METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR COMPARING THE POSITION OF A VEHICLE WITH A ZONE WITHIN AN ENVIRONMENTAL MAPPING

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a system for comparing the position of a vehicle (200) with a rectangular zone (202) within an environment map (204), wherein an intelligent charging function of a charging station (206) for charging a battery of the vehicle (200) is available in the rectangular zone (202), the method comprising the steps: providing anonymized position information (208) of the rectangular zone (202); providing two-dimensional offset information (212) to the rectangular zone (202); providing position information (218) of the vehicle (200) within the environment map (204); determining an offset position information (219) of the vehicle (200) using the reciprocal two-dimensional offset information (212);Generating an anonymized offset position information (220) for the offset position information (219) of the vehicle (200) by hashing a raster element (222) representing the offset position information (219) using a cryptographic algorithm; and comparing the anonymized position information (208) of the rectangular zone (202) with the anonymized offset position information (220) of the vehicle (200).

Description

[0001] The disclosure relates to a method for anonymously comparing the position of a vehicle with a rectangular zone within an environmental map. The disclosure also relates to a system for anonymously comparing the position of a vehicle with a rectangular zone within an environmental map.

[0002] The increasing use of electric vehicles and the growing availability of dynamic electricity tariffs necessitate intelligent solutions for optimizing charging processes. Particularly in the home sector, there is a high demand for systems that can manage charging processes cost-effectively by taking electricity prices into account in real time. The goal is to increase the attractiveness and acceptance of such solutions by making them accessible to a broad target group – regardless of the charging technology used or its manufacturer.

[0003] This is addressed in particular by the introduction of so-called "backend charging." With this approach, charging processes are not controlled via a manufacturer-specific wallbox, but directly via the vehicle manufacturer's backend. The charging signals and charging plans are transmitted wirelessly to the vehicle and executed there. This architecture makes it possible to implement intelligent charging processes even with charging stations, such as wallboxes, from third-party providers, thus significantly expanding the user base. One element of this solution is the ability to identify the vehicle's location and determine whether it is in a location (also called a "zone") where an intelligent charging plan is available.

[0004] A typical scenario is the home area, where the vehicle owner has a dynamic electricity tariff that supports intelligent, and especially cost-optimized, charging plans. Alternatively, such zones can also exist in other locations, such as the workplace. To determine whether a vehicle is in such a zone, the prior art typically uses a method in which GPS coordinates with a radius of, for example, 30 meters accuracy are defined as the zone. A vehicle is then considered to be within the zone if its current GPS coordinates lie within this radius.

[0005] However, this conventional method poses significant challenges regarding data protection. The zone coordinates are typically linked to a unique vehicle identifier (e.g., the VIN), which could reveal sensitive information such as the vehicle owner's home address.

[0006] Publication US 2012 / 0203663 A1 discloses a method and device for authentication using physical location, in one embodiment as a second factor in an authentication process. The method includes the steps of obtaining verified location data based on the actual physical location of a verifying party. The actual physical location is anonymized through an anonymization process to conceal it. This allows the use of the location data while protecting the privacy of the verifying party.

[0007] German patent application DE 10 2020 210 992 A1 discloses a method for recognizing at least one waypoint from a set of waypoints on a route, wherein a hash value is stored for each of the set of waypoints, comprising repeatedly determining hash values ​​for each waypoint on the route based on information about the waypoint and on a previous hash value; comparing the hash values ​​thus determined with the stored hash values; and, if a determined hash value matches one of the stored hash values, initiating a measure.

[0008] Publication US 2020 / 0012815A1 discloses a method for stepwise pseudonymization of position data, comprising: generating a sequence of relative positions from a sequence of absolute positions of a moving object; randomly ordering the sequence of relative positions using at least one random number sequence generated from at least one seed; in response to receiving an analysis request containing at least one seed, reconstructing the sequence of relative positions from the randomly ordered sequence of relative positions; and in response to receiving an analysis request containing both the at least one seed and at least one absolute position derived from the sequence of absolute positions, reconstructing the sequence of absolute positions from the randomly ordered sequence of relative positions.

[0009] Therefore, a solution is needed that allows zone information to be stored anonymously without affecting the functionality of zone verification.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system for the intelligent charging of a vehicle that addresses the aforementioned challenges and, in particular, provides a data protection-enhanced solution.

[0011] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims.

[0012] The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for anonymously comparing the position of a vehicle with a rectangular zone within an environmental map. Within this rectangular zone, an intelligent charging function of a charging station for charging the vehicle's battery, or another function for the vehicle, is available or can be used by the vehicle. The intelligent charging function enables, for example, time- and / or cost-optimized charging of the vehicle's battery. Another function could consist of the presence of a pharmacy, police station, shop, or other address of interest to the driver of the vehicle, e.g., a navigation destination, within the rectangular zone.

[0013] The procedure comprises the following steps: providing anonymized position information of the rectangular zone, wherein the anonymized position information of the rectangular zone is generated by hashing a raster element representing the rectangular zone using a cryptographic algorithm; providing two-dimensional offset information for the rectangular zone, wherein the two-dimensional offset information describes an offset between a center point of the raster element representing the rectangular zone and a center point of the rectangular zone; providing position information of the vehicle within the environment mapping;Determining an offset position information of the vehicle using the reciprocal, two-dimensional offset information, wherein the two-dimensional offset information with a negated sign is taken into account to determine the offset position information (219) of the vehicle (200) from the position information (218) of the vehicle (200); generating an anonymized offset position information for the offset position information of the vehicle by hashing a raster element representing the offset position information using a cryptographic algorithm;and comparing the anonymized position information of the rectangular zone with the anonymized offset position information of the vehicle to anonymously align the vehicle's position with the position range of the rectangular zone. If the anonymized position information of the rectangular zone matches the anonymized offset position information of the vehicle, the vehicle's position is assumed to be within the position range of the rectangular zone. The vehicle's position is then considered aligned with the position range of the rectangular zone.

[0014] The anonymized location information describes a geographic position presented in such a way as to protect user privacy, i.e., to keep the actual location or geographic coordinates of the zone unknown to the surrounding area. The exact position of the zone is not directly specified, but rather replaced by an abstract representation.

[0015] The rectangular zone within an environmental mapping is a defined, rectangular area on a map, within which the exact position of the charging station lies. This zone serves as a basis for specifying the charging station's position not precisely, but only within this predefined tolerance range.

[0016] Hashing a raster element representing the rectangular zone using a cryptographic algorithm describes the process of converting a raster element representing the rectangular zone into an encrypted string. This process ensures that the positional information is anonymized, as the resulting string does not allow any inferences to be made about the exact coordinates within the zone or to the representing raster element. Combined, this method makes it possible to specify a position on a map in an abstract form without compromising the privacy of the individual concerned. The representing raster element is preferably located at a position within a predetermined grid of a map, determined by the rasterization algorithm, which maps the surrounding area.

[0017] The two-dimensional offset information describes the offset between the center point of the rectangular grid element representing the rectangular zone and a center point of the rectangular zone. This offset is preferably applied within the plane of the surrounding grid. For example, starting from the center point of the rectangular grid element representing the rectangular zone, the offset to the center point of the rectangular zone can be calculated in two predefined navigation directions, such as north and east, south and west, north and west, or south and east. These two predefined navigation directions preferably define the two dimensions of the two-dimensional offset information. Within the same grid plane, the two predefined navigation directions are preferably orthogonal to each other.Alternatively, the offset between the center point of the rectangular grid element representing the rectangular zone and the center point of the rectangular zone can be determined by the distance and angle between the two centers. The offset can therefore be defined using preferably two-dimensional Cartesian or polar coordinates. Three-dimensional Cartesian or spherical coordinates can also be used to determine the offset, with the possibility of conversion to two dimensions. The offset information is determined starting from the center point of the grid element preferably closest to the zone. A suitable zoom level is selected with respect to the zone size, such that the grid element size(s) preferably correspond substantially, i.e., up to ± 30%, to the zone size.The two-dimensional offset information is preferably stored unencrypted as real length values ​​in the two dimensions together with the anonymized position information.

[0018] Providing the vehicle's position information within the environment mapping can be done, for example, by providing the vehicle's GPS coordinates or by providing other geographical information describing the vehicle's position.

[0019] Determining the vehicle's offset position information preferably describes a process in which the vehicle's current position is determined relative to the anonymized position. This is achieved by using reciprocal, two-dimensional offset information, which specifies the difference between the reference position and the vehicle's actual position in two dimensions, in this case, two (map) navigation directions. The two dimensions can be arranged at a substantially right angle to each other. Using this offset information, the vehicle's position is calculated taking into account the offset of the anonymized position information. The reciprocal property ensures that the offset assigned to the anonymized position information can be interpreted as either positive or negative, depending on the direction of the deviation determined by the offset.In this context, "reciprocal" means that the determined offset information is applied with a negated sign to determine the vehicle's offset position information. For example, if the offset information determined to be +20 meters north, -30 meters east relative to the center point of the grid element representing the rectangular zone, the vehicle's actual position is "corrected" by -20 meters north, +30 meters east—that is, by the reciprocal, two-dimensional offset information—to determine the vehicle's offset position information. The offset position information is preferably determined by shifting the actual vehicle position within the grid plane by the reciprocal, two-dimensional offset information.

[0020] The representing grid element can only partially map the zone because the position of the grid element within the environment mapping is precisely defined by the rasterization algorithm, while the position of the zone within the raster can, of course, vary. To resolve this potential discrepancy, offset information is determined. This allows for cases where the center point of the zone lies near a grid boundary, and the zone could therefore potentially be assigned to up to four grids representing it. Determining the offset information enables a unique assignment of a grid element to represent the zone. In other words, the additional offset information renders a potentially inaccurate or incorrect grid assignment to a zone irrelevant in subsequent calculations, as this inaccuracy is no longer relevant.Inaccuracy can be compensated for by the additional offset information.

[0021] Comparing the anonymized position information of the rectangular zone with the anonymized offset position information of the vehicle preferably indicates that if the anonymized and preferably stored position information of the rectangular zone or the hashed value is identical to the anonymized offset position information of the vehicle, the vehicle is located in the zone, and therefore charging the battery via an intelligent charging function is available.

[0022] The present invention thus addresses data protection difficulties by enabling complete anonymization of the location data of both the charging station and the vehicle. Hashing allows for the encryption of the location data, making it impossible or at least significantly more difficult for a potential external attacker to access the actual location data of the charging station and / or the vehicle. This is particularly advantageous when the charging station is located in the home of a vehicle owner whose geographical location should remain unknown for security reasons, or at least should not be directly linked to the vehicle. Such data protection is especially important in applications where the vehicle is charged wirelessly, i.e.,Over-the-air (OTA) instructions, such as charging protocols, are received preferentially, as external attackers could potentially gain access to a home network via the vehicle. Furthermore, the two-dimensional offset information allows for a less demanding zoom level in the rasterization, thus saving computing power. For example, the rasterization can be made somewhat coarser, with any uncertainties compensated for by the two-dimensional offset information. This two-dimensional offset information, in turn, can be calculated very easily, requiring minimal computing power.

[0023] The term "vehicle" encompasses any system for transporting people and goods on roads, e.g., cars, trucks, buses, motorhomes, motorcycles, on rails, on water, or in the air. The vehicle can be powered by a hybrid or purely electric drive. Public or private charging stations can utilize the procedure. Any battery suitable for an electric or hybrid application, e.g., a lithium-ion battery, also called a lithium-ion accumulator or lithium battery, can be used. The terms "battery" and "accumulator" are synonymous.

[0024] The invention proposes a novel method for storing and verifying zones that meets data protection requirements by avoiding the linking of sensitive data. The proposed solution ensures efficient determination of whether a vehicle is within a zone while simultaneously protecting user privacy.

[0025] In this context, a "zone" is defined as a location where an intelligent charging plan is available with regard to the charging infrastructure and / or other charging conditions and / or environmental conditions.

[0026] Raster elements are preferably rectangular sections or tiles. These raster elements, or tiles, are used to efficiently represent geographic and / or visual data. Tiles are particularly common in digital mapping applications and geographic information systems (GIS). When using tiles, the Earth's surface is preferably divided into a grid of squares or rectangles. These tiles are preferably generated at different resolutions or zoom levels. At lower zoom levels, a single tile covers a large area of ​​the Earth, while at higher zoom levels, more detail becomes visible because each tile represents a smaller area. Tiles can preferably be in two main forms: raster data and vector data. Raster tiles preferably comprise pixel-based images, which are preferably used for background maps or satellite imagery.Vector tiles preferably include geometric and attribute-based information that allows maps to be dynamically rendered and adapted.

[0027] It is preferred that the raster element representing the rectangular zone is selected from a predetermined rasterization generated by a geographic rasterization algorithm.

[0028] The raster element representing the rectangular zone should ideally originate from a predefined and standardized raster. This raster is preferably generated using a geographic rasterization algorithm that divides the Earth's surface into uniform, predefined sections. This ensures that the rectangular zone is located within a uniform and consistent system, enabling clear and unambiguous identification and processing within geographic data.

[0029] It is still preferred that the rasterization algorithm incorporates a QuadTile algorithm or a Geohash algorithm.

[0030] QuadTiles are preferably a data structure and format used in geographic information systems and cartography to efficiently and securely store and process geographic data. The term "quad" is preferably derived from "quadtree," a hierarchical data structure used to partition two-dimensional spaces. In QuadTiles, the Earth's surface is divided into a hierarchical structure of squares organized into multiple zoom levels. Each of these squares preferably represents a specific section of the Earth's surface. This structure enables efficient storage because data is stored only at the zoom levels relevant to the desired resolution, reducing storage requirements and allowing for fast reloading. The subdivision into smaller squares at higher zoom levels allows for the precise representation of detailed data.Quad tiles cover the entire Earth's surface and are preferably organized based on the Web Mercator projection system or similar projections. Each tile has a unique identifier, ideally consisting of the zoom level and X and Y coordinates. Quad tiles are already used in mapping services such as Google Maps, Bing Maps, and OpenStreetMap. They are also used for visualizing large geographic datasets such as satellite imagery or vector data, as well as for spatial analyses in urban planning and traffic monitoring. One advantage of quad tiles is their scalability, as they can process data at different resolutions, and their efficiency, since only the necessary data is loaded. For example, at zoom level 0, the world is displayed as a single square, at zoom level 1 it is divided into four squares, and at each subsequent zoom level it is further subdivided into increasingly smaller sections.At zoom level 1, the two tiles from zoom level 0 are split again, resulting in four tiles with indices 00, 01, 10, and 11. This method allows for the precise organization, visualization, and analysis of large geographic datasets. For the present use case of QuadTiles, a zoom level of 18 or higher is particularly preferred. At a zoom level of 18, the tiles preferably have 19-digit indices (for example, "0000 0000 0000 0000 001").

[0031] A geohash, or geohashing, is a method for encoding geographic coordinates, i.e., latitude and longitude, into a compact string of letters and numbers. This string preferably serves as a compressed representation of a geographic area based on a recursive rasterization of the Earth's surface. The Earth is divided into a grid, and each area is assigned a unique code. The more characters a geohash contains, the smaller the covered area and the more precise the position. The encoding is preferably based on a binary representation of the coordinates, with latitude and longitude being alternately converted into a single sequence. This sequence is then preferably translated into a Base32 string. The length of the geohash preferably determines its accuracy.A geohash with few characters preferably describes a larger region, while a geohash with many characters can preferably specify an exact position down to the centimeter. Geohashes enable efficient spatial queries. Because geographically close points share similar geohash prefixes, proximity relationships can be easily identified, which is particularly useful for search algorithms, such as the one used for zone matching, and for indexing.

[0032] A Web Mercator tile system can also be used. Other raster algorithms are also possible.

[0033] It is further preferred that a grid element size of the grid element representing the rectangular zone corresponds to a grid element size of the grid element representing the offset position information.

[0034] The grid element size, i.e., the dimensions or scale of the grid element representing the rectangular zone, preferably corresponds to the grid element size of the grid element representing the offset position information. Thus, both grid elements are preferably located at the same zoom level. The grid element size determines how finely or coarsely the Earth's surface or an area is divided into grid sections. When both grid elements have the same size, it is ensured that the spatial resolution is identical and that both grid elements are aligned. This allows for a direct and precise mapping of the offset position information to the rectangular zone without the need for conversion or adjustment. This increases the accuracy in the calculation, processing, and display of the geographic data.

[0035] It is still preferred that the raster element size can be selected by a zoom level of the geographic rasterization algorithm.

[0036] The size of the raster element used to display geographic data can be flexibly determined by selecting a zoom level of the geographic rasterization algorithm. A geographic rasterization algorithm divides the Earth's surface into raster elements, with the size of these elements depending on the chosen zoom level. Lower zoom levels produce larger raster elements that cover larger geographic areas, while higher zoom levels produce smaller raster elements that provide more detailed information. This flexibility allows the raster element size to be adapted to the specific requirements of an application. An example of this is the Web Mercator tile system, as used in digital maps.

[0037] Using the QuadTile algorithm as an example, at zoom level 0 the entire Earth's surface is divided into a single large square covering the entire globe. At zoom level 1, this square is subdivided into four equal squares, so that each of these tiles represents a quarter of the Earth's surface. At zoom level 2, each of the tiles from zoom level 1 is again subdivided into four squares, so that the Earth's surface now consists of a total of 16 tiles. At higher zoom levels, the subdivision continues. At zoom level 10, for example, the Earth consists of 1024x1024 tiles, with each tile covering an area several kilometers wide. At zoom level 15, the subdivision is so fine that each tile represents an area of ​​approximately 100 meters x 100 meters.

[0038] It is further preferred that the grid element size corresponds to the size of the rectangular zone or deviates from the size of the rectangular zone by up to 10%, preferably up to 20%, and particularly preferably up to 30%.

[0039] In other words, the grid element size can essentially correspond to the size of the rectangular zone. The grid element size preferably describes an area or surface area of ​​the grid element. The grid element size can also be determined by the dimensions of the grid element, e.g., its length and width. The zone size preferably describes an area or surface area of ​​the zone. The zone size can also be determined by the dimensions of the zone, e.g., its length and width.

[0040] It is still preferred that the two-dimensional offset information for the rectangular zone is determined in the dimensions of a plane of a rasterization of the environment mapping belonging to the representing raster elements.

[0041] This means that the two-dimensional offset information, which describes the deviation or distance within a rectangular zone, is calculated in relation to the dimensions of a plane that is part of the environmental mapping grid. The environmental mapping grid serves as the reference system, and the offset information is determined within the same spatial division defined by the grid elements. This ensures that the offset information accurately matches the structure and scales of the grid used.

[0042] It is further preferred that the procedure also includes further encryption of the anonymized position information and / or the anonymized offset position information using a Pepper value or a vehicle VIN.

[0043] This means that the already anonymized or hashed position information and / or the anonymized offset position information is further protected by additional encryption, for example, using a so-called pepper value or the vehicle identification number (VIN). A pepper value is a secret, randomly generated value that is added to the original information during the encryption process to increase security. The vehicle VIN is a unique identifier assigned to each vehicle and can also be used as additional input for encryption. This additional encryption ensures that even in the event of an attack on the system, the position information and / or the anonymized offset position information cannot be decrypted without knowledge of the pepper value or the VIN.

[0044] An example of the use of a Pepper value: A hashed position information such as "a3f2c9" is further encrypted by combining it with a secret Pepper value such as "x7g9k2", so that the final result is a more complex hash that cannot be traced back even if the original hash is known.

[0045] An example of how the vehicle VIN is used: The hashed position information "a3f2c9" is additionally combined with the vehicle's VIN, for example "1HGCM82633A123456", and re-encrypted to generate a new hash. This ensures that the position information can only be interpreted within the context of the specific vehicle.

[0046] It is still preferred that the cryptographic algorithm be a SHA-256 algorithm or a SHA-1 algorithm or a SHA-224 algorithm or a SHA-384 algorithm or a SHA-512 algorithm or a SHA-3 algorithm or a RIPEMD-160 algorithm or a BLAKE2 algorithm or a BLAKE3 algorithm or a Whirlpool algorithm or an MD5 algorithm or a Tiger algorithm.

[0047] SHA-256 is preferably a cryptographic hash algorithm belonging to the SHA (Secure Hash Algorithm) family and is preferably used for data integrity and authentication. Similar algorithms include SHA-1, an older algorithm with a 160-bit hash value. SHA-224 is a variant of SHA-256 with a 224-bit hash value. SHA-384 and SHA-512 are variants with longer hash values ​​of 384 and 512 bits, respectively, with SHA-512 being suitable for particularly high security requirements. SHA-3, a newer member of the family, is based on the Keccak algorithm and offers additional security through a different internal structure. Other similar algorithms include RIPEMD-160, a 160-bit hash algorithm developed as an alternative to SHA-1, and BLAKE2. BLAKE3 is an evolution of BLAKE2, which is even faster and supports parallel processing.Whirlpool, an algorithm with a 512-bit hash value, also offers high security. Algorithms like MD5, which generates a 128-bit hash value, are also possible. Tiger, an algorithm optimized for 64-bit systems, preferably offers high speed.

[0048] It is further preferred that the method also includes charging the vehicle's battery using the intelligent charging function of the charging station when the anonymized position information of the rectangular zone matches the anonymized offset position information of the vehicle.

[0049] If the vehicle is in a zone where smart charging is available, the charging function can be initiated by the vehicle's user. Various charging technologies are conceivable, from cable-based charging to inductive charging. Smart charging is preferably controlled by charging protocols and / or charging signals that can be provided directly to the vehicle.

[0050] It is still preferred that the intelligent charging function, based on charging signals and / or a charging plan, is wirelessly transmitted to the vehicle and / or the charging station via a vehicle manufacturer's backend and executed by a charging controller of the vehicle and / or the charging station, if the anonymized position information of the rectangular zone matches the anonymized offset position information of the vehicle.

[0051] The vehicle's or charging station's charging controller then executes the charging function based on the received signals or the schedule. This enables centralized control and optimization of the charging process, for example, taking into account energy prices, grid load, or charging preferences. An example of sending charging signals: A vehicle receives a signal via the backend that postpones the charging process to a specific period when electricity tariffs are lower, such as between 11:00 PM and 5:00 AM. The vehicle's charging controller waits accordingly before starting the charging process. An example of sending a charging schedule: A charging schedule is sent via the backend to the charging station, specifying that the vehicle will be charged to 50% to ensure sufficient energy for a short trip, and the remaining charge will be carried out at a later time when grid loads are lower.The charging station adjusts the charging power according to the plan and communicates this to the vehicle.

[0052] The invention also includes a system for anonymized comparison of a vehicle's position with a rectangular zone within an environment mapping, wherein an intelligent charging function of a charging station for charging a vehicle's battery is available in the rectangular zone.The system comprises a provisioning unit configured to provide anonymized position information of the rectangular zone, wherein the anonymized position information of the rectangular zone is generated by hashing a raster element representing the rectangular zone using a cryptographic algorithm; to provide two-dimensional offset information for the rectangular zone, wherein the two-dimensional offset information describes an offset between a center point of the raster element representing the rectangular zone and a center point of the rectangular zone; and to provide position information of the vehicle within the environment mapping.Furthermore, the system includes an evaluation unit configured to determine the vehicle's offset position information using the reciprocal, two-dimensional offset information, taking into account the two-dimensional offset information with a negated sign to determine the vehicle's offset position information from the vehicle's position information, to generate anonymized offset position information for the vehicle's offset position information by hashing a raster element representing the offset position information using a cryptographic algorithm, and to compare the anonymized position information of the rectangular zone with the anonymized offset position information of the vehicle to anonymously match the vehicle's position with the position area of ​​the rectangular zone.If the anonymized position information of the rectangular zone matches the anonymized offset position information of the vehicle, the vehicle's position is assumed to lie within the rectangular zone's position area. The vehicle's position is then considered to be aligned with the rectangular zone's position area.

[0053] The invention also includes a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the method is executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the method.

[0054] The invention also includes a computer-readable medium on which the computer program product is stored.

[0055] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the figures and are described in more detail below. Unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals are used for identical and equivalently acting elements.

[0056] They show: Fig. 1 a schematic block diagram of a system according to the invention which can perform process steps according to the invention, and Fig. 2 a schematic representation of an environment mapping, by means of which the method according to the invention can be explained.

[0057] The invention is considered in conjunction with the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 explained. Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of the present system 100. The system 100 is configured to execute the present procedure or the present procedure steps.

[0058] System 100 is set up for the anonymized comparison of the position of a vehicle 200 with a rectangular zone 202 within an environmental map 204. Within the rectangular zone 202, an intelligent charging function of a charging station 206 is available for charging the battery of the vehicle 200.

[0059] System 100 comprises a provisioning unit 102, which is configured to provide, in step S1, anonymized position information 208 of rectangular zone 202. This anonymized position information 208 of rectangular zone 202 is generated by hashing a raster element 210 representing rectangular zone 202 using a cryptographic algorithm. The cryptographic algorithm can be executable on System 100. Alternatively, the cryptographic algorithm can also be executable on another system, so that System 100 only receives the already anonymized or hashed position information 208. This can potentially save computing resources.The cryptographic algorithm includes, for example, a SHA-256 algorithm, a SHA-1 algorithm, a SHA-224 algorithm, a SHA-384 algorithm, a SHA-512 algorithm, a SHA-3 algorithm, a RIPEMD-160 algorithm, a BLAKE2 algorithm, a BLAKE3 algorithm, a Whirlpool algorithm, an MD5 algorithm, or a Tiger algorithm.

[0060] The raster element 210, representing the rectangular zone 202, is selected from a predetermined rasterization generated by a geographic rasterization algorithm. The rasterization algorithm may be a QuadTile algorithm or a Geohash algorithm. The rasterization algorithm may be executable on System 100. Alternatively, the rasterization algorithm may also be executable on another system.

[0061] The provisioning unit 102 is configured to provide, in step S2, two-dimensional offset information 212 for the rectangular zone 202, wherein the two-dimensional offset information 212 describes an offset between a center point 214 of the grid element 210 representing the rectangular zone 202 and a center point 216 of the rectangular zone 202. The two dimensions in which the offset information 212 is determined are labeled D1 and D2. The two-dimensional offset information 212 for the rectangular zone 202 is preferably determined in the dimensions of a plane of a grid of the environment mapping 204 belonging to the representing grid element 210, 222. The dimensions D1 and D2 can be defined as shown in Fig. 2 are shown arranged at essentially right angles to each other.

[0062] The provisioning unit 102 is set up to provide, in step S3, a position information 218 of the vehicle 200 within the environment mapping 204.

[0063] Steps S1 to S3 do not have to be performed in the listed order, but can vary as desired.

[0064] Furthermore, the system has an evaluation unit 104, which is configured to determine, in step S4, an offset position information 219 of the vehicle 200 using the reciprocal, two-dimensional offset information 212. The reciprocal inclusion of the offset position information 219 is indicated by -D1, -D2.

[0065] The evaluation unit 104 is further configured to generate, in step S5, an anonymized offset position information 220 corresponding to the offset position information 219 of the vehicle 200 by hashing a raster element 222 representing the offset position information 219 using a cryptographic algorithm. This is preferably the same cryptographic algorithm as in step S1. The raster element size of the raster element 210 representing the rectangular zone 202 preferably corresponds to the raster element size of the raster element 222 representing the offset position information 219. The raster element size is preferably selectable by a zoom level of the geographic rasterization algorithm.

[0066] The evaluation unit 104 is further configured to compare, in step S6, the anonymized position information 208 of the rectangular zone 202 with the anonymized offset position information 220 of the vehicle 200 in order to anonymously compare the position of the vehicle 200 with the position range of the rectangular zone 202. If the anonymized position information 208 of the rectangular zone 202 matches the anonymized offset position information 220 of the vehicle 200, it is assumed that the position of the vehicle 200 lies within the position range of the rectangular zone 202.

[0067] The grid element size of a size of rectangular zone 202 corresponds to the size of rectangular zone 202 or deviates by up to 10%, preferably up to 20%, particularly preferably up to 30% from the size of rectangular zone 202.

[0068] The anonymized position information 208 and / or the anonymized offset position information 220 can be further encrypted and thus further protected using a Pepper value or a vehicle identification number.

[0069] If the anonymized position information 208 of the rectangular zone 202 matches the anonymized offset position information 220 of the vehicle 200, the battery of the vehicle 200 can be charged using the intelligent charging function of the charging station 206. The intelligent charging function is transmitted wirelessly to the vehicle 200 and / or the charging station 206 via a vehicle manufacturer's backend, based, for example, on the basis of charging signals and / or a charging plan, and is executed by a charging controller of the vehicle 200 and / or the charging station 206.

[0070] The features of the invention described with reference to the embodiments shown may also be present in other embodiments of the invention, unless otherwise stated or is prohibited for technical reasons. REFERENCE MARK LIST 100 System 102 Deployment Unit 104 evaluation unit 200 vehicles Zone 202 204 Environment mapping 206 charging stations 208 anonymized positional information 210 grid element 212 two-dimensional offset information 214 Center point 216 Center point 218 Position information 219 Offset Position Information 220 anonymized offset position information 222 further grid element D1 Dimension D2 Dimension S1 Procedure step S2 process step S3 process step S4 Procedure step S5 Procedure step S6 Procedure step

Claims

[1] Computer-implemented method for anonymized matching of a position of a vehicle (200) with a position range of a rectangular zone (202) within an environment mapping (204), wherein a function for the vehicle, for example an intelligent charging function of a charging station (206) for charging a battery of the vehicle (200), is available in the rectangular zone (202), the method comprising the steps: - Providing (S1) an anonymized position information (208) of the rectangular zone (202), wherein the anonymized position information (208) of the rectangular zone (202) is generated by hashing a raster element (210) representing the rectangular zone (202) using a cryptographic algorithm; - Providing (S2) a two-dimensional offset information (212) to the rectangular zone (202), wherein the two-dimensional offset information (212) describes an offset between a center point (214) of the grid element (210) representing the rectangular zone (202) and a center point (216) of the rectangular zone (202); - Providing (S3) position information (218) of the vehicle (200) within the environment mapping (204); - Determining (S4) an offset position information (219) of the vehicle (200) using the reciprocal, two-dimensional offset information (212); wherein the two-dimensional offset information (212) with a negated sign is taken into account to determine the offset position information (219) of the vehicle (200) from the position information (218) of the vehicle (200); - Generating (S5) an anonymized offset position information (220) for the offset position information (219) of the vehicle (200) by hashing a raster element (222) representing the offset position information (219) using the cryptographic algorithm; and - Comparing (S6) the anonymized position information (208) of the rectangular zone (202) with the anonymized offset position information (220) of the vehicle (200) to anonymizedly compare the position of the vehicle (200) with the position area of ​​the rectangular zone (202). [2] Method according to claim 1, wherein the grid element (210) representing the rectangular zone (202) is selected from a predetermined grid generated by a geographic grid algorithm. [3] Method according to claim 2, wherein the rasterization algorithm comprises a QuadTile algorithm or a Geohash algorithm. [4] Method according to claim 2 or 3, wherein a grid element size of the grid element (210) representing the rectangular zone (202) corresponds to a grid element size of the grid element (222) representing the offset position information (219). [5] Method according to claim 4, wherein the raster element size can be selected by a zoom level of the geographic rasterization algorithm. [6] Method according to claim 4, wherein the grid element size corresponds to a size of the rectangular zone (202) or deviates by up to 10%, preferably up to 20%, particularly preferably up to 30% from the size of the rectangular zone (202). [7] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the two-dimensional offset information (212) to the rectangular zone (202) is determined in the dimensions of a plane of a rasterization of the environment mapping (204) belonging to the representing raster element (210). [8] Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising further encrypting the anonymized position information (208) and / or the anonymized offset position information (220) by means of a Pepper value. [9] Method according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising further encrypting the anonymized position information (208) and / or the anonymized offset position information (220) by means of a vehicle VIN of the vehicle (200). [10] Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the cryptographic algorithm comprises a SHA-256 algorithm or a SHA-1 algorithm or a SHA-224 algorithm or a SHA-384 algorithm or a SHA-512 algorithm or a SHA-3 algorithm or a RIPEMD-160 algorithm or a BLAKE2 algorithm or a BLAKE3 algorithm or a Whirlpool algorithm or an MD5 algorithm or a Tiger algorithm. [11] Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising performing the function for the vehicle, for example charging the battery of the vehicle (200) by means of the intelligent charging function of the charging station (206), when the anonymized position information (208) of the rectangular zone (202) matches the anonymized offset position information (220) of the vehicle (200). [12] Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intelligent charging function is wirelessly transmitted to the vehicle (200) and / or the charging station (206) via a vehicle manufacturer's backend based on charging signals and / or a charging plan and is executed by a charging controller of the vehicle (200) and / or the charging station (206) when the anonymized position information (208) of the rectangular zone (202) matches the anonymized offset position information (220) of the vehicle (200). [13] System (100) for anonymized matching of a position of a vehicle (200) with a position range of a rectangular zone (202) within an environment mapping (204), wherein a function for the vehicle, for example an intelligent charging function of a charging station (206) for charging a battery of the vehicle (200), is available in the rectangular zone (202), comprising: a provisioning unit (102) that is set up for this purpose: to provide an anonymized position information (208) of the rectangular zone (202), wherein the anonymized position information (208) of the rectangular zone (202) is generated by hashing a raster element (210) representing the rectangular zone (202) using a cryptographic algorithm; to provide two-dimensional offset information (212) to the rectangular zone (202), wherein the two-dimensional offset information (212) describes an offset between a center point (214) of the grid element (210) representing the rectangular zone (202) and a center point (216) of the rectangular zone (202); and to provide position information (208) of the vehicle (200) within the environment mapping (204); an evaluation unit (104) which is set up to to determine an offset position information (219) of the vehicle (200) using the reciprocal, two-dimensional offset information (212); where the two-dimensional offset information (212) with negated sign is taken into account to determine the offset position information (219) of the vehicle (200) from the position information (218) of the vehicle (200); to generate an anonymized offset position information (220) to the offset position information (219) of the vehicle (200) by hashing a raster element (222) representing the offset position information (219) using the cryptographic algorithm; and to compare the anonymized position information (208) of the rectangular zone (202) with the anonymized offset position information (220) of the vehicle (200) for the anonymized comparison of the position of the vehicle (200) with the position area of ​​the rectangular zone (202). [14] Computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to execute the method according to any one of claims 1 to 12. [15] Computer-readable medium on which the computer program product according to the preceding claim is stored.

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