TWI654791B - Remote authentication of replaceable fuel cartridge - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses a device having a programmable processor that is programmed to cause a fuel cell authentication device to acquire a first unique identifier element (UIE) associated with a first hydrogen fuel cartridge and a host Host information associated with the device, the host device configured to use fuel from the first fuel cartridge. Based on the information exchanged with the remote box tracking system via the data communication network, the first UIE and host information, the device may determine that the first fuel cartridge is authorized for use by the host device. And further, the authentication device transmits the authorization data to the host device to indicate that the host device is permitted to use fuel from the first fuel cell cartridge.

Description

Remote certification of replaceable fuel cartridges [related application]

This application claims the benefit of the entire Paris Convention and the priority of the United States Provisional Application No. 61/588,495 (including the Appendix) filed on Jan. 19, 2012, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference In.

The present disclosure relates to techniques for managing the use and distribution of fuel cell cartridges for fuel cell power systems.

As the use of mobile electronic devices (including but not limited to, smart phones, laptops and tablets) has increased, the demand for portable power systems has also increased. One popular solution is to use a rechargeable battery such as a lithium ion battery or a lithium polymer battery. For many mobile electronic devices, the rechargeable battery remains in the device during use of the battery or during charging of the battery, even if it can be replaced by the user.

While advances in battery design have reduced size and increased battery capacity, rechargeable batteries impose many restrictions on the user. First of all, for many mobile electronic devices, the battery capacity is usually only enough for frequent use. Time. For example, many laptops include batteries that are sufficient for about five hours, and many smart phones include batteries that are sufficient for about a full day. Second, the rechargeable battery must be recharged, usually taking hours to fully charge the battery. It is necessary to have a suitable charging device in hand, a socket for the charging device is required, and sufficient time is required to attach the mobile device and the charger for charging, which is very inconvenient for the user. While some devices are characterized by a user-replaceable rechargeable battery, and in theory the user may have an additional charged battery in hand, it is actually difficult for the user to agree with this as a convenient solution.

In terms of size, reliability, and cost, fuel cell technology has evolved to the point where fuel cell-based power systems can replace or complement solutions based on conventional rechargeable batteries. One advantage of fuel cell systems is the increased energy density compared to rechargeable battery technology. For example, a hydrogen fuel-based fuel cell system (which includes the weight of hydrogen fuel, a fuel storage cartridge, a fuel cell stack, and an accessory for a fuel cell subsystem) is in energy compared to a lithium-based battery solution. The density can be increased by about 1 time. Thus, fuel cell based power supplies allow for a lighter design and/or longer execution time than battery based counterparts.

However, fuel cell-based power supplies impose a significant demand: ensuring that there is sufficient fuel in hand. Fuels are volatile and typically compress under significant pressure, which means that proper storage of the fuel must be provided. For example, the use of a box to store compressed hydrogen is well known in the art and provides a safe and reliable mechanism for supplying fuel to a fuel cell powered device. However, there is a need for a convenient mechanism for controlled dispensing and reuse of such boxes in order to achieve a successful commercial application of fuel cell power technology.

A conventional technique is the use of a box (such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 7,655,331, U.S. Patent No. 7,401,712, U.S. Patent No. 7,306,863, U.S. Patent No. 6,828,049, and U.S. Patent No. 7,914,945). Memory components and/or other communication components are required to allow for two-way communication between the cartridge and the fuel cell power system. However, the introduction of such components into the box creates a higher unit cost for manufacturing and recycling the waste box.

An aspect of the present invention is a fuel authentication device, the device comprising a programmable processor, the programmable processor being programmed to cause the fuel certification device to perform an operation of: acquiring a first fuel cartridge a first unique identifier element (UIE); obtaining host information associated with a host device, the host device configured to use fuel from the first fuel cartridge; based on a data communication network and a remote end The box tracks the data exchanged by the system, the first UIE and the host information, determines that the first fuel cartridge is authorized for use by the host device; and transmits the authorization data to the host device to indicate that the host device is permitted to use from The fuel of the first fuel cell cartridge. Another aspect of the present invention is a mobile fuel cartridge locating device comprising a display unit and a programmable processor, the programmable processor being programmed to cause a fuel cell authentication device to: Obtaining information identifying a host device configured to receive fuel from a hydrogen cartridge; obtaining a geographic location from the mobile device; transmitting a request to a remote box tracking system to request a point of sale at the point of sale Receiving a hydrogen cartridge compatible with the host device; receiving a plurality of pins in response to the transmitted request Information on the point of sale; and display the information on the display unit. Yet another aspect of the present invention is a hydrogen fuel cartridge tracking system, the system comprising a programmable processor, the programmable processor being programmed to perform the operation of receiving a sale of a first plurality of points of sale Point information, the point of sale information includes a location of a respective point of sale; receiving box information of each of the plurality of hydrogen fuel cartridges and information indicating sales points of one of the points of sale; Purchasing the individual box via the point of sale; receiving location information indicating a location of a purchaser; identifying a second plurality of points of sale based on the location information and the point of sale information, the second plurality of points of sale being included in the And among the plurality of points of sale; and transmitting the locations of each of the second plurality of points of sale to the purchaser. Yet another aspect of the present invention is a fuel cartridge authentication system, the system comprising a programmable processor programmed to perform the following operations: acquiring a fuel cell cartridge associated with a first fuel cell cartridge a first unique identifier element (UIE); acquiring host information associated with a host device, the host device configured to use fuel from the first battery cartridge; based on a remote communication via a data communication network The library exchanges information, determines that the first battery cartridge is authorized for use by the host device; determines whether the cartridge is reliable via a data exchange based on a UIE tracking system; and transmits authorization data to the communication device to indicate the box and The host device is compatible.

110‧‧‧Host device

111‧‧‧Wireless communication circuit system

112‧‧‧Programmable processor

113‧‧‧Power cable

120‧‧‧fuel box

121‧‧‧ Unique identifier element (UIE)

122‧‧‧ valve

123‧‧‧fuel cell stacking

130‧‧‧Communication device

131‧‧‧Wireless communication circuit system

132‧‧‧ processor

133‧‧‧Display unit

134‧‧‧User input circuit system

140‧‧‧Data Communication Network

150‧‧‧Server

160‧‧‧Power-receiving device

170‧‧‧Distribution point

180‧‧‧Web page browser

200‧‧‧Users

205‧‧‧Communication device

210‧‧‧Steps

220‧‧‧Steps

230‧‧‧Steps

240‧‧‧ steps

245‧‧‧Steps

250‧‧‧ steps

260‧‧‧Steps

300‧‧‧Users

310‧‧‧Steps

320‧‧‧Steps

330‧‧‧Steps

500‧‧‧ distribution

Figure 1 illustrates many of the components used to manage the use and distribution of fuel cell cartridges for fuel cell power systems.

Figure 2 is a flow diagram of a user utilizing an application related to the certification of a fuel cartridge; and Figure 3 illustrates an example of a reverse channel supply chain associated with the use and distribution of a fuel cell cartridge for a fuel cell power system.

All illustration numbers in the additional figures are incorporated herein by reference as fully described herein.

It is to be understood that in the claims For example, the dimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to each other for clarity. Further, the component symbols are repeated in the drawings to indicate the corresponding components. Although the specification is a summary of the scope of the claims defining the features of the present disclosure (the features are considered to be novel), the teachings of the present disclosure will be better understood in view of the following description together with the drawings and appendices. In the drawings and appendices, the same component symbols are used.

The host 110 is a fuel cell power supply device configured to receive the replaceable fuel cartridge 120 and provide power to the power receiving device 160 by processing fuel provided by the replaceable fuel cartridge 120. The receiving portion of host 110 is paired with and/or accepts allocation 500 of box 120. At least one valve 122 controls the flow of fuel from the cartridge 120 to the fuel cell stack 123 included in the host 110. This fuel flow can flow through the supporting facilities (balance of plant; BOP). The fuel cell stack and the BOP form a fuel cell power source. Such fuel cell power sources are well known in the art and are available in a wide range or capacity and function. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, host 110 may be small enough to be included in a smart phone device. In addition, host 110 can be a larger desktop unit that provides power to an independent power receiving device 160 that has a more significant power requirement than the aforementioned smart phone device. In other exemplary embodiments, host 110 may be a vehicle having a large amount of power demand, such as a car.

Host 110 also includes a programmable processor 112 that is programmed to control the operation of host 110. In addition, host 110 can include wireless communication circuitry 111 that is configured to provide and other technologies via technologies such as, but not limited to, 802.11 wifi technology, Bluetooth technology, cellular technology, RF technology, and optical communication technology. Wireless communication of a device, such as communication device 130. This communication will be discussed further below.

In some exemplary embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 1 , the host 110 may be a device independent of the powered device 160 having a power cable 113 that provides power to the powered device 160 . In some exemplary embodiments, more than one power receiving device 160 may be present. Additionally, power cable 113 can be configured to provide bidirectional data communication between host 110 and power receiving device 160.

In some exemplary embodiments, host 110 may be integrated with power receiving device 160 into a single housing. In these exemplary embodiments, host 110 may utilize programmed processors and data communication circuitry already included in power receiving device 160 to reduce production costs and power consumption.

In some exemplary embodiments, host 110 may be configured to accommodate A plurality of boxes are provided to provide increased capacity or to allow for "hot swapping" of the empty first box and the full second box when the host 110 retrieves fuel from the third box. In some exemplary embodiments, the host 110 may include an internal fuel reservoir that allows for short-term operation without the fuel cartridge being inserted into the host 110 to facilitate thermal transfusion configuration to accommodate only a single fuel The host 110 of the box 120.

PEM fuel cells require hydrogen fuel to generate electricity. Hydrogen can be stored in its original state or can be produced on demand. In some applications, it may be useful to have a hydrogen supply that can be replaced or stored in a metal hydride, slurry or other matrix that can be supplied as a tank (also known as a vessel, casing, tank). Pressurized gas in a cylinder, cartridge or box). Hydrogen can also be supplied as a precursor chemical in the form of a chemical hydride. The latter is particularly suitable for portable power systems whereby, if desired, the chemicals stored in the tank are reacted to produce hydrogen on demand using suitable methods.

The fuel cartridge 120 is a replaceable cartridge containing hydrogen gas of a suitable purity that will be used as a fuel source for a model unit of a particular device or device, the model unit of which has known The fuel cell stack, and the fuel cell stack has a known requirement for hydrogen purity, the replaceable cassette being configured to be inserted into the host 110. The fuel cartridge 120 stores fuel for consumption by the fuel cell stack included in the host 110. As used in this specification, the term "box" is broadly applicable to any replaceable unit that provides fuel to the host 110. Fuel is supplied from the cassette 120 to the host 110 via the dispensing end. In some exemplary embodiments, the fuel is hydrogen, which may be stored or combined as a compressed gas, for example, as a hydrogenated metal. Things.

When used in a PEM fuel cell, high purity hydrogen is preferred. A purity higher than 99% is preferred. Hydrogen having a purity higher than 99.9% is more preferable, and hydrogen having a purity higher than 99.99% is most preferable. Ensuring proper hydrogen purity is important because impurities in the hydrogen fuel supply can impair or degrade the performance of the PEM fuel cell. Preventing the use of unauthorised or uncertified hydrogen fuel sources ensures that end users can rely on a means of stable power production from PEM fuel cell systems. This also enables the monitoring and processing of counterfeit hydrogen supplies. Certification allows for a safe and inexpensive mechanism by which the quality of both the fuel and the box can be certified to ensure reliable operation of the host 110.

In some exemplary embodiments, the box 120 is designed for reuse, with the appropriate entity evaluating the status of the used box, and if the box 120 is in good condition, the box 120 will be refilled with fuel. In some exemplary embodiments, this evaluation and/or refilling may be performed by a vending machine device.

The box 120 includes a unique identifier element (UIE) 121 that is externally visible. UIE 121 is generally code, color, bar code, digits, letters, holograms, characters, 2D barcodes, QR codes (generally described in (ISO/IEC 18004:2000 (E) ), characters, images, diagrams One or more of pictures, organic chemicals, three-dimensional (3D) mechanical features, mechanical tapes or matrices, inorganic chemicals, doped substrates, natural matrices, processing substrates, etc. can form the base of the mark or tape The chemicals and matrices are used for the support of the UIE, or such chemicals and matrices may be UIE.

In some exemplary embodiments, UIE 121 may be affixed to box 120 at a dispensing point, such as dispensing point 170 illustrated in FIG. By The UIE 121 for the box 120 is generated upon purchase, and the UIE 121 can be configured to reflect the particular characteristics of the box 120, the purchaser of the box 120, or the pre-authorized host device or group or class of host devices. The UIE 121 reflecting this information can illustrate the use of a network that does not require the use of the box 120. For example, if the UIE 121 indicates that the box has been authorized for use by the particular host 110, then although subsequent information regarding the use of the box by the host 110 may be recorded and subsequently transmitted via the data communication network, network communication may not be required To allow the use of the box.

In some exemplary embodiments, the information to be encoded in UIE 121 is password protected. By providing password protection, the UIE 121 can be more reliably used for the use of the above described network without linearity. In some exemplary embodiments, password protection may be accomplished by encoding information into binary data and encrypted data and generating UIE 121 using the encrypted material. The device intended to read UIE 121 must then (generally) decrypt the encrypted material by utilizing a particular decryption key. Many encryption and decryption techniques are well known in the art, including, for example, advanced encryption standards (AES). This method causes the device that cannot perform decryption to be unreadable by UIE 121. In some exemplary embodiments, password protection may be accomplished by encoding the information as binary data, typically generating a hash of the binary data after salting the binary data. The generated hash is then included in the UIE 121 along with the information. This method allows information to exist in UIE 121 in an unambiguous form, but the device can authenticate the information by generating a hash of the information and comparing the hash of the information to the hash included in UIE 121. Many hashing techniques are well known in the art including, for example, SHA-2.

The communication device 130 is configured to transmit and receive data with the host 110. In some exemplary embodiments, communication device 130 includes wireless communication circuitry 131 that is configured to exchange data with wireless communication circuitry 111, the wireless communication circuitry 111 being included in the host discussed above In device 110. In some exemplary embodiments, wireless communication circuitry 131 is further configured to exchange data with data communication network 140 illustrated in FIG. Examples of communication devices 130 include, but are not limited to, smart phones (such as the Apple iPhone, or various phone devices that use the Android operating system), tablets, laptops, and desktops.

The communication device 130 includes a programmed processor 132 that is programmed to control the communication device 130 to perform various functions and techniques disclosed with respect to the communication device 130. This stylization can be provided in the form of a firmware, operating system, and/or one or more applications.

In some exemplary embodiments, communication device 130 includes display unit 133 and/or user input circuitry 134, which may include tactical, voice or touch that allows a user to interact directly with communication device 130. Control screen interface. User input devices including, but not limited to, keyboards, trackpads, and touch screens are well known in the art. In some exemplary embodiments, communication device 130 may include a microphone or a voice input that is programmed to perform a command.

In some exemplary embodiments, communication device 130 includes a camera that enables communication device 130 to capture still or moving images. This camera can be used to capture and process images of UIE 121 to generate code corresponding to UIE 121.

In some exemplary embodiments, communication device 130 is configured to obtain its own geographic location. In the field of mobile computing devices, there are many techniques well known in the art for obtaining the geographic location of a mobile computing device, including but not limited to GPS, assisted GPS (AGPS), IP address based positioning services, and hives. Network positioning technology. In some exemplary embodiments that do not utilize hardware or automated location services, communication device 130 may be programmed to request location information, such as a street address, a zip code, or a city, from a user.

In some exemplary embodiments, a single communication device 130 can be used in connection with a plurality of host devices. In some exemplary embodiments, multiple communication devices may be used in connection with a single host 110.

In some exemplary embodiments, the communication device 130 may be integrated into the single housing together with the host 110, and the communication device 130 may also receive power from the host 110. For example, one such exemplary embodiment may be a smart phone powered by a fuel cell. In this exemplary embodiment, the host 110 can utilize the programmed processor and data communication circuitry already included in the communication device 130 to reduce production costs and power consumption. Those of ordinary skill in the art of computer programming will recognize that the disclosure herein refers to operations performed by a computer system. Operations are sometimes referred to as computer execution. It should be understood that such operations are symbolically represented by the manipulation of a processor (such as a CPU) using electrical signals (the electrical signals represent data bits) and the data bits at the memory location (such as in system memory). Maintenance and other processing of signals. The memory locations of the maintenance data bits are physical locations that have specific electrical, magnetic, optical or organic characteristics corresponding to the data bits.

When implemented in software, the components disclosed in this document are used to perform To be a part of the code segment. The code segments can be stored in a non-transitory processor readable medium, which can include any medium that can store information. Examples of non-transitory processor readable media include electronic circuitry, semiconductor memory devices, read only memory (ROM), flash memory or other non-volatile memory, optical disks, hard drives, and the like. The term module can refer to a pure software embodiment, a pure hardware embodiment, or any combination of the above. In addition, the term server can refer to a physical server on which an application can be executed in whole or in part.

FIG. 2 illustrates the interaction between the user 200 and the communication device 205. The user 200 is in communication with the communication device 205, wherein the application "App" for acquiring, using, and tracking the fuel cartridge is downloaded 210 to the communication device. Via the App, you can create 220 user accounts. One of ordinary skill will recognize that user accounts can also be created online.

Instance

The first step: the user 200 utilizes a communication device 205 away from the host device using the fuel cartridge, such as a smart phone or an input tablet; the second step: downloading the application "App" to the communication device via the network, or via the network Accessing the online portal 210; the third step: the user creates an account 220 for obtaining and using the replaceable hydrogen fuel cartridge; the fourth step: the user sets the account details, and the account details may include (but are not limited to) payment Source, host identification, location, and user identity 230; fifth step: at least one of option A or option B.

Option A: will have a fuel cartridge (the fuel cartridge is connected to the host) The host (110) is connected to the communication device and authenticates the box via information provided by the host to the App. Use the app of the local or remote database to authenticate the box used by the host. The host then receives permission to use the box, that is, allows fuel to flow into the fuel cell. The host can receive the license from the communication device via communication, or receive the license 240 from a remote source such as a server via the network; Option B: input the UIE of the box to the communication device, the App authentication box, and the communication device or the remote server One of them provides a license to the host via the network to utilize the box 245; the sixth step: optional: the box UIE opposite to the user account is entered into the App; and, the seventh step: optional: enter or create a pair A repository entry 260 having the use of a particular box of a particular UIE, which may include host devices and geographic locations that use the particular box.

The App may cause an item menu associated with supplying fuel and using the host to be displayed on the communication device. Information categories include (but are not limited to) charging information, account information, and location services to obtain boxes.

The charging information is related to the fuel used by the host. The information of the fuel cell host may include the performance of each battery in the stack, the pressure of the system, the temperature, the state of the hydrogen, the efficiency of the measurement over a certain period of time, the energy output, and the like. If the host is communicating wirelessly with the communication device, when the operating parameters of the host are out of limits, an alarm or the like may be caused to notify the communication device and the user.

Account information includes tracking orders for boxes, identification and usage status of used boxes, orders for boxes, and information for pre-ordering additional boxes. The communication device can also be configured to display a QR code at the distribution point.

Location services are part of the distribution infrastructure for fuel. Services include the use of GPS and Map App to display and/or provide directions for distribution points at which account holders can obtain boxes. In some cases, the communication device will also provide a user certificate to the distribution point.

For an exemplary embodiment of a communication device 130 provided using an Apple iPhone smart phone device, Appendix A of the applicant's priority provisional application provides a drawing illustrating a non-limiting example of an illustrative physical model of the user interface, The user interface is displayed on the display unit 133. This exemplary embodiment includes a touch screen user interface capable of performing wireless data communication via a cellular data network, Bluetooth and 802.11 wifi, and capable of executing programs distributed in the form of "app".

The data communication network 140 provides data communication services by which various systems can exchange data with each other. The data communication network 140 does not include a fixed-line internal bus (such as a PCI or PCI high-speed bus) that is used for communication between computer components in a single housing. A well-known example is the Internet. Each of host 110, communication device 130, server 150, power receiving device 160, distribution point 170, and web page browser 180 can be configured to exchange data with each other via data communication network 140. Many techniques for concatenating various devices by data communication network 140, including fixed line broadband and wireless cellular data communications, are well known in the art. In addition, many formats for exchanging data are well known in the art, such as, but not limited to, the use of XML over HTTP to exchange commands and data in an internet connection system.

Server 150 is configured to be exchanged via data communication network 140 The computing device of the data. The server 150 is configured to provide a database that tracks the availability and use of a fuel cartridge, such as the fuel cartridge 120 used by the host 110. In addition, server 150 is configured to perform authentication for the use of individual fuel cartridges for the host device (as will be described in greater detail below).

In some exemplary embodiments, server 150 may be configured to operate as a web server in response to a request received from web page browser 180 or communication device 130. The web server is configured to allow a user of the web browser application to operate and/or purchase a fuel cartridge. In some exemplary embodiments, an application executing on communication device 130 may utilize a web page browsing software component to allow a user to interact with services provided via server 150. However, in an exemplary embodiment in which the UIE 121 is non-human readable or can be manually entered manually via a keyboard user input device or other manual input technology, the UIE 121 is processed using a "local" device on the computing device 130. Preferably.

Server 150 is configured to manage and use information about the fuel cartridges for evaluation when the particular user and/or particular host device properly uses the fuel cartridges. The database provided by the server 150 is used to store and retrieve this information. The server 150 associates a unique identifier with each fuel cartridge. However, as in some exemplary embodiments, a single fuel cartridge may have multiple UIE values associated with the single fuel cartridge over a period of time, the unique identifier may be different and/or independent of the fuel assigned to the fuel at that time. The UIE of the battery. Other stored information associated with each fuel cartridge may include, for example, box model identification (where multiple models exist), box manufacturing information (such as manufacturer and date of manufacture), fuel information (such as fuel type, fuel purity, fuel supply) Business information, burning Material manufacturing information and when fuel is filled into the box), fuel consumption information (such as the amount of fuel filled into the box, the amount of fuel extracted from the box and whether the box is empty), re-use information (such as whether the box is No longer used, such as evaluation information on whether the box is damaged, the number of times the box has been refilled, and the person who evaluated and/or refilled the box), distribution point information (such as where to buy the box, where the box is purchased and shipped) Information), customer information (such as the identity of the customer who purchased or owns the box), host device information (such as the identity of the host device currently or previously installed with the box), and authorization information (such as authorized host devices or devices using fuel tanks) ).

In some exemplary embodiments, server 150 is configured to manage and use information related to individual host devices. The database provided by the server 150 is used to store and retrieve this information. This information may include, for example, model information (which may be linked to other information such as the compatibility of the box model), warranty information, owner information, location information, fuel consumption information, power generation information, and maintenance information.

In some exemplary embodiments, server 150 is configured to manage and use information related to customers using fuel cartridges managed by server 150. Such customers may be individuals or groups of individuals or organizations. In some exemplary embodiments, a company account can be created. The company account has an associated personal account (which may have different characteristics). The database provided by the server 150 is used to store and retrieve this information. This information may include, for example, name information, accounting information (including, for example, credit card information), shipping information, contact information (such as phone numbers, email addresses, and e-mail addresses), purchase information, and reservation information (for example, customers may have Associated with fuel or generated electricity Monthly usage), contract information (such as service level agreements), associated communication devices, associated host devices, and associated fuel cartridges.

In some exemplary embodiments, server 150 is configured to manage and use information related to a distribution point of a fuel cartridge managed by server 150. The database provided by the server 150 is used to store and retrieve this information. This information can include name, contact information, shipping information, location and stock information.

In addition, the history of such information items may also be recorded to provide a record of how this information has changed over time.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that server 150 can be configured to manage and use additional information items, including information useful for implementing the subject matter disclosed in this application.

In order to provide better confidentiality and security, the server 150 can encrypt and communicate the above information.

In some exemplary embodiments, server 150 and host 110 are configured to communicate directly with one another. This can be used to communicate information related to the fuel consumption of the host 110, and also allows the host 110 to authenticate the use of a particular fuel cartridge 120 by interacting directly with the server 150.

As is well known in the art, server 150 can be implemented by a plurality of computer systems. For example, one or more computer systems may be specifically configured as a database server, and another computer system may be configured to provide a web server for responding to commands and requests from other network connected systems.

Distribution point 170 represents an entity through which a customer can obtain a fuel cartridge. In some exemplary embodiments, distribution point 170 may, for example, provide A new fuel cartridge allows the replacement of the spent fuel cartridge with a filled fuel cartridge and/or refilling the fuel cartridge. This can be done depending on the specific arrangements made by the customer.

In some exemplary embodiments, the dispensing point 170 has a particular location, or a location where the customer can actually visit to obtain a new fuel cartridge. Some of these exemplary embodiments may be in the form of a vending machine. These locations are typically recorded by the server 150 to indicate where the customer looking for the fuel cartridge has found the distribution point. In some exemplary embodiments, the distribution point 170 does not have this location; for example, where the distribution point 170 is an online store, the customer may arrange delivery of the fuel cartridge through the online store.

In some exemplary embodiments, distribution point 170 can be configured to exchange data with data communication network 140. This allows the distribution point 170 to exchange data with other entities, such as the server 150, the communication device 130, and the web page browser 180. By using the data exchanged via the data communication network 140, the distribution point 170 can, for example, authenticate and/or report fuel cartridge allocations, communication inventory status, scheduling, and tracking of fuel cartridges to/from the dispensing point 170 to particular customers. The customer is allowed to purchase the fuel cartridge and the booking box remotely for later retrieval at the location of the dispensing point 170.

In some exemplary embodiments, a particular distribution point may be restricted to a particular customer. For example, a company customer can arrange a distribution point for the employee of the company. For other customers, server 150 should be configured to not indicate the availability of such distribution points.

The items illustrated in Figure 1 have been generally described, and many techniques for the management and distribution of fuel cartridges are described below. These techniques are provided by way of example only, and those skilled in the art should be aware of the changes in the described activities. this In addition, there is no need to request the order in which the activities are revealed.

1. Certification of the fuel cartridge 120 used by the host 110

a. The customer obtains an unused fuel cartridge 120 having a UIE 121.

b. The communication device 130 acquires the unique identifier code of the fuel cartridge 120 via the UIE 121. For example, the communication device 130 can capture the image of the UIE 121 by using a built-in camera. The image of the UIE 121 can be partially or completely processed by the communication device 130 and/or the remote server to generate an identifier corresponding to the UIE 121. symbol.

c. The communication device 130 acquires host information associated with the host 110. For example, this information can be obtained by user input or via wireless communication with host 110.

d. The communication device 130 determines whether the fuel cartridge 120 is authorized for use by the host 110 based on the data exchanged with the server 150, the unique identifier code, and the host information. In some exemplary embodiments, customer information such as a customer identifier may also be submitted to the server 150. For example, the unique identifier code and host information can be transmitted to the server 150, which is configured to determine whether the fuel cartridge 120 can be used, and an indication of whether the fuel cartridge 120 can be used will be returned to the communication device 130. For example, this determination may be based on (1) compatibility between the model of the fuel cartridge 120 and the model of the host 110 and/or (2) information recorded in the server 150 regarding previous use of the fuel cartridge 120, such as Whether the fuel supply to the fuel cartridge has been used up or the previous use of the fuel cartridge by the host device. Further, the decision may be based on a user or customer identifier, such as an identifier of the customer, an identifier of the user or customer associated with the host device 110. For example, a particular customer may be subject to a service contract covering a particular type of fuel cartridge.

e. If the communication device 130 determines that the fuel cartridge 120 is authorized for use by the host 110, the communication device 130 transmits authorization data to the host 110 to cause the host 110 to permit fuel extraction from the fuel cartridge 120.

In some exemplary embodiments, the server 150 may have recorded some information related to the customer (the client is associated with the host 110) and has acquired the fuel cartridge 120, in which case it is not necessary to collect this information and to the server 150. Transfer this information about the certified fuel cartridge.

2. Record fuel consumption information at server 150

a. The host 110 records the fuel draw from the fuel cartridge 120. In some exemplary embodiments, host 110 may be capable of measuring and recording any amount of fuel that has been drawn from fuel cartridge 120. In some exemplary embodiments, host 110 may only record that fuel from fuel cartridge 120 has been exhausted (in these exemplary embodiments, host 110 is typically capable of deciding that the fuel cartridge is nearing the fuel supply of the fuel cartridge) , thus allowing the alerting customer to have to replace the fuel cartridge).

b. The communication device 130 receives fuel consumption information from the host 110. This can be performed periodically when the host 110 is able to communicate with the communication device 130. In some exemplary embodiments, power generation information is also reported by host 110, allowing for more detailed usage and efficiency information to be determined.

c. The communication device 130 transmits fuel consumption information to the server 150.

In some exemplary embodiments, host 110 may have network connectivity to allow host 110 to communicate the above fuel consumption information directly to server 150. In these exemplary embodiments, communication device 130 may obtain fuel consumption information via server 150.

3. Positioning the distribution point of the fuel cartridge for the host 110

a. In some exemplary embodiments, the communication device 130 obtains information identifying the host 110 in the event that the customer wishes to acquire a fuel cartridge.

b. The communication device 130 acquires a geographic location. Alternatively, the customer can identify a particular location of interest. For example, a customer may be interested in identifying a distribution point near a customer's work location, even if the customer is not at the work location at a particular time. As another example, communication device 130 can be configured to display a map-based interface, after which "precise positioning" of the distribution points can be displayed. By changing the location at the center of the map, a new location can be assigned to identify the distribution point around the new location.

c. The communication device 130 issues a request to the server 150 for a distribution point near the geographic location. This request may include information identifying the host 110. This request may specify additional criteria for "filtering" the distribution points at the server 150. For example, a customer may have a fuel service contract that allows for the free exchange of fuel tanks at a particular distribution point. Customers may wish to identify only these distribution points or, in some cases, purchase fuel cartridges for exchange outside of the network.

d. The server 150 uses the information recorded in the database of the server regarding the location of the distribution point to identify an allocation point near the specified location and in response to other criteria in the request received from the communication device 130. In some exemplary embodiments, the server 150 attempts to identify if a possible distribution point has a fuel cartridge that is compatible with the host device 110. In some exemplary embodiments, the server 150 obtains inventory information for possible distribution points to confirm that the customer can acquire or subscribe to the fuel cartridge at a given distribution point (thus thereby failing to provide an appropriate fuel cartridge allocation by avoiding wasted effort by the customer to visit or contact) Point to improve customer satisfaction).

e. The server 150 returns information about the identified distribution points. For example, The information returned may include the location of each distribution point and/or contact information.

f. The communication device 130 displays information about the distribution point on the display unit 133. In some exemplary embodiments, the distribution points may be presented on a map-based interface on display unit 133. In some exemplary embodiments, communication device 130 may be further configured to allow a customer to purchase or subscribe to a fuel cartridge at a designated distribution point.

In some exemplary embodiments, communication device 150 may also be configured to identify a distribution point that does not have a physical location nearby. For example, a pure online distribution point can be identified, through which the customer can request to ship a fuel cartridge.

4. Purchase and pre-authorize the fuel cartridge via the communication device 130

a. The communication device 130 is configured to allow the customer to obtain a fuel cartridge from the distribution point 170 and issue a request for a fuel cartridge from the distribution point 170.

b. Distribution point 170 confirms that the customer can obtain the fuel cartridge. In addition, distribution point 170 provides information regarding the UIE assigned to the fuel cartridge. In some exemplary embodiments, communication device 130 may be used to authenticate the extraction of a fuel cartridge. For example, communication device 130 can be configured to display a QR code on display 133 that can be processed at a distribution point.

c. In some exemplary embodiments, the distribution point 170 communicates the fuel cartridge 120 to be shipped to the customer to the server 150 and obtains authorization to use the fuel cartridge 120 for the customer or host 110. This authorization is transmitted to the communication device 130. In some exemplary embodiments, communication device 130 uses information related to the UIE assigned to fuel cartridge 120 to determine that fuel cartridge 120 is authorized for use by host 110. By pre-authorizing the fuel cartridge 120 before the customer actually acquires the fuel cartridge 120, the communication device 130 can record the authorization when the data communication network 140 is accessible.

d. Thereafter, the communication device 130 transmits the authorization data to the host 110 to cause the host 110 to be authorized to draw fuel from the fuel cartridge 120.

Treatment, return and/or recycling of fuel cartridges

In some exemplary embodiments, the point of sale 170 may act as a collection point for the spent fuel cartridge. At this point of sale, the customer can deliver the spent fuel cartridge and/or obtain a filled replacement fuel cartridge.

In some exemplary embodiments, communication device 130 may be programmed to facilitate return and recycling of the box. The communication device 130 can be programmed to identify suitable facilities for recycling the box, and the communication device 130 can be configured to display the location of such facilities on a map-based display. The communication device 130 can be programmed to make a shipping arrangement for the box, including, for example, the extraction of a box or the creation of a shipping label to facilitate shipping the box. In conjunction with this shipment of the box, the shipment of the filled replacement box can be arranged to ensure that the customer has a continuous fuel supply for the host 110. Server 150 can be programmed to manage and utilize information related to the availability of the box and tracking information for the box at different shipping locations.

In some exemplary embodiments, the customer returns to the box to earn points. You can apply for this point when you return the box to the collection point. As a further alternative, the credit may be applied at some time after returning to the box, such as after the box has been processed at the centralized recycling center. For example, the points can be in the form of points or currency. For example, the points can be applied to purchase or replace a fuel cartridge. In some exemplary embodiments, frequent or high volume customers may receive additional "thank you" points. Server 150 can be configured to manage and utilize the information tracking the returned box and the points associated with the return of the box.

Similar to the return of the waste box in the above paragraph, similar techniques are available Return and/or exchange damaged or defective boxes. For example, communication device 130 can be programmed to provide an interface to identify a defective box and to arrange for replacement of the defective box.

Carbon tracking

Through the UIE organization, the source of different fuel cartridges can be tracked. Taking hydrogen fuel as an example, hydrogen can be produced by various techniques including, but not limited to, methane recombination, electrolysis of water by electricity (using electricity generated by various technologies (such as combustion, hydropower, wind energy, solar energy, etc.)) And photocatalytic decomposition of water under sunlight. For example, the “carbon footprint” measured in grams of carbon dioxide produced per kilogram of hydrogen fuel can be attributed to each box, which not only reflects the amount of carbon dioxide produced during the production of hydrogen fuel, but also (optional) The amount of other carbon dioxide generated in the manufacture of the box, the packaging of the box and the distribution of the box. This information allows various manufacturers of boxes to differentiate each other based on the carbon footprint of their boxes. In other cases, the amount of carbon footprint that a conventional battery source can produce is strongly contrasted with the amount produced by a fuel cell that utilizes a source of high purity hydrogen.

For the fuel cartridge tracked by the server 150, this carbon information can be stored in the database of the server 150. Again, as discussed previously, usage information can be collected from host 110. This information can be used to determine "carbon efficiency", such as the number of grams of carbon dioxide produced per kilowatt hour output of host 110. The communication device 130 can be configured to display this information to a customer. In some exemplary embodiments, this information may be used in a solution or market for carbon dioxide emissions trading.

While in some exemplary embodiments, detailed information regarding the consumption of the fuel tanks of the customer and the customer may be generated and recorded, in some exemplary implementations In the example, much less limited information can be used and/or recorded. For example, the described system can be configured to perform a simple compatibility check between the fuel tank 120 and the host 110 to ensure safe and reliable use of the fuel tank 120 and the host 110. This compatibility check may simply confirm the model and/or fuel type that may be used without communicating with the UIE information that specifically identifies the host 110 or customer information and/or recording the UIE information.

Figure 3 illustrates an example of a reverse channel supply chain associated with the use and distribution of fuel cell cartridges for a fuel cell power system that allows (among other things) to automatically ensure that the user is filled The ready supply of the fuel cartridge. As shown, the user 300 interacts with the central repository system via the software application, including providing user account details securely stored by the central repository. In addition, information about the use of the fuel cartridge is provided to the central repository. Based on this information, the central repository system calculates the fill-in information and generates an auto-fill sequence that is processed by the distribution center 310.

The distribution center stores replacement fuel cartridges that are delivered directly to the user and/or retail pipeline via the logistics chain. In some cases, the distribution center also handles the receipt of spent fuel cartridges from users and/or retail pipelines. In some such cases, the distribution center associated with receipt of the spent fuel cartridge may perform one or more of the following operations: evaluating the condition of the box, refueling the box, and providing the user with a score 320 for the return box.

For fuel cartridges delivered to retail stores, a UIE (such as a QR code) can be used to dispense and/or sell fuel cartridges 330. Retail outlets can recognize a variety of payment methods, including recognition of the points returned to the waste box mentioned above.

The disclosed aspects can be implemented in any convenient form, for example, Use a combination of dedicated hardware or dedicated hardware and software that handles the signal. The processing device can include any suitably programmed device such as a general purpose computer, a personal digital assistant, a mobile phone (such as a WAP or 3G-compliant phone), and the like. Since the disclosed subject matter can be implemented as software, each aspect of the disclosed subject matter encompasses computer software that can be implemented on a programmable device. Thus, the disclosed aspects can be implemented on a programmable machine such as, but not limited to, a microcontroller or a computer processor. The technical aspects of the technology may be considered to be "products" or "products", which are usually carried in executable code and/or carried by a machine readable medium or embodied in such a machine. The form of the associated material in the reading media exists. "Storage" media includes memory for mobile stations, computers, processors, etc., which can be stored at any time for software stylized storage, or related modules (such as various semiconductor memory, tape drives, disk drives) Any or all of them. All or part of the software can occasionally communicate via the Internet or various other telecommunications networks. For example, such communications may enable software to be loaded from one computer or processor to another computer or processor. For example, software and/or instructions can communicate from the server to the client. Thus, other types of media that may have software components include light waves, electric waves, and electromagnetic waves, such as those used across physical interfaces between local devices, via wired and optical wired networks, or via various air links. . Physical elements carrying such waves (such as wired or wireless links, optical links, etc.) may also be considered to be media with such software. As used herein, unless restricted to tangible "storage" media, the term "computer-readable or machine-readable media" refers to any medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution.

Thus, a machine-readable medium can have any form including, but not limited to, a tangible storage medium, a carrier medium, or a physical transmission medium. For example, non-volatile storage media includes optical disks or disks, such as any storage device in any one or more computers, such as storage devices that can be used to implement the subject matter described in this application. Volatile storage media includes dynamic memory, such as the main memory of this computer platform. Tangible transmission media includes coaxial cable, copper wire, and fiber optics (including wires that include the busbars inside the computer system). The carrier transmission medium can be in the form of an electrical or electromagnetic signal or an acoustic or optical wave such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communication. Thus, common forms of computer readable media include, for example, floppy disks, floppy disks, hard disks, magnetic tape, any other magnetic media, CD-ROM, DVD or DVD-ROM, any other optical media, punched cardboard, Any other physical storage medium, RAM, PROM and EPROM, FLASH-EPROM, any other memory chip or box, carrier for transmitting data or instructions, cable or link for transmitting this carrier, or any other medium, with a hole pattern Stylized code and/or material can be read from such media. A variety of such forms of computer readable media may be involved in carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a processor for execution.

The disclosure of the above is intended to be illustrative only, and in this disclosure, specific methods or techniques may be described with respect to the specific items illustrated in the drawings, and it should be understood that Methods or techniques are within the ordinary skill in the art. These alternatives merely illustrate the ease with which the stylized functionality can be moved and/or distributed among a plurality of programmable processors, particularly where data can be exchanged between systems.

It should be understood that any feature described with respect to any one aspect may be used alone or in combination with other features described, and may also be used in combination with one or more of any of the disclosed aspects or Used in combination with any of the disclosed aspects. In addition, equivalents or modifications not described above may be employed without departing from the scope of the disclosed subject matter.

The many features and advantages of the disclosed subject matter are apparent from the Detailed Description of the invention. In addition, various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Reveal the scope of the subject.

In addition, each of the various elements of the present disclosure and the scope of the claims can be implemented in various ways. The present disclosure is to be understood to cover every such variation, which is a variation of the implementation of any device embodiment, method or process embodiment, or even a variation of any element of the embodiments. The present disclosure relates to elements of the present disclosure, and thus the wording of each element is expressed by equivalent device terms or method terms, even if only the functions or results are the same.

Such equivalent, broader or even more general terms are to be considered as being included in the description of each element or act. These terms are to be replaced as needed to cover the broad scope of the disclosure, which is the scope of the disclosure.

It will be understood that all of the acts may be expressed as a means of taking the action or causing the action.

Similarly, each physical element disclosed is to be understood as encompassing the disclosure of the actions that the element.

Insofar as a non-substantial alternative is made, the Applicant shall not be construed in any way as being in any way so that the Applicant has not actually drafted any request to literally cover any particular exemplary embodiment. The scope is intended to be or is not intended to be exhaustive, as the applicant may simply not be able to anticipate all of the possibilities; it should not be reasonably expected that the skilled artisan will draft a claim that will literally encompass such alternative exemplary embodiments.

In addition, the use of the transitional phrase "comprising" is used to maintain the "open" patent application scope herein. Therefore, unless the context requires otherwise, it is to be understood that the term "comprise" or variations (such as "comprises" or "comprising") are intended to include the recited elements or steps or elements or steps. Combinations are not excluded from any other elements or steps or combinations of elements or steps.

These terms should be interpreted in the broadest form of these terms to provide the applicant with the broadest scope of legally permitted.

Claims (15)

A fuel authentication device, the device comprising a programmable processor, the programmable processor being programmed to cause the fuel authentication device to: acquire a first unique identifier associated with a first fuel cartridge a component (UIE), wherein the UIE includes: information encoded as binary data and a first hash generated from the binary data after salt-salted the binary data, and the first fuel The box has the UIE; obtaining host information associated with a host device configured to use fuel from the first fuel cartridge, wherein the host information is input by a user or the host device has the host information Determining that the first fuel cartridge is authorized to be based on data exchanged with a remote fuel cartridge tracking system via a data communication network or data encoded in the first UIE, the first UIE and the host information Used by the host device, the first UIE indicates that the first fuel cartridge has been authorized for use by the host device, wherein the determining step further comprises the step of: from the UIE Generating a second hash in the carry data and comparing the second hash to the first hash of the UIE; and transmitting the authorization data to the host device to indicate that the host device is allowed to use from the first The fuel of the fuel cartridge; wherein the UIE contains: code, color, barcode, digits, letters, holograms, images, characters, 2D barcodes, QR codes, characters, icons, pictures, organic chemicals, three-dimensional (3D) machinery One or more of a characteristic structure, a mechanical tape or matrix, an inorganic chemical, a doped substrate, a natural substrate, or a processing substrate; wherein the information encoded as the binary data of the UIE includes: cryptography The determining and the determining step further comprise the step of decrypting the information by utilizing a particular decryption key. The fuel authentication device of claim 1, wherein the decision that the first fuel cartridge is authorized for use by the host device is further based on a user identifier associated with the host device. The fuel authentication device of claim 1, wherein the processor is programmed to cause the fuel authentication device to: acquire a second unique identifier component associated with a second fuel cartridge; from the host device Receiving fuel consumption information relating to the use of fuel by the host device from the second fuel cartridge; and transmitting the fuel consumption information to the remote fuel cartridge tracking system. The fuel authentication device of claim 1, further comprising wireless communication circuitry adapted to transmit data to and receive data from the host device, wherein the processor is programmed to communicate via the communication circuitry The authorization data is transmitted to the host device. The fuel authentication device of claim 1, further comprising the host device and a housing containing the host device and the programmable processor. The fuel authentication device of claim 1, wherein the determining step comprises the step of: based on a data communication network and a remote fuel cartridge tracking system The exchanged data, the first UIE, and the host information determine that the first fuel cartridge is authorized for use by the host device. The fuel authentication device of claim 1, wherein the determining step comprises the step of: based on the data encoded in the first UIE, the first UIE indicating that the first fuel cartridge has been authorized for use by the host device, The first UIE and the host information determine that the first fuel cartridge is authorized for use by the host device. A mobile device for locating a fuel cartridge, the mobile device comprising a display unit, a programmable processor, and a user input device, the programmable processor being programmed to be executed by a fuel authentication device The following operation: obtaining a host information for identifying a host device configured to receive fuel from a fuel cartridge, wherein the host information is input by a user or the host device has the host information; acquiring the action Location information of the device; transmitting a request to a remote fuel cartridge tracking system to request a point of sale at which a fuel cartridge compatible with the host device is available; in response to the transmitted request, receiving a plurality of Information of the point of sale; displaying the location information and the point of sale information on the display unit; obtaining purchaser information identifying a purchaser; receiving, via the user input device, an indication of a selected point of sale, the selected sale a point included in the plurality of points of sale; and transmitting a request for the purchaser to request purchase to be compatible with the host device a fuel cartridge; wherein the processor is programmed to cause the fuel authentication device to receive a unique identifier component of the fuel cartridge; and the fuel cartridge has the unique identifier component and transmits authorization data to the host device, the authorization The data indicates that the host device is licensed to draw fuel from the purchased fuel cartridge. The mobile device of claim 8, wherein the processor is programmed to cause the fuel authentication device to transmit a request to request that the purchased fuel cartridge be stored at the point of sale for retrieval. The mobile device of claim 8, wherein the processor is programmed to cause the fuel authentication device to transmit a request to ship the purchased fuel cartridge to the purchaser. The mobile device of claim 8, wherein the processor is programmed to cause the fuel authentication device to: receive fuel consumption information indicating use of the one or more fuel cartridges by the host device Determining an estimated amount of time before the replacement of the fuel cartridge for the host device; and in response to the fuel consumption information, displaying on the display unit a notification that one of the additional fuels should be purchased for the host device. A fuel cartridge tracking system, the system comprising a programmable processor, the programmable processor being programmed to: receive a sales point information of a first plurality of points of sale, the point of sale information comprising a location of one of the points of sale; receiving fuel box information for each of the plurality of fuel cartridges and sales point information indicating one of the points of sale, the respective fuel cartridges may be purchased via the point of sale; Receiving location information indicating a location of a purchaser; identifying a second plurality of sales points based on the location information and the point of sale information, the second plurality of points of sale being included in the first plurality of points of sale; The locations of each of the second plurality of points of sale are transmitted to the purchaser; receiving a host information for identifying a host device configured to receive fuel from a fuel cartridge, wherein a user inputting the host information or the host device has the host information; receiving an identifier that uniquely identifies one of the plurality of fuel cartridges, and the identifier Number by one of the fuel cartridge having the identifier; and a transmission grant from the host device via the identification of one of the fuel of the fuel cartridge extraction indication. The tracking system of claim 12, wherein the processor is programmed to: receive fuel consumption information indicative of a fuel draw from one of the plurality of fuel cartridges; and Based on the fuel consumption information, the transmission may not be indicative of one of the fuel draws from one of the plurality of fuel cartridges. A fuel cartridge authentication system, the system comprising a programmable processor, the programmable processor being programmed to: obtain a first unique identifier element (UIE) associated with a first fuel cartridge The UIE includes: information encoded as binary data and a first hash generated from the binary data after the binary data is salt-encrypted, and the first fuel cartridge has the UIE; a host device associated with one of host information, the host device configured to use fuel from the first fuel cartridge, wherein the host information is input by a user or the host device has the host information; based on a data communication network Determining that the first fuel cartridge is authorized for use by the host device with information exchanged with a remote database and the first UIE, wherein the step of determining that the first fuel cartridge is authorized for use by the host device further comprises The following steps: generating a second hash from the binary data of the UIE and comparing the second hash with the first hash of the UIE; One of the systems exchanges data to determine whether the first fuel cartridge is reliable; and transmits authorization data to the host device to indicate that the first fuel cartridge is compatible with the host device; wherein the UIE includes: code, color, barcode, digit, Letters, holograms, images, characters, 2D barcodes, QR codes, characters, icons, pictures, organic chemicals, three-dimensional (3D) mechanical features, mechanical tapes or matrices, inorganic One or more of a chemical, a doped substrate, a natural substrate, or a processing substrate; wherein the information encoded as binary data of the UIE includes: one or both of the encrypted data and the determining steps Further comprising the steps of decrypting the information by utilizing a particular decryption key. The fuel cartridge authentication system of claim 14, the system further comprising: the host including a fuel cell and an accessory; the host system configured to receive data communication; the host system configured with at least one control valve The host system may permit or reject a flow of fuel fluid from a connected fuel cartridge; transmitting an indication to the host device indicating that the host device is licensed or unlicensed to use fuel from the first fuel cartridge; and the host system The flow of fuel from the connected fuel cartridge to the fuel cell is allowed or rejected.