Servers, billing system, and billing methods

Abstract

This invention provides a server, a payment system, and a payment method that improve user convenience. In a server (40) equipped with a processor, the processor obtains credit card information and a one-time password from a vehicle (10) connected to a charging device (20) via a secure first communication path (50), and obtains the one-time password from the vehicle (10) via a non-secure second communication path (60). Furthermore, if the one-time password obtained via the first communication path (50) matches the one-time password obtained via the second communication path (60), the processor collects an amount corresponding to the amount of electricity supplied by the charging device (20) to the vehicle (10) based on the credit card information.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to servers, billing systems, and billing methods. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which an authentication server generates a one-time password corresponding to a user and sends the one-time password to the user's first communication terminal device. A second communication terminal device, different from the first communication terminal device, accepts the input of the one-time password received by the first communication terminal device based on the user's operation and sends it to the authentication server. Then, the authentication server performs user authentication for the user of the first communication terminal device based on the one-time password received from the second communication terminal device.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2017-27207 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, in Patent Document 1, the operation and intervention of a first communication terminal device by the user and a person using a second communication terminal device are required, thus there is room for improvement in terms of convenience.

[0008] This disclosure was made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a server, a charging system, and a charging method that can improve the convenience of users.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] To address the aforementioned issues and achieve the objectives, the server disclosed herein includes a processor that obtains credit card information and a one-time password from a vehicle connected to a charging device via a secure first communication path, obtains the one-time password from the vehicle via the charging device and a non-secure second communication path different from the first communication path, and collects an amount corresponding to the amount of electricity supplied by the charging device to the vehicle based on the credit card information if the one-time password obtained via the first communication path matches the one-time password obtained via the second communication path.

[0011] Furthermore, the charging system disclosed herein includes a charging device, a vehicle, and a server. The vehicle has a first processor that generates a one-time password when the vehicle connects to the charging device. The first processor sends credit card information and the one-time password to the server via a secure first communication path. It also sends the one-time password via the charging device and a non-secure second communication path different from the first communication path. The server has a second processor that obtains the credit card information and the one-time password from the vehicle via the first communication path and the one-time password from the vehicle via the second communication path. If the one-time password received via the first communication path matches the one-time password received via the second communication path, an amount corresponding to the amount of electricity supplied by the charging device to the vehicle is collected based on the credit card information.

[0012] Furthermore, the charging method disclosed herein is a charging method executed by a charging system, comprising a charging device, a vehicle equipped with a first processor, and a server equipped with a second processor. The first processor generates a one-time password when the vehicle connects to the charging device, and sends credit card information and the one-time password to the server via a secure first communication path. The one-time password is then sent via the charging device and a non-secure second communication path different from the first communication path. If the one-time password received by the second processor from the vehicle via the first communication path matches the one-time password received from the vehicle via the second communication path, the second processor collects an amount corresponding to the amount of electricity supplied by the charging device to the vehicle based on the credit card information.

[0013] Invention Effects

[0014] According to this disclosure, it can improve the convenience for users. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the general structure of a toll collection system according to one implementation method.

[0016] Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional structure of a toll collection system according to one implementation method.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating a summary of the processing performed by a toll collection system according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0018] Hereinafter, a charging system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments. Furthermore, the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same parts in the following description.

[0019] [Structure of the toll collection system]

[0020] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the general structure of a toll collection system according to one implementation method. Figure 2 This is a block diagram illustrating the functional structure of a toll collection system according to one implementation method. Figure 1 as well as Figure 2 The toll collection system 1 shown includes a vehicle 10, a charging device 20, a charging management device 30, and a server 40. The toll collection system 1 is communicatively connected to the vehicle 10, the charging management device 30, and the server 40 via a network N100. This network N100 is, for example, composed of an Internet line network or a mobile phone line network.

[0021] In one embodiment, the first communication path 50 connecting the vehicle 10 and the server 40 via network N100 is a secure communication path. In another embodiment, the second communication path 60 connecting the charging device 20 and the charging management device 30 is a non-secure communication path, different from the first communication path 50. Specifically, the standard of the second communication path 60 is, for example, the ECHONET Lite (registered trademark) standard. Furthermore, in one embodiment, the third communication path 70 connecting the charging management device 30 and the server 40 via network N100 is a secure communication path. Here, the standard of the third communication path 70 is, for example, the OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) standard.

[0022] [Vehicle Structure]

[0023] Next, the structure of vehicle 10 will be explained.

[0024] The vehicle 10 is envisioned to be a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) or a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle). The vehicle 10 includes a reading unit 11, a communication unit 12, a recording unit 13, a charging unit 14, a battery 15, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 16.

[0025] The reading unit 11 reads credit card information stored in an externally inserted credit card and outputs the read credit card information to the ECU 16. Here, the credit card information includes the credit card number (which serves as a user identification number), the name of the credit card holder, the expiration date of the credit card, and a security code, etc. The reading unit 11 is implemented using a card reader or the like.

[0026] Under the control of ECU 16, communication unit 12 sends various information to server 40 via first communication path 50 and receives various information from server 40 via first communication path 50. Specifically, when vehicle 10 is connected to charging device 20, communication unit 12 sends the credit card information and one-time password input from ECU 16 to server 40 via first communication path 50. Communication unit 12 is implemented using communication modules or the like capable of sending and receiving various types of information.

[0027] The recording unit 13 records vehicle identification information 131 for identifying the vehicle 10, as well as various information related to the vehicle 10. The vehicle identification information 131 includes the vehicle model, manufacturing number, and year of the vehicle 10. The recording unit 13 is implemented using ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), SSD (Solid State Drive), and HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

[0028] The charging unit 14 is electrically connected to the power supply unit 22 of the charging device 20. Under the control of the ECU 16, the charging unit 14 converts the power supplied from the charging device 20 into a specified voltage and outputs it to the battery 15. The charging unit 14 is implemented using a charging port or the like.

[0029] Under the control of ECU 16, battery 15 stores electricity supplied from charging device 20 via charging unit 14 and supplies electricity to drive sources such as motors (not shown). Battery 15 uses lithium-ion batteries or the like.

[0030] ECU 16 is implemented using a processor with hardware. This includes, for example, a memory and a CPU (Central Processing Unit). ECU 16 controls the various components constituting vehicle 10. When vehicle 10 is connected to charging device 20, ECU 16 generates a one-time password. ECU 16 sends the one-time password and credit card information input from reading unit 11 to server 40 via communication unit 12 and first communication path 50. Additionally, ECU 16 sends the one-time password generated when vehicle 10 is connected to charging device 20 to server 40 via charging device 20 and second communication path 60. It should be noted that in one embodiment, ECU 16 functions as a first processor.

[0031] [Structure of the charging device]

[0032] Next, the structure of the charging device 20 will be described.

[0033] The charging device 20 supplies power to the vehicle 10. The charging device 20 includes a communication unit 21, a power supply unit 22, a recording unit 23, and a display unit 24.

[0034] Under the control of the charging control unit 25, the communication unit 21 sends a one-time password, charging identification information, and power supply to the server 40. The one-time password is input from the vehicle 10 via the second communication path 60. The charging identification information includes location information, identification ID, and power supply method. The location information pertains to the location of the charging device 20. The identification ID identifies the charging device 20. The power supply is the electricity supplied from the charging device 20 to the vehicle 10. The communication unit 21 utilizes a communication module capable of transmitting and receiving various types of information.

[0035] When the vehicle 10 is electrically connected, the power supply unit 22, under the control of the charging control unit 25, converts the power from an external power source into a specified voltage and supplies power to the vehicle 10. The power supply unit 22 is implemented using a socket or the like.

[0036] The recording unit 23 records charging identification information 231 related to the charging device 20. The recording unit 23 is implemented using ROM, RAM, SSD, HDD, etc.

[0037] The display unit 24 displays various information related to the charging device 20 under the control of the charging control unit 25. The display unit 24 is implemented using an organic EL display (Organic Electroluminescent Display) or a liquid crystal display, etc.

[0038] The charging control unit 25 is implemented using a processor with hardware. This hardware includes memory and a CPU, etc. The charging control unit 25 controls the various parts that constitute the charging device 20.

[0039] [Structure of the charging management device]

[0040] Next, the structure of the charging management device 30 will be described.

[0041] The charging management device 30 manages the power supply to the charging device 20. It should be noted that... Figure 1 and Figure 2 For the sake of simplicity, the charging management will be described in the case of a single charging device 20, but it is not limited to this. The same charging management will be performed even when multiple charging devices 20 are configured. The charging management device 30 includes a communication unit 31 and a management control unit 32.

[0042] Under the control of the management and control unit 32, the communication unit 31 sends various information for managing the charging device 20, and receives various information from the charging device 20 and sends it to the server 40. The communication unit 31 is implemented using a communication module or the like capable of sending and receiving various types of information.

[0043] The management control unit 32 is implemented using a processor with hardware such as memory and CPU. The management control unit 32 controls the various components constituting the charging management device 30. Furthermore, the management control unit 32 controls the power supply provided by the charging device 20.

[0044] [Server Structure]

[0045] Next, the structure of server 40 will be explained.

[0046] Server 40 is used to manage user accounts and credit cards, etc. Server 40 is located in a financial institution or credit card company. Examples of financial institutions include banks, credit unions, credit cooperatives, and labor banks. Server 40 includes a communication unit 41, a recording unit 42, and a server control unit 43.

[0047] Under the control of the server control unit 43, the communication unit 41 receives a one-time password and credit information sent from the vehicle 10 via the first communication path 50 and outputs them to the server control unit 43. Additionally, the communication unit 41 receives a one-time password sent from the vehicle 10 via the second communication path 60 and the charging device 20 and outputs it to the server control unit 43. The communication unit 41 is implemented using a communication module or similar device capable of sending and receiving various types of information.

[0048] The recording unit 42 stores program information 421, charging configuration information 422, account information 424, and credit card information 423. Program information 421 may list various programs executed by the server 40. Charging configuration information 422 may list the location of the charging device 20, charging identification information for identifying the charging device 20, and the power supply method of the charging device 20. Credit card information 423 may list the user's name, credit card number, credit card expiration date, security code, spending limit, and card usage history.

[0049] The server control unit 43 is configured using a processor with hardware such as memory and a CPU. The server control unit 43 controls the various components constituting the server 40. The server control unit 43 includes an acquisition unit 431, a determination unit 432, and a billing unit 433. It should be noted that, in one embodiment, the server control unit 43 functions as a second processor.

[0050] The acquisition unit 431 obtains credit information and a one-time password from the vehicle 10 connected to the charging device 20 via a secure first communication path 50 and a communication unit 41. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 431 obtains the one-time password from the vehicle 10 via an insecure second communication path 60, the charging device 20, and the communication unit 41.

[0051] The determination unit 432 determines whether the one-time password obtained from the vehicle 10 via the secure first communication path 50 is consistent with the one-time password obtained via the insecure second communication path 60 and the charging device 20.

[0052] The charging unit 433 collects an amount corresponding to the amount of electricity supplied from the charging device 20 to the vehicle 10 based on credit information. Specifically, if the determination unit 432 determines that two one-time passwords are consistent, the charging unit 433 collects an amount corresponding to the amount of electricity supplied from the charging device 20 to the vehicle 10 based on credit information.

[0053] [Processing of the toll collection system]

[0054] Figure 3 This is a flowchart summarizing the processes performed by the charging system 1. For example... Figure 3 As shown, ECU 16 sends credit information and a one-time password from vehicle 10 to server 40 via the first communication path 50 (step S1). In this case, ECU 16 generates a one-time password when vehicle 10 is connected to charging device 20.

[0055] Next, ECU16 sends a one-time password from vehicle 10 to server 40 via second communication path 60 and charging device 20 (step S2). In this case, charging device 20 or charging management device 30 sends the amount of power supplied by charging device 20 to vehicle 10 to server 40 via second communication path 60 or third communication path 70.

[0056] Then, the determination unit 432 determines whether the one-time password obtained by the acquisition unit 431 via the first communication path 50 is consistent with the one-time password obtained by the acquisition unit 431 via the communication unit 41, the second communication path 60, and the charging device 20 (step S3). If the determination unit 432 determines that the two one-time passwords are consistent (step S3: Yes), the charging system 1 proceeds to step S4. Conversely, if the determination unit 432 determines that the two one-time passwords are inconsistent (step S3: No), the charging system 1 proceeds to step S5.

[0057] In step S4, the charging unit 433 performs a charging process based on credit information to collect an amount corresponding to the amount of electricity supplied by the charging device 20 to the vehicle 10 (step S4). Specifically, the charging unit 433 refers to the credit card information and account information recorded by the recording unit 42, and collects an amount corresponding to the amount of electricity supplied by the charging device 20 to the vehicle 10 from the user's account corresponding to the credit card number in the credit information. Thus, the user can power the vehicle simply by connecting the vehicle 10 to the charging device 20 without performing complicated operations. After step S4, the charging system 1 ends this process.

[0058] In step S5, the charging unit 433 performs a warning process indicating that the two one-time passwords do not match. Specifically, the charging unit 433 instructs the charging device 20 to issue a warning stating that power cannot be supplied to the vehicle 10 from the charging device 20 because the two one-time passwords for the charging device 20 do not match. In this case, the charging control unit 25 causes the display unit 24 to display a warning stating that power cannot be supplied to the vehicle 10 connected to the charging device 20. Furthermore, the charging control unit 25 stops supplying power to the vehicle 10 connected to the charging device 20. Thus, the user can understand why power cannot be supplied to the vehicle 10 from the charging device 20.

[0059] According to one embodiment described above, the acquisition unit 431 acquires credit card information and a one-time password from the vehicle 10 connected to the charging device 20 via a secure first communication path 50. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 431 acquires the one-time password from the vehicle 10 via the charging device 20 and a non-secure second communication path 60, which is different from the first communication path 50. Then, the determination unit 432 determines whether the one-time password acquired from the vehicle 10 via the first communication path 50 and the one-time password acquired from the vehicle 10 via the second communication path 60 are consistent. Next, if the determination unit 432 determines that the two one-time passwords are consistent, the charging unit 433 charges an amount corresponding to the amount of electricity supplied to the vehicle 10 by the charging device 20 based on the credit card information. As a result, the user does not need to perform complicated operations such as entering a one-time password using a communication terminal, and can simply connect the vehicle 10 to the charging device 20 to supply power to the vehicle.

[0060] In another embodiment, the ECU 16 generates a one-time password when connecting the vehicle 10 to the charging device 20, and sends the one-time password to the server 40 via the first communication path 50 and the second communication path 60 respectively. Thus, the user does not need to perform complicated operations such as entering a one-time password while ensuring security; the vehicle can be powered simply by connecting the vehicle 10 to the charging device 20.

[0061] It should be noted that in the description of the flowcharts in this specification, expressions such as "firstly," "then," and "next" are used to explicitly indicate the sequential relationship between the steps. However, the order of processes required to implement this embodiment is not uniquely determined by these expressions. That is, the order of processes in the flowcharts described in this specification can be changed within the scope of not contradicting each other.

[0062] Those skilled in the art can readily derive further effects and variations. The invention is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Therefore, various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0063] The above description of several embodiments of this application is based on the accompanying drawings. However, these are merely illustrative examples, representing the embodiments described in the disclosure section of this invention. Various modifications and alterations can be implemented in other ways based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0064] Label Explanation

[0065] 1. Toll collection system; 10. Vehicles; 16. ECU; 20. Charging device; 30. Charging management device; 40. Server; 43. Server control unit; 50. First communication path; 60. Second communication path; 70. Third communication path; 431. Acquisition unit; 432. Judgment unit; 433. Toll collection unit; N100 network.

Claims

1. A server, comprising a processor, wherein, The processor obtains credit card information and a one-time PIN from the vehicle connected to the charging device via a secure first communication path. The processor obtains the one-time password from the vehicle via the charging device and a non-secure second communication path different from the first communication path. If the one-time password obtained via the first communication path matches the one-time password obtained via the second communication path, the processor collects an amount corresponding to the amount of electricity supplied to the vehicle by the charging device based on the credit card information. The one-time password is generated by the vehicle when the vehicle is connected to the charging device. The first communication path is the path connecting the vehicle and the server. The second communication path is the path that connects the charging device to the vehicle and the server.

2. A toll collection system comprising a charging device, a vehicle, and a server, wherein, The vehicle is equipped with a first processor. The first processor generates a one-time password when the vehicle is connected to the charging device. The first processor sends the credit card information and the one-time password to the server via a secure first communication path. The first processor sends the one-time password via the charging device and a non-secure second communication path different from the first communication path. The server has a second processor. The second processor obtains the credit card information and the one-time password from the vehicle via the first communication path. The second processor obtains the one-time password from the vehicle via the second communication path. If the one-time password received via the first communication path matches the one-time password received via the second communication path, the second processor will collect an amount corresponding to the amount of electricity supplied to the vehicle by the charging device based on the credit card information. The one-time password is generated by the vehicle when the vehicle is connected to the charging device. The first communication path is the path connecting the vehicle and the server. The second communication path is the path that connects the charging device to the vehicle and the server.

3. A charging method, which is a charging method executed by a charging system, the charging system comprising a charging device, a vehicle equipped with a first processor, and a server equipped with a second processor, wherein, The first processor generates a one-time password when the vehicle is connected to the charging device. The first processor sends credit card information and a one-time password to the server via a secure first communication path. The first processor sends the one-time password via the charging device and a non-secure second communication path different from the first communication path. If the one-time password received by the second processor from the vehicle via the first communication path matches the one-time password received from the vehicle via the second communication path, the second processor will collect an amount corresponding to the amount of electricity supplied to the vehicle by the charging device based on the credit card information. The one-time password is generated by the vehicle when the vehicle is connected to the charging device. The first communication path is the path connecting the vehicle and the server. The second communication path is the path that connects the charging device to the vehicle and the server.

Images