Identification, execution and billing of electric charging processes at charging points by the vehicle-related remote controls or vehicle keys as well as smart remote controls or vehicle keys
A vehicle key or remote control with a transponder for wireless communication with charging stations addresses inefficiencies in existing systems, enabling secure and efficient electric charging, billing, and data exchange, enhancing the electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE102025004167
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-11-23
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-18
Smart Images

Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Electric, partially electric, and hybrid vehicles are recharged using charging stations such as charging points or charging columns. Many of these charging stations are public charging points. Charging stations can also be located in private settings. Some of these private charging stations can also be used by multiple users.
[0002] Vehicles are equipped with vehicle keys or remote controls. Some of these vehicle keys or remote controls are designed as portable electronic devices. Each vehicle key or remote control can be specifically assigned to at least one associated vehicle. This means that access to at least one assigned vehicle is technically possible using this vehicle key or remote control. This is achieved, for example, via a lock, where the key of the vehicle key or remote control mechanically fits the assigned lock(s) in the vehicle. This means that this specific vehicle can be unlocked using the matching vehicle key or remote control, and generally can also be locked again. This generally occurs in a legitimate, i.e., authorized, manner.
[0003] This also works electronically in a similar way, i.e., by means of electronic encryption, where the electronic key of the vehicle key or the electronic key of the vehicle remote control matches the assigned receiver(s) in the vehicle. This means that this specific vehicle can be unlocked electronically and wirelessly using the matching electronic vehicle key or the vehicle remote control, and can generally also be locked again. This is generally done in a legitimate, that is, authorized manner.
[0004] Keys for vehicle remote controls can also be part of a system such as keyless entry. As is known, within the vehicle's immediate radio reception range, under certain conditions, the vehicle assigned to the corresponding key or electronic key can unlock, thus granting access to that assigned vehicle.
[0005] Electrical devices are widely used. Electrical devices can also be designed as electronic devices.
[0006] The task is to provide vehicle keys or vehicle remote controls of a new, efficient design that are also more versatile, smarter and safer / more data-secure within a communication infrastructure, including charging equipment.
[0007] 1. According to a first aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by a mobile portable device, designed in the function of a vehicle key or a vehicle remote control, at least for making at least one assignable vehicle accessible, characterized in that this mobile portable device comprises at least one transponder, the transponder configured to enable at least one wireless communication, with at least one electrical charging device.
[0008] According to the invention, during the electrical recharging of vehicle-mounted electrical energy storage devices, it is possible, both in terms of the equipment and the method, to identify oneself electronically at least at one charging point / charging station using the vehicle-specific remote controls or vehicle keys, for at least the initialization, authentication, or execution of an electrical charging process. Billing can also be initiated, authenticated, or completed using the vehicle-specific remote controls or vehicle keys.
[0009] This provides a simple, practical, versatile and uncomplicated solution for electric charging at charging stations, which is also suitable for everyday use.
[0010] 2. According to a second aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by a mobile portable device, designed in the function of a vehicle key or a vehicle remote control, at least for making at least one assignable vehicle accessible, characterized in that this mobile portable device comprises at least one transponder, the transponder configured to enable at least one wireless communication with at least one electrical device.
[0011] This enables communication between a vehicle key or remote control and electrical devices, allowing for information exchange that forms the basis for a wide range of functions. Furthermore, it expands the usability and possibilities within an infrastructure or communication infrastructure. In this process, wireless information exchange takes place between the vehicle key or remote control on the one hand and at least one electrical or electronic device on the other.
[0012] For example, a logbook or proof of journey can be kept and implemented electronically using the vehicle key or a vehicle remote control via wireless communication with, for example, a smartphone or tablet.
[0013] According to a further aspect of the invention, the vehicle key or vehicle remote control is equipped with a near-field communication (NFC) device. With its aid, communication can take place, as is known, within a few centimeters of each other.
[0014] According to a further aspect of the invention, the vehicle key or vehicle remote control is designed as a portable mobile device and is therefore mobile-free. This results, among other things, in advantageously lower electrical energy consumption, which can lead to longer operating times.
[0015] 3. According to a further aspect of the invention, an electrical device according to idea 2 can be designed as at least one element of the following selection or combination or multiple combination: terminal device, mobile phone, smartphone, near field communication device (E-NFC), tablet or notebook.
[0016] This makes a versatile, comprehensive electronic solution possible that expands the existing infrastructure. Another aspect of the invention is formed by:
[0017] 4. Mobile portable device according to at least one of ideas 1-2, implemented at least for making accessible at least one assignable vehicle, which includes at least one electrical on-board energy storage device with which this vehicle can be powered, at least partially.
[0018] In this way, for example, it is possible to electrically charge a vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered, using its associated portable device functioning as a vehicle key or remote control, through communication with at least one electric charging device. This involves a wireless exchange of information between the vehicle key or remote control on the one hand and the at least one electric charging device on the other. Another aspect of the invention is formed by:
[0019] 5. Wireless communication according to at least one of Ideas 1-2, comprising at least one or more of the following elements: initialization, authentication or identification.
[0020] This further expands the range of functions. Another aspect of the invention is formed by:
[0021] 6. Wireless communication according to at least one of ideas 1-2, 5, during an electrical charging process.
[0022] This is a central function within the overarching infrastructure of an electromobility system. Another aspect of the invention is formed by:
[0023] 7. Wireless communication according to at least one of ideas 1-2, 5,6, during an electrical charging process of the at least one electrical on-board energy storage device, which includes this vehicle, attributable to the mobile portable device.
[0024] This allows the vehicle, which can be assigned to the mobile portable device in the function of a vehicle key or vehicle remote control, to be electrically recharged, which is particularly practical and simple. Another aspect of the invention is formed by:
[0025] 8. Wireless communication according to at least one of ideas 1-2, 5-7 which includes at least one or more of the following elements: payment, electronic payment or billing.
[0026] This allows such a process to be technically completed in a market-based system. Moreover, this is achieved particularly easily. Another aspect of the invention is formed by:
[0027] 9. Mobile portable device according to at least one of ideas 1-2, 4, implemented to enable wireless mechanical locking of at least one charging cable to the electrical charging device.
[0028] Here, another inventive aspect comes into play. This allows such a process to remain technically closed off or separated from unauthorized users within a market-based system. Moreover, this is achieved safely and with exceptional practicality. Only the same equipment is needed that makes electric charging at the charging station possible in the first place. Another aspect of the invention is formed by:
[0029] 10. Mobile device according to at least one of ideas 1-2, 4, 9, which includes at least one electrical energy storage device.
[0030] In this way, the range of functions and performance can be further expanded. For example, this enables the electrical operation of NFC communication. The mobile device can also act as a transmitter independently. It can also act as a receiver, either alone or additionally. Another aspect of the invention is formed by:
[0031] 11. Mobile device according to at least one of ideas 1-2, 4, 9-10, comprising at least one electrical energy storage device which is electrically connected or electrically connectable to the transponder comprising at least one.
[0032] In this way, the range of functions and performance can be further expanded. For example, this enables the electrical operation of NFC communication. The mobile device can also act as a transmitter independently. It can also act as a receiver, either alone or additionally. Furthermore, the transponder can be technically disconnected from the internal electronic power supply, at least temporarily, for example, to increase efficiency and extend its service life. Another aspect of the invention is formed by:
[0033] 12.1 Mobile device according to at least one of ideas 1-2, 4, 9-11, wherein at least one transponder is designed as a Bluetooth communication device BZ.
[0034] In this way, the range of functions and performance can be further expanded. For example, this enables the electrical operation of Bluetooth communication. The mobile device can also act as a transmitter independently. It can also act as a receiver, either alone or additionally. Furthermore, the transponder can be technically disconnected from its internal electronic power supply, at least temporarily, for example, to increase efficiency and extend its operating time.
[0035] For example, different Bluetooth standards, such as Bluetooth Low Energy, can be organized. Another aspect of the invention is formed by:
[0036] 12. Mobile device according to at least one of ideas 1-2, 4, 9-11, comprising at least one electrical energy storage device which is electrically connected or electrically connectable to the transponder comprising at least one.
[0037] In this way, the range of functions and performance can be further expanded. For example, this enables the electrical operation of NFC communication. The mobile device can also act as a transmitter independently. It can also act as a receiver, either alone or additionally. Furthermore, the transponder can be technically disconnected from the internal electronic power supply, at least temporarily, for example, to increase efficiency and extend its service life. Another aspect of the invention is formed by:
[0038] 13. Mobile device according to at least one of ideas 1-2, 4, 9-12, wherein at least one transponder is designed as a near field communication (NFC) device.
[0039] In this way, the range of functions and performance can be further expanded. For example, this enables the electrical operation of NFC communication. The mobile device can also act as a transmitter independently and generally exchange information with other devices.
[0040] It can also act as a recipient, either alone or additionally.
[0041] Generally, access to at least one electronic storage device that the mobile device may include is also possible. This is particularly relevant in the context of information exchange. Another aspect of the invention is formed by:
[0042] 14. Mobile device set up according to at least one of ideas 1-2, 4, 9-13 for communication from its radio range in a nearby surrounding radius.
[0043] This leads, among other things, to a beneficial reduction in electrical energy consumption, which can result in longer usage times.
[0044] Furthermore, the reception radius is kept small, which also serves security and information security, as unauthorized data access or data interference becomes less likely.
[0045] Another aspect of the invention is formed by:
[0046] 15. Mobile equipment designed without mobile communication according to at least one of ideas 1-2, 4, 9 - 14.
[0047] This leads, among other things, to a beneficial reduction in electrical energy consumption, which can result in longer usage times.
[0048] Furthermore, the reception radius is kept significantly small, which also serves security and information security, as unauthorized data access or data interference becomes less likely. The task is further solved by:
[0049] 16. Vehicle with at least one mobile device according to at least one of ideas 1-2, 4, 9 - 15.
[0050] The assigned vehicle is hereby claimed as the basis and foundation of mobility within an enhanced infrastructure. The task is further solved by:
[0051] 17. Electric charging device, equipped to communicate with at least one mobile device according to at least one of ideas 1-2, 4, 9-15 or a combination thereof.
[0052] The electric charging device is hereby claimed as the basis and foundation of electromobility within a functionally enhanced infrastructure, which is now, according to the invention, capable of communicating with vehicle keys or a vehicle remote control via wireless communication, whereby an exchange of information, also with storage devices, can take place.
[0053] This allows, for example, secure and data-secure communication to take place at a distance of a few centimeters – that is, in close proximity to each other. The task is further solved by:
[0054] 18. Electric charging device according to idea 17, configured for the electric charging of at least one vehicle according to idea 16.
[0055] This enables, within the functional network, a new range of functions for the electric charging of electrically connected vehicles, as well as the administration, billing, authentication, identification, etc., which enables successful implementation and successful completion. Moreover, this is achieved securely and with data protection.
[0056] Practically speaking, the safety is ensured by the locked charging cable to the electric charging device, which can be controlled by the same vehicle keys or the same vehicle remote control that make the electric charging of the vehicle practically possible in the first place through data communication. The task is further solved by:
[0057] 19. Method for wireless communication between at least one mobile device according to at least one of ideas 1-2, 4, 9-15 and at least one electrical charging device according to at least one of ideas 17-18.
[0058] These are the underlying procedures for solving the task within the enhanced infrastructure. The task is further solved by:
[0059] 20. Use of at least one apparatus or at least one process according to at least one of ideas 1 to 19 or a combination thereof.
[0060] This is complemented by the use of the solution to the task within the enhanced infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on practicality.
[0061] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one transponder is actively designed.
[0062] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one transponder is designed to be passive.
[0063] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one transponder is designed to be programmable.
[0064] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one transponder is designed to be non-programmable.
[0065] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one transponder is designed to be uniquely programmable.
[0066] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one transponder is designed to be programmable multiple times.
[0067] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one transponder is designed as a crypto transponder.
[0068] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one transponder is encrypted or encryptable.
[0069] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one transponder is designed as an RFID transponder.
[0070] According to another aspect of the invention, at least one transponder is designed as a glass transponder.
[0071] In one embodiment, the vehicle is designed as a road vehicle.
[0072] In another embodiment, the vehicle is designed as a passenger car.
[0073] In another embodiment, the vehicle is designed as a truck.
[0074] In another embodiment, the vehicle is designed as an aircraft.
[0075] In another embodiment, the vehicle is designed as a watercraft.
[0076] In a preferred embodiment, a vehicle-specific remote control or vehicle key comprises at least one device for at least electronic identification to charging points. Such a device can, for example, be designed as a transponder. In a simple case, this could be an RFID transponder. These can, for example, be active, in addition to another embodiment in which they are passive.
[0077] As mentioned, this car key contains an RFID transponder, which is designed as a glass transponder, as can be seen in the picture. This crypto transponder is programmed to the electronic immobilizer of the assigned vehicle.
[0078] In a first exemplary embodiment, such an or similar RFID transponder, encompassed by the vehicle key, is used according to the invention to identify itself at least electronically at at least one charging point / charging station, or at least to initialize, authenticate, execute, and financially bill an electric charging process to at least one charging device / charging station. This can, in particular, be a public charging station.
[0079] The drawings, with the exception of drawing 5, show exemplary vehicle keys or remote controls, each comprising at least one transponder according to the invention. These can also be assigned to a specific vehicle within the framework of so-called keyless go systems or similar systems.
[0080] In such cases, for example, the transponders from the relevant vehicle remote controls can be used according to one aspect of the invention. Transponders can preferably be integrated into the devices.
[0081] According to another aspect of the invention, on the other side, at least one independent and at least one additional transponder can also be included in such a device.
[0082] In a second exemplary embodiment, at least one or more RFID transponders are added to a vehicle key or a vehicle remote control.
[0083] Preferably, this at least one added transponder, unlike the transponders of electronic immobilizers, is designed to be programmable multiple times. This means it can be programmed multiple times, for example, to be recognized at specific charging stations within a network of specific charging stations.
[0084] It is also possible to assign several of these transponders to the vehicle keys or remote controls. In this way, multiple charging station networks, operators, etc., can be coded.
[0085] However, it is also possible to choose a transponder with a larger memory, so that multiple identifiers or identities can be programmed in and recognized by the charging devices.
[0086] This creates a device that is a vehicle key or vehicle remote control, which can be set up or programmed by means of at least one further programmable RFID transponder so that at least detectability at charging devices is ensured.
[0087] This device, acting as a vehicle key or vehicle remote control, can then be used according to the invention to identify oneself at least electronically at at least one charging point / charging station, or at least to initialize, authenticate, carry out and financially settle an electric charging process with respect to at least one charging device / charging station.
[0088] This can also be, in particular, a public charging station.
[0089] According to another aspect of the invention, RFID transponders can be cryptographically designed or use cryptographic communication.
[0090] This increases safety and data security.
[0091] In another embodiment, active transponders can also use UWB radio, which is easier to regulate and can be interference-free.
[0092] Another aspect of the invention is that an RFID transponder built into the vehicle key / in a vehicle remote control for communication with charging stations can use different frequencies than an RFID transponder that communicates with an electronic immobilizer.
[0093] Cryptographic methods, for example, can also be implemented differently from one another.
[0094] In a third exemplary embodiment, vehicle controls or vehicle keys according to the invention can be programmed directly in the vehicle, preferably in the vehicle interior, by means of an inductive data interface, preferably on the vehicle side.
[0095] In one example, the RFID transponder of the electronic immobilizer cannot be reprogrammed because, due to the system's design, it can only be learned, i.e., programmed, once, namely when this initial setting is programmed to match the vehicle in question.
[0096] According to another aspect of the invention, transponders for charging point identification are preferably designed to be programmable and reprogrammable multiple times, so that different charging point identifiers or operators can be programmed and thus used, or updated.
[0097] In one exemplary embodiment, an inductive data interface can be used. This can, for example, be organized in storage compartments in the vehicle.
[0098] In another exemplary embodiment, an inductive data interface can be provided, for example, at the steering wheel lock, which is designed to also write to (write to) this transponder. Preferably, this inductive data interface has, for example, both write and read functionality or authorization.
[0099] In a fourth exemplary embodiment, for example, various charging identifiers / charging point operators can be displayed or called up in a (vehicle-side) display, to which a device according to the invention can be programmed.
[0100] These can, for example, be selected by a user as needed and then written electronically to a writable RFID chip of a vehicle remote control / vehicle key.
[0101] In another exemplary embodiment, this can also happen directly in a vehicle. For this purpose, a list can be accessed and displayed on a vehicle display, e.g., via mobile data. This could be a display of a central input device of the vehicle.
[0102] A vehicle-mounted mobile communication module can also be used, for example. It can also be used with a smartphone, for example.
[0103] The person can, for example, select one or more fields. Then, one or more identifiers are written to the RFID chip of the vehicle key or remote control via a vehicle-side inductive interface with a write function.
[0104] This vehicle remote control can, for example, also be located in a steering lock, whereby an inductive data interface with write capability can then write to the key or the remote control. The key can then, for example, be used at the charging station for the charging process.
[0105] These processes can also occur in another form as needed, depending on which charging station or charging station operator appears along the way.
[0106] In a fourth exemplary embodiment, corresponding RFID identifiers for the use of charging points can also be downloaded from the vehicle, e.g. via the vehicle's mobile communication module, similar to "electronic tokens", at least as needed.
[0107] Alternatively, a connected smartphone can be used. The charging points can then be stored in the vehicle's memory and, if needed, for example, after selection on a displayed screen, written to the vehicle key / remote control. The corresponding charging points can then be used, including for financial settlement.
[0108] In a fifth exemplary embodiment, systems such as the plug-and-charge function are additionally used, or such a function can be simulated, for example, by means of at least one transponder or by means of at least one device according to the invention.
[0109] The Plug & Charge function (also abbreviated as P&C or PnC) according to ISO 15118 enables a user-friendly and secure interface between the electric vehicle and a charging station. For each charging process, the user simply connects the electric vehicle and the charging station with the charging cable. The vehicle automatically transmits the data required to authorize the payment transaction to the charging station.
[0110] According to a further aspect of the invention, at least one inductive data interface can now be used in the vehicle interior, at least by reading the vehicle remote control / vehicle key. This eliminates the need for the user to authorize the device using charging cards, payment cards, or apps.
[0111] This application concerns inventive vehicle remote controls and vehicle keys.
[0112] Furthermore, this application concerns vehicles that are equipped for such inventive vehicle remote controls and vehicle keys.
[0113] Furthermore, this application concerns a functional unit consisting of vehicle remote controls or vehicle keys and the vehicle.
[0114] Furthermore, it concerns the charging equipment / charging stations that are set up for such inventive vehicle remote controls and vehicle keys.
[0115] Furthermore, it concerns a functional unit consisting of vehicle remote controls or vehicle keys and charging equipment / charging station.
[0116] Furthermore, it concerns all related procedures and procedures (e.g. key-side, vehicle-side, loading point-side, etc.).
[0117] This also includes, for example, the financial settlements of charging processes that have been or can be obtained in this way.
[0118] This also includes, for example, the programming and programming devices that implement such inventive vehicle remote controls and vehicle keys.
[0119] According to another aspect of the invention, these solutions can also be realized as computer-implemented inventions, using known data processing means, storage means, etc., and also using software, applications and apps.
[0120] Solutions can also be achieved, at least partially, through programming implementation or modifications. This can also be done via updates, including wireless updates, using at least one (vehicle-side) mobile communication module.
[0121] Overall, it concerns facilities, procedures and uses, according to the descriptions, or a combination or multiple combination thereof.
[0122] According to one aspect of the invention, wireless communication between a mobile device functioning as a vehicle key or remote control and an electrical device is understood to mean wireless communication at a distance of only a few centimeters. This is similar, for example, to near-field communication between two devices.
[0123] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, wireless communication is no longer possible as intended or as configured when the devices are more than a few centimeters apart. The devices are designed such that this communication range is precisely achieved, and no more.
[0124] In another embodiment, this can be several dozen meters.
[0125] In another embodiment, this can be several hundred meters.
[0126] According to one aspect of the invention, wireless communication of the mobile device functioning as a vehicle key or remote control – with at least one electrical charging device – is understood to mean wireless communication at a distance of only a few centimeters between the devices. This is similar, for example, to near-field communication between two devices.
[0127] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, wireless communication is no longer possible as intended or as configured when the devices are more than a few centimeters apart. The devices are designed such that this communication range is precisely achieved, and no more.
[0128] In another embodiment, this can be several dozen meters.
[0129] In another embodiment, this can be several hundred meters.
[0130] In an exemplary embodiment, a closer surrounding radius can be a few centimeters.
[0131] In alternative exemplary embodiments, a closer surrounding radius can be a few dozen meters.
[0132] In alternative exemplary embodiments, a closer surrounding radius can be a few hundred meters. Drawings
[0133] All drawings show, in principle and in a highly simplified manner, exemplary embodiments. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings. M Mobile portable device, this executed in the function of a vehicle key or vehicle remote control F vehicle T Transponder E Electric charging device
[0134] Fig. 1. Exemplary wireless communication between M and T with E during the electrical charging of a vehicle F
[0135] Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 Exemplary designs of mobile portable devices, these designed in the function of a vehicle key or a vehicle remote control, each including transponder T (not repeatedly indicated in the drawing)
[0136] Fig. 5. Example design of a transponder T
[0137] Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 Exemplary “internal workings” of mobile portable devices, these implemented in the function of a vehicle key or vehicle remote control
Claims
Mobile portable device, designed to function as a vehicle key or vehicle remote control, at least for making at least one assignable vehicle accessible, characterized in that this mobile portable device comprises at least one transponder, the transponder configured to enable at least one wireless communication, with at least one electrical charging device. Mobile portable device, designed to function as a vehicle key or vehicle remote control, at least for making at least one assignable vehicle accessible, characterized in that this mobile portable device comprises at least one transponder, the transponder configured to enable at least one wireless communication with at least one electrical device. Electrical device according to claim 2, implemented as at least one element of the following selection or combination or multiple combination: terminal device, mobile phone, smartphone, near field communication device (E-NFC), tablet or notebook. Mobile portable device according to at least one of claims 1-2, this device being implemented, at least for making accessible at least one assignable vehicle which includes at least one electrical on-board energy storage device with which this vehicle can be powered, at least partially. Wireless communication according to at least one of claims 1-2, comprising at least one or more of the following elements: initialization, authentication or identification. Wireless communication according to at least one of claims 1-2, 5, during an electrical charging process. Wireless communication according to at least one of claims 1-2, 5, 6, during an electrical charging process of the at least one electrical on-board energy storage device, which comprises this vehicle, which can be assigned to the mobile portable device. Wireless communication according to at least one of claims 1-2, 5-7 which comprises at least one or more of the following elements: payment, electronic payment or billing. Mobile portable device according to at least one of claims 1-2, 4, wherein this is designed to enable wireless mechanical locking of at least one charging cable to the electrical charging device. Mobile device according to at least one of claims 1-2, 4, 9, which comprises at least one electrical energy storage device. Mobile device according to at least one of claims 1-2, 4, 9-10, wherein at least one transponder is designed as a near field communication (NFC) device. Mobile device according to at least one of claims 1 - 2 , 4 , 9 - 11 , wherein at least one transponder is designed as a Bluetooth communication device (BZ). Mobile device according to at least one of claims 1-2, 4, 9-12, wherein at least one transponder is designed as a near field communication (NFC) device. Mobile device according to at least one of claims 1-2, 4, 9-13 configured for communication from its radio range in a closer surrounding radius. Mobile device according to at least one of claims 1 - 2 , 4 , 9 - 14 designed without mobile communication. Vehicle with at least one mobile device according to at least one of claims 1-2, 4, 9-15. Electric charging device, configured to communicate with at least one mobile device according to at least one of claims 1-2, 4, 9-15 or a combination thereof. Electric charging device according to claim 17, configured for electrically charging at least one vehicle according to claim 16. Method for wireless communication of at least one mobile device according to at least one of claims 1-2, 4, 9-15 with at least one electrical charging device according to at least one of claims 17-18. Use of at least one device or at least one method according to at least one of claims 1 to 19 or a combination thereof.