System and method for contacting vehicle via electric vehicle supply equipment

A method and system of notifications for an electric vehicle are provided. A method of notification includes receiving, from an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), a charge for a first vehicle. The method may further include scanning, by the first vehicle, an identifier of a second vehicle parked in tandem with the first vehicle. The method may also include sending, via the EVSE, by the first vehicle, a notification request including the identifier of the second vehicle.

BACKGROUND

Existing infrastructure for electric vehicle charging is often limited. For example, although some parking facilities may provide charging stations, the number of electric vehicles desiring to use the charging stations may be greater than the number of charging stations.

Additionally, parking in urban environments is often limited. Multi-level parking garages increase parking space by allowing multiple vehicles to occupy the same geographic coordinates. Multi-level parking garages, however, also use a lot of available space for roads and ramps that are needed to access each level. Further, multi-level parking garages, for example, those located beneath office buildings, may not have optimal dimensions for parking cars. Moreover, as parking facilities add charging stations to accommodate electric vehicles, fewer parking spaces may be available for other vehicles.

One solution for increasing parking spaces is to allow tandem parking. In a tandem parking scenario two or more cars are parked end-to-end. Walls, columns or other vehicles may be located to the sides of the tandem parked cars. Accordingly, tandem parking increases the number of vehicles that may be parked in a given space. Usually, the first car to park in a tandem spot is blocked from exiting the parking spot by a subsequent (e.g., second, third, etc.) car. This creates a situation where the first car waits for a driver(s) of the subsequent car(s) to remove their vehicles before the first car may exit the parking spot. A driver of the first car may be unable to contact the driver(s) of the subsequent car(s) and may be unable to move the first car. Further exasperating this problem, a multi-level parking facility may have poor reception of radio-frequency signals, limiting available communication options.

Tandem parking may also be used in relation to an electric vehicle charging station. A vehicle may park in tandem with a vehicle that is charging. Additionally, electric vehicles requesting to use a charging station may form a queue in tandem with a vehicle currently using the charging station. The tandem vehicles, however, may block the charging vehicle and may not be aware of the timing of when the first vehicle is finished charging.

In view of the foregoing, tandem parking systems and methods that provide the ability to contact the blocking vehicle are provided. Further advantages will become apparent from the disclosure provided below.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method of notification includes receiving, from an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), a charge for a first vehicle. The method may further include scanning, by the first vehicle, an identifier from a second vehicle parked in tandem with the first vehicle. The method may also include sending, via the EVSE, by the first vehicle, a notification request including the identifier for the second vehicle.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of providing a notification includes detecting, at an EVSE, a first vehicle connected to a charging plug. The method may further include providing an electric charge to the first vehicle via the charging plug according to a charging waveform. The method may also include detecting that the first vehicle is drawing power according to a communication waveform that is different than the charging waveform. The method may additionally include decoding information from the communication waveform. The method may also include communicating a notification based on the decoded information.

In another aspect, the disclosure provides an electric vehicle. The electric vehicle includes a vehicle charger that receives, from an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), a charge for the electric vehicle. The electric vehicle further includes a camera that scans an identifier from a second vehicle parked in tandem with the electric vehicle. The vehicle charger sends, via the EVSE, a notification request including the identifier for the second vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following includes definitions of selected terms employed herein. The definitions include various examples and/or forms of components that fall within the scope of a term and that may be used for implementation. The examples are not intended to be limiting.

A “processor,” as used herein, processes signals and performs general computing and arithmetic functions. Signals processed by the processor may include digital signals, data signals, computer instructions, processor instructions, messages, a bit, a bit stream, or other computing that may be received, transmitted and/or detected.

A “bus,” as used herein, refers to an interconnected architecture that is operably connected to transfer data between computer components within a singular or multiple systems. The bus may be a memory bus, a memory controller, a peripheral bus, an external bus, a crossbar switch, and/or a local bus, among others. The bus may also be a vehicle bus that interconnects components inside a vehicle using protocols, such as Controller Area network (CAN), Local Interconnect Network (LIN), among others.

A “memory,” as used herein may include volatile memory and/or non-volatile memory. Non-volatile memory may include, for example, ROM (read only memory), PROM (programmable read only memory), EPROM (erasable PROM) and EEPROM (electrically erasable PROM). Volatile memory may include, for example, RAM (random access memory), synchronous RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), and/or direct RAM bus RAM (DRRAM).

An “operable connection,” as used herein may include a connection by which entities are “operably connected”, is one in which signals, physical communications, and/or logical communications may be sent and/or received. An operable connection may include a physical interface, a data interface and/or an electrical interface.

A “vehicle,” as used herein, refers to any moving vehicle that is powered by any form of energy. A vehicle may carry human occupants or cargo. The term “vehicle” includes, but is not limited to: cars, trucks, vans, minivans, SUVs, motorcycles, scooters, boats, personal watercraft, and aircraft. In some cases, a motor vehicle includes one or more engines.

Generally described, the present disclosure provides for parking notifications for tandem parking situations involving an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). Turning toFIG. 1, a schematic view of an example operating environment100of a vehicle notification system110and example methods according to an aspect of the disclosure is provided. The vehicle notification system110may reside within a vehicle102. The vehicle102may be an electric vehicle, which may include any vehicle that uses stored electric power to provide a motive force. For example, an electric vehicle may include a plug-in hybrid vehicle that uses a combination of stored electric power and combustible fuel. The vehicle102may include one or more batteries for storing electric power. The components of the vehicle notification system110, as well as the components of other systems, hardware architectures, and software architectures discussed herein, may be combined, omitted or organized into various implementations.

The vehicle102may generally include an electronic control unit (ECU)112that operably controls a plurality of vehicle systems. The vehicle systems may include, but are not limited to, the vehicle notification system110among others including vehicle HVAC systems, vehicle audio systems, vehicle video systems, vehicle infotainment systems, vehicle telephone systems, and the like. The notification system110may include a front camera or other image-capturing device (e.g., a scanner)120and rear camera or other image-capturing device (e.g., a scanner)122that may also be connected to the ECU112to provide images of the environment surrounding the vehicle102, as described in further detail below. The notification system110may also include a processor114and a memory116that communicate with the front camera120, rear camera122, head lights124, tail lights126, communications device130, automatic driving system132, and vehicle charger140.

The ECU112may include internal processing memory, an interface circuit, and bus lines for transferring data, sending commands, and communicating with the vehicle systems. The ECU112may include an internal processor and memory, not shown. The vehicle102may also include a bus for sending data internally among the various components of the vehicle notification system110.

The vehicle102may further include a communications device130(e.g., wireless modem and/or transmitter) for providing wired or wireless computer communications utilizing various protocols to send/receive electronic signals internally with respect to features and systems within the vehicle102and with respect to external devices. These protocols may include a wireless system utilizing radio-frequency (RF) communications (e.g., IEEE 802.11 (Wi-Fi), IEEE 802.15.1 (Bluetooth®)), a near field communication system (NFC) (e.g., ISO 13157), a local area network (LAN), a wireless wide area network (WWAN) (e.g., cellular) and/or a point-to-point system. Additionally, the communications device130of the vehicle102may be operably connected for internal computer communication via a bus (e.g., a CAN or a LIN protocol bus) to facilitate data input and output between the electronic control unit112and vehicle features and systems. In an aspect, the communications device130may be configured for vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communications. For example, V2V communications may include wireless communications over a reserved frequency spectrum. As another example, V2V communications may include an ad hoc network between vehicles set up using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth®. As described in further detail below, the vehicle charger140may also provide communications capabilities, and the communications device130may operate in conjunction with the vehicle charger140.

The vehicle102may include a front camera120and a rear camera122. Each of the front camera and the rear camera may be a digital camera capable of capturing one or more images or image streams, or may be another image capturing device, such as a scanner. For example, the rear camera122may be a rear parking camera. The rear camera122may provide an image of a space directly behind the vehicle102. For example, the rear camera may be located above a bumper of the vehicle. The front camera120may be a dashboard camera. The front camera120may capture an image of a space directly in front of the vehicle102. In a tandem parking scenario, an image captured by the front camera120and/or rear camera122may include an identifier of a vehicle parked directly in front of or behind the vehicle102. For example, the image may include a license plate number of the tandem parked vehicle. Additionally, a quick response (QR) code may be located on the vehicle and provide a different identifier such as a vehicle identification number (VIN). The front camera120and/or rear camera122may also provide the image to an automatic driving system132, which may include a lane keeping assistance system, a collision warning system, or a fully autonomous driving system, among other systems.

The vehicle102may include head lights124and tail lights126, which may include any conventional lights used on vehicles. The head lights124and tail lights126may be controlled by the vehicle notification system110and/or ECU112for providing various notifications. For example, the head lights124and tail lights126may assist with scanning an identifier from a vehicle parked in tandem with the vehicle102. Further, for example, the head lights124and/or tail lights126may be activated or controlled to provide desirable lighting when scanning the identity from the vehicle parked in tandem. The head lights124and tail lights126may also provide information such as an acknowledgment of a remote command (e.g., a move request) by flashing.

The vehicle charger140may include hardware for charging the battery of the electric vehicle. In an aspect, the vehicle charger140includes a charging receptacle for connecting to a charging plug. The charging receptacle and charging plug may conform to one or more charging standards such as, but not limited to: J1772, SAE-J1772, CHAdeMO, SAE Combo Charging System (CCS), and GB/T 20234. The vehicle charger140may include a rectifier for converting alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). The vehicle charger140may include a control circuit for communicating with the EVSE according to an applicable charging standard. For example, the control circuit may indicate properties to be used for charging such as a voltage, current, and duty cycle.

FIG. 2illustrates an example of a tandem parking scenario involving one or more EVSEs and multiple vehicles in a parking facility200. The parking facility200may be, for example, a parking garage or a parking lot. The parking facility200may include a front boundary202, which may be, for example, a wall or an edge of the parking lot. The front boundary202may also be designated by painted lines, a fence, a barrier or any other indication. The parking facility200may also include a side boundary204. The side boundary204may be similar to the front boundary202, but located along a length of one or more parking spaces. Additionally, the parking facility may include additional obstacles206that may limit parking space. For example, obstacles206may include support columns, light posts, or other objects that interfere with a regular pattern of parking spaces.

An EVSE may be located in various places within the parking facility200to provide for charging of an electric vehicle while it is parked in the parking facility200. For example, the EVSE240may be located along the side boundary204next to a parking space. For example, the EVSE240may be attached to a wall and include electrical lines passing along or through the wall. Similarly, an EVSE242and an EVSE244may each be located along the front boundary202. An EVSE246may also be located at an obstacle206, or form an obstacle206. For example, an EVSE240may be provided as an island adjacent one or more parking spaces. The presence of an EVSE240may impose additional parking restrictions on a parking space. For example, a space adjacent an EVSE may be reserved for electric vehicles seeking to use the EVSE.

Each of the EVSE240,242,244,246may be operably connected to a monitoring dial250. The monitoring dial250may include power electronics and monitoring equipment to measure electric currents. For example, the monitoring dial250may include a power quality analyzer. In an aspect, the monitoring dial250may be provided along the main service providing electrical power to the EVSEs. The monitoring dial250may analyze power consumption by each of the EVSEs. For example, the monitoring dial250may detect a waveform being used to draw power from one or more of the EVSEs. In an aspect, the waveform may be a communications waveform, which may be different than a charging waveform. For example, the communications waveform may be at a different current or voltage. Further, the communications waveform may be encoded with information. For example, a predefined communications waveform may be modulated to convey information. The monitoring dial250may detect use of the communications waveform and decode the communications waveform to obtain the information. For example, a vehicle identifier such as a license plate number, a VIN, or a QR code may be communicated using the communications waveform. In another aspect, a communications protocol of a charging protocol may be expanded to allow greater communication options. For example, some charging standards include a communications pin used to signal charging information between the vehicle230and the EVSE240. Such communications may be used to signal a charge state, pack voltage, charge rate, back off indicator, and other charging functions using a power line control, CAN bus, or internet protocol based system. These protocols may be expanded to provide transmission of a vehicle identifier to the EVSE240, which may forward the vehicle identifier to the monitoring dial250.

The parking facility200may define a plurality of parking spaces arranged in rows and columns. Spaces arranged such that the long sides of the spaces are adjacent may be considered a row of spaces. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 2, a first row of parking spaces includes parking spaces210,212, and214, and a second row of parking spaces includes parking spaces220,222, and224. Spaces arranged such that the short sides of the spaces are adjacent are also interchangeably referred to herein as a column of spaces. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 2, a first column of spaces includes parking space210and parking space220, a second column of spaces includes parking space212and parking space222, and a third column of spaces includes parking space214and parking space224. Vehicles that are parked in spaces within the same column may be considered to be parked in tandem. For example, as illustrated, vehicle230and vehicle232are parked in tandem. The vehicles230,232,234,238may each be an example of the vehicle102.

Tandem parking offers benefits in terms of space management and efficiency. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the front boundary202, side boundary204, and obstacle206may prevent placement of an access lane that allows direct access to parking spaces210,212, and214. Allowing tandem parking in the parking facility200may increase the total number of parking spaces available within a given area. Tandem parking, however, may present inconveniences for the drivers of the vehicles. For example, the vehicle230may be prevented from leaving by the vehicle232. The vehicle230may be unable to drive directly out of the parking space210. Generally, parking facilities using tandem parking may require drivers who park in a second row (e.g., parking spaces220,222, and224) to leave a key with an attendant or valet so that the vehicle232may be moved if the vehicle230needs to be moved first. Drivers, however, may feel reluctant or inconvenienced when leaving a key with a garage attendant. Moreover, not all parking facilities may employ an attendant or valet, or it may be inconvenient to locate such a person within the parking facility. Additionally, some drivers may attempt to avoid the tandem parking scenario, for example, by parking in parking space222while parking space212remains empty. Such parking strategies may reduce the total capacity of the parking facility200.

Tandem parking may also be useful with respect to an EVSE240. For example, if there are multiple vehicles that wish to use the EVSE240, the vehicles may form a queue. Vehicle232may park behind vehicle230to reserve access to the EVSE240once vehicle230is finished. Similarly, even if EVSE240may only charge one vehicle at a time, the vehicle238may park behind the vehicle236to reserve access to the EVSE240once vehicle236finishes charging regardless of whether vehicle236remains parked or moves.

By equipping one or more of the vehicles230,232,234,236with the notification system110, the vehicles230,232,234,236may help reduce the problems associated with tandem parking. For example, a vehicle230may initiate a process for moving the vehicle232such that the vehicle230may exit the parking space210.

FIG. 3illustrates an exemplary network300for managing a notification system110. The network300may be a communications network that facilitates communications between multiple systems. For example, the network300may include the Internet. The network300may enable the notification system110to communicate with a mobile device310, a mobile service provider320, a parking facility system330, a manufacturer system340, or a government system350.

The notification system110within each vehicle230,232may communicate with the network300via the EVSE240and monitoring dial250. Although EVSE240is illustrated, any of EVSE240,242,244, or246may operate in a similar manner. As an example of such communication, the vehicle charger140of the notification system110may draw power according to a specialized waveform in order to signal information to the monitoring dial250. The notification system110may, for example, transmit an identifier of a tandem parked vehicle to the monitoring dial250. The monitoring dial250may then forward the identifier of the tandem parked vehicle to the parking facility system330, the manufacturer system340, or the government system350. The notification system110may also receive a notification from another vehicle or from the parking facility system330, manufacturer system340, or government system350. For example, the vehicle232may receive a notification indicating that the vehicle232should be moved. If the vehicle232includes an automatic driving system, the vehicle232may perform a driverless maneuver to allow the vehicle230to exit the tandem position.

The mobile device310may be a personal mobile device of a driver of a vehicle. The mobile device310may have different contact information than the notification system110. For example, the mobile device310may have a telephone number, a device identifier (e.g., a mobile equipment identifier (MEID), an electronic serial number (ESN), or an international mobile equipment identify (IMEI)), an IP address, an email address, and/or a username associated with a service or application. The mobile device310may be registered in association with the vehicle232with one or more of the mobile service provider320, parking facility system330, manufacturer system340, or government system350, or within the vehicle232. The notification system110of vehicle230may determine the contact information of the mobile device310via one or more registrations. The mobile device310associated with the vehicle232may receive a notification indicating that the vehicle232needs to be moved (e.g., to allow the vehicle230to exit the parking space). For example, the notification may be a message asking the driver to return to the vehicle232and move the vehicle232. The notification may also be a message asking for consent for an automatic driving system132to move the vehicle232. Another example message may indicate that the automatic driving system132has moved the vehicle232to a different parking space.

The mobile service provider320may be an entity that provides service to the mobile device310and/or the communications device130. For example, the communications device130may include a wireless modem that operates on a cellular network. The mobile service provider320may store information regarding the vehicle232and/or a driver or mobile device310associated with the vehicle232. For example, the communications device130may share an account with the mobile device310. In another aspect, the mobile service provider320may store vehicle information (e.g., license plate number and/or VIN number) for any vehicle including a communications device130to which the mobile service provider320provides network service. The mobile service provider320may provide a portal (e.g., a website or web service) allowing a notification system110to contact another notification system110or the mobile device310based on vehicle information. For example, the notification system110of the vehicle230may transmit a move request to the mobile service provider320including the vehicle information, and the mobile service provider320may automatically forward the move request to the vehicle232and/or the mobile device310.

The parking facility system330may include a computer system associated with the parking facility200. The parking facility system330may also store registration information associated with each of the vehicles230,232,234,236utilizing the parking facility200. For example, the parking facility200may require a driver to register a license plate number and contact information when parking. Accordingly, the parking facility system330may act in a similar manner as the mobile service provider320described above. That is, the parking facility system330may receive a move request from a vehicle230and forward the message on to the vehicle232and/or the mobile device310. The parking facility system330may also store information regarding a key or parking space associated with the vehicle232. Accordingly, a valet may respond to the move request by obtaining the key associated with the vehicle232and going to the associated parking space to manually move the vehicle232.

The manufacturer system340may include a computer system associated with one or more vehicle manufacturers or dealers. The manufacturer system340may also include registration information regarding a vehicle and/or driver. For example, the manufacturer system340may include an association of a VIN and/or license plate number with an identifier of the communications system. The manufacturer system340may further include contact information for the driver such as a telephone number for the mobile device310. Accordingly, the manufacturer system340may operate in a similar manner to the mobile service provider320or parking facility system330discussed above.

The government system350may include a computer system associated with one or more government entities such as, for example, a department of motor vehicles. The government system350may also include registration information regarding a vehicle and/or driver. For example, the government system350may include an association of a VIN and/or license plate number with a driver of the vehicle232. The government system350may further include contact information for the driver such as a telephone number for the mobile device310. Accordingly, the government system350may operate in a similar manner to the mobile service provider320or parking facility system330discussed above.

FIG. 4illustrates a flowchart showing an exemplary method400for providing notifications in a tandem parking scenario. The method400may be performed by a notification system110within a first vehicle230that is in a tandem parking position.

In block410, the method400may include receiving, from an EVSE, a charge for a first vehicle. In an aspect, for example, the vehicle230may receive a charge from the EVSE240via the vehicle charger140. The charge from the EVSE may be performed according to a charging standard compatible with the vehicle230and the EVSE240.

In block420, the method400may optionally include determining that the first vehicle230needs to move. In an aspect, for example, the notification system110may receive an indication that the vehicle230needs to move from a driver of the vehicle230. For example, the driver may send a message via an application executing on a mobile device. The message may indicate that the driver intends to leave the parking space at a particular time or within a certain time period. For example, the driver may send the message when the driver has finished a particular task (e.g., making a purchase) at a location near the parking facility200and would like to be able to leave the parking space210when the driver returns to the vehicle230. In another aspect, the vehicle230may generate an indication that the vehicle needs to move when the vehicle has completed charging. By indicating that the charge is complete, the vehicle230may initiate a process that allows another vehicle to use the EVSE240.

In block430, the method400may include scanning an identifier of a tandem parked vehicle. In an aspect, for example, the notification system110may scan the identifier of the tandem parked vehicle using the front camera120and/or the rear camera122. For example, the notification system110may activate the head lights124and/or tail lights126to illuminate the tandem parked vehicle while the front camera120and/or the rear camera122obtains an image of the tandem parked vehicle. If no vehicle is present in the tandem parking position, the notification system110may determine that the vehicle230is free to leave parking space210. The notification system110may continue to monitor the front camera120and/or the rear camera122to determine whether another vehicle enters the parking space220. The notification system110may flash the head lights124and/or tail lights126or honk the horn if another vehicle attempts to park in parking space220. If a vehicle is present in the tandem parking space220, the image may include an identifier of the vehicle. For example, the license plate number of the tandem parked vehicle may be within the image. Another identifier such as a VIN number or QR code may also be within the image. The notification system110may analyze the image to determine the identifier using image processing software stored in memory116and executed by the processor114. In another embodiment, scanning the identifier of a tandem parked vehicle may include taking a picture with an mobile device such as a mobile phone including a camera or a camera including communication capabilities. The mobile device may be associated with the first vehicle230. For example, the mobile device may provide an image or information extracted from the image to the first vehicle230.

In block440, the method400may include sending a notification request via the EVSE240. In an aspect, the notification request may include information identifying both the vehicle232and the vehicle230. The information identifying the vehicle232may be used to determine contact information for the vehicle232or driver thereof. The information identifying the vehicle230may be used for authentication to ensure that it is actually necessary to move the vehicle232. In an aspect, the notification system110may send the notification request via the vehicle charger140. For example, the vehicle charger140may draw power according to the communications waveform. The vehicle charger140may modulate the communications waveform to convey the vehicle identifiers for the vehicle230and/or the vehicle232. The EVSE240and/or monitoring dial250may decode the communications waveform to obtain the vehicle identifiers. As another example, the vehicle charger140may convey the vehicle identifiers according to an expanded charging protocol using, for example, PLC or CAN physical layer communications with the EVSE240.

The notification request may be sent from the EVSE240or monitoring dial250to one or more of the mobile service provider320, parking facility system330, manufacturer system340, or government system350. In an aspect, the notification message may be sent to an entity that manages a notification service. For example, the parking facility system330or manufacturer system340may provide an application for submitting notification requests. The parking facility system330or manufacturer system340may then acquire information from another system if necessary. For example, if a manufacturer system340maintains a registry of VIN numbers and communication system identifiers but receives a notification request including only a license plate number, the manufacturer system340may contact the government system350to obtain a VIN number based on the license plate number.

In block450, the method400may optionally include receiving contact information. In an aspect, for example, the communications device130may receive contact information from one or more of the mobile service provider320, parking facility system330, manufacturer system340, or government system350. The contact information may provide a point of contact for the vehicle232or driver thereof. For example, the contact information may be a telephone number, user name, or IP address.

In block460, the method400may optionally include sending a move request to the vehicle232or driver thereof using the contact information. In an aspect, for example, the notification system110of the vehicle230may directly contact the notification system110of the vehicle232or the mobile device310. For example, the notification system110may transmit the move request as a text message. The move request may include information identifying the vehicle230, which may be used to authenticate the request. The vehicle232or driver thereof may move the vehicle232in response to the move request.

In an alternative embodiment, one of the mobile service provider320, parking facility system330, manufacturer system340, or government system350may send the move request to the vehicle232and/or the mobile device310.

FIG. 5illustrates a flowchart of an example method500for providing notifications from an EVSE. The method500may be performed by the EVSE240that is connected to a vehicle230that is in a tandem parking position that is blocked by another vehicle232from exiting the tandem parking position.

At block510, the method500may include detecting, at an EVSE, a first vehicle connected to a charging plug. In an aspect, for example, the EVSE240may detect the vehicle230connected to a charging plug. For example, a driver of the vehicle230may park in the parking space210and connect the charging plug of the EVSE240to a charging receptacle of the vehicle230. The EVSE240may detect the connection according to a charging standard used by the EVSE240and the vehicle230.

At block520, the method500may include providing an electric charge to the first vehicle via the charging plug according to a charging waveform. In an aspect, for example, the EVSE240may provide the electric charge to the vehicle230. The charging waveform may be based on the charging standard. Further, the EVSE240may receive information from the vehicle230according to the charging standard regarding the charging waveform. The EVSE240may vary the charging waveform according to information received from the vehicle230.

At block530, the method500may include detecting that the first vehicle is drawing power according to a communication waveform. In an aspect, for example, the EVSE240may detect that the vehicle230is drawing power according to a communication waveform. The EVSE240may receive signaling from the vehicle230according to the charging protocol that the vehicle230will draw power according to the communication waveform. In another aspect, the EVSE240may detect a change in power drawn by the vehicle230.

In block540, the method500may include decoding information from the communication waveform. In an aspect, for example, the EVSE240may decode information from the communication waveform. In one embodiment, the communication waveform itself may indicate information. For example, the communication waveform may represent a coded symbol (e.g., a character). The vehicle230may use different communication waveforms to signal the vehicle identifiers, and the EVSE240may decode each of the communication waveforms to determine the vehicle identifiers. In another embodiment, the communication waveform may be modulated (e.g., using amplitude modulation) to carry the vehicle identifier. The EVSE240may detect the modulation of the communication waveform and demodulate the communication waveform to determine the vehicle identifiers.

In block550, the method500may include communicating a notification request based on the decoded information. In an aspect, for example, the EVSE240may communicate the notification request based on the decoded information to one or more of the mobile service provider320, parking facility system330, manufacturer system340, or government system350. The notification request may be communicated according to any communication technology available to the EVSE240. In an embodiment, the EVSE240may communicate the notification request using a wireline communications system, which may be able to communicate within an underground parking facility.

Aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof and may be implemented in one or more computer systems or other processing systems. In one aspect, the disclosure is directed toward one or more computer systems capable of carrying out the functionality described herein.FIG. 6presents an example system diagram of various hardware components and other features that may be used in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. Aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof and may be implemented in one or more computer systems or other processing systems. In one exemplary variation, aspects of the disclosure are directed toward one or more computer systems capable of carrying out the functionality described herein. An example of such a computer system600is shown inFIG. 6.

Computer system600includes one or more processors, such as processor604. The processor604is connected to a communication infrastructure606(e.g., a communications bus, cross-over bar, or network). Various software aspects are described in terms of this example computer system. After reading this description, it will become apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art(s) how to implement aspects of the disclosure using other computer systems and/or architectures.

Computer system600may include a display interface602that forwards graphics, text, and other data from the communication infrastructure606(or from a frame buffer not shown) for display on a display unit630. Computer system600also includes a main memory608, preferably random access memory (RAM), and may also include a secondary memory610. The secondary memory610may include, for example, a hard disk drive612and/or a removable storage drive614, representing a floppy disk drive, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, etc. The removable storage drive614reads from and/or writes to a removable storage unit618in a well-known manner. Removable storage unit618, represents a floppy disk, magnetic tape, optical disk, etc., which is read by and written to removable storage drive614. As will be appreciated, the removable storage unit618includes a computer usable storage medium having stored therein computer software and/or data.

In alternative aspects, secondary memory610may include other similar devices for allowing computer programs or other instructions to be loaded into computer system600. Such devices may include, for example, a removable storage unit622and an interface620. Examples of such may include a program cartridge and cartridge interface (such as that found in video game devices), a removable memory chip (such as an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), or programmable read only memory (PROM)) and associated socket, and other removable storage units622and interfaces620, which allow software and data to be transferred from the removable storage unit622to computer system600.

Computer system600may also include a communications interface624. Communications interface624allows software and data to be transferred between computer system600and external devices. Examples of communications interface624may include a modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, a Personal Computer Memory Card International Association (PCMCIA) slot and card, etc. Software and data transferred via communications interface624are in the form of signals628, which may be electronic, electromagnetic, optical or other signals capable of being received by communications interface624. These signals628are provided to communications interface624via a communications path (e.g., channel)626. This path626carries signals628and may be implemented using wire or cable, fiber optics, a telephone line, a cellular link, a radio frequency (RF) link and/or other communications channels. In this document, the terms “computer program medium” and “computer usable medium” are used to refer generally to media such as a removable storage drive680, a hard disk installed in hard disk drive670, and signals628. These computer program products provide software to the computer system600. Aspects of the disclosure are directed to such computer program products.

Computer programs (also referred to as computer control logic) are stored in main memory608and/or secondary memory610. Computer programs may also be received via communications interface624. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the computer system600to perform various features in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure, as discussed herein. In particular, the computer programs, when executed, enable the processor604to perform such features. Accordingly, such computer programs represent controllers of the computer system600.

In variations where aspects of the disclosure are implemented using software, the software may be stored in a computer program product and loaded into computer system600using removable storage drive614, hard drive612, or communications interface620. The control logic (software), when executed by the processor604, causes the processor604to perform the functions in accordance with aspects of the disclosure as described herein. In another variation, aspects are implemented primarily in hardware using, for example, hardware components, such as application specific integrated circuits (ASICs). Implementation of the hardware state machine so as to perform the functions described herein will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s).

In yet another example variation, aspects of the disclosure are implemented using a combination of both hardware and software.

FIG. 7is a block diagram of various example system components that may be used in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. For example, the various components may be within the vehicle102, or only some of the components may be within the vehicle102, and other components may be remote from the vehicle102. The system700includes one or more accessors760,762(also referred to interchangeably herein as one or more “users”) and one or more terminals742,766(such terminals may be or include, for example, various features of the notification system110or the network300). In one aspect, data for use in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure is, for example, input and/or accessed by accessors760,762via terminals742,766, such as personal computers (PCs), minicomputers, mainframe computers, microcomputers, telephonic devices, or wireless devices, such as personal digital assistants (“PDAs”) or a hand-held wireless devices coupled to a server743, such as a PC, minicomputer, mainframe computer, microcomputer, or other device having a processor and a repository for data and/or connection to a repository for data, via, for example, a network744, such as the Internet or an intranet, and couplings745,746,764. The couplings745,746,764include, for example, wired, wireless, or fiber optic links. In another example variation, the method and system in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure operate in a stand-alone environment, such as on a single terminal.

The aspects of the disclosure discussed herein may also be described and implemented in the context of computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions. Computer-readable storage media includes computer storage media and communication media. For example, flash memory drives, digital versatile discs (DVDs), compact discs (CDs), floppy disks, and tape cassettes. Computer-readable storage media may include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer readable instructions, data structures, modules or other data.