Vehicle charging control method and charging device control method

Abstract

The invention relates to a vehicle charging control method which comprises the following steps: acquiring charging equipment information of at least one piece of available charging equipment under the condition of determining that a vehicle has a charging intention and / or available charging equipment exists around the vehicle; determining a selected charging device in the at least one available charging device; and when or before the vehicle is located at the selected charging equipment, displaying a charging two-dimensional code including charging equipment information of the selected charging equipment in a vehicle machine interface of the vehicle and / or a mobile equipment interface of a vehicle user. Through some embodiments of the invention, the charging requirements of the vehicle and the vehicle user can be pre-judged in advance, the charging two-dimensional code is allowed to be displayed in advance in the user-oriented interface, the time for the vehicle user to take out a mobile phone to carry out conventional code scanning operation is shortened, and the experience of a charging vehicle owner is improved. In addition, the invention also relates to a charging device control method and a corresponding computer program product.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle charging technology, specifically to a vehicle charging control method, a charging equipment control method, and a corresponding computer program product. Background Technology

[0002] In existing vehicle charging control methods, vehicle users typically need to use their mobile phones to scan physical or electronic tags on the charging equipment to obtain charging equipment information. Electronic tags are usually in the form of QR codes displayed on the charging equipment's screen. Alternatively, existing technologies utilize in-vehicle cameras to scan the QR codes displayed on the charging equipment and display them on the vehicle's infotainment system. This solution requires the vehicle to be near the charging equipment (e.g., while reversing into a charging parking space) and the vehicle user to use their mobile phone to scan the QR code displayed on the vehicle's screen. To enable scanning, the mobile application interface includes a "Scan" button; the vehicle user must click this button to access the scanning page and complete the scan of the QR code displayed on the charging equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a vehicle charging control method and a charging equipment control method. Compared with the prior art, the method can in particular enable the vehicle to obtain the charging equipment information of the charging equipment to be used in advance, so as to facilitate subsequent scanning or charging operations.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a vehicle charging control method is provided, comprising: when it is determined that the vehicle intends to charge and / or there are available charging devices around the vehicle, acquiring charging device information of at least one available charging device; determining a selected charging device among the at least one available charging device; and displaying a charging QR code of the selected charging device, including the charging device information, on the vehicle's in-vehicle interface and / or the mobile device interface of the vehicle user when or before the vehicle is located at the selected charging device.

[0005] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle charging control method includes: pushing the acquired charging device information of the at least one available charging device to the vehicle user through the vehicle interface and / or the mobile device interface; and in response to receiving a selection made by the vehicle user, sending a charging request or a scheduled charging request to the selected charging device.

[0006] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle charging control method further includes: when the vehicle is located at the selected charging device, calling the vehicle's camera to scan the charging QR code displayed by the selected charging device, wherein the charging QR code optionally includes payment information.

[0007] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle charging control method further includes: displaying the charging QR code on the vehicle interface and simultaneously popping up a scanning page on the mobile device interface.

[0008] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle's intention to charge and / or the presence of available charging equipment around the vehicle is determined based on one of the following conditions: the vehicle is parked in a charging space of a charging equipment, which is either an available or unavailable charging equipment; the vehicle's battery management system issues a charging reminder signal based on the current battery SOC; and the vehicle detects the presence of available charging equipment around it while driving.

[0009] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle charging control method further includes: when the available charging equipment is equipped with a charging robot, pushing the robot information of the charging robot together with the charging equipment information to the vehicle user; and in response to the vehicle user's authorization of the charging robot, sending a robot-assisted charging request to the corresponding available charging equipment.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a charging device control method is provided, comprising: displaying a charging QR code containing charging device information on the display interface of the charging device when or before a vehicle requesting advance access to charging device information is located in a charging parking space where the charging device is located.

[0011] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the charging device control method includes: when the charging device is equipped with a charging robot, in response to receiving authorization from the vehicle for the charging robot, sending a robot-assisted charging command to the charging robot.

[0012] According to an optional embodiment of the present invention, the robot-assisted charging instructions include at least one of the following instructions: plugging and unplugging the charging gun; displaying a charging QR code; and scanning the payment QR code displayed by the charging device to make payment if authorized by the vehicle.

[0013] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a computer program product, particularly a computer-readable storage medium or computer program, is provided, comprising computer program instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, enable the one or more processors to perform: any vehicle charging control method according to the present invention; or any charging device control method according to the present invention.

[0014] Through certain embodiments of the present invention, the charging needs of vehicles and vehicle users can be predicted in advance. With the help of the Internet of Things or vehicle cameras, a charging QR code containing charging equipment information can be displayed in advance on the user-facing interface to prepare for scanning, reducing the time vehicle users spend taking out their mobile phones to perform regular scanning operations. In addition, it can also authorize vehicle-mounted contactless payment or robot payment, improving the charging experience for vehicle owners.

[0015] It is worth noting that the advantages and beneficial effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Those skilled in the art can understand other unmentioned advantages and beneficial effects of the present invention through the following specific embodiments and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, which will provide a better understanding of the principles, features, and advantages of the invention. In the drawings, Figure 1 A flowchart of a vehicle charging control method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a scenario according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown; and Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a scenario according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial technical effects of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only for explaining the principles of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the invention.

[0018] Figure 1 A flowchart of a vehicle charging control method according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2 and Figure 3 Schematic diagrams of different exemplary embodiments according to the present invention are shown below. The following will combine... Figures 1-3 The technical concept of the present invention will be described.

[0019] In this document, the vehicle charging control method can be executed in the vehicle's local controller, or alternatively, one or more steps can be executed in the vehicle's background controller. Similarly, the charging device control method can be executed in the charging device's local controller, or alternatively, one or more steps can be executed in the charging device's background controller. Therefore, in the context of this invention, the vehicle control system is not strictly limited to the vehicle's local controller, but should be interpreted broadly to include the vehicle's background controller where applicable and not contradictory. This also applies to the charging device control system in the context of this invention.

[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle charging control method includes steps S1, S2 and S3.

[0021] In step S1, if it is determined that the vehicle intends to charge and / or there are available charging devices around the vehicle, charging device information of at least one available charging device is obtained.

[0022] Here, it can be determined that the vehicle intends to charge and / or that there are available charging facilities around the vehicle based on one of the following conditions: The vehicle is parked in a charging space of a charging device, which may be an available or unavailable charging device. The vehicle's battery management system issues a charging reminder signal based on the current battery SOC; and The vehicle detected the presence of available charging equipment in its vicinity while it was in motion.

[0023] In one specific embodiment, reference Figure 3 When vehicle 1 is parked in a charging space equipped with charging equipment 2, the vehicle control system can determine that the vehicle is parked in the charging space based on the vehicle 1's location information and map information, and thus determine that the vehicle intends to charge. In other words, if the vehicle enters the charging space automatically or manually by the driver, it indicates that the vehicle intends to charge.

[0024] When the charging station in which the vehicle is located has an available charging station, the vehicle will acquire the charging station information (hereinafter referred to as charging station information). Additionally, information about other available charging stations within a certain radius of the available charging station may also be included in the set of charging station information acquired by the vehicle. That is, the vehicle may acquire only the information of the charging station in its current charging station, or it may acquire information about at least two available charging stations, including the one in question. Conversely, when the charging station in which the vehicle is located has an unavailable charging station, even though the vehicle is parked in that station, the charging station information acquired by the vehicle will be information about available charging stations within a certain radius of the station. In other words, the vehicle will only acquire information about at least one available charging station, excluding information about unavailable charging stations. In cases involving other available charging stations, the vehicle can search for, collect, and push information within a certain radius of its current charging station or its charging station based on that location information.

[0025] In another specific embodiment, the vehicle's battery management system (BMS) can determine its intention to charge by issuing a charging reminder signal based on the current battery state of charge (SOC). Typically, the BMS monitors the current battery SOC in real time and issues a charging reminder signal when the SOC falls below a certain threshold. This charging reminder signal can be sent to the vehicle user in various forms or recorded in the vehicle control system. Therefore, when the vehicle control system recognizes this charging reminder signal, it can determine that the vehicle intends to charge.

[0026] In another specific embodiment, the vehicle's intention to charge can also be determined based on the vehicle detecting the presence of available charging equipment in its vicinity while driving. (See reference...) Figure 2 When vehicle 1 approaches charging device 2, it may be that vehicle 1 is driving normally in the lane and passing by the charging device, or it may be that vehicle 1 is searching for or driving towards the charging device. At this time, the vehicle can obtain information about at least one available charging device 2. For example, if charging devices 21, 22, and 23 are all available, the information about available charging devices obtained by the vehicle will include information about all three of them. Here, although charging devices 21, 22, and 23 are shown in the figure as being at the same charging station, it is not limited to this. The at least one available charging device can come from the same charging station or from different charging stations, which can be determined according to the preset search range. Therefore, in this embodiment, the vehicle can obtain information about available charging devices in advance while driving, without having to wait until it stops in a charging space.

[0027] Regarding the acquisition of charging equipment information, Internet of Things (IoT) technology can be utilized. This means the vehicle can communicate with the charging equipment via a cloud platform or backend system 3. For example, the vehicle can upload its charging request to the cloud platform 3. The cloud platform 3 obtains information about available charging equipment by communicating with the charging equipment's backend system, and then distributes this information to the vehicle. This technology is known in the art and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0028] In step S2, a selected charging device is determined from the at least one available charging device.

[0029] Specifically, if there is only one available charging device, that available charging device is automatically selected as the charging device.

[0030] If there is more than one available charging device, the vehicle user can be allowed to select one as the charging device to be used according to their preference. Therefore, the vehicle charging control method may optionally include: pushing the charging device information of the at least one available charging device to the vehicle user through the vehicle's in-vehicle interface and / or the vehicle user's mobile device interface; and in response to receiving the selection made by the vehicle user, sending a charging request or a scheduled charging request to the selected charging device.

[0031] Still referencing Figure 2 When charging devices 21, 22, and 23 are all available, the vehicle's infotainment interface 11 and / or the user's mobile device interface 4 can display the charging device information for these three devices. The user can select the desired charging device on either the infotainment interface 1 or the mobile device interface 4. After selection, the vehicle control system can send a charging request or a scheduled charging request to the selected charging device. For example, a charging request can be sent when the vehicle is already parked in the charging space of the selected device. Conversely, a scheduled charging request can be sent when the vehicle is still in motion and there is a time required to reach the charging space of the selected device, to prevent other vehicles from using the charging device during that time period. This provides vehicle users with a diverse range of charging device options.

[0032] When multiple available charging stations exist, they can be prioritized and displayed accordingly. For example, priorities can be set based on factors such as the distance between the vehicle's current location and the available charging station, the charging rate of the available charging station, the type of available charging station (fast charging or slow charging), or similar aspects.

[0033] Therefore, in the sense of this invention, the charging device information may include at least one, preferably all, of the following: location information, billing information, charging device type, and identity information.

[0034] In terms of implementing display and operation via a mobile device interface, communication between the vehicle control system and the vehicle user's mobile device can be utilized. This technology is known in the art and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0035] In step S3, when or before the vehicle is located at the selected charging device, the charging QR code of the selected charging device, including charging device information, is displayed on the vehicle's infotainment system and / or the vehicle user's mobile device interface.

[0036] refer to Figure 2 After determining the available charging device 22 as the selected charging device through step S2, the charging QR code of the selected charging device 22, including charging device information, can be displayed on the vehicle interface 11 and / or mobile device interface 4. The charging QR code can be provided to the vehicle control system by the charging device through communication between its backend and the vehicle's backend, or it can be generated by the charging device's backend based on the vehicle user's selection and provided to both the vehicle control system and the selected charging device. The charging QR code can be displayed on the vehicle interface and / or mobile device interface when the vehicle is at the selected charging device (i.e., in the corresponding charging parking space), or it can be displayed before the vehicle arrives at the charging parking space. This eliminates the need for the user to scan the QR code on the charging device through the vehicle interface or mobile device interface after arriving at the charging parking space, as is required in existing technologies. Instead, the charging QR code of the selected charging device can be displayed in advance on the vehicle interface or mobile device interface for the vehicle user to scan. Therefore, the vehicle user's scanning operation of the charging QR code is no longer restricted by the vehicle being at the selected charging device, but can be completed while driving to the selected available charging device.

[0037] In addition, the vehicle charging control method according to the present invention can use the determination that the vehicle intends to charge and / or that there are available charging devices around the vehicle as triggering conditions, and apart from the user's simple selection of charging devices, other operations and processes are performed in a silent manner, that is, without the user's participation or any operation.

[0038] Therefore, the vehicle charging control method described above allows for advance preparation for charging QR code scanning, reducing the time and effort required for vehicle users to operate the vehicle interface or mobile device interface, and improving the user charging experience.

[0039] In some cases, payment can be made directly upon completion of charging when the vehicle user authorizes contactless payment, without requiring the vehicle user to scan a payment QR code. This makes vehicle charging operations more convenient.

[0040] Some embodiments of the present invention also relate to a charging device control method, which includes: displaying a charging QR code containing the charging device information on the display interface of the charging device when or before a vehicle requesting advance access to charging device information is located in the charging space where the charging device is located. Here, the display interface of the charging device is, for example, a display screen.

[0041] In one specific embodiment, when a vehicle obtains charging information of available charging devices in advance according to any of the above-described vehicle charging control methods, the charging device identified as the selected device can know that it has been selected via the Internet of Things (IoT), similar to a reservation mechanism. Subsequently, the charging device can detect, in an appropriate manner, that the vehicle that has selected or reserved it is located in its corresponding charging space, and in response, display a charging QR code containing the charging device information on its display screen. That is, it can be understood that the charging device has prepared a charging QR code in advance for the target vehicle to scan.

[0042] In an embodiment where the vehicle is parked at the selected charging station, the charging QR code can be simultaneously displayed on the vehicle's infotainment system and / or the user's mobile device interface, as well as on the charging station's display interface. However, in an embodiment where the charging station information is obtained and the selected charging station is determined while the vehicle is in motion, i.e., before the vehicle stops at the selected charging station, the charging QR code can be displayed on the charging station's display interface with a relatively delayed appearance. Therefore, in addition to enabling pre-preparation for charging QR code scanning at the vehicle end, pre-preparation for charging QR code scanning can also be achieved at the charging station end, thereby reducing the time spent on charging scanning operations by the vehicle user.

[0043] In some optional embodiments, the vehicle charging control method according to the present invention may further include: when the vehicle is located at the selected charging device, calling the vehicle's camera to scan the charging QR code displayed by the selected charging device.

[0044] Even though the vehicle has already obtained the charging QR code of the selected charging device, it can still scan the QR code displayed on the charging device when it is located there. This scanning operation can serve two purposes: firstly, it confirms that the vehicle is parked at the selected charging device; secondly, it can be used to authenticate the vehicle and / or the charging device, completing the authentication process. This helps save time and simplify the process.

[0045] In addition, the charging QR code not only contains information about the charging device, but may also optionally contain payment information, so that payment can be completed by scanning the code in one step, especially contactless payment, which is particularly suitable for the method of paying first and then charging.

[0046] Here, the vehicle camera being invoked can be, in particular, an external camera of the vehicle, such as a camera positioned at the front, side, or rear of the vehicle body, or a camera integrated into the rearview mirror. The camera can be a camera with a variable field of view (such as a 360-degree panoramic camera) or a camera pointed at the charging device to scan the charging QR code displayed on the charging device. In some embodiments, a camera inside the cabin can also be reused.

[0047] In some optional embodiments, the vehicle charging control method may further include: displaying the charging QR code on the vehicle infotainment interface and simultaneously popping up a scanning page on the mobile device interface.

[0048] For example, such as Figure 2 As shown, while displaying the charging QR code on the vehicle's infotainment system, the mobile device's interface can simultaneously redirect to the scanning page. This enables seamless interaction between the vehicle's infotainment system and the mobile device's interface. This allows for page switching without requiring the vehicle user to interact with the mobile device, thus simplifying the user experience.

[0049] In some cases, the charging equipment may be equipped with a charging robot. Therefore, in some optional embodiments, the vehicle charging control method according to the present invention may further include: When the available charging equipment is equipped with a charging robot, the robot information of the charging robot is pushed to the vehicle user along with the charging equipment information; and In response to the vehicle user's authorization of the charging robot, a robot-assisted charging request is sent to the corresponding available charging equipment.

[0050] In one specific embodiment, if at least one available charging device is equipped with a charging robot during the vehicle's request for charging device information phase, the vehicle can simultaneously obtain both charging device information and charging robot information. Therefore, when a vehicle user prefers to use a charging robot, they tend to select the charging device equipped with a charging robot from among the available charging devices. The vehicle user can authorize the charging robot to assist with charging through the vehicle's infotainment system and / or mobile device interface. In response to this authorization, the vehicle control system can send a robot-assisted charging request to the corresponding available charging device.

[0051] Accordingly, for the charging equipment, the charging equipment control method may include: when the charging equipment is equipped with a charging robot, in response to receiving authorization from the vehicle for the charging robot, sending a robot-assisted charging command to the charging robot. Therefore, the charging equipment can be used to control the charging robot.

[0052] Furthermore, the robot-assisted charging command may include at least one of the following commands: Plug and unplug the charging gun; Displays charging device information; and If the vehicle is authorized to make the payment, scan the payment QR code displayed on the charging device to make the payment.

[0053] The robot-assisted charging request and the aforementioned robot-assisted charging instruction sent by the vehicle control system may contain the same or corresponding content. In other words, vehicle users are allowed to select and adjust the service framework content of robot-assisted charging.

[0054] Specifically, in some embodiments, the charging robot can insert the charging gun into the vehicle's charging port to begin charging when the vehicle is located at its selected charging equipment; and can remove the charging gun from the vehicle's charging port when charging is finished. Thus, the charging robot enables automatic insertion and removal of the charging gun, allowing vehicle users to complete vehicle charging without leaving the vehicle. Additionally, the charging robot can be mobile, allowing it to carry the charging gun to the vehicle, particularly to the vehicle's charging port, when the vehicle is located at the appropriate charging equipment.

[0055] Additionally or alternatively, the charging robot may have a display screen, so the robot-assisted charging instructions may include displaying a charging QR code on the screen. This allows the charging QR code on the charging robot's display screen to be scanned using an onboard camera and / or the vehicle user's mobile device, enabling the vehicle user to operate the robot without leaving their vehicle.

[0056] Additionally or alternatively, the charging robot may be equipped with a camera, so the robot-assisted charging instructions may include scanning a payment QR code displayed on the charging device for payment when authorized by the vehicle. Thus, the vehicle can authorize the charging robot to make payments on its behalf, and the charging robot can replace the vehicle's onboard camera to scan the payment QR code displayed on the charging device. This payment QR code can be the aforementioned charging QR code, or it can be a separate payment QR code (which may be more suitable for payments made after charging is complete). Furthermore, scanning the code for payment can be done before charging begins or after charging ends. This also allows vehicle users to remain in their vehicles.

[0057] Further embodiments of the present invention relate to a computer program product, particularly a computer-readable storage medium or computer program, comprising computer program instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, enable the one or more processors to perform any vehicle charging control method or any charging device control method according to the present invention.

[0058] Herein, "computer-readable storage medium" may include, but is not limited to, random access memory, read-only memory, programmable read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory, static random access memory, read-only optical disc or other optical disc storage, disk storage, magnetic tape storage, or any other computer-readable medium capable of carrying or storing data.

[0059] Computer program products developed for vehicle control systems can be used to configure, update, or upgrade vehicles or vehicle control systems; additionally or alternatively, computer program products developed for charging equipment control systems can be used to configure, update, or upgrade charging equipment or charging equipment control systems.

[0060] Without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of the different embodiments or examples.

[0061] Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail herein, they are given for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Various substitutions, alterations, and modifications can be conceived without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A vehicle charging control method, comprising: If it is determined that the vehicle intends to charge and / or there are available charging devices around the vehicle, obtain charging device information for at least one available charging device. Select a charging device from the at least one available charging device; and When or before the vehicle is located at the selected charging device, the charging QR code of the selected charging device, including charging device information, is displayed on the vehicle's infotainment system and / or the user's mobile device interface.

2. The vehicle charging control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vehicle charging control method includes: The charging device information of the at least one available charging device is pushed to the vehicle user through the vehicle interface and / or the mobile device interface; and In response to receiving a selection made by the vehicle user, a charging request or a scheduled charging request is sent to the selected charging device.

3. The vehicle charging control method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The vehicle charging control method further includes: When the vehicle is located at the selected charging device, the vehicle's camera is used to scan the charging QR code displayed by the selected charging device, the charging QR code optionally containing payment information.

4. The vehicle charging control method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The vehicle charging control method further includes: The charging QR code is displayed on the vehicle's infotainment system interface, and a scanning page pops up simultaneously on the mobile device's interface.

5. The vehicle charging control method according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The vehicle's intention to charge and / or the availability of charging facilities around the vehicle can be determined based on one of the following conditions: The vehicle is parked in a charging space of a charging device, which may be an available or unavailable charging device. The vehicle's battery management system issues a charging reminder signal based on the current battery SOC; and The vehicle detected the presence of available charging equipment in its vicinity while it was in motion.

6. The vehicle charging control method according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The vehicle charging control method further includes: When the available charging equipment is equipped with a charging robot, the robot information of the charging robot is pushed to the vehicle user along with the charging equipment information; and In response to the vehicle user's authorization of the charging robot, a robot-assisted charging request is sent to the corresponding available charging equipment.

7. A method for controlling a charging device, comprising: When or before a vehicle requesting advance access to charging equipment information is located in the charging space where the charging equipment is located, the charging QR code containing the charging equipment information is displayed on the display interface of the charging equipment.

8. The charging device control method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The charging device control method includes: When the charging equipment is equipped with a charging robot, in response to receiving authorization from the vehicle for the charging robot, a robot-assisted charging command is sent to the charging robot.

9. The charging device control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The robot-assisted charging command includes at least one of the following commands: Plug and unplug the charging gun; Display the charging QR code; and If the vehicle is authorized to make the payment, scan the payment QR code displayed on the charging device to make the payment.

10. A computer program product, particularly a computer-readable storage medium or computer program, comprising computer program instructions that, when executed by one or more processors, enable the one or more processors to perform: The vehicle charging control method according to any one of claims 1-6; or The charging device control method according to any one of claims 7-9.

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