What is this invention?

Vehicle charge controller for preventing external charging from charging facility based on response time of charging facility

Toyota's new ECU prevents your car from being charged while you're driving. The new software is designed to prevent accidents caused by drivers who are charging their devices on the go. Instead of waiting for a driver to stop and disconnect, the ECU will execute a charge preparation communication sequence before external charging begins, ensuring that no juice goes into your car while you're driving. This also saves time as there is less chance of an accident occurring in the first place!

The ECU executes a charge preparation communication sequence after a connector is connected to an inlet and before external charging is performed. The communication sequence involves counting the response time of a charging station to a prescribed event. If the response time counted during the communication sequence is equal to the stored message transmission and reception time for that specific charging station, then external charging will not be performed.

What are some key features of the invention?

• An ECU executes a charge preparation communication sequence

• After a connector is connected to an inlet, the ECU counts a response time (message transmission and reception time) of a charging station

• The ECU does not perform external charging when the message transmission and reception time counted during the charge preparation communication sequence is equal to the message transmission and reception time stored in memory.

What are some similar inventions on the market?

There are a few similar products on the market that prevent your car from being charged while you're driving. One example is BMW's new " ConnectedDrive " software, which also prevents accidents caused by drivers who are charging their devices on the go. Other examples include Tesla's Autopilot and Volvo's Drive Assist.

How could this be used?

This system would be beneficial for those who have difficulty maintaining a consistent charge on their devices. If your device stops responding to charging within a certain time period, this technology may allow you to continue charging without penalty. This could also come in handy if you are traveling and want to keep your phone charged while away from traditional electrical outlets.

What are some things to look out for with this?

There are risks associated with using the ECU to communicate charging station response times. First, if there is a problem with the communication sequence or the ECU, incorrect charging may occur. Second, if someone tampers with the ECU, they could alter charging behavior or settings for other vehicles connected to that specific charging station.

What are the overall impressions of this invention?

I think it's a great product that prevents accidents caused by drivers who are charging their devices on the go.

Final comment expressed in a poem (written by an A.I.)

There once was a car with an ECU,
Who wanted to charge at a station or two.
But when it went to connect,
The time that they took,
Meant the car had to go without juice.

Who owns this patent?

TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA

Document Number: 11214165