Abstract:
A system and method for communicating with a battery charging assembly at an external communication device across a communication network. The method and system comprises: receiving status information relating to the battery charging assembly at the communication device. In response to the status information, the method comprises generating an input indicating a request for controlling operation of the battery charging assembly and comprising control parameters associated with controlling said operation. The method further comprises providing the input to the battery charging assembly for subsequently affecting operation of the battery charging assembly in accordance with the generated input.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/863,767 filed on Aug. 8, 2013, the entire contents of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a method and system for communications between a battery charger and at least one communications device. In particular, the method and system relates to the communication of battery related information and/or information relating to the status of the charger assembly to one or more external communication devices. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    A system for the charging of dry cell batteries has been previously conceived; and has been in practice. Traditional chargers input power and provide circuitry for re-charging batteries in order to make them useable again. Rechargeable batteries have been used for a number of applications, such as for automotive, consumer devices, power tools, portable machinery, and power supplies. Recently, there have been additional applications for rechargeable batteries including electric hybrid vehicles. These chargers traditionally employ a system for checking the charged state of the batteries. Typically, minimal information is displayed in a charger display such as an LED to indicate that the charger is on or off and when the charge is complete. There exists a need to be able to monitor and communicate information from these chargers to other communication devices. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    There is provided a method and system herein to address the shortcomings of current chargers and to allow for communication of battery related information for processing, monitoring, and/or display. 
         [0005]    In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for communicating with a battery charging assembly at an external communication device across a communication network, the method comprising: receiving status information relating to the battery charging assembly at the communication device; receiving an input at the communication device in response to the status information, the input indicating a request for controlling operation of the battery charging assembly and comprising control parameters associated with controlling said operation; providing the input to the battery charging assembly for subsequently affecting operation of the battery charging assembly in accordance with the input. 
         [0006]    In yet another aspect, the method further comprises displaying the status information on a display of the communication device, the status information visually indicating a level of charge for each battery in the charging assembly with respect to at least one pre-defined threshold level (e.g. voltage level). 
         [0007]    In yet another aspect, the method further comprises generating the input in dependence upon receiving input at a user interface of the communication device in response to the status information. In yet another aspect, the input comprises one of: a request for starting or stopping a charging of at least one battery in the battery charging assembly for subsequent implementation at a control unit of the battery charging assembly coupled to said at least one battery. 
         [0008]    In yet another aspect, there is provided a method for communicating between a battery charging assembly and an external communication device across a communication network, the method comprising: detecting a charge status of at least one battery charging in the battery charging assembly, the charge status indicating a level of charge of the at least one battery; and providing status information indicating the charge status of the at least one battery from the battery charging assembly to the external communication device, wherein providing the status information comprises masking the status information within connection information broadcast from the battery charging assembly to the external communication device. 
         [0009]    In yet a further aspect, the connection information comprises Bluetooth connectivity information. 
         [0010]    In yet a further aspect, the method further comprises displaying the status information on an LCD display of the battery charging assembly, wherein the status information displays the level of charge of the at least one battery with a plurality of indicator bars, each indicator bar corresponding to a voltage threshold level, each indicator bar for visually displaying when a corresponding voltage threshold is met. 
         [0011]    In yet a further aspect, communicating between the battery charging assembly and the external communication device comprises using one of Bluetooth and Wi-Fi communication. 
         [0012]    In yet a further aspect, the external communication device communicates with the battery charging assembly via Bluetooth and further comprising displaying the status information for separately providing the charge status indicating a level of charge for each battery on the external communication device within Bluetooth discovery parameters associated with discovering and identifying the battery charging assembly. 
         [0013]    In yet another aspect, the status information displayed on the external communication device comprises at least one of: health information related to each battery of the charging assembly; health monitoring information for charging circuitry of the charging assembly; alerts indicating tampering during charging activity of the charging assembly; and charging assembly operational status. 
         [0014]    In yet another aspect, the method further comprises receiving updated status information from the battery charging assembly for display at the external communication device, the updated status information indicating the operation of the charging assembly subsequent to implement the control parameters on the charging assembly. 
         [0015]    In yet a further aspect, the control parameters comprise a request for at least one of: starting or stopping charging of the at least one battery in the charging assembly; and, starting or stopping charging of the charging assembly, the request for subsequent implementation and acknowledgement from the charging assembly. 
         [0016]    In yet a further aspect, the display comprises an LCD display for visually displaying a plurality of bars, each bar indicating that a pre-defined threshold voltage is met by an associated battery being charged. 
         [0017]    In yet a further aspect, the input indicating the request for controlling operation of the battery charging assembly further comprises a request for receiving a status update relating to one or more batteries associated with the battery charging assembly. 
         [0018]    In yet another aspect, the battery charging assembly broadcasts charge status information indicating charge levels for associated batteries being charged to associated communication devices via Bluetooth identification mechanism, the Bluetooth identification mechanism identifying the battery charging assembly and associated charge status information. 
         [0019]    In yet another aspect, there is provided a method for communicating with a battery charging assembly at an external communication device across a communication network, the method comprising: receiving status information relating to the battery charging assembly at the communication device; generating an input at the communication device in response to the status information, the input indicating a request for controlling operation of the battery charging assembly and comprising control parameters associated with controlling said operation; providing the input to the battery charging assembly for subsequently affecting operation of the battery charging assembly in accordance with the input. 
         [0020]    In yet another aspect, generating an input further comprises: processing the status information at the external communication device; comparing status information to pre-defined threshold values for the status information defined for the battery charging assembly; generating the input at the communication device in response to the comparison, the input for controlling operation of the battery charging assembly according to said pre-defined threshold values. 
         [0021]    In yet another aspect, generating the input comprises comparing at least one of: charge levels for each associated battery; health information values for the battery charger assembly; tampering alert values for the battery charger assembly to at least one of: pre-defined threshold values and health information values for the battery charger assembly and respective batteries. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary communication system network configured for facilitating communication between a charger assembly and one or more communication devices; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the charger assembly and its connectivity to communication devices for use within the communication system of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  illustrates exemplary modules used for monitoring and controlling the charger assembly for use within the communication system of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0025]      FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  illustrate flowcharts for an exemplary embodiment of processing used by the system and modules for monitoring and controls on the charger assembly, and the communication device for use within the communication system of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  illustrates a block diagram of an exemplary communication device for use within the communication system of  FIG. 1  in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0027]      FIGS. 6   a  and  6   b  illustrate an exemplary embodiment of displaying battery information in the form of a display for battery charge status for use within the charger assembly of  FIGS. 1 and 2  in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  illustrates a flowchart for an exemplary process for providing the power supply to the charging circuitry and the microprocessor of the charger assembly separately, in accordance with one embodiment; and 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the communications device of  FIG. 1  using Bluetooth discovery to display the battery charge status. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0030]    The present invention relates to a method and system for communications between a battery charger and at least one communications device (e.g. across a wireless network). In particular, the method and system relates to the communication of battery related information and/or information relating to the status of the charger assembly to one or more communication device, separate from the charger. 
         [0031]      FIG. 1  illustrates an exemplary communications system  100  according to one embodiment of the invention. The system  100  comprises at least one battery  210  electronically coupled to a charger assembly  200 . It is envisaged that the batteries can be chargeable or non-rechargeable batteries. Common rechargeable battery  210  types include NiCd, NiMH, lithium-ion, lithium ion polymer, lithium sulphur, Thin Film battery, Smart Batteries, Carbon foam-based lead acidic battery, Potassium ion battery, and sodium ion battery.  FIG. 1  depicts three batteries as an example; this number can be increased or reduced based on the design of the charger assembly  200 . The charger assembly  200  is used to charge the batteries  210  and the display  202  is used to display battery information, such as the state of the charge in one exemplary embodiment. In other embodiments, the display  202  may not be present; such as when the information related to the charger assembly  200  and or batteries  210  is communicated elsewhere or to one or more communication devices  400 . 
         [0032]    The charger assembly  200  communicates with one or more communication devices  400  via a communication network  1000 . This communication can be unidirectional or bidirectional as described below. The charger assembly  200  communicates with one or more communication devices  400  by sending packets of information related to the batteries  210  and/or information relating to the charger assembly  200  (e.g. data packets  102 ) across a communications network  1000 . In one exemplary embodiment, the communication network  1000  can be a wireless network, and utilizes wireless communication technology such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Radio Frequencies, and other such technologies as envisaged by a person skilled in the art. A particular communications device  400  communicates with the charger assembly  200  by sending the response packets  104  across the communication network  1000 . Examples of information carried by the packets  102  and  104  are included below. 
         [0033]    Exemplary information for data packets  102  related to batteries  210  and/or information relating to the charger assembly  200 , can include but not limited to:
       Type of batteries  210  and/or charger assembly  200  (i.e. simple charger, fast charger etc.)   Number of batteries  210  being charged   Health monitoring of batteries  210  (i.e. if one is not responding or charging properly)   Alerts for any battery  210  defects (i.e. improper type of batteries inserted to charge)   Tampering alerts for batteries  210  (their unexpected/unsafe removal)   Information on damage of batteries  210  (i.e. damage from cell reversal or errors during charging process)   Whether charger assembly  200  and the charging circuitry  208  are on/off   Level of charge for the batteries being charged   Health monitoring of the charge circuitry and its components   Surges in power of charging circuitry  208     Unexpected drops in voltage and/or current supply       
 
         [0045]    Exemplary response packets  104  from one or more communication devices  400 , can include but not limited to:
       Start or stop the charge of a particular charger assembly  200     Start or stop charge of individual batteries  210     Set predetermined time for charging to start or stop   Display alerts/errors noticed by the communication device  400     General control information for controlling the operation of the charger assembly  200  and the charging process   General inquiries regarding the health states, charge status of batteries  210  and/or charger assembly  200         
 
         [0052]      FIG. 2  describes an exemplary block diagram of a charger assembly  200  according to one embodiment of the invention. The charger assembly  200  is configured to communicate information (e.g. data packets  102 ) related to batteries  210  and/or information relating to the charger assembly  200  across the communication network  1000  to one or more communication devices  400 . The charger assembly  200  is comprised of a number of modules (e.g. software and/or hardware) as described below. 
         [0053]    In one exemplary embodiment, charger assembly  200  comprises of a display  202  which is used to display information related to the batteries  210  and/or information relating to the charger assembly  200  (e.g. data packets  102 ). In one exemplary embodiment the display  202  is an LCD display. A microprocessor  204  is used to enable the execution of various modules (e.g. monitoring system  220  and its comprising modules). It enables the processing of signals and control operations for the charger assembly  200  and its components. The microprocessor  204  is connected to a charging interface  206 . The microprocessor  204  is able to communicate information on the status of each of the batteries  210  being charged by the charging circuitry  208  through the charging interface  206 . For example, the charging interface  206  allows for the microprocessor to measure voltages of the batteries  210  under charge and aid in regulating the charging circuitry  208  to ensure the batteries  210  are being supplied with the necessary voltage. The charging interface  206  also aids in regulating the charging circuitry  208  in the exemplary conditions where the batteries  210  are sufficiently charged or there is potential for tampering or any other unsafe conditions with the charger assembly  200  or any of its components. 
         [0054]    In the embodiment of the charger assembly  200  shown in  FIG. 2 , it comprises of a receiver/transceiver  212 . The receiver/transceiver  212  allows for the transfer of data between the microprocessor  204  of the charger assembly  200 , and the communication network  1000 . The charger assembly  200  comprises of exemplary memory components such as ROM  210 , RAM  212  and Flash memory  214  for storing data that is used by the microprocessor  204  and/or the monitoring system  220  and its underlying modules. A monitoring system  220  enables the microprocessor  204  to process the status of the charger assembly  200  batteries  210 , and to communicate any alerts (i.e. tampering or other hazardous conditions). The monitoring system  220  may also allow for processing updates and controls for the charger assembly  200  its components, and batteries  210 . The charger assembly  200  further comprises of a speaker  222  in an exemplary embodiment. The speaker  222  can be used for audio communication of the status or any alerts for the charger assembly  200 , its components, and batteries  210 . 
         [0055]      FIG. 3  illustrates a block diagram of exemplary modules which comprise the monitoring system  220 . The exemplary modules which comprise the monitoring system  220  can be hardware and/or software. A communication module  302  is used for communicating information and controls between the microprocessor  204  and the monitoring system  220 . A status sensing module  304  is configured to read the status of the charger assembly  200  by using information communicated through the communications module  302 . The status sensing module  304  is configured to sense if the charger assembly  200  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) is on or off, and sense the state of the charging circuitry  208 . The status sensing module  304  is also capable of reading the state/level of the charge for the batteries  210  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) under charge (e.g. checking charge in terminal voltage, temperature of a battery  210 ). An update controls module  306  is configured to use information received from the status sensing module  304  to develop and initiate controls for the charger assembly  200  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) and its components. The controls initiated by the update controls module  306  are communicated through the communications module  302  to the microprocessor  200 . 
         [0056]    An error/fault detection module  308  is able to detect errors/faults with the charger assembly  200  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) including potential disconnections or tampering in the charging circuitry  208 . Exemplary capabilities also comprise the ability to sense any tampering or error with charger assembly  200  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) and its components by using information communicated through the communications module  302 . An error controls module  310  is able to use information received from the error/fault detection module  308  to develop and initiate controls for the charger assembly  200 (shown in  FIG. 2 ) and its components. The controls initiated by the error controls module  310  are communicated through the communications module  302  to the microprocessor  204 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 4   a  illustrates an exemplary flowchart of processes that comprise the functions of the charger assembly  200  as per one embodiment. The process starts with a detection of information related to batteries  210  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) and/or information relating to the charger assembly  200  as shown at step  402 . The detection of information may be associated with one or more sensors that detect voltage levels, temperature readings of each of the batteries  210 . Other sensors may be present within the charger assembly  200  for detecting tampering (e.g. opening of the charger assembly  200 ) or improper placement of the batteries  210 . Further sensors may be used in charger assembly  200  for sensing other health related issues with the batteries such as when a battery is defective or overcharged. 
         [0058]    At step  404  the information (e.g. the sensor information related to the batteries  210  and/or the charger circuitry) is processed. Exemplary processes comprise measuring the level of charge of batteries  210  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) and the status of the charger assembly  200 . In exemplary embodiments, the information related to batteries  210  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) and/or information relating to the charger assembly  200  is displayed using a display at step  406 . At step  408 , the information related to batteries  210  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) and/or information relating to the charger assembly  200  is communicated as an outgoing signal at step  410  to the communication device  400  through the communication network  1000 . An incoming signal at step  412  from the communications device  400  is sent to the charger assembly  200  via the communications network  1000 . The signal is received at step  414  and at step  416  the status of the charger assembly  200  and its components are updated according to any controls communicated in the signal at step  412 . In the exemplary embodiment shown, updates to the status of the charger assembly  200  and its components can also be made at step  416  based on information communicated at step  408 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 4   b  illustrates an exemplary flowchart of processes that comprise the functions of one or more communication device  400  as per one embodiment. An incoming signal at step  450 , comprising of information related to the batteries  210  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) and/or information relating to the charger assembly  200  (e.g. data packets  102  shown in  FIG. 1 ) from the charger assembly  200  is communicated across the communications network  1000  and is received at step  452 . The information is processed at step  454  and in exemplary embodiments is displayed at step  456  on one or more communication devices  400 . Triggers to update the status of the charger assembly  200  and its components are initiated at step  458  and communicated at step  460  as outgoing signals at step  462  (e.g. response packets  104  as shown in  FIG. 1 ) communicated across the communications network  1000  to the charger assembly  200 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 5  illustrates a block diagram of components that comprise a communication device  400  as per one embodiment. The communication device  400  comprises of a processor  502 , memory  504 , communication module  506 , display  508 , speakers  510 , and control module  514 . Operating system software and other software used by a processor  502  of communication device  400  may be stored in the memory  504 . The processor  502  enables execution of software applications as well operating system functions on the communication device  400 . The processor  502  can communicate with other components of the communication device  400  through the communication module  506 . A display  508  is configured to display information related to the batteries  210  and/or information relating to the charger assembly  200  (e.g. data packets  102  shown in  FIG. 1 ). A speaker  510  is configured to present audio signals on information related to the batteries  210  and/or information relating to the charger assembly  200  (e.g. data packets  102  shown in  FIG. 1 ). A receiver/transceiver module  512  is used by one or more communication device  400  to communicate with the charger assembly  200  via the communication network  1000 . A control module  514  is able to initiate triggers for controls based on information received from the charger assembly  200  and can send these controls to the charger assembly  200  through the communication module  506  and across the communications device  1000  using the receiver/transceiver  512 . For example, the control module  514  compares the status information received from the charger assembly  200  to pre-defined status information values (e.g. pre-defined charge levels for the batteries, pre-defined operation and status of the charger assembly, pre-defined cycle time of charger assembly, pre-defined health monitoring status related to the battery and charger, pre-defined responses to tampering and other operational alerts). The control module  514  is then configured to generate controls responses to the charging assembly based on the comparison. 
         [0061]      FIG. 6   a  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the display  202  for visually indicating charge status of one or more batteries  210  (see  FIG. 1 ) according to visual voltage levels or thresholds (e.g. on an LCD display). A display  602  displays one battery in a horizontal orientation, displaying an exemplary state where it is in a fully charged state. The state of the charge is indicated by the number of bars present in the image of the battery. A display  604  displays a second battery in a horizontal orientation, displaying the exemplary state of being half charged. 
         [0062]      FIG. 6   b  illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the display  202 . A display  652  displays one battery in a vertical orientation, displaying an exemplary state where it is in a fully charged state. The state of the charge is indicated by the number of bars present in the image of the battery. A display  654  displays a second battery in a vertical orientation, displaying the exemplary state of being half charged. 
         [0063]    Exemplary threshold for each threshold voltages for each bar for a battery under charge is provided below. An example battery of 1.7v is used for the description below.
       0v to 1.05V=no bar   1.06v to 1.25v=one bar   1.26v to 1.45v=two bars   1.46v to 1.63v=three bars   1.63v to 1.7v=four bars       
 
         [0069]      FIG. 7  depicts an exemplary embodiment of power circuitry  702  for the charger assembly  200 . A power supply  700  in the form of outlet power or stored battery power is supplied to a transformer  704 . The transformer  704  reduces the voltage of the supplied power to the amount needed for the power circuitry. A bridge rectifier  706  can be used to convert the supplied AC power to DC power needed by the electrical components of the charger assembly  200 . A main filter capacitor  708  further filters the direct voltage from the main bridge rectifier  706  in order to stabilize it. The power is now divided into a separate supply for the microprocessor  204  and components for the charger assembly  200 , and a separate supply for the charging circuitry  208 . The supply for the microprocessor  204  and components for the charger assembly  200  has a low dropout regulator  710  to ensure the voltage is maintained at the minimum required for the microprocessor  204  and charger assembly  200  components. In one aspect, the charger assembly further includes components for filtering noise interferences (e.g. RC low pass filters) affect the voltage reading circuitry (e.g. module  304 ). Such filtering may be performed using digital averaging algorithms. A stability capacitor  712  is used to stabilize the output of the low dropout regulator  710  before it goes to the microprocessor  204  and charger assembly  200  components. Exemplary components for include the display  202  and receiver/transceiver  212  as shown in  FIG. 2 . The charging circuitry  208  is used to charge the batteries  210  and has a power regulator  714  to ensure the amount of voltage supplied to the charging circuitry is constant for the batteries  210  as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0070]      FIG. 8  describes an exemplary communication device  400  in the form of a cellular device referring to  FIG. 1 . The communication device  400  has a display  508  to display information received from the charger assembly  200  (e.g.  200  in  FIG. 1 ). In this example, Bluetooth discovery communication is shown with the example of unidirectional communication with more than one charger assembly  200 . In this exemplary embodiment, the communication device  400  is able to see the information broadcasted from the charger assembly  200  as the name or identifier of Bluetooth devices  802  and  804 . The information displayed in this example is the name of the charger assembly  200  and the charge level of two batteries  210  in the charger assembly  200 . As will be envisioned, any of the data packet  102  information (e.g.  FIG. 1 ) could be communicated in this manner and masked as the Bluetooth identifier for the charger assembly  200 . Exemplary text to designate battery charge status is mentioned below.
       INSTAVOLT L — 2/4 R — 3/4 means left battery has 2 bars, right battery has 4 bars   INSTAVOLT L_none R — 3/4 means no left battery, right battery has 3 bars   INSTAVOLT L_low R — 1/4 means left battery is too low or defective, right battery has 1 bar   INSTAVOLT L — 4/4 R — 4/4 means both batteries are recharged       
 
         [0075]    Exemplary embodiments of communication network technologies for communication network  1000  shown in  FIG. 1  are discussed below. The wireless communication network  1000  can comprise of one or more of the technologies described below and may be dependent upon the capabilities of the charger assembly  200  shown in  FIG. 1  and/or the communications device  400 . In another embodiment, the monitoring system may be programmable to define which modes to communicate in (e.g. Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc.) 
       Bluetooth 
       [0076]    In one embodiment of the communication system  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , Bluetooth is used as the technology for the communication network  1000  to enable communication between the charger assembly  200  and one or more communications device  400 . One exemplary embodiment can comprise unidirectional communication, conversely another exemplary embodiment can comprise of bidirectional communication. 
         [0077]    In the exemplary embodiment of unidirectional communication, the charger assembly  200  is configured to communicate information related to the batteries  210  and/or information relating to the charger assembly  200  (e.g. data packets  102 ) across the communication network  1000  to one or more communication devices  400 . The information related to the batteries  210  and/or information relating to the charger assembly  200  (e.g. data packets  102 ) is received by the communication device  400  through the receiver/transceiver  512  as shown. The received information (e.g. data packets  102 ) can then be displayed on the display  508  of the communication device as shown in  FIG. 5 . In one exemplary embodiment of unidirectional Bluetooth communication technology, the information related to the batteries  210  received by the communication device  400  though the communication network  1000  is displayed as the name of a Bluetooth device on the display  504 , an exemplary embodiment is shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0078]    In the exemplary embodiment of bidirectional communication, the charger assembly  200  is able to communicate information related to the batteries  210  and/or information relating to the charger assembly  200  (e.g. data packets  102 ) across the communication network  1000  to the communication device  400 . The information related to the batteries  210  and/or information relating to the charger assembly  200  (e.g. data packets  102 ) is received by the communication device  400  through the receiver/transceiver  512  (shown in  FIG. 5 ). The received information (e.g. data packets  102 ) can then be displayed on the display  508  (shown in  FIG. 5 ). In this exemplary embodiment, the communication device  400  can be configured for communication with the charger assembly  200  and is able to provide control commands (e.g. response packets  104 ) initiated from the controls module  514  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) to the charger assembly  200 . The communication device  400  transmits control or inquiry commands (e.g. response packets  104 ) through the receiver/transceiver  512  (e.g. shown in  FIG. 5 ), across the communication network  1000  to the charger assembly  200 . The charger assembly  200  is able to receive these commands (e.g. response packets  104 ) through its receiver/transceiver  212  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) and make the desired updates and/or controls to the charger assembly  200  and its components. 
       Wi-Fi 
       [0079]    In one embodiment of the communication system  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , Wi-Fi can be used as the technology for the communication network  1000  to enable communication between the charger assembly  200  and one or more communications device  400 . This technology has bidirectional communication between the charger assembly  200  and one or more communication devices  400  across the communication network  1000 . The charger assembly  200  is able to communicate information related to the batteries  210  and/or information relating to the charger assembly  200  (e.g. data packets  102 ) across the communication network  1000  to one or more communication device  400 . The information related to the batteries  210  and/or information relating to the charger assembly  200  (e.g. data packets  102 ) is received by one or more communication devices  400  through the receiver/transceiver  512  (shown in  FIG. 5 ). The received information (e.g. data packets  102 ) can then be displayed on the display  508  (shown in  FIG. 5 ). In this exemplary embodiment, the communication device  400  can be configured for communication with the charger assembly  200  and is able to provide control commands (e.g. response packets  104 ) initiated from the controls module  514  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) to the charger assembly  200 . The communication device  400  transmits control or inquiry commands (e.g. response packets  104 ) through the receiver/transceiver  512  (shown in  FIG. 5 ), across the communication network  1000 , to the charger assembly  200 . The charger assembly  200  is able to receive these commands (e.g. response packets  104 ) through its receiver/transceiver  212  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) and make the desired updates and/or controls to the charger assembly  200  and its components. 
       Radio Frequency 
       [0080]    In one embodiment of the communication system  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , Radio Frequency can be used as the technology for the communication network  1000  to enable communication between the charger assembly  200  and one or more communications device  400 . One exemplary embodiment can comprise unidirectional communication, conversely another exemplary embodiment can comprise of bidirectional communication. 
         [0081]    In the exemplary embodiment of unidirectional communication, the charger assembly  200  is able to communicate information related to the batteries  210  and/or information relating to the charger assembly  200  (e.g. data packets  102 ) across the communication network  1000  to one or more communication devices  400 . The information related to the batteries  210  and/or information relating to the charger assembly  200  (e.g. data packets  102 ) is received by the communication device  400  through the receiver/transceiver  512  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) as shown. The received information (e.g. data packets  102 ) can then be displayed on the display  508  present on the communication device as shown in  FIG. 5 . 
         [0082]    In the exemplary embodiment of bidirectional communication, the charger assembly  200  is able to communicate information related to the batteries  210  and/or information relating to the charger assembly  200  (e.g. data packets  102 ) across the communication network  1000  to the communication device  400 . The information related to the batteries  210  and/or information relating to the charger assembly  200  (e.g. data packets  102 ) is received by the communication device  400  through the receiver/transceiver  512  (shown in  FIG. 5 ). The received information (e.g. data packets  102 ) can then be displayed on the display  508  (shown in  FIG. 5 ). In this exemplary embodiment, the communication device  400  can be configured for communication with the charger assembly  200  and is able to provide control commands (e.g. response packets  104 ) initiated from the controls module  514  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) to the charger assembly  200 . The communication device  400  transmits control or inquiry commands (e.g. response packets  104 ) through the receiver/transceiver  512  (shown in  FIG. 5 ), across the communication network  1000 , to the charger assembly  200 . The charger assembly  200  is then configured to receive these commands (e.g. response packets  104 ) through its receiver/transceiver  212  (shown in  FIG. 2 ) and implement the desired updates and/or controls to the charger assembly  200  and control or monitor the functionality of its components. 
         [0083]    While particular embodiments of the present invention have been described in the foregoing, it is to be understood that other embodiments are possible within the scope of the invention and are intended to be included herein. It will be clear to any person skilled in the art that modifications of and adjustments to this invention, not shown, are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention as demonstrated through the exemplary embodiments.