675, etc.) may be capable of
enabling a wireless energy transfer over an energy transfer
interface (e.g., 237) between the vehicle (e.g., 120) and the
energy transfer system (e.g., 110).
[0302] As shown in FIG. 16, each energy transfer component (e.g.,
1610, 1620, 1630, 1645, 1655, 1662, 1665, 1675, etc.) may be
coupled to a respective set of components for performing an energy
transfer. For example, energy transfer component 1610 may be
coupled to a first set of components (e.g., 410), energy transfer
component 1620 may be coupled to a second set of components (e.g.,
420), energy transfer component 1630 may be coupled to a third set
of components (e.g., 430), etc. In one embodiment, at least two
energy transfer components may share a common set of components.
For example, energy transfer components 1620 and 1630 may be
coupled to the same set of components (e.g., 420). The set of
components coupled to or supporting an energy transfer component
may be co-located with the energy transfer component (e.g.,
disposed in the same housing), located near the energy transfer
component (e.g., disposed in a separate housing in proximity to the
energy transfer component, within eyeshot of the energy transfer
component, within earshot of the energy transfer component, etc.),
or located further away from the energy transfer component (e.g.,
disposed in a separate housing out of eyeshot and/or earshot from
the energy transfer component).
[0303] In one embodiment, a group of energy transfer components
(e.g., 1610, 1620, 1630, 1645, 1655, 1665, 1675, etc.) may be
activated (e.g., by interface component 211) simultaneously or
contemporaneously to enable a plurality of energy transfers to be
conducted with a vehicle simultaneously or contemporaneously. For
example, energy transfer components 1610 and 1620 may be conduct
energy transfers with a vehicle (e.g., 120) at a first time, and
energy transfer components 1620 and 1630 may be conduct energy
transfers with a vehicle (e.g., 120) at a second time. It should be
appreciated that any combination of energy transfer components may
be used to perform one or more energy transfers with a vehicle at
any given time. For example, a first combination of energy transfer
components may be used to perform one or more energy transfers with
a vehicle at a first time, and a second combination of energy
transfer components may be used to perform one or more energy
transfers with a vehicle at a second time.
[0304] As shown in FIG. 16, use of a plurality of energy transfer
components (e.g., 1610, 1620, 1630, 1645, 1655, 1665, 1675, some
combination thereof, etc.) to conduct simultaneous or
contemporaneous energy transfers with a vehicle may advantageously
enable a higher overall energy transfer rate compared to
conventional systems. For example, where the energy transfer rate
for each energy transfer component is limited (e.g., at a value set
by the manufacturer, by mechanical and/or electrical limitations of
the energy transfer component, etc.), use of a larger amount of
energy transfer components to perform the energy transfer can
result in a larger overall rate of energy transfer to the vehicle.
Further, by using a plurality of energy transfer components to
perform simultaneous or contemporaneous energy transfers, the
respective energy transfer rate implemented by each of the energy
transfer components can be reduced below that of a conventional
energy transfer component of a conventional system (e.g., while
still maintaining the same or larger overall rate of energy
transfer between the vehicle and the energy transfers system). In
this manner, embodiments of the present invention can provide an
energy transfer rate which equals or exceeds the energy transfer
rate of a conventional system while reducing the heat produced by
each of energy transfer components, extending the lifetime of the
energy transfer components, increasing the efficiency of the energy
transfer (e.g., by operating each energy transfer component at a
reduced load where they are more efficient, etc.), etc.
[0305] In one embodiment, a group of energy transfer components
(e.g., 1610, 1620, 1630, 1645, 1655, 1665, 1675, etc.) may be
activated (e.g., by interface component 211) sequentially to enable
one or more energy transfers to be conducted with a vehicle. For
example, a first energy transfer component (e.g., 1610) may be used
to perform a first energy transfer with a vehicle (e.g., 120).
After the first energy transfer is completed, a second energy
transfer component (e.g., 1620) may be used to perform a second
energy transfer with the vehicle. As another example, a first group
of energy transfer components (e.g., 1610 and 1645) may be used to
perform a first energy transfer with a vehicle (e.g., 120), and a
second group of energy transfer components (e.g., 1620 and 1655)
may be used to perform a second energy transfer with the vehicle
after the first energy transfer is completed.
[0306] Although FIG. 16 shows a specific number, arrangement,
shape, and size of energy transfer components, it should be
appreciated that a different number, arrangement, shape, and/or
size of energy transfer components may be used in other
embodiments. Additionally, although FIG. 16 shows a specific
number, arrangement, shape, and size of objects, it should be
appreciated that a different number, arrangement, shape, and/or
size of objects may be used in other embodiments. Further, although
FIG. 16 shows a specific number, arrangement, shape, and size of
energy transfer components in each object, it should be appreciated
that an object may include any number, arrangement, shape, and/or
size of energy transfer components in other embodiments.
[0307] FIG. 17 shows diagram 1700 of components for performing one
or more energy transfers with a vehicle in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, energy
transfer components may be positioned in or around object 1770,
where object 1770 may be located in an area where one or more
vehicles are parked or otherwise remain stationary for some period
of time. For example, object 1770 may be a park strip or curb next
to parking spaces for automobiles, motorcycles, or another type of
vehicle. As another example, object 1770 may be a boat dock. As yet
another example, object 1770 may be a jet bridge (e.g., enabling
passengers to board an aircraft), terminal building or other object
near where an aircraft can be stopped. And in one embodiment, one
or more of the energy transfer components (e.g., 1711-1715,
1721-1728, 1731-1735, 1742, 1744, 1752, 1754, 1783, 1785, etc.)
depicted in FIG. 17 may be part of or coupled to an energy transfer
system (e.g., 110) for performing one or more energy transfers with
at least one vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.).
[0308] As shown in FIG. 17, one or more energy transfer components
(e.g., 1721, 1722, 1723, 1724, 1725, 1726, 1727, 1728, etc.) may be
coupled with or otherwise disposed at least partially within the
ground. In one embodiment, a first set of energy transfer
components (e.g., 1721, 1722, 1723 and 1724) may be located in a
first area (e.g., a parking space, stall, etc.) for transferring
energy with a first vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.),
and a second set of energy transfer components (e.g., 1725, 1726,
1727 and 1728) may be located in a second area (e.g., a parking
space, stall, etc.) for transferring energy with a second vehicle
(e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, etc.). In one embodiment, one or more
energy transfer components (e.g., 1721, 1722, 1723, 1724, 1725,
1726, 1727, 1728, etc.) may be coupled with or otherwise disposed
at least partially within an enclosure or housing (e.g., 1720),
where the enclosure or housing (e.g., 1720) may be coupled with or
otherwise disposed at least partially within the ground. As such,
in one embodiment, energy may be transferred between a vehicle and
an energy transfer system using at least one energy transfer
component located on the bottom of the vehicle, the front of the
vehicle, the rear of the vehicle, a wheel of the vehicle, a tire of
the vehicle, another component of the vehicle, etc. Energy may be
transferred between the vehicle and the energy transfer system
(e.g., using energy transfer component 1721, 1722, 1723, 1724,
1725, 1726, 1727, 1728, some combination thereof, etc.) while the
vehicle is stationary and/or while the vehicle is moving (e.g.,
toward the energy transfer component, away from the energy transfer
component, alternatively moving with respect to the energy transfer
component, etc.).
[0309] One or more energy transfer components (e.g., 1711, 1712,
1713, 1714, 1715, etc.) may be coupled with or otherwise disposed
at least partially within a wheel stop (e.g., 1710). A wheel stop
may be any object placed, secured, integrally formed, etc. with the
ground and capable of slowing down or stopping a vehicle as a tire
or wheel of vehicle comes into contact with the wheel stop. In one
embodiment, a first set of energy transfer components (e.g., 1711,
1712, and 1713) may be located on a first side or surface of the
wheel stop for transferring energy with one or more energy transfer
components located in a first region of a vehicle (e.g., coupled
with or disposed within a portion of the body of the vehicle which
overlaps one or more of the energy transfer components), and a
second set of energy transfer components (e.g., 1714 and 1715) may
be located on a second side or surface of the wheel stop for
transferring energy with one or more energy transfer components
located in a second region of a vehicle (e.g., coupled with or
disposed within a wheel or tire of the vehicle). As such, in one
embodiment, energy may be transferred between a vehicle and an
energy transfer system using at least one energy transfer component
located on the bottom of the vehicle, the front of the vehicle, the
rear of the vehicle, a wheel of the vehicle, a tire of the vehicle,
another component of the vehicle, etc. Energy may be transferred
between the vehicle and the energy transfer system (e.g., using
energy transfer component 1711, 1712, 1713, 1714, 1715, some
combination thereof, etc.) while the vehicle is stationary and/or
while the vehicle is moving (e.g., toward the energy transfer
component, away from the energy transfer component, alternatively
moving with respect to the energy transfer component, etc.).
[0310] As shown in FIG. 17, one or more energy transfer components
(e.g., 1731, 1732, 1733, 1734, 1735, etc.) may be coupled with or
otherwise disposed at least partially within enclosure or housing
1730, where enclosure or housing 1730 may be secured to and/or
disposed at least partially within object 1770. In one embodiment,
enclosure 1730 may form a curb (e.g., either alone or in
combination with object 1770). In one embodiment, one or more
surfaces of enclosure or housing 1730 may be flush or substantially
flush with one or more surfaces of object 1770, thereby improving
aesthetics of the installation, discouraging tampering with the
energy transfer components or other components of the energy
transfer system, improving cleanliness of the installation (e.g.,
by reducing ridges or other areas where dirt or other debris can
collect), etc. Alternatively, one or more energy transfer
components (e.g., 1731, 1732, 1733, 1734, 1735, etc.) may be
coupled with or otherwise disposed at least partially within object
1770 in one embodiment.
[0311] In one embodiment, a first set of energy transfer components
(e.g., 1731, 1732, and 1733) may be located on a first side or
surface (e.g., of the curb, of enclosure or housing 1730, etc.) for
transferring energy with one or more energy transfer components
located in a first region of a vehicle (e.g., coupled with or
disposed within a portion of the body of the vehicle which overlaps
one or more of the energy transfer components), and a second set of
energy transfer components (e.g., 1734 and 1735) may be located on
a second side or surface (e.g., of the curb, of enclosure or
housing 1730, etc.) for transferring energy with one or more energy
transfer components located in a second region of a vehicle (e.g.,
coupled with or disposed within a wheel or tire of the vehicle). As
such, in one embodiment, energy may be transferred between a
vehicle and an energy transfer system using at least one energy
transfer component located on the bottom of the vehicle, the front
of the vehicle, the rear of the vehicle, a wheel of the vehicle, a
tire of the vehicle, another component of the vehicle, etc. Energy
may be transferred between the vehicle and the energy transfer
system (e.g., using energy transfer component 1731, 1732, 1733,
1734, 1735, some combination thereof, etc.) while the vehicle is
stationary and/or while the vehicle is moving (e.g., toward the
energy transfer component, away from the energy transfer component,
alternatively moving with respect to the energy transfer component,
etc.).
[0312] As shown in FIG. 17, one or more energy transfer components
(e.g., 1742, 1744, 1752, 1754, etc.) may be coupled with or
otherwise disposed at least partially within an object (e.g., 1740,
1750, etc.). In one embodiment, the object may be located near or
within a line of sight of at least one energy transfer component of
a vehicle (e.g., coupled with object 1770, located further from the
vehicle, etc.). As such, one or more energy transfer components
(e.g., 1742, 1744, etc.) may be used to perform an energy transfer
with a vehicle when the vehicle is positioned (e.g., stationary,
moving, etc.) in a first location (e.g., above or near energy
transfer component 1721, 1722, 1723, 1724, another location, etc.),
and one or more other energy transfer components (e.g., 1752, 1754,
etc.) may be used to perform an energy transfer with a vehicle when
the vehicle is positioned (e.g., stationary, moving, etc.) in a
second location (e.g., above or near energy transfer component
1725, 1726, 1727, 1728, another location, etc.). Thus, in one
embodiment, energy may be transferred between a vehicle and an
energy transfer system using at least one energy transfer component
located on any side of the vehicle (e.g., top, bottom, front, rear,
passenger side, driver side, pilot side, port, starboard, etc.), a
wheel of the vehicle, a tire of the vehicle, another component of
the vehicle, etc. Energy may be transferred between the vehicle and
the energy transfer system (e.g., using energy transfer component
1742, 1744, 1752, 1754, some combination thereof, etc.) while the
vehicle is stationary and/or while the vehicle is moving (e.g.,
toward the energy transfer component, away from the energy transfer
component, alternatively moving with respect to the energy transfer
component, etc.).
[0313] One or more energy transfer components (e.g., 1783, 1785,
etc.) may be coupled with or otherwise disposed at least partially
within an object (e.g., enclosure or housing 1782, enclosure or
housing 1784, etc.) coupled with and/or integrally formed with a
building (e.g., 1780). In one embodiment, the object may be located
near or within a line of sight of at least one energy transfer
component of a vehicle. As such, one or more energy transfer
components (e.g., 1783, 1785, etc.) may be used to perform an
energy transfer with a vehicle when the vehicle is positioned
(e.g., stationary, moving, etc.) in a first location (e.g., above
or near energy transfer component 1721, 1722, 1723, 1724, etc.), in
a second location (e.g., above or near energy transfer component
1725, 1726, 1727, 1728, etc.), some other location, etc. Thus, in
one embodiment, energy may be transferred between a vehicle and an
energy transfer system using at least one energy transfer component
located on any side of the vehicle (e.g., top, bottom, front, rear,
passenger side, driver side, pilot side, port, starboard, etc.), a
wheel of the vehicle, a tire of the vehicle, another component of
the vehicle, etc. Energy may be transferred between the vehicle and
the energy transfer system (e.g., using energy transfer component
1783, 1785, some combination thereof, etc.) while the vehicle is
stationary and/or while the vehicle is moving (e.g., toward the
energy transfer component, away from the energy transfer component,
alternatively moving with respect to the energy transfer component,
etc.).
[0314] As shown in FIG. 17, one or more of the energy transfer
components (e.g., 1711-1715, 1721-1728, 1731-1735, 1742, 1744,
1752, 1754, 1783, 1785, etc.) may be implemented in accordance with
(e.g., include components of, function similarly to, etc.) energy
transfer component 232, and therefore, the one or more energy
transfer components (e.g., 1711-1715, 1721-1728, 1731-1735, 1742,
1744, 1752, 1754, 1783, 1785, etc.) may include at least one
electrical contact (e.g., disposed in or coupled with a plug,
disposed in or coupled with a receptacle, etc.). In one embodiment,
one or more energy transfer components (e.g., 1711-1715, 1721-1728,
1731-1735, 1742, 1744, 1752, 1754, 1783, 1785, etc.) may be
implemented in accordance with (e.g., include components of,
function similarly to, etc.) energy transfer component 235, and
therefore, the one or more energy transfer components (e.g.,
1711-1715, 1721-1728, 1731-1735, 1742, 1744, 1752, 1754, 1783,
1785, etc.) may be capable of enabling an inductive energy transfer
over an energy transfer interface (e.g., 234) between the vehicle
(e.g., 120) and an energy transfer system (e.g., 110). And in one
embodiment, one or more energy transfer components (e.g.,
1711-1715, 1721-1728, 1731-1735, 1742, 1744, 1752, 1754, 1783,
1785, etc.) may be implemented in accordance with (e.g., include
components of, function similarly to, etc.) energy transfer
component 238, and therefore, the one or more energy transfer
components (e.g., 1711-1715, 1721-1728, 1731-1735, 1742, 1744,
1752, 1754, 1783, 1785, etc.) may be capable of enabling a wireless
energy transfer over an energy transfer interface (e.g., 237)
between the vehicle (e.g., 120) and the energy transfer system
(e.g., 110).
[0315] In one embodiment, a group of energy transfer components
configured to transfer energy with a particular vehicle (e.g.,
1711-1715, 1721-1724, 1742, 1744, etc.) may be capable of
implementing a plurality of different types of energy transfer
interfaces. For example, energy transfer component 1742 may be
capable of implementing a wired energy transfer interface, energy
transfer component 1744 may be capable of implementing a wireless
energy transfer interface, and energy transfer components 1711-1715
and 1721-1724 may be capable of implementing an inductive energy
transfer interface. In this manner, embodiments of the present
invention can improve compatibility with different types of
vehicles, increase redundancy, enable simultaneous or
contemporaneous energy transfers with the particular vehicle, some
combination thereof, etc. And in one embodiment, a group of energy
transfer components configured to transfer energy with a particular
vehicle (e.g., 1711-1715, 1721-1724, 1742, 1744, etc.) may be
coupled to a common set of components (e.g., 410) of an energy
transfer system (e.g., 110).
[0316] As shown in FIG. 17, each energy transfer component (e.g.,
1711-1715, 1721-1728, 1731-1735, 1742, 1744, 1752, 1754, 1783,
1785, etc.) may be coupled to a respective set of components for
performing an energy transfer. For example, energy transfer
component 1721 may be coupled to a first set of components (e.g.,
410), energy transfer component 1725 may be coupled to a second set
of components (e.g., 420), etc. In one embodiment, at least two
energy transfer components may share a common set of components.
For example, energy transfer components 1721-1724 and 1711-1715 may
be coupled to the same set of components (e.g., 410). The set of
components coupled to or supporting an energy transfer component
may be co-located with the energy transfer component. For example,
a set of components (e.g., 410, 420, 430, etc.) coupled to or
supporting a first energy transfer component (e.g., 1723, 1724,
etc.) may be disposed in a enclosure or housing (e.g., 1720) of the
first energy transfer component, a set of components (e.g., 410,
420, 430, etc.) coupled to or supporting a second energy transfer
component (e.g., 1711, 1712, 1713, 1714, 1715, etc.) may be
disposed in a enclosure or housing (e.g., wheel stop 1710) of the
second energy transfer component, a set of components (e.g., 410,
420, 430, etc.) coupled to or supporting a third energy transfer
component (e.g., 1731, 1732, 1733, 1734, 1735, etc.) may be
disposed in a enclosure or housing (e.g., 1730) of the third energy
transfer component, a set of components (e.g., 410, 420, 430, etc.)
coupled to or supporting a fourth energy transfer component (e.g.,
1742, 1744, 1752, 1754, etc.) may be disposed in an enclosure or
housing (e.g., 1740, 1750, etc.) of the fourth energy transfer
component, a set of components (e.g., 410, 420, 430, etc.) coupled
to or supporting a fifth energy transfer component (e.g., 1783,
1785, etc.) may be disposed in a enclosure or housing (e.g., 1782,
1784, etc.) of the fifth energy transfer component, etc.
Alternatively, the set of components coupled to or supporting an
energy transfer component may be located near the energy transfer
component (e.g., disposed in a separate housing in proximity to the
energy transfer component, within eyeshot of the energy transfer
component, within earshot of the energy transfer component, etc.)
or located further away from the energy transfer component (e.g.,
disposed in a separate housing out of eyeshot and/or earshot from
the energy transfer component).
[0317] In one embodiment, a group of energy transfer components
(e.g., 1711-1715, 1721-1728, 1731-1735, 1742, 1744, 1752, 1754,
1783, 1785, etc.) may be activated (e.g., by interface component
211) simultaneously or contemporaneously to enable a plurality of
energy transfers to be conducted with a vehicle at any given time.
For example, energy transfer components 1711, 1721, and 1742 may
conduct simultaneous or contemporaneous energy transfers with a
first vehicle (e.g., 320a), and energy transfer components 1731,
1725, and 1752 may conduct simultaneous or contemporaneous energy
transfers with a second vehicle (e.g., 320b). It should be
appreciated that any combination of energy transfer components may
be used to perform one or more energy transfers with a vehicle at
any given time. For example, a first combination of energy transfer
components may be used to perform one or more energy transfers with
a first vehicle at the same time as a second combination of energy
transfer components are used to perform one or more energy
transfers with a second vehicle.
[0318] As shown in FIG. 17, use of a plurality of energy transfer
components (e.g., 1711-1715, 1721-1728, 1731-1735, 1742, 1744,
1752, 1754, 1783, 1785, some combination thereof, etc.) to conduct
simultaneous or contemporaneous energy transfers with a vehicle may
advantageously enable a higher overall energy transfer rate
compared to conventional systems. For example, where the energy
transfer rate for each energy transfer component is limited (e.g.,
at a value set by the manufacturer, by mechanical and/or electrical
limitations of the energy transfer component, etc.), use of a
larger amount of energy transfer components to perform the energy
transfer can result in a larger overall rate of energy transfer to
the vehicle. Further, by using a plurality of energy transfer
components to perform simultaneous or contemporaneous energy
transfers, the respective energy transfer rate implemented by each
of the energy transfer components can be reduced below that of a
conventional energy transfer component of a conventional system
(e.g., while still maintaining the same or larger overall rate of
energy transfer between the vehicle and the energy transfers
system). In this manner, embodiments of the present invention can
provide an energy transfer rate which equals or exceeds the energy
transfer rate of a conventional system while reducing the heat
produced by each of energy transfer components, extending the
lifetime of the energy transfer components, increasing the
efficiency of the energy transfer (e.g., by operating each energy
transfer component at a reduced load where they are more efficient,
etc.), etc.
[0319] In one embodiment, a group of energy transfer components
(e.g., 1711-1715, 1721-1728, 1731-1735, 1742, 1744, 1752, 1754,
1783, 1785, etc.) may be activated (e.g., by interface component
211) sequentially to enable one or more energy transfers to be
conducted with a vehicle. For example, a first energy transfer
component (e.g., 1711) may be used to perform a first energy
transfer with a vehicle (e.g., 120). After the first energy
transfer is completed, a second energy transfer component (e.g.,
1721) may be used to perform a second energy transfer with the
vehicle. As another example, a first group of energy transfer
components (e.g., 1711 and 1712) may be used to perform a first
energy transfer with a vehicle (e.g., 120), and a second group of
energy transfer components (e.g., 1721 and 1722) may be used to
perform a second energy transfer with the vehicle after the first
energy transfer is completed.
[0320] As shown in FIG. 17, the provision of multiple energy
transfer components may improve the ability to perform an energy
transfer with a vehicle. For example, the spacing of energy
transfer components 1711-1715, 1721-1724, 1742 and 1744 may
increase the probability of at least one of the energy transfer
components being in a position to transfer energy with a vehicle
(e.g., aligned with an energy transfer component of the vehicle)
regardless of how the vehicle is positioned (e.g., perpendicular to
object 1770, at an angle to object 1770, parallel to object 1770,
etc.). In one embodiment, where energy transfer components are
located in different places on different vehicles, embodiments of
the present invention can increase the number of energy transfer
interfaces available for transferring energy with any given type of
vehicle. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention can
improve the compatibility of the energy transfer system (e.g., 110)
with different types of vehicles by providing multiple energy
transfer components located in different positions.
[0321] In one embodiment, energy transfer system 110 may be
incorporated into an existing site (e.g., building, parking lot,
boat dock, airport, etc.). For example, referring back to FIG. 4,
at least one energy transfer component and corresponding components
(e.g., set of components 410, power management component 215, etc.)
may be disposed inside of an object (e.g., wheel stop 1710,
enclosure or housing 1720, enclosure or housing 1730, enclosure or
housing 1740, enclosure or housing 1750, enclosure 1782, enclosure
1784, etc.) which can be mounted in most any location on the site
(e.g., on the ground, in a curb, on a building, to another object,
etc.). Alternatively, the components of the energy transfer system
may be spread amongst multiple locations on the site (e.g., within
multiple enclosures or housings). In one embodiment, after
installing the components of the energy transfer system, the
components may be connected to a power grid (e.g., 250) and/or to
each other using one or more cables or interfaces (e.g., at least
one power line and/or at least one signal line). As such, in one
embodiment, an existing site may be retrofitted to include energy
transfer system 110 by simply replacing one or more existing
objects (e.g., conventional wheel stops made of solid concrete)
with at least one new object (e.g., one or more instances of wheel
stop 1710) and providing an interface (e.g., at least one power
line and/or at least one signal line) to the at least one new
object.
[0322] Although FIG. 17 shows a specific number, arrangement,
shape, and size of energy transfer components, it should be
appreciated that a different number, arrangement, shape, and/or
size of energy transfer components may be used in other
embodiments. Additionally, although FIG. 17 shows a specific
number, arrangement, shape, and size of objects, it should be
appreciated that a different number, arrangement, shape, and/or
size of objects may be used in other embodiments. Further, although
FIG. 17 shows a specific number, arrangement, shape, and size of
energy transfer components in each object, it should be appreciated
that an object may include any number, arrangement, shape, and/or
size of energy transfer components in other embodiments.
[0323] FIG. 18 shows vehicle 1802 in a position for performing an
energy transfer in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 18, vehicle 1802 includes body 1805,
wheel 1840 and tire 1830. Vehicle 1802 also includes at least one
energy transfer component (e.g., 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1832,
1834, 1842, 1844, etc.) which may be positioned (e.g., located,
oriented, etc.) with respect to at least one other energy transfer
component (e.g., 1711, 1714, 1721, 1742, 1744, 1812, etc.) to
enable one or more energy transfers between the vehicle (e.g.,
1802) and an energy transfer system (e.g., 110).
[0324] In one embodiment, vehicle 1802 may be implemented in
accordance with vehicle 120 as discussed herein, and therefore,
vehicle 1802 may include one or more features of vehicle 120 and/or
function similarly to vehicle 120. And in one embodiment, one or
more of the energy transfer components (e.g., 1711, 1714, 1721,
1742, 1744, 1812, etc.) depicted in FIG. 18 may be part of or
coupled to an energy transfer system (e.g., 110) for performing one
or more energy transfers with at least one vehicle (e.g., 120,
320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, etc.).
[0325] As shown in FIG. 18, one or more of the energy transfer
components (e.g., 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1832, 1834, 1842, 1844,
etc.) may be implemented in accordance with (e.g., include
components of, function similarly to, etc.) energy transfer
component 233, and therefore, the one or more energy transfer
components (e.g., 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1832, 1834, 1842, 1844,
etc.) may include at least one electrical contact (e.g., disposed
in or coupled with a plug, disposed in or coupled with a
receptacle, etc.). In one embodiment, one or more energy transfer
components (e.g., 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1832, 1834, 1842, 1844,
etc.) may be implemented in accordance with (e.g., include
components of, function similarly to, etc.) energy transfer
component 236, and therefore, the one or more energy transfer
components (e.g., 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1832, 1834, 1842, 1844,
etc.) may be capable of enabling an inductive energy transfer over
an energy transfer interface (e.g., 234) between the vehicle (e.g.,
1802) and an energy transfer system (e.g., 110). And in one
embodiment, one or more energy transfer components (e.g., 1821,
1822, 1823, 1824, 1832, 1834, 1842, 1844, etc.) may be implemented
in accordance with (e.g., include components of, function similarly
to, etc.) energy transfer component 239, and therefore, the one or
more energy transfer components (e.g., 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824,
1832, 1834, 1842, 1844, etc.) may be capable of enabling a wireless
energy transfer over an energy transfer interface (e.g., 237)
between the vehicle (e.g., 1802) and the energy transfer system
(e.g., 110).
[0326] Energy transfer components 1812 and 1824 may implement a
wired interface (e.g., 231) in one embodiment. For example, at
least one electrical contact of energy transfer component 1812 may
be brought into physical contact with, and therefore electrically
coupled to, at least one electrical contact of energy transfer
component 1824 to enable one or more energy transfers between
vehicle 1802 and an energy transfer system (e.g., 110). In one
embodiment, energy transfer component 1812 may be housed or
disposed within a plug on the end of a cable, where the cable
provides an electrical coupling between the at least one electrical
contact and at least one component of an energy transfer system
(e.g., disposed within compartment 1813 of wheel stop 1710, within
another portion of wheel stop 1710, within housing or enclosure
1740, in another location, etc.). In one embodiment, energy
transfer component 1824 may be housed or disposed within a
receptacle coupled with or disposed within body 1805 of vehicle
1802, where energy transfer component 1824 may be electrically
coupled to at least one component of the vehicle (e.g., interface
component 221, meter 229, charge and/or discharge component 228,
power management component 225, energy storage component 226, power
source 227, some other component of vehicle 120, etc.).
[0327] In one embodiment, energy transfer components 1812 and 1824
may implement a signal interface (e.g., 134). In this manner, the
electrical contacts used to perform an energy transfer may also be
configured to communicate signals (e.g., data signals, clock
signals, etc.). And in one embodiment, an energy transfer component
used to perform an energy transfer (e.g., 1812, 1824, etc.) may be
housed with or disposed within the same component (e.g., a plug, a
receptacle, etc.) as at least one other electrical contact used to
implement a separate signal interface (e.g., 134).
[0328] As shown in FIG. 18, at least one energy transfer between
vehicle 1802 and an energy transfer system (e.g., 110) may be
performed over an energy transfer interface implemented using
energy transfer components 1822 and 1742, where the energy transfer
interface implemented using energy transfer components 1822 and
1742 may be a wired interface (e.g., 231), an inductive interface
(e.g., 234), a wireless interface (e.g., 237), some combination
thereof, etc. In one embodiment, at least one energy transfer
between vehicle 1802 and an energy transfer system (e.g., 110) may
be performed over an energy transfer interface implemented using
energy transfer components 1823 and 1744, where the energy transfer
interface implemented using energy transfer components 1823 and
1744 may be a wired interface (e.g., 231), an inductive interface
(e.g., 234), a wireless interface (e.g., 237), some combination
thereof, etc.
[0329] In one embodiment, energy transfer component 1822 and/or
energy transfer component 1823 may be located towards the front of
vehicle 1802. For example, energy transfer component 1822 and/or
energy transfer component 1823 may be located behind the front
bumper of vehicle 1802. Energy transfer component 1822 and/or
energy transfer component 1823 may be located behind or at least
partially within compartment 1807 (e.g., which houses at least one
other component such as a headlight, parking light, proximity
sensor, etc.). And in one embodiment, energy transfer component
1822 and/or energy transfer component 1823 may be located behind
surface 1806 (e.g., a transparent or semi-transparent surface
through which light from at least one headlight and/or at least one
parking light passes, a painted surface such as a front fascia,
etc.).
[0330] As shown in FIG. 18, at least one energy transfer between
vehicle 1802 and an energy transfer system (e.g., 110) may be
performed over an energy transfer interface implemented using
energy transfer components 1711 and 1821, where the energy transfer
interface implemented using energy transfer components 1711 and
1821 may be a wired interface (e.g., 231), an inductive interface
(e.g., 234), a wireless interface (e.g., 237), some combination
thereof, etc. Energy transfer component 1821 may be located in a
portion of vehicle 1802 which extends at least partially beyond
wheel 1840 and/or tire 1830. Energy transfer component 1711 may be
located toward or at a top surface of wheel stop 1710. As such,
energy transfer component 1821 may be brought into alignment with
energy transfer component 1711 (e.g., when tire 1830 is brought
into proximity of or in contact with wheel stop 1710) to enable at
least one energy transfer between vehicle 1802 and an energy
transfer system (e.g., 110).
[0331] At least one energy transfer between vehicle 1802 and an
energy transfer system (e.g., 110) may be performed over an energy
transfer interface implemented using energy transfer components
1714 and 1832, where the energy transfer interface implemented
using energy transfer components 1714 and 1832 may be a wired
interface (e.g., 231), an inductive interface (e.g., 234), a
wireless interface (e.g., 237), some combination thereof, etc.
Energy transfer component 1832 may be coupled with or disposed at
least partially within tire 1830 (e.g., as described with respect
to FIGS. 22A, 22B, 24, etc.). Energy transfer component 1714 may be
located toward or at a side of wheel stop 1710 (e.g., a different
side or surface than energy transfer component 1711 is disposed at
or near). As such, energy transfer component 1832 may be brought
into alignment with energy transfer component 1714 (e.g., when tire
1830 is brought into proximity of or in contact with wheel stop
1710) to enable at least one energy transfer between vehicle 1802
and an energy transfer system (e.g., 110).
[0332] As shown in FIG. 18, at least one energy transfer between
vehicle 1802 and an energy transfer system (e.g., 110) may be
performed over an energy transfer interface implemented using
energy transfer components 1714 and 1842, where the energy transfer
interface implemented using energy transfer components 1714 and
1842 may be a wired interface (e.g., 231), an inductive interface
(e.g., 234), a wireless interface (e.g., 237), some combination
thereof, etc. Energy transfer component 1842 may be coupled with or
disposed at least partially within wheel 1840 (e.g., as described
with respect to FIGS. 23A, 23B, 24, etc.). Energy transfer
component 1714 may be located toward or at a side of wheel stop
1710 (e.g., a different side or surface than energy transfer
component 1711 is disposed at or near). As such, energy transfer
component 1842 may be brought into alignment with energy transfer
component 1714 (e.g., when tire 1830 is brought into proximity of
or in contact with wheel stop 1710) to enable at least one energy
transfer between vehicle 1802 and an energy transfer system (e.g.,
110).
[0333] At least one energy transfer between vehicle 1802 and an
energy transfer system (e.g., 110) may be performed over an energy
transfer interface implemented using energy transfer components
1721 and 1834, where the energy transfer interface implemented
using energy transfer components 1721 and 1834 may be a wired
interface (e.g., 231), an inductive interface (e.g., 234), a
wireless interface (e.g., 237), some combination thereof, etc.
Energy transfer component 1834 may be coupled with or disposed at
least partially within tire 1830 (e.g., as described with respect
to FIGS. 22A, 22B, 24, etc.). Energy transfer component 1721 may be
located beneath surface 1890 (e.g., a surface on which vehicle 1802
is capable of moving across), at surface 1890, protruding from
surface 1890, or coupled with surface 1890. As such, energy
transfer component 1834 may be brought into alignment with energy
transfer component 1721 (e.g., when tire 1830 is disposed above
energy transfer component 1721 and/or when tire 1830 is brought
into proximity of or in contact with wheel stop 1710) to enable at
least one energy transfer between vehicle 1802 and an energy
transfer system (e.g., 110).
[0334] As shown in FIG. 18, at least one energy transfer between
vehicle 1802 and an energy transfer system (e.g., 110) may be
performed over an energy transfer interface implemented using
energy transfer components 1721 and 1844, where the energy transfer
interface implemented using energy transfer components 1721 and
1844 may be a wired interface (e.g., 231), an inductive interface
(e.g., 234), a wireless interface (e.g., 237), some combination
thereof, etc. Energy transfer component 1844 may be coupled with or
disposed at least partially within wheel 1840 (e.g., as described
with respect to FIGS. 23A, 23B, 24, etc.). Energy transfer
component 1721 may be located beneath surface 1890 (e.g., a surface
on which vehicle 1802 is capable of moving across), at surface
1890, protruding from surface 1890, or coupled with surface 1890.
As such, energy transfer component 1844 may be brought into
alignment with energy transfer component 1721 (e.g., when tire 1830
or wheel 1840 is disposed above energy transfer component 1721
and/or when tire 1830 is brought into proximity of or in contact
with wheel stop 1710) to enable at least one energy transfer
between vehicle 1802 and an energy transfer system (e.g., 110).
[0335] In one embodiment, electrical contacts may protrude from a
surface to enable an energy transfer with a vehicle. For example,
at least one electrical contact may protrude from an energy
transfer component of an energy transfer system (e.g., 1714, 1711,
1721, etc.) to make physical contact with an energy transfer
component of a vehicle (e.g., 1821, 1832, 1834, etc.) and enable
one or more energy transfers to be performed with a vehicle (e.g.,
1802). As another example, at least one electrical contact may
protrude from an energy transfer component of a vehicle (e.g.,
1821, 1832, 1834, etc.) to make physical contact with an energy
transfer component of an energy transfer system (e.g., 1714, 1711,
1721, etc.) and enable one or more energy transfers to be performed
with a vehicle (e.g., 1802). As yet another example, an energy
transfer with a vehicle may be performed using an electrical
contact which protrudes from a surface of a vehicle (e.g., vehicle
body 1805, tire 1830, wheel 1840, etc.), from the ground (e.g.,
surface 1890), from a surface of wheel stop 1710, from another
component of an energy transfer system (e.g., 110), etc. In one
embodiment, the electrical contact may automatically protrude or
extend responsive to detecting that the vehicle or an energy
transfer component of the vehicle is in an appropriate position to
perform an energy transfer, where position detection (e.g., of the
vehicle and/or the energy transfer component of the vehicle) may be
performed in accordance with FIG. 19, FIG. 20, FIG. 21, etc.
[0336] As shown in FIG. 18, wheel stop 1710 may be made from a
polymer (e.g., a thermoplastic, a thermoset, a rubber, another
polymer, etc.), concrete, metal, wood, some combination thereof,
etc. In one embodiment, wheel stop 1710 may be manufactured using
injection molding, casting, or another fabrication technique. Wheel
stop 1710 may be secured to surface 1890 using member 1870 which
extends through hole 1815 (e.g., defined in a portion of wheel stop
1710, in a surface of wheel stop 1710, etc.), where member 1870 may
be a bolt, screw, piece of rebar, pipe, rod, etc. Alternatively,
wheel stop 1710 may be secured to surface 1890 using another
fastening method (e.g., using an adhesive, using a hook-and-loop
fastener such as Velcro.RTM., etc.).
[0337] Components of an energy transfer system (e.g., 110) may be
located or housed in one or more locations. For example, components
may be housed within wheel stop 1710 (e.g., within compartment
1813, within other portions of wheel stop 1710, etc.), within
housing or enclosure 1740, in another housing or enclosure, some
combination thereof, etc. Components which are located at different
locations may be coupled by an above-ground line (e.g., 1887)
and/or an underground line (e.g., 1880). The line (e.g.,
above-ground line 1887, underground line 1880, etc.) may implement
an energy transfer interface (e.g., 132) and/or a signal interface
(e.g., 134). In one embodiment, the line (e.g., above-ground line
1887, underground line 1880, etc.) may include any number of
conductors.
[0338] In one embodiment, at least some of the components of an
energy transfer system (e.g., 110) may be located within
compartment 1813 of wheel stop 1710. For example, compartment 1813
may enclose at least a portion of a set of components (e.g., 410,
420, 430, etc.). As another example, a power management component
(e.g., 215) may be housed or enclosed in compartment 1813. And as
another example, compartment 1813 may enclose an energy storage
component (e.g., 216) and/or a power source (e.g., 217).
[0339] Compartment 1813 may be accessed from the bottom of wheel
stop 1710 in one embodiment, thereby providing convenient access to
components for repair, maintenance, modification, or the like. A
door or cover at least partially covering compartment 1813 may
reduce access to and/or seal components within compartment 1813 in
one embodiment. Components within compartment 1813 may be coupled
to and/or receive power from an above-ground line (e.g., 1887)
and/or an underground line (e.g., 1880). In one embodiment, an
underground line (e.g., 1880) may be routed into compartment 1813
from the bottom of wheel stop 1710 (e.g., as shown by line 1885)
and/or through hole 1815 (e.g., shown by line 1816). Where an
underground line (e.g., 1880) is routed into compartment 1813
through hole 1815, the line may be extended through hole 1817
(e.g., as shown by line 1816) which connects hole 1815 to
compartment 1813. A line extending into or through hole 1815 may
run alongside member 1870, through at least a portion of member
1870, etc.
[0340] As shown in FIG. 18, energy transfer components may be
coupled to other components of an energy transfer system (e.g.,
110) through one or more interfaces. For example, energy transfer
component 1721 may be coupled to other components (e.g., located in
compartment 1813, located in housing or enclosure 1740, located in
another enclosure or housing, etc.) via line 1880. As another
example, energy transfer component 1812 may be coupled to other
components (e.g., located in compartment 1813, located in housing
or enclosure 1740, located in another enclosure or housing, etc.)
via cable 1818. Cable 1818 may be automatically retracted (e.g.,
using a spring-loaded reel located in wheel stop 1710 or some other
retraction mechanism) in one embodiment. And as yet another
example, an energy transfer component disposed at least partially
within or coupled with wheel stop 1710 (e.g., 1711, 1712, 1713,
1714, 1715, etc.) may be coupled to other components (e.g., located
in compartment 1813, located in housing or enclosure 1740, located
in another enclosure or housing, etc.) via one or more lines
running through wheel stop 1710, on the outside of wheel stop 1710,
or in some other location.
[0341] In one embodiment, energy transfer components of wheel stop
1710 (e.g., 1711, 1712, 1713, 1714, 1715, etc.) may be located in
cavities (e.g., formed during molding, casting, or the like of
wheel stop 1710) and secured using any fastening method (e.g.,
friction or press fit, using at least one fastener, using an
adhesive, etc.). Wheel stop 1710 may have any number of cavities
for accepting energy transfer components, thereby enabling wheel
stop 1710 to be customized, upgraded (e.g., increasing the number,
type, quality, etc. of energy transfer components), downgraded
(e.g., decreasing the number, type, quality, etc. of energy
transfer components to save cost or for some other reason), offered
at various price points (e.g., each wheel stop of a different price
includes a different number, type, quality, etc. of energy transfer
components), etc. One or more energy transfer components of wheel
stop 1710 may be covered (e.g., via a plug or insert placed into
the cavity of the energy transfer component, by a door or cover,
etc.) and/or manufactured into wheel stop 1710 (e.g., molded,
casted, etc. into wheel stop 1710), thereby increasing the lifetime
of the energy transfer components (e.g., by reducing exposure to
light, moisture, dirt, debris, corrosive materials, contaminants,
etc.), reducing vandalism or theft of the energy transfer
components (e.g., since they are covered and out of sight),
etc.
[0342] As such, in one embodiment, an energy transfer system may be
installed by simply replacing existing wheel stops with wheel stop
1710 and running a line (e.g., capable of supplying enough power to
enable one or more energy transfers with a vehicle and/or capable
of communicating signals to and from components of the energy
transfer system) to wheel stop 1710. Wheel stop 1710 may include a
communication component (e.g., 241) capable of communicating with
an external system (e.g., vehicle 1802, interface system 550,
payment system 560, computer system 570, computer system 2890 of
FIG. 28, another system, etc.) over a wired interface (e.g., over a
line connecting wheel stop 1710 to a power grid or another
component of the energy transfer system, over an energy transfer
interface such as energy transfer interface 132, over a signal
interface such as signal interface 134, via energy transfer
components 1812 and 1824, etc.) and/or a wireless interface (e.g.,
over a cellular network, over a wireless interface which operates
in accordance with a wireless standard such as 802.11x, over a
wireless interface which operates in accordance with a wireless
standard such as Bluetooth, over an energy transfer interface such
as energy transfer interface 132, over an inductive energy transfer
interface such as energy transfer interface 234, over a wireless
energy transfer interface such as energy transfer interface 237,
over a signal interface such as signal interface 134, etc.). As
such, after identification of vehicle 1802 (e.g., performed in
accordance with FIG. 19, FIG. 20, FIG. 21, FIG. 28, some
combination thereof, etc.), a user interface (e.g., GUI 1000) may
be automatically presented to enable a user to setup and/or
initiate one or more energy transfers with an energy transfer
system (e.g., 110). The GUI may be displayed on a display of the
vehicle (e.g., while the vehicle is parked, while a user is in the
vehicle, after the vehicle is parked but before the user leaves the
vehicle), a display of the energy transfer system, a computer
system accessible to the user (e.g., on a mobile phone, other
portable electronic device, other computer system, etc. of the user
while the user is outside of or remotely located from the vehicle),
etc. After one or more energy transfers have been performed (e.g.,
using at least one energy transfer component of vehicle 1802 and at
least one energy transfer component of wheel stop 1710, using at
least one energy transfer component of vehicle 1802 and at least
one other energy transfer component of the energy transfer system,
etc.), a payment transaction may be automatically performed (e.g.,
based upon information entered using GUI 800, GUI 900, GUI 1000,
etc.) for energy transferred between vehicle 1802 and the energy
transfer system (e.g., 110). Accordingly, the amount of user
interaction involved in setting up, performing, managing, executing
a payment transaction for, etc. an energy transfer can be reduced
using embodiments of the present invention.
[0343] Although FIG. 18 illustrates one position of vehicle 1802
for performing an energy transfer, it should be appreciated that an
energy transfer may be performed with vehicle 1802 when vehicle
1802 is in one or more other positions (e.g., a different location
with respect to components of an energy transfer system, a
different orientation, etc.). Although FIG. 18 may show energy
transfer components located toward a particular side (e.g., the
front) of vehicle 1802, it should be appreciated that vehicle 1802
may have one or more energy transfer components in one or more
other portions (e.g., rear, side, top, bottom, etc.) of vehicle
1802 (e.g., enabling an energy transfer with vehicle 1802 when its
rear tires are in proximity to or contact with wheel stop 1710,
when a side or rear portion of vehicle 1802 overhangs wheel stop
1710, when vehicle 1802 is alternatively positioned with respect to
wheel stop 1710 or other components of the energy transfer system,
etc.) in other embodiments. Additionally, it should be appreciated
that vehicle 1802 may have a different number, arrangement, shape,
and/or size of energy transfer components in other embodiments,
where the energy transfer components of vehicle 1802 may be of any
type or combination of types. Further, it should be appreciated
that the energy transfer system (e.g., including wheel stop 1710,
enclosure or housing 1740, etc.) may have a different number,
arrangement, shape, and/or size of energy transfer components in
other embodiments, where the energy transfer components of the
energy transfer system may be of any type or combination of
types.
[0344] Additionally, although FIG. 18 shows wheel stop 1710
separate from object 1770, it should be appreciated that wheel stop
1710 may be coupled with or at least partially disposed within
object 1770. For example, housing or enclosure 1730 may be
implemented in accordance with (e.g., include components of,
function similarly to, etc.) wheel stop 1710 as described with
respect to FIG. 18 in one embodiment.
[0345] FIG. 19 shows system 1900 for determining the position of a
vehicle or a component thereof with respect to an energy transfer
system in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
As shown in FIG. 19, energy transfer system 110 and/or vehicle 120
may include one or more components for determining the position of
vehicle 120 with respect to energy transfer system 110. For
example, energy transfer system 110 may include at least one
mechanical position detection component (e.g., 1910), at least one
optical position detection component (e.g., 1911), at least one
electrical position detection component (e.g., 1912), at least one
wave position detection component (e.g., 1913), some combination
thereof, etc. As another example, vehicle 120 may include at least
one mechanical position detection component (e.g., 1940), at least
one optical position detection component (e.g., 1941), at least one
electrical position detection component (e.g., 1942), at least one
wave position detection component (e.g., 1943), some combination
thereof, etc. In this manner, components of the energy transfer
system and/or components of the vehicle can be used to determine
when the vehicle is in a position to enable one or more energy
transfers using at least one energy transfer component of the
energy transfer system and at least one energy transfer component
of the vehicle.
[0346] In one embodiment, components of the energy transfer system
(e.g., 1910, 1911, 1912, 1913, etc.) may be used alone (e.g.,
without components of vehicle 120) to determine the position of
vehicle 120 with respect to energy transfer system 110. Components
of the vehicle (e.g., 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, etc.) may be used
alone (e.g., without components of energy transfer system 110) to
determine the position of vehicle 120 with respect to energy
transfer system 110 in one embodiment. And in one embodiment,
components of the energy transfer system (e.g., 1910, 1911, 1912,
1913, etc.) may be used in combination with components of the
vehicle (e.g., 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, etc.) to determine the
position of vehicle 120 with respect to energy transfer system
110.
[0347] As shown in FIG. 19, mechanical position detection component
1910 may include any mechanism capable of detecting position based
upon a mechanical actuation. In one embodiment, component 1910 may
include a sensor capable of detecting a force or pressure caused by
a portion of the vehicle coming into contact with the sensor. For
example, the sensor may determine the position of the vehicle by
detecting a tire of the vehicle (e.g., where the sensor is coupled
with or disposed at least partially within wheel stop 1710, housing
or enclosure 1730, the ground, etc.), a side of the vehicle (e.g.,
where the sensor is mounted in a boat dock, object 1770, housing or
enclosure 1740, etc.), or another portion of the vehicle. In one
embodiment, component 1910 may detect a position of a vehicle by a
physical movement of a mechanism (e.g., a button, lever, wire,
spring, or the like) by a portion of the vehicle coming into
contact with the mechanism. For example, a mechanism mounted to an
object (e.g., wheel stop 1710, housing or enclosure 1730, housing
or enclosure 1740, etc.) may be deflected or moved by a portion of
vehicle 120, thereby signaling that the vehicle is in a position to
perform an energy transfer. And in another embodiment, component
1910 may detect a position of the vehicle with respect to the
energy transfer system using another type of mechanical position
detection.
[0348] Mechanical position detection component 1940 may include any
mechanism capable of detecting position based upon a mechanical
actuation. In one embodiment, component 1940 may include a sensor
capable of detecting a force or pressure caused by a portion of the
energy transfer system coming into contact with the sensor. For
example, the sensor may determine the position of the vehicle by
detecting that a tire of the vehicle has come into contact with
another object (e.g., wheel stop 1710, housing or enclosure 1730,
etc.), a side of the vehicle has come into contact with another
object (e.g., a boat dock, object 1770, housing or enclosure 1740,
etc.), or another portion of the vehicle has come into contact with
another object. In one embodiment, component 1940 may detect a
position of a vehicle by a physical movement of a mechanism (e.g.,
a button, lever, wire, spring, or the like) by a portion of the
energy transfer system coming into contact with the mechanism. For
example, a mechanism mounted to vehicle 120 may be deflected or
moved as it comes into contact with an object (e.g., wheel stop
1710, housing or enclosure 1730, housing or enclosure 1740, etc.),
thereby signaling that the vehicle is in a position to perform an
energy transfer. And in another embodiment, component 1940 may
detect a position of the vehicle with respect to the energy
transfer system using another type of mechanical position
detection.
[0349] As shown in FIG. 19, optical position detection component
1911 may include any component capable of detecting position using
light. In one embodiment, component 1911 may include a sensor
(e.g., mounted on or in wheel stop 1710, enclosure or housing 1730,
enclosure or housing 1740, etc.) capable of sensing light emitted
from a light source (e.g., a bulb, light emitting diode, organic
light emitting diode, etc.), where the sensor may detect a position
of the vehicle responsive to a portion of the vehicle blocking or
interfering with the light generated by the light source. The light
source may be mounted on or in wheel stop 1710, enclosure or
housing 1730, enclosure or housing 1740, or in some other place.
Component 1911 may include a camera (e.g., mounted on or in wheel
stop 1710, enclosure or housing 1730, enclosure or housing 1740,
etc.) for capturing at least one image (e.g., a still picture,
video, etc.) of the vehicle, where analysis of the video may be
used to determine a position of the vehicle with respect to the
energy transfer system. In one embodiment, component 1911 may
include a laser emitter and/or laser detector (e.g., mounted on or
in wheel stop 1710, enclosure or housing 1730, enclosure or housing
1740, etc.) for determining a position of the vehicle. And in one
embodiment, component 1911 may detect a position of the vehicle
with respect to the energy transfer system using another type of
optical position detection.
[0350] Optical position detection component 1941 may include any
component capable of detecting position using light. In one
embodiment, component 1941 may include a sensor (e.g., mounted on
or in a portion of vehicle 120) capable of sensing light emitted
from a light source (e.g., a bulb, light emitting diode, organic
light emitting diode, etc.), where the sensor may detect a position
of the vehicle responsive to a portion of the energy transfer
system (e.g., a portion of wheel stop 1710, enclosure or housing
1730, enclosure or housing 1740, etc.) blocking or interfering with
the light generated by the light source. The light source may be
mounted on or in a portion of vehicle 120. Component 1941 may
include a camera (e.g., mounted on or in a portion of vehicle 120)
for capturing at least one image (e.g., a still picture, video,
etc.) of a portion of the energy transfer system (e.g., a portion
of wheel stop 1710, enclosure or housing 1730, enclosure or housing
1740, etc.), where analysis of the video may be used to determine a
position of the vehicle with respect to the energy transfer system.
In one embodiment, component 1941 may include a laser emitter
and/or laser detector (e.g., mounted on or in a portion of vehicle
120) for determining a position of the vehicle. And in one
embodiment, component 1941 may detect a position of the vehicle
with respect to the energy transfer system using another type of
optical position detection.
[0351] As shown in FIG. 19, electrical position detection component
1912 may include any electrical component capable of detecting
position. For example, component 1912 may include a capacitive
proximity sensor (e.g., coupled with or at least partially disposed
beneath surface 1890, mounted on or in wheel stop 1710, enclosure
or housing 1730, enclosure or housing 1740, etc.) capable of
detecting the proximity of a portion of vehicle 120. As another
example, component 1912 may include an inductive proximity sensor
(e.g., coupled with or at least partially disposed beneath surface
1890, mounted on or in wheel stop 1710, enclosure or housing 1730,
enclosure or housing 1740, etc.) capable of detecting the proximity
of a portion of vehicle 120. And as yet another example, component
1912 may include an ultrasonic proximity sensor (e.g., coupled with
or at least partially disposed beneath surface 1890, mounted on or
in wheel stop 1710, enclosure or housing 1730, enclosure or housing
1740, etc.) capable of detecting the proximity of a portion of
vehicle 120. And as another example, component 1912 may detect a
position of the vehicle with respect to the energy transfer system
using another type of electrical position detection.
[0352] Electrical position detection component 1942 may include any
electrical component capable of detecting position. For example,
component 1912 may include a capacitive proximity sensor (e.g.,
mounted on or in a portion of vehicle 120) capable of detecting the
proximity of a portion of energy transfer system 110 (e.g., wheel
stop 1710, enclosure or housing 1730, enclosure or housing 1740,
etc.). As another example, component 1942 may include an inductive
proximity sensor (e.g., mounted on or in a portion of vehicle 120)
capable of detecting the proximity of a portion of energy transfer
system 110 (e.g., wheel stop 1710, enclosure or housing 1730,
enclosure or housing 1740, etc.). And as yet another example,
component 1942 may include an ultrasonic proximity sensor (e.g.,
mounted on or in a portion of vehicle 120) capable of detecting the
proximity of a portion of energy transfer system 110 (e.g., wheel
stop 1710, enclosure or housing 1730, enclosure or housing 1740,
etc.). And as another example, component 1942 may detect a position
of the vehicle with respect to the energy transfer system using
another type of electrical position detection.
[0353] As shown in FIG. 19, wave position detection component 1913
may include any component capable of detecting position using
waves. For example, component 1913 may include a transmitter (e.g.,
coupled with or at least partially disposed beneath surface 1890,
mounted on or in wheel stop 1710, enclosure or housing 1730,
enclosure or housing 1740, etc.) capable of emitting waves (e.g.,
electromagnetic waves, sound waves, etc.) toward vehicle 120 and/or
a receiver (e.g., coupled with or at least partially disposed
beneath surface 1890, mounted on or in wheel stop 1710, enclosure
or housing 1730, enclosure or housing 1740, etc.) capable of
detecting waves (e.g., electromagnetic waves, sound waves, etc.)
reflected from vehicle 120. In this manner, the distance and/or
position of vehicle with respect to component 1913 can be
determined In one embodiment, component 1913 may determine the
position of vehicle 120 using radar.
[0354] Wave position detection component 1943 may include any
component capable of detecting position using waves. For example,
component 1943 may include a transmitter (e.g., mounted on or in a
portion of vehicle 120) capable of emitting waves (e.g.,
electromagnetic waves, sound waves, etc.) toward an object (e.g.,
wheel stop 1710, enclosure or housing 1730, enclosure or housing
1740, etc.) and/or a receiver (e.g., mounted on or in a portion of
vehicle 120) capable of detecting waves (e.g., electromagnetic
waves, sound waves, etc.) reflected from the object. In this
manner, the distance and/or position of the object with respect to
component 1943, and therefore vehicle 120, can be determined. In
one embodiment, component 1943 may determine the position of the
object using radar.
[0355] In one embodiment, the position of the vehicle with respect
to a portion of the energy transfer system (e.g., determined using
component 1910, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, etc.) may
be used to determine the position of at least one energy transfer
component of the vehicle (e.g., 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1832, 1834,
1842, 1844, etc.) with respect to at least one energy transfer
component of the energy transfer system (e.g., 1711, 1742, 1744,
1812, 1714, 1721, etc.). For example, where the position of the
vehicle with respect to the energy transfer system is determined
using a first position (e.g., of a portion of the vehicle) and a
second position (e.g., of a portion of the energy transfer system),
the distance or relative position of an energy transfer component
of the vehicle with respect to an energy transfer component of the
energy transfer system may be determined by using a distance or
relative position between the first position and the energy
transfer component of the vehicle and also by using a distance or
relative position between the second position and the energy
transfer component of the energy transfer system. The distance or
relative position between the first position and the energy
transfer component of the vehicle may be relatively consistent
across each model of vehicle, and therefore, may be stored as a
lookup table or other data structure in a memory (e.g., of energy
transfer system 110, of vehicle 120, etc.). Additionally, the
distance or relative position between the second position and the
energy transfer component of the energy transfer system may be
stored as a lookup table or other data structure in a memory (e.g.,
of energy transfer system 110, of vehicle 120, etc.).
[0356] In one embodiment, one or more energy transfer interfaces
may be activated and/or deactivated based on the position of a
vehicle (e.g., 120) and/or a component thereof with respect to a
component an energy transfer system (e.g., 110) and/or component
thereof. For example, as a vehicle is moving with respect to an
energy transfer system, it may be determined that the vehicle (or
an energy transfer component thereof) is in a position to enable an
energy transfer via a first energy transfer component (e.g., 1610,
1645, etc.) of an energy transfer system. Responsive thereto, a
first interface (e.g., of the energy transfer system which is
coupled to or includes the first energy transfer component) may be
activated to enable an energy transfer between the vehicle and the
energy transfer system via the first energy transfer component.
Responsive to determining that the vehicle (or an energy transfer
component thereof) is out of position to enable an energy transfer
via the first energy transfer component, the first interface may be
deactivated (e.g., causing the energy transfer via the first energy
transfer component to be altered and/or ceased). Additionally, as
the vehicle continues to move with respect to the energy transfer
system, it may be determined that the vehicle (or an energy
transfer component thereof) is in a position to enable an energy
transfer via a second energy transfer component (e.g., 1620, 1655,
etc.) of the energy transfer system. Responsive thereto, a second
interface (e.g., of the energy transfer system which is coupled to
or includes the second energy transfer component) may be activated
to enable an energy transfer between the vehicle and the energy
transfer system via the second energy transfer component.
Responsive to determining that the vehicle (or an energy transfer
component thereof) is out of position to enable an energy transfer
via the second energy transfer component, the second interface may
be deactivated (e.g., causing the energy transfer via the second
energy transfer component to be altered and/or ceased). In one
embodiment, this may be repeated as the vehicle is alternatively
positioned (e.g., as the vehicle continues to move) to enable
energy to be transferred with other energy components of the energy
transfer system. In this manner, embodiments of the present
invention can increase the amount of energy transferred between a
vehicle and an energy transfer system (e.g., by transferring energy
using more than one energy transfer component which are physically
spaced apart), enable energy to be transferred between the vehicle
and the energy transfer system while the vehicle is moving, reduce
energy loss (e.g., by deactivating at least one energy transfer
component which is activated but not used to transfer energy at a
particular time), increase the lifetime of an energy transfer
component (e.g., by deactivating the energy transfer component when
not in use), etc.
[0357] As shown in FIG. 19, guidance component 1920 may generate
instructions for repositioning a vehicle. In one embodiment, if the
relative position of an energy transfer component of the vehicle
and an energy transfer component of the energy transfer system
indicates that the vehicle can be repositioned to improve one or
more energy transfers (e.g., by aligning an energy transfer
component of the vehicle with an energy transfer component of the
energy transfer system), guidance information may be generated by
component 1920 for output using a speaker of the vehicle (e.g.,
speaker 1374), a display of the vehicle (e.g., 725), etc. The
guidance information may include verbal and/or written instructions
(e.g., "move the vehicle two feet to the left," "straighten out the
vehicle," "reorient the vehicle so that it is more perpendicular to
the curb," "turn the wheel one turn to the left and begin to slowly
backup," etc.). In one embodiment, the guidance information may
include visual instructions. For example, a camera of the vehicle
(e.g., camera 1371) may capture one or more images displayed on a
display of the vehicle (e.g., display 725), where the guidance
information is used to alter the displayed image to instruct a user
to maneuver the vehicle in a certain way (e.g., by overlaying on
the image a first set of lines indicating a desired path of the
vehicle and a second set of lines indicating a path the vehicle
will take based upon the current position of the steering wheel).
And in one embodiment, the guidance information output by guidance
component 1920 may be accessed by a component of the vehicle to
automatically reposition the vehicle (e.g., using an automated
parking or maneuvering system of the vehicle) to improve one or
more energy transfers (e.g., by aligning an energy transfer
component of the vehicle with an energy transfer component of the
energy transfer system). In one embodiment, an updated relative
position of the energy transfer component of the vehicle with
respect to the energy transfer component of the energy transfer
system may be determined after movement of the vehicle, thereby
enabling updated guidance information to be generated and output to
enable the vehicle to be moved into a better position for
performing an energy transfer.
[0358] Although FIG. 19 shows energy transfer system 110 and
vehicle 120 with a specific number and type of components, it
should be appreciated that energy transfer system 110 and/or
vehicle 120 may include a different number and/or type of position
detection components in other embodiments. For example, in one
embodiment, energy transfer system 110 may include ten mechanical
position detection components (e.g., implemented using component
1910), two electrical position detection components (e.g.,
implemented using component 1912), and no optical position
detection components. In one embodiment, two or more components may
be combined, a component may be separated into multiple components,
some combination thereof, etc. It should also be appreciated that
the components depicted in FIG. 19 may be arranged differently
(e.g., a sub-component of one component may be a sub-component of
another component, a sub-component of a component may exist outside
the component as another component, a component may be a
sub-component of another component, etc.) in other embodiments.
[0359] FIG. 20 shows system 2000 for determining the position of a
vehicle or a component thereof with respect to an energy transfer
system using at least one energy transfer component in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 20,
at least one energy transfer component of an energy transfer system
(e.g., 2032, 2035a, 2035b, 2035c, 2035d, 2038a, 2038b, etc.) and at
least one energy transfer component of a vehicle (e.g., 2033,
2036a, 2036b, 2036c, 2036d, 2039a, 2039b, etc.) may be used to
implement at least one energy transfer interface (e.g., 2031,
2034a, 2034b, 2034c, 2034d, 2037a, 2037b, etc.) for transferring
energy and/or communicating signals (e.g., data signals, clock
signals, etc.) between an energy transfer system (e.g., 110) and a
vehicle (e.g., 120). The plurality of energy transfer components
may also be used to determine the position of the vehicle by
activating the energy transfer components and analyzing the
respective responses corresponding to each of the energy transfer
components. In this manner, energy transfer components can be
repurposed or used to perform other functions such as determining
the position of a vehicle with respect to an energy transfer
system, determining the position of an energy transfer component
(e.g., an energy transfer component of the vehicle with respect to
an energy transfer component of the energy transfer system),
determining whether an energy transfer can be performed using a
particular energy transfer component, determining at least one
possible attribute (e.g., an energy transfer type, an interface
type, a power, a current, a voltage, an energy transfer profile, a
duration, a waveform, a temperature, etc.) of an energy transfer
performed using a particular energy transfer component, etc.
[0360] In one embodiment, signals communicated between energy
transfer system 110 and vehicle 120 (e.g., over energy transfer
interface 2031, energy transfer interface 2034a, energy transfer
interface 2034b, energy transfer interface 2034c, energy transfer
interface 2034d, energy transfer interface 2037a, energy transfer
interface 2037b, etc.) may be analog signals, digital signals,
pulse width modulated signals, some combination thereof, etc. An
interface (e.g., 2031, 2034a, 2034b, 2034c, 2034d, 2037a, 2037b,
etc.) coupling energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120 may
implement unidirectional signal communication and/or bidirectional
signal communication in one embodiment. And in one embodiment,
signals may be communicated between energy transfer system 110 and
vehicle 120 (e.g., over energy transfer interface 2031, energy
transfer interface 2034a, energy transfer interface 2034b, energy
transfer interface 2034c, energy transfer interface 2034d, energy
transfer interface 2037a, energy transfer interface 2037b, etc.)
using single-ended signaling and/or differential signaling.
[0361] In one embodiment, position detection control component 2010
and/or position detection control component 2020 may determine the
position of a vehicle or a component thereof with respect to an
energy transfer system by configuring at least one energy transfer
component (e.g., 2032, 2035a, 2035b, 2035c, 2035d, 2038a, 2038b,
2031, 2034a, 2034b, 2034c, 2034d, 2037a, 2037b, etc.) to operate in
an energy transfer mode in one embodiment. For example, position
detection control component 2010 and/or position detection control
component 2020 may attempt an energy transfer between at least one
energy transfer component of the energy transfer system (e.g.,
2032, 2035a, 2035b, 2035c, 2035d, 2038a, 2038b, etc.) and at least
one energy transfer component of the vehicle (e.g., 2031, 2034a,
2034b, 2034c, 2034d, 2037a, 2037b, etc.), where a result of the
attempted energy transfer (e.g., whether any energy was
transferred, a quantity of energy transferred, an efficiency of the
energy transfer, a measured attribute of the energy transfer, etc.)
may be used to determine whether or not the energy transfer
components are in a position to perform an energy transfer. In one
embodiment, the result of the attempted energy transfer may be
determined by the system transferring the energy and/or by the
system receiving the energy, where the result of the attempted
energy transfer may be determined by measuring an electrical
property associated with the at least one energy transfer component
used to implement the attempted energy transfer (e.g., inductance
across a coil, amperage of energy transferred via the at least one
energy transfer component, another attribute of energy transferred
via the at least one energy transfer component, etc.). And in one
embodiment, the result of the energy transfer may be communicated
between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120. In one
embodiment, the attempted energy transfer used for position
detection in an energy transfer mode may use little or very little
energy, thereby reducing the amount of energy expended or wasted as
a result of the position detection in an energy transfer mode.
[0362] Position detection control component 2010 and/or position
detection control component 2020 may determine the position of a
vehicle or a component thereof with respect to an energy transfer
system by configuring at least one energy transfer component (e.g.,
2032, 2035a, 2035b, 2035c, 2035d, 2038a, 2038b, 2031, 2034a, 2034b,
2034c, 2034d, 2037a, 2037b, etc.) to operate in a position
detection mode in one embodiment. The position detection mode may
be separate or distinct from an energy transfer mode used to
transfer energy between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120,
and may involve the use of different hardware and/or software than
is used when the energy transfer component is configured to operate
in an energy transfer mode. For example, where the energy transfer
component is a coil (e.g., coupled with or disposed at least
partially within a component of energy transfer system 110, coupled
with or disposed at least partially beneath surface 1890, etc.)
capable of implementing an energy transfer over an inductive
interface (e.g., with a coil of the vehicle disposed in proximity
to the coil of the energy transfer system), the coil may be
energized (e.g., coupled to oscillator circuitry of component 2010,
coupled to other circuitry of component 2010, etc.) and a response
associated with the coil (e.g., a frequency of the oscillation of
the oscillator circuitry) may be analyzed to determine if an object
(e.g., a portion of energy transfer system 110, a portion of
vehicle 120, etc.) is in proximity to the energy transfer
component.
[0363] In one embodiment, the coil may be energized in the position
detection mode by electrically coupling the coil to oscillator
circuitry (or activating oscillator circuitry coupled to the coil),
where a frequency of the oscillation of the oscillator circuitry
may depend upon the inductance value of the coil. Since an object
in proximity to the coil can affect its inductance value, component
2010 and/or component 2020 may detect that an object is in
proximity to the coil based upon a change in the oscillation
frequency (e.g., with respect to an oscillation frequency measured
when an object is not in proximity to the coil, with respect to a
base or reference oscillation frequency, etc.) or by measuring a
particular oscillation frequency (e.g., a predetermined frequency
or range of frequencies known to be caused by an object in
proximity to the coil).
[0364] In one embodiment, component 2010 and/or component 2020 may
be able to distinguish between different types of objects. For
example, a first object (e.g., a wheel of vehicle 120) may produce
a first response which is different from a second response produced
by a second object (e.g., a body panel or undercarriage of vehicle
120) in proximity to the energy transfer component. As another
example, a third object (e.g., a body panel or undercarriage of
vehicle 120) may produce a third response which is different from a
fourth response produced by a fourth object (e.g., an energy
transfer component of vehicle 120) in proximity to the energy
transfer component. In this manner, position detection of objects
can be further improved. Additionally, since an energy transfer
component can be distinguished from a non-energy transfer
component, embodiments can advantageously use an energy transfer
component to determine whether an energy transfer can be performed
without actually initiating an energy transfer using the energy
transfer component (e.g., without placing it in an energy transfer
mode which can result in increased energy consumption compared with
the position detection mode).
[0365] Component 2010 and/or component 2020 may be able to
distinguish between objects at different distances from an energy
transfer component in one embodiment. For example, a first object
at a first distance (e.g., a wheel of vehicle 120) from the energy
transfer component may produce a first response which is different
from a second response produced by a second object at a second
distance (e.g., a body panel or undercarriage of vehicle 120) from
the energy transfer component. In this manner, position detection
of objects can be further improved.
[0366] In one embodiment, component 2010 and/or component 2020 may
activate energy transfer components sequentially. For example,
component 2010 may activate a first energy transfer component
(e.g., 2035a), and then component 2010 may activate a second energy
transfer component (e.g., 2035b). As another example, component
2020 may activate a first energy transfer component (e.g., 2036a),
and then component 2020 may activate a second energy transfer
component (e.g., 2036b). In one embodiment, component 2010 and/or
component 2020 may activate energy transfer components
simultaneously or contemporaneously. For example, component 2010
may activate a first energy transfer component (e.g., 2035a) and a
second energy transfer component (e.g., 2035b) contemporaneously.
As another example, component 2020 may activate a first energy
transfer component (e.g., 2036a) and a second energy transfer
component (e.g., 2036b) contemporaneously.
[0367] A position detection control component (e.g., 2010, 2020,
etc.) may activate a plurality of sets of energy transfer
components sequentially or contemporaneously, where each of the
energy transfer components in a particular set of energy transfer
components may be activated sequentially or contemporaneously. In
one embodiment, the plurality of sets of energy transfer components
may be activated in a predetermined order. For example, one type of
energy transfer component may be preferred over another type of
energy transfer component (e.g., since it offers higher energy
transfer rates, since it is more commonly used on vehicles, etc.),
and therefore, component 2010 and/or component 2020 may activate at
least one energy transfer component of the preferred type before at
least one energy transfer component of a less-preferred type. In
one embodiment, the ordering of the activation may be determined
dynamically or on-the-fly. For example, responsive to an
identification of the vehicle, component 2010 and/or component 2020
may determine which types of energy transfer components are used on
the vehicle (e.g., by accessing a memory which stores an index of
energy transfer component types for each type of vehicle).
Component 2010 and/or component 2020 may then activate energy
transfer components which are more commonly used on that type,
make, etc. of vehicle. As another example, responsive to
identifying a problem affecting one or more energy transfer
components, component 2010 and/or component 2020 may activate
energy transfer components which are not affected by an identified
problem before those that are affected by an identified problem. As
yet another example, responsive to determining a position of the
vehicle (e.g., 120) and/or at least one energy transfer component
of the vehicle, component 2010 and/or component 2020 may activate
energy transfer components which are more likely to be in a
position to perform an energy transfer (e.g., based on information
which indicates a positioning of energy transfer components for a
particular type of vehicle).
[0368] As shown in FIG. 20, energy transfer component 2032 may be
implemented in accordance with (e.g., include components of,
function similarly to, etc.) energy transfer component 232, whereas
energy transfer component 2033 may be implemented in accordance
with (e.g., include components of, function similarly to, etc.)
energy transfer component 233. In this manner, interface 2031 may
be implemented in accordance with (e.g., include components of,
function similarly to, etc.) wired energy transfer interface 231 in
one embodiment.
[0369] At least one energy transfer component (e.g., 2035a, 2035b,
2035c, 2035d, etc.) of energy transfer system 110 may be
implemented in accordance with (e.g., include components of,
function similarly to, etc.) energy transfer component 235, whereas
at least one energy transfer component (e.g., 2036a, 2036b, 2036c,
2036d, etc.) of vehicle 120 may be implemented in accordance with
(e.g., include components of, function similarly to, etc.) energy
transfer component 236. In this manner, an interface (e.g., 2034a,
2034b, 2034c, 2034d, etc.) may be implemented in accordance with
(e.g., include components of, function similarly to, etc.)
inductive energy transfer interface 234 in one embodiment.
[0370] As shown in FIG. 20, at least one energy transfer component
(e.g., 2038a, 2038b, etc.) of energy transfer system 110 may be
implemented in accordance with (e.g., include components of,
function similarly to, etc.) energy transfer component 238, whereas
at least one energy transfer component (e.g., 2039a, 2039b, etc.)
of vehicle 120 may be implemented in accordance with (e.g., include
components of, function similarly to, etc.) energy transfer
component 239. In this manner, an interface (e.g., 2037a, 2037b,
etc.) may be implemented in accordance with (e.g., include
components of, function similarly to, etc.) wireless energy
transfer interface 237 in one embodiment.
[0371] Although FIG. 20 shows a specific number of interfaces
between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120, it should be
appreciated that any number of interfaces may exist or be used
(e.g., to transfer energy, communicate signals, some combination
thereof, etc.) between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120
in other embodiments. Additionally, although FIG. 20 shows a
specific combination of types of interfaces between energy transfer
system 110 and vehicle 120, it should be appreciated that any
combination of types of interfaces may exist or be used (e.g., to
transfer energy, communicate signals, some combination thereof,
etc.) between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120 in other
embodiments. Further, although FIG. 20 shows a specific number of
components (e.g., 14 energy transfer components, two interface
components, etc.), it should be appreciated that system 2000 may
include a larger or smaller number of components in other
embodiments. In one embodiment, two or more components may be
combined, a component may be separated into multiple components,
some combination thereof, etc. It should also be appreciated that
the components depicted in FIG. 20 may be arranged differently
(e.g., a sub-component of one component may be a sub-component of
another component, a sub-component of a component may exist outside
the component as another component, a component may be a
sub-component of another component, etc.) in other embodiments.
[0372] FIG. 21 shows diagram 2100 of at least one position
detection component (e.g., 2120, 2121, 2122, 2123, 2124, 2125,
2126, 2127, 2128, etc.) and at least one energy transfer component
(e.g., 2110, 2111, 2112, 2113, 2114, 2115, 2116, 2117, 2118, etc.)
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As
shown in FIG. 21, the energy transfer components (e.g., 2110, 2111,
2112, 2113, 2114, 2115, 2116, 2117, 2118, etc.) may be implemented
in accordance with (e.g., include components of, function similarly
to, etc.) energy transfer component 232, energy transfer component
235, energy transfer component 238, or some combination thereof.
The position detection components (e.g., 2120, 2121, 2122, 2123,
2124, 2125, 2126, 2127, 2128, etc.) may be implemented in
accordance with (e.g., include components of, function similarly
to, etc.) mechanical position detection component 1910, optical
position detection component 1911, electrical position detection
component 1912, wave position detection component 1913, or some
combination thereof.
[0373] In one embodiment, the position detection components may be
disposed adjacent to and/or in proximity to the energy transfer
components. For example, position detection component 2120 may be
disposed adjacent to and/or in proximity to energy transfer
component 2110, position detection component 2121 may be disposed
adjacent to or in proximity to energy transfer component 2111, etc.
Additionally, position detection may be performed using at least
one position detection component (e.g., as discussed with respect
to FIG. 19) and/or using at least one energy transfer component
(e.g., as discussed with respect to FIG. 20). In this manner,
embodiments may advantageously improve position detection and
energy transfer capabilities by increasing the number and/or type
of components capable of being used for position detection (e.g.,
position detection components and energy transfer components).
Further, embodiments may advantageously improve position detection
and energy transfer capabilities by positioning the position
detection components adjacent to and/or in proximity to the energy
transfer components.
[0374] As an example, position detection component 2120 and/or
energy transfer component 2110 may be used to detect the position
of a first wheel of a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802,
etc.), whereas position detection component 2128 and/or energy
transfer component 2118 may be used to detect the position of a
second wheel of the vehicle. The position of other components of
the vehicle (e.g., another wheel, another tire, a body panel, an
energy transfer component of the vehicle, etc.) may be determined
using other position detection components, other energy transfer
components, information about the vehicle (e.g., information about
the wheel base and track width of the vehicle which may be used to
determine a position of the other two wheels of the vehicle,
information about a relative position between a wheel of the
vehicle and an energy transfer component of the vehicle, other
information, etc.), some combination thereof, etc. In this manner,
energy transfer components of the vehicle may be determined for
enabling one or more transfers of energy between the vehicle and an
energy transfer system (e.g., 110).
[0375] In one embodiment, use of position detection components and
energy transfer components to detect the position of a vehicle
and/or and an energy transfer component may provide redundancy
and/or improve the precision of position detection. For example, if
position detection component 2120 is unable to detect a first wheel
of a vehicle (e.g., because the vehicle is parked at an angle, not
perfectly centered in the parking space, position detection
component 2120 is malfunctioning or has failed, etc.), energy
transfer component 2110 may be used to detect the first wheel. As
such, redundancy is provided (e.g., to account for a component
which has failed or is otherwise not functioning properly) by
increasing the number of components used to perform position
detection. Further, the precision of the position detection is
improved by using information about which components detect the
position of an object and which do not detect the position of an
object. For example, if an object (e.g., a wheel of the vehicle) is
detected by position detection component 2120 but is not detected
by energy transfer components 2110 and 2111, then it may be
determined that the object is located between energy transfer
components 2110 and 2111.
[0376] Position detection components and/or energy transfer
components may be used to determine the relative positioning of
multiple vehicles with respect to one another in one embodiment.
For example, if four objects are detected (e.g., using position
detection component 2120 and/or energy transfer component 2110,
using position detection component 2122 and/or energy transfer
component 2112, using position detection component 2126 and/or
energy transfer component 2116, and using position detection
component 2128 and/or energy transfer component 2118), it may be
unclear whether the four objects are four wheels of the same
vehicle or two wheels of one vehicle and two wheels of another
vehicle (e.g., parked side-by-side). However, at least one position
detection component (e.g., 2121, 2124, 2127, etc.) and/or at least
one energy transfer component (e.g., 2111, 2114, 2117, etc.) may be
used to determine if an object (e.g., an undercarriage of a
vehicle) is disposed above a respective component. As such, if an
object is located above a component (e.g., a position detection
component and/or an energy transfer component), then it may be
determined that the four objects belong to the same vehicle.
Alternatively, if an object (e.g., an undercarriage of a vehicle)
is not located above a component (e.g., a position detection
component and/or an energy transfer component), then it may be
determined that the four objects belong to at least two separate
vehicles (e.g., parked side-by-side). Thus, position detection of
at least one respective energy transfer component of each vehicle
can be improved.
[0377] Although FIG. 21 shows a specific number, arrangement,
shape, and size of position detection components, it should be
appreciated that a different number, arrangement, shape, and/or
size of position detection components may be used in other
embodiments. Additionally, although FIG. 21 shows a specific
number, arrangement, shape, and size of energy transfer components,
it should be appreciated that a different number, arrangement,
shape, and/or size of energy transfer components may be used in
other embodiments.
[0378] FIG. 22A shows diagram 2200A of tire 2210 including at least
one energy transfer component in a first orientation in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 22A,
each energy transfer component (e.g., 2230, 2240, 2250, etc.) may
be coupled to other components of a vehicle (e.g., interface
component 221, charge and/or discharge component 228, power
management component 225, energy storage component 226, power
source 227, etc.) via a respective interface (e.g., 2235, 2245, and
2255, respectively). In one embodiment, the interfaces may be
routed through or along a sidewall of tire 2210. As such, at least
one energy transfer component (e.g., 2230, 2240, 2250, etc.) may be
used to perform an energy transfer and/or communicate signals
between a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, etc.) and an
energy transfer system (e.g., 110).
[0379] As shown in FIG. 22A, an energy transfer component (e.g.,
2230, 2240, 2250, etc.) may be coupled with or disposed at least
partially within tire 2210. In one embodiment, an energy transfer
component (e.g., 2230, 2240, 2250, some combination thereof, etc.)
may be exposed or visible from the outside of the tire (e.g.,
coupled with an outer surface of tire 2210, set in tire 2210 such
that one portion is visible and another portion is hidden, etc.).
Alternatively, an energy transfer component (e.g., 2230, 2240,
2250, some combination thereof, etc.) may be hidden or not visible
from the outside of the tire. For example, an energy transfer
component (e.g., 2230, 2240, 2250, some combination thereof, etc.)
may be disposed between layers or portions of the tire (e.g.,
tread, sidewall, liner, bead, filler, chafer, steel belt, nylon
belt, cord, body ply, cap ply, edge cover which covers or overlaps
a ply, adhesive, etc.). And in one embodiment, an energy transfer
component (e.g., 2230, 2240, 2250, some combination thereof, etc.)
may be disposed on or coupled with an inner layer or portion (e.g.,
2211, 2212, 2213, etc.) of tire 2210.
[0380] One or more energy transfer components (e.g., 2230, 2240,
2250, some combination thereof, etc.) may be disposed along a
centerline of tire 2210 in one embodiment. In one embodiment, one
or more energy transfer components (e.g., 2230, 2240, 2250, some
combination thereof, etc.) may be disposed to one side of tire
2210. And in one embodiment, one or more energy transfer components
(e.g., 2230, 2240, 2250, some combination thereof, etc.) may be
disposed in a zigzag pattern, another pattern, etc.
[0381] An energy transfer component (e.g., 2230, 2240, 2250, some
combination thereof, etc.) may be oriented in an axial plane (e.g.,
a plane which is parallel or almost parallel to an axis of rotation
of wheel 2220 and/or tire 2210) of tire 2210 and/or wheel 2220 in
one embodiment. In one embodiment, an energy transfer component
(e.g., 2230, 2240, 2250, some combination thereof, etc.) may be
oriented in at least one other plane (e.g., in a non-axial plane,
etc.). In one embodiment, at least two of the energy transfer
components (e.g., 2230, 2240, 2250, etc.) may be oriented in
different planes. In one embodiment, all of the energy transfer
components (e.g., 2230, 2240, 2250, etc.) may be oriented in
different planes. And in one embodiment, one or more of the energy
transfer components (e.g., 2230, 2240, 2250, some combination
thereof, etc.) may be disposed circumferentially around tire
2210.
[0382] One or more of the energy transfer components (e.g., 2230,
2240, 2250, some combination thereof, etc.) may be used to transfer
energy and/or communicate signals over a wired interface (e.g.,
231), and therefore, one or more of the energy transfer components
(e.g., 2230, 2240, 2250, some combination thereof, etc.) may be
implemented in accordance with (e.g., include components of,
function similarly to, etc.) energy transfer component 233 in one
embodiment. One or more of the energy transfer components (e.g.,
2230, 2240, 2250, some combination thereof, etc.) may be used to
transfer energy and/or communicate signals over an inductive
interface (e.g., 234), and therefore, one or more of the energy
transfer components (e.g., 2230, 2240, 2250, some combination
thereof, etc.) may be implemented in accordance with (e.g., include
components of, function similarly to, etc.) energy transfer
component 236 in one embodiment. One or more of the energy transfer
components (e.g., 2230, 2240, 2250, some combination thereof, etc.)
may be used to transfer energy and/or communicate signals over a
wireless interface (e.g., 237), and therefore, one or more of the
energy transfer components (e.g., 2230, 2240, 2250, some
combination thereof, etc.) may be implemented in accordance with
(e.g., include components of, function similarly to, etc.) energy
transfer component 239 in one embodiment.
[0383] In one embodiment, one or more energy transfer components
(e.g., 2230, 2240, 2250, some combination thereof, etc.) may
include a coil. A coil of an energy transfer component (e.g., 2230,
2240, 2250, etc.) may be oriented in an axial plane (e.g., a plane
which is parallel or almost parallel to an axis of rotation of
wheel 2220 and/or tire 2210) of tire 2210 and/or wheel 2220, where
the coil may be wound around an axis perpendicular or almost
perpendicular to an axis of rotation of wheel 2220 and/or tire
2210. In one embodiment, a coil of an energy transfer component
(e.g., 2230, 2240, 2250, etc.) may be oriented in at least one
other plane (e.g., in a non-axial plane, etc.), disposed
circumferentially around tire 2210, some combination thereof, etc.
As such, energy may be transferred and/or signals may be
communicated using at least one coil of tire 2210 and another
energy transfer component (e.g., 235) in proximity to the at least
one coil of tire 2210. For example, where an energy transfer
component (e.g., including a coil) of an energy transfer system
(e.g., 110) is coupled with or at least partially disposed in the
ground, energy may be transferred and/or signals may be
communicated between a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802,
etc.) and the energy transfer system as a coil of tire 2210 passes
through (e.g., as tire 2210 rolls along the ground near the energy
transfer component of the energy transfer system, as tire 2210 sits
in proximity to the energy transfer component of the energy
transfer system, etc.) a magnetic field created by the energy
transfer component of the energy transfer system.
[0384] Embodiments of the present invention may advantageously
enable an energy transfer component of a vehicle (e.g., 2230, 2240,
2250, etc.) to be positioned relatively close to an energy transfer
component of an energy transfer system (e.g., coupled with or at
least partially disposed in the ground, positioned near a roadway
or other location where a vehicle may be located, positioned in
another location near tire 2210, etc.). In one embodiment, an
energy transfer component of a vehicle (e.g., 2230, 2240, 2250,
etc.) may be positioned less than an inch from an energy transfer
component of an energy transfer system (e.g., coupled with or at
least partially disposed in the ground, positioned near a roadway
or other location where a vehicle may be located, positioned in
another location near tire 2210, etc.). In one embodiment, an
energy transfer component of a vehicle (e.g., 2230, 2240, 2250,
etc.) may be positioned at a different distance (e.g., within a few
inches, within a foot, within a longer distance, etc.) from an
energy transfer component of an energy transfer system (e.g.,
coupled with or at least partially disposed in the ground,
positioned near a roadway or other location where a vehicle may be
located, positioned in another location near tire 2210, etc.). In
this manner, embodiments of the present invention can improve
energy transfer and/or signal communication between a vehicle
(e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, etc.) and an energy transfer
system (e.g., 110).
[0385] In one embodiment, energy transfer components (e.g., 2230,
2240, 2250, etc.) may be sequentially activated (e.g., to enable an
energy transfer, communication of signals, etc.) and/or
sequentially deactivated based upon an orientation of tire 2210
(e.g., a position of an energy transfer component of tire 2210 with
respect to an energy transfer component of an energy transfer
system). For example, as tire 2210 rolls along the ground, energy
transfer component 2250 may be activated at a first time (e.g.,
when energy transfer component 2250 comes into proximity with the
ground, when energy transfer component 2250 is in a position or
otherwise capable of transferring energy and/or communicating
signals with an energy transfer component of an energy transfer
system, etc.), energy transfer component 2240 may be activated at a
second time (e.g., when energy transfer component 2240 comes into
proximity with the ground, when energy transfer component 2240 is
in a position or otherwise capable of transferring energy and/or
communicating signals with an energy transfer component of an
energy transfer system, etc.), energy transfer component 2230 may
be activated at a third time (e.g., when energy transfer component
2230 comes into proximity with the ground, when energy transfer
component 2230 is in a position or otherwise capable of
transferring energy and/or communicating signals with an energy
transfer component of an energy transfer system, etc.), etc. As
another example, as tire 2210 rolls along the ground, energy
transfer component 2250 may be deactivated at a fourth time (e.g.,
when energy transfer component 2250 is no longer in proximity with
the ground, when energy transfer component 2250 is no longer in a
position or otherwise capable of transferring energy and/or
communicating signals with an energy transfer component of an
energy transfer system, etc.), energy transfer component 2240 may
be deactivated at a fifth time (e.g., when energy transfer
component 2240 is no longer in proximity with the ground, when
energy transfer component 2240 is no longer in a position or
otherwise capable of transferring energy and/or communicating
signals with an energy transfer component of an energy transfer
system, etc.), energy transfer component 2230 may be deactivated at
a sixth time (e.g., when energy transfer component 2230 is no
longer in proximity with the ground, when energy transfer component
2230 is no longer in a position or otherwise capable of
transferring energy and/or communicating signals with an energy
transfer component of an energy transfer system, etc.), etc. In one
embodiment, a plurality of energy transfer components may be active
at any given time when sequentially activating and/or deactivating
the energy transfer components (e.g., a plurality of energy
transfer components may be contemporaneously active responsive to
sequential activation of the plurality of energy transfer
components, where the plurality of energy transfer components may
then be sequentially deactivated, deactivated simultaneously or
contemporaneously, etc.).
[0386] The orientation of the tire (e.g., the position of an energy
transfer component of tire 2210 with respect to an energy transfer
component of an energy transfer system) may be determined by a
sensor coupled with tire 2210, with wheel 2220, with a portion of
the vehicle which monitors rotation of tire 2210 and/or wheel 2220,
some combination thereof, etc. The activation and deactivation of
the energy transfer components may be controlled by interface
component 221 (e.g., based on or responsive to information about
the orientation of tire 2210) in one embodiment. As such, in one
embodiment, sequential activation and/or sequential deactivation of
energy transfer components based upon an orientation of the tire
(e.g., the position of an energy transfer component of tire 2210
with respect to an energy transfer component of an energy transfer
system) can reduce energy loss (e.g., by deactivating one or more
energy transfer components which are not used to transfer energy at
a particular time) and/or increase the lifetime of an energy
transfer component by reducing the amount of time that the energy
transfer component is activated and/or by increasing the amount of
time that the energy transfer component is deactivated.
[0387] In one embodiment, two or more of the energy transfer
components of tire 2210 may be simultaneously or contemporaneously
activated. For example, energy transfer components 2230, 2240, and
2250 may be simultaneously or contemporaneously activated (e.g.,
when energy transfer component 2240 is nearest to the ground, when
tire 2210 is in another orientation, etc.). In other embodiments,
any number of energy transfer components may be simultaneously or
contemporaneously activated to enable the performance of one or
more energy transfers. As such, multiple energy transfers can be
advantageously performed at any given time between a vehicle (e.g.,
120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, etc.) and an energy transfer system
(e.g., 110) using multiple energy transfer components of tire 2210,
thereby enabling a higher overall energy transfer rate, reducing
the heat produced by each of energy transfer components, extending
the lifetime of the energy transfer components, increasing the
efficiency of the energy transfer (e.g., by operating each energy
transfer component at a reduced load where they are more efficient,
etc.), some combination thereof, etc.
[0388] In one embodiment, groups of energy transfer components may
be sequentially activated and/or sequentially deactivated (e.g.,
based upon the orientation of tire 2210). For example, one group of
energy transfer components may be activated before another group of
energy transfer components, one group of energy transfer components
may be deactivated before another group of energy transfer
components, etc. Each group may have any number of energy transfer
components. In one embodiment, at least one energy transfer
component of a particular group may be simultaneously (or
contemporaneously) activated and/or simultaneously (or
contemporaneously) deactivated. And in one embodiment, at least one
energy transfer components of a particular group may be
sequentially activated and/or sequentially deactivated.
[0389] The energy transfer components (e.g., 2230, 2240, 2250,
etc.) and/or associated circuitry may remain in a first state
(e.g., in a low-power state) until a request is received to
activate one or more of the energy transfer components in one
embodiment. The request may be communicated over a signal interface
(e.g., 134) and/or over an energy transfer interface (e.g., 132).
For example, a component (e.g., signal communication component 224
or another component of interface component 221) coupled to one or
more energy transfer components may detect a request to activate at
least one energy transfer component, where the request may be
communicated over an energy transfer interface which includes an
energy transfer component to be activated (e.g., one or more of the
at least one energy transfer component associated with the request)
and/or over another energy transfer interface which does not
include an energy transfer component to be activated (e.g., one or
more energy transfer components other than the at least one energy
transfer component associated with the request). Responsive to the
request, the at least one energy transfer component and/or
associated circuitry may be configured (e.g., by interface
component 221) in a second state to enable the at least one energy
transfer component to transfer energy and/or communicate signals
(e.g., data signals, clock signals, etc.). The at least one energy
transfer component (e.g., 2230, 2240, 2250, etc.) and/or associated
circuitry may be configured in the first state after the energy
transfer and/or signal communication is completed. As such, where
components of the vehicle consume less power in the first state
than the second state, energy may be saved by configuring energy
transfer components and/or associated circuitry in a first state
when not in use or otherwise not needed to transfer energy and/or
communicate signals.
[0390] As shown in FIG. 22A, tire 2210 may be inflatable (e.g.,
able to maintain its shape by holding air or some other fluid at a
pressure) in one embodiment. Alternatively, tire 2210 may be
non-inflatable. For example, tire 2210 may include a structure
(e.g., between the tread of tire 2210 and wheel 2220, etc.) capable
of supporting at least a portion of the weight of a vehicle, where
the structure may include ribs, hexagonal cells or alternatively
shaped cells, or some other structure. And in one embodiment, tire
2210 may be part of a tire-and-wheel combination (e.g., where tire
2210 is permanently coupled with wheel 2220).
[0391] In one embodiment, one or more energy transfer components
(e.g., 2230, 2240, 2250, etc.) of tire 2210 may improve or enhance
at least one mechanical property of tire 2210. For example, one or
more energy transfer components (e.g., 2230, 2240, 2250, etc.) of
tire 2210 may increase rigidity, strength, resistance to
deformation, some combination thereof, etc. As another example, one
or more energy transfer components (e.g., 2230, 2240, 2250, etc.)
of tire 2210 may increase lateral stiffness, longitudinal
stiffness, some combination thereof, etc. As yet another example,
one or more energy transfer components (e.g., 2230, 2240, 2250,
etc.) of tire 2210 may enable the tire to support circumferential
loads. And as a further example, one or more energy transfer
components (e.g., 2230, 2240, 2250, etc.) of tire 2210 may be
flexible (e.g., able to be deformed or bent, able to return to its
original shape after deformation or bending, etc.), thereby
enabling tire 2210 to change shape or deform during operation.
[0392] Although FIG. 22A depicts tire 2210 with a specific size and
shape, it should be appreciated that tire 2210 may have a different
size and/or shape in other embodiments. Additionally, although FIG.
22A depicts only three energy transfer components (e.g., 2230,
2240, 2250, etc.) of tire 2210, it should be appreciated that tire
2210 may have any number of energy transfer components. Further,
although FIG. 22A depicts the energy transfer components (e.g.,
2230, 2240, 2250, etc.) with a specific size, shape, orientation
and arrangement, it should be appreciated that the energy transfer
components of tire 2210 may have any size, shape, orientation
and/or arrangement in other embodiments.
[0393] FIG. 22B shows diagram 2200B of tire 2260 including at least
one energy transfer component in a second orientation in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 22B,
each energy transfer component (e.g., 2270, 2280, 2290, etc.) may
be coupled to other components of a vehicle (e.g., interface
component 221, charge and/or discharge component 228, power
management component 225, energy storage component 226, power
source 227, etc.) via a respective interface (e.g., 2275, 2285, and
2295, respectively). In one embodiment, the interfaces may be
routed through or along a sidewall of tire 2260. As such, at least
one energy transfer component (e.g., 2270, 2280, 2290, etc.) may be
used to perform an energy transfer and/or communicate signals
between a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, etc.) and an
energy transfer system (e.g., 110).
[0394] As shown in FIG. 22B, an energy transfer component (e.g.,
2270, 2280, 2290, etc.) may be coupled with or disposed at least
partially within tire 2260. In one embodiment, an energy transfer
component (e.g., 2270, 2280, 2290, some combination thereof, etc.)
may be exposed or visible from the outside of the tire (e.g.,
coupled with an outer surface of tire 2260, set in tire 2260 such
that one portion is visible and another portion is hidden, etc.).
Alternatively, an energy transfer component (e.g., 2270, 2280,
2290, some combination thereof, etc.) may be hidden or not visible
from the outside of the tire. For example, an energy transfer
component (e.g., 2270, 2280, 2290, some combination thereof, etc.)
may be disposed between layers or portions of the tire (e.g.,
tread, sidewall, liner, bead, filler, chafer, steel belt, nylon
belt, cord, body ply, cap ply, edge cover which covers or overlaps
a ply, adhesive, etc.). And in one embodiment, an energy transfer
component (e.g., 2270, 2280, 2290, some combination thereof, etc.)
may be disposed on or coupled with an inner layer or portion (e.g.,
2261, 2262, 2263, etc.) of tire 2210.
[0395] One or more energy transfer components (e.g., 2270, 2280,
2290, some combination thereof, etc.) may be disposed along a
centerline of tire 2260 in one embodiment. In one embodiment, one
or more energy transfer components (e.g., 2270, 2280, 2290, some
combination thereof, etc.) may be disposed to one side of tire
2260. And in one embodiment, one or more energy transfer components
(e.g., 2270, 2280, 2290, some combination thereof, etc.) may be
disposed in a zigzag pattern, another pattern, etc.
[0396] An energy transfer component (e.g., 2270, 2280, 2290, some
combination thereof, etc.) may be oriented in a radial plane (e.g.,
a plane which is perpendicular or almost perpendicular to an axis
of rotation of wheel 2220 and/or tire 2260) of tire 2260 and/or
wheel 2220 in one embodiment. In one embodiment, an energy transfer
component (e.g., 2270, 2280, 2290, some combination thereof, etc.)
may be oriented in at least one other plane (e.g., in a non-radial
plane, etc.). In one embodiment, at least two of the energy
transfer components (e.g., 2270, 2280, 2290, etc.) may be oriented
in different planes. In one embodiment, all of the energy transfer
components (e.g., 2270, 2280, 2290, etc.) may be oriented in
different planes. And in one embodiment, one or more of the energy
transfer components (e.g., 2270, 2280, 2290, some combination
thereof, etc.) may be disposed circumferentially around tire
2260.
[0397] One or more of the energy transfer components (e.g., 2270,
2280, 2290, some combination thereof, etc.) may be used to transfer
energy and/or communicate signals over a wired interface (e.g.,
231), and therefore, one or more of the energy transfer components
(e.g., 2270, 2280, 2290, some combination thereof, etc.) may be
implemented in accordance with (e.g., include components of,
function similarly to, etc.) energy transfer component 233 in one
embodiment. One or more of the energy transfer components (e.g.,
2270, 2280, 2290, some combination thereof, etc.) may be used to
transfer energy and/or communicate signals over an inductive
interface (e.g., 234), and therefore, one or more of the energy
transfer components (e.g., 2270, 2280, 2290, some combination
thereof, etc.) may be implemented in accordance with (e.g., include
components of, function similarly to, etc.) energy transfer
component 236 in one embodiment. One or more of the energy transfer
components (e.g., 2270, 2280, 2290, some combination thereof, etc.)
may be used to transfer energy and/or communicate signals over a
wireless interface (e.g., 237), and therefore, one or more of the
energy transfer components (e.g., 2270, 2280, 2290, some
combination thereof, etc.) may be implemented in accordance with
(e.g., include components of, function similarly to, etc.) energy
transfer component 239 in one embodiment.
[0398] In one embodiment, one or more energy transfer components
(e.g., 2270, 2280, 2290, some combination thereof, etc.) may
include a coil. A coil of an energy transfer component (e.g., 2270,
2280, 2290, etc.) may be oriented in a radial plane (e.g., a plane
which is perpendicular or almost perpendicular to an axis of
rotation of wheel 2220 and/or tire 2260) of tire 2260 and/or wheel
2220, where the coil may be wound around an axis parallel or almost
parallel to an axis of rotation of wheel 2220 and/or tire 2260. In
one embodiment, a coil of an energy transfer component (e.g., 2270,
2280, 2290, etc.) may be oriented in at least one other plane
(e.g., in a non-radial plane, etc.), disposed circumferentially
around tire 2260, some combination thereof, etc. As such, energy
may be transferred and/or signals may be communicated using at
least one coil of tire 2260 and another energy transfer component
(e.g., 235) in proximity to the at least one coil of tire 2260. For
example, where an energy transfer component (e.g., including a
coil) of an energy transfer system (e.g., 110) is coupled with or
at least partially disposed in the ground, energy may be
transferred and/or signals may be communicated between a vehicle
(e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, etc.) and the energy transfer
system as a coil of tire 2260 passes through (e.g., as tire 2260
rolls along the ground near the energy transfer component of the
energy transfer system, as tire 2260 sits in proximity to the
energy transfer component of the energy transfer system, etc.) a
magnetic field created by the energy transfer component of the
energy transfer system.
[0399] Embodiments of the present invention may advantageously
enable an energy transfer component of a vehicle (e.g., 2270, 2280,
2290, etc.) to be positioned relatively close to an energy transfer
component of an energy transfer system (e.g., coupled with or at
least partially disposed in the ground, positioned near a roadway
or other location where a vehicle may be located, positioned in
another location near tire 2260, etc.). In one embodiment, an
energy transfer component of a vehicle (e.g., 2270, 2280, 2290,
etc.) may be positioned less than an inch from an energy transfer
component of an energy transfer system (e.g., coupled with or at
least partially disposed in the ground, positioned near a roadway
or other location where a vehicle may be located, positioned in
another location near tire 2260, etc.). In one embodiment, an
energy transfer component of a vehicle (e.g., 2270, 2280, 2290,
etc.) may be positioned at a different distance (e.g., within a few
inches, within a foot, within a longer distance, etc.) from an
energy transfer component of an energy transfer system (e.g.,
coupled with or at least partially disposed in the ground,
positioned near a roadway or other location where a vehicle may be
located, positioned in another location near tire 2260, etc.). In
this manner, embodiments of the present invention can improve
energy transfer and/or signal communication between a vehicle
(e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, etc.) and an energy transfer
system (e.g., 110).
[0400] In one embodiment, energy transfer components (e.g., 2270,
2280, 2290, etc.) may be simultaneously (or contemporaneously)
activated and/or simultaneously (or contemporaneously) deactivated.
As such, in one embodiment, energy loss can be reduced and/or the
lifetime of an energy transfer component can be extended by
reducing the amount of time that the energy transfer component is
activated and/or increasing the amount of time that the energy
transfer component is deactivated.
[0401] Energy transfer components (e.g., 2270, 2280, 2290, etc.)
may be sequentially activated and/or sequentially deactivated in
one embodiment. As such, multiple energy transfers can be
advantageously performed at any given time between a vehicle (e.g.,
120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, etc.) and an energy transfer system
(e.g., 110) using multiple energy transfer components of tire 2260,
thereby enabling a higher overall energy transfer rate, reducing
the heat produced by each of energy transfer components, extending
the lifetime of the energy transfer components, increasing the
efficiency of the energy transfer (e.g., by operating each energy
transfer component at a reduced load where they are more efficient,
etc.), some combination thereof, etc.
[0402] In one embodiment, groups of energy transfer components of
tire 2260 may be sequentially activated and/or sequentially
deactivated. For example, one group of energy transfer components
may be activated before another group of energy transfer
components, one group of energy transfer components may be
deactivated before another group of energy transfer components,
etc. Each group may have any number of energy transfer components.
In one embodiment, at least one energy transfer component of a
particular group may be simultaneously (or contemporaneously)
activated and/or simultaneously (or contemporaneously) deactivated.
And in one embodiment, at least one energy transfer components of a
particular group may be sequentially activated and/or sequentially
deactivated.
[0403] In one embodiment, the energy transfer components (e.g.,
2270, 2280, 2290, etc.) and/or associated circuitry may remain in a
first state (e.g., in a low-power state) until a request is
received to activate one or more of the energy transfer components.
The request may be communicated over a signal interface (e.g., 134)
and/or over an energy transfer interface (e.g., 132). For example,
a component (e.g., signal communication component 224 or another
component of interface component 221) coupled to one or more energy
transfer components may detect a request to activate at least one
energy transfer component, where the request may be communicated
over an energy transfer interface which includes an energy transfer
component to be activated (e.g., one or more of the at least one
energy transfer component associated with the request) and/or over
another energy transfer interface which does not include an energy
transfer component to be activated (e.g., one or more energy
transfer components other than the at least one energy transfer
component associated with the request). Responsive to the request,
the at least one energy transfer component and/or associated
circuitry may be configured (e.g., by interface component 221) in a
second state to enable the at least one energy transfer component
to transfer energy and/or communicate signals (e.g., data signals,
clock signals, etc.). The at least one energy transfer component
(e.g., 2270, 2280, 2290, etc.) and/or associated circuitry may be
configured in the first state after the energy transfer and/or
signal communication is completed. As such, where components of the
vehicle consume less power in the first state than the second
state, energy may be saved by configuring energy transfer
components and/or associated circuitry in a first state when not in
use or otherwise not needed to transfer energy and/or communicate
signals.
[0404] As shown in FIG. 22B, tire 2260 may be inflatable (e.g.,
able to maintain its shape by holding air or some other fluid at a
pressure) in one embodiment. Alternatively, tire 2260 may be
non-inflatable. For example, tire 2260 may include a structure
(e.g., between the tread of tire 2260 and wheel 2220, etc.) capable
of supporting at least a portion of the weight of a vehicle, where
the structure may include ribs, hexagonal cells or alternatively
shaped cells, or some other structure. And in one embodiment, tire
2260 may be part of a tire-and-wheel combination (e.g., where tire
2260 is permanently coupled with wheel 2220).
[0405] In one embodiment, one or more energy transfer components
(e.g., 2270, 2280, 2290, etc.) of tire 2260 may improve or enhance
at least one mechanical property of tire 2260. For example, one or
more energy transfer components (e.g., 2270, 2280, 2290, etc.) of
tire 2260 may increase rigidity, strength, resistance to
deformation, some combination thereof, etc. As another example, one
or more energy transfer components (e.g., 2270, 2280, 2290, etc.)
of tire 2260 may increase lateral stiffness, longitudinal
stiffness, some combination thereof, etc. As yet another example,
one or more energy transfer components (e.g., 2270, 2280, 2290,
etc.) of tire 2260 may enable the tire to support circumferential
loads. And as a further example, one or more energy transfer
components (e.g., 2270, 2280, 2290, etc.) of tire 2260 may be
flexible (e.g., able to be deformed or bent, able to return to its
original shape after deformation or bending, etc.), thereby
enabling tire 2260 to change shape or deform during operation.
[0406] In one embodiment, one or more energy transfer components
(e.g., 2270, 2280, 2290, etc.) of tire 2260 may implement or
replace a bead of tire 2260. One or more energy transfer components
(e.g., 2270, 2280, 2290, etc.) of tire 2260 may implement or
replace a belt (e.g., steel belt, nylon belt, etc.) of tire 2260.
And in one embodiment, one or more energy transfer components
(e.g., 2270, 2280, 2290, etc.) of tire 2260 may implement or
replace another component of tire 2260.
[0407] Although FIG. 22B depicts tire 2260 with a specific size and
shape, it should be appreciated that tire 2260 may have a different
size and/or shape in other embodiments. Additionally, although FIG.
22B depicts only three energy transfer components (e.g., 2270,
2280, 2290, etc.) of tire 2260, it should be appreciated that tire
2260 may have any number of energy transfer components. Further,
although FIG. 22B depicts the energy transfer components (e.g.,
2270, 2280, 2290, etc.) with a specific size, shape, orientation
and arrangement, it should be appreciated that the energy transfer
components of tire 2260 may have any size, shape, orientation
and/or arrangement in other embodiments.
[0408] FIG. 23A shows diagram 2300A of wheel 2310 including at
least one energy transfer component in a first orientation in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown
in FIG. 23A, each energy transfer component (e.g., 2320, 2330,
2340, etc.) may be coupled to other components of a vehicle (e.g.,
interface component 221, charge and/or discharge component 228,
power management component 225, energy storage component 226, power
source 227, etc.) via a respective interface (e.g., 2325, 2335, and
2345, respectively). In one embodiment, the interfaces may be
routed through or along a portion of wheel 2310 (e.g., including at
least one spoke, a disc with at least one hole formed therein, a
disc with no holes formed therein, etc.) which connects a rim of
wheel 2310 to a hub of wheel 2310. As such, at least one energy
transfer component (e.g., 2320, 2330, 2340, etc.) may be used to
perform an energy transfer and/or communicate signals between a
vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, etc.) and an energy
transfer system (e.g., 110).
[0409] As shown in FIG. 23A, an energy transfer component (e.g.,
2320, 2330, 2340, etc.) may be coupled with or disposed at least
partially within wheel 2310. In one embodiment, an energy transfer
component (e.g., 2320, 2330, 2340, some combination thereof, etc.)
may be disposed in a groove, channel, or other recess which is
shaped or otherwise able to accept an energy transfer component. An
energy transfer component (e.g., 2320, 2330, 2340, etc.) may be
secured to wheel 2310 (e.g., surface 2311) using at least one bolt,
at least one screw, at least one strap, etc. Alternatively, an
energy transfer component (e.g., 2320, 2330, 2340, etc.) may be
secured to wheel 2310 (e.g., surface 2311) using another fastening
method (e.g., using an adhesive, using a hook-and-loop fastener
such as Velcro.RTM., etc.).
[0410] One or more energy transfer components (e.g., 2320, 2330,
2340, some combination thereof, etc.) may be disposed along a
centerline of wheel 2310 in one embodiment. In one embodiment, one
or more energy transfer components (e.g., 2320, 2330, 2340, some
combination thereof, etc.) may be disposed to one side of wheel
2310. And in one embodiment, one or more energy transfer components
(e.g., 2320, 2330, 2340, some combination thereof, etc.) may be
disposed in a zigzag pattern, another pattern, etc.
[0411] An energy transfer component (e.g., 2320, 2330, 2340, some
combination thereof, etc.) may be oriented in an axial plane (e.g.,
a plane which is parallel or almost parallel to an axis of rotation
of wheel 2310) of wheel 2310 in one embodiment. In one embodiment,
an energy transfer component (e.g., 2320, 2330, 2340, some
combination thereof, etc.) may be oriented in at least one other
plane (e.g., in a non-axial plane, etc.). In one embodiment, at
least two of the energy transfer components (e.g., 2320, 2330,
2340, etc.) may be oriented in different planes. In one embodiment,
all of the energy transfer components (e.g., 2320, 2330, 2340,
etc.) may be oriented in different planes. And in one embodiment,
one or more of the energy transfer components (e.g., 2320, 2330,
2340, some combination thereof, etc.) may be disposed
circumferentially around wheel 2310.
[0412] One or more of the energy transfer components (e.g., 2320,
2330, 2340, some combination thereof, etc.) may be used to transfer
energy and/or communicate signals over a wired interface (e.g.,
231), and therefore, one or more of the energy transfer components
(e.g., 2320, 2330, 2340, some combination thereof, etc.) may be
implemented in accordance with (e.g., include components of,
function similarly to, etc.) energy transfer component 233 in one
embodiment. One or more of the energy transfer components (e.g.,
2320, 2330, 2340, some combination thereof, etc.) may be used to
transfer energy and/or communicate signals over an inductive
interface (e.g., 234), and therefore, one or more of the energy
transfer components (e.g., 2320, 2330, 2340, some combination
thereof, etc.) may be implemented in accordance with (e.g., include
components of, function similarly to, etc.) energy transfer
component 236 in one embodiment. One or more of the energy transfer
components (e.g., 2320, 2330, 2340, some combination thereof, etc.)
may be used to transfer energy and/or communicate signals over a
wireless interface (e.g., 237), and therefore, one or more of the
energy transfer components (e.g., 2320, 2330, 2340, some
combination thereof, etc.) may be implemented in accordance with
(e.g., include components of, function similarly to, etc.) energy
transfer component 239 in one embodiment.
[0413] In one embodiment, one or more energy transfer components
(e.g., 2320, 2330, 2340, some combination thereof, etc.) may
include a coil. A coil of an energy transfer component (e.g., 2320,
2330, 2340, etc.) may be oriented in an axial plane (e.g., a plane
which is parallel or almost parallel to an axis of rotation of
wheel 2310) of wheel 2310, where the coil may be wound around an
axis perpendicular or almost perpendicular to an axis of rotation
of wheel 2310. In one embodiment, a coil of an energy transfer
component (e.g., 2320, 2330, 2340, etc.) may be oriented in at
least one other plane (e.g., in a non-axial plane, etc.), disposed
circumferentially around wheel 2310, some combination thereof, etc.
As such, energy may be transferred and/or signals may be
communicated using at least one coil of wheel 2310 and another
energy transfer component (e.g., 235) in proximity to the at least
one coil of wheel 2310. For example, where an energy transfer
component (e.g., including a coil) of an energy transfer system
(e.g., 110) is coupled with or at least partially disposed in the
ground, energy may be transferred and/or signals may be
communicated between a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802,
etc.) and the energy transfer system as a coil of wheel 2310 passes
through (e.g., as a tire mounted on wheel 2310 rolls along the
ground near the energy transfer component of the energy transfer
system, as wheel 2310 sits in proximity to the energy transfer
component of the energy transfer system, etc.) a magnetic field
created by the energy transfer component of the energy transfer
system.
[0414] Embodiments of the present invention may advantageously
enable an energy transfer component of a vehicle (e.g., 2320, 2330,
2340, etc.) to be positioned relatively close to an energy transfer
component of an energy transfer system (e.g., coupled with or at
least partially disposed in the ground, positioned near a roadway
or other location where a vehicle may be located, positioned in
another location near wheel 2310, etc.). In one embodiment, an
energy transfer component of a vehicle (e.g., 2320, 2330, 2340,
etc.) may be positioned less than an inch from an energy transfer
component of an energy transfer system (e.g., coupled with or at
least partially disposed in the ground, positioned near a roadway
or other location where a vehicle may be located, positioned in
another location near wheel 2310, etc.). In one embodiment, an
energy transfer component of a vehicle (e.g., 2320, 2330, 2340,
etc.) may be positioned at a different distance (e.g., within a few
inches, within a foot, within a longer distance, etc.) from an
energy transfer component of an energy transfer system (e.g.,
coupled with or at least partially disposed in the ground,
positioned near a roadway or other location where a vehicle may be
located, positioned in another location near wheel 2310, etc.). In
this manner, embodiments of the present invention can improve
energy transfer and/or signal communication between a vehicle
(e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, etc.) and an energy transfer
system (e.g., 110).
[0415] In one embodiment, energy transfer components (e.g., 2320,
2330, 2340, etc.) may be sequentially activated (e.g., to enable an
energy transfer, communication of signals, etc.) and/or
sequentially deactivated based upon an orientation of wheel 2310
(e.g., a position of an energy transfer component of wheel 2310
with respect to an energy transfer component of an energy transfer
system). For example, as wheel 2310 rolls along the ground, energy
transfer component 2340 may be activated at a first time (e.g.,
when energy transfer component 2340 comes into proximity with the
ground, when energy transfer component 2340 is in a position or
otherwise capable of transferring energy and/or communicating
signals with an energy transfer component of an energy transfer
system, etc.), energy transfer component 2330 may be activated at a
second time (e.g., when energy transfer component 2330 comes into
proximity with the ground, when energy transfer component 2330 is
in a position or otherwise capable of transferring energy and/or
communicating signals with an energy transfer component of an
energy transfer system, etc.), energy transfer component 2320 may
be activated at a third time (e.g., when energy transfer component
2320 comes into proximity with the ground, when energy transfer
component 2320 is in a position or otherwise capable of
transferring energy and/or communicating signals with an energy
transfer component of an energy transfer system, etc.), etc. As
another example, as wheel 2310 rolls along the ground, energy
transfer component 2340 may be deactivated at a fourth time (e.g.,
when energy transfer component 2340 is no longer in proximity with
the ground, when energy transfer component 2340 is no longer in a
position or otherwise capable of transferring energy and/or
communicating signals with an energy transfer component of an
energy transfer system, etc.), energy transfer component 2330 may
be deactivated at a fifth time (e.g., when energy transfer
component 2330 is no longer in proximity with the ground, when
energy transfer component 2330 is no longer in a position or
otherwise capable of transferring energy and/or communicating
signals with an energy transfer component of an energy transfer
system, etc.), energy transfer component 2320 may be deactivated at
a sixth time (e.g., when energy transfer component 2320 is no
longer in proximity with the ground, when energy transfer component
2320 is no longer in a position or otherwise capable of
transferring energy and/or communicating signals with an energy
transfer component of an energy transfer system, etc.), etc. In one
embodiment, a plurality of energy transfer components may be active
at any given time when sequentially activating and/or deactivating
the energy transfer components (e.g., a plurality of energy
transfer components may be contemporaneously active responsive to
sequential activation of the plurality of energy transfer
components, where the plurality of energy transfer components may
then be sequentially deactivated, deactivated simultaneously or
contemporaneously, etc.).
[0416] The orientation of the wheel (e.g., the position of an
energy transfer component of wheel 2310 with respect to an energy
transfer component of an energy transfer system) may be determined
by a sensor coupled with a tire (e.g., mounted on wheel 2310), with
wheel 2310, with a portion of the vehicle which monitors rotation
of wheel 2310 and/or a tire mounted on wheel 2310, some combination
thereof, etc. The activation and deactivation of the energy
transfer components may be controlled by interface component 221
(e.g., based on or responsive to information about the orientation
of wheel 2310) in one embodiment. As such, in one embodiment,
sequential activation and/or sequential deactivation of energy
transfer components based upon an orientation of the wheel (e.g.,
the position of an energy transfer component of wheel 2310 with
respect to an energy transfer component of an energy transfer
system) can reduce energy loss (e.g., by deactivating one or more
energy transfer components which are not used to transfer energy at
a particular time) and/or increase the lifetime of an energy
transfer component by reducing the amount of time that the energy
transfer component is activated and/or by increasing the amount of
time that the energy transfer component is deactivated.
[0417] In one embodiment, two or more of the energy transfer
components of wheel 2310 may be simultaneously or contemporaneously
activated. For example, energy transfer components 2320, 2330, and
2340 may be simultaneously or contemporaneously activated (e.g.,
when energy transfer component 2330 is nearest to the ground, when
wheel 2310 is in another orientation, etc.). In other embodiments,
any number of energy transfer components may be simultaneously or
contemporaneously activated to enable the performance of one or
more energy transfers. As such, multiple energy transfers can be
advantageously performed at any given time between a vehicle (e.g.,
120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, etc.) and an energy transfer system
(e.g., 110) using multiple energy transfer components of wheel
2310, thereby enabling a higher overall energy transfer rate,
reducing the heat produced by each of energy transfer components,
extending the lifetime of the energy transfer components,
increasing the efficiency of the energy transfer (e.g., by
operating each energy transfer component at a reduced load where
they are more efficient, etc.), some combination thereof, etc.
[0418] In one embodiment, groups of energy transfer components may
be sequentially activated and/or sequentially deactivated (e.g.,
based upon the orientation of wheel 2310). For example, one group
of energy transfer components may be activated before another group
of energy transfer components, one group of energy transfer
components may be deactivated before another group of energy
transfer components, etc. Each group may have any number of energy
transfer components. In one embodiment, at least one energy
transfer component of a particular group may be simultaneously (or
contemporaneously) activated and/or simultaneously (or
contemporaneously) deactivated. And in one embodiment, at least one
energy transfer components of a particular group may be
sequentially activated and/or sequentially deactivated.
[0419] The energy transfer components (e.g., 2320, 2330, 2340,
etc.) and/or associated circuitry may remain in a first state
(e.g., in a low-power state) until a request is received to
activate one or more of the energy transfer components in one
embodiment. The request may be communicated over a signal interface
(e.g., 134) and/or over an energy transfer interface (e.g., 132).
For example, a component (e.g., signal communication component 224
or another component of interface component 221) coupled to one or
more energy transfer components may detect a request to activate at
least one energy transfer component, where the request may be
communicated over an energy transfer interface which includes an
energy transfer component to be activated (e.g., one or more of the
at least one energy transfer component associated with the request)
and/or over another energy transfer interface which does not
include an energy transfer component to be activated (e.g., one or
more energy transfer components other than the at least one energy
transfer component associated with the request). Responsive to the
request, the at least one energy transfer component and/or
associated circuitry may be configured (e.g., by interface
component 221) in a second state to enable the at least one energy
transfer component to transfer energy and/or communicate signals
(e.g., data signals, clock signals, etc.). The at least one energy
transfer component (e.g., 2320, 2330, 2340, etc.) and/or associated
circuitry may be configured in the first state after the energy
transfer and/or signal communication is completed. As such, where
components of the vehicle consume less power in the first state
than the second state, energy may be saved by configuring energy
transfer components and/or associated circuitry in a first state
when not in use or otherwise not needed to transfer energy and/or
communicate signals.
[0420] As shown in FIG. 23A, a tire mounted to wheel 2310 may be
inflatable (e.g., able to maintain its shape by holding air or some
other fluid at a pressure) in one embodiment. Alternatively, a tire
mounted to wheel 2310 may be non-inflatable (e.g., able to hold its
shape using ribs, a structure of hexagonal cells or alternatively
shaped cells, some other structure between the tread of the tire
and wheel 2310 capable of supporting at least a portion of the
weight of a vehicle, etc.). And in one embodiment, a tire mounted
to wheel 2310 may be part of a tire-and-wheel combination (e.g.,
where the tire is permanently coupled with wheel 2310).
[0421] In one embodiment, one or more energy transfer components
(e.g., 2320, 2330, 2340, etc.) of wheel 2310 may improve or enhance
at least one mechanical property of wheel 2310. For example, one or
more energy transfer components (e.g., 2320, 2330, 2340, etc.) of
wheel 2310 may increase rigidity, strength, resistance to
deformation, some combination thereof, etc. As another example, one
or more energy transfer components (e.g., 2320, 2330, 2340, etc.)
of wheel 2310 may increase lateral stiffness, longitudinal
stiffness, some combination thereof, etc. As yet another example,
one or more energy transfer components (e.g., 2320, 2330, 2340,
etc.) of wheel 2310 may enable the tire to support circumferential
loads. And as a further example, one or more energy transfer
components (e.g., 2320, 2330, 2340, etc.) of wheel 2310 may be
flexible (e.g., able to be deformed or bent, able to return to its
original shape after deformation or bending, etc.), thereby
enabling wheel 2310 to change shape or deform during operation.
[0422] Although FIG. 23A depicts wheel 2310 with a specific size
and shape, it should be appreciated that wheel 2310 may have a
different size and/or shape in other embodiments. Additionally,
although FIG. 23A depicts only three energy transfer components
(e.g., 2320, 2330, 2340, etc.) of wheel 2310, it should be
appreciated that wheel 2310 may have any number of energy transfer
components. Further, although FIG. 23A depicts the energy transfer
components (e.g., 2320, 2330, 2340, etc.) with a specific size,
shape, orientation, and arrangement, it should be appreciated that
the energy transfer components of wheel 2310 may have any size,
shape, orientation and/or arrangement in other embodiments.
[0423] FIG. 23B shows diagram 2300B of wheel 2350 including at
least one energy transfer component in a second orientation in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown
in FIG. 23B, each energy transfer component (e.g., 2360, 2370,
etc.) may be coupled to other components of a vehicle (e.g.,
interface component 221, charge and/or discharge component 228,
power management component 225, energy storage component 226, power
source 227, etc.) via a respective interface (e.g., 2365 and 2375,
respectively). In one embodiment, the interfaces may be routed
through or along a portion of wheel 2350 (e.g., including at least
one spoke, a disc with at least one hole formed therein, a disc
with no holes formed therein, etc.) which connects a rim of wheel
2350 to a hub of wheel 2350. As such, at least one energy transfer
component (e.g., 2360, 2370, etc.) may be used to perform an energy
transfer and/or communicate signals between a vehicle (e.g., 120,
320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, etc.) and an energy transfer system (e.g.,
110).
[0424] As shown in FIG. 23B, an energy transfer component (e.g.,
2360, 2370, etc.) may be coupled with or disposed at least
partially within wheel 2350. In one embodiment, an energy transfer
component (e.g., 2360, 2370, some combination thereof, etc.) may be
disposed in a groove, channel, or other recess which is shaped or
otherwise able to accept an energy transfer component. An energy
transfer component (e.g., 2360, 2370, etc.) may be secured to wheel
2350 (e.g., surface 2351) using at least one bolt, at least one
screw, at least one strap, etc. Alternatively, an energy transfer
component (e.g., 2360, 2370, etc.) may be secured to wheel 2350
(e.g., surface 2351) using another fastening method (e.g., using an
adhesive, using a hook-and-loop fastener such as Velcro.RTM.,
etc.).
[0425] One or more energy transfer components (e.g., 2360, 2370,
some combination thereof, etc.) may be disposed along a centerline
of wheel 2350 in one embodiment. In one embodiment, one or more
energy transfer components (e.g., 2360, 2370, some combination
thereof, etc.) may be disposed to one side of wheel 2350. And in
one embodiment, one or more energy transfer components (e.g., 2360,
2370, some combination thereof, etc.) may be disposed in a zigzag
pattern, another pattern, etc.
[0426] An energy transfer component (e.g., 2360, 2370, some
combination thereof, etc.) may be oriented in a radial plane (e.g.,
a plane which is perpendicular or almost perpendicular to an axis
of rotation of wheel 2350) of wheel 2350 in one embodiment. In one
embodiment, an energy transfer component (e.g., 2360, 2370, some
combination thereof, etc.) may be oriented in at least one other
plane (e.g., in a non-radial plane, etc.). In one embodiment, at
least two of the energy transfer components (e.g., 2360, 2370,
etc.) may be oriented in different planes. In one embodiment, all
of the energy transfer components (e.g., 2360, 2370, etc.) may be
oriented in different planes. And in one embodiment, one or more of
the energy transfer components (e.g., 2360, 2370, some combination
thereof, etc.) may be disposed circumferentially around wheel
2350.
[0427] One or more of the energy transfer components (e.g., 2360,
2370, some combination thereof, etc.) may be used to transfer
energy and/or communicate signals over a wired interface (e.g.,
231), and therefore, one or more of the energy transfer components
(e.g., 2360, 2370, some combination thereof, etc.) may be
implemented in accordance with (e.g., include components of,
function similarly to, etc.) energy transfer component 233 in one
embodiment. One or more of the energy transfer components (e.g.,
2360, 2370, some combination thereof, etc.) may be used to transfer
energy and/or communicate signals over an inductive interface
(e.g., 234), and therefore, one or more of the energy transfer
components (e.g., 2360, 2370, some combination thereof, etc.) may
be implemented in accordance with (e.g., include components of,
function similarly to, etc.) energy transfer component 236 in one
embodiment. One or more of the energy transfer components (e.g.,
2360, 2370, some combination thereof, etc.) may be used to transfer
energy and/or communicate signals over a wireless interface (e.g.,
237), and therefore, one or more of the energy transfer components
(e.g., 2360, 2370, some combination thereof, etc.) may be
implemented in accordance with (e.g., include components of,
function similarly to, etc.) energy transfer component 239 in one
embodiment.
[0428] In one embodiment, one or more energy transfer components
(e.g., 2360, 2370, some combination thereof, etc.) may include a
coil. A coil of an energy transfer component (e.g., 2360, 2370,
etc.) may be oriented in a radial plane (e.g., a plane which is
perpendicular or almost perpendicular to an axis of rotation of
wheel 2350) of wheel 2350, where the coil may be wound around an
axis parallel or almost parallel to an axis of rotation of wheel
2350. In one embodiment, a coil of an energy transfer component
(e.g., 2360, 2370, etc.) may be oriented in at least one other
plane (e.g., in a non-radial plane, etc.), disposed
circumferentially around wheel 2350, some combination thereof, etc.
As such, energy may be transferred and/or signals may be
communicated using at least one coil of wheel 2350 and another
energy transfer component (e.g., 235) in proximity to the at least
one coil of wheel 2350. For example, where an energy transfer
component (e.g., including a coil) of an energy transfer system
(e.g., 110) is coupled with or at least partially disposed in the
ground, energy may be transferred and/or signals may be
communicated between a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802,
etc.) and the energy transfer system as a coil of wheel 2350 passes
through (e.g., as a tire mounted on wheel 2350 rolls along the
ground near the energy transfer component of the energy transfer
system, as wheel 2350 sits in proximity to the energy transfer
component of the energy transfer system, etc.) a magnetic field
created by the energy transfer component of the energy transfer
system.
[0429] Embodiments of the present invention may advantageously
enable an energy transfer component of a vehicle (e.g., 2360, 2370,
etc.) to be positioned relatively close to an energy transfer
component of an energy transfer system (e.g., coupled with or at
least partially disposed in the ground, positioned near a roadway
or other location where a vehicle may be located, positioned in
another location near wheel 2350, etc.). In one embodiment, an
energy transfer component of a vehicle (e.g., 2360, 2370, etc.) may
be positioned less than an inch from an energy transfer component
of an energy transfer system (e.g., coupled with or at least
partially disposed in the ground, positioned near a roadway or
other location where a vehicle may be located, positioned in
another location near wheel 2350, etc.). In one embodiment, an
energy transfer component of a vehicle (e.g., 2360, 2370, etc.) may
be positioned at a different distance (e.g., within a few inches,
within a foot, within a longer distance, etc.) from an energy
transfer component of an energy transfer system (e.g., coupled with
or at least partially disposed in the ground, positioned near a
roadway or other location where a vehicle may be located,
positioned in another location near wheel 2350, etc.). In this
manner, embodiments of the present invention can improve energy
transfer and/or signal communication between a vehicle (e.g., 120,
320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, etc.) and an energy transfer system (e.g.,
110).
[0430] In one embodiment, energy transfer components (e.g., 2360,
2370, etc.) may be simultaneously (or contemporaneously) activated
and/or simultaneously (or contemporaneously) deactivated. As such,
in one embodiment, energy loss can be reduced and/or the lifetime
of an energy transfer component can be extended by reducing the
amount of time that the energy transfer component is activated
and/or increasing the amount of time that the energy transfer
component is deactivated.
[0431] Energy transfer components (e.g., 2360, 2370, etc.) may be
sequentially activated and/or sequentially deactivated in one
embodiment. As such, multiple energy transfers can be
advantageously performed at any given time between a vehicle (e.g.,
120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, etc.) and an energy transfer system
(e.g., 110) using multiple energy transfer components of wheel
2350, thereby enabling a higher overall energy transfer rate,
reducing the heat produced by each of energy transfer components,
extending the lifetime of the energy transfer components,
increasing the efficiency of the energy transfer (e.g., by
operating each energy transfer component at a reduced load where
they are more efficient, etc.), some combination thereof, etc.
[0432] In one embodiment, groups of energy transfer components of
wheel 2350 may be sequentially activated and/or sequentially
deactivated. For example, one group of energy transfer components
may be activated before another group of energy transfer
components, one group of energy transfer components may be
deactivated before another group of energy transfer components,
etc. Each group may have any number of energy transfer components.
In one embodiment, at least one energy transfer component of a
particular group may be simultaneously (or contemporaneously)
activated and/or simultaneously (or contemporaneously) deactivated.
And in one embodiment, at least one energy transfer components of a
particular group may be sequentially activated and/or sequentially
deactivated.
[0433] In one embodiment, the energy transfer components (e.g.,
2360, 2370, etc.) and/or associated circuitry may remain in a first
state (e.g., in a low-power state) until a request is received to
activate one or more of the energy transfer components. The request
may be communicated over a signal interface (e.g., 134) and/or over
an energy transfer interface (e.g., 132). For example, a component
(e.g., signal communication component 224 or another component of
interface component 221) coupled to one or more energy transfer
components may detect a request to activate at least one energy
transfer component, where the request may be communicated over an
energy transfer interface which includes an energy transfer
component to be activated (e.g., one or more of the at least one
energy transfer component associated with the request) and/or over
another energy transfer interface which does not include an energy
transfer component to be activated (e.g., one or more energy
transfer components other than the at least one energy transfer
component associated with the request). Responsive to the request,
the at least one energy transfer component and/or associated
circuitry may be configured (e.g., by interface component 221) in a
second state to enable the at least one energy transfer component
to transfer energy and/or communicate signals (e.g., data signals,
clock signals, etc.). The at least one energy transfer component
(e.g., 2360, 2370, etc.) and/or associated circuitry may be
configured in the first state after the energy transfer and/or
signal communication is completed. As such, where components of the
vehicle consume less power in the first state than the second
state, energy may be saved by configuring energy transfer
components and/or associated circuitry in a first state when not in
use or otherwise not needed to transfer energy and/or communicate
signals.
[0434] As shown in FIG. 23B, a tire mounted to wheel 2350 may be
inflatable (e.g., able to maintain its shape by holding air or some
other fluid at a pressure) in one embodiment. Alternatively, a tire
mounted to wheel 2350 may be non-inflatable (e.g., able to hold its
shape using ribs, a structure of hexagonal cells or alternatively
shaped cells, some other structure between the tread of the tire
and wheel 2350 capable of supporting at least a portion of the
weight of a vehicle, etc.). And in one embodiment, a tire mounted
to wheel 2350 may be part of a tire-and-wheel combination (e.g.,
where the tire is permanently coupled with wheel 2350).
[0435] In one embodiment, one or more energy transfer components
(e.g., 2360, 2370, etc.) of wheel 2350 may improve or enhance at
least one mechanical property of wheel 2350. For example, one or
more energy transfer components (e.g., 2360, 2370, etc.) of wheel
2350 may increase rigidity, strength, resistance to deformation,
some combination thereof, etc. As another example, one or more
energy transfer components (e.g., 2360, 2370, etc.) of wheel 2350
may increase lateral stiffness, longitudinal stiffness, some
combination thereof, etc. As yet another example, one or more
energy transfer components (e.g., 2360, 2370, etc.) of wheel 2350
may enable the tire to support circumferential loads. And as a
further example, one or more energy transfer components (e.g.,
2360, 2370, etc.) of wheel 2350 may be flexible (e.g., able to be
deformed or bent, able to return to its original shape after
deformation or bending, etc.), thereby enabling wheel 2350 to
change shape or deform during operation.
[0436] Although FIG. 23B depicts wheel 2350 with a specific size
and shape, it should be appreciated that wheel 2350 may have a
different size and/or shape in other embodiments. Additionally,
although FIG. 23B depicts only three energy transfer components
(e.g., 2360, 2370, etc.) of wheel 2350, it should be appreciated
that wheel 2350 may have any number of energy transfer components.
Further, although FIG. 23B depicts the energy transfer components
(e.g., 2360, 2370, etc.) with a specific size, shape, orientation,
and arrangement, it should be appreciated that the energy transfer
components of wheel 2350 may have any size, shape, orientation
and/or arrangement in other embodiments.
[0437] FIG. 24 shows system 2400 including one or more interfaces
coupled to an energy transfer component of a tire and/or one or
more interfaces coupled to an energy transfer component of a wheel
in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As
shown in FIG. 24, energy may be transferred and/or signals may be
communicated using a first interface (e.g., formed by lines 2473,
2476 and 2477) which couples an energy transfer component (e.g.,
2461) of a tire (e.g., 2410) to a component (e.g., interface
component 221) of a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802,
etc.). Energy may be transferred and/or signals may be communicated
using a second interface (e.g., formed by lines 2470 and 2472)
which couples an energy transfer component (e.g., 2460) of a wheel
(e.g., 2420) to a component (e.g., interface component 221) of a
vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, etc.). Line 2472 and/or
2477 may be routed through component 2480 which includes at least
two portions (e.g., first portion 2481 and second portion 2482)
operable to rotate with respect to one another. In one embodiment,
first portion 2481 may be stationary with respect to a component of
the vehicle (e.g., component 2440, component 2434, etc.) and second
portion 2482 (e.g., stationary with respect to component 2432,
wheel 2420, tire 2410, etc.) may rotate with tire 2410 and/or wheel
2420. In this manner, energy may be transferred and/or signals may
be communicated between a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c,
1802, etc.) and an energy transfer system (e.g., 110) using an
energy transfer component (e.g., 2461) of a tire (e.g., 2410)
and/or an energy transfer component (e.g., 2460) of a wheel (e.g.,
2420).
[0438] As shown in FIG. 24, tire 2410 may be mounted to wheel 2420,
where wheel 2420 may be coupled with hub assembly 2430. Hub
assembly 2430 may include first component 2432, second component
2434, first bearing 2436, second bearing 2438, some combination
thereof, etc. In one embodiment, wheel 2420 may be attached or
secured using lug nuts (e.g., 2490a, 2490b, etc.) which screw onto
or interface with wheel studs (e.g., 2491a, 2491b, etc.) coupled
with and/or passing through first component 2432 of hub assembly
2430. Brake rotor 2450 may be disposed between wheel 2420 and first
component 2432 (e.g., as part of a disc braking system) in one
embodiment. Hub assembly 2430 may be coupled with component 2440 of
a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, etc.) using at least
one fastener (e.g., 2492a, 2492b, etc.), where component 2440 may
be a steering knuckle, frame member, component of a landing gear,
or another component of the vehicle. In one embodiment, second
component 2434 may be stationary with respect to a component of the
vehicle (e.g., component 2440), where first component 2432 may
rotate (e.g., about axis of rotation 2495 which may pass through
second component 2434) with respect to a component of the vehicle
(e.g., component 2440, second component 2434, etc.). As such, tire
2410 and wheel 2420 may rotate with respect to a component of the
vehicle (e.g., component 2440) about axis of rotation 2495.
[0439] Component 2480 may be any component capable of transferring
energy and/or communicating signals between components which rotate
with respect to one another. For example, first portion 2481 of
component 2480 may be electrically coupled to line 2472 and/or
2477, where first portion 2481 may be coupled with, integrated with
or otherwise stationary with respect to a component of a vehicle
(e.g., second component 2434 of hub assembly 2430, component 2440,
some combination thereof, etc.). Second portion 2482 of component
2480 may be electrically coupled to line 2470 and/or 2476, where
second portion 2482 may be coupled with, integrated with or
otherwise stationary with respect to another component (e.g., a
component of wheel 2420, a component of tire 2410, first component
2432 of hub assembly 2430, some combination thereof, etc.). Since
wheel 2420 and tire 2410 rotate with respect to the vehicle (e.g.,
second component 2434 of hub assembly 2430, component 2440, some
combination thereof, etc.), component 2480 may be used to transfer
energy and/or communicate signals between a vehicle (e.g., 120,
320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, etc.) and a component (e.g., tire 2410,
wheel 2420, etc.) which rotates with respect thereto.
[0440] In one embodiment, first portion 2481 and second portion
2482 may include at least one respective electrical contact which
may physically contact one another to enable energy to be
transferred and/or signals to be communicated between first portion
2481 and second portion 2482. For example, first portion 2481 and
second portion 2482 may implement a slip ring or other rotary
electrical interface. In one embodiment, first portion 2481 and
second portion 2482 may each include at least one respective coil
which may implement an inductive interface capable of transferring
energy and/or communicating signals between first portion 2481 and
second portion 2482. And in one embodiment, first portion 2481 and
second portion 2482 may each include at least one respective
component of another type (e.g., configured to transmit and/or
receive radio waves, microwaves, infrared waves, visible light
waves, ultraviolet waves, x-rays, gamma rays, some combination
thereof, etc.) capable of transferring energy and/or communicating
signals between first portion 2481 and second portion 2482.
[0441] As shown in FIG. 24, first bearing 2436 and/or second
bearing 2438 may be a ball bearing, roller bearing, tapered roller
bearing, spherical roller bearing, needle bearing, another type of
bearing, etc. In one embodiment, first bearing 2436 and/or second
bearing 2438 may be sealed bearings, and therefore, may include at
least one seal capable of reducing the ability of contaminants
(e.g., dirt, debris, moisture, etc.) to enter the bearing. Cap 2492
may be installed to reduce the ability of contaminants (e.g., dirt,
debris, moisture, etc.) to enter first bearing 2436 and/or second
bearing 2438. And in one embodiment, first bearing 2436 and/or
second bearing 2438 may be serviceable (e.g., capable of being
disassembled, cleaned, re-greased, etc.) or non-serviceable (e.g.,
not capable of being disassembled, cleaned, re-greased, etc.).
[0442] Wheel 2420 may include a plurality of portions. For example,
first portion 2421 of wheel 2420 may include surface 2427 which
interfaces with a surface of another component (e.g., rotor 2450,
hub assembly 2430, etc.) when wheel 2420 mounts to hub assembly
2430. Portion 2422 may connect portion 2421 to portion 2423, where
portion 2423 may be configured to accept or otherwise enable
mounting of tire 2410. In one embodiment, portion 2422 may include
at least one spoke, a disc with at least one hole formed therein, a
disc without any holes, or some other type of member. In one
embodiment, portion 2421 may be referred to a "hub" and portion
2423 may be referred to as a "rim."
[0443] As shown in FIG. 24, tire 2410 may be inflatable (e.g., able
to maintain its shape by holding air or some other fluid at a
pressure within region 2411) in one embodiment. Alternatively, tire
2410 may be non-inflatable. For example, tire 2410 may include a
structure (e.g., within region 2411, between the tread of tire 2410
and rim portion 2423 of wheel 2420, etc.) capable of supporting at
least a portion of the weight of a vehicle, where the structure may
include ribs, hexagonal cells or alternatively shaped cells, or
some other structure. And in one embodiment, tire 2410 may be part
of a tire-and-wheel combination (e.g., where tire 2410 is
permanently coupled with wheel 2420).
[0444] Energy transfer component 2461 and/or line 2473 may be
hidden or not visible from the outside of tire 2410 in one
embodiment. For example, energy transfer component 2461 and/or line
2473 may be disposed between layers or portions 2412 and 2413 of
tire 2410. Portion 2412 and portion 2413 may each include a portion
of tire 2410 selected from a group consisting of a tread, a
sidewall, a liner, a bead, a filler, a chafer, a steel belt, a
nylon belt, a cord, a body ply, a cap ply, an edge cover which
covers or overlaps a ply, an adhesive, some combination thereof,
etc. In one embodiment, energy transfer component 2461 and/or line
2473 may be exposed or visible from the outside of the tire (e.g.,
coupled with an outer surface of tire 2410, set in tire 2410 such
that one portion is visible and another portion is hidden,
etc.).
[0445] As shown in FIG. 24, energy transfer component 2460 may be
coupled with or disposed at least partially within wheel 2420. For
example, energy transfer component 2460 may be secured to wheel
2420 using at least one fastener (e.g., 2466a, 2466b, etc.) such as
a screw or bolt, using a bracket or cover (e.g., 2467a, 2467b,
etc.), using a fastening mechanism (e.g., material 2469) disposed
between energy transfer component 2460 and wheel 2420, some
combination thereof, etc. A bracket or cover (e.g., 2467a, 2467b,
etc.) used to secure energy transfer component 2460 may be secured
to wheel 2420 using a fastener (e.g., 2468a, 2468b, etc.) in one
embodiment. Material 2469 may be an adhesive, a hook-and-loop
fastener such as Velcro.RTM., or another type of fastening
mechanism.
[0446] In one embodiment, energy transfer component 2460 may be
disposed at least partially within or coupled with region 2425 of
wheel 2420. Region 2425 may be a recessed or concave portion of
wheel 2420 which is sized to accept energy transfer component 2460.
In one embodiment, region 2425 may be shaped similarly to energy
transfer component 2460 (e.g., region 2425 and energy transfer
component 2460 may both be circular in shape, square in shape,
trapezoidal in shape, alternatively shaped, etc.). And in one
embodiment, region 2425 may have a different shape than that of
energy transfer component 2460 (e.g., energy transfer component
2460 may be circular in shape and region 2425 may be square in
shape, etc.).
[0447] Line 2470 and/or line 2476 may be routed through or along a
portion of wheel 2410. For example, line 2476 may be routed through
or along portion 2423 of wheel 2420 (e.g., on the outside of
portion 2423, in a channel, in a groove, in a hole or other type of
cavity, etc.). As another example, line 2470 and/or line 2476 may
be routed through or along portion 2422 (e.g., including at least
one spoke, a disc with at least one hole formed therein, a disc
with no holes formed therein, etc.) of wheel 2420 (e.g., on the
outside of portion 2422, in a channel, in a groove, in a hole or
other type of cavity, etc.). And as yet another example, line 2470
and/or line 2476 may be routed through or along portion 2421 of
wheel 2420 (e.g., on the outside of portion 2421, in a channel, in
a groove, in a hole or other type of cavity, etc.). In one
embodiment, an interface or line (e.g., 2470, 2476, etc.) may be
routed through or along a portion of wheel 2420 (e.g., in a
channel, in a groove, in a hole or other type of cavity, etc.)
which is sized and/or shaped to accept the interface or line. And
in one embodiment, a line (e.g., 2470 and/or 2476) may be secured
to wheel 2420 using mechanism 2478 (e.g., a bracket secured by
fastener 2479, a cover secured by fastener 2479, an adhesive,
etc.).
[0448] As shown in FIG. 24, one or more of the energy transfer
components (e.g., 2460, 2461, some combination thereof, etc.) may
be used to transfer energy and/or communicate signals over a wired
interface (e.g., 231), and therefore, one or more of the energy
transfer components (e.g., 2460, 2461, some combination thereof,
etc.) may be implemented in accordance with (e.g., include
components of, function similarly to, etc.) energy transfer
component 233 in one embodiment. One or more of the energy transfer
components (e.g., 2460, 2461, some combination thereof, etc.) may
be used to transfer energy and/or communicate signals over an
inductive interface (e.g., 234), and therefore, one or more of the
energy transfer components (e.g., 2460, 2461, some combination
thereof, etc.) may be implemented in accordance with (e.g., include
components of, function similarly to, etc.) energy transfer
component 236 in one embodiment. One or more of the energy transfer
components (e.g., 2460, 2461, some combination thereof, etc.) may
be used to transfer energy and/or communicate signals over a
wireless interface (e.g., 237), and therefore, one or more of the
energy transfer components (e.g., 2460, 2461, some combination
thereof, etc.) may be implemented in accordance with (e.g., include
components of, function similarly to, etc.) energy transfer
component 239 in one embodiment.
[0449] Line 2473 may electrically couple to line 2476 using
contacts 2474 and 2475, where contact 2474 may be coupled with or
disposed at least partially within tire 2410 and contact 2475 may
be coupled with or disposed at least partially within wheel 2420.
As such, in one embodiment, mounting tire 2410 on wheel 2420 may
cause contacts 2474 and 2475 to come into physical contact and
therefore electrically couple lines 2473 and 2476. In one
embodiment, contact 2474 may be visible from an outside of tire
2410 when removed from wheel 2420, and contact 2475 may be visible
from an outside of wheel 2420 when tire 2410 is removed from wheel
2420. And in one embodiment, contact 2475 may be located at or in
proximity to a bead seat of wheel 2420, another region of portion
2423, etc. In this manner, energy may be transferred and/or signals
may be communicated between a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c,
1802, etc.) and an energy transfer system (e.g., 110) using an
energy transfer component (e.g., 2461) of a tire (e.g., 2410).
[0450] As shown in FIG. 24, at least one contact may be located at
or in proximity to surface 2427 of wheel 2420 for enabling energy
to be transferred and/or signals to be communicated between a
vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, etc.) and an energy
transfer system (e.g., 110). For example, at least one line of
wheel 2420 (e.g., line 2470, line 2476, etc.) may couple to at
least one line of a vehicle (e.g., line 2472, line 2477, etc.)
using at least one contact of wheel 2420 (e.g., one or more of
contacts 2471a) and at least one contact of a vehicle (e.g., one or
more of contacts 2471b). Contacts 2471b may be coupled with or
disposed at least partially within rotor 2450, hub assembly 2430,
or another component of the vehicle. In one embodiment, contacts
2471a and/or contacts 2471b may be visible when wheel 2420 is
removed from the vehicle. In this manner, energy may be transferred
and/or signals may be communicated between a vehicle and an energy
transfer system (e.g., using energy transfer component 2461 of tire
2410 and/or using energy transfer component 2460 of wheel 2420)
responsive to a mounting of wheel 2420 onto the vehicle.
[0451] In one embodiment, the wheel studs (e.g., 2491a and 2491b)
and corresponding holes in wheel 2420 may be used to align or
locate contacts 2471a and 2471b with respect to one another. In one
embodiment, wheel 2420 may be manufactured to fit on hub assembly
2430 in a limited number of orientations (e.g., using a non-uniform
spacing of wheel studs 2491a and 2491b, using a key, pin, or other
member used to align wheel 2420 with hub assembly 2430, etc.),
thereby enabling alignment of contacts 2471a with contacts 2471b
when wheel 2420 is mounted to the vehicle. In this manner, energy
may be transferred and/or signals may be communicated between a
vehicle and an energy transfer system when wheel 2420 is mounted to
the vehicle.
[0452] In one embodiment, contacts 2471a and 2471b may be located
with respect to one another such that contacts 2471a may align with
contacts 2471b regardless of the orientation of wheel 2420 with
respect to the vehicle (e.g., rotor 2450, hub assembly 2430, etc.).
For example, multiple instances of contacts 2471a (e.g., disposed
circumferentially around surface 2427) may be coupled to line 2470
and/or line 2476, thereby enabling at least one instance of
contacts 2471a to physically contact contacts 2471b when wheel 2420
is mounted to the vehicle. As another example, multiple instances
of contacts 2471b (e.g., disposed circumferentially around a
surface of rotor 2450, first component 2432, etc.) may be coupled
to line 2472 and/or line 2477, thereby enabling at least one
instance of contacts 2471b to physically contact contacts 2471a
when wheel 2420 is mounted to the vehicle. As yet another example,
contacts 2471a may include at least one ring coupled with or
disposed at least partially in surface 2427, thereby enabling the
at least one ring of contacts 2471a to physically contact contacts
2471b when wheel 2420 is mounted to the vehicle. As a further
example, contacts 2471b may include at least one ring coupled with
or disposed at least partially in a surface (e.g., of rotor 2450,
of first component 2432, etc.), thereby enabling the at least one
ring of contacts 2471b to physically contact contacts 2471a when
wheel 2420 is mounted to the vehicle. In this manner, energy may be
transferred and/or signals may be communicated between a vehicle
and an energy transfer system regardless of how wheel 2420 is
orientated when mounted.
[0453] Line 2472 and/or line 2477 may be routed through or along a
component (e.g., rotor 2450, first component 2432, component 2480,
second component 2434, component 2440, another component, some
combination thereof, etc.) of the vehicle. In one embodiment, line
2472 and/or line 2477 may be routed on the outside of the component
(e.g., rotor 2450, first component 2432, component 2480, second
component 2434, component 2440, another component, some combination
thereof, etc.), in a feature (e.g., a channel, groove, hole, or
other type of cavity, etc.) of the component (e.g., rotor 2450,
first component 2432, component 2480, second component 2434,
component 2440, another component, some combination thereof, etc.),
etc. In one embodiment, line 2472 and/or line 2477 may be secured
to the component (e.g., rotor 2450, first component 2432, component
2480, second component 2434, component 2440, another component,
some combination thereof, etc.) using a mechanism (e.g., a bracket
secured by a fastener, a cover secured by a fastener, an adhesive,
etc.).
[0454] In one embodiment, signals communicated over an interface
(e.g., including line 2470, line 2472, line 2473, line 2476, line
2477, some combination thereof, etc.) may be analog signals,
digital signals, pulse width modulated signals, some combination
thereof, etc. An interface (e.g., including line 2470, line 2472,
line 2473, line 2476, line 2477, some combination thereof, etc.)
may implement unidirectional signal communication and/or
bidirectional signal communication in one embodiment. And in one
embodiment, signals may be communicated over an interface (e.g.,
including line 2470, line 2472, line 2473, line 2476, line 2477,
some combination thereof, etc.) using single-ended signaling and/or
differential signaling.
[0455] As shown in FIG. 24, wheel 2420 may function as a heat sink
for one or more energy transfer components (e.g., 2460) coupled
with wheel 2420. For example, heat generated by an energy transfer
component (e.g., 2460) may be transferred into wheel 2420 (e.g.,
into portion 2423, into portion 2422, etc.). Heat may then be
transferred from wheel 2420 to the environment (e.g., via
conduction, convention, radiation, etc.). Material 2469 may be
thermally conductive, and therefore, may be used to implement
and/or regulate (e.g., increase, decrease, etc.) heat transfer from
one or more energy transfer components mounted to wheel 2420.
[0456] Wheel 2420 may have at least one feature (e.g., 2426) which
is capable of increasing the heat transfer from one or more energy
transfer components of wheel 2420. In one embodiment, at least one
feature (e.g., 2426) may increase heat transfer by increasing the
surface area of wheel 2420 (e.g., similar to a fin of a heat sink).
The at least one feature (e.g., 2426) may be shaped or otherwise
configured to direct air (e.g., ambient air outside of wheel 2420)
over a region of wheel 2420 (e.g. over surface 2428, over a portion
of wheel 2420 to which an energy transfer component is attached,
etc.), thereby increasing heat transfer from the one or more energy
transfer components via convection, conduction, etc. In one
embodiment, wheel 2420 may include at least one spoke (e.g.,
located in portion 2422), where the at least one spoke is shaped or
otherwise configured to direct air (e.g., ambient air outside of
wheel 2420) over a region of wheel 2420 (e.g. a portion of wheel
2420 to which an energy transfer component is attached), thereby
increasing heat transfer from the one or more energy transfer
components via convection, conduction, etc.
[0457] FIG. 25 shows diagram 2500 of wheel 2420 that includes
elements (e.g., features 2560a through 2560g, spokes 2580a through
2580d, etc.) for increasing heat transfer from at least one energy
transfer component in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. Diagram 2500 may be a projection view of surface 2428
(e.g., as if wheel 2420 were cut and unrolled such that surface
2428 lies in a plane) in one embodiment. As shown in FIG. 25,
regions 2530, 2540 and 2550 may be portions of wheel 2420 to which
energy transfer components are attached. For example, a first
energy transfer component (e.g., 2460, another energy transfer
component of wheel 2420, etc.) may be coupled with region 2530 of
wheel 2420, a second energy transfer component (e.g., 2460, another
energy transfer component of wheel 2420, etc.) may be coupled with
region 2540 of wheel 2420, a third energy transfer component (e.g.,
2460, another energy transfer component of wheel 2420, etc.) may be
coupled with region 2550 of wheel 2420, etc. Features 2560a through
2560g may be coupled with another portion of wheel 2420, formed
integrally with wheel 2420, etc., where one or more of features
2560a through 2560g may be implemented in accordance with (e.g.,
include components of, function similarly to, etc.) feature 2426 in
one embodiment. Spokes 2580a through 2580d may be coupled with
another portion of wheel 2420, formed integrally with wheel 2420,
etc.
[0458] At least one feature (e.g., 2560a through 2560g) and/or at
least one spoke (e.g., 2580a through 2580d) of wheel 2420 may be
capable of increasing the heat transfer from one or more energy
transfer components of wheel 2420. In one embodiment, at least one
feature (e.g., 2560a through 2560g) and/or at least one spoke
(e.g., 2580a through 2580d) of wheel 2420 may increase heat
transfer by increasing the surface area of wheel 2420 (e.g.,
similar to a fin of a heat sink). In one embodiment, at least one
feature (e.g., 2560a through 2560g) and/or at least one spoke
(e.g., 2580a through 2580d) of wheel 2420 may increase heat
transfer from one or more energy transfer components via
convection. For example, at least one feature (e.g., 2560a through
2560g) of wheel 2420 may be shaped or otherwise configured to
direct air or another fluid (e.g., as shown by arrows 2570a, 2570b,
and 2570c) over one or more regions (e.g., 2530, 2540, 2550, etc.)
of wheel 2420. As another example, at least one spoke (e.g., 2580a
through 2580d) of wheel 2420 may be shaped or otherwise configured
to direct air or another fluid (e.g., as shown by arrows 2590a,
2590b, and 2590c) over one or more regions (e.g., 2530, 2540, 2550,
etc.) of wheel 2420.
[0459] Although FIG. 25 shows a specific number, arrangement,
shape, and size of features (e.g., 2560a through 2560g), it should
be appreciated that wheel 2420 may include any number, arrangement,
shape, and/or size of features in other embodiments. Additionally,
although FIG. 25 shows a specific number, arrangement, shape, and
size of spokes (e.g., 2580a through 2580d), it should be
appreciated that wheel 2420 may include any number, arrangement,
shape, and/or size of spokes in other embodiments. Further,
although FIG. 25 shows a specific number, arrangement, shape,
and/or size of regions (e.g., 2530, 2540, 2550, etc.), it should be
appreciated that wheel 2420 may include any number, arrangement,
shape, and/or size of regions in other embodiments.
[0460] Turning back to FIG. 24, tire 2410 and/or wheel 2420 may
include components configured to transfer heat from one or more
energy transfer components (e.g., 2460, 2461, etc.). For example,
component 2464 may transfer heat from energy transfer component
2460, where component 2464 may be coupled with or otherwise
positioned with respect to (e.g., coupled with, disposed on or
touching, disposed adjacent to, disposed in proximity to, etc.)
energy transfer component 2460 to enable heat to be transferred
from energy transfer component 2460. As another example, component
2465 may transfer heat from energy transfer component 2461, where
component 2465 may be coupled with or otherwise positioned with
respect to (e.g., coupled with, disposed on or touching, disposed
adjacent to, disposed in proximity to, etc.) energy transfer
component 2461 to enable heat to be transferred from energy
transfer component 2461.
[0461] As shown in FIG. 24, component 2464 may be capable of
transferring heat from an energy transfer component via conduction.
For example, component 2464 may be configured to remove heat
generated by an energy transfer component (e.g., 2460) responsive
to application of an electric potential across electrodes of
component 2464. In one embodiment, component 2464 may be
electrically coupled to line 2470, and therefore, line 2470 may be
used to apply an electric potential across electrodes of component
2464. In one embodiment, component 2464 may be a thermoelectric
cooler or Peltier cooler. As another example, component 2464 may be
a heat exchanger configured to remove heat from an energy transfer
component (e.g., 2460) responsive to a pumping of a fluid through
component 2464. And as yet another example, component 2464 may be a
heat pipe configured to remove heat from an energy transfer
component (e.g., 2460).
[0462] In one embodiment, component 2464 may be configured to
convert heat generated by an energy transfer component (e.g., 2460)
into electrical energy. For example, component 2464 may be a
thermoelectric cooler or other component capable of generating
electricity responsive to a temperature differential being applied
across a first side and a second side of component 2464. Component
2464 may be advantageously positioned with respect to an energy
transfer component (e.g., 2460) to create a temperature
differential across a first side (e.g., positioned adjacent to
energy transfer component 2460) and a second side (e.g., positioned
to adjacent to ambient air within region 2411) of component 2464,
where the first side may be warmer than the second side in one
embodiment. Energy generated by component 2464 may be transferred
over an interface (e.g., lines 2470 and 2472) to a component of a
vehicle (e.g., interface component 221, power management component
225, etc.), thereby enabling the energy to be accessed (e.g., for
use, storage, etc.) by the vehicle and/or transferred to another
system (e.g., energy transfer system 110, another vehicle, etc.).
In one embodiment, energy generated by component 2464 may be
transferred over an interface (e.g., lines 2470 and 2472)
contemporaneously with energy from energy transfer component 2460
(e.g., by summing the voltages, summing the currents, etc.). In
this manner, electricity may be advantageously generated using
component 2464 to improve the efficiency of an energy transfer
between a vehicle and an energy transfer system, improve the
efficiency of an energy transfer between two or more vehicles,
recover energy that would otherwise be lost, etc.
[0463] As shown in FIG. 24, component 2465 may be capable of
transferring heat from an energy transfer component via conduction.
For example, component 2465 may be configured to remove heat
generated by an energy transfer component (e.g., 2461) responsive
to application of an electric potential across electrodes of
component 2465. In one embodiment, component 2465 may be
electrically coupled to line 2473, and therefore, line 2473 may be
used to apply an electric potential across electrodes of component
2465. In one embodiment, component 2465 may be a thermoelectric
cooler or Peltier cooler. As another example, component 2465 may be
a heat exchanger configured to remove heat from an energy transfer
component (e.g., 2461) responsive to a pumping of a fluid through
component 2465. And as yet another example, component 2465 may be a
heat pipe configured to remove heat from an energy transfer
component (e.g., 2461).
[0464] In one embodiment, component 2465 may be configured to
convert heat generated by an energy transfer component (e.g., 2461)
into electrical energy. For example, component 2465 may be a
thermoelectric cooler or other component capable of generating
electricity responsive to a temperature differential being applied
across a first side and a second side of component 2465. Component
2465 may be advantageously positioned with respect to an energy
transfer component (e.g., 2461) to create a temperature
differential across a first side (e.g., positioned adjacent to
energy transfer component 2461) and a second side (e.g., positioned
to adjacent to a portion of tire 2410, ambient air, etc.) of
component 2465, where the first side may be warmer than the second
side in one embodiment. Energy generated by component 2465 may be
transferred over an interface (e.g., lines 2473, 2476, and 2477) to
a component of a vehicle (e.g., interface component 221, power
management component 225, etc.), thereby enabling the energy to be
accessed (e.g., for use, storage, etc.) by the vehicle and/or
transferred to another system (e.g., energy transfer system 110,
another vehicle, etc.). In one embodiment, energy generated by
component 2465 may be transferred over an interface (e.g., lines
2473, 2476, and 2477) contemporaneously with energy from energy
transfer component 2461 (e.g., by summing the voltages, summing the
currents, etc.). In this manner, electricity may be advantageously
generated using component 2465 to improve the efficiency of an
energy transfer between a vehicle and an energy transfer system,
improve the efficiency of an energy transfer between two or more
vehicles, recover energy that would otherwise be lost, etc.
[0465] As shown in FIG. 24, component 2464 may be capable of
transferring heat from an energy transfer component (e.g., 2460)
via convection. For example, component 2464 may include a fan or
other device capable of moving a fluid across an energy transfer
component (e.g., 2460), across a component (e.g., a portion or
surface of wheel 2420, etc.) into which heat from an energy
transfer component (e.g., 2460) is transferred, etc. In one
embodiment, component 2464 may be powered by energy from line
2470.
[0466] Component 2465 may be capable of transferring heat from an
energy transfer component (e.g., 2461) via convection. For example,
component 2465 may include a fan or other device capable of moving
a fluid across an energy transfer component (e.g., 2461), across a
component (e.g., a portion or surface of tire 2410, etc.) into
which heat from an energy transfer component (e.g., 2461) is
transferred, etc. In one embodiment, component 2465 may be powered
by energy from line 2473.
[0467] As shown in FIG. 24, component 2462 may be any component
capable of monitoring or sensing a temperature of energy transfer
component 2460. In one embodiment, component 2462 may be or include
a thermocouple, thermistor, ultrasonic thermometer, infrared
thermometer or pyrometer, laser thermometer or pyrometer, etc.
Component 2462 may be powered using energy from line 2470 in one
embodiment. In one embodiment, signals generated by component 2462
(e.g., representing or otherwise used to determine the a
temperature of energy transfer component 2460) may be transferred
to a component of the vehicle (e.g., interface component 221) over
an interface (e.g., including lines 2470 and 2472) using at least
one conductor used to transfer energy (e.g., between the vehicle
and an energy transfer system) and/or at least one other conductor
which is separate from at least one conductor used to transfer
energy (e.g., between the vehicle and an energy transfer system).
In one embodiment, a temperature associated with an energy transfer
component (e.g., 2460) may be communicated over an interface (e.g.,
including lines 2470 and 2472) using analog signals, digital
signals, pulse width modulated signals, some combination thereof,
etc. In one embodiment, a temperature associated with an energy
transfer component (e.g., 2460) may be communicated over an
interface (e.g., including lines 2470 and 2472) using
unidirectional signal communication, bidirectional signal
communication, single-ended signaling, differential signaling, some
combination thereof, etc.
[0468] Component 2463 may be any component capable of monitoring or
sensing a temperature of energy transfer component 2461. In one
embodiment, component 2463 may be or include a thermocouple,
thermistor, ultrasonic thermometer, infrared thermometer or
pyrometer, laser thermometer or pyrometer, etc. Component 2463 may
be powered using energy from line 2473 in one embodiment. In one
embodiment, signals generated by component 2463 (e.g., representing
or otherwise used to determine the a temperature of energy transfer
component 2461) may be transferred to a component of the vehicle
(e.g., interface component 221) over an interface (e.g., including
lines 2473, 2476, and 2477) using at least one conductor used to
transfer energy (e.g., between the vehicle and an energy transfer
system) and/or at least one other conductor which is separate from
at least one conductor used to transfer energy (e.g., between the
vehicle and an energy transfer system). In one embodiment, a
temperature associated with an energy transfer component (e.g.,
2461) may be communicated over an interface (e.g., including lines
2473, 2476, and 2477) using analog signals, digital signals, pulse
width modulated signals, some combination thereof, etc. In one
embodiment, a temperature associated with an energy transfer
component (e.g., 2461) may be communicated over an interface (e.g.,
including lines 2473, 2476, and 2477) using unidirectional signal
communication, bidirectional signal communication, single-ended
signaling, differential signaling, some combination thereof,
etc.
[0469] In one embodiment, component 2462 and/or component 2464 may
be used to implement a control system for controlling the
temperature of energy transfer component 2460 (e.g., in accordance
with process 3800 of FIG. 38). For example, component 2464 may be
controlled (e.g., by interface component 221 or another component
of the vehicle) to increase heat transfer from energy transfer
component 2460 responsive to detecting that the temperature (e.g.,
measured using component 2462) of the energy transfer component has
exceeded a first threshold. As another example, component 2464 may
be controlled (e.g., by interface component 221 or another
component of the vehicle) to reduce or stop heat transfer from
energy transfer component 2460 responsive to detecting that the
temperature (e.g., measured using component 2462) of the energy
transfer component has fallen below a second threshold. In one
embodiment, the second threshold may be associated with a lower
temperature than a temperature associated with the first
threshold.
[0470] In one embodiment, component 2463 and/or component 2465 may
be used to implement a control system for controlling the
temperature of energy transfer component 2461 (e.g., in accordance
with process 3800 of FIG. 38). For example, component 2465 may be
controlled (e.g., by interface component 221 or another component
of the vehicle) to transfer heat from energy transfer component
2461 responsive to detecting that the temperature (e.g., measured
using component 2463) of the energy transfer component has exceeded
a first threshold. As another example, component 2465 may be
controlled (e.g., by interface component 221 or another component
of the vehicle) to stop transferring heat from energy transfer
component 2461 responsive to detecting that the temperature (e.g.,
measured using component 2463) of the energy transfer component has
fallen below a second threshold. In one embodiment, the second
threshold may be associated with a lower temperature than a
temperature associated with the first threshold.
[0471] Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can
advantageously increase heat transfer from energy transfer
components of a wheel (e.g., 2420) and/or a tire (e.g., 2410).
Increasing heat transfer from an energy transfer component can
extend the lifetime of the component, increase efficiency of energy
transfer and/or signal communication, etc. Additionally, by
transforming heat generated by an energy transfer component into
electricity (e.g., using component 2464, component 2465, etc.),
embodiments of the present invention can further increase the
efficiency of an energy transfer.
[0472] In one embodiment, one or more energy transfer components
(e.g., 2461, etc.) of tire 2410 may improve or enhance at least one
mechanical property of tire 2410. For example, one or more energy
transfer components (e.g., 2461, etc.) of tire 2410 may increase
rigidity, strength, resistance to deformation, some combination
thereof, etc. As another example, one or more energy transfer
components (e.g., 2461, etc.) of tire 2410 may increase lateral
stiffness, longitudinal stiffness, some combination thereof, etc.
As yet another example, one or more energy transfer components
(e.g., 2461, etc.) of tire 2410 may enable the tire to support
circumferential loads. And as a further example, one or more energy
transfer components (e.g., 2461, etc.) of tire 2410 may be flexible
(e.g., able to be deformed or bent, able to return to its original
shape after deformation or bending, etc.), thereby enabling tire
2410 to change shape or deform during operation.
[0473] In one embodiment, one or more energy transfer components
(e.g., 2460, etc.) of wheel 2420 may improve or enhance at least
one mechanical property of wheel 2420. For example, one or more
energy transfer components (e.g., 2460, etc.) of wheel 2420 may
increase rigidity, strength, resistance to deformation, some
combination thereof, etc. As another example, one or more energy
transfer components (e.g., 2460, etc.) of wheel 2420 may increase
lateral stiffness, longitudinal stiffness, some combination
thereof, etc. As yet another example, one or more energy transfer
components (e.g., 2460, etc.) of wheel 2420 may enable the tire to
support circumferential loads. And as a further example, one or
more energy transfer components (e.g., 2460, etc.) of wheel 2420
may be flexible (e.g., able to be deformed or bent, able to return
to its original shape after deformation or bending, etc.), thereby
enabling wheel 2420 to change shape or deform during operation.
[0474] Although FIG. 24 shows wheel 2420 used in combination with
tire 2410, it should be appreciated that wheel 2420 may be used
with other tires (e.g., which do not include energy transfer
components, which include different types or configurations of
energy transfer components, etc.) in other embodiments.
Additionally, although FIG. 24 shows tire 2410 used in combination
with wheel 2420, it should be appreciated that tire 2410 may be
used with other wheels (e.g., which do not include energy transfer
components, which include different types or configurations of
energy transfer components, etc.) in other embodiments. Although
FIG. 24 shows tire 2410 with a specific number, arrangement, shape,
and size of components, it should be appreciated that tire 2410 may
have a different number, arrangement, shape, and/or size of
components in other embodiments. Additionally, although FIG. 24
shows wheel 2420 with a specific number, arrangement, shape, and
size of components, it should be appreciated that wheel 2420 may
have a different number, arrangement, shape, and/or size of
components in other embodiments.
[0475] Further, although FIG. 24 shows other portions of system
2400 with a specific number, arrangement, shape, and size of
components, it should be appreciated that system 2400 may have a
different number, arrangement, shape, and/or size of components in
other embodiments. For example, wheel 2420 may attach directly to
hub assembly 2430 in one embodiment. As another example, hub
assembly 2430 may include a different number, arrangement, shape,
and/or size of components in other embodiments.
[0476] FIG. 26 is a diagram showing heat transfer from at least one
energy transfer component of a vehicle and/or at least one energy
transfer component of an energy transfer system in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 26,
component 2650 and/or component 2670 may be electrically coupled to
and/or part of an energy transfer system (e.g., 110), where
component 2650 and component 2670 may include energy transfer
component 2660 and energy transfer component 2680, respectively.
Vehicle 2620 may be implemented in accordance with (e.g., include
components of, function similarly to, etc.) vehicle 120, 320a,
320b, 320c, 2802, some combination thereof, etc., where vehicle
2620 may include energy transfer components 2630 and 2640. In one
embodiment, energy may be transferred and/or signals may be
communicated between vehicle 2620 and an energy transfer system
(e.g., 110) over an interface which includes energy transfer
components 2630 and 2660 (e.g., where energy transfer components
2630 and 2660 are positioned with respect to one another such that
energy may be transferred and/or signals may be communicated using
energy transfer components 2630 and 2660). And in one embodiment,
energy may be transferred and/or signals may be communicated
between vehicle 2620 and an energy transfer system (e.g., 110) over
an interface which includes energy transfer components 2640 and
2680 (e.g., where energy transfer components 2640 and 2680 are
positioned with respect to one another such that energy may be
transferred and/or signals may be communicated using energy
transfer components 2640 and 2680).
[0477] In one embodiment, energy transfer component 2660 may be
coupled with or at least partially disposed in the ground (e.g.,
similar to energy transfer components 1610 of FIG. 16, 1620 of FIG.
16, 1630 of FIG. 16, etc.), whereas energy transfer component 2630
may be located at or near the bottom (e.g., undercarriage) of the
vehicle, rear of the vehicle, front of the vehicle, side of the
vehicle, etc. In one embodiment, energy transfer component 2630 may
be coupled with or disposed at least partially within surface 2625
of vehicle 2620, where surface 2625 may be a surface of a body
panel, an undercarriage, hull, fuselage, wing, propeller, blade of
a helicopter, or some other component of vehicle 2620. Component
2650 may be a housing, enclosure, component configured to perform
at least one other function (e.g., a reflector capable of being
placed in a roadway, another component, etc.), or the like. In this
manner, energy may be transferred between the vehicle (e.g., 2620)
and an energy transfer system (e.g., 110) when vehicle is near,
located above, located beside, etc. energy transfer component
2660.
[0478] As shown in FIG. 26, in one embodiment, energy transfer
component 2660 may be coupled with or at least partially disposed
in an object (e.g., similar to energy transfer components 1645 of
FIG. 16, 1655 of FIG. 16, 1662 of FIG. 16, 1665 of FIG. 16, 1675 of
FIG. 16, etc.), whereas energy transfer component 2630 may be
located at or near the top of the vehicle, bottom (e.g.,
undercarriage) of the vehicle, rear of the vehicle, front of the
vehicle, side of the vehicle, etc. In one embodiment, energy
transfer component 2630 may be coupled with or disposed at least
partially within surface 2625 of vehicle 2620, where surface 2625
may be a surface of a body panel, an undercarriage, hull, fuselage,
wing, propeller, blade of a helicopter, or some other component of
vehicle 2620. Component 2650 may be a housing, enclosure, component
configured to perform at least one other function (e.g., a sign,
guard rail, overpass, street light, stoplight, boat dock, etc.), or
the like. In this manner, energy may be transferred between the
vehicle (e.g., 2620) and an energy transfer system (e.g., 110) when
vehicle is near, located beside, located below, etc. energy
transfer component 2660.
[0479] In one embodiment, energy transfer component 2680 may be
coupled with or at least partially disposed in component 2670,
where component 2670 may be a connector or other member configured
to be inserted into receptacle 2627 of vehicle 2620. Energy
transfer component 2640 may be located at, adjacent to, etc.
receptacle 2627. In this manner, component 2670 may be inserted
into receptacle 2627 to align or otherwise position energy transfer
components 2640 and 2680 such that energy may be transferred and/or
signals may be communicated.
[0480] As shown in FIG. 26, one or more of the energy transfer
components (e.g., 2630, 2640, some combination thereof, etc.) may
be used to transfer energy and/or communicate signals over a wired
interface (e.g., 231), and therefore, one or more of the energy
transfer components (e.g., 2630, 2640, some combination thereof,
etc.) may be implemented in accordance with (e.g., include
components of, function similarly to, etc.) energy transfer
component 233 in one embodiment. One or more of the energy transfer
components (e.g., 2630, 2640, some combination thereof, etc.) may
be used to transfer energy and/or communicate signals over an
inductive interface (e.g., 234), and therefore, one or more of the
energy transfer components (e.g., 2630, 2640, some combination
thereof, etc.) may be implemented in accordance with (e.g., include
components of, function similarly to, etc.) energy transfer
component 236 in one embodiment. One or more of the energy transfer
components (e.g., 2630, 2640, some combination thereof, etc.) may
be used to transfer energy and/or communicate signals over a
wireless interface (e.g., 237), and therefore, one or more of the
energy transfer components (e.g., 2630, 2640, some combination
thereof, etc.) may be implemented in accordance with (e.g., include
components of, function similarly to, etc.) energy transfer
component 239 in one embodiment.
[0481] In one embodiment, one or more of the energy transfer
components (e.g., 2660, 2680, some combination thereof, etc.) may
be used to transfer energy and/or communicate signals over a wired
interface (e.g., 231), and therefore, one or more of the energy
transfer components (e.g., 2660, 2680, some combination thereof,
etc.) may be implemented in accordance with (e.g., include
components of, function similarly to, etc.) energy transfer
component 232 in one embodiment. One or more of the energy transfer
components (e.g., 2660, 2680, some combination thereof, etc.) may
be used to transfer energy and/or communicate signals over an
inductive interface (e.g., 234), and therefore, one or more of the
energy transfer components (e.g., 2660, 2680, some combination
thereof, etc.) may be implemented in accordance with (e.g., include
components of, function similarly to, etc.) energy transfer
component 235 in one embodiment. One or more of the energy transfer
components (e.g., 2660, 2680, some combination thereof, etc.) may
be used to transfer energy and/or communicate signals over a
wireless interface (e.g., 237), and therefore, one or more of the
energy transfer components (e.g., 2660, 2680, some combination
thereof, etc.) may be implemented in accordance with (e.g., include
components of, function similarly to, etc.) energy transfer
component 238 in one embodiment.
[0482] As shown in FIG. 26, one or more energy transfer components
may be advantageously positioned to increase heat transfer from the
one or more energy transfer components. For example, energy
transfer component 2630 may be positioned to enable heat to be
transferred into a component of vehicle 2620 which includes surface
2625 (e.g., represented by arrows 2635 and 2636), into the
environment outside vehicle 2620 (e.g., represented by arrows 2635
and 2636), into component 2629 of vehicle 2620 (e.g., represented
by arrow 2637), into another component or region of vehicle 2620
(e.g., represented by arrow 2637), etc. As another example, energy
transfer component 2640 may be positioned to enable heat to be
transferred into a component of vehicle 2620 which includes surface
2625 (e.g., represented by arrow 2645), into the environment
outside vehicle 2620 (e.g., represented by arrow 2645), into
component 2629 of vehicle 2620 (e.g., represented by arrows 2646
and 2647), into another component or region of vehicle 2620 (e.g.,
represented by arrows 2646 and 2647), etc. As yet another example,
energy transfer component 2660 may be positioned to enable heat to
be transferred into the environment outside vehicle 2620 (e.g.,
represented by arrows 2665 and 2666), into a component of vehicle
2620 which includes surface 2625 (e.g., represented by arrows 2665
and 2666), into component 2629 of vehicle 2620 (e.g., represented
by arrow 2666), into another component or region of vehicle 2620
(e.g., represented by arrows 2665 and 2666), etc. And as a further
example, energy transfer component 2680 may be positioned to enable
heat to be transferred into the environment outside vehicle 2620
(e.g., represented by arrows 2685 and 2686), into a component of
vehicle 2620 which includes surface 2625 (e.g., represented by
arrows 2685 and 2686), into component 2629 of vehicle 2620 (e.g.,
represented by arrow 2686), into another component or region of
vehicle 2620 (e.g., represented by arrows 2685 and 2686), etc.
[0483] Component 2629 of vehicle 2620 may be any component disposed
at least partially within vehicle 2620. For example, component 2629
may be a structural member (e.g., part of the frame, a body panel,
etc.), an aesthetic member (e.g., a body panel or other component
used primarily for aesthetic purposes, etc.), an aerodynamic member
(e.g., used to direct air or another fluid through or around
vehicle 2620), a hardware component (e.g., including circuitry), or
any other component of vehicle 2620. In this manner, embodiments of
the present invention may advantageously repurpose or use at least
one component of a vehicle which is primarily used to perform
another function to also transfer heat from one or more energy
transfer components.
[0484] As shown in FIG. 26, one or more components may be used to
transfer heat from one or more energy transfer components. For
example, component 2632 may transfer energy from energy transfer
component 2630, where component 2632 may be coupled with or
otherwise positioned with respect to (e.g., coupled with, disposed
on or touching, disposed adjacent to, disposed in proximity to,
etc.) energy transfer component 2630 to enable heat to be
transferred from energy transfer component 2630. As another
example, component 2642 may transfer energy from energy transfer
component 2640, where component 2642 may be coupled with or
otherwise positioned with respect to (e.g., coupled with, disposed
on or touching, disposed adjacent to, disposed in proximity to,
etc.) energy transfer component 2640 to enable heat to be
transferred from energy transfer component 2640. As yet another
example, component 2662 may transfer energy from energy transfer
component 2660, where component 2662 may be coupled with or
otherwise positioned with respect to (e.g., coupled with, disposed
on or touching, disposed adjacent to, disposed in proximity to,
etc.) energy transfer component 2660 to enable heat to be
transferred from energy transfer component 2660. And as a further
example, component 2682 may transfer energy from energy transfer
component 2680, where component 2682 may be coupled with or
otherwise positioned with respect to (e.g., coupled with, disposed
on or touching, disposed adjacent to, disposed in proximity to,
etc.) energy transfer component 2680 to enable heat to be
transferred from energy transfer component 2680.
[0485] The one or more components (e.g., 2632, 2642, 2662, 2682,
etc.) may be capable of transferring heat from an energy transfer
component (e.g., 2630, 2640, 2660, 2680, etc.) via conduction. For
example, at least one component (e.g., 2632, 2642, 2662, 2682, some
combination thereof, etc.) may be configured to remove heat
generated by an energy transfer component (e.g., 2630, 2640, 2660,
2680, some combination thereof, etc.) responsive to application of
an electric potential across respective electrodes of each of the
at least one component (e.g., 2632, 2642, 2662, 2682, some
combination thereof, etc.). In one embodiment, at least one
component (e.g., 2632, 2642, 2662, 2682, some combination thereof,
etc.) may be a thermoelectric cooler or a Peltier cooler. As
another example, at least one component (e.g., 2632, 2642, 2662,
2682, some combination thereof, etc.) may be a heat exchanger
configured to remove heat from an energy transfer component (e.g.,
2630, 2640, 2660, 2680, some combination thereof, etc.) responsive
to a pumping of a fluid through the at least one component (e.g.,
2632, 2642, 2662, 2682, some combination thereof, etc.). And as yet
another example, at least one component (e.g., 2632, 2642, 2662,
2682, some combination thereof, etc.) may be a heat pipe configured
to remove heat from an energy transfer component (e.g., 2630, 2640,
2660, 2680, some combination thereof, etc.).
[0486] In one embodiment, the one or more components (e.g., 2632,
2642, 2662, 2682, etc.) may be configured to convert heat generated
by an energy transfer component (e.g., 2630, 2640, 2660, 2680,
etc.) into electrical energy. For example, at least one component
(e.g., 2632, 2642, 2662, 2682, some combination thereof, etc.) may
be a thermoelectric cooler or other component capable of generating
electricity responsive to a temperature differential being applied
across a respective first side and a respective second side of the
at least one component (e.g., 2632, 2642, 2662, 2682, some
combination thereof, etc.). The one or more components (e.g., 2632,
2642, 2662, 2682, some combination thereof, etc.) may be
advantageously positioned with respect to an energy transfer
component (e.g., 2630, 2640, 2660, 2680, some combination thereof,
etc.) to create a temperature differential across a first side
(e.g., positioned adjacent to the energy transfer component) and a
second side (e.g., positioned to adjacent to ambient air, a
component of vehicle 2620, a component of the energy transfer
system, etc.) of the one or more components (e.g., 2632, 2642,
2662, 2682, some combination thereof, etc.), where the first side
may be warmer than the second side in one embodiment. Energy
generated by the one or more components (e.g., 2632, 2642, 2662,
2682, some combination thereof, etc.) may be transferred over an
interface to a component of a vehicle (e.g., interface component
221, power management component 225, etc.) and/or to a component of
an energy transfer system (e.g., interface component 211, power
management component 215, etc.), thereby enabling the energy to be
accessed (e.g., for use, storage, etc.) by the vehicle, to be
accessed (e.g., for use, storage, etc.) by the energy transfer
system, to be transferred to another system (e.g., energy transfer
system 110, another vehicle, etc.), some combination thereof, etc.
In this manner, electricity may be advantageously generated using
the one or more components (e.g., 2632, 2642, 2662, 2682, some
combination thereof, etc.) to improve the efficiency of an energy
transfer between a vehicle and an energy transfer system, improve
the efficiency of an energy transfer between two or more vehicles,
recover energy that would otherwise be lost, etc.
[0487] As shown in FIG. 26, the one or more components (e.g., 2632,
2642, 2662, 2682, etc.) may be capable of transferring energy from
an energy transfer component (e.g., 2630, 2640, 2660, 2680, etc.)
via convection. For example, at least one component (e.g., 2632,
2642, 2662, 2682, some combination thereof, etc.) may include a fan
or other device capable of moving a fluid across an energy transfer
component (e.g., 2630, 2640, 2660, 2680, some combination thereof,
etc.), across a component into which heat from an energy transfer
component has been transferred, etc.
[0488] One or more components (e.g., 2634, 2644, 2664, 2684, etc.)
may be used to monitor or sense a temperature of an energy transfer
component (e.g., 2630, 2640, 2660, 2680, etc.). The one or more
components (e.g., 2634, 2644, 2664, 2684, etc.) may be or include a
thermocouple, thermistor, ultrasonic thermometer, infrared
thermometer or pyrometer, laser thermometer or pyrometer, etc. In
one embodiment, signals (e.g., analog signals, digital signals,
pulse width modulated signals, some combination thereof, etc.)
generated by the one or more components (e.g., 2634, 2644, 2664,
2684, etc.) may be transferred over an interface to a component
(e.g., interface component 211, another component, etc.) of an
energy transfer system (e.g., 110) and/or to a component (e.g.,
interface component 221, another component, etc.) of a vehicle
(e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, 2620, etc.), where the signals
may represent or otherwise be used to determine a temperature of an
energy transfer component (e.g., 2630, 2640, 2660, 2680, etc.).
[0489] In one embodiment, a temperature of an energy transfer
component (e.g., 2630, 2640, 2660, 2680, etc.) may be used to
control an energy transfer. For example, if a temperature of an
energy transfer component (e.g., as measured by component 2634,
component 2644, component 2664, component 2684, etc.) is determined
to be above a predetermined threshold, then an attribute (e.g., an
energy transfer type, an interface type, a power, a current, a
voltage, an energy transfer profile, a duration, a waveform, a
temperature, etc.) of the energy transfer may be adjusted to reduce
the temperature of the energy transfer component.
[0490] In one embodiment, a first component (e.g., 2632, 2642,
2662, 2682, etc.) and/or a second component (e.g., 2634, 2644,
2664, 2684, etc.) may be used to implement a control system for
controlling the temperature of an energy transfer component (e.g.,
2630, 2640, 2660, 2680, etc.) (e.g., in accordance with process
3800 of FIG. 38). For example, a first component (e.g., 2632, 2642,
2662, 2682, etc.) may be controlled (e.g., by interface component
211, another component of the energy transfer system, interface
component 221, another component of the vehicle, etc.) to increase
heat transfer from an energy transfer component (e.g., 2630, 2640,
2660, 2680, etc.) responsive to detecting that the temperature
(e.g., measured using a second component such as component 2634,
component 2644, component 2664, component 2684, etc.) of the energy
transfer component has exceeded a first threshold. As another
example, a first component (e.g., 2632, 2642, 2662, 2682, etc.) may
be controlled (e.g., by interface component 211, another component
of the energy transfer system, interface component 221, another
component of the vehicle, etc.) to reduce or stop heat transfer
from an energy transfer component (e.g., 2630, 2640, 2660, 2680,
etc.) responsive to detecting that the temperature (e.g., measured
using a second component such as component 2634, component 2644,
component 2664, component 2684, etc.) has fallen below a second
threshold. In one embodiment, the second threshold may be
associated with a lower temperature than a temperature associated
with the first threshold.
[0491] Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention can
advantageously increase heat transfer from at least one energy
transfer component (e.g., 2630, 2640, 2660, 2680, etc.). Increasing
heat transfer from an energy transfer component can extend the
lifetime of the component, increase efficiency of energy transfer
and/or signal communication, etc. Additionally, by transforming
heat generated by an energy transfer component into electricity,
embodiments of the present invention can further increase the
efficiency of an energy transfer.
[0492] Although FIG. 26 shows a specific number, arrangement,
shape, and size of components of vehicle 2620, it should be
appreciated that vehicle 2620 may have any number, arrangement,
shape, and/or size of components in other embodiments.
Additionally, although FIG. 26 shows a specific number,
arrangement, shape, and size of other components (e.g., 2650, 2660,
2662, 2664, 2670, 2680, 2682, 2684, etc.), it should be appreciated
that any number, arrangement, shape, and/or size of components may
be used or exist in other embodiments.
[0493] FIG. 27 is a diagram showing component 2720 for performing
one or more operations associated with at least one energy transfer
component in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. For example, component 2720 may be located between an
energy transfer component (e.g., 2730) and at least one other
component (e.g., 2750), and therefore, component 2720 may shield or
otherwise reduce interference received by (e.g., measured at)
component 2750 in one embodiment. As another example, component
2720 may be located in proximity to and/or overlap at least one
side of an energy transfer component (e.g., 2730), and therefore,
component 2720 may improve energy transfer and/or improve signal
communication between a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802,
2620, etc.) and an energy transfer system (e.g., 110).
[0494] In one embodiment, energy transfer component 2730 may be an
energy transfer component of a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b,
320c, 1802, 2620, etc.), whereas energy transfer component 2740 may
be an energy transfer component of an energy transfer system (e.g.,
110). In this case, component 2750 may be any component of the
vehicle (e.g., any electrical component, mechanical component, etc.
that may be affected, operationally or otherwise, by interference).
Surface 2710 may be a surface of a body panel, an undercarriage,
hull, fuselage, wing, propeller, blade of a helicopter, or some
other component of a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802,
2620, etc.) in one embodiment. Component 2750 may be coupled with
or disposed at least partially within surface 2710. In one
embodiment, component 2720 and/or energy transfer component 2730
may be coupled with or disposed at least partially within a surface
of the vehicle (e.g., surface 2710).
[0495] Alternatively, energy transfer component 2730 may be an
energy transfer component of an energy transfer system (e.g., 110),
whereas energy transfer component 2740 may be an energy transfer
component of a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, 2620,
etc.). In this case, component 2750 may be any component of the
energy transfer system (e.g., any electrical component, mechanical
component, etc. that may be affected, operationally or otherwise,
by interference). Surface 2710 may be a surface of an enclosure,
housing, or the like of an energy transfer system in one
embodiment. Component 2750 may be coupled with or disposed at least
partially within surface 2710. In one embodiment, component 2720
and/or energy transfer component 2730 may be coupled with or
disposed at least partially within a surface of the energy transfer
system (e.g., surface 2710).
[0496] In one embodiment, component 2720 may shield or otherwise
reduce interference received by component 2750. For example, where
energy transfer components 2730 and 2740 may be capable of
implementing an inductive interface (e.g., 234), component 2720 may
shield or otherwise reduce a magnetic field received by (e.g.,
measured at) component 2750. As such, at least a portion of a
magnetic field (e.g., represented by arrows 2741, 2742, 2743 and
2744) generated by energy transfer component 2740 may be received
by energy transfer component 2730, where the magnetic field may be
stopped or attenuated by component 2720 (e.g., thereby reducing a
magnitude of the magnetic field measured at or nearby component
2750) to reduce interference received by component 2750. In one
embodiment, a portion of the magnetic field (e.g., represented by
arrows 2745 and 2746) generated by energy transfer component 2740
may be stopped or attenuated by component 2720 (e.g., thereby
reducing a magnitude of the magnetic field measured at or nearby
component 2750) to reduce interference received by component 2750,
where the other portions of the magnetic field (e.g., represented
by arrows 2745 and 2746) may not be usable or received by energy
transfer component 2730 in one embodiment. Component 2720 may stop
or attenuate a magnetic field (e.g., generated by energy transfer
component 2740) by absorbing at least a portion of the magnetic
field, reflecting at least a portion of the magnetic field,
changing a shape of the magnetic field (e.g., of a plurality of
magnetic field lines which define the magnetic field), some
combination thereof, etc.
[0497] As another example, where energy transfer components 2730
and 2740 are capable of implementing a wireless interface (e.g.,
237), component 2720 may shield or otherwise reduce energy (e.g.,
in the form of radio waves, microwaves, infrared waves, visible
light waves, ultraviolet waves, x-rays, gamma rays, some
combination thereof, etc. which can be used to transfer energy
and/or communicate signals between a vehicle and an energy transfer
system) received by (e.g., measured at) component 2750. As such, at
least a portion of the energy (e.g., represented by arrows 2741,
2742, 2743 and 2744) generated by energy transfer component 2740
may be received by energy transfer component 2730, where the energy
may be stopped or attenuated by component 2720 (e.g., thereby
reducing a magnitude of the energy measured at or nearby component
2750) to reduce interference received by component 2750. In one
embodiment, a portion of the energy (e.g., represented by arrows
2745 and 2746) generated by energy transfer component 2740 may be
stopped or attenuated by component 2720 (e.g., thereby reducing a
magnitude of the energy measured at or nearby component 2750) to
reduce interference received by component 2750, where the other
portions of the energy (e.g., represented by arrows 2745 and 2746)
may not be usable or received by energy transfer component 2730 in
one embodiment. Component 2720 may stop or attenuate energy (e.g.,
generated by energy transfer component 2740) by absorbing at least
a portion of the energy, reflecting at least a portion of the
energy, changing a shape of the energy, some combination thereof,
etc.
[0498] In one embodiment, component 2720 may shield or otherwise
reduce other types of interference received by (e.g., measured at)
component 2750 regardless of the type of interference and/or the
component emitting or generating the interference. For example,
component 2720 may shield or otherwise reduce electromagnetic
interference, radio frequency interference, etc. As another
example, component 2720 may shield or otherwise reduce interference
emitted or generated by component 2740 and/or another component.
Component 2720 may stop or attenuate interference by absorbing at
least a portion of the interference, reflecting at least a portion
of the interference, some combination thereof, etc.
[0499] Component 2720 may improve energy transfer and/or improve
signal communication between a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b,
320c, 1802, 2620, etc.) and an energy transfer system (e.g., 110)
in one embodiment. For example, where energy transfer components
2730 and 2740 are capable of implementing an inductive interface
(e.g., 234), component 2720 may change the size and/or shape of a
magnetic field (e.g., generated by energy transfer component 2740)
received by (e.g., measured at) energy transfer component 2730. In
one embodiment, a portion of the magnetic field (e.g., represented
by arrows 2743 and 2744) may be reflected or redirected (e.g.,
toward energy transfer component 2730 as shown by the bends in
arrows 2743 and 2744). The portion of the magnetic field may be
reflected and/or redirected off one or more surfaces of component
2720. Component 2720 may overlap at least two sides (e.g., two
sides, three sides, four sides, five sides, etc.) of energy
transfer component 2730 in one embodiment. In one embodiment, where
energy transfer component 2730 is disposed at least partially
within cavity 2715, a magnetic field that might otherwise include
magnetic field lines which extended outside of cavity 2715 may be
reshaped within cavity 2715 and in proximity to energy transfer
component 2730. In this manner, a density of a magnetic field
(e.g., generated by energy transfer component 2740) may be
increased (e.g., the magnetic field may be concentrated) around
energy transfer component 2730 to improve energy transfer and/or
signal communication between a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b,
320c, 1802, 2620, etc.) and an energy transfer system (e.g.,
110).
[0500] As another example, where energy transfer components 2730
and 2740 are capable of implementing a wireless interface (e.g.,
237), component 2720 may reflect or redirect (e.g., toward energy
transfer component 2730 as shown by the bends in arrows 2743 and
2744) energy (e.g., in the form of radio waves, microwaves,
infrared waves, visible light waves, ultraviolet waves, x-rays,
gamma rays, some combination thereof, etc. which can be used to
transfer energy and/or communicate signals between a vehicle and an
energy transfer system). Energy may be reflected and/or redirected
off one or more surfaces of component 2720. In this manner, the
strength and/or amount of the energy received by (e.g., measured
at) energy transfer component 2730 may be increased to improve
energy transfer and/or signal communication between a vehicle
(e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, 2620, etc.) and an energy
transfer system (e.g., 110).
[0501] In one embodiment, component 2720 may be disposed on an
underside (e.g., an undercarriage) of a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a,
320b, 320c, 1802, 2620, etc.), on a side of the vehicle, on the
front of the vehicle, on a back of the vehicle, on the top of the
vehicle, within a compartment (e.g., cabin, trunk, engine
compartment, cockpit, storage bay, etc.) of the vehicle, some
combination thereof, etc.
[0502] In one embodiment, component 2720 may be a layer disposed on
or above surface 2710. In one embodiment, at least one other layer
(e.g., an adhesive, some other material or component, etc.) may be
disposed between surface 2710 and component 2720. In one
embodiment, component 2720 may be a contiguous layer (e.g., without
any gaps, holes, etc.). Alternatively, component 2720 may include a
portion or surface with a gap, hole, or the like defined
therein.
[0503] In one embodiment, component 2720 may be a homogenous
material, a composite material, etc. Component 2720 may be
relatively formable or shapeable (e.g., including woven material,
flexible material, etc.), thereby enabling component 2720 to be fit
or applied to surfaces with a variety of different shapes and
sizes. In one embodiment, component 2720 may be applied using a
process such as spraying, chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor
deposition, or the like.
[0504] As shown in FIG. 27, one or more of the energy transfer
components (e.g., 2730, 2740, etc.) may be implemented in
accordance with (e.g., include components of, function similarly
to, etc.) energy transfer component 232 and/or energy transfer
component 233, and therefore, the one or more energy transfer
components (e.g., 2730, 2740, etc.) may include at least one
electrical contact (e.g., disposed in or coupled with a plug,
disposed in or coupled with a receptacle, etc.). In one embodiment,
one or more energy transfer components (e.g., 2730, 2740, etc.) may
be implemented in accordance with (e.g., include components of,
function similarly to, etc.) energy transfer component 235 and/or
energy transfer component 236, and therefore, the one or more
energy transfer components (e.g., 2730, 2740, etc.) may be capable
of enabling an inductive energy transfer over an energy transfer
interface (e.g., 234) between a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b,
320c, 1802, 2620, etc.) and an energy transfer system (e.g., 110).
And in one embodiment, one or more energy transfer components
(e.g., 2730, 2740, etc.) may be implemented in accordance with
(e.g., include components of, function similarly to, etc.) energy
transfer component 238 and/or energy transfer component 239, and
therefore, the one or more energy transfer components (e.g., 2730,
2740, etc.) may be capable of enabling a wireless energy transfer
over an energy transfer interface (e.g., 237) between a vehicle
(e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, 2620, etc.) and an energy
transfer system (e.g., 110).
[0505] Although FIG. 27 shows a specific shape, size and location
of component 2720, it should be appreciated that component 2720 may
have any shape, size and/or location in other embodiments.
Additionally, although FIG. 27 shows a specific number,
arrangement, shape, and size of other components (e.g., 2730, 2740,
2750, etc.), it should be appreciated that any number, arrangement,
shape, and/or size of components may be used or exist in other
embodiments.
[0506] FIG. 28 shows system 2800 for increasing the security of
vehicle 120 and/or at least one component thereof in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 28,
security component 2820 may reduce unauthorized use of and/or
access to energy storage component 226 (e.g., by reducing the
ability or ease of using energy storage component 226 in a vehicle
other than vehicle 120, by reducing unauthorized transfers of
energy to and/or from energy storage component 226, etc.). Security
component 2840 may reduce unauthorized access to vehicle 120 (e.g.,
by reducing the ability or ease of using an unauthorized device or
system to power, move, use or otherwise access vehicle 120). In one
embodiment, security component 2820 and/or security component 2840
may be used to perform an authentication of a user of vehicle 120,
thereby reducing unauthorized use of vehicle 120 and/or at least
one component thereof. Accordingly, embodiments of the present
invention advantageously provide one or more layers of security
which may be used alone or in conjunction with one another to
increase vehicle security (e.g., the security of vehicle 120 and/or
at least one component thereof).
[0507] Security component 2820 may be used to perform an
authentication of another component in one embodiment. For example,
authentication component 2822 may be used to perform an
authentication of a component (e.g., authentication component 2842,
interface component 221, power management component 225, power
source 227, another component of vehicle 120, a component of energy
transfer system 110, a component of an external system or external
device, etc.) responsive to an interaction with the vehicle (e.g.,
an attempt to gain access to a compartment or region of the
vehicle, an attempt to start the vehicle, an attempt to use or move
the vehicle, an attempt to turn on a radio or other component of
the vehicle, an attempt to transfer energy to and/or from an energy
storage component, an attempt to transfer energy to and/or from
another component of the vehicle, some combination thereof, etc.).
In one embodiment, the interaction with the vehicle may be an
attempt to transfer energy to and/or transfer energy from energy
storage component 226, where the attempt to transfer energy to
and/or from energy storage component 226 may be performed by the
component undergoing authentication, a device which includes the
component undergoing authentication, a system which includes the
component undergoing authentication, or some combination thereof.
The authentication may be performed using authentication component
2822 alone or in combination with processor 2825, where
instructions or code used to carry out the authentication may be
stored in memory 2826 for execution by authentication component
2822 and/or processor 2825. Accordingly, in one embodiment,
security component 2820 may reduce unauthorized use of energy
storage component 226 (e.g., by reducing the ability to use energy
storage component 226 in a vehicle other than vehicle 120).
[0508] In one embodiment, security component 2820 may be used to
perform one or more operations if an authentication is successful.
For example, if the authentication is successful, then energy
regulation component 2821 may be controlled (e.g., by
authentication component 2822, by processor 2825, etc.) to enable
energy to be transferred to and/or from energy storage medium 2810
(e.g., over energy transfer interface 2832 and/or interface 2817).
In one embodiment, the energy transferred to energy storage medium
2810 via energy regulation component 2821 may be sufficient to
charge energy storage medium. In one embodiment, the energy
transferred from energy storage medium 2810 (e.g., over energy
transfer interface 2832 and/or interface 2817) via energy
regulation component 2821 may be sufficient to power another
component of vehicle 120 (e.g., a radio or navigation system,
dashboard, lights, any of the components of vehicle 120 depicted in
FIG. 2, motor 2850, transmission 2860, braking system 2870,
steering wheel 2880, another component of vehicle 120, etc.) and/or
perform an energy transfer with another system (e.g., energy
transfer system 110, another vehicle, etc.). As another example, if
the authentication is successful, then a communication may be sent
(e.g., using communication component 2823 over energy transfer
interface 2832 and/or signal interface 2834) to vehicle movement
control component 2844 of security component 2840 to enable use
and/or movement of the vehicle (e.g., by enabling an activation of
energy storage component 226, motor 2850, transmission 2860,
braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880, some combination thereof,
etc.).
[0509] As shown in FIG. 28, energy transfer interface 2832 may
couple energy storage component 226 to at least one other component
of vehicle 120. For example, energy transfer interface 2832 may
couple energy storage component 226 to power management component
225, to power source 227, to charge and/or discharge component 228,
to meter 229, to interface component 221, to an energy transfer
component (e.g., 233, 236, 239, etc.), to communication interface
242, to another component of vehicle 120, etc.
[0510] And as yet another example, if the authentication is
successful, then a communication may be sent (e.g., using
communication component 2823 over energy transfer interface 2832
and/or signal interface 2834) to security component 2840 to control
(e.g., using authentication component 2842, using processor 2845,
etc.) energy regulation component 2841 to enable energy to be
transferred to and/or from a component of vehicle 120 (e.g., over
energy transfer interface 2832, over interface 2855, over interface
2865, over interface 2875, over interface 2885, over another
interface, etc.). In one embodiment, the energy transferred via
energy regulation component 2841 may be sufficient to power motor
2850 to move vehicle 120. In one embodiment, the energy transferred
via energy regulation component 2841 may be sufficient to power
another component of vehicle 120 (e.g., a radio or navigation
system, dashboard, lights, any of the components of vehicle 120
depicted in FIG. 2, transmission 2860, braking system 2870,
steering wheel 2880, another component of vehicle 120, etc.) and/or
perform an energy transfer with another system (e.g., energy
transfer system 110, another vehicle, etc.).
[0511] In one embodiment, security component 2820 may be used to
perform one or more operations if an authentication is
unsuccessful. For example, if the authentication is unsuccessful,
energy regulation component 2821 may be controlled (e.g., by
authentication component 2822, by processor 2825, etc.) to reduce
the ability to perform (or to prevent altogether) an energy
transfer to and/or from energy storage medium 2810 (e.g., over
energy transfer interface 2832 and/or interface 2817). As another
example, if the authentication is unsuccessful, energy regulation
component 2821 may be controlled (e.g., by authentication component
2822, by processor 2825, etc.) to reduce the ability to move or to
prevent movement of vehicle 120 (e.g., by limiting the current,
voltage, or another parameter of electricity transferred over
energy transfer interface 2832 to, for example, motor 2850).
[0512] As yet another example, if the authentication is
unsuccessful, energy regulation component 2821 may be
advantageously controlled (e.g., by authentication component 2822,
by processor 2825, etc.) to provide a reduced amount of energy
(e.g., from energy storage medium 2810) which is insufficient to
perform an operation (e.g., moving vehicle 120 using motor 2850,
performing an energy transfer between vehicle 120 and an energy
transfer system, performing an energy transfer between vehicle 120
and another vehicle, etc.) yet sufficient to enable a component
(e.g., a radio or navigation system, an instrument located in a
dashboard or other location of vehicle 120, interior lights,
exterior lights, hazard lights, any of the components of vehicle
120 depicted in FIG. 2, motor 2850, transmission 2860, braking
system 2870, steering wheel 2880, another component of vehicle 120,
security component 2840, another security component of vehicle 120,
electronics associated with the door locks of vehicle 120, etc.) of
vehicle 120 to function. As another example, if the authentication
is unsuccessful, energy regulation component 2821 may be
advantageously controlled (e.g., by authentication component 2822,
by processor 2825, etc.) to provide a reduced amount of energy
(e.g., from energy storage medium 2810) which is insufficient to
perform a first operation (e.g., moving vehicle 120 using motor
2850, performing an energy transfer between vehicle 120 and an
energy transfer system, performing an energy transfer between
vehicle 120 and another vehicle, etc.) yet sufficient to perform a
second operation (e.g., retain data stored in a volatile memory of
vehicle 120, present a user interface configured to enable input of
information associated with an authentication of a user,
communicate data with a system external to vehicle 120, communicate
a failure of an authentication to a user or another system, present
another user interface enabling a user to report that vehicle 120
has been stolen, communicate to another user or another system that
vehicle 120 has been stolen, reduce an ability to move vehicle 120
using security component 2840 or another component of vehicle 120,
some combination thereof, etc.).
[0513] In one embodiment, if the authentication performed using
security component 2820 is unsuccessful, then a communication may
be sent (e.g., using communication component 2823 over energy
transfer interface 2832 and/or signal interface 2834) to security
component 2840 to cause or enable security component 2840 to
perform one or more operations. For example, responsive to a
communication from security component 2820 associated with an
unsuccessful authentication, energy regulation component 2841 may
be controlled (e.g., by authentication component 2842, by processor
2845, etc.) to reduce an ability to transfer energy (or to prevent
altogether an energy transfer) to and/or from a component of
vehicle 120 (e.g., over energy transfer interface 2832, over
interface 2855, over interface 2865, over interface 2875, over
interface 2885, over another interface, etc.). In one embodiment,
the energy transferred via energy regulation component 2841 may be
insufficient to power motor 2850 to move vehicle 120. In one
embodiment, the energy transferred via energy regulation component
2841 may be insufficient to perform an energy transfer with another
system (e.g., energy transfer system 110, another vehicle, etc.).
In one embodiment, the energy transferred via energy regulation
component 2841 may be sufficient to power another component of
vehicle 120 (e.g., a radio or navigation system, dashboard, lights,
any of the components of vehicle 120 depicted in FIG. 2,
transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880,
another component of vehicle 120, etc.).
[0514] As another example, if the authentication performed using
security component 2820 is unsuccessful, then a communication may
be sent (e.g., using communication component 2823 over energy
transfer interface 2832 and/or signal interface 2834) to security
component 2840 to advantageously control (e.g., using
authentication component 2842, using processor 2845, etc.) energy
regulation component 2841 to reduce the ability to move or to
prevent movement of vehicle 120 (e.g., by limiting the current,
voltage, or another parameter of electricity to motor 2850). As yet
another example, responsive to a communication from security
component 2820 associated with an unsuccessful authentication,
energy regulation component 2841 may be advantageously controlled
(e.g., by authentication component 2842, by processor 2845, etc.)
to provide a reduced amount of energy (e.g., from energy storage
component 226) which is insufficient to perform an operation (e.g.,
moving vehicle 120 using motor 2850, performing an energy transfer
between vehicle 120 and an energy transfer system, performing an
energy transfer between vehicle 120 and another vehicle, etc.) yet
sufficient to enable a component (e.g., a radio or navigation
system, an instrument located in a dashboard or other location of
vehicle 120, interior lights, exterior lights, hazard lights, any
of the components of vehicle 120 depicted in FIG. 2, motor 2850,
transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880,
another component of vehicle 120, security component 2820, another
security component of vehicle 120, electronics associated with the
door locks of vehicle 120, etc.) of vehicle 120 to function.
[0515] As a further example, if the authentication performed using
security component 2820 is unsuccessful, a communication may be
sent (e.g., using communication component 2823 over energy transfer
interface 2832 and/or signal interface 2834) to security component
2840 to advantageously control (e.g., using authentication
component 2842, using processor 2845, etc.) energy regulation
component 2841 to provide a reduced amount of energy (e.g., from
energy storage medium 2810) which is insufficient to perform a
first operation (e.g., moving vehicle 120 using motor 2850,
performing an energy transfer between vehicle 120 and an energy
transfer system, performing an energy transfer between vehicle 120
and another vehicle, etc.) yet sufficient to perform a second
operation (e.g., retain data stored in a volatile memory of vehicle
120, present a user interface configured to enable input of
information associated with an authentication of a user,
communicate data with a system external to vehicle 120, communicate
a failure of an authentication to a user or another system, present
another user interface enabling a user to report that vehicle 120
has been stolen, communicate to another user or another system that
vehicle 120 has been stolen, reduce an ability to move vehicle 120
using vehicle movement control component 2844 or another component
of vehicle 120, some combination thereof, etc.). As another
example, if the authentication is unsuccessful, a communication may
be sent (e.g., using communication component 2823 over energy
transfer interface 2832 and/or signal interface 2834) to vehicle
movement control component 2844 to reduce (or prevent) the ability
to use and/or move the vehicle (e.g., by disabling or otherwise
changing a state of energy storage component 226, motor 2850,
transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880, etc.).
As yet another example, if the authentication is unsuccessful, a
communication may be sent (e.g., to interface system 550 for
presentation in region 1095 of GUI 1000) to alert a user that the
authentication was unsuccessful.
[0516] In one embodiment, authentication component 2822 may perform
an authentication of a component (e.g., authentication component
2842, interface component 221, power management component 225,
power source 227, another component of vehicle 120, etc.) by
comparing an identifier (e.g., generated and/or sent from the
component undergoing authentication) to authentication data (e.g.,
stored in memory 2826, a register of processor 2825, another
portion of security component 2820, etc.). In one embodiment, the
identifier may be a unique identifier which is associated with only
the component undergoing authentication and does not correspond to
or otherwise identify any other component. In one embodiment, the
identifier may be a unique identifier which is associated with only
vehicle 120 and does not correspond to or otherwise identify any
other vehicle. In one embodiment, the identifier may be a key
(e.g., public key, private key, etc.), data encrypted or encoded by
a component performing the authentication or by another trusted
party, etc. In one embodiment, the identifier may be sent from the
component undergoing authentication responsive to a request for
identification sent from authentication component 2822. In one
embodiment, communications between security component 2820 and the
component undergoing authentication may be encrypted (e.g., by the
sender) and/or decrypted (e.g., by the recipient). In one
embodiment, the authentication may be successful (e.g., the
component undergoing authentication is determined to be authorized)
if the identifier associated with the component undergoing
authentication matches the authentication data (e.g., stored in
memory 2826, stored in a register of processor 2825, stored in
another portion of security component 2820, etc.). Alternatively,
the authentication may be unsuccessful (e.g., the component
undergoing authentication is determined not to be authorized) if
the identifier associated with the component undergoing
authentication does not match the authentication data (e.g., stored
in memory 2826, stored in a register of processor 2825, stored in
another portion of security component 2820, etc.).
[0517] In one embodiment, computer system 2890 may perform an
authentication of a component (e.g., security component 2840,
authentication component 2842, interface component 221, power
management component 225, power source 227, another component of
vehicle 120, etc.) by comparing an identifier (e.g., generated
and/or sent from the component undergoing authentication) to
authentication data. For example, where the authentication data is
stored in security component 2820 (e.g., stored in memory 2826, a
register of processor 2825, another portion of security component
2820, etc.), the identifier and the authentication data may be sent
(e.g., separately, together, sequentially, simultaneously, etc.) to
computer system 2890 via communication interface 242 for comparison
by computer system 2890.
[0518] As another example, where computer system 2890 includes or
can otherwise access the authentication data (e.g., 2895), the
identifier may be sent to computer system 2890 via communication
interface 242 for comparison with authentication data 2895 by
computer system 2890. Authentication data 2895 may be part of a
data structure or database which includes an index of components
(e.g., including energy storage component 226, security component
2820, some combination thereof, etc.) and respective authentication
data corresponding to each of the components, where the data
structure or database may be indexed using an identifier of a
component (e.g., energy storage component 226, security component
2820, some combination thereof, etc.) to access authentication data
for comparison to the identifier of the component undergoing
authentication. In one embodiment, the identifier of the other
component (e.g., energy storage component 226, security component
2820, some combination thereof, etc.) may be sent to computer
system 2890 along with (e.g., simultaneously with,
contemporaneously with, as part of the same data packet, etc.) or
separate from (e.g., sequentially with, at another time than, in a
different data packet, etc.) the identifier of the component
undergoing authentication.
[0519] In one embodiment, the identifier of the component
undergoing authentication may be sent (e.g., to computer system
2890) from the component undergoing authentication responsive to a
request for identification sent from authentication component 2822.
In one embodiment, the identifier sent to computer system 2890 may
be a unique identifier which is associated with only the component
undergoing authentication and does not correspond to or otherwise
identify any other component. In one embodiment, the identifier may
be a key (e.g., public key, private key, etc.), data encrypted or
encoded by a component performing the authentication or by another
trusted party, etc. In one embodiment, communications between
security component 2820, the component undergoing authentication,
computer system 2890, or some combination thereof, may be encrypted
(e.g., by the sender) and/or decrypted (e.g., by the recipient). In
one embodiment, the authentication may be successful (e.g., the
component undergoing authentication is determined to be authorized)
if the identifier associated with the component undergoing
authentication matches the authentication data (e.g., 2895, etc.).
Alternatively, the authentication may be unsuccessful (e.g., the
component undergoing authentication is determined not to be
authorized) if the identifier associated with the component
undergoing authentication does not match the authentication data
(e.g., the component undergoing authentication is determined to be
authorized) if the identifier associated with the component
undergoing authentication matches the authentication data (e.g.,
2895, etc.). Results of the comparison (e.g., performed by computer
system 2890) may be communicated to vehicle 120 (e.g., to enable
energy regulation component 2821 to regulate energy transferred to
and/or from energy storage medium 2810, to enable energy regulation
component 2841 to reduce or increase energy supplied to motor 2850,
to enable energy regulation component 2841 to reduce or increase
energy supplied to another component of vehicle 120, to enable
vehicle movement control component 2844 to control use and/or
movement of vehicle 120, etc.) in one embodiment.
[0520] As shown in FIG. 28, computer system 2890 may be separate or
located remotely from vehicle 120. Computer system 2890 may be
implemented in accordance with (e.g., include components of,
function similarly to, etc.) computer system 4100 of FIG. 41 in one
embodiment.
[0521] It should be appreciated that the identifier (e.g., of the
component undergoing authentication) may be different from the
authentication data in one embodiment. For example, the identifier
of the component undergoing authentication may be encrypted,
whereas the authentication data may not be encrypted. In one
embodiment, a hash value generated by performing a hash function on
the identifier may be different than a hash value generated by
performing the hash function on the authentication data. In this
manner, the identifier and/or the authentication data may be
processed (e.g., decrypted, altered, etc.) before performing the
comparison in one embodiment.
[0522] In one embodiment, security component 2820 may be programmed
by an authorized party (e.g., a manufacturer of security component
2820, a manufacturer of vehicle 120, a dealership authorized to
service vehicle 120, etc.). For example, authentication data
associated with a particular component of vehicle 120 (e.g.,
security component 2840, authentication component 2842, interface
component 221, power management component 225, power source 227,
another component of vehicle 120, etc.) may be written to security
component 2820 (e.g., stored in memory 2826, a register of
processor 2825, another portion of security component 2820, etc.).
As such, energy storage component 2820 may be configured by an
authorized party to operate with vehicle 120 and/or a component
thereof (e.g., security component 2840, authentication component
2842, interface component 221, power management component 225,
power source 227, another component of vehicle 120, etc.), where
the programming of security component 2820 may be performed as a
manufacturing operation (e.g., during manufacture of vehicle 120),
as a service or maintenance operation (e.g., where energy storage
component 226 is installed in vehicle 120 to replace another energy
storage component which no longer works properly, has failed, has
exceeded its lifespan, etc.), etc.
[0523] In one embodiment, authentication data 2895 may be updated
or written (e.g., to a memory of computer system 2890, to a memory
coupled to or otherwise accessible to computer system 2890, etc.)
by an authorized party (e.g., a manufacturer of security component
2820, a manufacturer of vehicle 120, a dealership authorized to
service vehicle 120, etc.) responsive to a programming of security
component 2820. For example, where energy storage component 2820 is
configured as a manufacturing operation by an authorized party to
operate with vehicle 120 and/or a component thereof (e.g., where
energy storage component 226 is the first energy storage component
to be installed in vehicle 120 during manufacturing),
authentication data 2895 may be written which is associated with
vehicle 120 and/or the component thereof (e.g., security component
2840, authentication component 2842, interface component 221, power
management component 225, power source 227, another component of
vehicle 120, etc.). As another example, where energy storage
component 2820 is configured as a service or maintenance operation
by an authorized party to operate with vehicle 120 and/or a
component thereof (e.g., where energy storage component 226 is
installed in vehicle 120 to replace another energy storage
component which no longer works properly, has failed, has exceeded
its lifespan, etc.), authentication data 2895 may be updated to
reflect the replacement of another energy storage component with
energy storage component 226 (e.g., by changing the association of
vehicle 120 and/or a component thereof from the other energy
storage component to energy storage component 226, security
component 2820, authentication component 2822, etc.).
[0524] As shown in FIG. 28, energy regulation component 2821 may be
disposed between energy storage medium 2810 and at least one other
component of vehicle 120, and therefore, energy regulation
component 2821 may be used to control electrical access to energy
storage medium 2810 in one embodiment. For example, energy
regulation component 2821 may act as a switch to electrically
disconnect or decouple energy transfer interface 2832 from
interface 2817 (e.g., coupling energy storage medium 2810 to energy
regulation component 2821). As another example, energy regulation
component 2821 may limit current, voltage, or another parameter of
energy flowing to and/or from energy storage medium 2810 over
interface 2817. Thus, embodiments of the present invention can
advantageously increase security by limiting electrical access to
energy storage medium 2810 and/or interface 2817 (e.g., responsive
to a failure of an authentication of a component, responsive to a
failure of an authentication of a user, some combination thereof,
etc.).
[0525] In one embodiment, security component 2820 may located such
that physical access to security component 2820 and/or interface
2817 is limited. For example, security component 2820 may be
coupled with and/or disposed at least partially within housing 2830
of energy storage component 226. In one embodiment, security
component 2820 may located such that access to security component
2820 and/or interface 2817 may only be obtained by tampering with
(e.g., opening, altering, destroying, etc.) housing 2830. In this
manner, the ability to bypass energy regulation component 2821 to
obtain electrical access to (e.g., by cutting, splicing into,
replacing, etc.) energy storage medium 2810 and/or interface 2817
is reduced. Thus, embodiments of the present invention can
advantageously increase security by limiting physical access to
security component 2820 and/or interface 2817.
[0526] As shown in FIG. 28, tampering detection component 2827 may
be capable of detecting a tampering with housing 2830 of energy
storage component 226. For example, tampering detection component
2827 may include a sensor, switch, etc. (e.g., disposed at or near
a panel of housing 2830, a cover of housing 2830, an interface of
at least two portions of housing 2830, etc.) operable to detect an
unauthorized opening of housing 2830, a cutting of housing 2830, or
some other tampering with housing 2830. As another example,
tampering detection component 2827 may include a sensor (e.g.,
accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, ball-in-cage sensor, etc.)
capable of detecting an unauthorized movement and/or orientation of
housing 2830 (e.g., subjecting housing 2830 to an acceleration in
one or more axes above a particular threshold, placing housing 2830
in a particular orientation, etc.). As yet another example,
tampering detection component 2827 may include a sensor capable of
detecting some other parameter (e.g., temperature, pressure,
humidity, proximity, etc.) associated with a tampering with housing
2830.
[0527] In one embodiment, at least one operation may be performed
responsive to tampering detection component 2827 detecting a
tampering with a housing (e.g., 2830), where tampering detection
component 2827 may send a communication to another component
performing the at least one operation and/or control the other
component to perform the at least one operation. For example,
responsive to tampering detection component 2827 detecting a
tampering with a housing (e.g., 2830), energy regulation component
2821 may be controlled (e.g., by authentication component 2822, by
processor 2825, etc.) to reduce the ability to perform (or to
prevent altogether) an energy transfer to and/or from energy
storage medium 2810 (e.g., over energy transfer interface 2832). As
another example, responsive to tampering detection component 2827
detecting a tampering with a housing (e.g., 2830), energy
regulation component 2821 may be controlled (e.g., by
authentication component 2822, by processor 2825, etc.) to reduce
the ability to move or to prevent movement of vehicle 120 (e.g., by
limiting the current, voltage, or another parameter of electricity
to motor 2850). As yet another example, responsive to tampering
detection component 2827 detecting a tampering with a housing
(e.g., 2830), energy regulation component 2821 may be
advantageously controlled (e.g., by authentication component 2822,
by processor 2825, etc.) to provide a reduced amount of energy
(e.g., from energy storage medium 2810) which is insufficient to
perform an operation (e.g., moving vehicle 120 using motor 2850,
performing an energy transfer between vehicle 120 and an energy
transfer system, performing an energy transfer between vehicle 120
and another vehicle, etc.) yet sufficient to enable a component
(e.g., a radio or navigation system, an instrument located in a
dashboard or other location of vehicle 120, interior lights,
exterior lights, hazard lights, any of the components of vehicle
120 depicted in FIG. 2, motor 2850, transmission 2860, braking
system 2870, steering wheel 2880, another component of vehicle 120,
security component 2840, another security component of vehicle 120,
electronics associated with the door locks of vehicle 120, etc.) of
vehicle 120 to function.
[0528] As another example, responsive to tampering detection
component 2827 detecting a tampering with a housing (e.g., 2830),
energy regulation component 2821 may be advantageously controlled
(e.g., by authentication component 2822, by processor 2825, etc.)
to provide a reduced amount of energy (e.g., from energy storage
medium 2810) which is insufficient to perform a first operation
(e.g., moving vehicle 120 using motor 2850, performing an energy
transfer between vehicle 120 and an energy transfer system,
performing an energy transfer between vehicle 120 and another
vehicle, etc.) yet sufficient to perform a second operation (e.g.,
retain data stored in a volatile memory of vehicle 120, present a
user interface configured to enable input of information associated
with an authentication of a user, communicate data with a system
external to vehicle 120, communicate a failure of an authentication
to a user or another system, present another user interface
enabling a user to report that vehicle 120 has been stolen,
communicate to another user or another system that vehicle 120 has
been stolen, reduce an ability to move vehicle 120 using security
component 2840 or another component of vehicle 120, some
combination thereof, etc.). As a further example, responsive to
tampering detection component 2827 detecting a tampering with a
housing (e.g., 2830), a communication may be sent (e.g., using
communication component 2823 over energy transfer interface 2832
and/or signal interface 2834) to vehicle movement control component
2844 to reduce (or prevent) the ability to use and/or move the
vehicle (e.g., by disabling or otherwise changing a state of energy
storage component 226, motor 2850, transmission 2860, braking
system 2870, steering wheel 2880, etc.). As another example,
responsive to tampering detection component 2827 detecting a
tampering with a housing (e.g., 2830), a communication may be sent
(e.g., to interface system 550 for presentation in region 1095 of
GUI 1000) to alert a user to the tampering with the housing (e.g.,
2830). And as yet another example, responsive to tampering
detection component 2827 detecting a tampering with a housing
(e.g., 2830), tampering detection component 2827 may cause secure
data (e.g., stored in memory 2826, another memory of security
component 2820, another memory of vehicle 120, a memory of an
external system, etc.) to be deleted, erased, corrupted, or
otherwise be modified to reduce unauthorized access to the secure
information.
[0529] In one embodiment, responsive to tampering detection
component 2827 detecting a tampering with a housing (e.g., 2830), a
communication may be sent (e.g., using communication component 2823
over energy transfer interface 2832 and/or signal interface 2834)
to security component 2840 to cause or enable security component
2840 to perform one or more operations. For example, responsive to
the communication from tampering detection component 2827, energy
regulation component 2841 may be controlled (e.g., by
authentication component 2842, by processor 2845, etc.) to reduce
an ability to transfer energy (or to prevent altogether an energy
transfer) to and/or from a component of vehicle 120 (e.g., over
energy transfer interface 2832, over interface 2855, over interface
2865, over interface 2875, over interface 2885, over another
interface, etc.). In one embodiment, the energy transferred via
energy regulation component 2841 may be insufficient to power motor
2850 to move vehicle 120. In one embodiment, the energy transferred
via energy regulation component 2841 may be insufficient to perform
an energy transfer with another system (e.g., energy transfer
system 110, another vehicle, etc.). In one embodiment, the energy
transferred via energy regulation component 2841 may be sufficient
to power another component of vehicle 120 (e.g., a radio or
navigation system, dashboard, lights, any of the components of
vehicle 120 depicted in FIG. 2, transmission 2860, braking system
2870, steering wheel 2880, another component of vehicle 120,
etc.).
[0530] As another example, responsive to tampering detection
component 2827 detecting a tampering with a housing (e.g., 2830), a
communication may be sent (e.g., using communication component 2823
over energy transfer interface 2832 and/or signal interface 2834)
to security component 2840 to advantageously control (e.g., using
authentication component 2842, using processor 2845, etc.) energy
regulation component 2841 to reduce the ability to move or to
prevent movement of vehicle 120 (e.g., by limiting the current,
voltage, or another parameter of electricity to motor 2850). As yet
another example, responsive to tampering detection component 2827
detecting a tampering with a housing (e.g., 2830) and sending a
communication to security component 2840, energy regulation
component 2841 may be advantageously controlled (e.g., by
authentication component 2842, by processor 2845, etc.) to provide
a reduced amount of energy (e.g., from energy storage medium 2810)
which is insufficient to perform an operation (e.g., moving vehicle
120 using motor 2850, performing an energy transfer between vehicle
120 and an energy transfer system, performing an energy transfer
between vehicle 120 and another vehicle, etc.) yet sufficient to
enable a component (e.g., a radio or navigation system, an
instrument located in a dashboard or other location of vehicle 120,
interior lights, exterior lights, hazard lights, any of the
components of vehicle 120 depicted in FIG. 2, motor 2850,
transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880,
another component of vehicle 120, security component 2820, another
security component of vehicle 120, electronics associated with the
door locks of vehicle 120, etc.) of vehicle 120 to function.
[0531] As a further example, responsive to tampering detection
component 2827 detecting a tampering with a housing (e.g., 2830), a
communication may be sent (e.g., using communication component 2823
over energy transfer interface 2832 and/or signal interface 2834)
to security component 2840 to advantageously control (e.g., using
authentication component 2842, using processor 2845, etc.) energy
regulation component 2841 to provide a reduced amount of energy
(e.g., from energy storage medium 2810) which is insufficient to
perform a first operation (e.g., moving vehicle 120 using motor
2850, performing an energy transfer between vehicle 120 and an
energy transfer system, performing an energy transfer between
vehicle 120 and another vehicle, etc.) yet sufficient to perform a
second operation (e.g., retain data stored in a volatile memory of
vehicle 120, present a user interface configured to enable input of
information associated with an authentication of a user,
communicate data with a system external to vehicle 120, communicate
a failure of an authentication to a user or another system, present
another user interface enabling a user to report that vehicle 120
has been stolen, communicate to another user or another system that
vehicle 120 has been stolen, reduce an ability to move vehicle 120
using vehicle movement control component 2844 or another component
of vehicle 120, some combination thereof, etc.).
[0532] As shown in FIG. 28, communication component 2823 may be
used to communicate with another component of vehicle 120 and/or an
external system (e.g., energy transfer system 110, computer system
2890, another system located remotely from vehicle 120, etc.). For
example, communication component 2823 may be used to transmit
and/or receive communications from security component 2840 (e.g.,
over signal interface 2834, energy transfer interface 2832, etc.).
As another example, communication component 2823 may be used to
transmit and/or receive communications from another component of
vehicle 120 (e.g., interface component 221, communication interface
241, power management component 225, motor 2850, transmission 2860,
braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880, etc.). And as yet another
example, communication component 2823 may be used to transmit
and/or receive communications from an external system (e.g.,
directly, via communication interface 242, via another component of
vehicle 120, etc.).
[0533] In one embodiment, communication component 2823 may
communicate over a wired interface (e.g., including one or more
conductors, lines, lanes, etc.) and/or a wireless interface (e.g.,
using radio waves, microwaves, infrared waves, visible light waves,
ultraviolet waves, x-rays, gamma rays, etc.). For example,
communication component 2823 may communicate over an interface
which operates in accordance with a wireless standard such as
802.11x, Bluetooth, etc. As another example, communication
component 2823 may communicate over a cellular network (e.g.,
cellular data network, cellular phone network, etc.).
[0534] In one embodiment, a signal (e.g., a data signal, a clock
signal, etc.) may be communicated over energy transfer interface
2832 using modulation and/or demodulation. For example,
communication component 2823 may transmit a signal over energy
transfer interface 2832 using modulation (e.g., amplitude
modulation, frequency modulation, phase modulation, some
combination thereof, etc.), where the energy transfer signal
functions as the carrier wave. Upon receipt of the energy transfer
signal, the signals (e.g., data signals, clock signals, etc.)
carried by the energy transfer signal may be demodulated (e.g.,
using amplitude demodulation, frequency demodulation, phase
demodulation, some combination thereof, etc.) by another component
(e.g., communication component 2843, another component of vehicle
120, a component of an external system accessing the energy
transfer signal, etc.). As another example, communication component
2823 may demodulate (e.g., using amplitude demodulation, frequency
demodulation, phase demodulation, some combination thereof, etc.) a
signal from an energy transfer signal carried by energy transfer
interface 2832, where the signal may be modulated (e.g., using
amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, phase modulation, some
combination thereof, etc.) by another component (e.g.,
communication component 2843, another component of vehicle 120, a
component of an external system accessing the energy transfer
signal, etc.).
[0535] In one embodiment, a signal (e.g., data signals, clock
signals, etc.) may be communicated over energy transfer interface
2832 using an electromagnetic field surrounding at least one
conductor of the energy transfer interface. For example,
communication component 2823 may alter (e.g., change the strength
or amplitude over time of) an electromagnetic field surrounding at
least one conductor of energy transfer interface 2832 to transmit
the signals (e.g., data signals, clock signals, etc.) over the
energy transfer interface. A component receiving the signals (e.g.,
communication component 2843, another component of vehicle 120, a
component of an external system accessing the energy transfer
signal, etc.) may detect the changes in the electromagnetic field
and recreate the signals (e.g., data signals, clock signals, etc.)
based on the changes in the electromagnetic field. As another
example, where another component (e.g., communication component
2843, another component of vehicle 120, a component of an external
system accessing the energy transfer signal, etc.) alters (e.g.,
changes the strength or amplitude over time of) an electromagnetic
field surrounding at least one conductor of energy transfer
interface 2832 to transmit signals (e.g., data signals, clock
signals, etc.) over the energy transfer interface, communication
component 2823 may detect the changes in the electromagnetic field
and recreate the signals (e.g., data signals, clock signals, etc.)
based on the changes in the electromagnetic field.
[0536] In one embodiment, energy transfer interface 2832 may be
coupled to or part of a power system (e.g., a 12 volt power system
of an automobile, etc.) of vehicle 120. A plurality of components
of vehicle 120 may be coupled to and powered by the power system.
In this manner, the number of interfaces required to support
security component 2820 (e.g., communication interfaces enabling
security component 2820 to communicate with security component
2840, another component of vehicle 120, an external system, etc.)
may be reduced, thereby reducing the difficulty and/or cost of
retrofitting vehicle 120 to include security component 2820 (e.g.,
since the existing power system can be used for communication in
lieu of separate communication interfaces installed during the
retrofit).
[0537] In one embodiment, signals (e.g., data signals, clock
signals, etc.) communicated to and/or from security component 2820
may be encrypted. For example, a component of security component
2820 (e.g., authentication component 2822, communication component
2823, processor 2825, tampering detection component 2827, etc.) may
encrypt a signal for decryption by a receiver of the communication
(e.g., a component of security component 2840, communication
interface 242, another component of vehicle 120, a component of an
external system, etc.). As another example, a sender of a
communication (e.g., a component of security component 2840,
communication interface 242, another component of vehicle 120, a
component of an external system, etc.) may encrypt a signal for
decryption by a component of security component 2820 (e.g.,
authentication component 2822, communication component 2823,
processor 2825, tampering detection component 2827, etc.).
[0538] In one embodiment, communication component 2823 may
communicate via energy transfer interface 2832 using analog
signals, digital signals, pulse width modulated signals, some
combination thereof, etc. Communication component 2823 may
communicate via energy transfer interface 2832 using unidirectional
signal communication and/or bidirectional signal communication. In
one embodiment, communication component 2823 may communicate via
energy transfer interface 2832 using single-ended signaling and/or
differential signaling.
[0539] In one embodiment, communication component 2823 may
communicate via signal interface 2834 using analog signals, digital
signals, pulse width modulated signals, some combination thereof,
etc. Communication component 2823 may communicate via signal
interface 2834 using unidirectional signal communication and/or
bidirectional signal communication. In one embodiment,
communication component 2823 may communicate via signal interface
2834 using single-ended signaling and/or differential
signaling.
[0540] As shown in FIG. 28, monitoring component 2829 and/or heat
transfer component 2818 may be used to implement a control system
for controlling the temperature of energy storage medium 2810 or
another component of energy storage component 226 (e.g., in
accordance with process 3800 of FIG. 38). For example, heat
transfer component 2818 may be controlled by temperature regulation
component 2828 to transfer heat to and/or remove heat from energy
storage medium 2810. Temperature regulation component 2828 may
determine a temperature of energy storage medium 2810 based on a
signal accessed from monitoring component 2829. As such, in one
embodiment, temperature regulation component 2828 may control heat
transfer component 2818 based on a temperature of energy storage
medium 2810 (e.g., measured using monitoring component 2829) to
regulate or otherwise adjust the temperature of energy storage
medium 2810.
[0541] In one embodiment, temperature regulation component 2828 may
be used to maintain energy storage medium 2810 at a particular
temperature or range of temperatures. The temperature or range of
temperatures may be determined based upon an attribute (e.g., an
energy transfer type, an interface type, a power, a current, a
voltage, an energy transfer profile, a duration, a waveform, a
temperature, etc.) of an energy transfer (e.g., to and/or from
energy storage medium 2810, over interface 2817, etc.) in one
embodiment. The temperature or range of temperatures may be
determined based upon an ambient temperature outside vehicle 120, a
speed of vehicle 120, an operational mode of vehicle 120 selected
by a user, a distance which vehicle 120 is to be driven (e.g.,
selected by a user, automatically selected, etc.), some combination
thereof, etc. And in one embodiment, the temperature or range of
temperatures may be determined based upon an amount of time since
the last movement of vehicle 120, an amount of time since a power
state (e.g., on, off, powered, depowered, activated, deactivated,
high power, low power, etc.) of vehicle 120 (or a component
thereof) has been changed, some combination thereof, etc.
[0542] As shown in FIG. 28, heat transfer component 2818 may be any
component capable of transferring heat to and/or from energy
storage medium 2810 via conduction, convection, radiation, or some
combination thereof. In one embodiment, heat transfer component
2818 may be a thermoelectric cooler or Peltier cooler, a heat
exchanger configured to remove heat from energy storage medium 2810
responsive to a pumping of a fluid through heat transfer component
2818, a heat pipe configured to remove heat from an energy storage
medium 2810, etc. Heat transfer component 2818 may be coupled with
or disposed in proximity to energy storage medium 2810 in one
embodiment. In one embodiment, signals provided to heat transfer
component 2818 (e.g., from temperature regulation component 2828,
used to control heat transfer component 2818, etc.) may be analog
signals, digital signals, pulse width modulated signals, some
combination thereof, etc. And in one embodiment, heat transfer
component 2818 may be implemented in accordance with (e.g., include
components of, function similarly to, etc.) component 2464 and/or
component 2465.
[0543] In one embodiment, heat transfer component 2818 may be
configured to convert heat generated by an energy storage medium
(e.g., 2810) into electrical energy. For example, heat transfer
component 2818 may be a thermoelectric cooler or other component
capable of generating electricity responsive to a temperature
differential being applied across a first side and a second side of
heat transfer component 2818. Heat transfer component 2818 may be
advantageously positioned with respect to an energy storage medium
(e.g., 2810) to create a temperature differential across a first
side (e.g., positioned adjacent to energy storage medium 2810) and
a second side (e.g., positioned to adjacent to ambient air, housing
2830, another component of energy storage component 226, etc.) of
heat transfer component 2818, where the first side may be warmer
than the second side in one embodiment. Energy generated by heat
transfer component 2818 may be transferred over an interface (e.g.,
2817) to a component of a vehicle (e.g., interface component 221,
power management component 225, energy regulation component 2821,
energy storage medium 2810, etc.), thereby enabling the energy to
be accessed (e.g., for use, storage, etc.) by the vehicle and/or
transferred to another system (e.g., energy transfer system 110,
another vehicle, etc.). In one embodiment, energy generated by heat
transfer component 2818 may be transferred over an interface (e.g.,
lines 2817) contemporaneously with energy transferred to and/or
from energy storage medium 2810 (e.g., by summing the voltages,
summing the currents, etc.). In this manner, electricity may be
advantageously generated using heat transfer component 2818 to
improve the efficiency of an energy transfer to and/or from energy
storage medium 2810, recover energy that would otherwise be lost,
etc.
[0544] As shown in FIG. 28, monitoring component 2829 may be any
component capable of monitoring or sensing a temperature of energy
storage medium 2810. In one embodiment, monitoring component 2829
may be or include a thermocouple, thermistor, ultrasonic
thermometer, infrared thermometer or pyrometer, laser thermometer
or pyrometer, etc. Monitoring component 2829 may be mounted on a
printed circuit board or other substrate to which at least one
other component of security component 2820 is mounted.
Alternatively, monitoring component 2829 may be coupled with a
printed circuit board or at least one other component of security
component 2820 by a cable, interface, line, etc. In one embodiment,
monitoring component 2829 may be coupled with or disposed in
proximity to energy storage medium 2810. Signals corresponding to a
temperature of energy storage medium 2810 which are output by
monitoring component 2829 may be analog signals, digital signals,
pulse width modulated signals, some combination thereof, etc. And
in one embodiment, monitoring component 2829 may be implemented in
accordance with (e.g., include components of, function similarly
to, etc.) component 2462 and/or component 2463.
[0545] In one embodiment, energy regulation component 2821 may
limit or otherwise adjust an amount of energy transferred to and/or
from energy storage medium 2810 responsive to a temperature of
energy storage medium 2810 (e.g., measured using monitoring
component 2829) and/or a control signal from temperature regulation
component 2828. For example, if the temperature of energy storage
medium 2810 reaches or exceeds a particular threshold, energy
regulation component 2821 may reduce an amount of energy
transferred to and/or from energy storage medium 2810 (e.g., until
the temperature of energy storage medium 2810 falls below the
particular threshold or another threshold). As another example, if
temperature regulation component 2828 is no longer able to maintain
the temperature of energy storage medium 2810 at a particular
temperature or range of temperatures using heat transfer component
2818, energy regulation component 2821 may adjust (e.g., under
control of or via input from temperature regulation component 2828)
an amount of energy transferred to and/or from energy storage
medium 2810 (e.g., until temperature regulation component 2828 is
able to regain control of and/or maintain the temperature of energy
storage medium 2810 at a particular temperature or range of
temperatures using heat transfer component 2818).
[0546] In one embodiment, signals associated with temperature
(e.g., of energy storage medium 2810, another component of vehicle
120, a component of an external system, the ambient air, etc.) may
be communicated by security component 2820 to another component.
For example, signals associated with temperature may be
communicated by security component 2820 to another component of
vehicle 120 (e.g., security component 2840, interface component
221, power management component 225, power source 227, another
component of vehicle 120, etc.). And as another example, signals
associated with temperature may be communicated by security
component 2820 to an external system (e.g., energy transfer system
110, computer system 2890, another vehicle, etc.).
[0547] In one embodiment, signals associated with a parameter of
one component may be communicated by security component 2820 to
another component. For example, security component 2820 may
communicate a parameter of motor 2850, where the parameter of motor
2850 may be a voltage, a current, a rotational speed or
acceleration, a temperature, an operational status (e.g., enabled
or activated, disabled or deactivated), etc. As another example,
security component 2820 may communicate a parameter of transmission
2860, where the parameter of transmission 2860 may be a speed of
vehicle 120 (e.g., from a vehicle speed sensor coupled with
transmission 2860), a currently selected gear, a rotational speed
or acceleration of a component of transmission 2860, the state of
one or more clutches of transmission 2860, a temperature, an
operational status (e.g., enabled or activated, disabled or
deactivated), etc. As a further example, security component 2820
may communicate a parameter of braking system 2870, where the
parameter of braking system 2870 may be a position or state of a
brake pad or caliper, a position or state of a brake shoe or drum,
a status or reading from a sensor (e.g., anti-lock braking system
sensor, active handling system sensor, stability management system
sensor, etc.) associated with braking system 2870, a temperature,
an operational status (e.g., enabled or activated, disabled or
deactivated), etc. And as yet another example, security component
2820 may communicate a parameter of steering wheel 2880, where the
parameter of steering wheel 2880 may be a position of steering
wheel 2880, the state of a switch (e.g., for controlling a radio or
navigation system, for controlling a Bluetooth speakerphone system,
for controlling a cruise control system, etc.) of steering wheel
2880, a rotational speed or acceleration, an operational status
(e.g., enabled or activated, disabled or deactivated), etc. And as
yet a further example, security component 2820 may communicate a
parameter of another component (e.g., a tire pressure monitoring
component, an engine management system, security component 2840, an
energy transfer component, interface component 221, power
management component 225, energy storage component 226, power
source 227, charge and/or discharge component 228, meter 229,
another component of vehicle 120, etc.).
[0548] Operations performed by security component 2820 may be
performed using one or more components of security component 2820.
For example, authentication (e.g., of a component, of a user, etc.)
may be performed using authentication component 2822 and/or
processor 2825, where instructions or code used to carry out the
authentication may be stored in memory 2826 for execution by
authentication component 2822 and/or processor 2825. As another
example, one or more operations performed responsive to a
successful authentication (e.g., controlling energy regulation
component 2821, controlling energy regulation component 2841,
controlling vehicle movement control component 2844, sending a
communication between security component 2820 and security
component 2840, etc.) may be performed using at least one component
(e.g., authentication component 2822, communication component 2823,
some combination thereof, etc.) and/or processor 2825, where
instructions or code used to carry out the one or more operations
may be stored in memory 2826 for execution by the at least one
component (e.g., authentication component 2822, communication
component 2823, some combination thereof, etc.) and/or processor
2825. As yet another example, one or more operations performed
responsive to an unsuccessful authentication (e.g., controlling
energy regulation component 2821, controlling energy regulation
component 2841, controlling vehicle movement control component
2844, sending a communication between security component 2820 and
security component 2840, sending a communication to a user, etc.)
may be performed using at least one component (e.g., authentication
component 2822, communication component 2823, some combination
thereof, etc.) and/or processor 2825, where instructions or code
used to carry out the one or more operations may be stored in
memory 2826 for execution by the at least one component (e.g.,
authentication component 2822, communication component 2823, some
combination thereof, etc.) and/or processor 2825.
[0549] As another example, one or more operations performed
responsive to detecting a tampering with housing 2830 (e.g.,
controlling energy regulation component 2821, controlling energy
regulation component 2841, sending a communication to vehicle
movement control component 2844, sending a communication to a user,
etc.) may be performed using at least one component (e.g.,
tampering detection component 2827, authentication component 2822,
communication component 2823, some combination thereof, etc.)
and/or processor 2825, where instructions or code used to carry out
the one or more operations may be stored in memory 2826 for
execution by the at least one component (e.g., tampering detection
component 2827, authentication component 2822, communication
component 2823, some combination thereof, etc.) and/or processor
2825. As a further example, communication with another component,
device, system, etc. may be performed using at least one component
(e.g., communication component 2823, authentication component 2822,
tampering detection component 2827, some combination thereof, etc.)
and/or processor 2825, where instructions or code used to carry out
the communication may be stored in memory 2826 for execution by the
at least one component (e.g., communication component 2823,
authentication component 2822, tampering detection component 2827,
some combination thereof, etc.) and/or processor 2825. And as yet
another example, temperature regulation of energy storage medium
2810 may be performed using at least one component (e.g.,
temperature regulation component 2828, monitoring component 2829,
some combination thereof, etc.) and/or processor 2825, where
instructions or code used to carry out the temperature regulation
may be stored in memory 2826 for execution by the at least one
component (e.g., temperature regulation component 2828, monitoring
component 2829, some combination thereof, etc.) and/or processor
2825.
[0550] In one embodiment, security component 2820 may include a
plurality of integrated circuits (e.g., at least one
application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), at least one
system-on-a-chip (SOC), at least one programmable system-on-a-chip
(PSOC), another type of integrated circuit, etc.) attached to a
plurality of printed circuit boards. Security component 2820 may
include at least one integrated circuit (e.g., at least one
application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), at least one
system-on-a-chip (SOC), at least one programmable system-on-a-chip
(PSOC), another type of integrated circuit, etc.) attached to a
single printed circuit board in one embodiment. In one embodiment,
security component 2820 may be implemented by a single integrated
circuit (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a
system on a chip (SOC), programmable system on a chip (PSOC),
etc.). And in one embodiment, components of security component 2820
may be implemented using a single die of an integrated circuit,
more than one die of an integrated circuit, etc.
[0551] As shown in FIG. 28, security component 2840 may be used to
perform an authentication of another component in one embodiment.
For example, authentication component 2842 may be used to perform
an authentication of a component (e.g., authentication component
2822, interface component 221, power management component 225,
power source 227, another component of vehicle 120, a component of
energy transfer system 110, a component of an external system or
external device, etc.) responsive to an interaction with the
vehicle (e.g., an attempt to gain access to a compartment or region
of the vehicle, an attempt to start the vehicle, an attempt to use
or move the vehicle, an attempt to turn on a radio or other
component of the vehicle, an attempt to transfer energy to and/or
from an energy storage component, an attempt to transfer energy to
and/or from another component of the vehicle, some combination
thereof, etc.). In one embodiment, the interaction with the vehicle
may be an attempt to transfer energy to a component of vehicle 120
(e.g., motor 2850, transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering
wheel 2880, some other component of vehicle 120, etc.), where the
attempt to transfer energy to a component of vehicle 120 may be
performed by the component undergoing authentication, a device
which includes the component undergoing authentication, a system
which includes the component undergoing authentication, or some
combination thereof. The authentication may be performed using
authentication component 2842 alone or in combination with
processor 2845, where instructions or code used to carry out the
authentication may be stored in memory 2846 for execution by
authentication component 2842 and/or processor 2845. Accordingly,
in one embodiment, security component 2840 may reduce unauthorized
use of vehicle 120 (e.g., by reducing the ability to use an
unauthorized device or system to power, move, or otherwise use
vehicle 120).
[0552] In one embodiment, security component 2840 may be used to
perform one or more operations if an authentication is successful.
For example, if the authentication is successful, then energy
regulation component 2841 may be controlled (e.g., by
authentication component 2842, by processor 2845, etc.) to enable
energy to be transferred to and/or from a component of vehicle 120
(e.g., over energy transfer interface 2832, over interface 2855,
over interface 2865, over interface 2875, over interface 2885, over
another interface, etc.). In one embodiment, the energy transferred
via energy regulation component 2841 may be sufficient to power
motor 2850 to move vehicle 120. In one embodiment, the energy
transferred via energy regulation component 2841 may be sufficient
to power another component of vehicle 120 (e.g., a radio or
navigation system, dashboard, lights, any of the components of
vehicle 120 depicted in FIG. 2, transmission 2860, braking system
2870, steering wheel 2880, another component of vehicle 120, etc.)
and/or perform an energy transfer with another system (e.g., energy
transfer system 110, another vehicle, etc.). As another example, if
the authentication is successful, then vehicle movement control
component 2844 may be controlled to enable use and/or movement of
the vehicle (e.g., by activating energy storage component 226,
motor 2850, transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel
2880, etc.).
[0553] In one embodiment, vehicle movement control component 2844
may enable or activate a component (e.g., energy storage component
226, motor 2850, transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering
wheel 2880, etc.) by causing a mechanical stop to be removed or
disabled, where the state of the mechanical stop may be changed
using a solenoid, stepper motor, or some other component. The
mechanical stop may control (e.g., enable, disable, etc.) movement
of: portions of motor 2850 (e.g., a rotor and a stator, an inner
portion and an outer portion, etc.) with respect to one another;
portions of transmission 2860 (e.g., an input shaft and an output
shaft, an input shaft and a housing, an output shaft and a housing,
one gear and another gear, a shift fork and a housing, a gear shift
lever and a housing, etc.) with respect to one another; portions of
braking system 2860 (e.g., a piston and a caliper, a brake pad and
a caliper, a brake shoe and a drum, etc.) with respect to one
another; steering wheel 2880; or some combination thereof. In one
embodiment, vehicle movement control component 2844 may enable or
activate a component (e.g., energy storage component 226, motor
2850, transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880,
etc.) by changing the state of a clutch or other mechanism capable
of engaging and/or disengaging motor 2850 and transmission 2860, at
least two portions of transmission 2860, transmission 2860 and at
least one wheel, at least two portions of braking system 2870
(e.g., which move a brake pad with respect to a rotor, a brake shoe
with respect to a drum, etc.), steering wheel 2880 and a steering
column, etc.
[0554] In one embodiment, vehicle movement control component 2844
may enable or activate a component (e.g., energy storage component
226, motor 2850, transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering
wheel 2880, etc.) by sending a signal (e.g., analog signal, digital
signal, pulse width modulated signal, clock signal, data signal,
some combination thereof, etc.) to another component which is
configured to control a state (e.g., enabled, activated, disabled,
deactivated, etc.) of the component, where the other component may
include hardware (e.g., circuitry, etc.) and/or software. In one
embodiment, the other component may be disposed within a housing of
or otherwise be part of the component.
[0555] In one embodiment, vehicle movement control component 2844
may override an attempt (e.g., by a user, by a component of vehicle
120, by another system or device, etc.) to set or change a state of
a component (e.g., energy storage component 226, motor 2850,
transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880, etc.)
of vehicle 120. For example, vehicle movement control component
2844 may disable or deactivate motor 2850 (e.g., thereby reducing
the ability of motor 2850 to move vehicle 120) even though energy
is transferred to motor 2850 using energy regulation component
2841.
[0556] And as yet another example, if the authentication is
successful, then a communication may be sent (e.g., using
communication component 2843 over energy transfer interface 2832
and/or signal interface 2834) to security component 2820 to control
(e.g., using authentication component 2822, using processor 2825,
etc.) energy regulation component 2821 to enable energy to be
transferred to and/or from energy storage medium 2810 (e.g., over
energy transfer interface 2832). In one embodiment, energy
transferred to energy storage medium 2810 via energy regulation
component 2821 may be sufficient to charge energy storage medium.
In one embodiment, energy transferred from energy storage medium
2810 (e.g., over energy transfer interface 2832) via energy
regulation component 2821 may be sufficient to power another
component of vehicle 120 (e.g., a radio or navigation system,
dashboard, lights, any of the components of vehicle 120 depicted in
FIG. 2, motor 2850, transmission 2860, braking system 2870,
steering wheel 2880, another component of vehicle 120, etc.) and/or
perform an energy transfer with another system (e.g., energy
transfer system 110, another vehicle, etc.).
[0557] In one embodiment, security component 2840 may be used to
perform one or more operations if an authentication is
unsuccessful. For example, if the authentication is unsuccessful,
then energy regulation component 2841 may be controlled (e.g., by
authentication component 2842, by processor 2845, etc.) to reduce
an ability to transfer energy (or to prevent altogether an energy
transfer) to and/or from a component of vehicle 120 (e.g., over
energy transfer interface 2832, over interface 2855, over interface
2865, over interface 2875, over interface 2885, over another
interface, etc.). In one embodiment, the energy transferred via
energy regulation component 2841 may be insufficient to power motor
2850 to move vehicle 120. In one embodiment, the energy transferred
via energy regulation component 2841 may be insufficient to perform
an energy transfer with another system (e.g., energy transfer
system 110, another vehicle, etc.). And in one embodiment, if the
authentication is unsuccessful, the energy transferred via energy
regulation component 2841 may be sufficient to power another
component of vehicle 120 (e.g., a radio or navigation system,
dashboard, lights, any of the components of vehicle 120 depicted in
FIG. 2, transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel
2880, another component of vehicle 120, etc.).
[0558] As another example, if the authentication is unsuccessful,
energy regulation component 2841 may be controlled (e.g., by
authentication component 2842, by processor 2845, etc.) to reduce
the ability to move or to prevent movement of vehicle 120 (e.g., by
limiting the current, voltage, or another parameter of electricity
to motor 2850). As yet another example, if the authentication is
unsuccessful, energy regulation component 2841 may be
advantageously controlled (e.g., by authentication component 2842,
by processor 2845, etc.) to provide a reduced amount of energy
(e.g., from energy storage medium 2810) which is insufficient to
perform an operation (e.g., moving vehicle 120 using motor 2850,
performing an energy transfer between vehicle 120 and an energy
transfer system, performing an energy transfer between vehicle 120
and another vehicle, etc.) yet sufficient to enable a component
(e.g., a radio or navigation system, an instrument located in a
dashboard or other location of vehicle 120, interior lights,
exterior lights, hazard lights, any of the components of vehicle
120 depicted in FIG. 2, motor 2850, transmission 2860, braking
system 2870, steering wheel 2880, another component of vehicle 120,
security component 2820, another security component of vehicle 120,
electronics associated with the door locks of vehicle 120, etc.) of
vehicle 120 to function.
[0559] As a further example, if the authentication is unsuccessful,
energy regulation component 2841 may be advantageously controlled
(e.g., by authentication component 2842, by processor 2845, etc.)
to provide a reduced amount of energy (e.g., from energy storage
medium 2810) which is insufficient to perform a first operation
(e.g., moving vehicle 120 using motor 2850, performing an energy
transfer between vehicle 120 and an energy transfer system,
performing an energy transfer between vehicle 120 and another
vehicle, etc.) yet sufficient to perform a second operation (e.g.,
retain data stored in a volatile memory of vehicle 120, present a
user interface configured to enable input of information associated
with an authentication of a user, communicate data with a system
external to vehicle 120, communicate a failure of an authentication
to a user or another system, present another user interface
enabling a user to report that vehicle 120 has been stolen,
communicate to another user or another system that vehicle 120 has
been stolen, reduce an ability to move vehicle 120 using vehicle
movement control component 2844 or another component of vehicle
120, some combination thereof, etc.). As another example, if the
authentication is unsuccessful, then vehicle movement control
component 2844 may be controlled to reduce unauthorized use and/or
movement of the vehicle (e.g., by disabling or deactivating energy
storage component 226, motor 2850, transmission 2860, braking
system 2870, steering wheel 2880, etc.). As yet another example, if
the authentication is unsuccessful, a communication may be sent
(e.g., to interface system 550 for presentation in region 1095 of
GUI 1000) to alert a user that the authentication was
unsuccessful.
[0560] In one embodiment, vehicle movement control component 2844
may disable or deactivate a component (e.g., energy storage
component 226, motor 2850, transmission 2860, braking system 2870,
steering wheel 2880, etc.) by causing a mechanical stop to be
activated or applied, where the state of the mechanical stop may be
changed using a solenoid, stepper motor, or some other component.
The mechanical stop may control (e.g., enable, disable, etc.)
movement of: portions of motor 2850 (e.g., a rotor and a stator, an
inner portion and an outer portion, etc.) with respect to one
another; portions of transmission 2860 (e.g., an input shaft and an
output shaft, an input shaft and a housing, an output shaft and a
housing, one gear and another gear, a shift fork and a housing, a
gear shift lever and a housing, etc.) with respect to one another;
portions of braking system 2860 (e.g., a piston and a caliper, a
brake pad and a caliper, a brake shoe and a drum, etc.) with
respect to one another; steering wheel 2880; or some combination
thereof. In one embodiment, vehicle movement control component 2844
may disable or deactivate a component (e.g., energy storage
component 226, motor 2850, transmission 2860, braking system 2870,
steering wheel 2880, etc.) by changing the state of a clutch or
other mechanism capable of engaging and/or disengaging motor 2850
and transmission 2860, at least two portions of transmission 2860,
transmission 2860 and at least one wheel, at least two portions of
braking system 2870 (e.g., which move a brake pad with respect to a
rotor, a brake shoe with respect to a drum, etc.), steering wheel
2880 and a steering column, etc.
[0561] In one embodiment, vehicle movement control component 2844
may disable or deactivate a component (e.g., energy storage
component 226, motor 2850, transmission 2860, braking system 2870,
steering wheel 2880, etc.) by sending a signal (e.g., analog
signal, digital signal, pulse width modulated signal, clock signal,
data signal, some combination thereof, etc.) to another component
which is configured to control a state (e.g., enabled, activated,
disabled, deactivated, etc.) of the component, where the other
component may include hardware (e.g., circuitry, etc.) and/or
software. In one embodiment, the other component may be disposed
within a housing of or otherwise be part of the component.
[0562] In one embodiment, vehicle movement control component 2844
may override an attempt (e.g., by a user, by a component of vehicle
120, by another system or device, etc.) to set or change a state of
a component (e.g., energy storage component 226, motor 2850,
transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880, etc.)
of vehicle 120. For example, vehicle movement control component
2844 may disable or deactivate motor 2850 (e.g., thereby reducing
the ability of motor 2850 to move vehicle 120) even though energy
is transferred to motor 2850 using energy regulation component
2841.
[0563] In one embodiment, if the authentication performed using
security component 2840 is unsuccessful, then a communication may
be sent (e.g., using communication component 2843 over energy
transfer interface 2832 and/or signal interface 2834) to security
component 2820 to cause or enable security component 2820 to
perform one or more operations. For example, responsive to a
communication from security component 2840 associated with an
unsuccessful authentication, energy regulation component 2821 may
be controlled (e.g., by authentication component 2822, by processor
2825, etc.) to reduce the ability to perform (or to prevent
altogether) an energy transfer to and/or from energy storage medium
2810 (e.g., over energy transfer interface 2832). As another
example, responsive to a communication from security component
2840, energy regulation component 2821 may be controlled (e.g., by
authentication component 2822, by processor 2825, etc.) to reduce
the ability to move or to prevent movement of vehicle 120 (e.g., by
limiting the current, voltage, or another parameter of electricity
to motor 2850).
[0564] As yet another example, if the authentication performed
using security component 2840 is unsuccessful, a communication may
be sent (e.g., using communication component 2843 over energy
transfer interface 2832 and/or signal interface 2834) to security
component 2820 to advantageously control (e.g., using
authentication component 2822, using processor 2825, etc.) energy
regulation component 2821 to provide a reduced amount of energy
(e.g., from energy storage medium 2810) which is insufficient to
perform an operation (e.g., moving vehicle 120 using motor 2850,
performing an energy transfer between vehicle 120 and an energy
transfer system, performing an energy transfer between vehicle 120
and another vehicle, etc.) yet sufficient to enable a component
(e.g., a radio or navigation system, an instrument located in a
dashboard or other location of vehicle 120, interior lights,
exterior lights, hazard lights, any of the components of vehicle
120 depicted in FIG. 2, motor 2850, transmission 2860, braking
system 2870, steering wheel 2880, another component of vehicle 120,
security component 2840, another security component of vehicle 120,
electronics associated with the door locks of vehicle 120, etc.) of
vehicle 120 to function. As another example, responsive to a
communication from security component 2840 associated with an
unsuccessful authentication, energy regulation component 2821 may
be advantageously controlled (e.g., by authentication component
2822, by processor 2825, etc.) to provide a reduced amount of
energy (e.g., from energy storage medium 2810) which is
insufficient to perform a first operation (e.g., moving vehicle 120
using motor 2850, performing an energy transfer between vehicle 120
and an energy transfer system, performing an energy transfer
between vehicle 120 and another vehicle, etc.) yet sufficient to
perform a second operation (e.g., retain data stored in a volatile
memory of vehicle 120, present a user interface configured to
enable input of information associated with an authentication of a
user, communicate data with a system external to vehicle 120,
communicate a failure of an authentication to a user or another
system, present another user interface enabling a user to report
that vehicle 120 has been stolen, communicate to another user or
another system that vehicle 120 has been stolen, reduce an ability
to move vehicle 120 using security component 2840 or another
component of vehicle 120, some combination thereof, etc.).
[0565] In one embodiment, authentication component 2842 may perform
an authentication of a component (e.g., authentication component
2822, interface component 221, power management component 225,
power source 227, another component of vehicle 120, etc.) by
comparing an identifier (e.g., generated and/or sent from the
component undergoing authentication) to authentication data (e.g.,
stored in memory 2846, a register of processor 2845, another
portion of security component 2840, etc.). In one embodiment, the
identifier may be a unique identifier which is associated with only
the component undergoing authentication and does not correspond to
or otherwise identify any other component. In one embodiment, the
identifier may be a unique identifier which is associated with only
vehicle 120 and does not correspond to or otherwise identify any
other vehicle. In one embodiment, the identifier may be a key
(e.g., public key, private key, etc.), data encrypted or encoded by
a component performing the authentication or by another trusted
party, etc. In one embodiment, the identifier may be sent from the
component undergoing authentication responsive to a request for
identification sent from authentication component 2842. In one
embodiment, communications between security component 2840 and the
component undergoing authentication may be encrypted (e.g., by the
sender) and/or decrypted (e.g., by the recipient). In one
embodiment, the authentication may be successful (e.g., the
component undergoing authentication is determined to be authorized)
if the identifier associated with the component undergoing
authentication matches the authentication data (e.g., stored in
memory 2846, stored in a register of processor 2845, stored in
another portion of security component 2840, etc.). Alternatively,
the authentication may be unsuccessful (e.g., the component
undergoing authentication is determined not to be authorized) if
the identifier associated with the component undergoing
authentication does not match the authentication data (e.g., the
component undergoing authentication is determined to be authorized)
if the identifier associated with the component undergoing
authentication matches the authentication data (e.g., stored in
memory 2846, stored in a register of processor 2845, stored in
another portion of security component 2840, etc.).
[0566] In one embodiment, computer system 2890 may perform an
authentication of a component (e.g., security component 2820,
authentication component 2822, energy storage component 226,
interface component 221, power management component 225, power
source 227, another component of vehicle 120, etc.) by comparing an
identifier (e.g., generated and/or sent from the component
undergoing authentication) to authentication data. For example,
where the authentication data is stored in security component 2840
(e.g., stored in memory 2846, a register of processor 2845, another
portion of security component 2840, etc.), the identifier and the
authentication data may be sent (e.g., separately, together,
sequentially, simultaneously, etc.) to computer system 2890 via
communication interface 242 for comparison by computer system
2890.
[0567] As another example, where computer system 2890 includes or
can otherwise access the authentication data (e.g., 2895), the
identifier may be sent to computer system 2890 via communication
interface 242 for comparison with authentication data 2895 by
computer system 2890. Authentication data 2895 may be part of a
data structure or database which includes an index of components
(e.g., including security component 2840, a component which
includes security component 2840, motor 2850, transmission 2860
braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880, some combination thereof,
etc.) and respective authentication data corresponding to each of
the components, where the data structure or database may be indexed
using an identifier of a component (e.g., security component 2840,
a component which includes security component 2840, motor 2850,
transmission 2860 braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880, some
combination thereof, etc.) to access authentication data for
comparison to the identifier of the component undergoing
authentication. In one embodiment, the identifier of the other
component (e.g., security component 2840, a component which
includes security component 2840, motor 2850, transmission 2860
braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880, some combination thereof,
etc.) may be sent to computer system 2890 along with (e.g.,
simultaneously with, contemporaneously with, as part of the same
data packet, etc.) or separate from (e.g., sequentially with, at
another time than, in a different data packet, etc.) the identifier
of the component undergoing authentication.
[0568] In one embodiment, the identifier of the component
undergoing authentication may be sent (e.g., to computer system
2890) from the component undergoing authentication responsive to a
request for identification sent from authentication component 2842.
In one embodiment, the identifier sent to computer system 2890 may
be a unique identifier which is associated with only the component
undergoing authentication and does not correspond to or otherwise
identify any other component. In one embodiment, the identifier may
be a key (e.g., public key, private key, etc.), data encrypted or
encoded by a component performing the authentication or by another
trusted party, etc. In one embodiment, communications between
security component 2840, the component undergoing authentication,
computer system 2890, or some combination thereof, may be encrypted
(e.g., by the sender) and/or decrypted (e.g., by the recipient). In
one embodiment, the authentication may be successful (e.g., the
component undergoing authentication is determined to be authorized)
if the identifier associated with the component undergoing
authentication matches the authentication data (e.g., 2895, etc.).
Alternatively, the authentication may be unsuccessful (e.g., the
component undergoing authentication is determined not to be
authorized) if the identifier associated with the component
undergoing authentication does not match the authentication data
(e.g., the component undergoing authentication is determined to be
authorized) if the identifier associated with the component
undergoing authentication matches the authentication data (e.g.,
2895, etc.). Results of the comparison (e.g., performed by computer
system 2890) may be communicated to vehicle 120 (e.g., to enable
energy regulation component 2821 to regulate energy transferred to
and/or from energy storage medium 2810, to enable energy regulation
component 2841 to reduce or increase energy supplied to motor 2850,
to enable energy regulation component 2841 to reduce or increase
energy supplied to another component of vehicle 120, to enable
vehicle movement control component 2844 to control use and/or
movement of vehicle 120, etc.) in one embodiment.
[0569] It should be appreciated that the identifier (e.g., of the
component undergoing authentication) may be different from the
authentication data in one embodiment. For example, the identifier
of the component undergoing authentication may be encrypted,
whereas the authentication data may not be encrypted. In one
embodiment, a hash value generated by performing a hash function on
the identifier may be different than a hash value generated by
performing the hash function on the authentication data. In this
manner, the identifier and/or the authentication data may be
processed (e.g., decrypted, altered, etc.) before performing the
comparison in one embodiment.
[0570] In one embodiment, security component 2840 may be programmed
by an authorized party (e.g., a manufacturer of security component
2840, a manufacturer of vehicle 120, a dealership authorized to
service vehicle 120, etc.). For example, authentication data
associated with a particular component of vehicle 120 (e.g.,
security component 2820, authentication component 2822, energy
storage component 226, interface component 221, power management
component 225, power source 227, another component of vehicle 120,
etc.) may be written to security component 2840 (e.g., stored in
memory 2846, a register of processor 2845, another portion of
security component 2840, etc.). As such, energy storage component
2840 may be configured by an authorized party to operate with
vehicle 120 and/or a component thereof (e.g., security component
2820, authentication component 2822, energy storage component 226,
interface component 221, power management component 225, power
source 227, another component of vehicle 120, etc.), where the
programming of security component 2840 may be performed as a
manufacturing operation (e.g., during manufacture of vehicle 120),
as a service or maintenance operation (e.g., where security
component 2840 or a component thereof is installed in vehicle 120
to replace another component which no longer works properly, has
failed, has exceeded its lifespan, etc.), etc.
[0571] In one embodiment, authentication data 2895 may be updated
or written (e.g., to a memory of computer system 2890, to a memory
coupled to or otherwise accessible to computer system 2890, etc.)
by an authorized party (e.g., a manufacturer of security component
2840, a manufacturer of vehicle 120, a dealership authorized to
service vehicle 120, etc.) responsive to a programming of security
component 2840. For example, where energy storage component 2840 is
configured as a manufacturing operation by an authorized party to
operate with vehicle 120 and/or a component thereof (e.g., where
security component 2840 or a component thereof is installed in
vehicle 120 during manufacturing), authentication data 2895 may be
written which is associated with vehicle 120 and/or the component
thereof (e.g., security component 2820, authentication component
2822, energy storage component 226, interface component 221, power
management component 225, power source 227, another component of
vehicle 120, etc.). As another example, where energy storage
component 2840 is configured as a service or maintenance operation
by an authorized party to operate with vehicle 120 and/or a
component thereof (e.g., where security component 2840 or a
component thereof is installed in vehicle 120 to replace another
component which no longer works properly, has failed, has exceeded
its lifespan, etc.), authentication data 2895 may be updated to
reflect the replacement of another component with security
component 2840 or a component thereof (e.g., by changing the
association of vehicle 120 and/or a component thereof from the
other component to security component 2840, authentication
component 2842, etc.).
[0572] As shown in FIG. 28, energy regulation component 2841 may be
disposed between at least one component (e.g., motor 2850,
transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880, some
combination thereof, etc.) and at least one other component of
vehicle 120, and therefore, energy regulation component 2841 may be
used to control electrical access to at least one component (e.g.,
motor 2850, transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel
2880, some combination thereof, etc.) in one embodiment. For
example, energy regulation component 2841 may act as a switch to
electrically disconnect or decouple energy transfer interface 2832
from at least one component (e.g., motor 2850, transmission 2860,
braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880, some combination thereof,
etc.). As another example, energy regulation component 2841 may
limit current, voltage, or another parameter of energy flowing to
and/or from at least one component (e.g., motor 2850, transmission
2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880, some combination
thereof, etc.). Thus, embodiments of the present invention can
advantageously increase security by limiting electrical access
(e.g., responsive to a failure of an authentication of a component,
responsive to a failure of an authentication of a user, some
combination thereof, etc.) to at least one component (e.g., motor
2850, transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880,
some combination thereof, etc.).
[0573] In one embodiment, security component 2840 may located such
that physical access to security component 2840 and/or an
associated interface (e.g., 2855, 2865, 2875, 2885, etc.) coupling
a component (e.g., motor 2850, transmission 2860, braking system
2870, steering wheel 2880, etc.) to security component 2840 is
limited. For example, security component 2840 may be coupled with
and/or disposed at least partially within a housing of a component
(e.g., motor 2850, transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering
wheel 2880, etc.). In one embodiment, security component 2840 may
located such that access to security component 2840 and/or an
associated interface (e.g., 2855, 2865, 2875, 2885, etc.) may only
be obtained by tampering with (e.g., opening, altering, destroying,
etc.) the housing of the component (e.g., motor 2850, transmission
2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880, etc.). In this
manner, the ability to bypass energy regulation component 2841 to
obtain electrical access to (e.g., by cutting, splicing into,
replacing, etc.) an associated interface (e.g., 2855, 2865, 2875,
2885, etc.) and/or another component (e.g., motor 2850,
transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880, etc.)
is reduced. Thus, embodiments of the present invention can
advantageously increase security by limiting physical access to
security component 2840 and/or an associated interface (e.g., 2855,
2865, 2875, 2885, etc.).
[0574] As shown in FIG. 28, tampering detection component 2847 may
be capable of detecting a tampering with a housing of a component
(e.g., motor 2850, transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering
wheel 2880, etc.). For example, tampering detection component 2847
may include a sensor, switch, etc. (e.g., disposed at or near a
panel of the housing, a cover of the housing, an interface of at
least two portions of the housing, etc.) operable to detect an
unauthorized opening of the housing, a cutting of the housing, or
some other tampering with the housing. As another example,
tampering detection component 2847 may include a sensor (e.g.,
accelerometer, gyroscope, magnetometer, ball-in-cage sensor, etc.)
capable of detecting an unauthorized movement and/or orientation of
the housing (e.g., subjecting the housing to an acceleration in one
or more axes above a particular threshold, placing the housing in a
particular orientation, etc.). As yet another example, tampering
detection component 2847 may include a sensor capable of detecting
some other parameter (e.g., temperature, pressure, humidity,
proximity, etc.) associated with a tampering with the housing.
[0575] In one embodiment, at least one operation may be performed
responsive to tampering detection component 2847 detecting a
tampering with a housing of a component (e.g., motor 2850,
transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880, etc.),
where tampering detection component 2847 may send a communication
to another component performing the at least one operation and/or
control the other component to perform the at least one operation.
For example, responsive to tampering detection component 2847
detecting a tampering with a housing, energy regulation component
2841 may be controlled (e.g., by authentication component 2842, by
processor 2845, etc.) to reduce an ability to transfer energy (or
to prevent altogether an energy transfer) to and/or from a
component of vehicle 120 (e.g., over energy transfer interface
2832, over interface 2855, over interface 2865, over interface
2875, over interface 2885, over another interface, etc.). In one
embodiment, the energy transferred via energy regulation component
2841 may be insufficient to power motor 2850 to move vehicle 120.
In one embodiment, the energy transferred via energy regulation
component 2841 may be insufficient to perform an energy transfer
with another system (e.g., energy transfer system 110, another
vehicle, etc.). In one embodiment, the energy transferred via
energy regulation component 2841 may be sufficient to power another
component of vehicle 120 (e.g., a radio or navigation system,
dashboard, lights, any of the components of vehicle 120 depicted in
FIG. 2, transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel
2880, another component of vehicle 120, etc.).
[0576] As another example, responsive to tampering detection
component 2847 detecting a tampering with a housing (e.g., of motor
2850, transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880,
etc.), energy regulation component 2841 may be controlled (e.g., by
authentication component 2842, by processor 2845, etc.) to reduce
the ability to move or to prevent movement of vehicle 120 (e.g., by
limiting the current, voltage, or another parameter of electricity
to motor 2850). As yet another example, responsive to tampering
detection component 2847 detecting a tampering with a housing,
energy regulation component 2841 may be advantageously controlled
(e.g., by authentication component 2842, by processor 2845, etc.)
to provide a reduced amount of energy (e.g., from energy storage
medium 2810) which is insufficient to perform an operation (e.g.,
moving vehicle 120 using motor 2850, performing an energy transfer
between vehicle 120 and an energy transfer system, performing an
energy transfer between vehicle 120 and another vehicle, etc.) yet
sufficient to enable a component (e.g., a radio or navigation
system, an instrument located in a dashboard or other location of
vehicle 120, interior lights, exterior lights, hazard lights, any
of the components of vehicle 120 depicted in FIG. 2, motor 2850,
transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880,
another component of vehicle 120, security component 2820, another
security component of vehicle 120, electronics associated with the
door locks of vehicle 120, etc.) of vehicle 120 to function.
[0577] As a further example, responsive to tampering detection
component 2847 detecting a tampering with a housing (e.g., of motor
2850, transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880,
etc.), energy regulation component 2841 may be advantageously
controlled (e.g., by authentication component 2842, by processor
2845, etc.) to provide a reduced amount of energy (e.g., from
energy storage medium 2810) which is insufficient to perform a
first operation (e.g., moving vehicle 120 using motor 2850,
performing an energy transfer between vehicle 120 and an energy
transfer system, performing an energy transfer between vehicle 120
and another vehicle, etc.) yet sufficient to perform a second
operation (e.g., retain data stored in a volatile memory of vehicle
120, present a user interface configured to enable input of
information associated with an authentication of a user,
communicate data with a system external to vehicle 120, communicate
a failure of an authentication to a user or another system, present
another user interface enabling a user to report that vehicle 120
has been stolen, communicate to another user or another system that
vehicle 120 has been stolen, reduce an ability to move vehicle 120
using vehicle movement control component 2844 or another component
of vehicle 120, some combination thereof, etc.).
[0578] As another example, responsive to tampering detection
component 2847 detecting a tampering with a housing (e.g., of motor
2850, transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880,
etc.), vehicle movement control component 2844 may be controlled to
reduce unauthorized use and/or movement of the vehicle (e.g., by
disabling or deactivating energy storage component 226, motor 2850,
transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880, etc.).
As yet another example, responsive to tampering detection component
2847 detecting a tampering with a housing, a communication may be
sent (e.g., to interface system 550 for presentation in region 1095
of GUI 1000) to alert a user to the tampering with the housing. And
as a further example, responsive to tampering detection component
2847 detecting a tampering with a housing, tampering detection
component 2847 may cause secure data (e.g., stored in memory 2846,
another memory of security component 2840, another memory of
vehicle 120, a memory of an external system, etc.) to be deleted,
erased, corrupted, or otherwise be modified to reduce unauthorized
access to the secure information.
[0579] In one embodiment, responsive to tampering detection
component 2847 detecting a tampering with a housing (e.g., of motor
2850, transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880,
etc.), a communication may be sent (e.g., using communication
component 2843 over energy transfer interface 2832 and/or signal
interface 2834) to security component 2820 to cause security
component 2820 to perform one or more operations. For example,
responsive to the communication from tampering detection component
2847, energy regulation component 2821 may be controlled (e.g., by
authentication component 2822, by processor 2825, etc.) to reduce
the ability to perform (or to prevent altogether) an energy
transfer to and/or from energy storage medium 2810 (e.g., over
energy transfer interface 2832). As another example, responsive to
the communication from tampering detection component 2847, energy
regulation component 2821 may be controlled (e.g., by
authentication component 2822, by processor 2825, etc.) to reduce
the ability to move or to prevent movement of vehicle 120 (e.g., by
limiting the current, voltage, or another parameter of electricity
to motor 2850).
[0580] As yet another example, responsive to tampering detection
component 2847 detecting a tampering with a housing (e.g., of motor
2850, transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880,
etc.), a communication may be sent (e.g., using communication
component 2843 over energy transfer interface 2832 and/or signal
interface 2834) to security component 2820 to advantageously
control (e.g., using authentication component 2822, using processor
2825, etc.) energy regulation component 2821 to provide a reduced
amount of energy (e.g., from energy storage medium 2810) which is
insufficient to perform an operation (e.g., moving vehicle 120
using motor 2850, performing an energy transfer between vehicle 120
and an energy transfer system, performing an energy transfer
between vehicle 120 and another vehicle, etc.) yet sufficient to
enable a component (e.g., a radio or navigation system, an
instrument located in a dashboard or other location of vehicle 120,
interior lights, exterior lights, hazard lights, any of the
components of vehicle 120 depicted in FIG. 2, motor 2850,
transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880,
another component of vehicle 120, security component 2840, another
security component of vehicle 120, electronics associated with the
door locks of vehicle 120, etc.) of vehicle 120 to function. As
another example, responsive to tampering detection component 2847
detecting a tampering with a housing and sending a communication to
security component 2820, energy regulation component 2821 may be
advantageously controlled (e.g., by authentication component 2822,
by processor 2825, etc.) to provide a reduced amount of energy
(e.g., from energy storage medium 2810) which is insufficient to
perform a first operation (e.g., moving vehicle 120 using motor
2850, performing an energy transfer between vehicle 120 and an
energy transfer system, performing an energy transfer between
vehicle 120 and another vehicle, etc.) yet sufficient to perform a
second operation (e.g., retain data stored in a volatile memory of
vehicle 120, present a user interface configured to enable input of
information associated with an authentication of a user,
communicate data with a system external to vehicle 120, communicate
a failure of an authentication to a user or another system, present
another user interface enabling a user to report that vehicle 120
has been stolen, communicate to another user or another system that
vehicle 120 has been stolen, reduce an ability to move vehicle 120
using security component 2840 or another component of vehicle 120,
some combination thereof, etc.).
[0581] As shown in FIG. 28, communication component 2843 may be
used to communicate with another component of vehicle 120 and/or an
external system (e.g., energy transfer system 110, computer system
2890, another system located remotely from vehicle 120, etc.). For
example, communication component 2843 may be used to transmit
and/or receive communications from security component 2820 (e.g.,
over signal interface 2834, energy transfer interface 2832, etc.).
As another example, communication component 2843 may be used to
transmit and/or receive communications from another component of
vehicle 120 (e.g., interface component 221, communication interface
241, power management component 225, motor 2850, transmission 2860,
braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880, etc.). And as yet another
example, communication component 2843 may be used to transmit
and/or receive communications from an external system (e.g.,
directly, via communication interface 242, via another component of
vehicle 120, etc.).
[0582] In one embodiment, communication component 2843 may
communicate over a wired interface (e.g., including one or more
conductors, lines, lanes, etc.) and/or a wireless interface (e.g.,
using radio waves, microwaves, infrared waves, visible light waves,
ultraviolet waves, x-rays, gamma rays, etc.). For example,
communication component 2843 may communicate over an interface
which operates in accordance with a wireless standard such as
802.11x, Bluetooth, etc. As another example, communication
component 2843 may communicate over a cellular network (e.g.,
cellular data network, cellular phone network, etc.).
[0583] In one embodiment, a signal (e.g., a data signal, a clock
signal, etc.) may be communicated over energy transfer interface
2832 using modulation and/or demodulation. For example,
communication component 2843 may transmit a signal over energy
transfer interface 2832 using modulation (e.g., amplitude
modulation, frequency modulation, phase modulation, some
combination thereof, etc.), where the energy transfer signal
functions as the carrier wave. Upon receipt of the energy transfer
signal, the signals (e.g., data signals, clock signals, etc.)
carried by the energy transfer signal may be demodulated (e.g.,
using amplitude demodulation, frequency demodulation, phase
demodulation, some combination thereof, etc.) by another component
(e.g., communication component 2823, another component of vehicle
120, a component of an external system accessing the energy
transfer signal, etc.). As another example, communication component
2843 may demodulate (e.g., using amplitude demodulation, frequency
demodulation, phase demodulation, some combination thereof, etc.) a
signal from an energy transfer signal carried by energy transfer
interface 2832, where the signal may be modulated (e.g., using
amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, phase modulation, some
combination thereof, etc.) by another component (e.g.,
communication component 2823, another component of vehicle 120, a
component of an external system accessing the energy transfer
signal, etc.).
[0584] In one embodiment, a signal (e.g., data signals, clock
signals, etc.) may be communicated over energy transfer interface
2832 using an electromagnetic field surrounding at least one
conductor of the energy transfer interface. For example,
communication component 2843 may alter (e.g., change the strength
or amplitude over time of) an electromagnetic field surrounding at
least one conductor of energy transfer interface 2832 to transmit
the signals (e.g., data signals, clock signals, etc.) over the
energy transfer interface. A component receiving the signals (e.g.,
communication component 2823, another component of vehicle 120, a
component of an external system accessing the energy transfer
signal, etc.) may detect the changes in the electromagnetic field
and recreate the signals (e.g., data signals, clock signals, etc.)
based on the changes in the electromagnetic field. As another
example, where another component (e.g., communication component
2823, another component of vehicle 120, a component of an external
system accessing the energy transfer signal, etc.) alters (e.g.,
changes the strength or amplitude over time of) an electromagnetic
field surrounding at least one conductor of energy transfer
interface 2832 to transmit signals (e.g., data signals, clock
signals, etc.) over the energy transfer interface, communication
component 2843 may detect the changes in the electromagnetic field
and recreate the signals (e.g., data signals, clock signals, etc.)
based on the changes in the electromagnetic field.
[0585] In one embodiment, energy transfer interface 2832 may be
coupled to or part of a power system (e.g., a 12 volt power system
of an automobile, etc.) of vehicle 120. A plurality of components
of vehicle 120 may be coupled to and powered by the power system.
In this manner, the number of interfaces required to support
security component 2840 (e.g., communication interfaces enabling
security component 2840 to communicate with security component
2820, another component of vehicle 120, an external system, etc.)
may be reduced, thereby reducing the difficulty and/or cost of
retrofitting vehicle 120 to include security component 2840 (e.g.,
since the existing power system can be used for communication in
lieu of separate communication interfaces installed during the
retrofit).
[0586] In one embodiment, signals (e.g., data signals, clock
signals, etc.) communicated to and/or from security component 2840
may be encrypted. For example, a component of security component
2840 (e.g., authentication component 2842, communication component
2843, processor 2845, tampering detection component 2847, etc.) may
encrypt a signal for decryption by a receiver of the communication
(e.g., a component of security component 2820, communication
interface 242, another component of vehicle 120, a component of an
external system, etc.). As another example, a sender of a
communication (e.g., a component of security component 2820,
communication interface 242, another component of vehicle 120, a
component of an external system, etc.) may encrypt a signal for
decryption by a component of security component 2840 (e.g.,
authentication component 2842, communication component 2843,
processor 2845, tampering detection component 2847, etc.).
[0587] In one embodiment, communication component 2843 may
communicate via energy transfer interface 2832 using analog
signals, digital signals, pulse width modulated signals, some
combination thereof, etc. Communication component 2843 may
communicate via energy transfer interface 2832 using unidirectional
signal communication and/or bidirectional signal communication. In
one embodiment, communication component 2843 may communicate via
energy transfer interface 2832 using single-ended signaling and/or
differential signaling.
[0588] In one embodiment, communication component 2843 may
communicate via signal interface 2834 using analog signals, digital
signals, pulse width modulated signals, some combination thereof,
etc. Communication component 2843 may communicate via signal
interface 2834 using unidirectional signal communication and/or
bidirectional signal communication. In one embodiment,
communication component 2843 may communicate via signal interface
2834 using single-ended signaling and/or differential
signaling.
[0589] In one embodiment, signals associated with temperature
(e.g., of energy storage medium 2810, another component of vehicle
120, a component of an external system, the ambient air, etc.) may
be communicated by security component 2840 to another component.
For example, signals associated with temperature may be
communicated by security component 2840 to another component of
vehicle 120 (e.g., security component 2820, interface component
221, power management component 225, power source 227, another
component of vehicle 120, etc.). And as another example, signals
associated with temperature may be communicated by security
component 2840 to an external system (e.g., energy transfer system
110, computer system 2890, another vehicle, etc.).
[0590] In one embodiment, signals associated with a parameter of
one component may be communicated by security component 2840 to
another component. For example, security component 2840 may
communicate a parameter of motor 2850, where the parameter of motor
2850 may be a voltage, a current, a rotational speed or
acceleration, a temperature, an operational status (e.g., enabled
or activated, disabled or deactivated), etc. As another example,
security component 2840 may communicate a parameter of transmission
2860, where the parameter of transmission 2860 may be a speed of
vehicle 120 (e.g., from a vehicle speed sensor coupled with
transmission 2860), a currently selected gear, a rotational speed
or acceleration of a component of transmission 2860, the state of
one or more clutches of transmission 2860, a temperature, an
operational status (e.g., enabled or activated, disabled or
deactivated), etc. As a further example, security component 2840
may communicate a parameter of braking system 2870, where the
parameter of braking system 2870 may be a position or state of a
brake pad or caliper, a position or state of a brake shoe or drum,
a status or reading from a sensor (e.g., anti-lock braking system
sensor, active handling system sensor, stability management system
sensor, etc.) associated with braking system 2870, a temperature,
an operational status (e.g., enabled or activated, disabled or
deactivated), etc. And as yet another example, security component
2840 may communicate a parameter of steering wheel 2880, where the
parameter of steering wheel 2880 may be a position of steering
wheel 2880, the state of a switch (e.g., for controlling a radio or
navigation system, for controlling a Bluetooth speakerphone system,
for controlling a cruise control system, etc.) of steering wheel
2880, a rotational speed or acceleration, an operational status
(e.g., enabled or activated, disabled or deactivated), etc. And as
yet a further example, security component 2840 may communicate a
parameter of another component (e.g., a tire pressure monitoring
component, an engine management system, security component 2820, an
energy transfer component, interface component 221, power
management component 225, energy storage component 226, power
source 227, charge and/or discharge component 228, meter 229,
another component of vehicle 120, etc.).
[0591] Operations performed by security component 2840 may be
performed using one or more components of security component 2840.
For example, authentication (e.g., of a component, of a user, etc.)
may be performed using authentication component 2842 and/or
processor 2845, where instructions or code used to carry out the
authentication may be stored in memory 2846 for execution by
authentication component 2842 and/or processor 2845. As another
example, one or more operations performed responsive to a
successful authentication (e.g., controlling energy regulation
component 2821, controlling energy regulation component 2841,
controlling vehicle movement control component 2844, sending a
communication between security component 2820 and security
component 2840, etc.) may be performed using at least one component
(e.g., authentication component 2842, communication component 2843,
some combination thereof, etc.) and/or processor 2845, where
instructions or code used to carry out the one or more operations
may be stored in memory 2846 for execution by the at least one
component (e.g., authentication component 2842, communication
component 2843, some combination thereof, etc.) and/or processor
2845. As yet another example, one or more operations performed
responsive to an unsuccessful authentication (e.g., controlling
energy regulation component 2821, controlling energy regulation
component 2841, controlling vehicle movement control component
2844, sending a communication between security component 2820 and
security component 2840, sending a communication to a user, etc.)
may be performed using at least one component (e.g., authentication
component 2842, communication component 2843, some combination
thereof, etc.) and/or processor 2845, where instructions or code
used to carry out the one or more operations may be stored in
memory 2846 for execution by the at least one component (e.g.,
authentication component 2842, communication component 2843, some
combination thereof, etc.) and/or processor 2845.
[0592] As another example, one or more operations performed
responsive to detecting a tampering with a housing (e.g.,
controlling energy regulation component 2821, controlling energy
regulation component 2841, controlling vehicle movement control
component 2844, sending a communication between security component
2820 and security component 2840, sending a communication to a
user, etc.) may be performed using at least one component (e.g.,
tampering detection component 2847, authentication component 2842,
communication component 2843, some combination thereof, etc.)
and/or processor 2845, where instructions or code used to carry out
the one or more operations may be stored in memory 2846 for
execution by the at least one component (e.g., tampering detection
component 2847, authentication component 2842, communication
component 2843, some combination thereof, etc.) and/or processor
2845. As a further example, communication with another component,
device, system, etc. may be performed using at least one component
(e.g., communication component 2843, authentication component 2842,
tampering detection component 2847, some combination thereof, etc.)
and/or processor 2845, where instructions or code used to carry out
the communication may be stored in memory 2846 for execution by the
at least one component (e.g., communication component 2843,
authentication component 2842, tampering detection component 2847,
some combination thereof, etc.) and/or processor 2845.
[0593] In one embodiment, security component 2840 may include a
plurality of integrated circuits (e.g., at least one
application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), at least one
system-on-a-chip (SOC), at least one programmable system-on-a-chip
(PSOC), another type of integrated circuit, etc.) attached to a
plurality of printed circuit boards. Security component 2840 may
include at least one integrated circuit (e.g., at least one
application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), at least one
system-on-a-chip (SOC), at least one programmable system-on-a-chip
(PSOC), another type of integrated circuit, etc.) attached to a
single printed circuit board in one embodiment. In one embodiment,
security component 2840 may be implemented by a single integrated
circuit (e.g., an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a
system on a chip (SOC), programmable system on a chip (PSOC),
etc.). And in one embodiment, components of security component 2840
may be implemented using a single die of an integrated circuit,
more than one die of an integrated circuit, etc.
[0594] As shown in FIG. 28, authentication component 2822 and/or
authentication component 2842 may be used to perform an
authentication of a user. For example, authentication component
2822 and/or authentication component 2842 may compare information
entered by a user (e.g., a code entered using region 1040 of GUI
1000) to other information (e.g., a code, a username, a password,
etc. entered using region 940 of GUI 900, information stored in
memory 2826, information stored in memory 2846, etc.) to determine
if a user is authorized to perform an energy transfer between an
energy transfer system (e.g., 110, 710a, 710b, 710c, etc.) and
vehicle 120. As another example, authentication component 2822
and/or authentication component 2842 may compare information
entered by a user (e.g., a code entered using region 1040 of GUI
1000) to other information (e.g., a code, a username, a password,
etc. entered using region 940 of GUI 900, information stored in
memory 2826, information stored in memory 2846, etc.) to determine
if a user is authorized to use and/or move vehicle 120.
[0595] If the authentication of the user is successful, then one or
more operations may be performed using authentication component
2822 and/or authentication component 2842. For example, if the
authentication of the user is successful, then energy regulation
component 2821 may be controlled (e.g., by authentication component
2822, by processor 2825, etc.) to enable energy to be transferred
to and/or from energy storage medium 2810 (e.g., over energy
transfer interface 2832). In one embodiment, energy transferred to
energy storage medium 2810 via energy regulation component 2821 may
be sufficient to charge energy storage medium. In one embodiment,
energy transferred from energy storage medium 2810 (e.g., over
energy transfer interface 2832) via energy regulation component
2821 may be sufficient to power another component of vehicle 120
(e.g., a radio or navigation system, dashboard, lights, any of the
components of vehicle 120 depicted in FIG. 2, motor 2850,
transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880,
another component of vehicle 120, etc.) and/or perform an energy
transfer with another system (e.g., energy transfer system 110,
another vehicle, etc.).
[0596] As another example, if the authentication of the user is
successful, then energy regulation component 2841 may be controlled
(e.g., using authentication component 2842, using processor 2845,
etc.) to enable energy to be transferred to and/or from a component
of vehicle 120 (e.g., over energy transfer interface 2832, over
interface 2855, over interface 2865, over interface 2875, over
interface 2885, over another interface, etc.). In one embodiment,
the energy transferred via energy regulation component 2841 may be
sufficient to power motor 2850 to move vehicle 120. In one
embodiment, the energy transferred via energy regulation component
2841 may be sufficient to power another component of vehicle 120
(e.g., a radio or navigation system, dashboard, lights, any of the
components of vehicle 120 depicted in FIG. 2, transmission 2860,
braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880, another component of
vehicle 120, etc.) and/or perform an energy transfer with another
system (e.g., energy transfer system 110, another vehicle, etc.).
As yet another example, if the authentication of the user is
successful, then vehicle movement control component 2844 of
security component 2840 may enable use and/or movement of the
vehicle (e.g., by enabling an activation of energy storage
component 226, motor 2850, transmission 2860, braking system 2870,
steering wheel 2880, etc.).
[0597] If the authentication of the user is unsuccessful, then one
or more operations may be performed using authentication component
2822 and/or authentication component 2842. For example, if the
authentication of the user is unsuccessful, energy regulation
component 2821 may be controlled (e.g., by authentication component
2822, by processor 2825, etc.) to reduce the ability to perform (or
to prevent altogether) an energy transfer to and/or from energy
storage medium 2810 (e.g., over energy transfer interface 2832). As
another example, if the authentication of the user is unsuccessful,
energy regulation component 2821 may be controlled (e.g., by
authentication component 2822, by processor 2825, etc.) to reduce
the ability to move or to prevent movement of vehicle 120 (e.g., by
limiting the current, voltage, or another parameter of electricity
to motor 2850).
[0598] As yet another example, if the authentication of the user is
unsuccessful, energy regulation component 2821 may be
advantageously controlled (e.g., by authentication component 2822,
by processor 2825, etc.) to provide a reduced amount of energy
(e.g., from energy storage medium 2810) which is insufficient to
perform an operation (e.g., moving vehicle 120 using motor 2850,
performing an energy transfer between vehicle 120 and an energy
transfer system, performing an energy transfer between vehicle 120
and another vehicle, etc.) yet sufficient to enable a component
(e.g., a radio or navigation system, an instrument located in a
dashboard or other location of vehicle 120, interior lights,
exterior lights, hazard lights, any of the components of vehicle
120 depicted in FIG. 2, motor 2850, transmission 2860, braking
system 2870, steering wheel 2880, another component of vehicle 120,
security component 2840, another security component of vehicle 120,
electronics associated with the door locks of vehicle 120, etc.) of
vehicle 120 to function. As a further example, if the
authentication of the user is unsuccessful, energy regulation
component 2821 may be advantageously controlled (e.g., by
authentication component 2822, by processor 2825, etc.) to provide
a reduced amount of energy (e.g., from energy storage medium 2810)
which is insufficient to perform a first operation (e.g., moving
vehicle 120 using motor 2850, performing an energy transfer between
vehicle 120 and an energy transfer system, performing an energy
transfer between vehicle 120 and another vehicle, etc.) yet
sufficient to perform a second operation (e.g., retain data stored
in a volatile memory of vehicle 120, present a user interface
configured to enable input of information associated with an
authentication of a user, communicate data with a system external
to vehicle 120, communicate a failure of an authentication to a
user or another system, present another user interface enabling a
user to report that vehicle 120 has been stolen, communicate to
another user or another system that vehicle 120 has been stolen,
reduce an ability to move vehicle 120 using security component 2840
or another component of vehicle 120, some combination thereof,
etc.).
[0599] As another example, if the authentication of the user is
unsuccessful, then energy regulation component 2841 may be
controlled (e.g., by authentication component 2842, by processor
2845, etc.) to reduce an ability to transfer energy (or to prevent
altogether an energy transfer) to and/or from a component of
vehicle 120 (e.g., over energy transfer interface 2832, over
interface 2855, over interface 2865, over interface 2875, over
interface 2885, over another interface, etc.). In one embodiment,
the energy transferred via energy regulation component 2841 may be
insufficient to power motor 2850 to move vehicle 120. In one
embodiment, the energy transferred via energy regulation component
2841 may be insufficient to perform an energy transfer with another
system (e.g., energy transfer system 110, another vehicle, etc.).
In one embodiment, the energy transferred via energy regulation
component 2841 may be sufficient to power another component of
vehicle 120 (e.g., a radio or navigation system, dashboard, lights,
any of the components of vehicle 120 depicted in FIG. 2,
transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880,
another component of vehicle 120, etc.).
[0600] As a further example, if the authentication of the user is
unsuccessful, energy regulation component 2841 may be
advantageously controlled (e.g., using authentication component
2842, using processor 2845, etc.) to reduce the ability to move or
to prevent movement of vehicle 120 (e.g., by limiting the current,
voltage, or another parameter of electricity to motor 2850). As
another example, if the authentication of the user is unsuccessful,
energy regulation component 2841 may be advantageously controlled
(e.g., by authentication component 2842, by processor 2845, etc.)
to provide a reduced amount of energy (e.g., from energy storage
medium 2810) which is insufficient to perform an operation (e.g.,
moving vehicle 120 using motor 2850, performing an energy transfer
between vehicle 120 and an energy transfer system, performing an
energy transfer between vehicle 120 and another vehicle, etc.) yet
sufficient to enable a component (e.g., a radio or navigation
system, an instrument located in a dashboard or other location of
vehicle 120, interior lights, exterior lights, hazard lights, any
of the components of vehicle 120 depicted in FIG. 2, motor 2850,
transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880,
another component of vehicle 120, security component 2820, another
security component of vehicle 120, electronics associated with the
door locks of vehicle 120, etc.) of vehicle 120 to function.
[0601] As a further example, if the authentication of the user is
unsuccessful, energy regulation component 2841 may be
advantageously controlled (e.g., using authentication component
2842, using processor 2845, etc.) to provide a reduced amount of
energy (e.g., from energy storage medium 2810) which is
insufficient to perform a first operation (e.g., moving vehicle 120
using motor 2850, performing an energy transfer between vehicle 120
and an energy transfer system, performing an energy transfer
between vehicle 120 and another vehicle, etc.) yet sufficient to
perform a second operation (e.g., retain data stored in a volatile
memory of vehicle 120, present a user interface configured to
enable input of information associated with an authentication of a
user, communicate data with a system external to vehicle 120,
communicate a failure of an authentication to a user or another
system, present another user interface enabling a user to report
that vehicle 120 has been stolen, communicate to another user or
another system that vehicle 120 has been stolen, reduce an ability
to move vehicle 120 using vehicle movement control component 2844
or another component of vehicle 120, some combination thereof,
etc.). As another example, if the authentication of the user is
unsuccessful, vehicle movement control component 2844 may reduce
(or prevent) the ability to use and/or move the vehicle (e.g., by
disabling or otherwise changing a state of energy storage component
226, motor 2850, transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering
wheel 2880, etc.). As yet another example, if the authentication of
the user is unsuccessful, a communication may be sent (e.g., to
interface system 550 for presentation in region 1095 of GUI 1000)
to alert a user that the authentication of the user was
unsuccessful.
[0602] Accordingly, security component 2820 and/or security
component 2840 can increase vehicle security responsive to one or
more events. For example, security component 2820 may reduce
unauthorized use of energy storage component 226 (e.g., by reducing
the ability to use energy storage component 226 in a vehicle other
than vehicle 120, by reducing unauthorized transfers of energy to
and/or from energy storage component, etc.) responsive to a failure
of an authentication of a component (e.g., authentication component
2842, interface component 221, power management component 225,
power source 227, another component of vehicle 120, a component of
energy transfer system 110, a component of an external system or
external device, etc.), a failure of an authentication of a user, a
tampering with a housing, some combination thereof, etc. As another
example, security component 2840 may reduce unauthorized use of
vehicle 120 (e.g., by reducing the ability to use an unauthorized
component, device, or system to power, move, or otherwise use
vehicle 120) responsive to a failure of an authentication of a
component (e.g., authentication component 2822, interface component
221, power management component 225, power source 227, another
component of vehicle 120, a component of energy transfer system
110, a component of an external system or external device, etc.), a
failure of an authentication of a user, a tampering with a housing,
some combination thereof, etc.
[0603] Although FIG. 28 shows a specific number of components, it
should be appreciated that system 2800 may include a larger or
smaller number of components in other embodiments. In one
embodiment, two or more components may be combined (e.g., security
component 2840 may be integrated with or disposed in a housing of
motor 2850, transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel
2880, some combination thereof, etc.), a component may be separated
into multiple components, some combination thereof, etc. It should
also be appreciated that the components depicted in FIG. 28 may be
arranged differently in other embodiments. For example, a
sub-component of one component may be a sub-component of another
component (e.g., security component 2820 may be a sub-component of
energy storage medium 2810, etc.), a sub-component of a component
may exist outside the component as another component (e.g.,
security component 2820 may be disposed at least partially outside
housing 2830 of energy storage component 226, etc.), a component
may be a sub-component of another component (e.g., security
component 2840 may be a sub-component of security component 2820,
security component 2820 may be a sub-component of security
component 2840, etc.), etc.
[0604] FIGS. 29A and 29B show a flowchart of computer-implemented
process 2900 for managing at least one transfer of energy in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown
in FIG. 29A, step 2905 involves determining a position of a vehicle
(e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, etc.). In one embodiment, step
2905 may involve determining a position of at least one energy
transfer component (e.g., 233, 236, 239, 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824,
1832, 1834, 1842, 1844, 2033, 2036a, 2036b, 2036c, 2036d, 2039a,
2039b, 2230, 2240, 2250, 2270, 2280, 2290, 2320, 2330, 2340, 2360,
2370, 2460, 2461, 2630, 2640, 2730, 2740, some combination thereof,
etc.) and/or another component (e.g., a body panel, a wheel, a
tire, etc.) of the vehicle with respect to the energy transfer
system (e.g., 110, 710a, 710b, 710c, etc.) or a component thereof.
And in one embodiment, step 2905 may involve determining a position
of the vehicle (or a component thereof) with respect to at least
one energy transfer component (e.g., 232, 235, 238, 1610, 1620,
1630, 1645, 1655, 1662, 1665, 1675, 1711, 1712, 1713, 1714, 1715,
1721, 1722, 1723, 1724, 1725, 1726, 1727, 1728, 1731, 1732, 1733,
1734, 1735, 1742, 1744, 1752, 1754, 1783, 1785, 1812, 2032, 2035a,
2035b, 2035c, 2035d, 2038a, 2038b, 2110, 2111, 2112, 2113, 2114,
2115, 2116, 2117, 2118, 2660, 2680, 2730, 2740, some combination
thereof, etc.) and/or another component (e.g., a housing, etc.) of
the energy transfer system.
[0605] In one embodiment, step 2905 may be performed using at least
one position detection component. For example, step 2905 may be
performed using at least one position detection component of a
vehicle (e.g., 1940, 1941, 1942, 1943, some combination thereof,
etc.) and/or at least one position detection component of an energy
transfer system (e.g., 1910, 1911, 1912, 1913, some combination
thereof, etc.).
[0606] Step 2905 may be performed using one or more types of
position detection components in one embodiment. For example, step
2905 may be performed using at least one mechanical position
detection component (e.g., 1910, 1940, etc.), at least one optical
position detection component (e.g., 1911, 1941, etc.), at least one
electrical position detection component (e.g., 1912, 1942, etc.),
at least one wave position detection component (e.g., 1913, 1943,
etc.), some combination thereof, etc.
[0607] In one embodiment, step 2905 may be performed using at least
one energy transfer component of a vehicle and/or at least one
energy transfer component of an energy transfer system. For
example, at least one energy transfer component may be used to
determine the position of a vehicle by activating (e.g., using
position detection control component 2010, position detection
control component 2020, some combination thereof, etc.) the at
least one energy transfer component and analyzing the respective
responses corresponding to each of the at least one energy transfer
component (e.g., as discussed with respect to FIG. 20 and/or FIG.
21). In one embodiment, step 2905 may be performed using at least
one energy transfer component configured (e.g., by position
detection control component 2010, position detection control
component 2020, some combination thereof, etc.) to operate in an
energy transfer mode (e.g., as discussed with respect to FIG. 20
and/or FIG. 21). And in one embodiment, step 2905 may be performed
using at least one energy transfer component configured (e.g., by
position detection control component 2010, position detection
control component 2020, some combination thereof, etc.) to operate
in a position detection mode (e.g., as discussed with respect to
FIG. 20 and/or FIG. 21).
[0608] Step 2905 may be performed by determining the type of one or
more objects in one embodiment. For example, the position of a
vehicle or a component thereof may be determined by distinguishing
one component of a vehicle (e.g. a tire, a wheel, an energy
transfer component, etc.) from another component of a vehicle
(e.g., an undercarriage, a body panel, etc.), by distinguishing a
component of a vehicle from another object (e.g., a component of
another system or device, a non-metallic object, a person, another
type of object, etc.), some combination thereof, etc.
[0609] In one embodiment, step 2905 may be performed by determining
the distance of one or more objects (e.g., from an energy transfer
component and/or a position detection component used to determine
the distance or distances). For example, the position of a vehicle
or a component thereof may be determined by distinguishing the
distance of one component of a vehicle (e.g. a tire, a wheel, an
energy transfer component, etc.) from the distance of another
component of a vehicle (e.g., an undercarriage, a body panel,
etc.), by distinguishing the distance of a component of a vehicle
from the distance of another object (e.g., a component of another
system or device, a non-metallic object, a person, another type of
object, etc.), some combination thereof, etc.
[0610] Step 2905 may be performed by activating a plurality of
energy transfer components sequentially in one embodiment. In one
embodiment, step 2905 may be performed by activating a plurality of
energy transfer components simultaneously or contemporaneously. And
in one embodiment, step 2905 may be performed by activating a
plurality of sets of energy transfer components sequentially and/or
contemporaneously.
[0611] In one embodiment, step 2905 may be performed using at least
one position detection component and at least one energy transfer
component (e.g., as discussed with respect to FIG. 19, FIG. 20,
FIG. 21, some combination thereof, etc.). The at least one position
detection component and the at least one energy transfer component
may be disposed adjacent to and/or in proximity to one another. As
such, position detection capabilities and/or energy transfer
capabilities may be improved by increasing the number and/or type
of components capable of being used for position detection, by
positioning the position detection components in proximity to the
energy transfer components, some combination thereof, etc. Further,
use of at least one position detection component and at least one
energy transfer components to detect or determine the position of a
vehicle (or a component thereof) may provide redundancy and/or
improve the precision of position detection. And in one embodiment,
step 2905 may involve determining the relative positioning of
multiple vehicles with respect to one another, where the relative
positioning may be determined using at least one position detection
component and/or at least one energy transfer component.
[0612] In one embodiment, step 2905 may involve determining the
position of an energy transfer component of a vehicle and/or an
energy transfer component of an energy transfer system based on an
orientation (e.g., angular position, etc.) of a wheel of the
vehicle (e.g., 1840, 2220, 2310, 2350, 2420, etc.) and/or a tire of
the vehicle (e.g., 1830, 2210, 2260, 2410, etc.). The orientation
of a wheel and/or tire may be determined using at least one sensor
coupled with the tire, at least one sensor coupled with the wheel,
at least one sensor coupled with a portion of the vehicle which
monitors rotation of a tire and/or rotation of a wheel, some
combination thereof, etc. In one embodiment, the position of an
energy transfer component of a wheel and/or an energy transfer
component of a tire may be determined based upon an orientation of
the wheel and/or tire. For example, responsive to detecting in step
2905 that wheel 1840 and/or tire 1830 are in the orientation
depicted in FIG. 18, it may be further determined in step 2905 that
energy transfer component 1844 and/or 1834 are within a
predetermined distance from surface 1890 and/or in a position to
transfer energy with energy transfer component 1721 (e.g., based on
information from a manufacturer of wheel 1840, based on information
from a manufacturer of tire 1830, based on a calibration performed
after installing wheel 1840 and/or tire 1830 on vehicle 1802,
etc.). As another example, an energy transfer component of a
vehicle (e.g., 1834, 1844, etc.) may be configured (e.g., in a
position detection mode, in an energy transfer mode, etc.) to
determine the position of an energy transfer component of an energy
transfer system (e.g., 1721) responsive to detecting in step 2905
that the energy transfer component of the vehicle is in a
particular position or range of positions (e.g., within a
predetermined distance from surface 1890, etc.), thereby enabling
the determination of a position of an energy transfer component of
an energy transfer system based upon an orientation (e.g., angular
position, etc.) of a wheel of the vehicle (e.g., 1840, 2220, 2310,
2350, 2420, etc.) and/or a tire of the vehicle (e.g., 1830, 2210,
2260, 2410, etc.).
[0613] Step 2905 may be performed before an energy transfer, during
an energy transfer, after an energy transfer, or some combination
thereof. For example, one or more components (e.g., pre-transfer
control component 1350, pre-transfer control component 1390,
pre-transfer processing component 620, etc.) may be used to detect,
determine or otherwise access the position of the vehicle before an
energy transfer to facilitate the initiation or setup of at least
one energy transfer, to facilitate the initiation or setup of at
least one transaction for the at least one energy transfer, for
some other purpose, etc. As another example, one or more components
(e.g., interface component 211, energy transfer management
component 1410, interface component 221, energy transfer processing
component 630, etc.) may be used to detect, determine or otherwise
access the position of the vehicle during an energy transfer to
facilitate the performance of at least one energy transfer, for
some other purpose, etc. And as yet another example, one or more
components (e.g., post-transfer control component 1351,
post-transfer control component 1391, post-transfer processing
component 640, etc.) may be used to detect, determine or otherwise
access the position of the vehicle after an energy transfer to
facilitate the conclusion of at least one energy transfer, to
facilitate the conclusion of at least one transaction for the at
least one energy transfer, for some other purpose, etc.
[0614] As shown in FIG. 29A, step 2910 involves communicating with
the vehicle. At least one communication may be sent between the
vehicle and at least one energy transfer system, between the
vehicle and at least one other vehicle, between the vehicle and at
least one other system (e.g., interface system 550, payment system
560, computer system 2890, etc.), some combination thereof, etc. At
least one communication (e.g., including data) may be sent in step
2910 over at least one energy transfer interface (e.g., 132, 231,
234, 237, 2031, 2034a, 2034b, 2034c, 2034d, 2037a, 2037b, 2832,
etc.), at least one signal interface (e.g., 134, 2834, etc.) which
is separate from an energy transfer interface, over another type of
interface (e.g., a cellular network such as a cellular data
network, a cellular phone network, etc.), some combination thereof,
etc. And in one embodiment, step 2910 may be performed by at least
one component of a vehicle (e.g., communication interface 242,
communication component 2823, communication component 2843, etc.),
at least one component of an energy transfer system (e.g.,
communication interface 241, communication interface 441a,
communication interface 441b, communication interface 441c, etc.),
at least one component of another system (e.g., interface system
550, payment system 560, computer system 2890, etc.), some
combination thereof, etc.
[0615] Step 2910 may be performed before an energy transfer, during
an energy transfer, after an energy transfer, or some combination
thereof. For example, one or more components (e.g., pre-transfer
control component 1350, pre-transfer control component 1390,
pre-transfer processing component 620, interface component 211,
interface component 221, etc.) may be used to communicate with the
vehicle before an energy transfer to facilitate the initiation or
setup of at least one energy transfer, to facilitate the initiation
or setup of at least one transaction for the at least one energy
transfer, for some other purpose, etc. As another example, one or
more components (e.g., interface component 211, energy transfer
management component 1410, interface component 221, energy transfer
processing component 630, etc.) may be used to communicate with the
vehicle during an energy transfer to facilitate the performance of
at least one energy transfer, for some other purpose, etc. And as
yet another example, one or more components (e.g., post-transfer
control component 1351, post-transfer control component 1391,
post-transfer processing component 640, interface component 211,
interface component 221, etc.) may be used to communicate with the
vehicle after an energy transfer to facilitate the conclusion of at
least one energy transfer, to facilitate the conclusion of at least
one transaction for the at least one energy transfer, for some
other purpose, etc.
[0616] In one embodiment, step 2910 may involve establishing
communication with a vehicle by determining at least one interface
(e.g., an energy transfer interface, a signal interface, another
type of interface, etc.) available to communicate signals,
synchronizing components used to perform the communication (e.g.,
communication interface 241 and communication interface 242, at
least one component of an energy transfer system and at least one
component of the vehicle, etc.), executing at least one handshake
procedure, some combination thereof, etc. Step 2910 may involve
identifying the vehicle based on information about the vehicle
(e.g., a vehicle identifier or other data used to identify the
vehicle, data communicated from the vehicle, data communicated from
the energy transfer system, etc.), an image (e.g., captured using
camera 1321, camera 1371, etc.) of the license plate or another
component of the vehicle, some combination thereof, etc. And in one
embodiment, step 2910 may involve communicating information such as
at least one attribute of an energy transfer (e.g., an energy
transfer type, an interface type, a power, a current, a voltage, an
energy transfer profile, a duration, a waveform, a temperature,
etc.), at least one cost (e.g., billable to an individual and/or
entity associated with the vehicle, billable to an individual
and/or entity associated with the energy transfer system, etc.)
associated with an energy transfer, authentication information
(e.g., credentials, information associated with an authentication
of a component, information associated with an authentication of a
user, etc.), information associated with vehicle security (e.g., a
result of an authentication of a component, a result of an
authentication of a user, a detection of a tampering, image data or
video data associated with surveillance or monitoring of a vehicle
and/or an energy transfer system, audio data associated with
surveillance or monitoring of a vehicle and/or an energy transfer
system, etc.), any information presented by or input using GUI 800,
any information presented by or input using GUI 900, any
information presented by or input using GUI 1000, other types of
information, some combination thereof, etc.
[0617] As shown in FIG. 29A, step 2915 involves monitoring the
vehicle. Step 2915 may be performed before an energy transfer
(e.g., using pre-transfer control component 1350, pre-transfer
control component 1390, pre-transfer processing component 620,
interface component 211, interface component 221, etc.), during an
energy transfer (e.g., using interface component 211, energy
transfer management component 1410, interface component 221, energy
transfer processing component 630, etc.), after an energy transfer
(e.g., using post-transfer control component 1351, post-transfer
control component 1391, post-transfer processing component 640,
interface component 211, interface component 221, etc.), or some
combination thereof. And in one embodiment, step 2915 may be
automatically initiated or performed responsive to step 2910 and/or
step 2905.
[0618] In one embodiment, the monitoring in step 2915 may be
performed using a component of the vehicle. For example, an
attribute (e.g., an energy transfer type, an interface type, a
power, a current, a voltage, an energy transfer profile, a
duration, a waveform, a temperature, etc.) associated with an
energy transfer (e.g., between the vehicle and an energy transfer
system, between the vehicle and another vehicle, etc.) may be
determined or measured in step 2915 using a component of the
vehicle (e.g., meter 229, etc.). As another example, a component of
the vehicle may be used to determine or measure a status associated
with an energy transfer (e.g., between the vehicle and an energy
transfer system, between the vehicle and at least one other
vehicle, etc.) in step 2915, where the status associated with an
energy transfer may be a status associated with an energy transfer
interface (e.g., as displayed in region 1020, 1021, 1022, etc. of
GUI 1000), a status associated with a signal interface (e.g., as
displayed in region 1023 of GUI 1000), a status of at least one
energy transfer (e.g., as displayed in region 1024 of GUI 1000),
etc. As yet another example, a status (e.g., opened, closed, on,
off, activated, deactivated, in a low-power mode, in a higher-power
mode, in a location, at a rotational speed, etc.) of one or more
components of a vehicle (e.g., a door, a hood, a trunk, a canopy, a
headlight, an interior light, a radio, a communication system, a
propeller, a rotor, etc.) may be determined or measured in step
2915 using a component of the vehicle (e.g., a sensor or other
component configured to determine or measure the status). And as a
further example, a parameter of the vehicle (e.g., a temperature,
pressure, fluid level, voltage, rotational speed of a component,
etc.) may be determined or measured in step 2915 using a sensor of
the vehicle.
[0619] As another example, step 2915 may involve capturing (e.g.,
using camera 1371, another image capture device, etc.) one or more
images (e.g., at least one still image, at least one frame of video
data, etc.) of at least one component of the vehicle, at least one
component of at least one energy transfer system, a user of the
vehicle, a user attempting to perform an energy transfer involving
the vehicle, other objects at the site of an energy transfer, some
combination thereof, etc. And as yet another example, step 2915 may
involve capturing (e.g., using microphone 1373, another audio
capture device, etc.) sound of at least one component of the
vehicle, at least one component of at least one energy transfer
system, a user of the vehicle, a user attempting to perform an
energy transfer involving the vehicle, other objects at the site of
an energy transfer, some combination thereof, etc.
[0620] In one embodiment, step 2915 may be performed by a component
of a system external to or separate from the vehicle (e.g., an
energy transfer system, interface system 550, etc.). For example,
step 2915 may involve capturing (e.g., using camera 1321, another
image capture device, etc.) one or more images (e.g., at least one
still image, at least one frame of video data, etc.) of at least
one component of the vehicle, at least one component of at least
one energy transfer system, a user of the vehicle, a user
attempting to perform an energy transfer involving the vehicle,
other objects at the site of an energy transfer, some combination
thereof, etc. As another example, step 2915 may involve capturing
(e.g., using microphone 1323, another audio capture device, etc.)
sound of at least one component of the vehicle, at least one
component of at least one energy transfer system, a user of the
vehicle, a user attempting to perform an energy transfer involving
the vehicle, other objects at the site of an energy transfer, some
combination thereof, etc.
[0621] As yet another example, an attribute (e.g., an energy
transfer type, an interface type, a power, a current, a voltage, an
energy transfer profile, a duration, a waveform, a temperature,
etc.) associated with an energy transfer (e.g., between the vehicle
and an energy transfer system, between the vehicle and at least one
other vehicle, etc.) may be determined or measured in step 2915
using a component (e.g., meter 219, another component, etc.) of a
system external to or separate from the vehicle (e.g., the energy
transfer system, interface system 550, etc.). As another example, a
component of a system other than the vehicle may be used to
determine or measure a status associated with an energy transfer
(e.g., between the vehicle and an energy transfer system, between
the vehicle and another vehicle, etc.) in step 2915, where the
status associated with an energy transfer may be a status
associated with an energy transfer interface (e.g., as displayed in
region 1020, 1021, 1022, etc. of GUI 1000), a status associated
with a signal interface (e.g., as displayed in region 1023 of GUI
1000), a status of at least one energy transfer (e.g., as displayed
in region 1024 of GUI 1000), etc. As yet another example, a status
(e.g., opened, closed, on, off, activated, deactivated, in a
low-power mode, in a higher-power mode, in a certain location,
rotational speed, etc.) of one or more components of a vehicle
(e.g., a door, a hood, a trunk, a canopy, a headlight, an interior
light, a radio, a communication system, a rotor, etc.) may be
determined or measured in step 2915 using a component (e.g., a
sensor or other component separate from the vehicle and configured
to determine or measure the status) of a system other than the
vehicle. And as a further example, a parameter of the vehicle
(e.g., a temperature, pressure, fluid level, voltage, rotational
speed of a component, etc.) may be determined or measured in step
2915 using a component (e.g., a sensor or other component separate
from the vehicle and configured to determine or measure the
parameter) of a system other than the vehicle.
[0622] In one embodiment, step 2915 may be performed using a
component of the vehicle in combination with a component of a
system external to or separate from the vehicle (e.g., the energy
transfer system, interface system 550, etc.). For example,
information from the component of the vehicle and information from
the component of the system other than the vehicle may be combined
in step 2915 (e.g., video data from each source may be merged or
otherwise processed for contemporaneous display, audio data from
each source may be merged or otherwise processed for
contemporaneous playback, etc.), processed to determine a result
(e.g., separate values of a parameter may be averaged or otherwise
processed to determine a resultant value for the parameter, etc.),
etc.
[0623] In one embodiment, step 2915 may involve communicating
information which is measured or determined. For example,
information may be communicated from the vehicle to another system
(e.g., an energy transfer system, interface system 550, etc.), from
an energy transfer system to another system (e.g., the vehicle,
interface system 550, etc.), from one system (e.g., interface
system 550) to another system (e.g., the vehicle, an energy
transfer system, etc.), etc. As such, in one embodiment, step 2915
may implement remote monitoring of the vehicle, an energy transfer
system, another vehicle or system, etc.
[0624] As shown in FIG. 29A, step 2920 involves performing an
authentication of a user and/or at least one component. In one
embodiment, step 2920 may be performed by a component of the
vehicle (e.g., authentication component 1380, authentication
component 2822, authentication component 2842, etc.) and/or a
component of a system other than the vehicle (e.g., authentication
component 1340, etc.). And in one embodiment, step 2920 may be
performed in accordance with one or more steps of process 3000 of
FIG. 30A and/or FIG. 30B.
[0625] FIGS. 30A and 30B show a flowchart of computer-implemented
process 3000 for increasing vehicle security in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 30A, step
3005 involves detecting an interaction with a vehicle (e.g., 120,
320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, etc.). For example, step 3005 may involve
detecting an interaction with a vehicle such as an attempt to gain
access to a compartment or region of the vehicle (e.g., by opening
a door, hood, trunk, canopy, cover, etc.), an attempt to start the
vehicle, an attempt to use or move the vehicle, an attempt to turn
on a radio or other component of the vehicle, etc. As another
example, step 3005 may involve detecting an attempt to transfer
energy to and/or from an energy storage component (e.g., 216, 226,
etc.), another component of the vehicle (e.g., security component
2820, security component 2840, motor 2850, transmission 2860,
braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880, etc.), some combination
thereof, etc.
[0626] Step 3010 involves performing an authentication of a first
component. In one embodiment, the first component may be a
component other than an energy storage component (e.g., 226) or any
component thereof (e.g., energy storage medium 2810, security
component 2820, authentication component 2822, etc.). For example,
the first component may be security component 2840, authentication
component 2842, interface component 221, power management component
225, power source 227, motor 2850, transmission 2860, braking
system 2870, steering wheel 2880, another component of the vehicle,
a component of an energy transfer system (e.g., 110, 710a, 710b,
710c, etc.), a component of a system other than the vehicle, etc.
In one embodiment, the first component may be any component
attempting to use or otherwise access energy storage component 226
or any component thereof (e.g., energy storage medium 2810,
security component 2820, authentication component 2822, etc.). As
such, in one embodiment, unauthorized use of and/or access to
energy storage component 226 may be reduced (e.g., by reducing the
ability or ease of using energy storage component 226 in a vehicle
other than vehicle 120, by reducing unauthorized transfers of
energy to and/or from energy storage component 226, etc.).
[0627] In one embodiment, the authentication in step 3010 may be
performed by authentication component 2822. For example,
authentication component 2822 may compare an identifier (e.g.,
generated and/or sent from the component undergoing authentication)
to authentication data (e.g., stored in memory 2826, a register of
processor 2825, another portion of security component 2820, etc.).
In one embodiment, the identifier may be a unique identifier which
is associated with only the component undergoing authentication and
does not correspond to or otherwise identify any other component.
In one embodiment, the identifier may be a unique identifier which
is associated with only the vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c,
1802, etc.) and does not correspond to or otherwise identify any
other vehicle. In one embodiment, the identifier may be a key
(e.g., public key, private key, etc.), data encrypted or encoded by
a component performing the authentication or by another trusted
party, etc. In one embodiment, the identifier may be sent in step
3010 from the component undergoing authentication responsive to a
request for identification sent from authentication component 2822.
In one embodiment, communications sent in step 3010 between
security component 2820 and the component undergoing authentication
may be encrypted (e.g., by the sender) and/or decrypted (e.g., by
the recipient).
[0628] In one embodiment, the authentication in step 3010 may be
performed by computer system 2890. For example, computer system
2890 may compare an identifier (e.g., generated and/or sent from
the component undergoing authentication) to authentication data.
For example, where the authentication data is stored in security
component 2820 (e.g., stored in memory 2826, a register of
processor 2825, another portion of security component 2820, etc.),
the identifier and the authentication data may be sent (e.g.,
separately, together, sequentially, simultaneously or
contemporaneously, etc.) in step 3010 to computer system 2890 via
communication interface 242 for comparison by computer system
2890.
[0629] As another example, where computer system 2890 includes or
can otherwise access the authentication data (e.g., 2895), the
identifier may be sent in step 3010 to computer system 2890 via
communication interface 242 for comparison with authentication data
2895 by computer system 2890. Authentication data 2895 may be part
of a data structure or database which includes an index of
components (e.g., including energy storage component 226, security
component 2820, some combination thereof, etc.) and respective
authentication data corresponding to each of the components, where
the data structure or database may be indexed in step 3010 using an
identifier of a component (e.g., energy storage component 226,
security component 2820, some combination thereof, etc.) to access
authentication data for comparison to the identifier of the
component undergoing authentication. In one embodiment, the
identifier of the other component (e.g., energy storage component
226, security component 2820, some combination thereof, etc.) may
be sent in step 3010 to computer system 2890 along with (e.g.,
simultaneously with, contemporaneously with, as part of the same
data packet, etc.) or separate from (e.g., sequentially with, at
another time than, in a different data packet, etc.) the identifier
of the component undergoing authentication.
[0630] In one embodiment, the identifier of the component
undergoing authentication may be sent (e.g., to computer system
2890) in step 3010 from the component undergoing authentication
responsive to a request for identification sent from authentication
component 2822. In one embodiment, the identifier sent in step 3010
to computer system 2890 may be a unique identifier which is
associated with only the component undergoing authentication and
does not correspond to or otherwise identify any other component.
In one embodiment, the identifier may be a key (e.g., public key,
private key, etc.), data encrypted or encoded by a component
performing the authentication or by another trusted party, etc. In
one embodiment, communications sent in step 3010 between security
component 2820, the component undergoing authentication, computer
system 2890, or some combination thereof, may be encrypted (e.g.,
by the sender) and/or decrypted (e.g., by the recipient).
[0631] In one embodiment, step 3010 may involve processing the
identifier (e.g., of the component undergoing authentication)
and/or the authentication data before comparison. For example, the
identifier (e.g., of the component undergoing authentication)
and/or the authentication data may be decrypted before comparison,
alternatively processed or altered before comparison, etc.
[0632] As shown in FIG. 30A, step 3015 involves determining whether
the authentication of the first component (e.g., performed in step
3010) is successful. In one embodiment, the authentication
performed in step 3010 may be successful (e.g., the component
undergoing authentication is determined to be authorized) if the
identifier associated with the component undergoing authentication
matches the authentication data (e.g., stored in memory 2826,
stored in a register of processor 2825, stored in another portion
of security component 2820, authentication data 2895, etc.).
Alternatively, the authentication performed in step 3010 may be
unsuccessful (e.g., the component undergoing authentication is
determined not to be authorized) if the identifier associated with
the component undergoing authentication does not match the
authentication data (e.g., stored in memory 2826, stored in a
register of processor 2825, stored in another portion of security
component 2820, authentication data 2895, etc.). If the
authentication is not successful, then step 3055 of FIG. 30B may be
performed. Alternatively, if the authentication is successful, then
step 3020 may be performed.
[0633] Step 3020 involves performing an authentication of a second
component. In one embodiment, the second component may be an energy
storage component (e.g., 226) or some component thereof (e.g.,
security component 2820, authentication component 2822, etc.). In
one embodiment, the second component may be any component (of the
vehicle, of another vehicle, of an energy transfer system, of
another system or device, etc.) attempting to use or otherwise
access a component of the vehicle (e.g., security component 2840,
authentication component 2842, interface component 221, power
management component 225, power source 227, motor 2850,
transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880,
another component of the vehicle, etc.). As such, in one
embodiment, unauthorized access to vehicle 120 may be reduced
(e.g., by reducing the ability or ease of using an unauthorized
device or system to power, move, use or otherwise access to the
vehicle or a component thereof).
[0634] In one embodiment, the authentication in step 3020 may be
performed by authentication component 2842. For example,
authentication component 2842 may compare an identifier (e.g.,
generated and/or sent from the component undergoing authentication)
to authentication data (e.g., stored in memory 2846, a register of
processor 2845, another portion of security component 2840, etc.).
In one embodiment, the identifier may be a unique identifier which
is associated with only the component undergoing authentication and
does not correspond to or otherwise identify any other component.
In one embodiment, the identifier may be a unique identifier which
is associated with only the vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c,
1802, etc.) and does not correspond to or otherwise identify any
other vehicle. In one embodiment, the identifier may be a key
(e.g., public key, private key, etc.), data encrypted or encoded by
a component performing the authentication or by another trusted
party, etc. In one embodiment, the identifier may be sent in step
3020 from the component undergoing authentication responsive to a
request for identification sent from authentication component 2842.
In one embodiment, communications sent in step 3020 between
security component 2840 and the component undergoing authentication
may be encrypted (e.g., by the sender) and/or decrypted (e.g., by
the recipient).
[0635] In one embodiment, the authentication in step 3020 may be
performed by computer system 2890. For example, computer system
2890 may compare an identifier (e.g., generated and/or sent from
the component undergoing authentication) to authentication data.
For example, where the authentication data is stored in security
component 2840 (e.g., stored in memory 2846, a register of
processor 2845, another portion of security component 2840, etc.),
the identifier and the authentication data may be sent (e.g.,
separately, together, sequentially, simultaneously,
contemporaneously, etc.) in step 3020 to computer system 2890 via
communication interface 242 for comparison by computer system
2890.
[0636] As another example, where computer system 2890 includes or
can otherwise access the authentication data (e.g., 2895), the
identifier may be sent in step 3020 to computer system 2890 via
communication interface 242 for comparison with authentication data
2895 by computer system 2890. Authentication data 2895 may be part
of a data structure or database which includes an index of
components (e.g., including security component 2840, a component
which includes security component 2840, motor 2850, transmission
2860 braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880, some combination
thereof, etc.) and respective authentication data corresponding to
each of the components, where the data structure or database may be
indexed in step 3020 using an identifier of a component (e.g.,
security component 2840, a component which includes security
component 2840, motor 2850, transmission 2860 braking system 2870,
steering wheel 2880, some combination thereof, etc.) to access
authentication data for comparison to the identifier of the
component undergoing authentication. In one embodiment, the
identifier of the other component (e.g., security component 2840, a
component which includes security component 2840, motor 2850,
transmission 2860 braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880, some
combination thereof, etc.) may be sent in step 3020 to computer
system 2890 along with (e.g., simultaneously with,
contemporaneously with, as part of the same data packet, etc.) or
separate from (e.g., sequentially with, at another time than, in a
different data packet, etc.) the identifier of the component
undergoing authentication.
[0637] In one embodiment, the identifier of the component
undergoing authentication may be sent (e.g., to computer system
2890) in step 3020 from the component undergoing authentication
responsive to a request for identification sent from authentication
component 2842. In one embodiment, the identifier sent in step 3020
to computer system 2890 may be a unique identifier which is
associated with only the component undergoing authentication and
does not correspond to or otherwise identify any other component.
In one embodiment, the identifier may be a key (e.g., public key,
private key, etc.), data encrypted or encoded by a component
performing the authentication or by another trusted party, etc. In
one embodiment, communications sent in step 3020 between security
component 2840, the component undergoing authentication, computer
system 2890, or some combination thereof, may be encrypted (e.g.,
by the sender) and/or decrypted (e.g., by the recipient).
[0638] In one embodiment, step 3020 may involve processing the
identifier (e.g., of the component undergoing authentication)
and/or the authentication data before comparison. For example, the
identifier (e.g., of the component undergoing authentication)
and/or the authentication data may be decrypted before comparison,
alternatively processed or altered before comparison, etc.
[0639] As shown in FIG. 30A, step 3025 involves determining whether
the authentication of the second component (e.g., performed in step
3020) is successful. In one embodiment, the authentication
performed in step 3020 may be successful (e.g., the component
undergoing authentication is determined to be authorized) if the
identifier associated with the component undergoing authentication
matches the authentication data (e.g., stored in memory 2846,
stored in a register of processor 2845, stored in another portion
of security component 2840, authentication data 2895, etc.).
Alternatively, the authentication performed in step 3020 may be
unsuccessful (e.g., the component undergoing authentication is
determined not to be authorized) if the identifier associated with
the component undergoing authentication does not match the
authentication data (e.g., stored in memory 2846, stored in a
register of processor 2845, stored in another portion of security
component 2840, authentication data 2895, etc.). If the
authentication is not successful, then step 3055 of FIG. 30B may be
performed. Alternatively, if the authentication is successful, then
step 3030 may be performed.
[0640] Step 3030 involves generating data to present a user
interface for authenticating a user. For example, data may be
generated in step 3030 to present a GUI (e.g., 1000) with a region
(e.g., 1040) enabling a user to enter information (e.g., a code, a
username, a password, etc.) used to authenticate the user (e.g., to
determine if the user is authorized to perform an energy transfer
associated with the vehicle, use the vehicle, move the vehicle,
etc.). The information (e.g., a code, a username, a password, etc.)
used to authenticate the user may be entered using a region of the
GUI (e.g., character entry region 1044 including one or more "soft
keys" enabling the input of a character such as a letter, number,
symbol, etc.), an input device of the vehicle (e.g., one or more
physical buttons or keys, a touch screen, an audio input system, a
voice recognition system, an optical recognition system capable of
recognizing a fingerprint or eye, etc.), an input device of an
energy transfer system (e.g., one or more physical buttons or keys,
a touch screen, a voice recognition system, an optical recognition
system capable of recognizing a fingerprint or eye, etc.), etc. The
user interface may be displayed on a display device (e.g., 725,
521, 522, 523, etc.) of the vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c,
1802, etc.), a display device (e.g., 795, 591, 593, 595, etc.) of a
computer system (e.g., 790, 590, 592, 594, etc.), a display device
(e.g., 511, etc.) of an energy transfer system (e.g., 110, 710a,
710b, 710c, etc.), another display device, etc. The data may be
generated in step 3030 to display the user interface responsive to
an interaction with the vehicle (e.g., in step 3005), a change in
speed of the vehicle, a change in acceleration of the vehicle, a
stopping of the vehicle, a change in status of a component of the
vehicle (e.g., an opening of a door, a closing of a door, a setting
of a parking brake, a release of a parking brake, a placement of a
gear shift lever in a "park" setting, a gear change implemented
within the transmission, etc.), some combination thereof, etc.
[0641] As shown in FIG. 30A, step 3035 involves performing an
authentication of a user. For example, the information entered by
the user (e.g., via the GUI displayed using the data generated in
step 3030) may be compared to other information (e.g., a code, a
username, a password, etc. entered using region 940 of FIG. 9) to
determine if a user is authorized to perform an energy transfer
associated with the vehicle (e.g., transfer energy to the vehicle,
transfer energy from the vehicle, etc.), use the vehicle, move the
vehicle, etc. The authentication may be performed in step 3035 by a
component of the vehicle (e.g., authentication component 1380,
authentication component 2822, authentication component 2842,
etc.), a component of an energy transfer system (e.g.,
authentication component 1340, etc.), a component of interface
system 550 (e.g., pre-transfer processing component 620, energy
transfer processing component 630, post-transfer processing
component 640, etc.), computer system 2890, some combination
thereof, etc. In one embodiment, step 3035 may involve
communicating the information entered by the user from one system
(e.g., interface system 550) to another system (e.g., the system
performing the comparison). And in one embodiment, step 3035 may
involve communicating the other information (e.g., a code, a
username, a password, etc. entered using region 940 of FIG. 9) from
one system (e.g., the system or device presenting the user
interface based on data generated in step 3030, the system or
device which stores the information entered via the user interface
presented using data generated in step 3030, etc.) to another
system (e.g., the system performing the comparison).
[0642] As shown in FIG. 30B, step 3040 involves determining whether
the authentication of the user (e.g., performed in step 3035) is
successful. In one embodiment, the authentication performed in step
3035 may be successful (e.g., the user is determined to be
authorized) if the information entered by the user (e.g., via the
GUI displayed using data generated in step 3030) matches the other
information (e.g., a code, a username, a password, etc. entered
using region 940 of FIG. 9). Alternatively, the authentication
performed in step 3035 may be unsuccessful (e.g., the user is
determined to be unauthorized) if the information entered by the
user (e.g., via the GUI displayed using data generated in step
3030) does not match the other information (e.g., a code, a
username, a password, etc. entered using region 940 of FIG. 9). If
the authentication is not successful, then step 3055 may be
performed. Alternatively, if the authentication is successful, then
step 3045 may be performed.
[0643] Step 3045 involves determining whether any tampering is
detected. For example, step 3045 may involve determining whether
any tampering is detected (e.g., by tampering detection component
2827) with a housing (e.g., 2830) of an energy storage component
(e.g., 226). As another example, step 3045 may involve determining
whether any tampering is detected (e.g., by tampering detection
component 2847) with a housing of another component (e.g., motor
2850, transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880,
etc.). In one embodiment, step 3045 may be performed by tampering
detection component 2827, tampering detection component 2847,
processor 2825, processor 2845, a component of an energy transfer
system, a component of interface system 550 (e.g., pre-transfer
processing component 620, energy transfer processing component 630,
post-transfer processing component 640, etc.), computer system
2890, some combination thereof, etc.
[0644] If tampering is not detected in step 3045, then step 3050
may be performed. Alternatively, if tampering is detected in step
3045, then step 3055 may be performed.
[0645] As shown in FIG. 30B, step 3050 involves enabling an energy
transfer associated with the vehicle (e.g., from one component of
the vehicle to another component of the vehicle, between the
vehicle and an energy transfer system, between the vehicle and
another vehicle, etc.), movement of the vehicle, use of the
vehicle, or some combination thereof. For example, an energy
transfer associated with the vehicle may be enabled in step 3050 by
a component of the vehicle (e.g., energy regulation component 2821,
energy regulation component 2841, interface component 221, power
management component 225, charge and/or discharge component 228,
meter 229, some combination thereof, etc.), a component of an
energy transfer system (e.g., interface component 211, power
management component 215, charge and/or discharge component 218,
meter 219, energy transfer management component 1410, some
combination thereof, etc.), a component of another system (e.g.,
interface system 550, computer system 2890, etc.), some combination
thereof, etc. As another example, movement of the vehicle may be
enabled in step 3050 by enabling energy to be transferred to and/or
from a component (e.g., energy storage component 226, motor 2850,
transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880, etc.)
of the vehicle (e.g., by controlling or otherwise using energy
regulation component 2821, energy regulation component 2841, some
combination thereof, etc.), by enabling or activating a component
(e.g., energy storage component 226, motor 2850, transmission 2860,
braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880, etc.) of the vehicle
(e.g., by controlling or otherwise using vehicle movement control
component 2844), some combination thereof, etc. As yet another
example, use of the vehicle may be enabled in step 3050 by enabling
energy to be transferred to and/or from a component (e.g., energy
storage component 226, motor 2850, transmission 2860, braking
system 2870, steering wheel 2880, etc.) of the vehicle (e.g., by
controlling or otherwise using energy regulation component 2821,
energy regulation component 2841, some combination thereof, etc.),
by enabling or activating a component (e.g., energy storage
component 226, motor 2850, transmission 2860, braking system 2870,
steering wheel 2880, etc.) of the vehicle (e.g., by controlling or
otherwise using vehicle movement control component 2844), some
combination thereof, etc.
[0646] As shown in FIG. 30B, step 3055 involves reducing an ability
to transfer energy to and/or from a component (e.g., energy storage
component 226, motor 2850, transmission 2860, braking system 2870,
steering wheel 2880, another component of the vehicle, some
combination thereof, etc.) of the vehicle. Step 3055 may be
performed by controlling or otherwise using a component of the
vehicle (e.g., energy regulation component 2821, energy regulation
component 2841, interface component 221, power management component
225, charge and/or discharge component 228, meter 229, some
combination thereof, etc.), a component of an energy transfer
system (e.g., interface component 211, power management component
215, charge and/or discharge component 218, meter 219, energy
transfer management component 1410, some combination thereof,
etc.), a component of another system (e.g., interface system 550,
computer system 2890, etc.), some combination thereof, etc.
[0647] Step 3060 involves reducing the ability to move and/or use
the vehicle. Step 3060 may be performed by providing a reduced
amount of energy to and/or from a component (e.g., energy storage
component 226, motor 2850, transmission 2860, braking system 2870,
steering wheel 2880, etc.) of the vehicle (e.g., by controlling or
otherwise using energy regulation component 2821, energy regulation
component 2841, some combination thereof, etc.), by altering at
least one parameter (e.g., by limiting the current, voltage, or
another parameter) of energy transferred to and/or from a component
(e.g., energy storage component 226, motor 2850, transmission 2860,
braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880, etc.) of the vehicle
(e.g., by controlling or otherwise using energy regulation
component 2821, energy regulation component 2841, some combination
thereof, etc.), by disabling or deactivating a component (e.g.,
energy storage component 226, motor 2850, transmission 2860,
braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880, etc.) of the vehicle
(e.g., by controlling or otherwise using vehicle movement control
component 2844), some combination thereof, etc.
[0648] As shown in FIG. 30B, step 3065 involves communicating a
failure of an authentication (e.g., determined in step 3015, step
3025, step 3040, some combination thereof, etc.) and/or a tampering
detection (e.g., determined in step 3045) to a user (e.g., an
authenticated or authorized user associated with information
entered using GUI 900, a user other than the user causing the
authentication failure and tampering, etc.). The failure of the
authentication (e.g., determined in step 3015, step 3025, step
3040, some combination thereof, etc.) and/or the tampering
detection (e.g., determined in step 3045) may be displayed using a
region (e.g., 1095) of a GUI (e.g., 1000) responsive to the
communication sent in step 3065 in one embodiment. In one
embodiment, the authentication failure and/or tampering detection
may be presented using a component of the vehicle (e.g., display
device 521, display device 522, display device 523, display device
725, speaker 1374, etc.) responsive to the communication sent in
step 3065 in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the authentication
failure and/or tampering detection may be presented (e.g.,
responsive to the communication sent in step 3065) using a
component (e.g., an audio output component, a display device, etc.)
of a system (e.g., computer system 590, computer system 592,
computer system 594, computer system 790, energy transfer system
110, another energy transfer system, etc.) which is located
remotely from the vehicle, thereby providing remote notifications
to inform users of unauthorized activity associated with the
vehicle without requiring the user to be physically at (e.g.,
outside of, inside of, etc.) or near the vehicle. And in one
embodiment, data associated with the authentication failure and/or
tampering detection may be sent in step 3065 via interface system
550 (e.g., from the system performing the authentication and/or
determining that tampering is detected to interface system 550,
from interface system 550 to the system presenting the
authentication failure and/or tampering detection, etc.).
[0649] Step 3070 involves generating data to present information
associated with the monitoring of the vehicle (e.g., as performed
in step 2915 of process 2900). The information associated with the
monitoring of the vehicle may be presented (e.g., based on data
generated in step 3070) using a region (e.g., 1030) of a GUI (e.g.,
1000) in one embodiment. And in one embodiment, the information
associated with the monitoring of the vehicle may be presented
(e.g., based on data generated in step 3070) to an authenticated or
authorized user (e.g., associated with information entered using
GUI 900), a user other than the user causing the authentication
failure and tampering, etc.
[0650] In one embodiment, the information associated with the
monitoring of the vehicle may be presented (e.g., based on data
generated in step 3070) using a component of the vehicle (e.g.,
display device 521, display device 522, display device 523, display
device 725, speaker 1374, etc.). In one embodiment, the information
associated with the monitoring of the vehicle may be presented
(e.g., based on data generated in step 3070) using a component
(e.g., an audio output component, a display device, etc.) of a
system (e.g., computer system 590, computer system 592, computer
system 594, computer system 790, energy transfer system 110,
another energy transfer system, etc.) which is located remotely
from the vehicle, thereby enabling remote monitoring of the vehicle
without requiring the user to be physically at (e.g., outside of,
inside of, etc.) or near the vehicle.
[0651] In one embodiment, step 3070 may involve communicating the
data to the system presenting the information associated with the
monitoring of the vehicle. And in one embodiment, step 3070 may
involve communicating the data to the system presenting the
information associated with the monitoring of the vehicle via
interface system 550 (e.g., from the system performing the
monitoring of the vehicle to interface system 550, from interface
system 550 to the system presenting the information associated with
the monitoring of the vehicle, etc.).
[0652] As shown in FIG. 30B, step 3075 involves generating data to
present a user interface enabling a user (e.g., an authenticated or
authorized user associated with information entered using GUI 900,
a user other than the user causing the authentication failure and
tampering, etc.) to report that the vehicle has been stolen. In one
embodiment, a GUI (e.g., 1000) may be presented which includes a
region (e.g., 1090) enabling a user to report that the vehicle has
been stolen, where an interaction with the region (e.g., 1090) may
automatically generate data in step 3080 to report to the
authorities (e.g. the police) that the vehicle has been stolen. For
example, an interaction with the region (e.g., 1090) may generate a
request to report the vehicle as stolen and communicate the request
to a system for processing the request (e.g., interface system 550,
a system associated with the authorities, etc.) in step 3080, where
the system may communicate the request to the authorities and/or
generate a report (e.g., including information about the vehicle,
the user of the vehicle, information about a failure of an
authentication, information about a tampering detection,
information accessible to interface system 550, etc.) based on the
request which can be automatically submitted to the
authorities.
[0653] In one embodiment, the user interface may be presented
(e.g., based on data generated in step 3075) using a component of
the vehicle (e.g., display device 521, display device 522, display
device 523, display device 725, speaker 1374, etc.). In one
embodiment, the user interface may be presented (e.g., based on
data generated in step 3075) using a component (e.g., an audio
output component, a display device, etc.) of a system (e.g.,
computer system 590, computer system 592, computer system 594,
computer system 790, energy transfer system 110, another energy
transfer system, etc.) which is located remotely from the vehicle,
thereby enabling a user to report that the vehicle has been stolen
without requiring the user to be physically at (e.g., outside of,
inside of, etc.) or near the vehicle. And in one embodiment, data
associated with the reporting that the vehicle has been stolen may
be sent in step 3080 via interface system 550 (e.g., from the
system presenting the user interface to interface system 550, from
interface system 550 to a system associated with the authorities
and/or a system configured to process the request to report the
vehicle as stolen, etc.).
[0654] Although FIGS. 30A and 30B depict process 3000 with a
particular number of steps, it should be appreciated that process
3000 may have a different number of steps in other embodiments. For
example, one or more of the steps of process 3000 may be optional
and not performed in one embodiment. Additionally, although FIGS.
30A and 30B depict process 3000 with a particular ordering of
steps, it should be appreciated that the steps of process 3000 may
occur in a different order in other embodiments.
[0655] Turning back to FIG. 29A, step 2925 involves determining at
least one energy transfer interface operable to transfer energy. In
one embodiment, step 2925 may involve determining at least one
energy transfer interface (e.g., 132, 231, 234, 237, 2031, 2034a,
2034b, 2034c, 2034d, 2037a, 2037b, 2832, etc.) operable to transfer
energy (e.g., able to be made active and/or placed in an energy
transfer mode) between at least one vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b,
320c, 1802, etc.) and at least one energy transfer system (e.g.,
110, 710a, 710b, 710c, etc.). In one embodiment, step 2925 may
involve determining at least one energy transfer interface operable
to transfer energy (e.g., able to be made active and/or placed in
an energy transfer mode) between at least one vehicle and at least
one other vehicle. Step 2925 may involve determining at least one
energy transfer interface operable to transfer energy based on a
relative positioning between a plurality of energy transfer
components, where the plurality of energy transfer components may
include: at least one energy transfer component of a vehicle (e.g.,
233, 236, 239, 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1832, 1834, 1842, 1844,
2033, 2036a, 2036b, 2036c, 2036d, 2039a, 2039b, 2230, 2240, 2250,
2270, 2280, 2290, 2320, 2330, 2340, 2360, 2370, 2460, 2461, 2630,
2640, 2730, 2740, some combination thereof, etc.) and at least one
energy transfer component of an energy transfer system (e.g., 232,
235, 238, 1610, 1620, 1630, 1645, 1655, 1662, 1665, 1675, 1711,
1712, 1713, 1714, 1715, 1721, 1722, 1723, 1724, 1725, 1726, 1727,
1728, 1731, 1732, 1733, 1734, 1735, 1742, 1744, 1752, 1754, 1783,
1785, 1812, 2032, 2035a, 2035b, 2035c, 2035d, 2038a, 2038b, 2110,
2111, 2112, 2113, 2114, 2115, 2116, 2117, 2118, 2660, 2680, 2730,
2740, some combination thereof, etc.); at least one energy transfer
component of a vehicle and at least one energy transfer component
of another vehicle; some combination thereof; etc. In one
embodiment, step 2925 may involve determining at least one
interface which utilizes a first type of energy transfer (e.g.,
wired using a plug and/or receptacle, inductive, wireless, etc.)
and at least one other interface which utilizes a second type of
energy transfer (e.g., different from the first type of energy
transfer, the same as the first type of energy transfer, etc.). In
one embodiment, step 2925 may involve determining at least one
energy transfer interface based on a position of the vehicle (e.g.,
determined in step 2905). And in one embodiment, step 2925 may be
performed by a component of the vehicle (e.g., interface component
221, pre-transfer control component 1390, some combination thereof,
etc.), a component of an energy transfer system (e.g., interface
component 211, pre-transfer control component 1350, energy transfer
management component 1410, some combination thereof, etc.), a
component of interface system 550 (e.g., pre-transfer processing
component 620, energy transfer processing component 630, etc.), a
component of another system, some combination thereof, etc. And in
one embodiment, step 2925 may be performed similarly to and/or
analogously to one or more steps of process 3100 of FIG. 31.
[0656] FIG. 31 shows a flowchart of computer-implemented process
3100 for determining at least one energy transfer interface in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown
in FIG. 31, step 3110 involves instructing a user to reposition the
vehicle. For example, the user may be instructed to reposition the
vehicle in step 3110 if it is determined (e.g., based on a position
of the vehicle as determined in step 2905 of process 2900) that the
vehicle is not in a position to perform an energy transfer or could
be alternatively positioned to improve the energy transfer (e.g.,
to improve an attribute of an energy transfer over one or more
energy transfer interfaces, to align energy transfer components to
enable an energy transfer over one or more additional energy
transfer interfaces, etc.). In one embodiment, step 3110 may
involve generating instructions for repositioning a vehicle using
at least one guidance component (e.g., 1920, 1950, some combination
thereof, etc.), where the instructions may be output using a
speaker (e.g., 1324, 1374, etc.), a display (e.g., 511, 521, 522,
523, 591, 593, 595, 725, 795, etc.), some combination thereof, etc.
The instructions provided in step 3110 may be verbal instructions,
written instructions, visual instructions (e.g., including at least
one image), some combination thereof, etc.
[0657] Step 3120 involves determining an updated position of the
vehicle (e.g., after repositioning the vehicle responsive to the
instructions generated in step 3110). Step 3120 may be performed
similarly to and/or analogously to step 2905 in one embodiment.
[0658] As shown in FIG. 31, step 3130 involves determining whether
the vehicle can be repositioned to improve at least one energy
transfer. For example, step 3130 may involve determining whether an
attribute of an energy transfer over one or more energy transfer
interfaces can be improved. As another example, step 3130 may
involve determining whether the alignment of energy transfer
components can be changed to enable an energy transfer over one or
more additional energy transfer interfaces. If it is determined in
step 3130 that the vehicle can be repositioned to improve at least
one energy transfer, then steps 3110 and 3120 can be repeated.
Alternatively, if it is determined in step 3130 that the vehicle
need not or should not be repositioned to improve at least one
energy transfer (e.g., that the vehicle cannot be repositioned,
that the vehicle can be repositioned but without benefiting at
least one energy transfer, that the vehicle can be repositioned but
the benefit would not justify the effort of repositioning the
vehicle and/or the risk that the repositioning may degrade or
worsen at least one energy transfer, etc.), then step 3140 may be
performed.
[0659] Step 3140 involves determining one or more energy transfer
components (e.g., capable of implementing an energy transfer
between at least one vehicle and at least one energy transfer
system, between at least one vehicle and at least one other
vehicle, etc.). Step 3140 may be performed by a component of the
vehicle (e.g., interface component 221, pre-transfer control
component 1390, some combination thereof, etc.), a component of an
energy transfer system (e.g., interface component 211, pre-transfer
control component 1350, energy transfer management component 1410,
some combination thereof, etc.), a component of interface system
550 (e.g., pre-transfer processing component 620, energy transfer
processing component 630, etc.), a component of another system,
some combination thereof, etc. In one embodiment, step 3140 may be
performed similarly to and/or analogously to one or more steps of
process 3200 of FIG. 32. And in one embodiment, step 3140 may be
performed similarly to and/or analogously to one or more steps of
process 3300 of FIG. 33.
[0660] FIG. 32 shows a flowchart of computer-implemented process
3200 for determining at least one energy transfer component in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown
in FIG. 32, step 3210 involves determining one or more energy
transfer components (e.g., capable of implementing an energy
transfer between at least one vehicle and at least one energy
transfer system, between at least one vehicle and at least one
other vehicle, etc.) based on a position of the vehicle and/or
information about the vehicle. In one embodiment, a position of the
vehicle with respect to a portion of the energy transfer system
(e.g., as determined in step 2905 of process 2900, as determined in
step 3120 of process 3100, etc.) may be used in step 3210 to
determine the position of at least one energy transfer component of
a vehicle (e.g., 233, 236, 239, 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1832, 1834,
1842, 1844, 2033, 2036a, 2036b, 2036c, 2036d, 2039a, 2039b, 2230,
2240, 2250, 2270, 2280, 2290, 2320, 2330, 2340, 2360, 2370, 2460,
2461, 2630, 2640, 2730, 2740, some combination thereof, etc.) with
respect to at least one energy transfer component of an energy
transfer system (e.g., 232, 235, 238, 1610, 1620, 1630, 1645, 1655,
1662, 1665, 1675, 1711, 1712, 1713, 1714, 1715, 1721, 1722, 1723,
1724, 1725, 1726, 1727, 1728, 1731, 1732, 1733, 1734, 1735, 1742,
1744, 1752, 1754, 1783, 1785, 1812, 2032, 2035a, 2035b, 2035c,
2035d, 2038a, 2038b, 2110, 2111, 2112, 2113, 2114, 2115, 2116,
2117, 2118, 2660, 2680, 2730, 2740, some combination thereof,
etc.). For example, where the position of the vehicle with respect
to the energy transfer system is determined using a first position
(e.g., of a portion of the vehicle) and a second position (e.g., of
a portion of the energy transfer system), the distance or relative
position of an energy transfer component of the vehicle with
respect to an energy transfer component of the energy transfer
system may be determined by using a distance or relative position
between the first position and the position of the energy transfer
component of the vehicle and also by using a distance or relative
position between the second position and position of the energy
transfer component of the energy transfer system. The distance or
relative position between the first position and the position of
the energy transfer component of the vehicle may be relatively
consistent across each model of vehicle, and therefore, may be
stored as a lookup table or other data structure in a memory (e.g.,
of an energy transfer system, of a vehicle, etc.). Additionally,
the distance or relative position between the second position and
the position of the energy transfer component of the energy
transfer system may be stored as a lookup table or other data
structure in a memory (e.g., of an energy transfer system, of a
vehicle, etc.).
[0661] Although FIG. 32 depicts process 3200 with a particular
number of steps, it should be appreciated that process 3200 may
have a different number of steps in other embodiments. For example,
one or more of the steps of process 3200 may be optional and not
performed in one embodiment. Additionally, although FIG. 32 depicts
process 3200 with a particular ordering of steps, it should be
appreciated that the steps of process 3200 may occur in a different
order in other embodiments.
[0662] FIG. 33 shows a flowchart of computer-implemented process
3300 for determining at least one energy transfer component by
analyzing at least one response to an activation of one or more
energy transfer components in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention. As shown in FIG. 33, step 3310 involves
activating at least one energy transfer component. In one
embodiment, step 3110 may involve configuring and operating the at
least one energy transfer component in a position detection mode,
in an energy transfer mode, some combination thereof, etc. And in
one embodiment, step 3110 may involve attempting one or more energy
transfers using the at least one energy transfer component. And in
one embodiment, step 3310 may be performed in accordance with the
discussion of FIG. 20 and/or FIG. 21.
[0663] Step 3320 involves accessing at least one respective
response corresponding to each of the at least one energy transfer
component. In one embodiment, step 3320 may be performed by a
component of a system which also includes one or more of the at
least one energy transfer component and/or by a component of a
system which does not include one or more of the at least one
energy transfer component. In one embodiment, the response accessed
in step 3320 may include or otherwise be associated with a value of
an attribute (e.g., an energy transfer type, an interface type, an
energy transfer type, an interface type, a power, a current, a
voltage, an energy transfer profile, a duration, a waveform, a
temperature, etc.) and/or another electrical parameter (e.g., an
inductance, an impedance, etc.). And in one embodiment, step 3320
may be performed in accordance with the discussion of FIG. 20
and/or FIG. 21.
[0664] As shown in FIG. 33, step 3330 involves analyzing the at
least one respective response (e.g., accessed in step 3320) to
determine one or more energy transfer components (e.g., capable of
implementing an energy transfer between at least one vehicle and at
least one energy transfer system, between at least one vehicle and
at least one other vehicle, etc.). For example, step 3330 may
involve determining (e.g., based on the at least one respective
response) that at least one energy transfer component is in a
position to perform an energy transfer (e.g., between at least one
vehicle and at least one energy transfer system, between at least
one vehicle and at least one other vehicle, etc.). As another
example, step 3330 may involve determining (e.g., based on the at
least one respective response) that the one or more energy
transfers (e.g., attempted in step 3310) were successful. In one
embodiment, step 3330 may be performed in accordance with the
discussion of FIG. 20 and/or FIG. 21.
[0665] Although FIG. 33 depicts process 3300 with a particular
number of steps, it should be appreciated that process 3300 may
have a different number of steps in other embodiments. For example,
one or more of the steps of process 3300 may be optional and not
performed in one embodiment. Additionally, although FIG. 33 depicts
process 3300 with a particular ordering of steps, it should be
appreciated that the steps of process 3300 may occur in a different
order in other embodiments.
[0666] Turning back to FIG. 31, step 3150 involves determining one
or more energy transfer interfaces based on the one or more energy
transfer components (e.g., determined in step 3140). For example,
step 3150 may involve identifying one or more energy transfer
interfaces which include or are otherwise coupled to the one or
more energy transfer components (e.g., determined in step 3140). In
this manner, step 3150 may involve determining one or more energy
transfer interfaces capable of implementing an energy transfer
between at least one vehicle and at least one energy transfer
system, between at least one vehicle and at least one other
vehicle, etc. Step 3150 may be performed by a component of the
vehicle (e.g., interface component 221, pre-transfer control
component 1390, some combination thereof, etc.), a component of an
energy transfer system (e.g., interface component 211, pre-transfer
control component 1350, energy transfer management component 1410,
some combination thereof, etc.), a component of interface system
550 (e.g., pre-transfer processing component 620, energy transfer
processing component 630, etc.), a component of another system,
some combination thereof, etc.
[0667] Step 3160 involves determining whether a problem with at
least one of the one or more energy transfer interfaces (e.g.,
determined in step 3150) has been detected. Step 3160 may be
performed by a component of the vehicle (e.g., interface component
221, pre-transfer control component 1390, some combination thereof,
etc.), a component of an energy transfer system (e.g., interface
component 211, pre-transfer control component 1350, energy transfer
management component 1410, some combination thereof, etc.), a
component of interface system 550 (e.g., pre-transfer processing
component 620, energy transfer processing component 630, etc.), a
component of another system, some combination thereof, etc. If it
is determined in step 3160 that a problem has not been detected,
then process 3100 may conclude. Alternatively, if it is determined
in step 3160 that a problem has been detected, then step 3170 may
be performed.
[0668] As shown in FIG. 31, step 3170 involves determining one or
more other energy transfer interfaces (e.g., capable of
implementing an energy transfer between at least one vehicle and at
least one energy transfer system, between at least one vehicle and
at least one other vehicle, etc.). In one embodiment, step 3170 may
involve identifying or selecting one or more of the interfaces
determined in step 3150 (e.g., other than the at least one energy
transfer interface associated with the problem) which are
functioning correctly and/or which are not associated with a
problem (e.g., the problem detected in step 3160, another problem,
etc.). In one embodiment, step 3170 may involve repeating step 3140
and/or step 3150 to determine one or more energy transfer
interfaces (e.g., other than the at least one energy transfer
interface associated with the problem), where the one or more
energy transfer interfaces may be functioning correctly and/or may
not be associated with a problem (e.g., the problem detected in
step 3160, another problem, etc.). It should be appreciated that
repeating step 3140 and/or step 3150 may result in one or more
additional interfaces being identified or determined (e.g.,
compared to the one or more interfaces determined by performing
step 3140 and/or step 3150 previously), where the one or more
additional interfaces may have been previously unavailable (e.g.,
due to being used to perform at least one energy transfer, due to
being used to communicate data, as a result of a problem that has
since been corrected or improved, etc.).
[0669] Although FIG. 31 depicts process 3100 with a particular
number of steps, it should be appreciated that process 3100 may
have a different number of steps in other embodiments. For example,
one or more of the steps of process 3100 may be optional and not
performed in one embodiment. Additionally, although FIG. 31 depicts
process 3100 with a particular ordering of steps, it should be
appreciated that the steps of process 3100 may occur in a different
order in other embodiments.
[0670] Turning back to FIG. 29A, step 2930 involves determining at
least one attribute (e.g., at least one energy transfer type, at
least one interface type, at least one power, at least one current,
at least one voltage, at least one energy transfer profile, at
least one duration, at least one waveform, at least one
temperature, etc.) associated with an energy transfer. In one
embodiment, the at least one attribute may be associated with an
energy transfer to be performed over at least one energy transfer
interface determined in step 2925. And in one embodiment, step 2930
may be performed similarly to and/or analogously to one or more
steps of process 3400 of FIG. 34.
[0671] FIG. 34 shows a flowchart of computer-implemented process
3400 for determining at least one attribute in accordance with one
embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 34, step 3410
involves determining at least one attribute (e.g., at least one
energy transfer type, at least one interface type, at least one
power, at least one current, at least one voltage, at least one
energy transfer profile, at least one duration, at least one
waveform, at least one temperature, etc.) associated with a vehicle
(e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, etc.). In one embodiment, the
at least one attribute may be compatible with the vehicle and/or at
least one other vehicle of the same type of vehicle (e.g., same
make of vehicle, same model of vehicle, same year of manufacture of
the vehicle, with the same or similar post-manufacture
modifications, etc.).
[0672] Step 3420 involves determining at least one attribute (e.g.,
at least one energy transfer type, at least one interface type, at
least one power, at least one current, at least one voltage, at
least one energy transfer profile, at least one duration, at least
one waveform, at least one temperature, etc.) associated with an
energy transfer system (e.g., 110, 710a, 710b, 710c, etc.). In one
embodiment, the at least one attribute may be compatible with the
energy transfer system.
[0673] As shown in FIG. 34, step 3430 involves determining at least
one state of the energy transfer system. In one embodiment, the
state of the energy transfer system may be associated with or
include a parameter (e.g., a number of energy transfers handled by
a component at a particular time, a direction of one or more energy
transfers through a component, at least one attribute of one or
more energy transfers handled by a component, some combination
thereof, etc.) of a component (e.g., power management component
215, charge and/or discharge component 218, interface component
211, etc.) of the energy transfer system. In one embodiment, the
state of the energy transfer system may be associated with or
include information about at least one energy transfer from one
component of the energy transfer system to another component of the
energy transfer system, at least one energy transfer between the
energy transfer system and at least one vehicle, at least one
energy transfer between the energy transfer system and another
system, etc. In one embodiment, the state of the energy transfer
system may be associated with or include a remaining capacity of
the energy transfer system to transfer energy (e.g., measured in
units of current, power, another attribute, etc.). In one
embodiment, the state of the energy transfer system may be
associated with or include at least one problem and/or at least one
interrupt associated with the energy transfer system (e.g.,
associated with one or more components of the energy transfer
system, associated with one or more energy transfer interfaces
coupled to the energy transfer system, associated with one or more
energy transfer interfaces coupled to at least one vehicle, as
detected or monitored by interface monitoring component 213, as
detected or monitored by interface monitoring component 223,
etc.).
[0674] Step 3440 involves determining at least one user preference
associated with an energy transfer. In one embodiment, the user
preference may be associated with the energy transfer system (e.g.,
entered using GUI 800 of FIG. 8) and/or a vehicle (e.g., entered
using GUI 900 of FIG. 9). In one embodiment, the user preference
may be a user-specified maximum threshold, a user-specified minimum
threshold, a user-specified parameter, a user-specified or
user-selected capacity level (e.g., input using region 1050 of GUI
1000) associated with an energy storage component (e.g., 216, 226,
etc.), etc. And in one embodiment, the user preference determined
in step 3440 may be associated with at least one state of the
energy transfer system (e.g., determined in step 3430).
[0675] As shown in FIG. 34, step 3450 involves determining at least
one attribute based on at least one attribute associated with the
vehicle (e.g., as determined in step 3410), at least one attribute
associated with the energy transfer system (e.g., as determined in
step 3420), at least one state of the energy transfer system (e.g.,
as determined in step 3430), at least one user preference (e.g., as
determined in step 3440), some combination thereof, etc. In one
embodiment, step 3450 may involve determining at least one
attribute which is compatible with the energy transfer system and
at least one vehicle (e.g., by performing an "AND" operation on any
attributes determined in steps 3410 and 3420 to determine at least
one attribute common to or shared by both the at least one
attribute determined in step 3410 and the at least one attribute
determined in step 3420). In one embodiment, step 3450 may involve
filtering at least one attribute (e.g., determined in step 3410,
step 3420, step 3440, some combination thereof, etc.) based on a
state of the energy transfer system (e.g., determined in step
3430). And in one embodiment, step 3450 may involve filtering at
least one attribute (e.g., determined in step 3410, step 3420, step
3430, some combination thereof, etc.) based on a user preference
(e.g., determined in step 3440).
[0676] Although FIG. 34 depicts process 3400 with a particular
number of steps, it should be appreciated that process 3400 may
have a different number of steps in other embodiments. For example,
one or more of the steps of process 3400 may be optional and not
performed in one embodiment. Additionally, although FIG. 34 depicts
process 3400 with a particular ordering of steps, it should be
appreciated that the steps of process 3400 may occur in a different
order in other embodiments.
[0677] Turning back to FIG. 29A, step 2935 involves determining at
least one cost (e.g., billable to an individual and/or entity
associated with the vehicle, billable to an individual and/or
entity associated with the energy transfer system, etc.)
corresponding to the at least one attribute (e.g., determined in
step 2930). In one embodiment, step 2935 may be performed by at
least one component of an energy transfer system and/or at least
one component of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the at least one
cost may include at least one energy transfer rate cost, at least
one energy transfer profile cost, at least one total cost, some
combination thereof, etc. In one embodiment, the at least one cost
may be determined in step 2935 based on supply of and/or demand for
electricity. In one embodiment, the at least one cost may be
determined in step 2935 based on a cost of electricity to the
energy transfer system (e.g., as determined by the utility
providing power, by a cost to purchase and/or install a power
source such as power source 217, by a cost to operate a power
source such as power source 217, etc.) and/or a cost of electricity
to the vehicle (e.g., as determined by a cost to purchase and/or
install a power source such as power source 227, by a cost to
operate a power source such as power source 227, etc.). In one
embodiment, the at least one cost may be determined in step 2935
based on incentives presented to one or more parties to the
transaction (e.g., using GUI 1000, another user interface, etc.).
In one embodiment, the at least one cost may be determined in step
2935 based on a user preference (e.g., input using GUI 800, GUI
900, GUI 1000, etc.). And in one embodiment, step 2935 may involve
determining at least one cost based on an amount of energy
transferred between two or more systems (e.g., at least one vehicle
and at least one energy transfer system, at least one vehicle and
at least one other vehicle, etc).
[0678] Step 2940 involves generating data to present a user
interface including the at least one attribute (e.g., determined in
step 2930) and the at least one cost (e.g., determined in step
2935). In one embodiment, the at least one attribute and the at
least one cost may be presented (e.g., based on data generated in
step 2940) in at least one region (e.g., 1060) of a GUI (e.g.,
1000). In one embodiment, the at least one attribute and the at
least one cost may be presented (e.g., based on data generated in
step 2940) using an audio user interface (e.g., enabling a user to
interact with the energy transfer system and/or the vehicle using
the user's voice or other sound), where the audio user interface
may be implemented using at least one audio output device (e.g.,
speaker 1324, speaker 1374, etc.) and/or at least one audio input
device (e.g., microphone 1323, microphone 1373, etc.). And in one
embodiment, the at least one attribute and the at least one cost
may be presented (e.g., based on data generated in step 2940) using
another type of interface (e.g., including at least one button, at
least one key, at least one trackball, at least one joystick, at
least one pen, at least one touch input device, another type of
mechanical user interface, another type of electrical user
interface, another type of optical user interface, another type of
wave-based user interface, etc.).
[0679] The user interface (e.g., presented based on data generated
in step 2940) may enable a user to make a selection, where the
selection may be of or associated with at least one energy transfer
(e.g., associated with the at least one attribute and/or the at
least one cost), of or associated with at least one attribute, of
or associated with at least one cost, some combination thereof,
etc. In one embodiment, the user interface (e.g., presented based
on data generated in step 2940) may enable a user to initiate
(e.g., responsive to the selection, responsive to an interaction
with another region of a GUI such as region 1070 of GUI 1000, etc.)
at least one energy transfer (e.g., associated with the at least
one attribute and/or the at least one cost). The user interface
(e.g., presented based on data generated in step 2940) may enable
the ordering (e.g., a chronological ordering) of a plurality of
energy transfers to be performed, where the plurality of energy
transfers may include at least one charge of an energy storage
component (e.g., 216, 226, etc.) and/or at least one discharge of
an energy storage component (e.g., 216, 226, etc.).
[0680] In one embodiment, the at least one attribute and the at
least one cost may each be presented (e.g., based on data generated
in step 2940) as a respective list within the user interface (e.g.,
within region 1060 of GUI 1000, within another graphical user
interface, within an audio user interface, within another type of
user interface, etc.). The user interface may also include a
listing of at least one energy transfer interface, where each of
the at least one energy transfer interface corresponds to at least
one respective attribute of the at least one attribute (e.g.,
determined in step 2930). The at least one energy transfer
interface may include a first interface of a first type and a
second interface of a second type, where the first and second types
are different from one another.
[0681] In one embodiment, the user interface (e.g., GUI 1000) may
be displayed (e.g., based on data generated in step 2940) on a
display device (e.g., 725, 521, 522, 523, etc.) of the vehicle
(e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, etc.), a display device (e.g.,
795, 591, 593, 595, etc.) of a computer system (e.g., 790, 590,
592, 594, etc.), a display device (e.g., 511, etc.) of an energy
transfer system (e.g., 110, 710a, 710b, 710c, etc.), another
display device, etc. In one embodiment, the user interface (e.g.,
GUI 1000) may be displayed (e.g., based on data generated in step
2940) on a display device of a computer system located remotely
from the vehicle and said energy transfer system. And in one
embodiment, the user interface (e.g., GUI 1000) may be displayed
(e.g., displayed based on data generated in step 2940) on a display
device of a portable electronic device
[0682] In one embodiment, step 2940 may be performed responsive to
an authentication of a user (e.g., as performed in step 3035), an
authentication of a component (e.g., as performed in step 3010,
step 3020, etc.), some combination thereof, etc. And in one
embodiment, step 2940 may be performed responsive to any of the
preceding steps of process 2900.
[0683] As shown in FIG. 29B, step 2945 involves determining at
least one recommendation (e.g., associated with the at least one
attribute determined in step 2930, associated with the at least one
cost determined in step 2935, etc.) and communicating the at least
one recommendation via the user interface (e.g., presented using
data generated in step 2940). In one embodiment, the recommendation
may be a recommendation of one or more energy transfers that a user
can or should select, an ordering of energy transfers, another
recommendation associated with at least one energy transfer, etc.
The recommendation may be determined in step 2945 based on a
threshold associated with an attribute (e.g., a recommendation or
suggestion of one or more energy transfers associated with an
energy transfer rate above a predetermined energy transfer rate
threshold, one or more energy transfers associated with an energy
transfer rate below a predetermined energy transfer rate threshold,
one or more energy transfers associated with a voltage above a
predetermined voltage, one or more energy transfers associated with
a voltage below a predetermined voltage, etc.), a threshold
associated with a cost (e.g., a recommendation or suggestion of one
or more energy transfers associated with an cost below a
predetermined cost threshold, etc.), a threshold associated with an
energy transfer duration (e.g., a recommendation or suggestion of
one or more energy transfers associated with an energy transfer
duration below a predetermined energy transfer duration threshold,
etc.), a user preference (e.g., a recommendation or suggestion of
one or more energy transfers associated with a user preference
input using GUI 800, GUI 900, GUI 1000, etc.), an incentive (e.g.,
a recommendation or suggestion of one or more energy transfers
associated with an incentive, etc.), some combination thereof,
etc.
[0684] In one embodiment, the at least one recommendation may be
determined in step 2945 based on a time of day. For example, if it
is determined that a power source (e.g., 227) of a vehicle (e.g.,
120) can only generate energy for a particular duration (e.g.,
using a time of day to estimate an amount of remaining sunlight,
using a solar sensor to estimate an amount of remaining sunlight,
etc.), the at least one recommendation may suggest to a user that a
discharge be performed (e.g., for all or part of the particular
duration). As another example, if it is determined that the cost of
energy (e.g., to the energy transfer system as set by the utility)
will reduce at a particular time (e.g., at night when the cost of
energy is usually lower from a utility), the recommendation may
suggest to a user that a charge be initiated at or after the
particular time.
[0685] Communication of the at least one recommendation in step
2945 may involve displaying an image as part of a GUI (e.g., 1000,
the user interface presented based on data generated in step 2940,
etc.) and/or changing the appearance of a GUI (e.g., 1000, the user
interface presented based on data generated in step 2940, etc.). In
one embodiment, the recommendation may be communicated by
displaying a border (e.g., similar to the dotted line of region
1075 as shown in FIG. 10) around a cost or attribute of an energy
transfer, by displaying an image (e.g., an arrow, another symbol,
etc.) in proximity to a cost or attribute of an energy transfer, by
shading or highlighting a region associated with an energy
transfer, by displaying a number in a region (e.g., 1061-1066,
etc.) to recommend a chronological ordering of energy transfers,
some combination thereof, etc. In one embodiment, the at least one
recommendation may be communicated in step 2945 using an audio user
interface (e.g., enabling a user to interact with the energy
transfer system and/or the vehicle using the user's voice or other
sound), where the audio user interface may be implemented using at
least one audio output device (e.g., speaker 1324, speaker 1374,
etc.) and/or at least one audio input device (e.g., microphone
1323, microphone 1373, etc.). And in one embodiment, the at least
one recommendation may be communicated in step 2945 using another
type of interface (e.g., including at least one button, at least
one key, at least one trackball, at least one joystick, at least
one pen, at least one touch input device, another type of
mechanical user interface, another type of electrical user
interface, another type of optical user interface, another type of
wave-based user interface, etc.).
[0686] As shown in FIG. 29B, step 2950 involves determining at
least one selection. The selection may be of or associated with at
least one energy transfer (e.g., associated with the at least one
attribute and/or the at least one cost), of or associated with at
least one attribute (e.g., determined in step 2930), of or
associated with at least one cost (e.g., determined in step 2935),
some combination thereof, etc. In one embodiment, the selection may
be a user selection input via an interaction with a user interface
(e.g., GUI 1000, another graphical user interface, an audio user
interface, another type of user interface, the user interface
presented based on data generated in step 2940, a user interface
including a listing of the at least one attribute determined in
step 2930, a user interface including a listing of the at least one
cost determined in step 2935, etc.). In one embodiment, the
selection may be an automated selection performed by or using at
least one component of a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c,
1802, etc.), at least one component of an energy transfer system
(e.g., 110, 710a, 710b, 710c, etc.), at least one component of
another system (e.g., interface system 550, payment system 560,
computer system 790, computer system 590, computer system 592,
computer system 594, etc.), some combination thereof, etc.
[0687] Step 2955 involves generating a request (e.g., based on the
at least one selection of step 2950) to perform an energy transfer
(e.g., between the vehicle and an energy transfer system, between
the vehicle and at least one other vehicle, etc.). In one
embodiment, the request generated in step 2955 may be a request to
perform at least one energy transfer (e.g., between the vehicle and
an energy transfer system, between the vehicle and at least one
other vehicle, etc.) in accordance with at least one attribute
associated with the selection of step 2950. The request may be
generated in step 2955 responsive to an interaction (e.g., with a
region of a GUI such as region 1070 of GUI 1000, speech or sound
input to an audio user interface, etc.) of a user interface (e.g.,
GUI 1000, another graphical user interface, an audio user
interface, another type of user interface, etc.) in one embodiment.
The request generated in step 2955 may identify or otherwise be
associated with at least one source of energy (e.g., at least one
vehicle, at least one energy transfer system, etc.), at least one
recipient of energy (e.g., at least one vehicle, at least one
energy transfer system, etc.), at least one energy transfer type
(e.g., charge, discharge, etc.), at least one interface type (e.g.,
plug/cable, inductive, wireless, etc.), at least one energy
transfer rate, at least one energy transfer voltage, at least one
energy transfer profile, at least one energy transfer rate cost, at
least one energy transfer profile cost, at least one total cost, at
least one energy transfer duration, some combination thereof,
etc.
[0688] In one embodiment, step 2955 may involve identifying one or
more energy transfer interfaces (e.g., 132, 231, 234, 237, 2031,
2034a, 2034b, 2034c, 2034d, 2037a, 2037b, 2832, etc.) used to
perform at least one energy transfer associated with the request.
In one embodiment, step 2955 may be performed using a component of
a vehicle (e.g., interface component 221, pre-transfer control
component 1390, etc.), a component of an energy transfer system
(e.g., interface component 211, energy transfer management
component 1410, pre-transfer control component 1350, etc.), a
component of interface system 550 (e.g., pre-transfer processing
component 620, energy transfer processing component 630, etc.), a
component of another system (e.g., computer system 790, computer
system 590, computer system 592, computer system 594, etc.), some
combination thereof, etc.
[0689] In one embodiment, step 2955 may involve communicating the
request from one system to another. For example, step 2955 may
involve communicating the request from the system generating the
request and/or at which the request originates (e.g., a system used
to present the user interface based on data generated in step 2940,
computer system 790, computer system 590, computer system 592,
computer system 594, some combination thereof, etc.) to a component
of a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, etc.), a component
of an energy transfer system (e.g., 110, 710a, 710b, 710c, etc.), a
component of interface system 550, to another system, etc. As
another example, step 2955 may involve communicating the request
from the system generating the request and/or at which the request
originates (e.g., a system used to present the user interface based
on data generated in step 2940, computer system 790, computer
system 590, computer system 592, computer system 594, some
combination thereof, etc.) to a component of a vehicle (e.g., 120,
320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, etc.) and/or a component of an energy
transfer system (e.g., 110, 710a, 710b, 710c, etc.), where the
request may be communicated via interface system 550 (e.g., from
the system generating the request and/or at which the request
originates to interface system 550, from interface system 550 to
the vehicle and/or the energy transfer system, etc.).
[0690] As shown in FIG. 29B, step 2960 involves beginning at least
one energy transfer (e.g., between the vehicle and an energy
transfer system, between the vehicle and at least one other
vehicle, etc.). The at least one energy transfer may be performed
in accordance with the request generated in step 2955, at least one
attribute associated with the selection of step 2950, some
combination thereof, etc. In one embodiment, the at least one
energy transfer performed in step 2960 may utilize at least one
energy transfer component (e.g., 233, 236, 239, 1821, 1822, 1823,
1824, 1832, 1834, 1842, 1844, 2033, 2036a, 2036b, 2036c, 2036d,
2039a, 2039b, 2230, 2240, 2250, 2270, 2280, 2290, 2320, 2330, 2340,
2360, 2370, 2460, 2461, 2630, 2640, 2730, 2740, some combination
thereof, etc.) of a vehicle, at least one energy transfer component
(e.g., 232, 235, 238, 1610, 1620, 1630, 1645, 1655, 1662, 1665,
1675, 1711, 1712, 1713, 1714, 1715, 1721, 1722, 1723, 1724, 1725,
1726, 1727, 1728, 1731, 1732, 1733, 1734, 1735, 1742, 1744, 1752,
1754, 1783, 1785, 1812, 2032, 2035a, 2035b, 2035c, 2035d, 2038a,
2038b, 2110, 2111, 2112, 2113, 2114, 2115, 2116, 2117, 2118, 2660,
2680, 2730, 2740, some combination thereof, etc.) of an energy
transfer system, some combination thereof, etc. In one embodiment,
step 2960 may be performed by activating and/or configuring at
least one energy transfer component (e.g., of at least one vehicle,
of at least one energy transfers system, etc.) to operate in an
energy transfer mode. And in one embodiment, step 2960 may be
performed using a component of a vehicle (e.g., interface component
221, pre-transfer control component 1390, etc.), a component of an
energy transfer system (e.g., interface component 211, energy
transfer management component 1410, pre-transfer control component
1350, etc.), a component of interface system 550 (e.g.,
pre-transfer processing component 620, energy transfer processing
component 630, etc.), a component of another system (e.g., computer
system 790, computer system 590, computer system 592, computer
system 594, etc.), some combination thereof, etc.
[0691] Step 2965 involves determining whether an interrupt is
detected. In one embodiment, the interrupt may be associated with
at least one component of an energy transfer system, at least one
component of a vehicle, at least one energy transfer interface
(e.g., coupling an energy transfer system to at least one vehicle,
at least one vehicle to at least one other vehicle, etc.), some
combination thereof, etc. In one embodiment, the interrupt may be
associated with a problem or other condition which is monitored or
detected by a component of an energy transfer system (e.g.,
interface monitoring component 213, energy transfer monitoring
component 1412, etc.) and/or a component of a vehicle (e.g.,
interface monitoring component 223, etc.). In one embodiment, step
2965 may involve detecting a problem with at least one energy
transfer interface (e.g., determined in step 2925, used to transfer
energy in step 2960, etc.), at least one component of at least one
vehicle, at least one component of at least one energy transfer
system, some combination thereof, etc. In one embodiment, step 2965
may involve determining whether an interrupt is detected during or
responsive to the performance of at least one energy transfer
(e.g., performed in step 2960). And in one embodiment, step 2965
may be performed using a component of a vehicle (e.g., interface
component 221, etc.), a component of an energy transfer system
(e.g., interface component 211, energy transfer management
component 1410, etc.), a component of interface system 550 (e.g.,
energy transfer processing component 630, etc.), a component of
another system (e.g., computer system 790, computer system 590,
computer system 592, computer system 594, etc.), some combination
thereof, etc.
[0692] If it is determined that an interrupt is detected in step
2965, then step 2970 may be performed. Alternatively, if it is
determined that an interrupt is not detected in step 2965, then
step 2980 may be performed.
[0693] As shown in FIG. 29B, step 2970 involves executing an
interrupt service routine (ISR). In one embodiment, the ISR may be
executed to investigate, improve, correct or otherwise respond to
the cause of the interrupt (e.g., detected in step 2965). In one
embodiment, step 2970 may be performed similarly to and/or
analogously to one or more steps of process 3500 of FIG. 35. And in
one embodiment, step 2970 may be performed similarly to and/or
analogously to one or more steps of process 3600 of FIG. 36.
[0694] FIG. 35 shows a flowchart of computer-implemented process
3500 for performing an interrupt service routine in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 35, step
3510 involves identifying an energy transfer interface (e.g., 132,
231, 234, 237, 2031, 2034a, 2034b, 2034c, 2034d, 2037a, 2037b,
2832, etc.) corresponding to a problem (e.g., causing an interrupt
detected in step 2965). The problem may render at least one energy
transfer interface and/or at least one component thereof (e.g., at
least one energy transfer component, a line or interface coupled to
at least one energy transfer component, circuitry or another
component of or coupled to the energy transfer component, etc.)
completely unusable (e.g., unable to perform an energy transfer in
accordance with any attribute without corrective action taken to
make it usable), unable to perform an energy transfer in accordance
with at least one attribute (e.g., but able to perform an energy
transfer in accordance with at least one other attribute), etc.
Step 3510 may be performed using a component of a vehicle (e.g.,
interface component 221, etc.), a component of an energy transfer
system (e.g., interface component 211, energy transfer management
component 1410, etc.), a component of interface system 550 (e.g.,
energy transfer processing component 630, etc.), a component of
another system (e.g., computer system 790, computer system 590,
computer system 592, computer system 594, etc.), some combination
thereof, etc.
[0695] Step 3520 involves determining whether the problem (e.g.,
associated with the energy transfer interface identified in step
3510) can be corrected. If the problem can be corrected, then one
or more operations may be taken in step 3530 to correct the
problem. In one embodiment, correction of the problem in step 3530
may involve performing at least one operation to enable at least
one energy transfer interface and/or at least one component thereof
(e.g., at least one energy transfer component, a line or interface
coupled to at least one energy transfer component, circuitry or
another component of or coupled to the energy transfer component,
etc.) to perform at least one energy transfer in accordance with at
least one additional attribute, where the at least one additional
attribute may include one or more attributes that at least one
energy transfer may not be performed in accordance with due to the
problem (e.g., before correction of the problem).
[0696] For example, where a problem can be automatically corrected
(e.g., with reduced or no user participation), then one or more
operations (e.g., restarting or reinitializing an interface in an
attempt to restore thereto an ability to transfer energy and/or
communicate signals, restoring or upgrading firmware, initializing
another component or circuitry to operate in place of the component
or circuitry associated with the problem, etc.) may be performed
using at least one component of the vehicle (e.g., energy
distribution component 222, another component of interface
component 221, another component of the vehicle, etc.) and/or at
least one component of the energy transfer system (e.g., energy
distribution component 212, another component of interface
component 211, energy transfer management component 1410, another
component of the energy transfer system, etc.). As another example,
where the problem can be corrected with user participation, then
the user may be instructed to attempt or perform one or more
operations to correct the problem. In one embodiment, where a plug
is not properly inserted into a receptacle to enable energy
transfer and/or signal communication over the interface, the user
may be instructed to properly insert the plug into the receptacle,
take some other corrective action, etc. The user may be instructed
in step 3530 using a user interface (e.g., GUI 1000, an audio user
interface, another type of user interface, etc.), using a speaker
(e.g., 1324, 1374, etc.), using a display device (e.g., 725, 521,
522, 523, etc.) of a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802,
etc.), using a display device (e.g., 795, 591, 593, 595, etc.) of a
computer system (e.g., 790, 590, 592, 594, etc.), using a display
device (e.g., 511, etc.) of an energy transfer system (e.g., 110,
710a, 710b, 710c, etc.), using another display device, some
combination thereof, etc. Alternatively, if the problem cannot be
corrected, then step 3540 may be performed.
[0697] Step 3540 involves determining whether at least one other
attribute (e.g., at least one energy transfer type, at least one
interface type, at least one power, at least one current, at least
one voltage, at least one energy transfer profile, at least one
duration, at least one waveform, at least one temperature, etc.)
and/or at least one other energy transfer interface are available
(e.g., to perform an energy transfer and/or communicate signals
between a vehicle and an energy transfer system, between a vehicle
and at least one other vehicle, etc.). Step 3540 may be performed
similarly to and/or analogously to step 3170 of process 3100 in one
embodiment. If at least one other attribute and at least one other
energy transfer interface are not available (e.g., to perform an
energy transfer and/or communicate signals), then step 3550 may be
performed. Alternatively, if at least one other attribute and/or at
least one other energy transfer interface are available (e.g., to
perform an energy transfer and/or communicate signals), then step
3560 may be performed.
[0698] In one embodiment, step 3540 may involve automatically
determining or selecting one or more of the available attributes
for performing at least one energy transfer and/or communicating
signals (e.g., using at least one energy transfer interface
associated with the problem and identified in step 3510, using at
energy transfer interface which is not associated with the problem
and which is not identified in step 3510, etc.). And in one
embodiment, step 3540 may involve automatically determining or
selecting one or more of the available energy transfer interfaces
for performing at least one energy transfer and/or communicating
signals.
[0699] As shown in FIG. 35, step 3550 involves notifying a user
(e.g., of the problem associated with the energy transfer interface
identified in step 3510, of the inability or reduced ability to
correct the problem as determined in step 3520, that one or more
other attributes are not available to perform an energy transfer
and/or to communicate signals as determined in step 3540, that one
or more other interfaces are not available to perform an energy
transfer and/or to communicate signals as determined in step 3540,
etc.). The user may be notified via a user interface (e.g., GUI
1000, an audio user interface, another type of user interface,
etc.), via a speaker (e.g., 1324, 1374, etc.), via a display device
(e.g., 725, 521, 522, 523, etc.) of a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a,
320b, 320c, 1802, etc.), via a display device (e.g., 795, 591, 593,
595, etc.) of a computer system (e.g., 790, 590, 592, 594, etc.),
via a display device (e.g., 511, etc.) of an energy transfer system
(e.g., 110, 710a, 710b, 710c, etc.), via another display device,
some combination thereof, etc.
[0700] In one embodiment, step 3550 may involve communicating a
notification from one system to another. For example, step 3550 may
involve communicating a notification from a first system (e.g., the
vehicle, the energy transfer system, a system performing one or
more steps of process 3500, a system performing one or more steps
of process 2900, etc.) to at least one other system (e.g., a system
used to present GUI 1000 or another user interface, computer system
790, computer system 590, computer system 592, computer system 594,
some combination thereof, etc.). As another example, step 3550 may
involve communicating a notification from a first system (e.g., the
vehicle, the energy transfer system, a system performing one or
more steps of process 3500, a system performing one or more steps
of process 2900, etc.) to at least one other system (e.g., a system
used to present GUI 1000 or another user interface, computer system
790, computer system 590, computer system 592, computer system 594,
some combination thereof, etc.) via interface system 550 (e.g.,
from the first system to interface system 550, from interface
system 550 to the at least one other system, etc.).
[0701] As shown in FIG. 35, step 3560 involves confirming the
operability of at least one other attribute and/or at least one
other energy transfer interface (e.g., determined and/or selected
in step 3540). For example, step 3560 may involve performing at
least one operation (e.g., activating the at least one energy
transfer interface, configuring at least one energy transfer
component to operate in an energy transfer mode, attempting an
energy transfer in accordance with one or more of the available
attributes, attempting an energy transfer over one or more of the
available energy transfer interfaces, attempting to communicate
signals over one or more of the available energy transfer
interfaces, some combination thereof, etc.). In one embodiment,
step 3560 may involve measuring and/or analyzing a response to the
at least one operation (e.g., an attribute of energy transferred
over the at least one energy transfer interface, an amount of
energy transferred over the one or more energy transfer interfaces,
whether the energy transfer was successful, a parameter of at least
one component used to perform the at least one operation, a
parameter or attribute of signals communicated over the at least
one energy transfer interface, etc.). In one embodiment, step 3560
may be performed using a component of a vehicle (e.g., interface
component 221, pre-transfer control component 1390, etc.), a
component of an energy transfer system (e.g., interface component
211, energy transfer management component 1410, pre-transfer
control component 1350, etc.), a component of interface system 550
(e.g., pre-transfer processing component 620, energy transfer
processing component 630, etc.), a component of another system
(e.g., computer system 790, computer system 590, computer system
592, computer system 594, etc.), some combination thereof, etc.
[0702] Although FIG. 35 depicts process 3500 with a particular
number of steps, it should be appreciated that process 3500 may
have a different number of steps in other embodiments. For example,
one or more of the steps of process 3500 may be optional and not
performed in one embodiment. Additionally, although FIG. 35 depicts
process 3500 with a particular ordering of steps, it should be
appreciated that the steps of process 3500 may occur in a different
order in other embodiments.
[0703] FIG. 36 shows a flowchart of computer-implemented process
3600 for performing an interrupt service routine associated with a
user selection in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in FIG. 36, step 3610 involves identifying an
energy transfer interface (e.g., 132, 231, 234, 237, 2031, 2034a,
2034b, 2034c, 2034d, 2037a, 2037b, 2832, etc.) corresponding to a
problem (e.g., causing an interrupt detected in step 2965). The
problem may render at least one energy transfer interface and/or at
least one component thereof (e.g., at least one energy transfer
component, a line or interface coupled to at least one energy
transfer component, circuitry or another component of or coupled to
the energy transfer component, etc.) completely unusable (e.g.,
unable to perform an energy transfer in accordance with any
attribute without corrective action taken to make it usable),
unable to perform an energy transfer in accordance with at least
one attribute (e.g., but able to perform an energy transfer in
accordance with at least one other attribute), etc. Step 3610 may
be performed using a component of a vehicle (e.g., interface
component 221, etc.), a component of an energy transfer system
(e.g., interface component 211, energy transfer management
component 1410, etc.), a component of interface system 550 (e.g.,
energy transfer processing component 630, etc.), a component of
another system (e.g., computer system 790, computer system 590,
computer system 592, computer system 594, etc.), some combination
thereof, etc.
[0704] Step 3620 involves determining whether the problem (e.g.,
associated with the energy transfer interface identified in step
3610) can be corrected. If the problem can be corrected, then one
or more operations may be taken in step 3630 to correct the
problem. In one embodiment, correction of the problem in step 3630
may involve performing at least one operation to enable at least
one energy transfer interface and/or at least one component thereof
(e.g., at least one energy transfer component, a line or interface
coupled to at least one energy transfer component, circuitry or
another component of or coupled to the energy transfer component,
etc.) to perform at least one energy transfer in accordance with at
least one additional attribute, where the at least one additional
attribute may include one or more attributes that at least one
energy transfer may not be performed in accordance with due to the
problem (e.g., before correction of the problem).
[0705] For example, where a problem can be automatically corrected
(e.g., with reduced or no user participation), then one or more
operations (e.g., restarting or reinitializing an interface in an
attempt to restore thereto an ability to transfer energy and/or
communicate signals, restoring or upgrading firmware, initializing
another component or circuitry to operate in place of the component
or circuitry associated with the problem, etc.) may be performed
using at least one component of the vehicle (e.g., energy
distribution component 222, another component of interface
component 221, another component of the vehicle, etc.) and/or at
least one component of the energy transfer system (e.g., energy
distribution component 212, another component of interface
component 211, energy transfer management component 1410, another
component of the energy transfer system, etc.). As another example,
where the problem can be corrected with user participation, then
the user may be instructed to attempt or perform one or more
operations to correct the problem. In one embodiment, where a plug
is not properly inserted into a receptacle to enable energy
transfer and/or signal communication over the interface, the user
may be instructed to properly insert the plug into the receptacle,
take some other corrective action, etc. The user may be instructed
in step 3630 using a user interface (e.g., GUI 1000, an audio user
interface, another type of user interface, etc.), using a speaker
(e.g., 1324, 1374, etc.), using a display device (e.g., 725, 521,
522, 523, etc.) of a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802,
etc.), using a display device (e.g., 795, 591, 593, 595, etc.) of a
computer system (e.g., 790, 590, 592, 594, etc.), using a display
device (e.g., 511, etc.) of an energy transfer system (e.g., 110,
710a, 710b, 710c, etc.), using another display device, some
combination thereof, etc. Alternatively, if the problem cannot be
corrected, then step 3640 may be performed.
[0706] Step 3640 involves determining whether at least one other
attribute (e.g., at least one energy transfer type, at least one
interface type, at least one power, at least one current, at least
one voltage, at least one energy transfer profile, at least one
duration, at least one waveform, at least one temperature, etc.)
and/or at least one other energy transfer interface are available
(e.g., to perform an energy transfer and/or communicate signals
between a vehicle and an energy transfer system, between a vehicle
and at least one other vehicle, etc.). Step 3640 may be performed
similarly to and/or analogously to step 3170 of process 3100 in one
embodiment. If at least one other attribute and at least one other
energy transfer interface are not available (e.g., to perform an
energy transfer and/or communicate signals), then step 3650 may be
performed. Alternatively, if at least one other attribute and/or at
least one other energy transfer interface are available (e.g., to
perform an energy transfer and/or communicate signals), then step
3660 may be performed.
[0707] In one embodiment, step 3640 may involve automatically
determining or selecting one or more of the available attributes
for performing at least one energy transfer and/or communicating
signals (e.g., using at least one energy transfer interface
associated with the problem and identified in step 3610, using at
energy transfer interface which is not associated with the problem
and which is not identified in step 3610, etc.). And in one
embodiment, step 3640 may involve automatically determining or
selecting one or more of the available energy transfer interfaces
for performing at least one energy transfer and/or communicating
signals.
[0708] As shown in FIG. 36, step 3650 involves notifying a user
(e.g., of the problem associated with the energy transfer interface
identified in step 3610, of the inability or reduced ability to
correct the problem as determined in step 3620, that one or more
other attributes are not available to perform an energy transfer
and/or to communicate signals as determined in step 3640, that one
or more other interfaces are not available to perform an energy
transfer and/or to communicate signals as determined in step 3640,
etc.). The user may be notified via a user interface (e.g., GUI
1000, an audio user interface, another type of user interface,
etc.), via a speaker (e.g., 1324, 1374, etc.), via a display device
(e.g., 725, 521, 522, 523, etc.) of a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a,
320b, 320c, 1802, etc.), via a display device (e.g., 795, 591, 593,
595, etc.) of a computer system (e.g., 790, 590, 592, 594, etc.),
via a display device (e.g., 511, etc.) of an energy transfer system
(e.g., 110, 710a, 710b, 710c, etc.), via another display device,
some combination thereof, etc.
[0709] In one embodiment, step 3650 may involve communicating a
notification from one system to another. For example, step 3650 may
involve communicating a notification from a first system (e.g., the
vehicle, the energy transfer system, a system performing one or
more steps of process 3600, a system performing one or more steps
of process 2900, etc.) to at least one other system (e.g., a system
used to present GUI 1000 or another user interface, computer system
790, computer system 590, computer system 592, computer system 594,
some combination thereof, etc.). As another example, step 3650 may
involve communicating a notification from a first system (e.g., the
vehicle, the energy transfer system, a system performing one or
more steps of process 3600, a system performing one or more steps
of process 2900, etc.) to at least one other system (e.g., a system
used to present GUI 1000 or another user interface, computer system
790, computer system 590, computer system 592, computer system 594,
some combination thereof, etc.) via interface system 550 (e.g.,
from the first system to interface system 550, from interface
system 550 to the at least one other system, etc.).
[0710] As shown in FIG. 36, step 3660 involves generating data to
present a user interface (e.g., GUI 1000, an audio user interface,
another type of user interface, etc.) enabling a user to select one
or more of the available attributes (e.g., determined in step 3640)
and/or one or more of the available energy transfer interfaces
(e.g., determined in step 3640). For example, where a problem
prevents or reduces the ability to perform an energy transfer
and/or communicate signals in accordance with at least one
attribute (e.g., where an energy transfer rate or other attribute
cannot be supported or performed using a particular energy transfer
interface due to the occurrence of a problem), data may be
generated to present and/or update a user interface (e.g., region
1060 of GUI 1000, an audio user interface, another type of user
interface, etc.) to enable the user to select one or more other
attributes (e.g., an energy transfer rate or other attribute that
is supported or capable of being executed using the particular
energy transfer interface and/or at least one other energy transfer
interface) for performing the energy transfer and/or communicating
signals. As another example, where a problem prevents or reduces
the ability to perform an energy transfer and/or communicate
signals using at least one energy transfer interface, a user
interface (e.g., region 1060 of GUI 1000, an audio user interface,
another type of user interface, etc.) may be presented and/or
updated to enable the user to select one or more other energy
transfer interfaces for performing the energy transfer and/or
communicating signals.
[0711] As shown in FIG. 36, step 3670 involves confirming the
operability of at least one other attribute and/or at least one
other energy transfer interface (e.g., determined and/or selected
in step 3640). For example, step 3670 may involve performing at
least one operation (e.g., activating the at least one energy
transfer interface, configuring at least one energy transfer
component to operate in an energy transfer mode, attempting an
energy transfer in accordance with one or more of the available
attributes, attempting an energy transfer over one or more of the
available energy transfer interfaces, attempting to communicate
signals over one or more of the available energy transfer
interfaces, some combination thereof, etc.). In one embodiment,
step 3670 may involve measuring and/or analyzing a response to the
at least one operation (e.g., an attribute of energy transferred
over the at least one energy transfer interface, an amount of
energy transferred over the one or more energy transfer interfaces,
whether the energy transfer was successful, a parameter of at least
one component used to perform the at least one operation, a
parameter or attribute of signals communicated over the at least
one energy transfer interface, etc.). In one embodiment, step 3670
may be performed using a component of a vehicle (e.g., interface
component 221, pre-transfer control component 1390, etc.), a
component of an energy transfer system (e.g., interface component
211, energy transfer management component 1410, pre-transfer
control component 1350, etc.), a component of interface system 550
(e.g., pre-transfer processing component 620, energy transfer
processing component 630, etc.), a component of another system
(e.g., computer system 790, computer system 590, computer system
592, computer system 594, etc.), some combination thereof, etc.
[0712] Although FIG. 36 depicts process 3600 with a particular
number of steps, it should be appreciated that process 3600 may
have a different number of steps in other embodiments. For example,
one or more of the steps of process 3600 may be optional and not
performed in one embodiment. Additionally, although FIG. 36 depicts
process 3600 with a particular ordering of steps, it should be
appreciated that the steps of process 3600 may occur in a different
order in other embodiments.
[0713] Turning back to FIG. 29B, process 2900 may proceed from step
2970 to step 2980 in one embodiment. For example, if a problem is
unable to be corrected (e.g., as determined in step 3520, 3620,
etc.) and at least one other attribute is not available for
performing at least one energy transfer (e.g., as determined in
step 3540, 3640, etc.), then at least one energy transfer (e.g.,
begun in step 2960) may be concluded in step 2980. As another
example, if a problem is unable to be corrected (e.g., as
determined in step 3520, 3620, etc.) and at least one other energy
transfer interface is not available for performing at least one
energy transfer (e.g., as determined in step 3540, 3640, etc.),
then at least one energy transfer (e.g., begun in step 2960) may be
concluded in step 2980. Alternatively, process 2900 may proceed
from step 2970 to step 2975 in one embodiment.
[0714] As shown in FIG. 29B, step 2975 involves resuming at least
one energy transfer. In one embodiment, step 2975 may involve
resuming at least one energy transfer which was begun in step 2960
and interrupted by an interrupt detected in step 2965. In one
embodiment, step 2975 may be performed responsive to the execution
of an interrupt return or return from interrupt (e.g., included in
the ISR performed in step 2970, etc.). And in one embodiment, after
step 2975 is performed, step 2965 may be re-performed and/or
process 2900 may continue to step 2980.
[0715] Step 2980 involves concluding at least one energy transfer.
In one embodiment, step 2980 may involve concluding at least one
energy transfer which was begun in step 2960. The at least one
energy transfer may be concluded in step 2980 in accordance with
the request generated in step 2955 (e.g., at the conclusion of at
least one energy transfer associated with the request generated in
step 2955, etc.), in accordance with at least one attribute
associated with the selection of step 2950 (e.g., at the conclusion
of at least one energy transfer performed in accordance with at
least one attribute associated with the selection of step 2950,
etc.), some combination thereof, etc. In one embodiment, step 2960
may be performed by deactivating and/or configuring at least one
energy transfer component (e.g., of at least one vehicle, of at
least one energy transfers system, etc.) to operate in a mode other
than an energy transfer mode (e.g., a position detection mode, an
idle mode, a low-power mode, a mode in which at least one energy
transfer component is depowered, etc.). And in one embodiment, step
2980 may be performed using a component of a vehicle (e.g.,
interface component 221, post-transfer control component 1391,
etc.), a component of an energy transfer system (e.g., interface
component 211, energy transfer management component 1410,
post-transfer control component 1351, etc.), a component of
interface system 550 (e.g., energy transfer processing component
630, post-transfer processing component 640, etc.), a component of
another system (e.g., computer system 790, computer system 590,
computer system 592, computer system 594, etc.), some combination
thereof, etc.
[0716] In one embodiment, step 2980 may involve measuring an amount
of energy received by each party to the transaction. For example,
where energy is transferred from an energy transfer system (e.g.,
110) to a vehicle (e.g., 120) in steps 2960 to 2980, step 2980 may
involve measuring an amount of energy received by the vehicle
(e.g., using meter 229 and/or meter 219). As another example, where
energy is transferred from a vehicle (e.g., 120) to an energy
transfer system (e.g., 110) in steps 2960 to 2980, step 2980 may
involve measuring an amount of energy received by the energy
transfer system (e.g., using meter 219 and/or meter 229).
[0717] In one embodiment, step 2980 may involve determining (e.g.,
using meter 219 and meter 229) an amount of energy lost during an
energy transfer between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120.
For example, the difference between an amount of energy measured by
meter 219 and an amount of energy measured by meter 229 may be used
in step 2980 to determine an amount of energy lost during an energy
transfer. And in one embodiment, the difference between an amount
of energy measured by meter 219 and an amount of energy measured by
meter 229 may be used in step 2980 to determine an efficiency of an
energy transfer between energy transfer system 110 and vehicle 120,
another attribute or parameter associated with the energy transfer,
etc.
[0718] In one embodiment, the at least one energy transfer
performed in steps 2960 to 2980 may include a plurality of energy
transfers. The plurality of energy transfers may be performed
contemporaneously or sequentially. Alternatively, the plurality of
energy transfers may be performed contemporaneously and
sequentially. For example, a set of energy transfers may be
performed contemporaneously, where the set of energy transfers may
be followed by at least one other energy transfer. As another
example, at least one energy transfer may be performed, where the
at least one energy transfer may be followed by a set of energy
transfers which are performed contemporaneously. And in one
embodiment, the at least one energy transfer performed in steps
2960 to 2980 may be performed in an order selected by a user (e.g.
using region 1060 of GUI 1000, another user interface, etc.).
[0719] As shown in FIG. 29B, step 2985 involves securing at least
one energy transfer interface (e.g., used to perform at least one
energy transfer in steps 2960 to 2980). In one embodiment, step
2985 may involve reducing electrical access to a component of a
vehicle (e.g., energy storage component 226, motor 2850,
transmission 2860, braking system 2870, steering wheel 2880,
another component of the vehicle, etc.) and/or reducing the ability
to transfer energy over the at least one energy transfer interface,
where the reduction in electrical access and/or ability to transfer
energy over the at least one energy transfer interface may be
implemented by controlling at least one energy regulation component
(e.g., 2821, 2841, etc.) of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the at
least one energy regulation component may be disposed at least
partially within a housing of a component (e.g., housing 2830 of
energy storage component 226, a housing of motor 2850, a housing of
transmission 2860, a housing of braking system 2870, a housing of
steering wheel 2880, a housing of another component of the vehicle,
etc.) and/or coupled with a component, where the component may be a
component to which electrical access is reduced in step 2985, with
which the ability to transfer energy over the at least one energy
transfer interface is reduced in step 2985, etc. In one embodiment,
step 2985 may involve placing the vehicle and/or at least one
component thereof in a secured state (e.g., with reduced access to
the vehicle and/or a component thereof) which requires at least one
authentication (e.g., of at least one component, of a user, as
performed in step 2920, some combination thereof, etc.) before
access to the vehicle and/or a component thereof is increased
(e.g., to enable use of and/or access to energy storage component
226, to enable the vehicle to be powered, moved, used, otherwise
accessed, etc.). And in one embodiment, step 2985 may be performed
using a component of a vehicle (e.g., security component 2820 or a
component thereof, security component 2840 or a component thereof,
post-transfer control component 1391, interface component 221,
etc.), a component of an energy transfer system (e.g., interface
component 211, energy transfer management component 1410,
post-transfer control component 1351, etc.), a component of
interface system 550 (e.g., energy transfer processing component
630, post-transfer processing component 640, etc.), a component of
another system (e.g., computer system 790, computer system 590,
computer system 592, computer system 594, etc.), some combination
thereof, etc.
[0720] Step 2990 involves executing a payment transaction for
energy transferred (e.g., as a result of at least one energy
transfer performed in one or more of steps 2960 to 2980). In one
embodiment, step 2990 may involve implementing a funds transfer
from a first account (e.g., held by or otherwise accessible using
payment system 560 or another payment system, selected or
identified by a user using region 1080 of GUI 1000, etc.)
associated with a vehicle and/or at least one user thereof to a
second account (e.g., held by or otherwise accessible using payment
system 560 or another payment system, selected or identified by a
user using region 941 of GUI 900, etc.) associated with an energy
transfer system and/or at least one user thereof. In one
embodiment, step 2990 may involve implementing a funds transfer
from a first account (e.g., held by or otherwise accessible using
payment system 560 or another payment system, selected or
identified by a user using region 941 of GUI 900, etc.) associated
with an energy transfer system and/or at least one user thereof to
a second account (e.g., held by or otherwise accessible using
payment system 560 or another payment system, selected or
identified by a user using region 1080 of GUI 1000, etc.)
associated with a vehicle and/or at least one user thereof. In one
embodiment, step 2990 may involve providing an object associated
with a benefit (e.g., currency, a coupon, a gift card, an incentive
such as a discount, etc.) to a user (e.g., via dispenser 1331). In
one embodiment, step 2990 may involve the use of a payment
interface (e.g., 1330). And in one embodiment, step 2990 may be
performed using a component of a vehicle (e.g., post-transfer
control component 1391, interface component 221, etc.), a component
of an energy transfer system (e.g., interface component 211, energy
transfer management component 1410, post-transfer control component
1351, etc.), a component of interface system 550 (e.g., energy
transfer processing component 630, post-transfer processing
component 640, etc.), a component of another system (e.g., computer
system 790, computer system 590, computer system 592, computer
system 594, payment system 560, etc.), some combination thereof,
etc.
[0721] In one embodiment, step 2990 may involve executing a payment
transaction for an amount of energy received by each party to the
transaction (e.g., as measured in step 2980). For example, where
energy is transferred from an energy transfer system (e.g., 110) to
a vehicle (e.g., 120) in steps 2960 to 2980, step 2990 may involve
executing a payment transaction for an amount of energy received by
the vehicle (e.g., as measured using meter 229 and/or meter 219).
As another example, where energy is transferred from a vehicle
(e.g., 120) to an energy transfer system (e.g., 110) in steps 2960
to 2980, step 2980 may involve executing a payment transaction for
an amount of energy received by the energy transfer system (e.g.,
as measured using meter 219 and/or meter 229). As yet another
example, step 2990 may involve executing a payment transaction for
a net amount of energy transferred between at least two parties to
a transaction (e.g., where at least one energy transfer is
performed from a first party to a second party and where at least
one other energy transfer is performed from the second party to the
first party).
[0722] Although FIGS. 29A and 29B depict process 2900 with a
particular number of steps, it should be appreciated that process
2900 may have a different number of steps in other embodiments. For
example, one or more of the steps of process 2900 may be optional
and not performed in one embodiment. Additionally, although FIGS.
29A and 29B depict process 2900 with a particular ordering of
steps, it should be appreciated that the steps of process 2900 may
occur in a different order in other embodiments.
[0723] FIG. 37 shows a flowchart of computer-implemented process
3700 for managing at least one energy transfer in accordance with
one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, one or
more steps of process 3700 may be performed in conjunction with one
or more steps of process 2900. In one embodiment, one or more steps
of process 3700 may be performed using a component of a vehicle
(e.g., interface component 221, pre-transfer control component
1390, post-transfer control component 1391, etc.), a component of
an energy transfer system (e.g., interface component 211, energy
transfer management component 1410, pre-transfer control component
1350, post-transfer control component 1351, etc.), a component of
interface system 550 (e.g., pre-transfer processing component 620,
energy transfer processing component 630, post-transfer processing
component 640, etc.), a component of another system (e.g., computer
system 790, computer system 590, computer system 592, computer
system 594, etc.), some combination thereof, etc.
[0724] As shown in FIG. 37, step 3710 involves determining a first
energy transfer component in position to enable an energy transfer.
In one embodiment, step 3710 may be performed while a vehicle is
moving (e.g., along a roadway, through the air, in water, etc.)
and/or while a component of the vehicle is moving (e.g., a wheel is
turning, a tire is turning, etc.). In one embodiment, step 3710 may
be performed similarly to and/or analogously to step 2905 of
process 2900.
[0725] In one embodiment, the first energy transfer component may
be an energy transfer component of or coupled with a wheel of a
vehicle (e.g., energy transfer component 1844) and/or an energy
transfer component of or coupled with a tire of a vehicle (e.g.,
energy transfer component 1834). In this case, step 3710 may
involve determining (e.g., based on an orientation and/or angular
position of the wheel and/or tire) that the first energy transfer
component is less than a predetermined distance from a surface
(e.g., 1890, a surface of a road, etc.) and/or from an energy
transfer component of an energy transfer system, in another
position (e.g., enabling an energy transfer), etc. Alternatively,
the first energy transfer component may be an energy transfer
component of an energy transfer system, where step 3710 may involve
determining that the first energy transfer component is less than a
predetermined distance from a component of a vehicle (e.g., an
energy transfer component of and/or coupled with a wheel, an energy
transfer component of and/or coupled with a tire, another component
of the vehicle, etc.), in another position (e.g., enabling an
energy transfer), etc.
[0726] In one embodiment, the first energy transfer component may
be an energy transfer component of an energy transfer system (e.g.,
energy transfer component 1610, energy transfer component 1620,
energy transfer component 1630, energy transfer component 1645,
energy transfer component 1655, energy transfer component 1662,
energy transfer component 1665, energy transfer component 1675,
etc.) which is located remotely from a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a,
320b, 320c, 1802, etc.). In this case, step 3710 may involve
determining that the vehicle (or at least one energy transfer
component thereof) is less than a predetermined distance from the
first energy transfer component, in another position (e.g.,
enabling an energy transfer), etc., where the vehicle may be moving
and/or stationary with respect to the first energy transfer
component. Alternatively, the first energy transfer component may
be an energy transfer component of a vehicle. In this case, step
3710 may involve determining that the first energy transfer
component is less than a predetermined distance from a component of
an energy transfer system (e.g., energy transfer component 1610,
energy transfer component 1620, energy transfer component 1630,
energy transfer component 1645, energy transfer component 1655,
energy transfer component 1662, energy transfer component 1665,
energy transfer component 1675, another component of the energy
transfer system, etc.), in another position (e.g., enabling an
energy transfer), etc., where the first energy transfer component
may be moving and/or stationary with respect to the energy transfer
system or a component thereof.
[0727] As shown in FIG. 37, step 3720 involves activating a first
interface to enable an energy transfer via the first energy
transfer component. The first interface may include or be coupled
to the first energy transfer component. In one embodiment, the
first interface may be a wired energy transfer interface (e.g.,
231, 2031, etc.), an inductive energy transfer interface (e.g.,
234, 2034a, 2034b, 2034c, 2034d, etc.), a wireless energy transfer
interface (e.g., 237, 2037a, 2037b, etc.), some combination
thereof, etc. And in one embodiment, step 3720 may be performed by
configuring the first energy transfer component to operate in an
energy transfer mode.
[0728] Step 3730 involves determining the first energy transfer
component out of position to enable an energy transfer. In one
embodiment, step 3730 may be performed similarly to and/or
analogously to step 2905 of process 2900.
[0729] In one embodiment, where the first energy transfer component
is an energy transfer component of or coupled with a wheel of a
vehicle (e.g., energy transfer component 1844) and/or an energy
transfer component of or coupled with a tire of a vehicle (e.g.,
energy transfer component 1834), step 3730 may involve determining
(e.g., based on an orientation and/or angular position of the wheel
and/or tire) that the first energy transfer component is greater
than a predetermined distance from a surface (e.g., 1890, a surface
of a road, etc.) and/or from an energy transfer component of an
energy transfer system, in another position (e.g., where an ability
to perform an energy transfer is reduced or prevented), etc.
Alternatively, where the first energy transfer component is an
energy transfer component of an energy transfer system, step 3730
may involve determining that the first energy transfer component is
greater than a predetermined distance from a component of a vehicle
(e.g., an energy transfer component of and/or coupled with a wheel,
an energy transfer component of and/or coupled with a tire, another
component of the vehicle, etc.), in another position (e.g., where
an ability to perform an energy transfer is reduced or prevented),
etc.
[0730] In one embodiment, where the first energy transfer component
is an energy transfer component of an energy transfer system (e.g.,
energy transfer component 1610, energy transfer component 1620,
energy transfer component 1630, energy transfer component 1645,
energy transfer component 1655, energy transfer component 1662,
energy transfer component 1665, energy transfer component 1675,
etc.) which is located remotely from a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a,
320b, 320c, 1802, etc.), step 3730 may involve determining that the
vehicle (or at least one energy transfer component thereof) is
greater than a predetermined distance from the first energy
transfer component, in another position (e.g., where an ability to
perform an energy transfer is reduced or prevented), etc. In this
case, the vehicle may be moving and/or stationary with respect to
the first energy transfer component. Alternatively, where the first
energy transfer component may be an energy transfer component of a
vehicle, step 3730 may involve determining that the first energy
transfer component is greater than a predetermined distance from a
component of an energy transfer system (e.g., energy transfer
component 1610, energy transfer component 1620, energy transfer
component 1630, energy transfer component 1645, energy transfer
component 1655, energy transfer component 1662, energy transfer
component 1665, energy transfer component 1675, another component
of the energy transfer system, etc.), in another position (e.g.,
enabling an energy transfer), etc. In this case, the first energy
transfer component may be moving and/or stationary with respect to
the energy transfer system.
[0731] As shown in FIG. 37, step 3740 involves deactivating a first
interface (e.g., which is activated in step 3710). In one
embodiment, step 3740 may be performed by configuring the first
energy transfer component to operate in a mode other than an energy
transfer mode (e.g., a position detection mode, an idle mode, a
low-power mode, a mode in which the first energy transfer component
is depowered, etc.).
[0732] Step 3750 involves determining a second energy transfer
component in position to enable an energy transfer. In one
embodiment, step 3750 may be performed while a vehicle is moving
(e.g., along a roadway) and/or while a component of the vehicle is
moving (e.g., a wheel is turning, a tire is turning, etc.). In one
embodiment, step 3750 may be performed similarly to and/or
analogously to step 2905 of process 2900.
[0733] In one embodiment, the second energy transfer component may
be an energy transfer component of or coupled with a wheel of a
vehicle (e.g., energy transfer component 1842) and/or an energy
transfer component of or coupled with a tire of a vehicle (e.g.,
energy transfer component 1832). In this case, step 3750 may
involve determining (e.g., based on an orientation and/or angular
position of the wheel and/or tire) that the second energy transfer
component is less than a predetermined distance from a surface
(e.g., 1890, a surface of a road, etc.) and/or from an energy
transfer component of an energy transfer system, in another
position (e.g., enabling an energy transfer), etc. Alternatively,
the second energy transfer component may be an energy transfer
component of an energy transfer system, where step 3750 may involve
determining that the second energy transfer component is less than
a predetermined distance from a component of a vehicle (e.g., an
energy transfer component of and/or coupled with a wheel, an energy
transfer component of and/or coupled with a tire, another component
of the vehicle, etc.), in another position (e.g., enabling an
energy transfer), etc.
[0734] In one embodiment, the second energy transfer component may
be an energy transfer component of an energy transfer system (e.g.,
energy transfer component 1610, energy transfer component 1620,
energy transfer component 1630, energy transfer component 1645,
energy transfer component 1655, energy transfer component 1662,
energy transfer component 1665, energy transfer component 1675,
etc.) which is located remotely from a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a,
320b, 320c, 1802, etc.). In this case, step 3750 may involve
determining that the vehicle (or at least one energy transfer
component thereof) is less than a predetermined distance from the
second energy transfer component, in another position (e.g.,
enabling an energy transfer), etc., where the vehicle may be moving
and/or stationary with respect to the second energy transfer
component. Alternatively, the second energy transfer component may
be an energy transfer component of a vehicle. In this case, step
3750 may involve determining that the second energy transfer
component is less than a predetermined distance from a component of
an energy transfer system (e.g., energy transfer component 1610,
energy transfer component 1620, energy transfer component 1630,
energy transfer component 1645, energy transfer component 1655,
energy transfer component 1662, energy transfer component 1665,
energy transfer component 1675, another component of the energy
transfer system, etc.), in another position (e.g., enabling an
energy transfer), etc., where the second energy transfer component
may be moving and/or stationary with respect to the energy transfer
system.
[0735] As shown in FIG. 37, step 3760 involves activating a second
interface to enable an energy transfer via the second energy
transfer component. The second interface may include or be coupled
to the second energy transfer component. In one embodiment, the
second interface may be a wired energy transfer interface (e.g.,
231, 2031, etc.), an inductive energy transfer interface (e.g.,
234, 2034a, 2034b, 2034c, 2034d, etc.), a wireless energy transfer
interface (e.g., 237, 2037a, 2037b, etc.), some combination
thereof, etc. And in one embodiment, step 3760 may be performed by
configuring the second energy transfer component to operate in an
energy transfer mode.
[0736] Step 3770 involves determining the second energy transfer
component out of position to enable an energy transfer. In one
embodiment, step 3770 may be performed similarly to and/or
analogously to step 2905 of process 2900.
[0737] In one embodiment, where the second energy transfer
component is an energy transfer component of or coupled with a
wheel of a vehicle (e.g., energy transfer component 1844) and/or an
energy transfer component of or coupled with a tire of a vehicle
(e.g., energy transfer component 1834), step 3770 may involve
determining (e.g., based on an orientation and/or angular position
of the wheel and/or tire) that the second energy transfer component
is greater than a predetermined distance from a surface (e.g.,
1890, a surface of a road, etc.) and/or from an energy transfer
component of an energy transfer system, in another position (e.g.,
where an ability to perform an energy transfer is reduced or
prevented), etc. Alternatively, where the second energy transfer
component is an energy transfer component of an energy transfer
system, step 3770 may involve determining that the second energy
transfer component is greater than a predetermined distance from a
component of a vehicle (e.g., an energy transfer component of
and/or coupled with a wheel, an energy transfer component of and/or
coupled with a tire, another component of the vehicle, etc.), in
another position (e.g., where an ability to perform an energy
transfer is reduced or prevented), etc.
[0738] In one embodiment, where the second energy transfer
component is an energy transfer component of an energy transfer
system (e.g., energy transfer component 1610, energy transfer
component 1620, energy transfer component 1630, energy transfer
component 1645, energy transfer component 1655, energy transfer
component 1662, energy transfer component 1665, energy transfer
component 1675, etc.) which is located remotely from a vehicle
(e.g., 120, 320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, etc.), step 3770 may involve
determining that the vehicle (or at least one energy transfer
component thereof) is greater than a predetermined distance from
the second energy transfer component, in another position (e.g.,
where an ability to perform an energy transfer is reduced or
prevented), etc. In this case, the vehicle may be moving and/or
stationary with respect to the second energy transfer component.
Alternatively, where the second energy transfer component may be an
energy transfer component of a vehicle, step 3770 may involve
determining that the second energy transfer component is greater
than a predetermined distance from a component of an energy
transfer system (e.g., energy transfer component 1610, energy
transfer component 1620, energy transfer component 1630, energy
transfer component 1645, energy transfer component 1655, energy
transfer component 1662, energy transfer component 1665, energy
transfer component 1675, another component of the energy transfer
system, etc.), in another position (e.g., enabling an energy
transfer), etc. In this case, the second energy transfer component
may be moving and/or stationary with respect to the energy transfer
system.
[0739] As shown in FIG. 37, step 3780 involves deactivating a
second interface (e.g., which is activated in step 3760). In one
embodiment, step 3780 may be performed by configuring the second
energy transfer component to operate in a mode other than an energy
transfer mode (e.g., a position detection mode, an idle mode, a
low-power mode, a mode in which the second energy transfer
component is depowered, etc.).
[0740] Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may enable
one or more energy transfer interfaces to be activated and/or
deactivated based on the position of a vehicle (e.g., 120, 320a,
320b, 320c, 1802, etc.) and/or a component thereof with respect to
a component an energy transfer system (e.g., 110, 710a, 710b, 710c,
etc.) and/or component thereof. For example, as a vehicle moves
with respect to an energy transfer system (e.g., along vehicle
route 1605, in a parking lot, in another location and/or manner,
etc.), at least one energy transfer interface may be activated
and/or deactivated (e.g., in accordance with one or more steps of
process 3700) to enable one or more energy transfers (e.g., each
associated with the same financial transaction between the same
parties) to be performed (e.g., as the relative positioning between
the vehicle and the energy transfer system changes, as the vehicle
is located in different positions with respect to the energy
transfer system, as the energy transfer system is located in
different positions with respect to the vehicle, etc.). As another
example, as a component of a vehicle (e.g., a tire, a wheel, an
energy transfer component, another component, etc.) moves with
respect to an energy transfer system (e.g., as a tire rolls along a
surface of a roadway, as a wheel rotates, as another component of
the vehicle rotates or alternatively moves with respect to the
energy transfer system, etc.), at least one energy transfer
interface may be activated and/or deactivated (e.g., in accordance
with one or more steps of process 3700) to enable one or more
energy transfers (e.g., associated with the same financial
transaction between the same parties) to be performed (e.g., as the
relative positioning between the vehicle and the energy transfer
system changes, as the relative positioning between at least one
energy transfer component of the vehicle and at least one energy
transfer component of the energy transfer system changes, as the
vehicle and/or at least one component thereof is located in
different positions with respect to the energy transfer system
and/or at least one component thereof, as the energy transfer
system and/or at least one component thereof is located in
different positions with respect to the vehicle and/or at least one
component thereof, etc.). In this manner, embodiments of the
present invention can increase the amount of energy transferred
between a vehicle and an energy transfer system (e.g., by
transferring energy using more than one energy transfer component
which are physically spaced apart), enable energy to be transferred
between the vehicle and the energy transfer system while the
vehicle is moving, reduce energy loss (e.g., by deactivating at
least one energy transfer component which is activated but not used
to transfer energy at a particular time), increase the lifetime of
an energy transfer component (e.g., by deactivating the energy
transfer component when not in use, by using at least one other
energy transfer component to contemporaneously perform the energy
transfer and thereby enabling the energy transfer rate and/or at
least one other attribute of energy transferred via the energy
transfer component to be reduced, etc.), etc.
[0741] In one embodiment, one or more steps of process 3700 may be
performed contemporaneously. For example, the second interface may
be activated in step 3760 contemporaneously with the deactivation
of the first interface in step 3740.
[0742] Although FIG. 37 depicts process 3700 with a particular
number of steps, it should be appreciated that process 3700 may
have a different number of steps in other embodiments. For example,
one or more of the steps of process 3700 may be optional and not
performed in one embodiment. Additionally, although FIG. 37 depicts
process 3700 with a particular ordering of steps, it should be
appreciated that the steps of process 3700 may occur in a different
order in other embodiments. For example, the second interface may
be activated in step 3760 before the deactivation of the first
interface in step 3740.
[0743] FIG. 38 shows a flowchart of computer-implemented process
3800 for controlling a temperature of a component in accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment,
step 3810 may be performed by or using at least one component of a
vehicle (e.g., temperature regulation component 2828, processor
2825, processor 2845, interface component 221, etc.), at least one
component of an energy transfer system (e.g., interface component
211, etc.), at least one component of another system (e.g.,
interface system 550, computer system 2890, computer system 570,
computer system 590, computer system 592, computer system 594,
computer system 790, etc.), some combination thereof, etc.
[0744] As shown in FIG. 38, step 3810 involves monitoring the
temperature of a component. The component may be an energy transfer
component (e.g., 233, 236, 239, 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1832, 1834,
1842, 1844, 2033, 2036a, 2036b, 2036c, 2036d, 2039a, 2039b, 2230,
2240, 2250, 2270, 2280, 2290, 2320, 2330, 2340, 2360, 2370, 2460,
2461, 2630, 2640, 2730, 2740, 232, 235, 238, 1610, 1620, 1630,
1645, 1655, 1662, 1665, 1675, 1711, 1712, 1713, 1714, 1715, 1721,
1722, 1723, 1724, 1725, 1726, 1727, 1728, 1731, 1732, 1733, 1734,
1735, 1742, 1744, 1752, 1754, 1783, 1785, 1812, 2032, 2035a, 2035b,
2035c, 2035d, 2038a, 2038b, 2110, 2111, 2112, 2113, 2114, 2115,
2116, 2117, 2118, 2660, 2680, 2730, 2740, etc.), an energy storage
medium (e.g., 2810, etc.), another component of an energy storage
component (e.g., 226, 216, etc.), some combination thereof, etc. In
one embodiment, step 3810 may be performed by another component
(e.g., 2462, 2463, 2634, 2644, 2664, 2684, 2829, some combination
thereof, etc.) capable of monitoring a temperature of the component
(e.g., associated with the temperature monitored in step 3810).
[0745] Step 3820 involves determining whether the temperature
(e.g., monitored in step 3810) is below a first threshold (e.g.,
corresponding to a particular temperature or range of
temperatures). In one embodiment, the first threshold may be
predetermined (e.g., specified during manufacture by a
manufacturer, specified by a dealership, specified by a service
center, specified by another party or entity, some combination
thereof, etc.) in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the first
threshold may be determined on-the-fly (e.g., based on a state of a
vehicle or a component thereof, based on a state of an energy
transfer system or a component thereof, some combination thereof,
etc.). The first threshold may be specified automatically (e.g., by
a component of a vehicle, by a component of an energy transfer
system, by a component of interface system 550 and/or another
system, some combination thereof, etc.) and/or specified by a user
(e.g., using GUI 800, GUI 900, another user interface, etc.).
[0746] If it is determined that the temperature (e.g., monitored in
step 3810) is below the first threshold, then heat transfer from
the component may be reduced in step 3830. Step 3830 may involve
configuring and/or controlling another component (e.g., 2464, 2465,
2632, 2642, 2662, 2682, 2818, some combination thereof, etc.) to
reduce an amount of heat transferred from the component (e.g.,
associated with the temperature monitored in step 3810). In one
embodiment, the temperature of the component may remain the same or
increase as a result of step 3830. Alternatively, if it is
determined in step 3820 that the temperature (e.g., monitored in
step 3810) is not below the first threshold, then step 3840 may be
performed.
[0747] As shown in FIG. 38, step 3840 involves determining whether
the temperature (e.g., monitored in step 3810) is below a second
threshold (e.g., corresponding to a particular temperature or range
of temperatures). In one embodiment, the second threshold may
correspond to a particular temperature or range of temperatures
which is higher than a particular temperature or range of
temperatures corresponding to the first threshold (e.g., used in
step 3820). In one embodiment, the second threshold may be
predetermined (e.g., specified during manufacture by a
manufacturer, specified by a dealership, specified by a service
center, specified by another party or entity, some combination
thereof, etc.) in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the second
threshold may be determined on-the-fly (e.g., based on a state of a
vehicle or a component thereof, based on a state of an energy
transfer system or a component thereof, some combination thereof,
etc.). The second threshold may be specified automatically (e.g.,
by a component of a vehicle, by a component of an energy transfer
system, by a component of interface system 550 and/or another
system, some combination thereof, etc.) and/or specified by a user
(e.g., using GUI 800, GUI 900, another user interface, etc.).
[0748] If it is determined that the temperature (e.g., monitored in
step 3810) is below the second threshold, then heat transfer from
the component may be maintained in step 3850. Step 3850 may involve
configuring and/or controlling another component (e.g., 2464, 2465,
2632, 2642, 2662, 2682, 2818, some combination thereof, etc.) to
maintain an amount of heat transferred from the component (e.g.,
associated with the temperature monitored in step 3810). In one
embodiment, the temperature of the component may remain the same as
a result of step 3850. In one embodiment, the temperature of the
component may increase or decrease as a result of step 3850.
[0749] Alternatively, if it is determined in step 3840 that the
temperature (e.g., monitored in step 3810) is not below the second
threshold, then heat transfer from the component may be increased
in step 3860. Step 3860 may involve configuring and/or controlling
another component (e.g., 2464, 2465, 2632, 2642, 2662, 2682, 2818,
some combination thereof, etc.) to increase an amount of heat
transferred from the component (e.g., associated with the
temperature monitored in step 3810). In one embodiment, the
temperature of the component may remain the same as a result of
step 3860. In one embodiment, the temperature of the component may
increase or decrease as a result of step 3860.
[0750] As shown in FIG. 38, step 3865 involves monitoring the
temperature of the component (e.g., associated with the temperature
monitored in step 3810). In one embodiment, step 3865 may be
performed similarly to and/or analogously to step 3810. The
temperature monitored in step 3865 may be different from the
temperature monitored in step 3810 in one embodiment. In one
embodiment, the temperature monitored in step 3865 may be the same
as the temperature monitored in step 3810.
[0751] Step 3870 involves determining whether the temperature
(e.g., monitored in step 3810, step 3865, an average thereof, some
combination thereof, etc.) is below the second threshold (e.g.,
used in step 3840). If it is determined that the temperature (e.g.,
monitored in step 3865) is below the second threshold, then heat
transfer from the component may be maintained in step 3850. Step
3850 may involve configuring and/or controlling another component
(e.g., 2464, 2465, 2632, 2642, 2662, 2682, 2818, some combination
thereof, etc.) to maintain an amount of heat transferred from the
component (e.g., associated with the temperature monitored in step
3810 and/or step 3865). In one embodiment, the temperature of the
component may remain the same as a result of step 3850. In one
embodiment, the temperature of the component may increase or
decrease as a result of step 3850.
[0752] Alternatively, if it is determined in step 3870 that the
temperature (e.g., monitored in step 3810, step 3865, an average
thereof, some combination thereof, etc.) is not below the second
threshold, then at least one attribute (e.g., at least one energy
transfer type, at least one interface type, at least one power, at
least one current, at least one voltage, at least one energy
transfer profile, at least one duration, at least one waveform, at
least one temperature, some combination thereof, etc.) may be
changed or adjusted to reduce heat transfer from the component. In
this manner, the temperature of the component can be reduced by
reducing the heat generated by the component (e.g., alone or in
combination with heat being transferred from the component by the
other component). In one embodiment, step 3880 may be performed
responsive to a determination that the other component (e.g., 2464,
2465, 2632, 2642, 2662, 2682, 2818, some combination thereof, etc.)
is unable to increase heat transfer from the component and/or the
heat transfer capability of the other component is maximized. In
one embodiment, step 3880 may be performed responsive to a
determination that the component is in thermal runaway (e.g.,
despite heat transfer from the other component) and/or the
component is in an unstable state associated to a temperature
thereof.
[0753] As shown in FIG. 38, step 3890 involves determining whether
a request to terminate or suspend the temperature control (e.g.,
performed in one or more other steps of process 3800) is detected.
If a request to terminate or suspend the temperature control is not
detected, then process 3800 may return to step 3810. Alternatively,
if a request to terminate or suspend the temperature control is
detected in step 3890, then process 3800 may finish.
[0754] Accordingly, process 3800 may be used to control the
temperature of a component. For example, where the second threshold
is higher than the first threshold (e.g., a temperature or range of
temperatures corresponding to the second threshold is higher than a
temperature or range of temperatures corresponding to the first
threshold), process 3800 may be used to control the temperature of
the component to stay substantially within the first and second
thresholds (e.g., although the temperature of the component may
temporarily rise above the second threshold and/or temporarily fall
below the first threshold, the temperature may be adjusted to
return to a temperature between the first and second
thresholds).
[0755] In one embodiment, the first threshold (e.g., used in step
3820) and/or the second threshold (e.g., used in step 3840, step
3870, etc.) may be dynamically adjusted (e.g., during operation of
the component) to vary the temperature of the component. For
example, the temperature of an energy storage medium (e.g., 2810)
may be changed (e.g., by adjusting the first threshold used in step
3820 and/or the second threshold used in step 3840 and/or step
3870) responsive to or while energy is transferred to and/or from
the energy storage medium. As another example, the temperature of
an energy transfer component (e.g., 233, 236, 239, 1821, 1822,
1823, 1824, 1832, 1834, 1842, 1844, 2033, 2036a, 2036b, 2036c,
2036d, 2039a, 2039b, 2230, 2240, 2250, 2270, 2280, 2290, 2320,
2330, 2340, 2360, 2370, 2460, 2461, 2630, 2640, 2730, 2740, 232,
235, 238, 1610, 1620, 1630, 1645, 1655, 1662, 1665, 1675, 1711,
1712, 1713, 1714, 1715, 1721, 1722, 1723, 1724, 1725, 1726, 1727,
1728, 1731, 1732, 1733, 1734, 1735, 1742, 1744, 1752, 1754, 1783,
1785, 1812, 2032, 2035a, 2035b, 2035c, 2035d, 2038a, 2038b, 2110,
2111, 2112, 2113, 2114, 2115, 2116, 2117, 2118, 2660, 2680, 2730,
2740, etc.) may be changed (e.g., by adjusting the first threshold
used in step 3820 and/or the second threshold used in step 3840
and/or step 3870) responsive to or while energy is transferred via
the energy transfer component (e.g., to perform one or more energy
transfers between at least one vehicle and at least one energy
transfer system, between at least one vehicle and at least one
other vehicle, etc.). In one embodiment, the first threshold (e.g.,
used in step 3820) and/or the second threshold (e.g., used in step
3840 and/or step 3870) may be adjusted based on a user input and/or
user preference (e.g., entered using a GUI such as GUI 800, GUI
900, GUI 1000, etc.), based on an automated input and/or automated
request (e.g., by a vehicle or a component thereof, by an energy
transfer system or a component thereof, by interface system 550 or
a component thereof, by another system, etc.).
[0756] Although FIG. 38 depicts process 3800 with a particular
number of steps, it should be appreciated that process 3800 may
have a different number of steps in other embodiments. For example,
one or more of the steps of process 3800 may be optional and not
performed in one embodiment. Additionally, although FIG. 38 depicts
process 3800 as utilizing only two thresholds, it should be
appreciated that any number of thresholds may be used to control
the temperature of a component. Further, although FIG. 38 depicts
process 3800 with a particular ordering of steps, it should be
appreciated that the steps of process 3800 may occur in a different
order in other embodiments.
[0757] FIG. 39 shows a flowchart of computer-implemented process
3900 for transferring energy in accordance with one embodiment of
the present invention. As shown in FIG. 39, step 3910 involves
performing an energy transfer over an interface. In one embodiment,
the interface may be an interface coupled to an energy storage
medium (e.g., 2817, 2832, another interface coupled to energy
storage medium 2810, an interface coupling energy storage component
226 to power management component 225, another interface of a
vehicle, an interface coupling energy storage component 216 to
power management component 215, another interface of an energy
transfer system, etc.), where the energy transfer over the
interface may be to the energy storage medium or from the energy
storage medium. In one embodiment, the interface may be an energy
transfer interface (e.g., 132, 231, 234, 237, 2031, 2034a, 2034b,
2034c, 2034d, 2037a, 2037b, 2832, 2470, 2472, 2473, 2476, 2477,
etc.) coupled to an energy transfer component of a vehicle (e.g.,
233, 236, 239, 1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1832, 1834, 1842, 1844,
2033, 2036a, 2036b, 2036c, 2036d, 2039a, 2039b, 2230, 2240, 2250,
2270, 2280, 2290, 2320, 2330, 2340, 2360, 2370, 2460, 2461, 2630,
2640, 2730, 2740, some combination thereof, etc.) and/or an energy
transfer component of an energy transfer system (e.g., 232, 235,
238, 1610, 1620, 1630, 1645, 1655, 1662, 1665, 1675, 1711, 1712,
1713, 1714, 1715, 1721, 1722, 1723, 1724, 1725, 1726, 1727, 1728,
1731, 1732, 1733, 1734, 1735, 1742, 1744, 1752, 1754, 1783, 1785,
1812, 2032, 2035a, 2035b, 2035c, 2035d, 2038a, 2038b, 2110, 2111,
2112, 2113, 2114, 2115, 2116, 2117, 2118, 2660, 2680, 2730, 2740,
some combination thereof, etc.), where the energy transfer may be
an energy transfer between at least one vehicle and at least one
energy transfer system, between at least one vehicle and at least
one other vehicle, etc.
[0758] Step 3920 involves converting heat associated with the
energy transfer into electrical energy. In one embodiment, step
3920 may be performed by a component (e.g., heat transfer component
2818, a component of an energy transfer system which operates
analogously or similarly to heat transfer component 2818, etc.)
positioned with respect to (e.g., coupled with, disposed on or
touching, disposed adjacent to, disposed in proximity to, etc.) an
energy storage medium (e.g., 2810, an energy storage medium of an
energy transfer system, etc.) such that heat generated by the
energy storage medium can be converted into electrical energy by
the component (e.g., heat transfer component 2818, a component of
an energy transfer system which operates analogously or similarly
to heat transfer component 2818, etc.). In one embodiment, step
3920 may be performed by a component (e.g., 2464, 2465, 2632, 2642,
2662, 2682, etc.) positioned with respect to (e.g., coupled with,
disposed on or touching, disposed adjacent to, disposed in
proximity to, etc.) an energy transfer component (e.g., of a
vehicle, of an energy transfer system, etc.) such that heat
generated by the energy transfer component can be converted into
electrical energy by the component (e.g., 2464, 2465, 2632, 2642,
2662, 2682, etc.).
[0759] As shown in FIG. 39, step 3930 involves combining the
electrical energy (e.g., generated in step 3920) with the energy of
the energy transfer (e.g., performed in step 3910). The electrical
energy (e.g., generated in step 3920) may be combined with the
energy of the energy transfer (e.g., performed in step 3910) using
voltage summing, current summing, or any other technique for
combining or storing electricity from multiple sources. For
example, where the heat is generated by an energy transfer
component (e.g., of a vehicle, of an energy transfer system, etc.)
transmitting energy to another system (e.g., a vehicle, energy
transfer system, another system, etc.), electrical energy generated
from the heat may be combined in step 3930 with energy of the
energy transfer (e.g., energy transferred via the energy transfer
component over the energy transfer interface as part of the energy
transfer performed in step 3910) and transferred contemporaneously
over the energy transfer interface. In this manner, energy that
would otherwise be lost as heat may be converted into electrical
energy and transferred over the energy transfer interface, thereby
increasing the amount of energy transferred over the energy
transfer interface (e.g., from the system including the energy
transfer component to another system) and/or improving the
efficiency of the energy transfer over the energy transfer
interface (e.g., from the system including the energy transfer
component to another system).
[0760] As another example, where the heat is generated by an energy
transfer component (e.g., of a vehicle, of an energy transfer
system, etc.) receiving energy from another system (e.g., a
vehicle, energy transfer system, another system, etc.), electrical
energy generated from the heat may be combined in step 3930 with
energy of the energy transfer (e.g., energy received by the energy
transfer component over the energy transfer interface as part of
the energy transfer performed in step 3910). In this manner, energy
that would otherwise be lost as heat may be converted into
electrical energy (e.g., for use by the system including the energy
transfer component, for transfer to and use by another system,
etc.), thereby increasing the amount of energy accessible via the
energy transfer component (e.g., accessible to the system including
the energy transfer component, accessible to another system, etc.)
and/or improving the efficiency of the energy transfer over the
energy transfer interface (e.g., to the system including the energy
transfer component from another system).
[0761] As a further example, where the heat is generated by an
energy storage medium (e.g., 2810, of a vehicle, of an energy
transfer system, etc.) receiving energy (e.g., as part of a charge
of the energy storage medium, etc.) from another component or
system (e.g., a vehicle, energy transfer system, another system,
etc.), electrical energy generated from the heat may be combined in
step 3930 with energy of the energy transfer (e.g., energy
transferred over the energy transfer interface to the energy
storage medium as part of the energy transfer performed in step
3910). In one embodiment, step 3930 may involve energy regulation
component 2821 combining electrical energy from heat transfer
component 2818 with energy received over energy transfer interface
2832, where the electrical energy and energy received over energy
transfer interface 2832 may be transferred to energy storage medium
2810 over interface 2817 (e.g., to charge energy storage medium).
In this manner, energy that would otherwise be lost as heat may be
converted into electrical energy and accessed by the energy storage
medium (e.g., for charging thereof, etc.), thereby increasing the
amount of energy transferred to the energy storage medium and/or
improving the efficiency of the energy transfer to the energy
storage medium.
[0762] As yet another example, where the heat is generated by an
energy storage medium (e.g., 2810, of a vehicle, of an energy
transfer system, etc.) transferring or transmitting energy (e.g.,
as part of a discharge of the energy storage medium, etc.) to
another component or system (e.g., a vehicle, energy transfer
system, another system, etc.), electrical energy generated from the
heat may be combined in step 3930 with energy of the energy
transfer (e.g., energy transferred or transmitted over the energy
transfer interface from the energy storage medium as part of the
energy transfer performed in step 3910). In one embodiment, step
3930 may involve energy regulation component 2821 combining
electrical energy from heat transfer component 2818 with energy
received over interface 2817 (e.g., from energy storage medium
2810), where the electrical energy and energy received over
interface 2817 may be transferred to another component (e.g., of
the energy storage component including the energy storage medium,
of a vehicle including the energy storage medium, of an energy
transfer system, to another system, etc.) over energy transfer
interface 2832. In this manner, energy that would otherwise be lost
as heat may be converted into electrical energy and transferred
over the energy transfer interface, thereby increasing the amount
of energy transferred over the energy transfer interface and/or
improving the efficiency of the energy transfer over the energy
transfer interface.
[0763] As shown in FIG. 39, step 3940 involves supplying the
electrical energy (e.g., generated in step 3920) to another
component. In one embodiment, step 3940 may involve supplying the
electrical energy over an interface without combining the
electrical energy with (e.g., independently of and/or separately
from) the energy of the energy transfer (e.g., transferred over the
energy transfer interface in step 3910). In one embodiment, step
3940 may involve supplying the electrical energy over an interface
separate from the energy transfer interface (e.g., used to perform
the energy transfer in step 3910). And in one embodiment, step 3940
may involve supplying the electrical energy to a component other
than the component that receives the energy of the energy transfer
(e.g., performed in step 3910).
[0764] In one embodiment, steps 3930 and 3940 may be performed
contemporaneously. Alternatively, steps 3930 and 3940 may be
performed sequentially. In one embodiment, step 3930 may be
optional and not performed. In one embodiment, step 3940 may be
optional and not performed. And in one embodiment, steps 3930 and
3940 may be mutually exclusive.
[0765] Although FIG. 39 depicts process 3900 with a particular
number of steps, it should be appreciated that process 3900 may
have a different number of steps in other embodiments. For example,
one or more of the steps of process 3900 may be optional and not
performed in one embodiment. Additionally, although FIG. 39 depicts
process 3900 with a particular ordering of steps, it should be
appreciated that the steps of process 3900 may occur in a different
order in other embodiments.
[0766] FIG. 40 shows a flowchart of computer-implemented process
4000 for transferring heat in accordance with one embodiment of the
present invention. As shown in FIG. 40, step 4010 involves
performing an energy transfer over an interface including at least
one energy transfer component. In one embodiment, the interface may
be an energy transfer interface (e.g., 132, 231, 234, 237, 2031,
2034a, 2034b, 2034c, 2034d, 2037a, 2037b, 2832, 2470, 2472, 2473,
2476, 2477, etc.). The at least one energy transfer component may
be an energy transfer component of a vehicle (e.g., 233, 236, 239,
1821, 1822, 1823, 1824, 1832, 1834, 1842, 1844, 2033, 2036a, 2036b,
2036c, 2036d, 2039a, 2039b, 2230, 2240, 2250, 2270, 2280, 2290,
2320, 2330, 2340, 2360, 2370, 2460, 2461, 2630, 2640, 2730, 2740,
some combination thereof, etc.) and/or an energy transfer component
of an energy transfer system (e.g., 232, 235, 238, 1610, 1620,
1630, 1645, 1655, 1662, 1665, 1675, 1711, 1712, 1713, 1714, 1715,
1721, 1722, 1723, 1724, 1725, 1726, 1727, 1728, 1731, 1732, 1733,
1734, 1735, 1742, 1744, 1752, 1754, 1783, 1785, 1812, 2032, 2035a,
2035b, 2035c, 2035d, 2038a, 2038b, 2110, 2111, 2112, 2113, 2114,
2115, 2116, 2117, 2118, 2660, 2680, 2730, 2740, some combination
thereof, etc.). And in one embodiment, the energy transfer may be
an energy transfer between at least one vehicle and at least one
energy transfer system, between at least one vehicle and at least
one other vehicle, etc.
[0767] Step 4020 involves transferring heat from the at least one
energy transfer component using energy from the interface (e.g.,
using energy transferred in step 4010 as part of the energy
transfer). In one embodiment, step 4020 may involve supplying the
energy from the interface to a component (e.g., 2464, 2465, 2632,
2642, 2662, 2682, etc.) positioned with respect to (e.g., coupled
with, disposed on or touching, disposed adjacent to, disposed in
proximity to, etc.) the energy transfer component (e.g., of a
vehicle, of an energy transfer system, etc.) such that heat can be
transferred from the at least one energy transfer component by the
component (e.g., 2464, 2465, 2632, 2642, 2662, 2682, etc.), where
the component may be configured to transfer heat from the at least
one energy transfer component responsive to supplying energy to the
component. In this manner, the lifetime of the at least one energy
transfer component can be extended, the efficiency of energy
transfer and/or signal communication using the at least one energy
transfer component can be increased (e.g., by reducing a
temperature of the energy transfer component to enable energy to be
transferred and/or signals to be communicated more efficiently),
etc. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention can
advantageously reduce the number of components in the system (e.g.,
by utilizing an energy transfer interface to supply energy to the
component instead of using a separate interface), thereby reducing
the cost of the system, reducing the cost to retrofit to the system
if the component is added after manufacturing, reducing the failure
rate of the system, etc.
[0768] Although FIG. 40 depicts process 4000 with a particular
number of steps, it should be appreciated that process 4000 may
have a different number of steps in other embodiments. For example,
one or more of the steps of process 4000 may be optional and not
performed in one embodiment. Additionally, although FIG. 40 depicts
process 4000 with a particular ordering of steps, it should be
appreciated that the steps of process 4000 may occur in a different
order in other embodiments.
[0769] FIG. 41 shows computer system 4100 upon which embodiments of
the present invention may be implemented. As shown in FIG. 41,
computer system 4100 may include processor 4110, memory 4120,
removable storage 4140, non-removable storage 4145, graphics
processor 4150, frame buffer 4160, communication interface 4170,
input component 4180, and output component 4190. In one embodiment,
embodiments of the present invention may be implemented by
execution of computer-readable instructions or computer-executable
instructions that may reside in components of computer system 4100
and which may be used as a part of a general purpose computer
network. In one embodiment, computer system 4100 may be a
general-purpose computer system, an embedded computer system, a
laptop computer system, a hand-held computer system, a portable
computer system and/or portable electronic device, a stand-alone
computer system, etc.
[0770] In one embodiment, computer system 4100 may be used to
implement computer system 570, computer system 590, computer system
592, computer system 594, computer system 790, computer system
2890, at least one component of at least one vehicle (e.g., 120,
320a, 320b, 320c, 1802, etc.), at least one component of at least
one energy transfer system (e.g., 110, 710a, 710b, 710c, etc.),
interface system 550, payment system 560, some combination thereof,
etc. And in one embodiment, one or more components of computer
system 4100 may be disposed in and/or coupled with a housing or
enclosure.
[0771] In one embodiment, depicted by dashed lines 4130, computer
system 4100 may include at least one processor (e.g., 4110) and at
least one memory (e.g., 4120). Processor 4110 may be or include a
central processing unit (CPU) or other type of processor. Depending
on the configuration and/or type of computer system environment,
memory 4120 may be or include volatile memory (e.g., RAM),
non-volatile memory (e.g., ROM, flash memory, etc.), some
combination thereof, etc. Additionally, memory 4120 may be
removable, non-removable, etc.
[0772] In one embodiment, computer system 4100 may include
additional storage (e.g., removable storage 4140, non-removable
storage 4145, etc.). Removable storage 4140 and/or non-removable
storage 4145 may include volatile memory, non-volatile memory, some
combination thereof, etc. Additionally, removable storage 4140
and/or non-removable storage 4145 may include CD-ROM, digital
versatile disks (DVD), other optical storage, magnetic cassettes,
magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, other magnetic storage
devices, or any other medium which can be used to store information
for access by computer system 4100.
[0773] As shown in FIG. 41, computer system 4100 may communicate
with other systems, components, or devices via communication
interface 4170. Communication interface 4170 may embody
computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or
other data in a modulated data signal (e.g., a carrier wave) or
other transport mechanism. By way of example, and not limitation,
communication interface 4170 may couple to wired media (e.g., a
wired network, direct-wired connection, etc.) and/or wireless media
(e.g., a wireless network, a wireless connection utilizing
acoustic, RF, infrared, or other wireless signaling, etc.).
[0774] Communication interface 4170 may also couple computer system
4100 to one or more external input components (e.g., a keyboard, a
mouse, a trackball, a joystick, a pen, a voice input device, a
touch input device, etc.). In one embodiment, communication
interface 4170 may couple computer system 4100 to one or more
external output components (e.g., a display, a speaker, a printer,
etc.). And in one embodiment, communication interface 4170 may
include a plug, receptacle, cable, slot or any other component
capable of coupling to and/or communicating with another component,
device, system, etc.
[0775] Input component 4180 may include any component capable of
receiving or enabling the input of information. For example, input
component 4180 may be or include a keyboard, at least one button or
key, a mouse, a trackball, a joystick, a pen, a voice input device,
a touch input device, another type of input component, etc. Output
component 4190 may include any component capable of transmitting or
enabling the output of information. For example, input component
4180 may be or include a display, a speaker, a printer, another
type of output component, etc.
[0776] As shown in FIG. 41, graphics processor 4150 may perform
graphics processing operations on graphical data stored in frame
buffer 4160 or another memory (e.g., 4120, 4140, 4145, etc.) of
computer system 4100. Graphical data stored in frame buffer 4160
may be accessed, processed, and/or modified by components (e.g.,
graphics processor 4150, processor 4110, some combination thereof,
etc.) of computer system 4100 and/or components of other systems,
other devices, etc. Additionally, the graphical data may be
accessed (e.g., by graphics processor 4150) and displayed on an
output device coupled to computer system 4100 in one
embodiment.
[0777] In one embodiment, a memory of computer system 4100 (e.g.,
memory 4120, removable storage 4140, non-removable storage 4145,
frame buffer 4160, some combination thereof, etc.) may be a
computer-readable medium (or computer-usable medium, or
computer-readable storage medium, etc.) and may include
instructions that when executed by a processor (e.g., 4110, 4150,
etc.) implement a method of managing at least one transfer of
energy (e.g., in accordance with process 2900 of FIGS. 29A and
29B), increasing vehicle security (e.g., in accordance with process
2900 of FIGS. 30A and 30B), determining at least one energy
transfer interface (e.g., in accordance with process 3100 of FIG.
31), determining at least one energy transfer component (e.g., in
accordance with process 3200 of FIG. 32), determining at least one
energy transfer component by analyzing at least one response to an
activation of one or more energy transfer components (e.g., in
accordance with process 3300 of FIG. 33), determining at least one
attribute (e.g., in accordance with process 3400 of FIG. 34),
performing an interrupt service routine (e.g., in accordance with
process 3500 of FIG. 35), performing an interrupt service routine
associated with a user selection (e.g., in accordance with process
3600 of FIG. 36), managing at least one energy transfer (e.g., in
accordance with process 3700 of FIG. 37), controlling a temperature
of a component (e.g., in accordance with process 3800 of FIG. 38),
transferring energy (e.g., in accordance with process 3900 of FIG.
39), transferring heat (e.g., in accordance with process 4000 of
FIG. 40), some combination thereof, etc. And in one embodiment, a
memory of computer system 4100 (e.g., memory 4120, removable
storage 4140, non-removable storage 4145, frame buffer 4160, some
combination thereof, etc.) may be a computer-readable medium (or
computer-usable medium, or computer-readable storage medium, etc.)
having computer-readable program code embodied therein for causing
a computer system (e.g., computer system 4100 or a component
thereof such as processor 4110, graphics processor 4150, etc.) to
perform a method of managing at least one transfer of energy (e.g.,
in accordance with process 2900 of FIGS. 29A and 29B), increasing
vehicle security (e.g., in accordance with process 2900 of FIGS.
30A and 30B), determining at least one energy transfer interface
(e.g., in accordance with process 3100 of FIG. 31), determining at
least one energy transfer component (e.g., in accordance with
process 3200 of FIG. 32), determining at least one energy transfer
component by analyzing at least one response to an activation of
one or more energy transfer components (e.g., in accordance with
process 3300 of FIG. 33), determining at least one attribute (e.g.,
in accordance with process 3400 of FIG. 34), performing an
interrupt service routine (e.g., in accordance with process 3500 of
FIG. 35), performing an interrupt service routine associated with a
user selection (e.g., in accordance with process 3600 of FIG. 36),
managing at least one energy transfer (e.g., in accordance with
process 3700 of FIG. 37), controlling a temperature of a component
(e.g., in accordance with process 3800 of FIG. 38), transferring
energy (e.g., in accordance with process 3900 of FIG. 39),
transferring heat (e.g., in accordance with process 4000 of FIG.
40), some combination thereof, etc. And in one embodiment, a
computer-readable medium of computer system 4100 may be implemented
in and/or using at least one die of at least one integrated circuit
(e.g., at least one application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC),
at least one system-on-a-chip (SOC), at least one programmable
system-on-a-chip (PSOC), another type of integrated circuit,
etc.).
[0778] In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the invention
have been described with reference to numerous specific details
that may vary from implementation to implementation. Thus, the sole
and exclusive indicator of what is, and is intended by the
applicant to be, the invention is the set of claims that issue from
this application, in the specific form in which such claims issue,
including any subsequent correction thereto. Hence, no limitation,
element, property, feature, advantage, or attribute that is not
expressly recited in a claim should limit the scope of such claim
in any way. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be
regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.
* * * * *