Method and System for Using a Mobile Device for Secure Access to Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment

Abstract

A systems and method are to allow a wireless telephone or any terminal to reserve and activate an electric vehicle charger using a web site or server computer system. An access control system is provided that includes a server and an access device. The access device includes an electrical vehicle charger. A reservation request is accepted from a first terminal using the server. A reservation certificate is provided to a mobile second terminal in response to the request using the server. The reservation certificate is accepted from the mobile second terminal using the access device and a communications technique like Bluetooth. The reservation certificate is determined to be authentic using the access device. The electric vehicle charger is activated in response to accepting an authentic reservation certificate using the access device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001]This application is a continuation-in-part and claims priority to international application PCT / US11 / 26781 with international filing date of Mar. 2, 2011 and international priority date of Mar. 2, 2010. That application claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 309,813, filed Mar. 2, 2010. Applications PCT / US11 / 26781 and 61 / 309,813 are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.BACKGROUND[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to the field of access to devices such as chargers for electric vehicles and more particularly to a method and system for using a smart phone to allow this access.[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly gaining in popularity. With these electric vehicles, charge points, or Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) and often called “chargers” where the vehicle can charge its batteries, will also become ub...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

A major problem with a random collection of charge stations is that a driver needing charge may have no idea exactly where to find a charging station that can charge his vehicle using the correct voltage and current, and may have no convenient way to reserve a place or make payments for this service.

Of course, kiosks and the like can accept credit cards much like gas pumps; however, there still remains the problem of reservations and correct charging parameters.

Burger fails to teach enabling a charger for an electronic vehicle.

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