Electric vehicle charging station management

Abstract

An arrangement for managing a charging station for an electric vehicle includes an arrangement for receiving an encrypted identification code of the charging station from one of two routes for receiving the identification code, the first route including one configured using general purpose reader software and a browser and the second route including one configured using a specific application, and the identification code and the selected route are used to route a workflow to initiate a charging session or other charging station workflow.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to charging stations for electric vehicles. In particular, the present disclosure relates to managing charging stations and initiating charging sessions at charging stations. [Background technology]

[0002] Electric vehicle charging stations are used for charging electric cars and other electric vehicles. In this disclosure, the term "charging station" is used for an arrangement that includes a suitable socket for connecting a charging cable to a vehicle, typically a passenger car. Typically, a charging session is started after identifying a user and / or a vehicle. Identification can be performed, for example, using an identification tag or a mobile application.

[0003] When an electric vehicle arrives at a charging station, it is generally difficult to know who is operating the charging station. In some areas, there are multiple charging operators with variable conditions for charging. The price may depend heavily on the membership that the charging operator may have. Charging operators may have different fee structures for different members and may also allow charging by non-members, but generally at a higher price. Some charging stations are not for public use and cannot be used by customers even if they are willing to pay a higher fee.

[0004] A common problem for electric vehicle drivers is that many charging stations do not have the necessary information clearly visible and available. Thus, drivers may not know if the correct mobile application or tag usage is possible or necessary. Charging stations may have additional information in the form of stickers, etc., but the information may be out of date or incorrect.

[0005] The information may be given in the form of text, barcode, QR code, etc. QR codes are commonly used because they are machine readable and have a standardized mode that makes them easy to use for various applications, but in this case a camera must be used to read the information. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure discloses an arrangement for managing a charging station for an electric vehicle, including an arrangement for receiving an encrypted identification code of the charging station from one of two routes for receiving the identification code, the first route including configured using general purpose reader software and a browser and the second route including configured using a specific application, and the identification code and selected route are used to route a workflow for initiating a charging session or other charging station workflow.

[0007] In one aspect, an apparatus is disclosed, the apparatus including at least one processor configured to execute computer program code, at least one memory configured to store the computer program code, and at least one network interface configured to communicate with an external data communication device, the apparatus configured to receive an encrypted unique identification code of a charging station from a World Wide Web server or an application server, and a service server configured to determine an origin of the received encrypted unique identification code of the charging station, decrypt the received encrypted unique identification code of the charging station, and initiate a charging station workflow according to the determined origin and the decrypted unique identification code of the charging station.

[0008] An advantage of this aspect is that it provides a configuration, where a person at a charging station can initiate different charging station workflows using one single code or marked with different tools, the configuration identifying the charging station and the access route, making it possible to provide a simple and always similar way to initiate different types of workflows.

[0009] In one embodiment, the device is further configured to determine whether the charging station identified by the unique identification code is a public charging station or a restricted access charging station. It is beneficial to initiate public and restricted access workflows in a similar manner. The configuration can identify the status without further prompting from a user.

[0010] In one embodiment, the device is configured to route the initiated charging station workflow to an identification site if the source of the received encrypted unique identification code of the charging station is a World Wide Web server. Advantageously, by identifying whether the identification code was received from a World Wide Web server, an appropriate workflow having a World Wide Web user interface is presented.

[0011] In one embodiment, the device is configured to route the initiated charging station workflow to an application controller if the source of the received encrypted unique identification code of the charging station is an application server. Advantageously, by identifying whether the identification code is received from an application server, an appropriate workflow is presented with an application user interface.

[0012] In one embodiment, the device is further configured to determine that the charging station identified by the unique identification code is under usage restriction, and in response to the determined usage restriction, route the charging station workflow to request a password. Using a password check for usage restriction is beneficial, as it provides a convenient way to check whether a user is entitled to use the determined workflow.

[0013] In one embodiment, the device is further configured to determine that the charging station identified by the unique identification code is in service. It may be beneficial to include information if the charging station is in service, deployed, or in another state that may prevent at least some users from accessing the charging station.

[0014] In one embodiment, the charging station workflow is one of a charging process, a charging station configuration, a charging station installation, or a charging station analysis. Using the same process to initiate different workflows is beneficial and provides a better user experience for regular charging customers, home charging station customers, and maintenance and installation personnel.

[0015] In one aspect, a system is disclosed that includes the apparatus described above: a service server, a World Wide Web server, and an application server, wherein one of the World Wide Web server and the application server is configured to receive an encrypted unique identification code of a charging station.

[0016] In one embodiment, the system further includes a charging station associated with a unique identification code, the unique identification code being provided in the form of a permanent code including a domain name portion and an encrypted unique identification code. Using a permanent code is advantageous because the code cannot be changed or lost when placed in the charging station at a factory or other manufacturing site. Furthermore, if one instance is responsible for issuing unique identification codes, it is guaranteed that the code is unique and is tied to additional information, such as charging station specifications and initial parameters.

[0017] In one embodiment, the unique identification code is provided in the form of a QR code, it is advantageous to use a QR code that is commonly used and an efficient code suitable for the purpose, the unique identification code being scanned using the camera of a mobile phone or other mobile device.

[0018] In one embodiment, the system further includes a mobile device, which is used to read the unique identification code and transmit the unique identification code to the service server via the World Wide Web server or the application server.

[0019] In one aspect, a method for initiating a charging station workflow is disclosed, the method including reading a unique identification code of a charging station using a portable device and transmitting the read unique identification code of the charging station to an apparatus or service server as described above. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the arrangement for a charging station for an electric vehicle, constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the arrangement for a charging station for an electric vehicle.

[0021] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram of an electric vehicle charging configuration. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is an exemplary block diagram of an electric vehicle charging configuration. [Diagram 3] 1 is an example of a method of charging configuration. [Figure 4] 1 is an example of a routing workflow for an electric vehicle charging configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0023] In FIG. 1, an example block diagram of an electric vehicle charging arrangement including a charging station with a readable code as described below is shown. In the following, a charging station and a method and arrangement for managing a charging station workflow are described. In the following, an example is described in which the selected charging station workflow is a process for initiating a charging session. This example is selected because it is the most typical case, however, in the following, additional implementation examples are described that can benefit from similar identification.

[0024] In the example of Fig. 1, charging station 100, portable devices 110 and 120, and back-end system 130 are shown. Charging station 100 is a normal charging station that can be controlled using different means in the usual way. In the following, control using portable devices 110 or 120 is described. Portable devices 110 and 120 are used as an example. Thus, it is not necessary to have two portable devices, but typically a person who charges a vehicle has only one portable device that is used to control the charging session. In the example of Fig. 1, two portable devices are shown because the configuration includes two necessary identification methods.

[0025] The charging station 100 comprises a normal charging function, not shown. It is therefore possible to charge an electric vehicle by supplying it with power. The charging station is an object that needs to be connected to a power grid and to a vehicle to be charged. Furthermore, the charging station comprises a data communication connection and typically also comprises one or more displays and operating buttons. The charging station 100 further comprises an identification code, such as a QR code 102. The QR code 102 or, preferably, any other suitable code is already installed during the manufacture of the charging station. The code is therefore a permanent mark. In order to be able to identify the charging station, it is necessary that it is unique or forms part of a larger unique identification code. In the example of FIG. 1, the identification comprises a URL or any other suitable Internet address. The URL typically comprises a domain name in human readable form. In addition to the domain name, the URL comprises a unique identification code that identifies the charging station. The unique identification code may be implemented in various ways and may for example be a reference number of the charging station operator, a reference number of the charging station manufacturer, etc. The unique identification code of the charging station may be encrypted. The domain name and the unique identification code form a fully functional URL.

[0026] In the example of FIG. 1, mobile devices 110, 120 are used to scan the QR code 102 and act accordingly. Mobile device 110 uses a common QR code reader that scans QR code 102. The reader detects that the content of QR code 102 is a URL. The URL determines a World Wide Web address. The QR code reader presents the content in a common browser application directed to a web page that is a charging station management site. The URL contains the unique identification code of the charging station, and the management site can control the correct charging station. In the example of FIG. 1, the charging station management software is located on server 130, which also has a World Wide Web site for the service.

[0027] The mobile device 120 uses a specific charging station operator application to scan the QR code. If the application is from the same operator or supports the charging station, the application may be used to initiate charging. The application extracts the unique identification code from the URL and sends the unique identification code to the server 130. The application can provide additional information such as account details or other payment information so that charging can be easily initiated.

[0028] The server 130 may be a conventional server or a cloud service. The server 130 identifies where the unique identification code was received. If received via a World Wide Website, the website is shown to the user. The website may include a login screen with the possibility to charge as a guest without valid registration if the owner of the charging station offers the possibility to charge as a guest without valid registration. When the server receives the unique identification code from the application, the server 130 typically has all the information required for charging. Thus, it may show a confirmation button or similar control so that charging can begin.

[0029] In the above example, it may be feasible for a common QR code reader to present the scanned URL to the browser, so instead of opening the URL in the browser, the mobile device detects that the scanned URL should be opened in an associated application. In this case, the charging session is initiated as described with respect to mobile device 110, but the process follows the example of mobile device 120. Thus, if the mobile device is appropriately configured, the person initiating the charging session can use the common QR reader as a first step.

[0030] Fig. 2 discloses a second example of an arrangement for managing a charging station for electric vehicles. In the example, two ways of initiating a charging session are shown. In the figure, a first mobile device 200 and a second mobile device 210 are shown. These mobile devices can be any network-connected mobile device, but are typically modern mobile phones capable of running applications designed for mobile devices. In the figure, two devices are shown to illustrate two possible ways of using the arrangement. These two routes are therefore optional with respect to each other, and the person initiating a charging session uses only one of the options each time.

[0031] The mobile device 200 includes a browser for web-based content. Additionally, the mobile device 200 includes scanner software for scanning or reading QR codes. The scanner software is typically configured to send the URL, if one is found, to the browser. The browser opens the web page according to the URL.

[0032] When the mobile device 200 scans the QR code, it converts it into a URL, such as "https: / / www.virtaglobal.com / qr / MVqJteBS7". The URL consists of a domain name part that serves as the address of the www server 205. The URL further includes an identification code "MVqJteBS7", which may be a unique identification code associated with the charging station where the QR code is scanned. In this case, the identification code may be, for example, 100180, which is encrypted using a private encryption key. Instead of a simple identification number, a longer identification code may be used. Furthermore, the code may include additional data. The only requirement of the code is that it must be able to identify the charging station.

[0033] When the mobile device 200 accesses the website according to the QR code, the web server 205 extracts the identification code from the URL and directs the user to the web page. The web page includes a control for initiating a charging session. The www server 205 is connected to a service server 220. In the example of Fig. 2, the service server 220 includes functions for controlling the charging station and information required for billing. The server may use additional data storage 230, for example, for storing temporary or permanent customer data.

[0034] When the portable device 200 is connected to the www server 205, the web page providing the controls for initiating a charging session may include a login page for registered customers and / or a guest login that allows a person to use the charging service without having to register. Additionally, if the charging station is private, the web page may be configured to require a secret password to enable a private charging session.

[0035] The portable device 210 includes a charging application. The charging application is connected to an application server 215. The application typically has similar functionality as described for the web approach, but may have more functionality. For example, no login is required, as the application may be configured to do so, as well as a secret password that may be memorized. The application may extract an identification code for the charging station and send it in encrypted form to the application server 215. The application server may decrypt the identification code and instruct the service server 220 to initiate a charging session.

[0036] In Fig. 3 an example of a method of charging configuration is shown. In the example of Fig. 3, a user arrives at a charging station and starts a charging session. In step 300, the session is started by scanning a code provided at the charging station. Preferably, the code is a permanent mark on the body of the charging station. More preferably, the code is already manufactured at the manufacturing stage. Thus, the code cannot change by chance and is always in the desired position. The code is preferably provided in the form of a QR code, which includes a domain name part and an identification code part, as mentioned above. The advantage of a permanent code is that it cannot be easily tampered with. By allowing the charging station to have two or more copies of the identification code, the user may choose the most convenient one. Also, instead of the permanent QR code, a permanent or temporary code may be used, provided that it contains the same information content.

[0037] When a user initiates a charging session, the QR code or other suitable code is read using a mobile device, typically a mobile phone or other similar device. In step 310, the user of the mobile device may use a generic reader software or a specific charging application reader. In step 320, the generic reader software converts the read QR code into a web address, i.e. URL, and sends it to a browser application or to the above-mentioned application to open a web page on a web server depending on the domain name portion and the identification code portion. If the code was read or at least processed using a specific charging application, in step 330, the application sends only the identification code portion to the application server, without the domain name portion.

[0038] In step 340, after receiving the identification code, the code is decrypted and analyzed. The encryption configuration may be implemented using public key cryptography such that the entity providing the QR code to the charging station manufacturer has a private key for encrypting the charging station's identification code. The corresponding public key is then used when decrypting the identification code. This improves security as the private key can be kept in one place and is only used when issuing new identification codes that require encryption.

[0039] In step 350, routing information can be determined based on the decrypted and parsed identification code of the charging station. This may be, for example, looked up from a routing table using the decrypted and parsed identification code of the charging station. In addition to the information looked up from the routing table additional information may be used, for example user identification and other user or charging station specific information. Finally, in step 360, the user is routed to the correct workflow. The workflow includes looking up additional information that may cause a change in the routing, thus changing the routing from the original to the updated one. Examples of possible routings are described below.

[0040] FIG. 4 discloses an example of a routing workflow in graph form. As mentioned above, in step 400, first, it is determined whether the request to start a charging session is initiated by an application or a browser. Hereinafter, it is assumed that the request is received from a browser first. In step 405, after determining the origin, the access setting of the charging station is checked. The access setting indicates whether the charging station is public or limited use. If the charging station is public, the routing proceeds to step 410 to determine whether the charging station is deployed or in service. In step 415, if the charging station is in service, a one-time payment web page is generated and presented to the customer. If the charging station is deployed, in step 420, the customer will see a web page indicating that the charging station is still deployed and not in use. In the case of limited access, in step 425, it is determined to be in use as well. Again, if the charging station is still deployed, the routing proceeds to step 425. If the charging station is in restricted access mode and in service, then in step 430, the customer is presented with a web page requesting that the customer download and register the application because the charging station is in restricted access mode.

[0041] The above public use and access restrictions are used to indicate whether the general public can access the charging station. However, when using a public charging station, it is generally necessary to identify the person who uses the charging station, and the charging price applied to that person may differ depending on the subscription model. Access restrictions typically mean that a person who wants to use the charging station must be a member of a group that is allowed to use the charging station. Access can be verified by several means, for example using account details in an application for initiating a charging session or other charging station workflow.

[0042] In step 435, if a request for a charging session is received from an application, the routing first performs a check to see if the charging station is public or restricted use. If the charging station is public, the system shows the customer 440 an application view from which a charging session may be started. In step 445, if the charging station is restricted use, the system is configured to check whether the customer has access to the charging station. If the customer has access, in step 440, the system again shows the customer a view from which a charging session may be started. If the customer does not have access, in step 450, the status of the charging station is checked. If the charging station is being deployed, in step 455, the station configuration may be opened if the user has access to configure that particular station. The access to configure may be confirmed by a password or the like. If the charging station is in service, in step 465, the application requests a password to access the station. If the password is entered, the application may start charging or may show a view to start charging. The password may be started for later use. If the customer later arrives at the same charging station and the password has not been changed, the charging session may start automatically.

[0043] Above, an example of workflow routing is described. As mentioned above, the example focuses on the initiation of a charging session since this is simply the most common use case. In the example of FIG. 4, the configuration of a charging station is also shown as an example. Typically, this configuration is performed on an existing charging station when used according to the routing graph of FIG. 4, and may relate to a change in configuration or initial configuration that may be performed at one or more times. Furthermore, the configuration may be used for tasks similar to setup, such as running analysis, inspection of the charging station, or other similar maintenance related tasks, where a person performing the maintenance work needs to identify the charging station before performing the task. Although above, the present disclosure focuses on a multi-user public charging station, a similar approach may be used when installing a home charging station or other private charging station. In this case, the home charging station includes an identification code, and when a person installs the home charging station, this process guides the workflow, so that the person installing the home charging station is guided to the correct workflow, making the installation process smooth and easy.

[0044] The method may be implemented as computer software executed on a computing device capable of communicating with the mobile device. The software, when executed on the computing device, is configured to perform the method of the present invention described above. The software may be provided to a computing device, such as the service server 130 of FIG. 1, by being embodied on a computer readable medium.

[0045] As mentioned above, components of the exemplary embodiments may include a computer readable medium or memory for holding instructions programmed according to the teachings of the present invention and for holding the data structures, tables, records and / or other data described herein. A computer readable medium may include any suitable medium involved in providing instructions to a processor for execution. Common forms of computer readable media may include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, any other suitable magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, a CD±R, a CD±RW, a DVD, a DVD-RAM, a DVD±RW, a DVD±R, a HD DVD, a HD DVD-R, a HD DVD-RW, a HD DVD-RAM, a Blu-ray® disk, any other suitable optical medium, a RAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, any other suitable memory chip or cartridge, a carrier wave, or any other suitable medium from which a computer can read.

[0046] It is obvious to a person skilled in the art that with the advancement of technology, the basic idea of ​​the arrangement for the management of charging stations for electric vehicles can be realized in various ways. The arrangement for the management of charging stations for electric vehicles and its embodiments are not limited to the above-mentioned examples, but may instead vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. at least one processor configured to execute computer program code; at least one memory configured to store said computer program code; at least one network interface configured to communicate with an external data communication device; An apparatus comprising: The apparatus is configured to receive an encrypted unique identification code of the charging station from a World Wide Web server or an application server, the service server being: determining an origin of the encrypted unique identification code of the received charging station; Decrypting the encrypted unique identification code of the received charging station; An apparatus configured to initiate a charging station workflow according to the determined origin and the decrypted unique identification code of the charging station.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , further configured to determine whether the charging station identified by the unique identification code is a public charging station or a restricted-access charging station.

3. The device of claim 1 or 2, configured to route the initiated charging station workflow to an identification site if the source of the received encrypted unique identification code of the charging station is a World Wide Web server.

4. The device according to claim 1 or 2, configured to route the initiated charging station workflow to the application controller if the source of the received encrypted unique identification code of the charging station is an application server.

5. The device of any one of claims 1 to 4, further configured to determine that the charging station identified by the unique identification code is under usage restriction, and in response to the determined usage restriction, route the charging station workflow to request a password.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, further configured to determine that the charging station identified by the unique identification code is in service.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the charging station workflow is one of a charging process, a charging station configuration, a charging station installation, or a charging station analysis.

8. A service server which is an apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7; A World Wide Web server; An application server; A system comprising: The system, wherein one of the World Wide Web server and the application server is configured to receive an encrypted unique identification code of a charging station.

9. 10. The system of claim 8, further comprising a charging station associated with a unique identification code, the unique identification code being provided in the form of a permanent code including a domain name portion and an encrypted unique identification code.

10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the unique identification code is provided in the form of a QR code.

11. The system according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising a mobile device, the mobile device being used to read the unique identification code and transmit the unique identification code to the service server via the World Wide Web server or the application server.

12. reading a unique identification code of the charging station using a portable device; transmitting the read unique identification code of the charging station to the device according to any one of claims 1 to 7 or to the service server according to any one of claims 8 to 10; A method for initiating a charging station workflow, including:

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