System and method for implementing electronic payment process

Abstract

A system for implementing an electronic payment process has: a stationary facility comprising a communication device; a vehicle control device integrated in the vehicle, comprising a first communication device and a first input and output device; and a mobile terminal comprising a second communication means and a second input and output means, the fixed facility detecting data regarding a payment to be made to a supplier for providing a service and / or delivery of goods and wirelessly transmitting said data to the first communication means; the vehicle control device outputs a graphic code on the first input and output device based on the received data; the mobile terminal scans the graphic code in response to the user input and outputs data on the second input and output device based on the scanned graphic code if a digital vehicle key is stored on the mobile terminal; and in response to further input by the user for confirming the payment to be made, causing a payment to the supplier through the electronic payment process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to systems and methods for implementing an electronic payment process.

[0002] The present invention relates in particular to systems and methods for implementing electronic payment processes, for example in conjunction with the travel of a vehicle, in particular in conjunction with breaks during the travel of the vehicle, during which payments are triggered to be made to a supplier (e.g. a filling station) for providing services and / or delivering goods (e.g. fuel or electrical energy for driving the vehicle). Background Art

[0003] The vehicle must be refueled or charged with energy at regular intervals, depending on its drive motor (and on the distance covered by the vehicle, the vehicle's consumption, etc.), in order to ensure that the vehicle is constantly ready to drive.

[0004] In order to refuel or charge a vehicle, it is usually necessary to stop at a filling station during travel. In some filling stations, the filling station staff performs manual operations for the actual refueling or charging process, so that the vehicle occupant (mostly the driver) does not have to get off the vehicle for this purpose.

[0005] However, even in such cases, it is often necessary that the vehicle passenger must get off the vehicle for the payment process, walk to a cashier counter and possibly queue up in front of the cashier counter in order to personally make the payment to be made at the cashier counter. This can result in a high time expenditure for the vehicle passenger for the payment process. Summary of the invention

[0006] The object of the present invention is to improve the implementation of electronic payment processes, in particular in conjunction with the use of vehicles.

[0007] The above object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Other preferred embodiments of the invention are the technical solutions of the dependent claims.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a system for implementing an electronic payment process has:

[0009] Fixed facilities, including communications equipment;

[0010] A vehicle control device integrated in a vehicle, the vehicle control device comprising a first communication device and a first input and output device; and

[0011] A mobile terminal device comprises a second communication device and a second input and output device, wherein:

[0012] The stationary installation, in some embodiments, whose detection means are arranged to detect data about a payment to be made to a supplier for providing a service and / or delivering goods, and to transmit said data wirelessly by means of the communication device to the first communication means of the vehicle control device;

[0013] The vehicle control device is configured to output a graphical code, in some embodiments a two-dimensional code, on a first input and output device based on the received data transmitted by the fixed facility;

[0014] The mobile terminal device is configured to scan a graphic code in response to a user input using a second input and output device, and if at least one digital vehicle key for the vehicle is stored on the mobile terminal device, output data on the second input and output device based on the scanned graphic code; and in response to further input by the user using the second input and output device for confirming a payment to be made, cause a payment to a supplier through an electronic payment process.

[0015] This can prevent, in some embodiments, the vehicle passengers from having to get out of the vehicle for the payment process, walk to a cashier counter at a fixed facility and queue up in front of it in order to personally make the payment at the cashier counter, which can result in a high time saving for the vehicle passengers in some embodiments.

[0016] The fixed installation can be, for example, a filling station having a filling machine and / or a charging station and a cashier's office with an (electronic) cash register, wherein the filling machine and / or the charging station is communicatively connected to the cash register in order to exchange data with each other.

[0017] In some embodiments, the data sent by the communication device of the fixed installation to the first communication means of the vehicle control device of the vehicle can have the account number of the supplier's account and information for identifying the bank where the account is opened so that an electronic payment process can be implemented.

[0018] The electronic payment process can be carried out, for example, with an intermediate connection to a payment service, wherein the mobile terminal sends the data required for this purpose via a mobile radio network or WLAN to the payment service, wherein the payment service, after receiving the required data, carries out the payment, for example by transferring the amount to be paid to an account of the supplier.

[0019] The "digital vehicle key" used to initiate an electronic payment process is an innovative development that is increasingly used in modern vehicles. Instead of a conventional physical key, a digital vehicle key enables the vehicle to be unlocked and locked via a wireless connection. The digital vehicle key can utilize, for example, Bluetooth, in particular Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), UWB (ultra-wideband) or NFC (near field communication). For this purpose, the corresponding (first) communication means of the vehicle (of the vehicle control device) establishes a wireless connection with a mobile terminal device, such as a smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, etc., which stores the digital vehicle key.

[0020] The advantages of digital vehicle keys are their comfort and functionality. Instead of having to carry around bulky keys, car owners can store digital keys on their mobile devices. This minimizes the risk of key loss or theft. Furthermore, digital vehicle keys enable additional functions, such as remote control of the vehicle or sharing of keys with others. Overall, digital vehicle keys provide an innovative solution for vehicle access control.

[0021] A special application of digital vehicle keys (especially CCC-certified digital vehicle keys) is the so-called remote keyless entry (RKE) or remote unlocking system. RKE enables car owners to unlock and lock the vehicle from a distance without physically approaching the vehicle. By operating the digital vehicle key, the owner can unlock or lock the door or remotely control other functions of the vehicle, such as opening or closing the sliding sunroof. Such vehicle keys mainly use Bluetooth or UWB.

[0022] The term “vehicle” as used herein relates in particular to passenger cars, including all types of motor vehicles, hybrid vehicles and battery-operated electric vehicles, and vehicles such as sedans, vans, buses, trucks, pickups and the like.

[0023] The terms "communication means" or "communication device" as used herein refer in particular to a means or device for wireless communication. This may be a single unit or a plurality of units that interact with each other. In particular, a communication means or communication device may include a control means, a transmitter and a receiver and at least one corresponding antenna. In a vehicle, the communication means or communication device may be arranged distributed over the vehicle.

[0024] The terms "comprises", "includes", "contains", "has", "with", "with", or any other variations thereof as may be used herein shall cover non-closed inclusion relationships. Thus, for example, a method or device comprising or having a list of elements is not necessarily limited to these elements, but may contain other elements that are not explicitly listed or inherent to such method or such device.

[0025] In some embodiments, the communication device of the fixed installation and the first communication means of the vehicle control unit can be configured for communication via so-called "Car2x" technology, with which vehicles can communicate with their environment ("x") but also with each other, wherein data transmission is possible in both directions, namely from the vehicle or, in this case, the vehicle control unit to the environment (in this case, the fixed installation) and vice versa.

[0026] Furthermore, "or" - if the opposite is not explicitly stated - involves an inclusive "or" and not an exclusive "or". For example, the condition A or B is satisfied by one of the following conditions: A is true (or exists) and B is false (or does not exist); A is false (or does not exist) and B is true (or exists); and both A and B are true (or exist).

[0027] The terms "a" or "an" - as used herein - are defined in the sense of "one / one or more." The terms "other" and "another" and any other variations therein may be construed in the sense of "at least another."

[0028] The term "plurality" as used herein may be understood in the sense of "two or more."

[0029] The term "configuration" or "setting" to fulfill a certain function (and corresponding modifications thereof) is to be understood in the sense of the present invention as meaning that the corresponding device or component is already present in the design or setting, wherein the device or component can perform the function or can at least be set - i.e. configured - in such a way that it can perform the function after the corresponding setting. The configuration can be carried out in this case, for example, by correspondingly setting parameters of the process or switches or the like in order to activate or deactivate the function or setting. In particular, the device or component can have a plurality of predefined configurations or operating modes, so that the configuration can be achieved by selecting one of these configurations or operating modes.

[0030] Preferred embodiments of the invention and further developments thereof are described below, which in each case—unless this is explicitly excluded—can be combined as desired with one another and with the second aspect described further on.

[0031] In some embodiments, the fixed facility has: an image detection device for detecting an image of a vehicle's license plate; a control device for identifying the license plate by an image processing device of the control device in some embodiments; and a storage device, which is configured to store the identified license plate together with data and a timestamp, which indicates the time at which the image of the vehicle's license plate was detected.

[0032] This makes it possible in some embodiments to prevent a user who has received goods or has been provided with services from being able to escape unrecognized without paying, since the user or at least the owner of the vehicle can be identified by the license plate.

[0033] In some embodiments, the mobile terminal device is configured to output the data on the second input and output device based on the scanned graphic code only when the digital vehicle key is contained in at least one virtual wallet stored on the mobile terminal device, wherein one or more payment methods (selectable individually by the user with the aid of the second input and output device, in particular for the corresponding electronic payment process) for implementing the electronic payment process are stored in the virtual wallet.

[0034] This can ensure in some embodiments that an electronic payment process can be carried out.

[0035] In this case, the one or more payment methods can be linked to a corresponding payment service provider, so that when the user selects the corresponding payment method, in particular using the second input and output means, an electronic payment process is carried out by the corresponding payment service provider.

[0036] In some embodiments, the data has the name and address of the supplier and the amount to be paid for providing services and / or delivering goods.

[0037] In some embodiments, the mobile terminal is configured to store the data together with a further time stamp indicating the time at which the electronic payment process was initiated in a virtual wallet of the at least one virtual wallet selected by the user for the electronic payment process.

[0038] In some embodiments, a history can thus be created of the electronic payment processes carried out, wherein the history can be called up by a corresponding input by the user using the second input and output device and can be displayed on the second input and output device.

[0039] In some embodiments, the cargo is fuel for supplying a motor of a vehicle for driving the vehicle, wherein the data includes the amount of fuel delivered and the price per liter for the delivered fuel.

[0040] In some embodiments, the cargo is electrical energy for supplying a motor of a vehicle for driving the vehicle, wherein the data includes the amount of electrical energy delivered and a price per kilowatt-hour for the electrical energy delivered.

[0041] In some embodiments, the vehicle control device is configured to send a first signal to the first communication device with the aid of the communication device when a communication connection is established between the communication device and the first communication device, the first signal including information about the ability to implement an electronic payment process, wherein the first input and output device is configured to enable a user to select whether an electronic payment process should be implemented when the first signal is received via the first communication device; the first communication device is configured to send a second signal to the communication device based on the user's selection, the second signal including information about whether the electronic payment process should be implemented, and the fixed facility is configured to send data to the first communication device only when the second signal includes information that the electronic payment process should be implemented.

[0042] In order to enable the user to make the selection, the first input and output device can, for example, be configured to display corresponding questions and corresponding buttons on the touch screen of the first input and output device; and to identify the selection by identifying the operation (implemented by the user) of the corresponding button displayed on the touch screen.

[0043] In some embodiments, the vehicle control device is configured to enable a user, in some embodiments using the first input and output means, to activate or deactivate a function of the vehicle control device for enabling the execution of an electronic payment process.

[0044] In order to enable the user to activate or deactivate a function, the first input and output device can be configured, for example, to display corresponding questions and corresponding buttons on the touch screen of the first input and output device; and to identify activation or deactivation by identifying the operation (performed by the user) of the corresponding button displayed on the touch screen.

[0045] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for implementing an electronic payment process comprises:

[0046] detecting, by means of a fixed installation, in some embodiments its detection means, data concerning a payment to be made to a supplier for providing a service and / or delivering a good;

[0047] wirelessly transmitting the data to a first communication means of a vehicle control device integrated in the vehicle by means of a communication device of the stationary installation;

[0048] Outputting a graphic code, in particular a QR code, on a first input and output device of a vehicle control device based on the received data transmitted by the stationary installation;

[0049] scanning the graphical code by means of the mobile terminal device in response to a user input using a second input and output device of the mobile terminal device; and

[0050] If at least one digital vehicle key for the vehicle is stored on the mobile terminal device, outputting data on the second input and output device based on the scanned graphical code; and

[0051] In response to a further input by the user using the second input and output device for confirming the payment to be made, payment is effected to the supplier via an electronic payment process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0052] Other advantageous further developments result from the following description of the preferred embodiment. For this purpose, it is partially schematically shown:

[0053] Figure 1 A system for implementing an electronic payment process according to one embodiment is shown; and

[0054] Figure 2 A flow chart is shown for illustrating a method for implementing an electronic payment process according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0055] Figure 1 A system for implementing an electronic payment process according to one embodiment is shown.

[0056] System 100 for carrying out an electronic payment process has a stationary installation 10 , a vehicle control unit 20 integrated in a vehicle 200 , and a mobile terminal 30 .

[0057] The fixed facility 10 has a control device 13, a communication device 11, an image detection device 12, a storage device 14, a detection device 15, a device 16 for outputting goods and an especially electronic cash register 17, which are connected to each other for communication, wherein the control device 13 is configured to control the communication device 11, the image detection device 12, the storage device 14, the detection device 15, the device 16 for outputting goods and the cash register 17.

[0058] The vehicle 200 has a license plate 201 , a motor 202 , and a vehicle control device 20 .

[0059] The vehicle control device 20 has a first control device 23 , a first communication device 21 , a first input and output device 22 , and a first storage device 24 , which are communicatively connected to one another, wherein the first control device 23 is provided to control the first communication device 21 , the first input and output device 22 , and the first storage device 24 .

[0060] The mobile terminal device 30 has a second control device 34, a second communication device 31, a second input and output device 32 and a second storage device 33, which are communicatively connected to each other, wherein the second control device 34 is configured to control the second communication device 31, the second input and output device 32 and the second storage device 33.

[0061] The fixed facility 10 can be, for example: a filling station including a device 16 for outputting goods, the device being, for example, a filling machine for delivering fuel, the fuel being used to supply a motor 202 of a vehicle 200 that is configured as an internal combustion engine for driving the vehicle 200; or the device being, for example, a charging station for outputting electrical energy, the electrical energy being used to supply a motor 202 of a vehicle 200 that is configured as an electric motor or a hybrid engine for driving the vehicle 200.

[0062] The mobile terminal device 30 can be configured as a smart phone, tablet computer or smart watch, for example. The first and / or second input and output means 22, 32 can include, for example, a touch screen for inputting and / or outputting information, a loudspeaker for outputting information and / or a microphone for inputting information.

[0063] The fixed installation 10, in particular its detection device 15, is configured to detect data regarding a payment to be made to a supplier, such as an occupant or owner of the fixed installation 10, for providing services and / or delivering goods, in particular by a supplier; and to wirelessly send the data to a first communication device 21 of a vehicle control device 20 by means of the communication device 11.

[0064] Here, the data may include the account number of the supplier's account and information for identifying the bank where the account is held so that an electronic payment process can be implemented. In addition, the data may include the supplier's name and address and the amount to be paid for providing services and / or delivering goods.

[0065] In the case where the cargo is fuel, the data may also include the amount of fuel delivered and the price per liter of the fuel delivered. In addition, in the case where the cargo is electrical energy, the data may include the amount of electrical energy delivered and the price per kilowatt-hour of the electrical energy delivered.

[0066] The vehicle control device 20 is configured to output, in particular display, a graphical code, in particular a QR code, on a first input and output device 22 based on the data sent by the stationary installation 10 and received by the first communication device 21 .

[0067] The mobile terminal 30 is configured to scan a graphical code output on the first input and output device 22 as a response to a user input using the second input and output device 32 , for example using a camera of the mobile terminal 30 .

[0068] If at least one digital vehicle key 40 for the vehicle 200 is stored on the mobile terminal 30 , in particular on its second memory device 33 , the mobile terminal 30 outputs data on the second input and output device 32 based on the scanned graphical code.

[0069] Here, the mobile terminal device 30 is configured in some embodiments to output data on the second input and output device 32 based on the scanned graphic code only in the following case, namely, the digital vehicle key 40 is contained in at least one virtual wallet 50 stored on the mobile terminal device 30 and in some embodiments in the second storage device 33, in which one or more payment methods (selectable by the user for the payment process) for implementing the electronic payment process are stored.

[0070] Subsequently, in response to a further input by the user using the second input and output means 32 for confirming the payment to be made, the mobile terminal 30 initiates a payment to the provider via an electronic payment procedure.

[0071] The image detection device 12 of the fixed installation 10 is configured to detect an image of a license plate 201 of a vehicle 200, wherein a control device 13, in particular an image processing device thereof not shown, is configured to recognize the license plate 201 using image processing software stored, for example, in a storage device 14, and the storage device 14 is configured to store the recognized license plate 201 together with data and a timestamp, which indicates the time at which the image of the license plate 201 of the vehicle 200 was detected.

[0072] In some embodiments, the mobile terminal 30 is further configured to store the data together with a further timestamp indicating the time at which the electronic payment process was initiated in the at least one virtual wallet 50 selected by the user for the electronic payment process.

[0073] In some embodiments, the vehicle control device 20 is configured to send a first signal to the first communication device 21 by means of the communication device 11 when a communication connection is established between the communication device 11 and the first communication device 21 , the first signal comprising information that an electronic payment process can be performed.

[0074] In this case, the first input and output means 22 is configured to enable the user to select whether an electronic payment process should be implemented when the first signal is received via the first communication means 21. To this end, the first input and output means 22 can be configured, for example, to display a corresponding question and a corresponding button on a touch screen, and to recognize the selection by recognizing an operation of the corresponding button by the user.

[0075] Furthermore, in the described case, the first communication device 21 is configured to send a second signal to the communication apparatus 11 based on a user's selection, wherein the second signal includes information about whether the electronic payment process should be implemented, wherein the fixed facility 10 is configured to send data to the first communication device 21 only when the second signal includes information that the electronic payment process should be implemented.

[0076] In some embodiments, the vehicle control device 20 is also configured to enable the user, particularly when using the first input and output device 22 or by operating the first input and output device, to activate or deactivate the function of the vehicle control device 20 for implementing the electronic payment process.

[0077] Figure 2 A flow chart is shown for representing a method 300 for implementing an electronic payment process according to one embodiment.

[0078] Especially when used in Figure 1 The method is implemented in the context of the system 100 shown in FIG.

[0079] In step S310 of method 300 , data concerning a payment to be made to a supplier for providing a service and / or delivering goods are detected by means of stationary installation 10 , in particular detection means 15 thereof.

[0080] In step S320 of method 300 , the data are wirelessly transmitted by means of communication device 11 of stationary installation 10 to first communication means 21 of vehicle control unit 20 integrated in vehicle 200 .

[0081] In step S330 of method 300 , a graphical code, in particular a two-dimensional code, is outputted on first input and output means 22 of vehicle control device 20 based on the received data transmitted by stationary installation 10 .

[0082] In step S340 of method 300 , as a response to a user input using second input and output means 32 of mobile terminal 30 , a graphical code output on first input and output means 22 of vehicle control unit 20 is scanned by mobile terminal 30 .

[0083] In step S350 of method 300 , if at least one digital vehicle key 40 for vehicle 200 is stored on mobile terminal 30 , data is output on second input and output device 32 based on the scanned graphical code.

[0084] In step S360 of method 300 , in response to a further input by the user using the second input and output device 32 for confirming the payment to be made, initiation of payment to the supplier via an electronic payment process is then performed.

Claims

1. A system (100) for implementing an electronic payment process, the system comprising: A fixed facility (10) comprising a communication device (11); A vehicle control device (20) integrated in a vehicle (200), comprising a first communication device (21) and a first input and output device (22); and A mobile terminal device (30) comprises a second communication device (31) and a second input and output device (32), wherein: The fixed installation (10), in particular its detection means (15), is configured to detect data about a payment to be made to a supplier for providing a service and / or delivering goods and to transmit the data wirelessly to a first communication means (21) of a vehicle control device (20) by means of the communication device (11); The vehicle control device (20) is configured to output a graphic code, in particular a two-dimensional code, on a first input and output device (22) based on received data sent by the fixed facility (10); The mobile terminal device (30) is configured to scan a graphic code in response to a user input using a second input and output device (32), and if at least one digital vehicle key (40) for a vehicle (200) is stored on the mobile terminal device (30), output data on the second input and output device (32) based on the scanned graphic code; and in response to a further input by the user using the second input and output device (32) for confirming a payment to be made, cause payment to a supplier through an electronic payment process.

2. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The fixed installation (10) comprises: an image detection device (12) for detecting an image of a license plate (201) of a vehicle (200); a control device (13) for recognizing the license plate (201), in particular by means of an image processing device of the control device (13); and a storage device (14) which is designed to store the recognized license plate (201) together with data and a time stamp, wherein the time stamp indicates the time at which the image of the license plate (201) of the vehicle (200) was detected.

3. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The mobile terminal device (30) is configured to output data on a second input and output device (32) based on the scanned graphical code only when the digital vehicle key (40) is contained in at least one virtual wallet (50) stored on the mobile terminal device (30), in which one or more payment methods for implementing an electronic payment process are stored.

4. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The data include the name and address of the supplier and the amount to be paid for the provision of services and / or the delivery of goods.

5. The system (100) according to claim 4 and 3, wherein: The mobile terminal (30) is configured to store the data together with a further time stamp indicating the time at which the electronic payment process was initiated in a virtual wallet (50) selected by the user for the electronic payment process in the at least one virtual wallet (50).

6. The system (100) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The cargo is fuel for supplying a motor (202) of a vehicle (200) for driving the vehicle (200), and the data includes the amount of the delivered fuel and the price per liter for the delivered fuel.

7. The system (100) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein: The cargo is electric energy for supplying a motor (202) of a vehicle (200) for driving the vehicle (200), and the data includes the amount of electric energy delivered and the price per kilowatt-hour for the electric energy delivered.

8. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The vehicle control device (20) is configured to send a first signal to the first communication device (21) by means of the communication device (11) when a communication connection is established between the communication device (11) and the first communication device (21), the first signal including information about the possibility of implementing an electronic payment process; the first input and output device (22) is configured to enable a user to select whether an electronic payment process should be implemented when the first signal is received via the first communication device (21); the first communication device (21) is configured to send a second signal to the communication device (11) based on the user's selection, the second signal including information about whether the electronic payment process should be implemented, wherein the fixed facility (10) is configured to send the data to the first communication device (21) only when the second signal contains information about the possibility of implementing the electronic payment process.

9. The system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The vehicle control device (20) is designed to enable a user, in particular using a first input and output means (22), to activate or deactivate a function of the vehicle control device (20) for enabling the execution of an electronic payment process.

10. A method (300) for implementing an electronic payment process, the method comprising: detecting data about a payment to be made to a supplier for providing services and / or delivering goods by means of the stationary device (10), in particular its detection means (15); wirelessly transmitting the data to a first communication means (21) of a vehicle control device (20) integrated in the vehicle (200) by means of a communication device (11) of the stationary installation (10); Outputting a graphic code, in particular a two-dimensional code, on a first input and output device (22) of a vehicle control device (20) based on the received data transmitted by the fixed facility (10); Scanning a graphical code using the mobile terminal device (30) in response to a user input using a second input and output device (32) of the mobile terminal device (30); and If at least one digital vehicle key (40) for the vehicle (200) is stored on the mobile terminal device (30), data is output on the second input and output device (32) based on the scanned graphic code; and In response to further input from the user using the second input and output device (32) for confirming the payment to be made, payment is caused to the supplier via an electronic payment process.

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