What the filing covers
Roaming protocol that lets an autonomous EV authenticate, charge, and settle at any participating charging network using a portable signed credential, with cryptographic settlement records exchanged across provider boundaries. I filed this because an autonomous vehicle's route can cross charging-provider boundaries. A portable signed credential supports authentication, charging and settlement at participating networks. Cryptographic settlement records are exchanged across those boundaries. I connect access to the charging service with the transaction that needs to be settled afterward.
Why it matters now
A fleet's route need not stay inside one provider's network. Access and payment arrangements can differ between providers. An autonomous vehicle needs those arrangements to work without a person handling each transaction at the charger. Participating networks need a common way to recognize the credential and exchange settlement records.
A real-world example
Imagine a fleet vehicle needing a charge away from its usual provider. The other network participates in the roaming arrangement. The vehicle needs to authenticate, receive the charging service and settle the transaction across that provider boundary. A portable signed credential connects those steps.
I focus on the boundary because finding a charger is only part of the visit. The vehicle and the provider need a way to establish access to the service. The parties also need records for settlement. Those responsibilities continue even when the vehicle can reach the correct location on its own.
Now consider the transaction after charging. The service took place on one provider's network, while the vehicle's arrangement crosses that boundary. Cryptographic settlement records carry the account between providers. That makes the transaction part of the roaming process rather than an unrelated task left for someone at the site.
Where it applies
This work applies to autonomous fleets and participating charging providers. Wins Parking EV and robotaxi charging and Recharged are the associated uses. I focus on the relationship among authentication, service and settlement when the vehicle moves beyond its usual network.
For a fleet operator, I would distinguish finding a station from having access through a participating provider. I would also ask how the transaction is settled across the provider relationship. Those questions belong in the charging plan before the vehicle arrives.
Scheduling asks whether the visit fits the mission window. Physical coupling asks how the connector meets the vehicle. Space credentials concern authority to use a position. Roaming addresses the provider relationship that lets an autonomous vehicle authenticate, charge and settle across participating networks.
Used in: Wins Parking EV and robotaxi charging · Recharged
Status
U.S. provisional patent application, filed April 30, 2026; Status: Patent Pending; Sole inventor: Ross D. Blankenship; Assignee: Wins Parking LLC.
Provisional applications establish a priority date; they are not examined.