EV Charger Map Overlay for Speed-Based Station Filtering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Operators of electric vehicles face difficulty in identifying suitable charging stations due to cluttered map interfaces displaying numerous charging options, making it time-consuming to find appropriate stations for their current driving destinations.

Innovation Solution

The system optimizes the presentation of electric charging stations on a map interface by filtering based on charging speed, displaying icons that reflect charging speed through color and size, and combining icons of similar speeds when zoomed out, while providing detailed information upon selection, allowing operators to easily identify suitable stations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If all available charging stations are displayed on the map interface, then complete information is provided to the operator, but the map interface becomes cluttered and difficult to navigate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging station information completenessVSAvoidmap interface usability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments charging stations into different categories based on charging speed (fast charging vs. slow charging). The map interface displays only fast charging stations by default, while slow charging stations are separated into a filtered view. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by organizing information into manageable segments that reduce visual clutter while preserving access to complete information through filtering options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of information display by dynamically filtering charging stations based on charging speed criteria. The system transitions from displaying all charging stations to displaying only those meeting specific parameters (fast charging capability). This parameter-based filtering resolves the contradiction by adapting the displayed information set to match user needs for quick charging, reducing clutter while maintaining information completeness for relevant stations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If charging speed filtering is applied to the map interface, then the interface is decluttered and easier to use, but some charging station information may be excluded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemap interface usabilityVSAvoidcharging station information completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic filtering where the map interface can switch between displaying all charging stations and displaying only fast charging stations based on user interaction. The filtering is not static but adaptable - users can toggle between different views depending on their current needs. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by allowing the interface to adjust its information density and filtering level based on real-time user preferences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system monitors user interactions with the map interface and adjusts the displayed information accordingly. When users engage with filtering options or indicate preferences, the system provides feedback by adjusting the displayed charging station list. This feedback loop resolves the contradiction by continuously optimizing the balance between information completeness and interface usability based on actual user behavior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If detailed information about each charging station is displayed, then operators can make informed decisions, but the interface becomes overwhelming and time-consuming to navigate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging station detail informationVSAvoidtime to identify suitable charging station
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments charging station information into essential details (location, charging speed, availability) and secondary details (pricing, amenities, operational hours). The map interface prioritizes displaying only essential information in a concise format, while secondary information is available upon request or in a separate detailed view. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by presenting information in hierarchical segments that reduce cognitive load while maintaining access to complete details.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by providing different levels of information detail in different interface areas. The map view provides summarized essential information for quick scanning, while detailed information is available in expanded views or pop-up panels when users interact with specific charging station markers. This local differentiation of information density resolves the contradiction by providing concise information where needed for quick decision-making while preserving access to comprehensive details when users want to investigate further.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11914840B2Charger map overlay and detail card
Publication Date: 2024.02.27 RIVIAN HOLDINGS LLC
  • US11914840B2 patent drawing
  • US11914840B2 patent drawing
  • US11914840B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods are provided for presenting information related to electric charging stations for charging an electric vehicle. A first plurality of icons corresponding to an identified plurality of electric charging stations may be generated for presentation on a display. A zoom command to modify a zoom level of the map interface may be received, and in response to receiving the zoom command, a subset of the plurality of electric charging stations having a charging speed above a threshold charging speed may be identified, and a second plurality of icons, corresponding to the identified subset of the plurality of electric charging stations, may be generated for presentation at the display on a zoomed-out view of the map interface. Selectable options to display a detailed view of information related to an electric charger associated with an electric charger category from among multiple electric charger categories may be provided.