Server, billing system and billing method

Abstract

To provide a server, a charging system and a charging method capable of enhancing the convenience of a user.SOLUTION: A server 40 is equipped with a processor, and the processor acquires credit card information and a one-time password from a vehicle 10 connected to a charger 20 via a secure first communication path 50, and acquires the one-time password from the vehicle 10 via a non-secure second communication path 60. If the one-time password acquired via the first communication path 50 and the one-time password acquired via the second communication path 60 coincide with each other, the processor charges an amount of money corresponding to the amount of electric power supplied to the vehicle 10 by the charger 20 based on the credit card information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a server, a billing system, and a billing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique in which an authentication server generates a one-time password corresponding to a user and transmits the one-time password to a first communication terminal device of the user. A second communication terminal device different from the first communication terminal device then accepts input of the one-time password received by the first communication terminal device based on an operation by the user and transmits it to the authentication server. The authentication server then performs user authentication for the user of the first communication terminal device based on the one-time password received from the second communication terminal device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-27207 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in Patent Document 1, since human operation and intervention using the first and second communication terminal devices of the user is required, there is room for improvement in terms of convenience.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a server, a billing system, and a billing method that can improve convenience for users. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the server of the present disclosure is a server equipped with a processor, which acquires credit card information and a one-time password from a vehicle connected to a charging device via a secure first communication path, acquires the one-time password from the charging device and the vehicle via a non-secure second communication path different from the first communication path, and if the one-time password acquired via the first communication path and the one-time password acquired via the second communication path match, charges an amount corresponding to the amount of electricity supplied by the charging device to the vehicle based on the credit card information.

[0007] Moreover, the billing system according to the present disclosure is a billing system including a charging device, a vehicle, and a server, wherein the vehicle includes a first processor, the first processor generates a one-time password when the vehicle is connected to the charging device, transmits credit card information and the one-time password to the server via a secure first communication path, and transmits the one-time password via a non-secure second communication path different from the charging device and the first communication path, the server includes a second processor, the second processor acquires the credit card information and the one-time password from the vehicle via the first communication path, acquires the one-time password from the vehicle via the second communication path, and if the one-time password received via the first communication path and the one-time password received via the second communication path match, charges an amount corresponding to the amount of power supplied by the charging device to the vehicle based on the credit card information.

[0008] In addition, a billing method according to the present disclosure is a billing method executed by a billing system including a charging device, a vehicle having a first processor, and a server having a second processor, wherein the first processor generates a one-time password when the vehicle is connected to the charging device, transmits credit card information and the one-time password to the server via a secure first communication path, and transmits the one-time password via a non-secure second communication path different from the charging device and the first communication path, and when the one-time password received from the vehicle via the first communication path and the one-time password received from the vehicle via the second communication path match, the second processor charges an amount corresponding to the amount of electricity supplied by the charging device to the vehicle based on the credit card information. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present disclosure, an effect of improving convenience for users is achieved. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a billing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the billing system according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of the process executed by the billing system according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, a billing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiment. In the following description, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0012] [Charging system configuration] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a billing system according to an embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the billing system according to an embodiment. Billing system 1 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 includes vehicle 10, charging device 20, charging management device 30, and server 40. In billing system 1, vehicle 10, charging management device 30, and server 40 are connected to each other via network N100 so as to be able to communicate with each other. This network N100 is formed of, for example, an Internet network, a mobile phone network, or the like.

[0013] In addition, in one embodiment, a first communication path 50 connecting the vehicle 10 and the server 40 via the network N100 forms a secure communication path. In addition, in one embodiment, a second communication path 60 connecting the charging device 20 and the charging management device 30 forms a non-secure communication path different from the first communication path 50. Specifically, the standard of the second communication path 60 is, for example, the ECHONETLite (registered trademark) standard. Furthermore, in one embodiment, a third communication path 70 connecting the charging management device 30 and the server 40 via the network N100 forms a secure communication path. Here, the standard of the third communication path 70 is, for example, the OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) standard.

[0014] [Vehicle configuration] Next, the configuration of the vehicle 10 will be described. The vehicle 10 is assumed to be a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle), a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle), etc. The vehicle 10 includes a reading unit 11, a communication unit 12, a recording unit 13, a charging unit 14, a battery 15, and an ECU (Electronic Control Unit) 16.

[0015] The reading unit 11 reads out credit card information stored in a credit card inserted from outside, and outputs the read credit card information to the ECU 16. Here, the credit card information includes a credit card number as a user identification number, the name of the credit card holder, the expiration date of the credit card, a security code, etc. The reading unit 11 is realized by using a card reader or the like.

[0016] Under the control of ECU 16, communication unit 12 transmits various information to server 40 via first communication path 50 and receives various information from server 40 via first communication path 50. Specifically, when vehicle 10 is connected to charging device 20, communication unit 12 transmits credit card information and a one-time password input from ECU 16 to server 40 via first communication path 50. Communication unit 12 is realized using a communication module or the like capable of transmitting and receiving various information.

[0017] The recording unit 13 records vehicle identification information 131 for identifying the vehicle 10 and various information related to the vehicle 10. The vehicle identification information 131 includes the vehicle model, serial number, and year of the vehicle 10, etc. The recording unit 13 is realized using a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), an SSD (Solid State Drive), a HDD (Hard Disk Drive), etc.

[0018] The charging unit 14 is electrically connected to a power supply unit 22 of the charging device 20. Under the control of the ECU 16, the charging unit 14 converts the power supplied from the charging device 20 into a predetermined voltage and outputs the voltage to the battery 15. The charging unit 14 is realized using a charging inlet or the like.

[0019] The battery 15 stores the power supplied from the charging device 20 via the charging unit 14 under the control of the ECU 16, and supplies the power to a driving source such as a motor (not shown). The battery 15 is realized using a lithium ion battery or the like.

[0020] The ECU 16 is realized by using a processor having hardware. The hard disk is, for example, a memory and a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The ECU 16 controls each part constituting the vehicle 10. The ECU 16 generates a one-time password when the vehicle 10 is connected to the charging device 20. The ECU 16 transmits the one-time password and the credit card information input from the reading unit 11 to the server 40 via the communication unit 12 and the first communication path 50. The ECU 16 also transmits the one-time password generated when the vehicle 10 is connected to the charging device 20 to the server 40 via the charging device 20 and the second communication path 60. In one embodiment, the ECU 16 functions as a first processor.

[0021] [Configuration of charging device] Next, the configuration of the charging device 20 will be described. The charging device 20 supplies power to the vehicle 10. The charging device 20 includes a communication unit 21, a power supply unit 22, a recording unit 23, and a display unit 24.

[0022] Under the control of the charging control unit 25, the communication unit 21 transmits the one-time password, the charging identification information, and the amount of power supply to the server 40. The one-time password is input from the vehicle 10 via the second communication path 60. The charging identification information includes location information, an identification ID, a power supply method, and the like. The location information relates to the location of the charging device 20. The identification ID identifies the charging device 20. The amount of power supply is the power supplied from the charging device 20 to the vehicle 10. The communication unit 21 is realized using a communication module or the like capable of transmitting and receiving various information.

[0023] When vehicle 10 is electrically connected, power supply unit 22, under the control of charging control unit 25, converts power from an external power source to a predetermined voltage and supplies the power to vehicle 10. Power supply unit 22 is realized using an inlet or the like.

[0024] The recording unit 23 records the charging identification information 231 related to the charging device 20. The recording unit 23 is realized using a ROM, a RAM, an SSD, an HDD, and the like.

[0025] The display unit 24 displays various information related to the charging device 20 under the control of the charging control unit 25. The display unit 24 is realized by using an organic electroluminescent display (OLED) or a liquid crystal display.

[0026] The charging control unit 25 is realized by using a processor having hardware. The hardware is a memory, a CPU, etc. The charging control unit 25 controls each unit constituting the charging device 20.

[0027] [Configuration of the charging management device] Next, the configuration of the charge management device 30 will be described. The charge management device 30 manages the power supply of the charging device 20. In order to simplify the explanation, charging management in the case where one charging device 20 is installed will be described in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, but the present invention is not limited to this. Even if multiple charging devices 20 are installed, similar charging management is performed. The charge management device 30 includes a communication unit 31 and a management control unit 32.

[0028] The communication unit 31, under the control of the management control unit 32, transmits various information for managing the charging device 20, and also receives various information from the charging device 20 and transmits it to the server 40. The communication unit 31 is realized using a communication module or the like capable of transmitting and receiving various information.

[0029] The management control unit 32 is realized by using a processor having hardware such as a memory and a CPU. The management control unit 32 controls each unit constituting the charging management device 30. The management control unit 32 also controls the power supply by the charging device 20.

[0030] [Server configuration] Next, the configuration of the server 40 will be described. Server 40 is a server for managing users' accounts, credit cards, etc. Server 40 is provided in a financial institution or a credit card company. Examples of financial institutions include banks, credit unions, credit associations, and labor banks. Server 40 includes a communication unit 41, a recording unit 42, and a server control unit 43.

[0031] Under the control of the server control unit 43, the communication unit 41 receives the one-time password and credit information transmitted from the vehicle 10 via the first communication path 50 and outputs them to the server control unit 43. The communication unit 41 also receives the one-time password transmitted from the vehicle 10 via the second communication path 60 and the charging device 20 and outputs them to the server control unit 43. The communication unit 41 is realized using a communication module or the like capable of transmitting and receiving various information.

[0032] The recording unit 42 stores program information 421, charging arrangement information 422, account information 424, and credit card information 423. The program information 421 includes various programs executed by the server 40. The charging arrangement information 422 includes the location where the charging device 20 is placed, charging identification information for identifying the charging device 20, and the power supply method of the charging device 20. The credit card information 423 includes the name of the user, the credit card number, the expiration date of the credit card, a security code, a credit limit, a card usage history, and the like.

[0033] The server control unit 43 is configured using a processor having hardware such as a memory and a CPU. The server control unit 43 controls each unit constituting the server 40. The server control unit 43 has an acquisition unit 431, a determination unit 432, and an accounting unit 433. In one embodiment, the server control unit 43 functions as a second processor.

[0034] The acquisition unit 431 acquires credit information and a one-time password from the vehicle 10 connected to the charging device 20 via the secure first communication path 50 and the communication unit 41. Furthermore, the acquisition unit 431 acquires the one-time password from the vehicle 10 via the non-secure second communication path 60, the charging device 20, and the communication unit 41.

[0035] The determination unit 432 determines whether the one-time password acquired from the vehicle 10 via the secure first communication path 50 and the one-time password acquired via the non-secure second communication path 60 and the charging device 20 match.

[0036] The billing unit 433 bills the vehicle 10 for an amount according to the amount of power supplied from the charging device 20 based on the credit information. Specifically, when the determination unit 432 determines that the two one-time passwords match, the billing unit 433 bills the vehicle 10 for an amount according to the amount of power supplied from the charging device 20 based on the credit information.

[0037] [Charge system processing] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an outline of the process executed by the billing system 1. As shown in Fig. 3, the ECU 16 transmits credit information and a one-time password from the vehicle 10 to the server 40 via the first communication path 50 (step S1). In this case, the ECU 16 generates a one-time password when the vehicle 10 is connected to the charging device 20.

[0038] Next, the ECU 16 transmits the one-time password from the vehicle 10 to the server 40 via the second communication path 60 and the charging device 20 (step S2). In this case, the charging device 20 or the charging management device 30 transmits the amount of power supplied by the charging device 20 to the vehicle 10 to the server 40 via the second communication path 60 or the third communication path 70.

[0039] Thereafter, the determination unit 432 determines whether the one-time password acquired by the acquisition unit 431 via the first communication path 50 and the one-time password acquired by the acquisition unit 431 via the communication unit 41, the second communication path 60, and the charging device 20 match (step S3). If the determination unit 432 determines that the two one-time passwords match (step S3: Yes), the billing system 1 proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, if the determination unit 432 determines that the two one-time passwords do not match (step S3: No), the billing system 1 proceeds to step S5.

[0040] In step S4, the billing unit 433 executes a billing process to bill the user for an amount according to the amount of power that the charging device 20 has supplied to the vehicle 10 based on the credit information (step S4). Specifically, the billing unit 433 refers to the credit card information and account information recorded by the recording unit 42, and bills the user for an amount according to the amount of power that the charging device 20 has supplied to the vehicle 10 from the user's account corresponding to the credit card number in the credit information. This allows the user to supply power to the vehicle by simply connecting the vehicle 10 to the charging device 20 without performing any complicated operations. After step S4, the billing system 1 ends this process.

[0041] In step S5, the billing unit 433 executes a warning process indicating that the two one-time passwords do not match. Specifically, the billing unit 433 instructs the charging device 20 to issue a warning indicating that the charging device 20 cannot supply power to the vehicle 10 because the two one-time passwords do not match. In this case, the charging control unit 25 causes the display unit 24 to display a warning indicating that power cannot be supplied to the vehicle 10 connected to the charging device 20. Furthermore, the charging control unit 25 stops supplying power to the vehicle 10 connected to the charging device 20. This allows the user to understand that the charging device 20 cannot supply power to the vehicle 10.

[0042] According to the embodiment described above, the acquisition unit 431 acquires credit card information and a one-time password from the vehicle 10 connected to the charging device 20 via the secure first communication path 50. Then, the acquisition unit 431 acquires a one-time password from the vehicle 10 via the charging device 20 and the non-secure second communication path 60 different from the first communication path 50. Thereafter, the determination unit 432 determines whether or not the one-time password from the vehicle 10 acquired via the first communication path 50 and the one-time password from the vehicle 10 acquired via the second communication path 60 match. Next, when the determination unit 432 determines that the two one-time passwords match, the billing unit 433 bills the user for an amount according to the amount of power supplied by the charging device 20 to the vehicle 10 based on the credit card information. As a result, the user can supply power to the vehicle by simply connecting the vehicle 10 to the charging device 20 without performing complicated operations such as inputting a one-time password using a communication terminal or the like.

[0043] Furthermore, according to one embodiment, when the vehicle 10 is connected to the charging device 20, the ECU 16 generates a one-time password and transmits the one-time password to the server 40 via each of the first communication path 50 and the second communication path 60. This allows the user to power the vehicle by simply connecting the vehicle 10 to the charging device 20 while ensuring security and without performing complicated operations such as inputting a one-time password.

[0044] In the description of the flowcharts in this specification, the order of processing between steps is clearly indicated using expressions such as "first," "then," and "continue," but the order of processing required to implement this embodiment is not uniquely determined by these expressions. In other words, the order of processing in the flowcharts described in this specification can be changed as long as there is no contradiction.

[0045] Further advantages and modifications may readily occur to those skilled in the art. The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described above. Thus, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

[0046] Although some of the embodiments of the present application have been described in detail above with reference to the drawings, these are merely examples, and the present invention can be embodied in other forms that incorporate various modifications and improvements based on the knowledge of those skilled in the art, including the forms described in the disclosure of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0047] 1 billing system; 10 vehicle; 16 ECU; 20 charging device; 30 charging management device; 40 server; 43 server control unit; 50 first communication path; 60 second communication path; 70 third communication path; 431 acquisition unit; 432 determination unit; 433 billing unit; N100 network

Claims

1. A server comprising a processor, The processor, acquiring credit card information and a one-time password from a vehicle connected to the charging device via a first secure communication path; acquiring the one-time password from the vehicle via the charging device and a second communication path that is different from the first communication path and is not secure; when the one-time password acquired via the first communication path and the one-time password acquired via the second communication path match, charging an amount according to the amount of power supplied by the charging device to the vehicle based on the credit card information. server.

2. 2. The server of claim 1, The one-time password is Generated by the vehicle when the vehicle is connected to the charging device. server.

3. A billing system including a charging device, a vehicle, and a server, The vehicle is A first processor is provided, The first processor, generating a one-time password when the vehicle is connected to the charging device; Transmitting credit card information and the one-time password to the server via a first secure communication path; Transmitting the one-time password via the charging device and a second communication path that is different from the first communication path and is not secure; The server, a second processor; The second processor comprises: acquiring the credit card information and the one-time password from the vehicle via the first communication path; obtaining the one-time password from the vehicle via the second communication path; if the one-time password received via the first communication path and the one-time password received via the second communication path match, charging the vehicle an amount according to the amount of power supplied by the charging device based on the credit card information. Billing system.

4. A billing method executed by a billing system including a charging device, a vehicle including a first processor, and a server including a second processor, the method comprising: The first processor, generating a one-time password when the vehicle is connected to the charging device; Transmitting credit card information and a one-time password to the server via a first secure communication path; transmitting the one-time password via the charging device and a second communication path that is different from the first communication path and is not secure; The second processor, when the one-time password received from the vehicle via the first communication path and the one-time password received from the vehicle via the second communication path match, charging an amount according to the amount of power supplied by the charging device to the vehicle based on the credit card information. Billing method.

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