WO2013132449A1 - Payment/management system for electric cars' charging station - Google Patents

Abstract

A management system including: (a) a charging station for electric vehicles; and (b) a payment facility operationally coupled to said charging station, wherein the payment facility is adapted to handle payments to the charging station from users. A management system for managing parking as well as additional services, such as electric charging or gas pumping using mobile payment methods. Th payment facility uses wireles payment such as SMS. The charging station receives GPS data from the vehicle GPS receiver. The subscriber is identified using a card or RFID identification. Games are offered by the charging station for vehicles.

Description

APPLICATION FOR PATENT

Inventors: Yigal Plot, Doron Frenkel, Tsahi Merkur

Title: Payment/Management System for Electric Cars' Charging Station

This patent application claims priority from, and the benefit of, U. S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/607,010, filed March 6, 2012.

FIELD AND BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a charging station for and/or from electric cars and, more particularly, to a payment/ billing and/or management and/or roaming system associated with and/or for the charging station and or on/off street parking.

Various attempts have been made to provide management systems for parking stations in general and for parking stations for electrical cars in particular. U.S. Pat. No. 8374910 discloses a parkmg management method and automated parking system for vehicles. However, the document does not disclose a management system specifically for managing electric cars where the parking station is also a charging station.

Likewise, EP Pat. No. 1 121667 also discloses a parking management system for managing payment vis-a-vis time of use of the parking station, but not relating to a charging station for electric cars.

U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 201 1/0010281 discloses a system is proposed for supplying power to an electric vehicle on a parking space, which system has, for each parking space or for a group of parking spaces, a charging station which is assigned to the parking space or the group of parking spaces and which comprises means for supplying power to the electric car, for detecting the consumed power, for identifying or detecting the vehicle for the purpose of billing for the consumed power, and a device for paying for the consumed power. The document does not disclose additional functions such as tracking the vehicle when remotely located from the charging station, or the use of a digital wallet integrated in the charging vehicle or a network of management systems facilitating roaming between charging stations and tracking such movements.

It would be highly advantageous to have a management system handling charging stations and/or parking stations vis-a-vis payment for charging the electric car, and/or payment for charging for the parking, and/or payment for charging for additional services. Furthermore, it would be advantageous to have a system capable of wirelessly communicating with a vehicle using any or all of the aforementioned services, where the communication includes effecting transactions, data transference, identification, location information and so forth.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a management system including: a charging station for electric vehicles; and a payment facility operationally coupled to the charging station, wherein the payment facility is adapted to handle payments to the charging station from users.

According to further features in preferred embodiments of the invention described below the payment facility is integrated into the charging station.

According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the payment facility is remotely located from the charging station.

According to still further features the payment facility includes a plurality of payment stations for facilitating payment to the charging station.

According to still further features the payment facility is adapted to receive payment via a paying source selected from the group consisting of: a digital wallet, a direct debit, a pre-paid account, a subscriber account, a credit card account.

According to still further features the further includes: a vending machine or a multi-purpose service console.

According to still further features the payment facility services an entity selected from the group consisting of: a local municipality, a commercial parking structure, a regional governing body, a commercial entity.

According to still further features information from the digital wallet is sent and received via a wireless technology.

According to still further features the information is sent via a transmission type selected from the group consisting of: an SMS, a telephone call, a charge order over a data network, a mobile application, a web portal, and a cellular internet connection.

According to still further features the digital wallet is built in and/or integrated into an object selected from the group consisting of: a vehicle, a smartphone, a smartcard, a portable object, an article of clothing, a wearable accessory, a portable accessory.

According to still further features the vehicle includes a controller area network (CAN) bus configured to effect the functions of the digital wallet.

According to still further features the system further includes a vehicle information module configured to receive information regarding a vehicle.

According to still further features the information includes location

information which in some embodiments of the invention is based on information received from a GPS system in the vehicle and in other embodiments the location information is based on information received from a GPS-like system in the vehicle.

According to still further features the system further includes a parking bay.

According to still further features the parking bay is adjacent to the charging bay or remotely located from the charging station and/or the vehicle is located in the parking bay or the vehicle has vacated the parking bay.

According to still further features the information includes identification information such as visual identification information received from a visual recording device, wireless identification information and digital wallet details.

According to still further features the information includes tracking information of the vehicle.

According to still further features the system further includes a parking violation module, configured to determine whether the vehicle is parked in a manner violating a locally enforceable rule.

According to still further features a subscriber to the system allows an enforcing entity to incur a monetary penalty via the payment facility instead of towing the vehicle.

According to still further features the system further includes a communication module configured to facilitate communication between the system and a subscriber of the system related to the vehicle.

According to still further features the system sends an alert to the subscriber via the communication module. The alert is selected from the group consisting of: a notification of the vehicle being illegally parked, a notification that the vehicle is fully charged, a notification that a preselected parking time is due to expire, a notification of a location of the vehicle, a notification of a transaction effected via the payment facility.

According to still further features the charging station performs at least one function selected from the group consisting of: an identification process, a charging process, effecting communication with a subscriber of the system, providing communications between the system and a third party. The third party is selected from a group including: an electricity source, a vehicle, a subscriber, service providers.

According to still further features the charging station includes a charging means selected from the group consisting: a cable, an attachable unit, an electromagnetic field, a coupling mechanism.

According to still further features the charging station has a configuration selected from the group consisting: a single charging unit with one charging bay, a single charging unit with a plurality of charging bays, a plurality of charging units.

According to still further features the plurality of charging bays are operationally connected to a central hub.

According to still, further features the plurality of charging bays are operationally coupled to the central hub in a manner selected from the group consisting of: a wired connection and a wireless connection.

According to still further features the central hub performs at least one function selected from the group consisting of: an identification process, a charging process, effecting communication with a subscriber of the system, providing communications between the system and a third party.

According to still further features the third party is selected from a group including: an electricity source, a vehicle, a subscriber, service providers.

According to still further features the system further includes a network communication unit adapted to provide communication capabilities between the management system and a network management system via a data network.

According to still further features the system further includes wireless communications equipment for providing a wireless hotspot service.

According to still further features the wireless hotspot service is provided in a manner selected from the group consisting of: free access, paid access, subscription dependent payment scheme. According to still further features the wireless hotspot service is provided to pre-registered wireless communication-enabled devices.

According to still further features the system communicates with a subscriber of the system via the wireless hotspot service.

According to still further features the communications between the system and the subscriber include communications selected from the group consisting: charging status, reservation expiration, content availability, special offers and special location based offers.

According to still further features the system further includes a group tracking function, wherein when a selected group of devices are electronically coupled to the wireless communications equipment, the devices of the group are identified so as to enable tracking a location of any devices of the group by another device of the group.

According to still further features the location of any one of the devices is tracked using at least one wireless technology selected from the group consisting of: GPS technology, GPS-like technology, WiFi technology, WIMAX technology, Bluetooth technology, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, and direct identification consoles.

According to still further features the system is adapted to notify a requesting device of the group regarding a location of other devices of the group via a communication means selected from the group consisting of: sending a notification to a pre-registered cell-phone identified with the requesting device, sending a notification to the requesting device over a cellular network, sending a notification to the requesting device via the wireless hotspot service.

According to still further features the system further includes a subscriber identification unit for identifying a subscriber related to a subscriber account so as to allow the subscriber to gain access to the related subscriber account.

According to still further features the subscriber identification unit includes a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) card reader adapted to identify a subscriber via RFID.

According to still further features the RFID card reader further functions as a credit card reader adapted to service a credit card with an integrated RFID chip.

According to still further features the charging station includes a smoke alarm system. According to still further features the system further includes communications equipment for providing a communication service.

According to still further features the communication service is provided in a maimer selected from the group including: free access, paid access, subscription dependent payment scheme.

According to still further features the communication service is a telephone service.

According to still further features the network management system includes an anti fraud module adapted to perform identity authentication prior to authorization of charging the vehicle.

According to still further features the identity authentication includes at least one task selected from the group consisting of: checking for concurrent usage of a subscriber ID in other charging stations, GPS verification of location of a cell-phone related to the subscriber ID, requesting a PIN number, requesting biometric verification, requesting visual verification, cross-referencing the subscriber ID with a vehicle ID of the vehicle to be charged.

According to still further features the network management system includes an automatic fault detection module adapted to analyze usage patterns of a plurality of the charging stations and compare the patterns of the charging stations having commonalities in order to detect aberrant patterns.

According to still further features the system further includes an Artificial Intelligence (AI) module for learning the aberrant patterns and providing alerts with regards thereto.

According to still further features the network management system includes a bonus management module which in some embodiments affords incentives to users of the charging station.

According to still further features the network management system includes a coupon management module adapted to provide coupons to users.

According to still further features the system further includes holographic technologies.

According to still further features the systems further includes a camera, integrated into the charging station for identifying the vehicle.

According to still further features the charging station includes an emergency pushbutton for effecting an alert. According to still further features the multi-purpose console includes a game playing console.

According to still further features the game playing consol supports paid games.

According to still further features funds payable for the paid games are paid via the payment facility.

According to still further features the paid games return earnings.

According to still further features the earnings are credited via the payment facility.

According to still further features the payment facility is further adapted to facilitate payments for parking the vehicle.

According to still further features the vehicle is parked in the parking bay. According to still further features the payment facility is further adapted to facilitate payments for parking the vehicle.

According to still further features the vehicle is parked remotely from the charging station.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of the innovative management system of the immediate invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram of an embodiment of the innovative system where the payment facility is integrated into the charging station and a Pay Station is in fluid communication with the system and/or payment facility;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an embodiment of the innovative system with a vending machine / multi-purpose service console.;

FIG. 4 is a diagram of a further embodiment of the system with a hub~and~ satellites configuration;

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a further embodiment of the system where a Network

Management System connects to a number of charging stations via a data network;

FIG. 6 is a semi -diagrammatic depiction of a management system of the immediate invention, coupled to a vehicle; FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a computing device capable of supporting functions of the immediate invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The principles and operation of a management system for an electric car charging station according to the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description.

Figure 1 depicts the innovative management system of the immediate invention. Figure 2 depicts an embodiment of the innovative system where the payment facility is integrated into the charging station and a Pay Station is in fluid communication with the system and/or payment facility. Figure 3 depicts an embodiment of the innovative system with a vending machine / multi-purpose service console. Referring to Figures 1-3, the immediate innovation pertains to a charging station 20 and/or a parking meter and/or an automatic pay station 32 and/or a parking pay station 32 and/or a vending machine 34 and/or a multi-purpose service console 36 and/or a management system 10 for collecting parking payment for local municipality and/or commercial parking structures/lots and/or a management system of payment collection for charging electric cars/ vehicles (EV) and/or any other management system that receives or clears digital wallets including mobile/cellular digital wallets via a payment facility 30.

The information from the digital wallet can be sent/received via any one of a number of wireless technologies (chips) and protocols including but in no way limited to: FeliCa™ TransferJet™, MIFARE™, NFC, RFID etc. The technology may be carried on the person, integrated into a vehicle, a smartphone, a smartcard or any other article and manner. The technology can come in the form of a wireless enabled sticker, a barcode, a QR Code™ (a matrix code or two-dimensional code). The information may be sent/received via SMS, a phone call, a charge order over the Internet, whether via a mobile application, a web portal, cellular internet connectivity etc.

A software module without the use of a dedicated wireless technology chip may also perform the function of clearing/receiving/sending digital wallet information using existing technology. For example, a program introduced into the CAN (controller area network) bus of a vehicle can transform the vehicle into a digital wallet. The same concept can be applied to other technologies as well. Charging station 20 and/or payment station 32 for parking and/or station for other services and/or group of charging stations and/or parking bay(s) 24 and/or other amenities that can be pre-paid for via a station or group of stations using various payment methods including but not limited to digital wallets for the individual and/or family and/or group which can allow a number of vehicles and/or cards and/or means of identification to charge and/or park a car and/or receive various services via the charging station. The payment can be for a predefined period or with a predefined ceiling or for a relevant service or a combination of the aforementioned, or indeed some other payment scheme.

The management system may include a module that receives information regarding a vehicle, for example if the vehicle has vacated a parking bay near the charging station or parking in a parking bay near the charging station etc. according to a GPS-type system incorporated into the vehicle and/or some other type of integrated technology that is installed in the vehicle. Other means of identification can also be used, such as, but not limited to, visual identification (camera, video), and/or wireless identification and/or digital wallet details received from the vehicle via one of the aforementioned means (e.g. CAN bus, integrated chip, software program/module, smartphone or other payment method known by the system to be linked to a specific vehicle/owner/driver).

Innovative algorithms allow the management system to track a vehicle's movements to check, for example, that after the vehicle has completed charging in the bay, it vacated the bay and did not return.

A management system for roadside parking (potentially used directly by the local municipality or through a vendor/contractor) or a system module designed to supplement the management system can facilitate identification of vehicles which are illegally parked (potentially using satellite enabled technology), through an embedded chip, GPS-type installation or the like. A vehicle that is identified as being illegally parked can be charged for the fine through the digital wallet in CAN bus/smartphone/chip/program/online onboard system/other payment means known to the system for the vehicle, owner or driver thereof. The aforementioned solution negates the need to tow vehicles in view of the fine which has been gleaned.

Where necessitated by local regulations and by-laws, the subscriber to the system will enter into a contractual agreement (or the like) whereby the subscriber gives the system permission to charge a fine in the event of a parking violation (or other) and in return, the vehicle will not be towed in such situations saving the subscriber from towing fees, the inconvenience of having the vehicle towed and necessity to redeem the vehicle and pay storage fees. The municipality also saves on this agreement as fewer vehicles will need to be towed; lots will not need to be kept for the towed vehicles etc. and the image of the municipality will be improved now that the "aggressive" behavior of towing cars is minimized. The system can send a message (e.g. an SMS) that will alert the owner/driver that the vehicle is illegally parked and thereby allow the owner to rectify the situation before receiving a fine. The remedy helps the individual, the city and the citizens in general.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a charging cable 22 that runs from the charging station to the electric car can be adapted to serve as a digital wallet which can, among other features, be charged or filled in a prepaid fashion or direct payment fashion by some funding means such as, but not limited to, another digital wallet or even direct synchronization with the credit card system and/or the credit clearing organization and/or direct bank account clearing. Using this method, a subscriber can potentially charge an electric car without any additional [physical] means of payment.

In some embodiments an article of clothing or an accessory such as a watch can be adapted to function additionally as a digital wallet.

In still further embodiments, glasses that have been adapted to serve as a digital wallet can further be enhanced with motion sensors which will allow the wearer to perform various tasks and give different commands with distinct head movements or eye movements or hand movements or a combination of the aforementioned. The motion dependent commands will allow the user to select an item or service and pay for such using some payment means such as an embedded chip in the glasses and/or application and/or portal located on the glasses at hand or on a distant server cloud or any other relevant means.

CONFIGURATIONS

Figure 4 depicts a further embodiment of the system with a hub and satellites configuration. Figure 5 depicts a further embodiment of the system where a Network Management System connects to a number of charging stations via a data network. Referring now to Figures 4 and 5, a charging station may have various configurations. One possible configuration is a single stand, unit, post or kiosk 26 with one or more bays 24 for cars to park and/or charge. The single stand facilitates the identification process and/or management for the charging process (and/or possibly parking aspect as well) and/or all communications with the user and/or a NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM 40 and/or the electricity source and/or the cars and/or third parties systems. The actual charging means may be in the form of cable 22, an attachable contraption, an attachable unit, an electromagnetic field, or any other type of connection between the car and a source of energy.

An alternate configuration includes a plurality of charging posts 26, where each post provides charging services for one or more bays 24. The posts are connected to a main hub/kiosk 28 in a wired or wireless manner. They may also be connected to each other in a wired and/or wireless manner and/or ZigBee™ and/or Bluetooth™ and/or Cellular communication and/or other communication technology. In this configuration, each post 26 may have minimal wireless technology capabilities and/or computing capabilities, while the main hub houses all the hardware / software / firmware and facilitates communication with the NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM and/or the electricity infrastructure and/or the Internet and/or third parties systems and/or the cars as well as with the user. The main hub may or may not have the capability to provide battery charging services directly, depending on the configuration of the site. In some cases the post may have similar capabilities to the main hub. Figure 5 depicts a Network Management System which remotely connects to local charging stations 20 over a data network 50 such as the Internet. The Network Management System may connect to the charging station via a local management system 10 or directly to charging posts 26 or hubs 28 depending on the desired configuration.

The phrase 'charging station' or simply 'station' when used in this disclosure refers to the entire configuration of the site or to the main hub (having the computing and communications capabilities) as clearly understood from the context.

Any references to features, capabilities, software, hardware, firmware etc. of a charging post are understood to also be incorporated in the local/internal management system of the charging station.

Any capabilities mentioned in reference to a charging station are understood to apply to each of the various configurations of charging stations, such as but not limited to: a main hub with satellite posts (where each post is a charging post for one or more bays), a single station/post servicing one or more bays etc. Any mention of a parking station, lot, bay, area etc., refers equally to parking structures and similar facilities.

The terms 'user', 'driver', 'customer' and (where applicable) 'subscriber' are used interchangeably herein. For example, a 'user' may be either a subscribed user or a non-subscribed user unless specified otherwise.

It is hereby made clear that even vehicles which are not electric vehicles, the individuals inside these vehicles and any other individuals may make use of the services provided by the charging stations in accordance with the terms and rates related to the services.

The term 'electric vehicle' is intended to include any type of vehicle with a rechargeable component, including hybrid cars, electric bikes, and any other type of motorized vehicle.

CHARGING STATION WITH WIFI COMMUNICATIONS

In some embodiments of the invention, on each charging station there will be at least one unit, post, kiosk with WIFI communications equipment. The purpose of the WiFi hub is to provide free/paid Internet access and other services to subscribers and non-subscribers in the area around the station.

The station may be connected to a Wide Area Network (WAN) like the Internet or specific network (e.g. a Virtual Private Network [VPN]) defined according to user groups. Subscribers can use pre-registered cellular phones/ mobile communication devices, computer or in-vehicle devices to connect to the various services. Services provided by the station may include Internet access, music, content based services or location based services. The subscribers can also use the network to communicate with each other. The users will be able to use the services according to pre-defined price plans that are managed by the NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM and communicated to the local station/s. The service may be delivered to registered users (subscribers) or non- subscribers that may need to provide billing information such as credit card and/or electronic wallet and/or other billing source information and may be charged for the service.

The station will be able to communicate via the WIFI to the subscribers device and send notifications such as charging status, reservation expiration, content availability, special offers and special location based offers. "FAMILY TRACING" CELLULAR APPLICATION

In one embodiment, as soon as the WIFI connection is established, the subscriber and his family can activate a "family tracing" GPS-based cellular application or Internet portal, which enables them to see the relative position and distance of all family members within a designated perimeter. Furthermore, the vehicle can be located using WiFi technology in the vehicle or in the charging/parking station.

The "Family Tracing" application can be used via GPS based system or by indentifying the users via the wireless communication of the charging stations. The stations senses the users around it using wireless information (based on WiFi technology, WIMAX technology, GPS technology, GPS-like, technology, Bluetooth, RFID, etc., etc.) or when the users identify themselves with other means like RFID cards (or biometric identification). This information is sent from the stations to the NETWORK MANAGEMANT SYSTEM. The NETWORK MANAGEMANT SYSTEM has an algorithm that can identify the group members and accordingly send information to the group users via more wireless devices (e.g. personal cell-phones identified when the family member initially approached the charging station) or via the charging stations.

Example:

A family of four (mother, father, brother and sister) go to the mall and park in a charging station bay. When the vehicle enters the charging bay the BlueTooth™ receiver on the station registers each family member's mobile device (iPhone, iPod, iPad etc.) or an RFID tag. The family splits up in the mall for half an hour before they plan to meet at the food court before watching a movie. At the allotted time only the father has shown up at the food court. The father looks for a charging station wall interface (looks like an ATM, but smaller) and identifies himself either with a fingerprint or RFID tag or cell-phone and asks for the location of the other members of his family. The view screen of the station shows the last known location of each family member as discovered or 'sensed' by similar stations around the mall. If one of the members of the family is young and has gone missing (wondered off while the family was in a shop or something like that), the system will display the last known location or triangulate the current location (depending on which wireless technologies are used and how far away the stations are located from each other). The NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM will be able to send messages to the family members via the charging station display, the in vehicle display, mobile devices or other ways of communication such as the Internet.

The term family can refer to any other defined group of users such as friends, club members, company members, fleet members, social media members etc.

VEHICLE PARK AND CHARGE PAY STATION

Figure 6 depicts the management system 10 where charging station/unit 20 is coupled to an electric (or semi-electric, hybrid, etc.) vehicle 60. Vehicle 60 is operationally coupled to charging station/unit 20 for the purpose of charging a battery 64 of vehicle 60 and/or to provide a parking service to the same and/or additional/alternative services via the management system. Vehicle 60 is equipped with a communication module 62 adapted to communicate with charging unit 20 and/or management system 10. Coupling element 22 for charging vehicle 60 may be wired (as depicted) or wireless as discussed elsewhere herein. In some embodiments of the invention, vehicle 60 communicates with charging unit 20 and/or management system 10 and/or payment facility 30 (and/or even Network Management System 40) via wired means, wireless means or a combination of both. Wired means includes coupling element 22 in some embodiments, or dedicated wired means, in other embodiments (not shown). Wireless means are well known in the art and discussed at length with relation to other issues herein. The system (whether via the payment facility, the charging unit or the management system) communicates with communication module 62 in the vehicle adapted for transferring data there-between, and in some preferred embodiments, for acting as a digital wallet (or other payment means/ facilitator) as described elsewhere. Communication module 62 may include a controller area network (CAN) bus configured to effect the functions of a digital wallet or other payment function.

Reference is made here to Figures 1-6. The RFID card is the main charging station ID card for subscribers, both in Europe and the USA. Vehicle parking pay stations 32 are widely used in large parking lots and shopping centers. Customers can pay with cash/credit card/smart cards/cellular option. By integrating a RFID Card Reader or other identification devices and a communications channel in a parking pay machine, customers can use the pay station to pay for both parking and charging and other charging stations related activities. All references to pay stations are intended to be potentially interchangeable with, or in addition to, parking meters and visa versa. If the customer is a subscriber, he uses his RFID card at the RFID Reader. If he is not a subscriber, he enters his credit card, cash, digital wallet, [a payment] RFID card or any other payment method. The RFID/credit card/other payment card/chip data is sent to the NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, where it is processed and authenticated. Confirmation is sent to the pay machine. The price for charging is displayed. If the customer is a subscriber, the whole payment and billing procedure, according to the price plan, is executed directly by the [NETWORK] MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. The payment is deducted from his account. If the customer is not a subscriber, he will not have a RFID card and some alternate form of payment, such as a credit card, is charged. At the end of the transaction the machine prints out a receipt.

Alternatively, a "pay for charging" pushbutton and software option can be added to an ordinary car-park pay machine (without RFID card reader). The customer can pay using any available payment option of the pay-machine. This feature is very useful to non-subscribers, who would otherwise possibly need to pay for parking and charging in two different locations.

Alternatively, a non-subscribed user may receive a parking ticket dispensed at the entrance to a parking structure. When the user enters a charging bay, the user inserts the parking ticket into a ticket feeder which either keeps the ticket until charging is finished. The user must then pay both the parking and charging fees when entering the ticket into a pay station. Alternatively, the ticket feeder returns the ticket immediately and the user goes about his business. When ready to leave, the user enters the ticket in a pay station and pays for both the parking and charging. When back at the car, the [paid] ticket must be inserted into the feeder in order to release the car. The action is similarly repeated at the exit of the parking structure, albeit at this point the ticket is 'swallowed up' by the ticket feeder and the boom is raised so that the car may exit the structure.

Further alternatively, separate "pay for charging" machines can be installed in malls, parking lots and other sites where charging stations are located. Customers can pay with cash/RFID card/ credit card/ digital wallet/ smart cards/cellular option. The payment data is sent to the NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, where it is processed and authenticated. The price for charging is displayed. If the customer is a subscriber, the whole payment and billing procedure, according to the price plan, is executed directly by the NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. Further alternatively, the charging station includes both vehicle charging payment capabilities and parking payment capabilities, potentially integrated into a single unit 20 or a remote pay station 32. The customer can pay for charging, for parking or both. Customers can pay with cash/RFID card/ credit card/ digital wallet/ smart cards. The payment data is sent to the NETWORK MANAGEMENT

SYSTEM, where it is processed and authenticated. The price for charging is displayed. If the customer is a subscriber, the whole payment and billing procedure, according to the price plan, is executed directly by the NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.

Alternatively, customers can also pay using mobile phone or other mobile device connected to telecomm service provider or internet service providers. The mobile device communicates with the NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, the remote management system checks the credit status of the user and the level of business agreement of the user and the service/parking provider and according to that executes payment command and in parallel enables operation in the local station such as Charging/ Parking/ vending machine / communication (such as WIFI).

Further alternatively, the vehicle itself may include the necessary identification details and payment data. The onboard computer or an external device permanently or removeably attached to the vehicle such as a handsfree device, cellphone (i.e. car phone), laptop or other porable device may be enhanced with a data and communications chip 62 and thereby serve the function of a digital wallet. The communication technology may be wireless, cellular or satellite. Any reference to a 'digital wallet' includes the optional implementation of the digital wallet on an embedded, integrated or added, chip just described.

Theft protection means further ensure that if the vehicle is stolen, the 'digital wallet' capabilities can not be automatically used or accessed.

INTEGRATING A 911 EMERGENCY PUSHBUTTON IN THE CHARGING STATION

A 911 emergency pushbutton 72 and software can be integrated into the charging station 20 for the use of customers in cases of emergency, such as car break- in. When the emergency button is pressed, a signal is sent to the station's controller. The controller activates the "911 Emergency Function" which initiates a 911 call through the station's cellular interface. When the call is answered, a prerecorded voice message is activated, providing, at a minimum, station ID, location and Customer Service phone number, where more information might be provided. immediate alerts/SMS will also be sent to the Network Management System and to the parking lot owner/operator/cashier.

INTEGRATED SMOKE ALARM SYSTEM IN CHARGING STATION

A smoke alarm system 74 can be integrated into the charging station.

The system is triggered if it detects smoke above a threshold level and for a pre-defined length of time. When the alarm is triggered, immediate alerts/SMS will also be sent to the fire department, Network Management System and to the parking lot/mall owner/operator/cashier.

If the charging station was charging at the time, the charging process will immediately stop, and the vehicle owner will be immediately notified by SMS, email or any other available communications method.

PENALTIES

Users may incur penalties if they exceeded their pre-agreed parking or charging limit. For example, in cases such as but not limited to: the customer uses a charging space for parking beyond the reserved or pre-defined time and does not heed SMS alerts and/or emails and/or any other kind of electronic message sent to him by the NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.

The penalty will be charged to either subscriber, ad hoc customers or both. The penalty can be charged as part of the specific transaction or as part of the end of month billing process.

The NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM may further communicate with the aforementioned onboard chip via satellite communications or other wireless communication technologies, and pinpoint the location of the vehicle. An illegally parked vehicle can be charged, via the management system, for the parking infringement. Alternatively, the management system may pass the information to the relevant authorities who will process charge (with or without external verification). Cars parked illegally near charging stations, municipal or private areas where parking is not allowed etc. can be reported to the authorities by the system, or if subscribers, charged directly by the system. A management system for managing mobile payments for parking whether in parking facilities or on-road/off-road parking areas, as well as toll-roads, car washes, electric charging, gas pumping etc.

CHARGING STATION - PHONE CALLS

Users can make phone calls by using various communication capabilities of the charging station and pay with their credit/debit cards or any other payment method. Users will be identified through their RFID card or other payment methods.

CHARGING STATION - ELECTRONIC WALLET

The charging station can use digital electronic wallets for identification and payment purposes.

NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - ANTI FRAUD SYSTEM.

The NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM includes an anti fraud [software] module. When the customer ID information reaches the NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM for authentication, it is directed to the anti-fraud function, which performs several checks to determine if it is safe to authorize charging. The checks can include such subjects such as:

Is the same ID being used concurrently in other charging sessions?

Where was it last used? If the distance between the last and current locations is too great, there may be a problem.

In that case, send a query to the customer.

Other checks can be performed at the end of the session. For example, if the total energy charged is larger than the capacity of the battery, there may be a problem.

Again, send a query to the customer. Various other verification methods may be used to ensure that the actual customer is collocated with his customer ID (e.g. GPS location of the user's cell-phone for which there is a high probability that the user will indeed, have his cell-phone on him most of the time). Other verifications may be to a cross-reference between the ID and the car (having a unique identification of its own on a bus interface device connected to the car's onboard computer). In a further option, the RFID tag read by an RFID Reader 76 may include identification data, but PIN number or biometric authentication feature may be additionally requested.

A rule based system in the NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM will get the events from the various stations and devices and will analyze the information according to a set of rules. In case of a fraud suspicion, the system will be able to alert and also block the hacked device.

In addition the charging station will also include a module of anti -fraud and will be able to locally block the services and alert locally and to the NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM in case of a fraud.

NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - AUTOMATIC FAULT DETECTION

The NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, includes an automatic fault detection [software] module. This module constantly monitors the stations' usage data that is received from the stations' meters. The usage statistics of identical stations in similar locations are compared in order to identify irregular patterns. If such patterns are found, the meters are tested and if necessary re-calibrated.

Alternatively, a self test is performed periodically to test the performance of the station.

An Artificial Intelligence (AI) module in the NETWORK MANAGEMENT

SYSTEM learns the various fault patterns and alerts the system to specific problems in case of an active fault, or prior to it, according to the recognized pre-fault patterns.

CHARGING STATION THAT USES HOLOGRAPHIC TECHNOLOGIES

A charging station could have hardware and software that support holographic technologies. A hologram can provide the customers with various services:

• Showing advertisements

• Provide customer services

• Providing usage information

· Providing technical information about the customer's vehicle

• Display various devices and enable the customer to select a device and give it commands

• Make telephone calls through the hologram

COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE VEHICLE

A device that resides in a moving article such as vehicle and connects with the article via a communication protocol (e.g. Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, a vehicle bus satndard) can get data and control information from the article and transfer it to the local charging station via wired or wireless communications (such as Wifi) or any other communication technology.

The charging station sends the data to the NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. This data contains information about the vehicle and the driver and can also be used to control the vehicle (e.g. set speed limit).

The NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM can identify driver habits such as: driving patterns, charging habits and patterns, charging hours, acceleration, speed, rate of energy spending. Based on this data the NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM can provide suggestions about charging, information about local services and businesses for shopping, dining and entertainment. The information can be sent to driver by cellular phone, Internet web site or directly to the car monitor.

COMMUNICATIONS VIA SATELLITE PHONES

An additional method of communications between the NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, the charging stations and the vehicles can be effected via satellite communications.

CHARGING STATION WITH CAMERA

A camera 78 integrated into the charging station could be used to identify the vehicle as an additional method of authentication. The camera records the registration number on the license plate of the vehicle (using Optical Character Recognition [OCR] software as is known in the art). The data is sent to the NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM for authentication and authorization.

VOICE COMMANDS

Some built-in devices in Electric/PHEV/ICE vehicles can be activated and/or operated by voice commands from the driver or other passengers in the vehicle.

CHARGING COMMANDS

Some built-in devices in Electric/PHEV vehicles can be used to send charging commands (as well as other commands) from the vehicle to the charging station. These commands could be sent by any technology of communications, such as wired, Internet, wireless, WiFi, cellular phone, satellite phone, etc.

CREDIT CARD WITH RFID CHIP

A RJFID chip could be integrated into a credit card. Such an integrated credit card could store all the customer details that are necessary for authentication and authorization. The charging station is equipped with an integrated RFID and credit card reader. CHARGING STATION AND ROAMING

The charging station is equipped with an identification device that enables roaming between networks of different charging stations. Identification devices could be of various technologies such as RFID card reader 76 or credit card reader or smart card reader or vehicle identification device or any other identification device.

The station will be able to recognize identification devices of other networks (RFID or any other means of identification), verify if there is an agreement with the relevant network, provide services according to such agreements and charge the other network for the specific services. Additionally or alternatively, payments can be effected through a clearing house or similar financial arrangement - even without the use of a RFID card or similar identification mechanism - as is known in the art.

NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - BONUS MANAGEMENT

The NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM includes a bonus management [software] module. By using the bonus management module, potential customers and subscribers can be offered various premium pricing plans which include bonuses or extra parking credits that the customer can get in pre-defined situations. For example:

Strict compliance with the pricing plan specifications;

Removing the car from the parking bay immediately after end of charging; NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - COUPON MANAGEMENT

The NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM includes a coupon management software module. The module contains information about businesses which are ready to give discounts to customers/subscribers of the system. The discounts data is stored in the system. Whenever a customer charges a vehicle at some charging station, or whenever he makes a station reservation (i.e. reserves a charging bay at a certain location for a certain time), the module scans the coupons database for coupons which apply in the vicinity of the charging location. If a coupon is found, the information, is sent to the customer by SMS or email or by sending it to a mobile application or even to the vehicle display.

Additionally, all the coupon information can be found in the driver's portal

(web portal or in-car interface), and he can print or download the coupon to a smart device if or in case he wants to redeem the coupon. Additionally, the coupons database can be shared with business affiliates to help them promote their business and provide coupons for parking and charging in specific locations.

NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - GAMING AND GAMBLING The NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM can allow a subscriber to play video games and/or gambling games (where permitted by law), whereby the games are facilitated by the charging station and the financial transactions are facilitated by the NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. For example, a subscriber who uses the charging station for playing a video game will be automatically charged via the system for the game, in another example, a subscriber who plays an online poker game can access funds via the system and earnings can be paid to the user via the system.

AUTHENTICATION PROCESS

An electrical vehicle equipped with a wireless communication device, such as but not limited to a RFID, WIMAX or WIFI communication component which can communicate with a charging station. As a customer enters the parking/charging bay, he presses a pushbutton on his communication device to link to the station. The device stores all the information needed for authentication. The information is transmitted to the charging station. This operation triggers the authentication process of the charging station.

Alternatively: The vehicle is equipped with a "Bus Interface device" that is connected to an interface inside the vehicle. The device receives the vehicle ID information through this interface. The device sends the vehicle ID information to the charging station using wireless communication and/or satellite communication. The station either authenticates the vehicle ID (using white list or other internal database) or relays it to the NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM for authentication and authorization.

Alternatively: The interface device communicates with the charging station, using wireless communication, and transmits the ID authentication information that is pre- stored in the car computer system. The interface device could also be used for bidirectional communications between the NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM and the vehicle computer. (Bi-directional communications can be used to provide additional services to both drivers and vehicle manufacturers. This information includes speed, battery status, diagnostic and control information.) Alternatively: the driver uses his RFID card to identify himself.

Alternatively: the user uses his cellular phone to send a request to the NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, which verifies the information and sends authorization and activation information to the charging station,

Alternatively: the customer uses the charging station display and keyboard or touch screen to identify himself and/or to provide billing information. The station either authenticates the vehicle ID (using white list or other internal database) or relays it to the NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM for authentication and authorization.

Alternatively: If the customer is not a subscriber to the Management System, he can call the Customer Service and provide his credit card or other billing information.

Alternatively or additionally, the charging station is equipped with biometric access control - fingerprints/retinal patterns. Alternatively or additionally, the charging station is equipped with built-in camera face recognition access control. Alternatively or additionally, the charging station can make use of a digital signature for access control.

After authorization, the customer connects the vehicle to the charging station and presses the START pushbutton/or the LCD touch-screen to start charging. Alternatively, the customer uses his voice to activate various commands such as Start, Stop and others. Alternatively, the user uses a mobile device application to activate start/stop and other commands. The mobile device either communicates directly with the charging station or with the NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM that sends the command to the charging station. Alternatively, the user uses an in- vehicle device to activate various commands such as Start, Stop and others. The device either communicates (via wireless communication and/or satellite communication) directly with the charging station or with the NETWORK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM that sends the command to the charging station.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS RECEIVING ID INFORMATION DIRECTLY FROM THE VEHICLE

The subscriber receives a "RFID/WIFI Communications device" and/or "Satellite Communications device" which is placed installed in the vehicle, the device stores all the ID information required for authentication of the driver/vehicle. The device is equipped with a push-button which the driver presses when the car enters the charging station parking bay. Pressing the pushbutton activates communication between the device and the charging station.

The ID data is sent from the device to the station and the normal authentication / authorization process starts. Communications technology can be RFID, WIFI or other technologies.

Alternatively, the "RFID/WIFI Communications device" and/or "Satellite Communications device" are pre-installed / built-in into the vehicle.

BUS INTERFACE DEVICE

A device, with wireless communications capability, can be connected to the information bus of the vehicle. The subscriber/vehicle ID authentication information is stored in the device.

When the car parks near a charging station with communications capability, the device attempts to log-in and establish communication. If it is successful, the ID authentication information is sent to the charging station to initiate the authorization process.

Alternatively, the ID information is pre-stored in the car's computer system by the driver. No information is stored in the device. When the device establishes communications with the charging station, the ID information is retrieved from the car's memory through the bus interface and sent to the charging station.

The device can be used for bi-directional communication between the

NETWORK MANAGEMANT SYSTEM and the vehicle (with the station as a mediation agent) such as:

Retrieve usage information from the vehicle for statistical purposes (could be useful for the vehicle manufacturers).

Receive information from the vehicle about the driver's intended/regular future stops and/or final destination (if known).

Send the driver LBS (Location Based Services) information about current and future stops; send updated information about charging stations at future stops; recommend a route based on charging stations locations; etc....

CHARGING STATION WITH BIOMETRIC ACCESS CONTROL

Biometric access control systems are able to uniquely identify humans, based on physical traits, such as fingerprints or retinal patterns. Charging stations can be equipped with biometric identification systems 70 in addition to (or in place of) the RFID/credit card readers. In order to use biometric systems, the customers' fingerprints/retinal patterns must be stored in NETWORK MANAGEMANT SYSTEM databases. To this end, the customer presses his finger/eye to the biometric reader and the finger/retina is scanned and digitized.

The data is sent to the NETWORK MANAGEMANT SYSTEM for authentication and authorization.

CHARGING STATION WITH BUILT-IN FACE RECOGNITION CAMERA

Face recognition techniques are widely used to identify humans and control access. Charging stations can be equipped with a built-in camera identification systems in addition to (or in place of) the RFID/credit card readers.

In order to use face recognition access control systems, the customers' facial features/patterns must be stored in NETWORK MANAGEMANT SYSTEM databases. To this end, the customer positions himself in front of the camera. The camera takes a picture of the face. The data is sent to the NETWORK MANAGEMANT SYSTEM for authentication and authorization.

In some embodiments, the camera could be used just to take pictures which will be stored in the NETWORK MANAGEMANT SYSTEM until the financial details of the transaction are settled.

CHARGING STATION WITH DIGITAL SIGNATURE ACCESS

CONTROL

Digital signatures are widely used as proof of signing, and also as a method for access control. Charging stations can be equipped with a digital signature pad in addition to (or in place of) the RFID/credit card readers. In order to use digital signatures, the customers' signatures must be stored in NETWORK MANAGEMANT SYSTEM databases. To this end, the customer signs his signature on the pad. Alternatively, the customer signs on the LCD touch screen. The signature is scanned and digitized. The data is sent to the NETWORK MANAGEMANT SYSTEM for authentication and authorization.

CHARGING STATION WITH A VOICE ACTIVATION SYSTEM

A charging station with a voice activation system enables customers to activate commands (such as Start/Stop/Show meter/ Show map etc.) with their voice instead of pressing push-buttons or menus. The station is equipped with a microphone and special voice recognition software. The microphone is enabled only after the customer is authorized to use the station. The voice commands are sampled, digitized and compared to pre- stored patterns in the station's memory. When the command is recognized, the relevant function is activated.

Figure 7 depicts a block diagram of a computing device 90 capable of supporting any of the aforementioned functions the immediate invention. The computing device 90 of Figure 7 can be employed in a charging station, charging post, management system, Network Management System, payment facility or any combination thereof. As known to those skilled in the art, a computer system typically includes a processor 100, memory 110 and input/output (I/O) device(s) 120, all communicating over a bus 130. The memory typically includes the operating system 140 and non-volatile storage 150. The operating system is typically stored in nonvolatile memory while the computing device 90 is turned off, and loaded into volatile memory upon start-up, where it can be executed by the processor 100. in the present embodiment, the memory 110 further includes a communication module 180 for facilitating data transfer between the computing device and. external entities. Information/ Tracking/ Parking violation modules 190 handle information regarding vehicles using the system. Network Communication Module 200 facilitates communication between charging stations and the network management system.

The computing logic of the present invention, such as the family tracing function (or any of the aforementioned functions), can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the preferred embodiment(s), the applications implemented in software or firmware that is stored in a memory and that is executed by a suitable instruction execution system. If implemented in hardware, as in an alternative embodiment, the functions/ modules can be implemented with any or a combination of the following technologies, which are all well known in the art: a discrete logic circuit(s) having logic gates for implementing logic functions upon data signals, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) having appropriate combinational logic gates, a programmable gate array(s) (PGA), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), etc.

While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made. Therefore, the claimed invention as recited in the claims that follow is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS

1. A management system comprising:

(a) a charging station for electric vehicles; and

(b) a payment facility operationally coupled to said charging station, wherein said payment facility is adapted to handle payments to said charging station from users.

2. The management system of claim 1, wherein said payment facility is integrated into said charging station.

3. The management system of claim 1, wherein said payment facility is remotely located from said charging station.

4. The management system of claim 1, wherein said payment facility includes a plurality of payment stations for facilitating payment to said charging station.

5. The management system of claim 1, wherein said payment facility is adapted to receive payment via a paying source selected from the group consisting of: a digital wallet, a direct debit, a pre-paid account, a subscriber account, a credit card account.

6. The management system of claim 1 , further comprising:

(c) a vending machine.

7. The management system of claim 1 , further comprising:

(c) a multi-purpose service console.

8. The management system of claim 1, wherein said payment facility services an entity selected from the group consisting of: a local municipality, a commercial parking structure, a regional governing body, a commercial entity.

9. The management system of claim 5, wherein information from said digital wallet is sent and received via a wireless technology.

10. The management system of claim 9, wherein said information is sent via a transmission type selected from the group consisting of: an SMS, a telephone call, a charge order over a data network, a mobile application, a web portal, and a cellular internet connection.

1 1. The management system of claim 5, wherein said digital wallet is integrated into an object selected from the group consisting of: a vehicle, a smartphone, a smartcard, a portable object, an article of clothing, a wearable accessory, a portable accessory.

12. The management system of claim 11, wherein said vehicle includes a controller area network (CAN) bus configured to effect the functions of said digital wallet.

13. The management system of claim 1 , further comprising:

(c) a vehicle information module configured to receive information regarding a vehicle.

14. The management system of claim 13, wherein said information includes location information.

15. The management system of claim 14, wherein said location

information is based on information received from a GPS system in said vehicle.

16. The management system of claim 14, wherein said location

information is based on information received from a GPS-like system in said vehicle.

17. The management system of claim 14, further comprising:

(d) a parking bay.

18. The management system of claim 17, wherein said parking bay is adjacent to said charging station.

19. The management system of claim 17, wherein said parking bay is remotely located from said charging station.

20. The management system of claim 17, wherein said vehicle is located in said parking bay.

21. The management system of claim 17, wherein said vehicle has vacated said parking bay.

22. The management system of claim 13, wherein said information includes identification information.

23. The management system of claim 22, wherein said identification information includes data selected from the group consisting of: visual identification information received from a visual recording device, wireless identification information and digital wallet details.

24. The management system of claim 13, wherein said information includes tracking information of said vehicle.

25. The management system of claim 14, further comprising: (d) a parking violation module, configured to determine whether said vehicle is parked in a manner violating a locally enforceable rule.

26. The management system of claim 25, wherein a subscriber to the system allows an enforcing entity to effect a monetary penalty via said payment facility instead of towing said vehicle.

27. The management system of claim 25, further comprising:

(e) a communication module configured to facilitate communication between the system and a subscriber of the system related to said vehicle.

28. The management system of claim 27, wherein the system sends an alert to said subscriber via said communication module.

29. The management system of claim 28, wherein said alert is selected from the group consisting of: a notification of said vehicle being illegally parked, a notification that said vehicle is fully charged, a notification that a preselected parking time is due to expire, a notification of a location of said vehicle, a notification of a transaction effected via said payment facility.

30. The management system of claim 1, wherein said charging station performs at least one function selected from the group consisting of: an identification process, a charging process, effecting communication with a subscriber of the system, providing communications between the system and a third party.

31. The management system of claim 30, wherein said third party is selected from a group including: an electricity source, a vehicle, a said subscriber, service providers.

32. The management system of claim 1, wherein said charging station includes a charging means selected from the group consisting: a cable, an attachable unit, an electromagnetic field, a coupling mechanism.

33. The management system of claim 1, wherein said, charging station has a configuration selected from the group consisting: a single charging unit with one charging bay, a single said charging unit with a plurality of charging bays, a plurality of said charging units.

34. The management system of claim 33, wherein said plurality of charging bays are operationally connected to a central hub.

35. The management system of claim 34, wherein said plurality of charging bays are operationally coupled to said central hub in a manner selected from the group consisting of: a wired connection and a wireless connection.

36. The management system of claim 34, wherein said central hub performs at least one function selected from the group consisting of: an identification process, a charging process, effecting communication with a subscriber of the system, providing communications between the system and a third party.

37. The management system of claim 36, wherein said third party is selected from a group including: an electricity source, a vehicle, a said subscriber, service providers.

38. The management system of claim 1, further comprising:

(c) a network communication unit adapted to provide communication capabilities between the management system and a network management system via a data network.

39. The management system of claim 1, further comprising:

(c) wireless communications equipment for providing a wireless hotspot service.

40. The management system of claim 39, wherein said wireless hotspot service is provided in a manner selected from the group consisting of: free access, paid access, subscription dependent payment scheme.

41. The management system of claim 39, wherein said wireless hotspot service is provided to pre-registered wireless communication-enabled devices.

42. The management system of claim 39, wherein the system communicates with a subscriber of the system via said wireless hotspot service.

43. The management system of claim 42, wherein said communications between the system and said subscriber include communications selected from the group consisting: charging status, reservation expiration, content availability, special offers and special location based offers.

44. The management system of claim 39, further comprising."

(d) a group tracking module, wherein when a selected group of devices are electronically coupled to said wireless communications equipment, said devices of said group are identified so as to enable tracking a location of any said devices of said group by another said device of said group.

45. The management system of claim 44, wherein said location of any one of said devices is tracked using at least one wireless technology selected from the group consisting of: GPS technology, GPS-like technology, WiFi technology, WIMAX technology, Bluetooth technology, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, and direct identification consoles.

46. The management system of claim 44, wherein the system is adapted to notify a requesting said device of said group regarding a said location of other said devices of said group via a communication means selected from the group consisting of: sending a notification to a pre-registered cell-phone identified with said requesting device, sending a notification to said requesting device over a cellular network, sending a notification to said requesting device via said wireless hotspot service.

47. The management system of claim 5, further comprising:

a subscriber identification unit for identifying a subscriber related to a said subscriber account so as to allow said subscriber to gain access to said related subscriber account.

48. The management system of claim 47, wherein said subscriber identification unit includes a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) card reader adapted to identify a subscriber via RFID.

49. The management system of claim 48, wherein said RFID card reader further functions as a credit card reader adapted to service a credit card with an integrated RFID chip.

50. The management system of claim 1, wherein said charging station includes a smoke alarm system.

51. The management system of claim 1 , further comprising:

(c) communications equipment for providing a communication service.

52. The management system of claim 51, wherein said communication service is provided in a manner selected from the group including: free access, paid access, subscription dependent payment scheme.

53. The management system of claim 51, wherein said communication service is a telephone service.

54. The management system of claim 38, wherein said network management system includes an anti fraud module adapted to perform identity authentication prior to authorization of charging said vehicle.

55. The management system of claim 54, wherein said identity authentication includes at least one task selected from the group consisting of: checking for concurrent usage of a subscriber ID in other said charging stations, GPS verification of location of a cell-phone related to said subscriber ID, requesting a ΡΪΝ number, requesting biometric verification, requesting visual verification, cross- referencing said subscriber ID with a vehicle ID of said vehicle to be charged.

56. The management system of claim 38, wherein said network management system includes an automatic fault detection module adapted to analyze usage patterns of a plurality of said charging stations and compare said patterns of said charging stations having commonalities in order to detect aberrant patterns.

57. The management system of claim 56, further including an Artificial Intelligence (AI) module for learning said aberrant patterns and providing alerts with regards thereto.

58. The management system of claim 38, wherein said network management system includes a bonus management module.

59. The management system of claim 58, wherein said bonus management module affords incentives to users of said charging station.

60. The management system of claim 38, wherein said network management system includes a coupon management module adapted to provide coupons to users.

61. The management system of claim 1 , further comprising:

(c) holographic technologies.

62. The management system of claim further comprising:

(c) a camera, integrated into said charging station for identifying said vehicle.

63. The management system of claim 1, wherein said charging station includes an emergency pushbutton for effecting an alert.

64. The management system of claim 7, wherein said multi-purpose console includes a game playing console.

65. The management system of claim 64, wherein, said game playing consol supports paid games.

66. The management system of claim 65, wherein funds payable for said paid games are paid via said payment facility.

67. The management system of claim 65, wherein said paid games return earnings.

68. The management system of claim 67, wherein said earnings are credited via said payment facility.

69. The management system of claim 17, wherein said payment facility is further adapted to facilitate payments for parking said vehicle.

70. The management system of claim 69, wherein said vehicle is parked in said parking bay.

71. The management system of claim 1, wherein said payment facility is further adapted to facilitate payments for parking said vehicle.

72. The management system of claim 71, wherein said vehicle is parked remotely from said charging station.