Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120086728 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSITIONING BETWEEN INTERFACE MODES IN VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY APPLICATIONS - One preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a method for transitioning a user interface between viewing modes. The method of the preferred embodiment can include detecting an orientation of a mobile terminal including a user interface disposed on a first side of the mobile terminal, wherein the orientation of the mobile terminal includes an imaginary vector originating at a second side of the mobile terminal and projecting in a direction substantially opposite the first side of the mobile terminal. The method of the preferred embodiment can also include transitioning between at least two viewing modes in response to the imaginary vector intersecting an imaginary sphere disposed about the mobile terminal at a first latitudinal point having a predetermined relationship to a critical latitude of the sphere. | 04-12-2012 |
20120212405 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRESENTING VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY SCENES TO A USER - A method according to a preferred embodiment can include providing an embeddable interface for a virtual or augmented reality scene, determining a real orientation of a viewer representative of a viewing orientation relative to a projection matrix, and determining a user orientation of a viewer representative of a viewing orientation relative to a nodal point. The method of the preferred embodiment can further include orienting the scene within the embeddable interface and displaying the scene within the embeddable interface on a device. | 08-23-2012 |
20120214590 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACQUIRING VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY SCENES BY A USER - A preferred method of acquiring virtual or augmented reality (VAR) scenes can include at a plurality of locations of interest, providing one or more users with a predetermined pattern for image acquisition with an image capture device and for each of the one or more users, in response to a user input, acquiring at least one image at the location of interest. The method of the preferred embodiment can also include for each of the one or more users, in response to the acquisition of at least one image, providing the user with feedback to ensure a complete acquisition of the virtual or augmented reality scene; and receiving at a remote database, from each of the one or more users, one or more VAR scenes. One variation of the method of the preferred embodiment can include providing game mechanics to promote proper image acquisition and promote competition between users. | 08-23-2012 |
20120218306 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRESENTING VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY SCENES TO A USER - A method of presenting a scene to a user according to a preferred embodiment includes determining a real orientation of a device relative to a projection matrix and determining a user orientation of the device relative to a nodal point. The method of the preferred embodiment can further include orienting a scene displayable on the device to the user in response to the real orientation and the user orientation; and displaying the scene on the device. The method of the preferred embodiment can be performed by an apparatus and/or embodied in computer program product including machine-readable code. | 08-30-2012 |
20120236029 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EMBEDDING AND VIEWING MEDIA FILES WITHIN A VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY SCENE - A preferred method for viewing embedded media in a virtual and augmented reality (VAR) scene can include at a viewer device, defining a real orientation of the viewer device relative to a projection matrix; and orienting a VAR scene on the viewer device in response to the real orientation in block, in which the VAR scene includes one or both of visual data and orientation data. The preferred method can further include selecting a media file in the VAR scene, wherein the media file is selected at a media location correlated at least to the real orientation of the viewer device; and activating the media file in the VAR scene at the media location. The preferred method and variations thereof functions to allow a viewer to interact with media that is embedded, tagged, linked, and/or associated with a VAR scene viewable on the viewer device. | 09-20-2012 |
20120242656 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PRESENTING VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY SCENES TO A USER - A method of presenting a scene to a user according to a preferred embodiment includes determining a real orientation of a device relative to a projection matrix and determining a user orientation of the device relative to a nodal point. The method of the preferred embodiment can further include orienting a scene displayable on the device to the user in response to the real orientation and the user orientation; and displaying the scene on the device. Variations of the method can include a three-dimensional aspect of the scene with which the user can interact through manipulation of the real orientation and/or the user orientation of the device. The method of the preferred embodiment can be performed by an apparatus and/or embodied in computer program product including machine-readable code. | 09-27-2012 |
20120242798 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SHARING VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY SCENES BETWEEN USERS AND VIEWERS - A preferred method for sharing user-generated virtual and augmented reality scenes can include receiving at a server a virtual and/or augmented reality (VAR) scene generated by a user mobile device. Preferably, the VAR scene includes visual data and orientation data, which includes a real orientation of the user mobile device relative to a projection matrix. The preferred method can also include compositing the visual data and the orientation data into a viewable VAR scene; locally storing the viewable VAR scene at the server; and in response to a request received at the server, distributing the processed VAR scene to a viewer mobile device. | 09-27-2012 |
20120246223 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISTRIBUTING VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY SCENES THROUGH A SOCIAL NETWORK - A preferred method for distributing virtual and augmented reality (VAR) scenes between users and viewers through a social network can include delivering one or more VAR scene parameters to a server and requesting a VAR scene from the server at which the VAR scene is hosted. The VAR scene can include both visual data and orientation data, and the orientation data can include at least a real orientation of a device relative to a projection matrix. The preferred method described herein can further include receiving the VAR scene from the server at a viewer device in response to the one or more VAR scene parameters. | 09-27-2012 |
20140092135 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMICALLY DISPLAYING MULTIPLE VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY SCENES ON A SINGLE DISPLAY - One variation of a method for dynamically displaying multiple virtual and augmented reality scenes on a single display includes determining a set of global transform parameters from a combination of user-defined inputs, user-measured inputs, and device orientation and position derived from sensor inputs; calculating a projection from a configurable function of the global transform parameters, context provided by the user and context specific to a virtual and augmented reality scene; rendering a virtual and augmented reality scene with the calculated projection on a subframe of the display; and repeating the previous two steps to render additional virtual and augmented reality scenes. | 04-03-2014 |
20140267418 | METHOD FOR SIMULATING NATURAL PERCEPTION IN VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY SCENES - A preferred method for dynamically displaying virtual and augmented reality scenes can include determining input parameters, calculating virtual photometric parameters, and rendering a VAR scene with a set of simulated photometric parameters. | 09-18-2014 |
20150097867 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSITIONING BETWEEN INTERFACE MODES IN VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY APPLICATIONS - One preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a method for transitioning a user interface between viewing modes. The method of the preferred embodiment can include detecting an orientation of a mobile terminal including a user interface disposed on a first side of the mobile terminal, wherein the orientation of the mobile terminal includes an imaginary vector originating at a second side of the mobile terminal and projecting in a direction substantially opposite the first side of the mobile terminal. The method of the preferred embodiment can also include transitioning between at least two viewing modes in response to the imaginary vector intersecting an imaginary sphere disposed about the mobile terminal at a first latitudinal point having a predetermined relationship to a critical latitude of the sphere. | 04-09-2015 |
20150113581 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SHARING VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY SCENES BETWEEN USERS AND VIEWERS - A preferred method for sharing user-generated virtual and augmented reality scenes can include receiving at a server a virtual and/or augmented reality (VAR) scene generated by a user mobile device. Preferably, the VAR scene includes visual data and orientation data, which includes a real orientation of the user mobile device relative to a projection matrix. The preferred method can also include compositing the visual data and the orientation data into a viewable VAR scene; locally storing the viewable VAR scene at the server; and in response to a request received at the server, distributing the processed VAR scene to a viewer mobile device. | 04-23-2015 |
20150201133 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ACQUIRING VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY SCENES BY A USER - A preferred method of acquiring virtual or augmented reality (VAR) scenes can include at a plurality of locations of interest, providing one or more users with a predetermined pattern for image acquisition with an image capture device and for each of the one or more users, in response to a user input, acquiring at least one image at the location of interest. The method of the preferred embodiment can also include for each of the one or more users, in response to the acquisition of at least one image, providing the user with feedback to ensure a complete acquisition of the virtual or augmented reality scene; and receiving at a remote database, from each of the one or more users, one or more VAR scenes. One variation of the method of the preferred embodiment can include providing game mechanics to promote proper image acquisition and promote competition between users. | 07-16-2015 |
20150243085 | TECHNIQUES FOR CAPTURING AND DISPLAYING PARTIAL MOTION IN VIRTUAL OR AUGMENTED REALITY SCENES - The present disclosure relates to techniques for capturing and displaying partial motion in VAR scenes. VAR scenes can include a plurality of images combined and oriented over any suitable geometry. Although VAR scenes may provide an immersive view of a static scene, current systems do not generally support VAR scenes that include dynamic content (e.g., content that varies over time). Embodiments of the present invention can capture, generate, and/or share VAR scenes. This immersive, yet static, view of the VAR scene lacks dynamic content (e.g., content which varies over time). Embodiments of the present invention can efficiently add dynamic content to the VAR scene, allowing VAR scenes including dynamic content to be uploaded, shared, or otherwise transmitted without prohibitive resource requirements. Dynamic content can be captured by device and combined with a preexisting or simultaneously captured VAR scene, and the dynamic content may be played back upon selection. | 08-27-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110092479 | PYRAZOLE [3, 4-B] PYRIDINE RAF INHIBITORS - Compounds of Formula I are useful for inhibition of Raf kinases. Methods of using compounds of Formula I and stereoisomers, tautomers, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, for in vitro, in situ, and in vivo diagnosis, prevention or treatment of such disorders in mammalian cells, or associated pathological conditions are disclosed. | 04-21-2011 |
20110092485 | SUBSTITUTED BENZOAZEPINES AS TOLL-LIKE RECEPTOR MODULATORS - Provided are compositions and methods useful for modulation of signaling through the Toll-like receptors TLR7 and/or TLR8. The compositions and methods have use in treating or preventing disease, including cancer, autoimmune disease, infectious disease, inflammatory disorder, graft rejection, and graft-verses-host disease. | 04-21-2011 |
20110110889 | RAF INHIBITOR COMPOUNDS AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF - Compounds of Formula (I) are useful for inhibition of Raf kinases. Methods of using compounds of Formula (I) and stereoisomers, tautomers, prodrugs and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, for in vitro, in situ, and in vivo diagnosis, prevention or treatment of such disorders in mammalian cells, or associated pathological conditions are disclosed. | 05-12-2011 |
20120157448 | COMPOUNDS FOR TREATING NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES - The invention provides novel tricyclic compounds of Formula I′ that inhibit β-secretase cleavage of APP and are useful as therapeutic agents for treating neurodegenerative diseases. | 06-21-2012 |
20130274244 | SUBSTITUTED N-(1H-INDAZOL-4-YL)IMIDAZO[1,2-]PYRIDINE-3-CARBOXAMIDE COMPOUNDS AS TYPE III RECEPTOR TYROSINE KINASE INHIBITORS - Compounds of Formula I: and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof in which R | 10-17-2013 |
20160002232 | SUBSTITUTED N-(1H-INDAZOL-4-YL)IMIDAZO[1,2-a]PYRIDINE-3-CARBOXAMIDE COMPOUNDS AS TYPE III RECEPTOR TYROSINE KINASE INHIBITORS - Compounds useful in the treatment of fibrosis, bone-related diseases, cancer, autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, cardiovascular diseases, pain and burns in a mammal. | 01-07-2016 |
20160129010 | Substituted Benzoazepines as Toll-Like Receptor Modulators - Provided are compositions and methods useful for modulation of signaling through the Toll-like receptors TLR7 and/or TLR8. The compositions and methods have use in treating or preventing disease, including cancer, autoimmune disease, infectious disease, inflammatory disorder, graft rejection, and graft-versus-host disease. | 05-12-2016 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120193463 | CORRUGATED EDGE NIP - A web tensioner, a web slitter, a method of tensioning a web, and a method of slitting a web are provided. A corrugated edge nip is used in the tensioner, the slitter, and the methods of tensioning and slitting. The corrugated edge nip can provide a crossweb tension to a suspended web or film in a web line. The corrugated edge nip can be used in conjunction with, for example, a rotary shear slitter to improve slit edge quality. | 08-02-2012 |
20120199627 | CONTACT NIP ROLL - An improved contact nip roll, a method for assembling an improved contact nip roll, a system for nipping a web, and a method for nipping a web are provided. The improved contact nip roll integrates an inner softer core that can provide compliancy to web caliper variations, while rigid annular rings and a harder outer skin can maintain a uniform contact area. | 08-09-2012 |
20120240370 | METHOD FOR MAKING ENGAGEMENT COVER FOR ROLLERS FOR WEB CONVEYANCE APPARATUS - A method of making an engagement cover for rollers for use in web conveying, the method comprising: (a) providing a knit fabric comprising a woven base layer having first and second faces and a resilient looped pile protruding from the first face; (b) applying an elastomeric coating composition to the looped pile; and (c) curing the coating composition to leave a deposit of elastomeric polymer on the looped pile to yield the engagement cover. | 09-27-2012 |
20120241549 | WEB CONVEYANCE METHOD AND APPARATUS USING SAME - A method for conveying a web using an engagement cover ( | 09-27-2012 |
20130248643 | OPEN GAP FILM ROLL CORE - The disclosure generally relates to a film roll core used for winding a polymeric film around, an apparatus for winding the polymeric film on the film roll core, a process of winding the polymeric film on the film roll core, and a rolled film on the film roll core. The disclosure more particularly relates to an open gap film roll core that is capable of reducing defects in wound films. | 09-26-2013 |
20140341699 | VACUUM EFFECTOR AND METHOD OF USE - Vacuum effectors comprising: (a) a wall defining an enclosed opening and having a rim defining a lip plane; (b) a negative pressure source; (c) a shroud covering the rim; and (d) optionally a permeable support member spanning the enclosed opening, the support member being substantially planar and recessed a selected depth from the lip plane. Also, methods of manipulating work pieces using such vacuum effectors. | 11-20-2014 |
20140367395 | STORAGE CONTAINER - The provided containers ( | 12-18-2014 |
20150217960 | ADAPTABLE WEB SPREADING DEVICE - The present disclosure describes a spreader roll ( | 08-06-2015 |
20150232294 | CORRUGATED EDGE NIP - A web tensioner, a web slitter, a method of tensioning a web, and a method of slitting a web are provided. A corrugated edge nip is used in the tensioner, the slitter, and the methods of tensioning and slitting. The corrugated edge nip can provide a crossweb tension to a suspended web or film in a web line. The corrugated edge nip can be used in conjunction with, for example, a rotary shear slitter to improve slit edge quality. | 08-20-2015 |
20150274483 | LOOPED PILE FILM ROLL CORE - The disclosure generally relates to a looped pile film roll core used for winding a polymeric film, a method of winding film on the looped pile film roll core, and a roll of film that includes the looped pile film roll core. The disclosure describes an article and a process to reduce the core impressions created by the starting end of a web on the adjacent web layers next to the core. In one particular embodiment, the present disclosure can lead to a reduction in the amount and severity of such core impressions on a wound polymeric film, by reducing the amount of stress in adjacent layers of wound web. | 10-01-2015 |
20150344229 | VACUUM CONVEYOR APPARATUS - Conveying apparatus comprising: (1) a conveyor belt comprising a load bearing belt having an exterior surface and an interior surface, the belt having a plurality of channels therethrough, (2) mounting material on the exterior surface of the belt, and (3) a resilient engagement covering. Also a method of using the apparatus in conjunction with means for applying a negative pressure. | 12-03-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20110303681 | Pressure Vessel Boss and Liner Interface - A boss for a pressure vessel has a flange. The flange includes an interior keyway having an inner sidewall and a plurality of bores disposed on the inner sidewall. A pressure vessel includes a main body section and an end section. The end section includes a boss and the boss includes a flange. The flange includes an interior keyway having an inner sidewall and a plurality of bores disposed on the inner sidewall. In another aspect, a pressure vessel includes an outer shell, and inner liner and a boss including a flange with an exterior side and an interior side. The liner is mechanically integrated with the flange via a plurality of anchors, each anchor contacting the flange only on the interior side. A method of forming a pressure vessel includes providing a boss having a flange. The flange has an interior keyway having an inner sidewall and a plurality of bores disposed on the inner sidewall. The method comprises allowing a fluid polymer material to flow into the interior keyway and into the plurality of bores. | 12-15-2011 |
20150114975 | CONFORMABLE PRESSURE VESSEL FOR HIGH PRESSURE GAS STORAGE - A non-cylindrical pressure vessel storage tank is disclosed. The storage tank includes an internal structure. The internal structure is coupled to at least one wall of the storage tank. The internal structure shapes and internally supports the storage tank. The pressure vessel storage tank has a conformability of about 0.8 to about 1.0. The internal structure can be, but is not limited to, a Schwarz-P structure, an egg-crate shaped structure, or carbon fiber ligament structure. | 04-30-2015 |
20150345702 | Pressure Vessel Boss and Liner Interface - A boss for a pressure vessel has a flange. The flange includes an interior keyway having an inner sidewall and a plurality of bores disposed on the inner sidewall. A pressure vessel includes a main body section and an end section. The end section includes a boss and the boss includes a flange. The flange includes an interior keyway having an inner sidewall and a plurality of bores disposed on the inner sidewall. In another aspect, a pressure vessel includes an outer shell, and inner liner and a boss including a flange with an exterior side and an interior side. The liner is mechanically integrated with the flange via a plurality of anchors, each anchor contacting the flange only on the interior side. A method of forming a pressure vessel includes providing a boss having a flange. The flange has an interior keyway having an inner sidewall and a plurality of bores disposed on the inner sidewall. The method comprises allowing a fluid polymer material to flow into the interior keyway and into the plurality of bores. | 12-03-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20120203604 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING LOCATION BASED COUPON-LESS OFFERS TO REGISTERED CARD MEMBERS - The system provides location based coupon-less offers based upon a location of a card member (CM). A location of a CM may be determined based upon one or more of a travel itinerary, a GPS signal, a proximity of a mobile communication device to a cellular base station, and/or a zip code. An offer from a merchant registered to provide coupon-less offers may be transmitted to a mobile communication device based upon the location. An offer, once accepted by a CM, may be matched to a record of charge associated with a transaction account held by the CM. A credit may be applied to the CM's transaction account and a debit may be applied to a transaction account of the registered merchant. One or more offer categories and/or one or more offer category classes may be transmitted to the mobile communication device based upon the CM's location. | 08-09-2012 |
20120221392 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING LOCATION BASED COUPON-LESS OFFERS TO REGISTERED CARD MEMBERS - The system provides location based coupon-less offers based upon a location of a card member (CM). A location of a CM may be determined based upon one or more of a travel itinerary, a GPS signal, a proximity of a mobile communication device to a cellular base station, and/or a zip code. An offer from a merchant registered to provide coupon-less offers may be transmitted to a mobile communication device based upon the location. An offer, once accepted by a CM, may be matched to a record of charge associated with a transaction account held by the CM. A credit may be applied to the CM's transaction account and a debit may be applied to a transaction account of the registered merchant. One or more offer categories and/or one or more offer category classes may be transmitted to the mobile communication device based upon the CM's location. | 08-30-2012 |
20120232982 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ADMINISTERING MARKETING PROGRAMS - A system and method provide rewards or loyalty incentives to transaction account customers. The system includes a computing platform comprising application programming interfaces that enable users to define marketing programs. The system thus enables an efficient, automated and extensible platform for creating, managing and executing rewards and other marketing related programs. | 09-13-2012 |
20130024259 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR COUPON-LESS PRODUCT LEVEL DISCOUNTS - A product level discount is managed during a transaction by receiving a transaction identifier associated with a transaction, where the transaction identifier comprises a transaction value, a customer account identifier, a merchant identifier, and a product identifier. A product identifier is assessed to determine whether the transaction qualifies for a rebate credit in accordance with a predetermined offer. A rebate credit value is based on the transaction information and the predetermined offer, and qualification may be determined based on at least one of the customer account identifier and the merchant identifier. The product identifier could be a SKU code, which may be the basis for qualifying for the rebate credit. A merchant associated with the merchant identifier, which is part of the transaction, does not need to be informed of the application of the rebate credit to the customer account, which occurs after completion of the transaction. | 01-24-2013 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090015120 | HEAT DISSIPATION DEVICE FOR ELECTRONICS CABINET - A cabinet includes a housing for housing equipment, and a heat dissipation device for dissipating heat in the housing. At least a part of the heat dissipation device is formed integrally with at least a part of the housing. The heat dissipation device includes a fluid passageway adjacent the housing. The fluid passageway includes first and second surface portions, together defining an enclosing structure surrounding an interior space, and first and second openings in the enclosing structure. The first surface portion defines a boundary between the interior space and a region containing the equipment. The first and second openings are provided in respective locations not on the first surface portion. Fluid is caused to flow into the first opening, through the interior space of the enclosing structure, and out of the second opening by means of convection, dissipating heat from the first region. | 01-15-2009 |
20090078835 | STATIC AND DYNAMIC CABLE MANAGEMENT BRACKET - A bracket is provided having a spacer connected to a first and second arms. The spacer has a proximate end and a distal end disposed apart from each other at a suitable distance. The first arm has a base end and a free end, the base end being connected to a first side of the proximate end of the spacer and the free end extending from the proximate end. The second arm has a base end and a free end, the base end connected to the proximate end, and the free arm extending from the proximate end. The first arm, the second arm, and the proximate end substantially form a ring having a gap between the free ends of the first and second arms. Another bracket is provided having a hook and a ring connected to a top of the hook, wherein the ring includes a gap formed therein. | 03-26-2009 |
20090080849 | BLANK PLATE FOR MANAGING CABLES - A blank or parking plate for managing cables, particularly fiber optic cables, having a planar base, removably securable to a chassis, and at least one resilient holder removably inserted through an aperture in the base, for securing and enclosing an end portion of a cable. The blank plate with at least one holder is arranged so as not to extend substantially within the chassis. The holder may secure a male cable connector end in substantially the same position and orientation that it will occupy when inserted into a female connector of an active circuit board, which replaces the blank plate. A distensible opening to an enclosure inside the holder may protect the cable end from dust or contact damage with foreign objects by defining an inner space behind an inlet for the cable, but no further opening serving as an outlet for the cable. | 03-26-2009 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090066495 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING DRIVER EFFICIENCY AND OPERATING MODES IN A HYBRID VEHICLE - A method for determining driver efficiency in a hybrid vehicle includes the steps of measuring a hybrid vehicle parameter, and calculating driver efficiency based, at least in part, on the hybrid vehicle parameter. The hybrid vehicle parameter is influenced, at least in part, by an action taken by a driver. | 03-12-2009 |
20090070027 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING DRIVER EFFICIENCY IN A VEHICLE - A method for determining driver efficiency in a vehicle includes the steps of measuring a vehicle parameter, and calculating the driver efficiency based, at least in part, on the vehicle parameter. The vehicle parameter is influenced, at least in part, by an action taken by a driver. | 03-12-2009 |
20100001582 | PRECHARGING A HIGH-VOLTAGE BUS USING A VOLTAGE-REGULATED POWER SUPPLY - Systems and methods are provided for precharging high-voltage buses. The precharge system comprises an energy source having a first terminal and a second terminal, wherein a first voltage is equal to a potential difference between the first terminal and the second terminal. The precharge system further comprises a bus having a first rail and a second rail, wherein a second voltage is equal to a potential difference between the first rail and the second rail. A first contactor is coupled between the first terminal and the first rail and a second contactor is coupled between the second terminal and the second rail. A controller is coupled to the energy source, the bus, and the contactors. The controller is configured to activate the second contactor, and thereafter activate the first contactor if the magnitude of a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is less than a threshold tolerance. | 01-07-2010 |
20100156355 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CHARGING A PLUG-IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE - A battery charging system and method for charging a plug-in electric vehicle with power from an external power source, such as a standard 110 volt or 220 volt AC wall outlet. The method senses various internal and external conditions and uses this information to charge the plug-in electric vehicle in an optimum fashion that reduces charging time yet avoids damage to components of the charging system. In one embodiment, the battery charging system includes an external power source, a battery charger with sensors for monitoring the external power source and the charger, a battery unit with sensors for monitoring the battery, a battery charging control module for processing the information, and a user interface that allows user-specified custom charging constraints. All of these components, with the exception of external power source, may be located on the vehicle. | 06-24-2010 |
20100250194 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM INTEGRITY TESTING METHODS AND APPARATUS - Embodiments include methods and apparatus for testing an electrical system (e.g., of an electric vehicle) that includes a high voltage (HV) energy storage system, HV contactors, one or more energy consuming components, one or more energy supplying components, an HV bus, discharge circuitry, and a control system. The control system is adapted to perform a method that includes performing a first diagnostic test to test the functionality of the HV contactors, and performing a second diagnostic test to test the functionality of the discharge circuitry. When the first and second tests have passed, the control system allows the HV contactors to be closed to enable an exchange of energy between the HV energy storage system, the one or more energy consuming components, and the one or more energy supplying components. | 09-30-2010 |
20100270980 | BATTERY CHARGING CONTROL METHODS AND APPARATUS - Embodiments include methods for charging a battery of an electrical system. The electrical system includes the battery, a battery charger, and a controller. The battery charger is adapted to produce an output power in response to a control signal from the controller. The controller is adapted to control a battery charging process by determining a temperature of the battery pack, determining a voltage setpoint for the battery charger based on the temperature, and providing the control signal to the battery charger. According to an embodiment, when the temperature of the battery exceeds a first temperature value, the battery charging process is temporarily suspended prior to satisfying a charging termination criterion. Determining the temperature of the battery is repeated, and when the temperature of the battery is less than a second temperature value, the battery charging process is resumed. | 10-28-2010 |
20120203421 | DATA ASSOCIATION FOR VEHICLES - Methods, systems, and program products for associating data for a vehicle are provided. On-vehicle data pertaining to operation of the vehicle is obtained. Off-vehicle data pertaining to a condition that is irrespective of the operation of the vehicle is also obtained. A determination is made that an event has occurred using the on-vehicle data. An association is generated between the event and the condition using the off-vehicle data. | 08-09-2012 |
20130175974 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CHARGING A PLUG-IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE - A charging system and method that may be used to automatically apply customized charging settings to a plug-in electric vehicle, where application of the settings is based on the vehicle's location. According to an exemplary embodiment, a user may establish and save a separate charging profile with certain customized charging settings for each geographic location where they plan to charge their plug-in electric vehicle. Whenever the plug-in electric vehicle enters a new geographic area, the charging method may automatically apply the charging profile that corresponds to that area. Thus, the user does not have to manually change or manipulate the charging settings every time they charge the plug-in electric vehicle in a new location. | 07-11-2013 |
20130234664 | METHOD FOR CHARGING A PLUG-IN ELECTRIC VEHICLE - An exemplary charging system and method for controlling a fast charging process involving an external power source (e.g., a high-voltage charging station providing 10 kW-300 kW of power) and a plug-in electric vehicle. In one embodiment, the charging method uses a costing function to estimate the negative impact each fast charging session has on battery life. If the overall negative impact of past and/or present charging sessions has exceeded some threshold, then the charging method may reduce charging parameters (e.g., limit the charging amperage, voltage, power, duration, etc.) in an effort to avoid further diminishing the battery life. Thus, the charging system and method enable a user to frequently engage in fast charging sessions with an external power source, yet minimize the impact that such sessions have on the battery. | 09-12-2013 |