WALLBOX ELECTRIC VEHICLE SUPPLY EQUIPMENT (EVSE)

Systems, devices, and methods including: an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) housing; a faceplate attached to a first side of the EVSE housing; an electronics disposed within the EVSE housing; one or more EVSE wires connected to the electronics; and a potting compound disposed within the EVSE housing, where the potting compound encapsulates at least a portion of the electronics and the one or more EVSE wires.

FIELD OF ENDEAVOR

The invention relates to electrical chargers, and more particularly to electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).

BACKGROUND

An electrical connector is an apparatus used to transfer electricity from a power supply to a utility device, such as an electrical vehicle (EV). Electrical connectors generally have an internal connection that electrically connects one end of an electrical connector to the other end of the electrical connector. Some electrical connectors may be detachably plugged into a standard socket outlet. These plug electrical connectors may be damaged, lost, or stolen during operation.

SUMMARY

A system embodiment may include: an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) housing; a faceplate attached to a first side of the EVSE housing; an electronics disposed within the EVSE housing; one or more EVSE wires connected to the electronics; and a potting compound disposed within the EVSE housing, where the potting compound encapsulates at least a portion of the electronics and the one or more EVSE wires.

Additional system embodiments may include: a mounting surface, where the EVSE housing may be configured to fit within an opening of the mounting surface. In additional system embodiments, the faceplate may be configured to flush-mount to the mounting surface. In additional system embodiments, the mounting surface may be at least one of: a flat surface and a curved surface.

Additional system embodiments may include: a keypad disposed in the mounting surface, where the keypad may be in communication with the electronics to control charging. Additional system embodiments may include: a controller disposed in the mounting surface, where the controller may be in communication with the electronics and a user device to control charging.

Additional system embodiments may include: a cable coupler disposed within the EVSE housing, where at least a portion of the cable coupler may be encapsulated by the potting compound; a cable connected to the cable coupler; and a vehicle coupler connected to the cable, where the vehicle coupler may be configured to connect to an electric vehicle.

Additional system embodiments may include: a housing aperture disposed in the EVSE housing; and a cable clamp disposed proximate the housing aperture, where the cable clamp may be configured to secure a utility wiring to the EVSE housing. Additional system embodiments may include: one or more utility wires of the utility wiring; and one or more wire connectors configured to connect the one or more utility wires to the one or more EVSE wires to provide utility power from the utility wiring to the electronics.

An additional system embodiment may include: an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) housing; an electronics disposed within the EVSE housing; one or more EVSE wires connected to the electronics; and a potting compound disposed within the EVSE housing, where the potting compound encapsulates at least a portion of the electronics and the one or more EVSE wires.

Additional system embodiments may include: an electrical wiring box, where the electrical wiring box may be configured to receive the EVSE housing via one or more fasteners. In additional system embodiments, the electrical wiring box comprises an electrical wiring box faceplate, where the electrical wiring box faceplate may be removable to attach the EVSE housing. In additional system embodiments, the electrical wiring box contains a utility wiring, where the utility wiring comprises one or more utility wires, and where the one or more utility wires are configured to connect to the one or more EVSE wires via one or more wire connectors ) to provide utility power from the utility wiring to the electronics.

Additional system embodiments may include: a cable coupler disposed within the EVSE housing, where at least a portion of the cable coupler may be encapsulated by the potting compound; a cable connected to the cable coupler; and a vehicle coupler connected to the cable, where the vehicle coupler may be configured to connect to an electric vehicle.

A method embodiment may include: removing an electrical wiring box faceplate from an electrical wiring box, where the electrical wiring box contains a utility wiring; securing one or more wires of the utility wiring to one or more wires of an EVSE via one or more wire connectors, where the one or more wires of the EVSE are connected to electronics of the EVSE, and where a portion of the one or more wires of the EVSE and the electronics of the EVSE are encapsulated in a potting compound; and securing a housing of the EVSE to the electrical wiring box via one or more fasteners.

Additional method embodiments may include: detaching the housing of the EVSE from the electrical wiring box faceplate via the one or more fasteners; detaching the one or more wires of the utility wiring from the one or more wires of the EVSE via the one or more wire connectors; and attaching the electrical wiring box faceplate to the electrical wiring box, where the electrical wiring box contains the utility wiring.

In additional method embodiments, a cable coupler may be disposed within the EVSE housing, and where at least a portion of the cable coupler may be encapsulated by the potting compound. In additional method embodiments, a cable may be connected to the cable coupler. In additional method embodiments, a vehicle coupler may be connected to the cable. In additional method embodiments, the vehicle coupler may be configured to connect to an electric vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description is made for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the embodiments discloses herein and is not meant to limit the concepts disclosed herein. Further, particular features described herein can be used in combination with other described features in each of the various possible combinations and permutations. Unless otherwise specifically defined herein, all terms are to be given their broadest possible interpretation including meanings implied from the description as well as meanings understood by those skilled in the art and/or as defined in dictionaries, treatises, etc.

FIG.1depicts a front perspective view of a wallbox electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE)100, according to one embodiment. The wallbox EVSE100may include a body102having a housing104and faceplate106. A cable116may extend through a portion of the faceplate106. The cable116is shown as shortened for the sake of illustration, but may connect between electronics within the housing104and a vehicle coupler118. The vehicle coupler118may plug in to an electric vehicle (EV) for charging of the EV. An indicator114may provide a status of the EVSE100. In one embodiment, the indicator114may be a light that turns on, flashes, pulses, and/or changes color based on a status of the EVSE100. In one embodiment, the indicator114may be a light that turns on when an EV connected to the EVSE100via the vehicle coupler118is being charged.

The body102may also include a rear cover108. The faceplate106may be disposed on a first side of the body102. The rear cover108may be disposed on a second side of the body102, where the first side of the body102is opposite the second side of the body102. A utility wiring110may enter into the housing104. The utility wiring110may be secured relative to the housing104via a cable clamp112.

FIG.2depicts a right side view of the wallbox EVSE100ofFIG.1, according to one embodiment. The rear cover108may be detachably attached to the housing104via one or more fasteners202. In one embodiment, the one or more fasteners202may be one or more screws, such as four screws attached at each corner of the rear cover202.

FIG.3Adepicts a rear perspective view of the wallbox EVSE100ofFIG.1, according to one embodiment. The rear cover108is secured to the housing104of the body102by one or more fasteners202. The electronics of the EVSE and a connection to the utility wiring110is contained within the housing104. Removing the rear cover108allows a user and/or installer to connect and/or disconnect the EVSE100from power supplied by the utility wiring110.

FIG.3Bdepicts the wallbox EVSE100ofFIG.3Awith the rear cover removed, according to one embodiment. An interior302of the housing104of the EVSE may contain electronics, one or more EVSE wires306, one or more utility wires304from the utility wiring110, one or more wire connectors308, and a potting compound310. The potting compound310may encapsulate at least a portion of electronics (seeFIG.3C) and the one or more EVSE wires306. The potting compound310may conceal the electronics from a user and/or installer so as to prevent damage to the electronics. The potting compound310may also protect the electronics from damage due to dust, dirt, water, or other elements. The potting compound310may provide vibration and/or shock resistance for the electronics of the EVSE100. A user and/or installer removing the rear cover may only see the potting compound310and one or more EVSE wires306extending from the potting compound. Each of these one or more EVSE wires306may be connected to corresponding one or more utility wires304via one or more wire connectors308. In one embodiment, the hot wires, neutral wires, and ground wires may be connected together to provide an electrical connection to the EVSE100to allow for charging of an EV.

The housing104may include one or more housing apertures314to receive the utility wiring110. The utility wiring110may be secured proximate the housing104via a cable clamp112. The cable clamp112may prevent the utility wiring110from being removed from the EVSE100so as to prevent a disconnection between the EVSE wires306and the utility wires304.

FIG.3Cdepicts the wallbox EVSE100ofFIG.3Bwith a potting compound removed, according to one embodiment. The potting compound may encapsulate at least a portion of the EVSE wires306and at least a portion of the electronics312. In some embodiments, the electronics312may be completely encapsulated by the potting compound. The electronics312may include one or more processors. The electronics312may be used to start and stop charging, monitor charging, control the indicator (114,FIG.1), track charging amounts, and the like. The potting compound may prevent damage to the electronics312. The potting compound may provide heat dissipation to the electronics312.

FIGS.4A-4Bdepict a wallbox EVSE configured to mount flush to a flat surface of a wall, according to one embodiment. The EVSE402may be inserted into an opening406in a flat mounting surface404such as a wall. The EVSE402may be connected to utility wiring through the opening406in a first position400and then a portion of the EVSE402may be placed into the opening406such that a faceplate of the EVSE402is flush against the flat mounting surface404in a second installed position401.

FIGS.5A-5Bdepict a wallbox EVSE configured to integrate into a bollard having a curved surface500, according to one embodiment. The EVSE502may be inserted into an opening506in a curved mounting surface504such as a post or bollard. The EVSE502may be connected to utility wiring through the opening506in a first position500and then a portion of the EVSE502may be placed into the opening506such that a curved faceplate of the EVSE502is flush against the curved mounting surface504in a second installed position501.

FIG.6depicts a dual post mount containing two wallbox EVSEs for access by two vehicles600, according to one embodiment. A mounting surface602may have two EVSEs604such that two EVs could each use respective EVSEs604for charging.

FIG.7depicts a quad post mount containing four wallbox EVSEs for access by four vehicles700, according to one embodiment. A mounting surface702may have four EVSEs704such that four EVs could each use respective EVSEs704for charging. Additional EVSE configurations on varying mounting surfaces are possible and contemplated.

FIG.8depicts a dual post mount containing two wallbox EVSEs with retractable cable reels800, according to one embodiment. The dual post mount800may include a retractable cable reel to keep cables for each EVSE from becoming tangled or being on the ground in embodiments where a longer cable length is desired.

FIG.9depicts a dual post mount configured to rotatably receive a vehicle coupler900, according to one embodiment. In one embodiment, the vehicle coupler may be inserted in a first position where the vehicle coupler is substantially horizontal relative to the ground. Once an end of the vehicle coupler is received in a dock, the vehicle coupler may swing down or rotate to a second position where the vehicle coupler is substantially vertical relative to the ground. To remove the vehicle coupler from the dock, the vehicle coupler may be rotated from the second position to the first position and then lifted out of the dock. This docking system disclosed herein may prevent inadvertent removal of the vehicle couplers such as via bumping the vehicle coupler while secured in the dock.

FIG.10depicts a quad post mount configured to rotatably receive a vehicle coupler1000, according to one embodiment. The quad post mount may include an access control keypad in some embodiments. The access control keypad may require entry of a code to allow for charging an EV via the one or more EVSEs. In some embodiments, the keypad may be in communication with an application such as a smartphone application that provides a code to a user to allow for charging of an EV via the one or more EVSEs.

FIG.11depicts a wall mount outlet configured to receive a cable EVSE1100, according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, the keypad or other input may allow for charging via an outlet. In these embodiments, the user may supply their own EVSE cable to plug into an outlet where power to the outlet is controlled via the keypad or other input.

The outlet, keypad, post, and wall mount may all be configurable options. In some embodiments, there may be wireless communication between the user and the EVSE module or between adjacent modules. In some embodiments, charge authorization may be through wireless communication with the EVSE module and/or RFID. In some embodiments, the EVSE module may be mounted on a post or to a wall either with or without the cable management column.

FIG.12depicts an exemplary system for a flush-mounted wallbox EVSE1200, according to one embodiment. The EVSE1200may include a body102having a housing104, faceplate106, housing aperture314, indicator114, rear cover108, and/or fasteners202. A potting compound310may be disposed within the housing104and encapsulate one or more of: a cable coupler1202, an electronics312, and at least a portion of one or more EVSE wires306. The cable coupler1202may connect the cable116with the electronics312of the EVSE1200. The cable116may connect to a vehicle coupler118for charging an electric vehicle (EV)1212. A utility wiring110may be secured to the housing104via a cable clamp112. The utility wiring110may enter the housing104via a housing aperture314. The one or more utility wires304of the utility wiring110may be connected to the one or more EVSE wires306of the EVSE1200via one or more wire connectors308. The EVSE wires may then supply power to the electronics312from the utility wiring110. The EVSE1200may be mounted in a mounting surface1204. In some embodiments, the mounting surface1204may include a keypad1206. In other embodiments, the mounting surface1204may include a controller1208in communication with a user device1210.

FIG.13depicts a flow chart of a method embodiment1300of installing a flush-mounted wallbox EVSE in a mounting surface, according to one embodiment. The method1300may include receiving a utility wiring through an opening in a mounting surface (step1302). The method1300may then include removing a rear cover of the body of the EVSE via one or more fasteners (step1304). The method1300may then include receiving the utility wiring through a housing aperture in a body of an EVSE (step1306). The method1300may then include securing the utility wiring to the housing via a cable clamp (step1308). The method1300may then include securing one or more wires of the utility wiring to one or more wires of the EVSE via one or more wire connectors, where the one or more wires of the EVSE are connected to electronics of the EVSE, and where a portion of the one or more wires of the EVSE and the electronics of the EVSE are encapsulated in a potting compound (step1310). The method1300may then include securing the rear cover of the body of the EVSE via the one or more fasteners (step1312). The method1300may then include securing the EVSE in the opening in the mounting surface (step1314). The method1300may then include securing a faceplate of the EVSE to the mounting surface (step1316). In some embodiments, steps1314,1316the faceplate may be separate from the enclosure. In other embodiments, steps1314,1316the faceplate may be a part of the enclosure.

FIG.14depicts a front perspective view of a wallbox-mounted EVSE and a wallbox1400, according to one embodiment. The wallbox-mounted EVSE1402includes a body1402, a housing1404, one or more EVSE wires1406, a cable1416, and a vehicle coupler1618. The electrical wiring box1405includes a wiring box body1408. A utility wiring may be disposed within the electrical wiring box1405. The electrical wiring box1405may be a standard fixture, such as an electrical box disposed in a parking structure. The disclosed wallbox-mounted EVSE1402may be attached to this electrical box when an EVSE is desired at a location for existing utility wiring. The disclosed wallbox-mounted EVSE1402may then be detached from this electrical wiring box1405and relocated when an EVSE is no longer needed in a desired location. In some embodiments, the wallbox1400may be used for rough-in wiring of a structure and the final installation of the EVSE may happen later. The wallbox1402is an EVSE mounted to the wall. The electrical wiring box1405may be a commercially available electrical wiring box. The EVSE wallbox1402itself mounts directly to the electrical wiring box1405. The wallbox1402enclosure1404is the enclosure of the EVSE itself.

FIG.15Adepicts a rear perspective view of the wallbox-mounted EVSE and the wallbox ofFIG.141500, according to one embodiment. The wallbox-mounted EVSE1402may include a potting compound1502within a housing of the wallbox-mounted EVSE1402. One or more EVSE wires1406may be partially encapsulated by the potting compound1502such that only the one or more EVSE wires1406are visible to a user or installer and any electronics are concealed within the potting compound1502. The potting compound1502prevents damage to the electronics of the wallbox-mounted EVSE1402. The EVSE wires1406may be connected to utility wiring in the electrical wiring box1405.

FIG.15Bdepicts the wallbox-mounted EVSE ofFIG.15Awith a potting removed1500, according to one embodiment. The electronics1512are contained within the housing of the wallbox-mounted EVSE1402. The one or more EVSE wires1406are connected to the electronics1512. The one or more EVSE wires1406may be connected to one or more corresponding utility wires to provide power to the EVSE. In one embodiment, the one or more EVSE wires1406may contain a hot, neutral, and ground wire for connecting to hot, neutral, and ground utility wires.

FIG.16depicts an exemplary system for a wallbox-mounted EVSE1600, according to one embodiment. The EVSE1600may include an EVSE wallbox body1402having a housing1404, a cable coupler1620, an electronics1512, one or more EVSE wires1406, and a potting compound1502. The potting compound1502may encapsulate at least a portion of the cable coupler1620, electronics1512, and one or more EVSE wires1406. The cable coupler1620may connect a cable1416to the electronics1512. The cable1416may be connected to a vehicle coupler1618for charging an electric vehicle (EV)1612. An electrical wiring box1405may include a wiring box body1408, a wiring box faceplate1622, and a utility wiring1610. The utility wiring1610may be disposed within the electrical wiring box1406. The wiring box faceplate1622may be used to conceal the utility wiring1610within the electrical wiring box1405when the electrical wiring box1405is not in use. In some embodiments, the electrical wiring box1405does not contain any electronics and is a junction box. The EVSE wallbox body1402that mounts to the electrical wiring box1405is the enclosure of the EVSE.

When the EVSE1600is ready to be installed, the wallbox faceplate1622may be removed. The one or more utility wires1604of the utility wiring1610within the wallbox1406may then be connected to the EVSE wires1406via one or more wire connectors1608. The connected wiring may then be placed within the wallbox1406and the EVSE body1402may be attached to the wallbox1406via one or more fasteners1602. The wallbox faceplate1622may be replaced with the EVSE1600when the EVSE1600is connected to the wallbox1406.

When the EVSE1600is ready to be removed from the wallbox1406, the EVSE body1402may be detached from the wallbox body1408via the one or more fasteners1602. The wire connectors1608connecting the one or more EVSE wires1406and the one or more utility wires1604may then be removed and the EVSE wires1406may be detached from the one or more utility wires1604. The one or more utility wires1604may then be placed within the wallbox body1408and the wallbox faceplate1622may be reattached to the wallbox1406. The EVSE1600may then be transported and installed in any new wallbox as desired by a user and/or installer.

FIG.17depicts a flow chart of a method embodiment1700of installing a wallbox-mounted EVSE, according to one embodiment. The method1700may include removing an electrical wiring box faceplate from an electrical wiring box, where the electrical wiring box contains a utility wiring (step1702). The method1700may then include securing one or more wires of the utility wiring to one or more wires of a Wallbox EVSE via one or more wire connectors, where the one or more wires of the Wallbox EVSE are connected to electronics of the Wallbox EVSE, and where a portion of the one or more wires of the Wallbox EVSE and the electronics of the Wallbox EVSE are encapsulated in a potting compound (step1704). The method1700may then include securing a housing of the Wallbox EVSE to the electrical wiring box via one or more fasteners (step1706).

FIG.18depicts a flow chart of a method embodiment1800of removing a wallbox-mounted EVSE, according to one embodiment. The method1800may include detaching the housing of the Wallbox EVSE from the electrical wiring box faceplate via the one or more fasteners (step1802). The method1800may then include detaching the one or more wires of the utility wiring from the one or more wires of the Wallbox EVSE via the one or more wire connectors (step1804). The method1800may then include attaching the electrical wiring box faceplate to the electrical wiring box, where the electrical wiring box contains the utility wiring (step1806).

FIG.19depicts a flow chart of a method embodiment1900of forming a wallbox EVSE, according to one embodiment. The method1900may include placing an electronics within a body of an EVSE (step1902). The method1900may then include connecting a cable coupler to the electronics, where the cable coupler connects a cable for charging an electric vehicle to the electronics (step1904). The method1900may then include connecting one or more wires to the electronics, where the one or more wires are configured to connect a utility wiring to the electronics for providing power to the electronics, the cable coupler, and the cable (step1906). The method1900may then include encapsulating at least a portion of the one or more wires, the electronics, and the cable coupler in a potting compound, where the potting compound provides thermal conductivity, dust resistance, and/or vibration resistance (step1908). In some embodiment, the EVSE may be built without the potting compound.

FIG.20illustrates an example of a top-level functional block diagram of a computing device embodiment2000. The example operating environment is shown as a computing device2020comprising a processor2024, such as a central processing unit (CPU), addressable memory2027, an external device interface2026, e.g., an optional universal serial bus port and related processing, and/or an Ethernet port and related processing, and an optional user interface2029, e.g., an array of status lights and one or more toggle switches, and/or a display, and/or a keyboard and/or a pointer-mouse system and/or a touch screen. Optionally, the addressable memory may, for example, be: flash memory, eprom, and/or a disk drive or other hard drive. These elements may be in communication with one another via a data bus2028. In some embodiments, via an operating system2025such as one supporting a web browser2023and applications2022, the processor2024may be configured to execute steps of a process establishing a communication channel and processing according to the embodiments described above.

System embodiments include computing devices such as a server computing device, a buyer computing device, and a seller computing device, each comprising a processor and addressable memory and in electronic communication with each other. The embodiments provide a server computing device that may be configured to: register one or more buyer computing devices and associate each buyer computing device with a buyer profile; register one or more seller computing devices and associate each seller computing device with a seller profile; determine search results of one or more registered buyer computing devices matching one or more buyer criteria via a seller search component. The service computing device may then transmit a message from the registered seller computing device to a registered buyer computing device from the determined search results and provide access to the registered buyer computing device of a property from the one or more properties of the registered seller via a remote access component based on the transmitted message and the associated buyer computing device; and track movement of the registered buyer computing device in the accessed property via a viewer tracking component. Accordingly, the system may facilitate the tracking of buyers by the system and sellers once they are on the property and aid in the seller’s search for finding buyers for their property. The figures described below provide more details about the implementation of the devices and how they may interact with each other using the disclosed technology.

FIG.21is a high-level block diagram2100showing a computing system comprising a computer system useful for implementing an embodiment of the system and process, disclosed herein. Embodiments of the system may be implemented in different computing environments. The computer system includes one or more processors2102, and can further include an electronic display device2104(e.g., for displaying graphics, text, and other data), a main memory2106(e.g., random access memory (RAM)), storage device2108, a removable storage device2110(e.g., removable storage drive, a removable memory module, a magnetic tape drive, an optical disk drive, a computer readable medium having stored therein computer software and/or data), user interface device2111(e.g., keyboard, touch screen, keypad, pointing device), and a communication interface2112(e.g., modem, a network interface (such as an Ethernet card), a communications port, or a PCMCIA slot and card). The communication interface2112allows software and data to be transferred between the computer system and external devices. The system further includes a communications infrastructure2114(e.g., a communications bus, cross-over bar, or network) to which the aforementioned devices/modules are connected as shown.

Information transferred via communications interface2114may be in the form of signals such as electronic, electromagnetic, optical, or other signals capable of being received by communications interface2114, via a communication link2116that carries signals and may be implemented using wire or cable, fiber optics, a phone line, a cellular/mobile phone link, an radio frequency (RF) link, and/or other communication channels. Computer program instructions representing the block diagram and/or flowcharts herein may be loaded onto a computer, programmable data processing apparatus, or processing devices to cause a series of operations performed thereon to produce a computer implemented process.

Embodiments have been described with reference to flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems) and computer program products according to embodiments. Each block of such illustrations/diagrams, or combinations thereof, can be implemented by computer program instructions. The computer program instructions when provided to a processor produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor, create means for implementing the functions/operations specified in the flowchart and/or block diagram. Each block in the flowchart/block diagrams may represent a hardware and/or software module or logic, implementing embodiments. In alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures, concurrently, etc.

Computer programs (i.e., computer control logic) are stored in main memory and/or secondary memory. Computer programs may also be received via a communications interface2112. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the computer system to perform the features of the embodiments as discussed herein. In particular, the computer programs, when executed, enable the processor and/or multi-core processor to perform the features of the computer system. Such computer programs represent controllers of the computer system.

FIG.22shows a block diagram of an example system2200in which an embodiment may be implemented. The system2200includes one or more client devices2201such as consumer electronics devices, connected to one or more server computing systems2230. A server2230includes a bus2202or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and a processor (CPU)2204coupled with the bus2202for processing information. The server2230also includes a main memory2206, such as a random access memory (RAM) or other dynamic storage device, coupled to the bus2202for storing information and instructions to be executed by the processor2204. The main memory2206also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution or instructions to be executed by the processor2204. The server computer system2230further includes a read only memory (ROM)2208or other static storage device coupled to the bus2202for storing static information and instructions for the processor2204. A storage device2210, such as a magnetic disk or optical disk, is provided and coupled to the bus2202for storing information and instructions. The bus2202may contain, for example, thirty-two address lines for addressing video memory or main memory2206. The bus2202can also include, for example, a 32-bit data bus for transferring data between and among the components, such as the CPU2204, the main memory2206, video memory and the storage2210. Alternatively, multiplex data/address lines may be used instead of separate data and address lines.

The server2230may be coupled via the bus2202to a display2212for displaying information to a computer user. An input device2214, including alphanumeric and other keys, is coupled to the bus2202for communicating information and command selections to the processor2204. Another type or user input device comprises cursor control2216, such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys for communicating direction information and command selections to the processor2204and for controlling cursor movement on the display2212.

According to one embodiment, the functions are performed by the processor2204executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in the main memory2206. Such instructions may be read into the main memory2206from another computer-readable medium, such as the storage device2210. Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in the main memory2206causes the processor2204to perform the process steps described herein. One or more processors in a multi-processing arrangement may also be employed to execute the sequences of instructions contained in the main memory2206. In alternative embodiments, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to implement the embodiments. Thus, embodiments are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

The terms “computer program medium,” “computer usable medium,” “computer readable medium”, and “computer program product,” are used to generally refer to media such as main memory, secondary memory, removable storage drive, a hard disk installed in hard disk drive, and signals. These computer program products are means for providing software to the computer system. The computer readable medium allows the computer system to read data, instructions, messages or message packets, and other computer readable information from the computer readable medium. The computer readable medium, for example, may include non-volatile memory, such as a floppy disk, ROM, flash memory, disk drive memory, a CD-ROM, and other permanent storage. It is useful, for example, for transporting information, such as data and computer instructions, between computer systems. Furthermore, the computer readable medium may comprise computer readable information in a transitory state medium such as a network link and/or a network interface, including a wired network or a wireless network that allow a computer to read such computer readable information. Computer programs (also called computer control logic) are stored in main memory and/or secondary memory. Computer programs may also be received via a communications interface. Such computer programs, when executed, enable the computer system to perform the features of the embodiments as discussed herein. In particular, the computer programs, when executed, enable the processor multi-core processor to perform the features of the computer system. Accordingly, such computer programs represent controllers of the computer system.

Generally, the term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any medium that participated in providing instructions to the processor2204for execution. Such a medium may take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media includes, for example, optical or magnetic disks, such as the storage device2210. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as the main memory2206. Transmission media includes coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires that comprise the bus2202. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic or light waves, such as those generated during radio wave and infrared data communications.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to the processor2204for execution. For example, the instructions may initially be carried on a magnetic disk of a remote computer. The remote computer can load the instructions into its dynamic memory and send the instructions over a telephone line using a modem. A modem local to the server2230can receive the data on the telephone line and use an infrared transmitter to convert the data to an infrared signal. An infrared detector coupled to the bus2202can receive the data carried in the infrared signal and place the data on the bus2202. The bus2202carries the data to the main memory2206, from which the processor2204retrieves and executes the instructions. The instructions received from the main memory2206may optionally be stored on the storage device2210either before or after execution by the processor2204.

The server2230also includes a communication interface2218coupled to the bus2202. The communication interface2218provides a two-way data communication coupling to a network link2220that is connected to the world wide packet data communication network now commonly referred to as the Internet2228. The Internet2228uses electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams. The signals through the various networks and the signals on the network link2220and through the communication interface2218, which carry the digital data to and from the server2230, are exemplary forms or carrier waves transporting the information.

In another embodiment of the server2230, interface2218is connected to a network2222via a communication link2220. For example, the communication interface2218may be an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line, which can comprise part of the network link2220. As another example, the communication interface2218may be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. Wireless links may also be implemented. In any such implementation, the communication interface2218sends and receives electrical electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.

The network link2220typically provides data communication through one or more networks to other data devices. For example, the network link2220may provide a connection through the local network2222to a host computer2224or to data equipment operated by an Internet Service Provider (ISP). The ISP in turn provides data communication services through the Internet2228. The local network2222and the Internet2228both use electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams. The signals through the various networks and the signals on the network link2220and through the communication interface2218, which carry the digital data to and from the server2230, are exemplary forms or carrier waves transporting the information.

The server2230can send/receive messages and data, including e-mail, program code, through the network, the network link2220and the communication interface2218. Further, the communication interface2218can comprise a USB/Tuner and the network link2220may be an antenna or cable for connecting the server2230to a cable provider, satellite provider or other terrestrial transmission system for receiving messages, data and program code from another source.

The example versions of the embodiments described herein may be implemented as logical operations in a distributed processing system such as the system2200including the servers2230. The logical operations of the embodiments may be implemented as a sequence of steps executing in the server2230, and as interconnected machine modules within the system2200. The implementation is a matter of choice and can depend on performance of the system2200implementing the embodiments. As such, the logical operations constituting said example versions of the embodiments are referred to for e.g., as operations, steps or modules.

Similar to a server2230described above, a client device2201can include a processor, memory, storage device, display, input device and communication interface (e.g., e-mail interface) for connecting the client device to the Internet2228, the ISP, or LAN2222, for communication with the servers2230.

The system2200can further include computers (e.g., personal computers, computing nodes)2205operating in the same manner as client devices2201, where a user can utilize one or more computers2205to manage data in the server2230.