Charging system, charging device, lock control method, and lock control program

Abstract

This charging system charges a battery of an electric vehicle by means of a charging device, the charging system comprising: a video acquiring unit that acquires a video of the periphery of the electric vehicle; a video authorizing unit that performs a video authorization process for authorizing a user on the basis of the video acquired by the video acquiring unit; a determining unit that, on the basis of the result of the video authorization process by the video authorizing unit, determines whether to set a connection between a connector of the charging device and an inlet of the electric vehicle to a locked state or an unlocked state; and a control unit that, on the basis of the determination result by the determining unit, controls a locking unit for locking the connection between the connector and the inlet.

Description

Charging system, charging device, lock control method, and lock control program

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a charging system, a charging device, a lock control method, and a lock control program.

[0002] When charging the onboard battery of an electric vehicle, plug-in hybrid vehicle, or other electrically powered vehicle, the connector of a home or public charging device is connected to an inlet provided on the vehicle. Non-Patent Document 1 discloses that when the connector and inlet of the charging device are connected, the connection between the connector and inlet is locked to protect the vehicle from theft, vandalism, etc. After charging is completed, the user can unlock the vehicle by operating an unlock button provided on the smart key.

[0003] Nissan Leaf vehicle instruction manual, [online], May 2021, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., https: / / www.nissan.co.jp / SP / OM / LEAF / 1901 / manual_t00um5sa3a.pdf

[0004] A charging system according to one aspect of the present disclosure is a charging system that charges a battery of an electric vehicle using a charging device, and includes: a video acquisition unit that acquires video of the area around the electric vehicle; a video authentication unit that performs video authentication processing to authenticate a user based on the video acquired by the video acquisition unit; a judgment unit that determines whether to lock or unlock the connection between the connector of the charging device and the inlet of the electric vehicle based on the result of the video authentication processing by the video authentication unit; and a control unit that controls a lock unit that locks the connection between the connector and the inlet based on the judgment result by the judgment unit.

[0005] The present disclosure can be realized not only as a charging system having the above-described characteristic configuration, but also as a charging device included in the charging system, or as charging control having characteristic processing steps in the charging system. The present disclosure can be realized as a computer program that causes a computer to function as the charging device, or as a semiconductor integrated circuit that is a part or all of the charging device.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a charging system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a vehicle body control device. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a video authentication device. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of a charging device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of a control circuit. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functions of the charging system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of charge control processing by the charging control device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a lock control operation of the charging system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of processing by the vehicle body control device in the lock control operation of the charging system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a charging system according to a second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing an example of the functions of the charging system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a lock control operation of the charging system according to the second embodiment. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a lock control operation of the charging system according to a third embodiment.

[0007] <Problem to be Solved by the Present Disclosure> In the method disclosed in Non-Patent Document 1, the connection between the connector and the inlet cannot be unlocked unless the unlock button provided on the smart key is operated. A simpler locking operation is required while ensuring security.

[0008] Effect of the Present Disclosure According to the present disclosure, it is possible to more easily lock the connection between the connector and the inlet.

[0009] <Outline of Embodiments of the Present Disclosure> Below, an outline of embodiments of the present disclosure will be listed and described.

[0010] (1) A charging system according to this embodiment is a charging system that charges a battery of an electric vehicle using a charging device, and includes: a video acquisition unit that acquires video of the area around the electric vehicle; a video authentication unit that performs video authentication processing to authenticate a user based on the video acquired by the video acquisition unit; a determination unit that determines whether to lock or unlock a connection between a connector of the charging device and an inlet of the electric vehicle based on a result of the video authentication processing by the video authentication unit; and a control unit that controls a lock unit that locks the connection between the connector and the inlet based on the determination result by the determination unit. Thus, by utilizing user authentication based on video, it is possible to easily lock the connection between the connector and the inlet while ensuring security.

[0011] (2) In the above (1), the vehicle control system may further include an authentication result acquisition unit that acquires a result of a key authentication process based on a key signal transmitted from a key used to lock and unlock doors of the electric vehicle, and the determination unit may determine whether to lock or unlock the connection between the connector and the inlet based on the result of the key authentication process acquired by the authentication result acquisition unit. This further utilizes key authentication to ensure stronger security.

[0012] (3) In the above (2), the determination unit may determine to unlock the connection between the connector and the inlet when the key authentication process and the video authentication process are both successful. This makes it possible to easily unlock the connection between the connector and the inlet.

[0013] (4) In the above (3), the determination unit may determine to lock the connection between the connector and the inlet when at least one of the key authentication process and the video authentication process fails, thereby ensuring strong security.

[0014] (5) In any one of (1) to (4) above, the image acquisition unit may acquire an image from a camera mounted on the electric vehicle. This allows user authentication to be performed using the image acquired by the vehicle-mounted camera.

[0015] (6) In any one of (1) to (4) above, the image acquisition unit may acquire images from a security camera installed in a home. This allows user authentication to be performed using the images acquired by the security camera installed in the home.

[0016] (7) In any one of (1) to (6) above, the charging device may include a power converter that converts AC power into DC power, and the control unit may be provided in the charging device. By providing the charging device with an unlocking function, it is not necessary to provide an unlocking function in each vehicle.

[0017] (8) In the above (7), the determination unit may be provided in the charging device. In this case, by providing the charging device with a function for determining whether to lock or unlock the connection between the connector and the inlet, it is not necessary to provide a determination function in each vehicle.

[0018] (9) In the above (7), the determination unit may be provided in an on-board control device provided in the electric vehicle. This allows the electric vehicle to determine whether to lock or unlock the connection between the connector and the inlet, and to instruct the charging device to control the locking in accordance with the determination result.

[0019] (10) A charging device according to this embodiment is a charging device for charging a battery of an electric vehicle, and includes a determination unit that determines whether to lock or unlock a connection between a connector of the charging device and an inlet of the electric vehicle based on a result of a video authentication process that authenticates a user based on a video of the area around the electric vehicle, and a control unit that controls a lock unit that locks the connection between the connector and the inlet based on the determination result by the determination unit. Thus, by utilizing user authentication based on video, it is possible to easily lock the connection between the connector and the inlet while ensuring security.

[0020] (11) A lock control method according to the present embodiment is a lock control method for controlling a locked state of a connection between an inlet of an electric vehicle and a connector of a charging device, and includes the steps of: acquiring an image of an area around the electric vehicle; performing a video authentication process for authenticating a user based on the acquired image; determining, based on a result of the video authentication process, whether to lock or unlock the connection between the connector of the charging device and the inlet of the electric vehicle; and controlling a lock unit that locks the connection between the connector and the inlet based on the determination result of whether to lock or unlock the connection between the connector and the inlet. Thus, by utilizing user authentication based on the image, it is possible to easily lock the connection between the connector and the inlet while ensuring security.

[0021] (12) A lock control program according to this embodiment is a lock control program used by a charging device that charges a battery of an electric vehicle, and causes a computer to execute the following steps: determining whether to lock or unlock a connection between a connector of the charging device and an inlet of the electric vehicle based on a result of a video authentication process that authenticates a user based on a video of the area around the electric vehicle; and controlling a lock unit that locks the connection between the connector and the inlet based on the determination result of whether to lock or unlock the connection between the connector and the inlet. This makes it possible to easily lock the connection between the connector and the inlet while ensuring security by utilizing user authentication based on video.

[0022] <Details of the embodiments of the present disclosure> Hereinafter, the details of the embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that at least some of the embodiments described below may be combined in any manner.

[0023] [1. First embodiment] [1.1. Charging system] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a charging system according to a first embodiment. The charging system 10 is a system for charging a battery 110 of an electric vehicle 100. The charging system 10 includes the electric vehicle 100 and a charging device 200.

[0024] The electric vehicle 100 includes a battery 110 for driving a motor (not shown) for driving the vehicle. The electric vehicle 100 further includes an inlet 120, a charge management device 130, a vehicle body control device 140, a video authentication device 150, and a camera 160.

[0025] The charge management device 130 is an on-board control device that manages the charging of the battery 110 .

[0026] The vehicle body control device 140 is an on-board control device that controls the overall vehicle body functions of the electric vehicle 100. The vehicle body control device 140 controls the lights, doors, windows, mirrors, wipers, etc. of the electric vehicle 100. The vehicle body control device 140 has a smart entry function using the smart key 170. That is, when a user carrying the smart key 170 approaches the electric vehicle 100, the vehicle body control device 140 detects the smart key 170 and unlocks the doors.

[0027] The video authentication device 150 is connected to a plurality of cameras 160. The cameras 160 are in-vehicle cameras. For example, the cameras 160 are cameras for creating bird's-eye images of a vehicle body for parking assistance. The cameras 160 may also be cameras for a drive recorder, driving assistance, or autonomous driving. The video authentication device 150 performs user authentication based on the video of the user captured by the cameras 160.

[0028] The charging device 200 includes a connector 300 and a charging control device 350. The connector 300 is attachable to and detachable from the inlet 120.

[0029] The inlet 120 is an input / output port for electric power to the battery 110, and is connected to the battery 110 by a power line. When the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120, the charging device 200 charges the battery 110 of the electric vehicle 100.

[0030] The inlet 120 is connected to the charging management device 130 via a communication line. When the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120, the charging management device 130 can communicate with the charging device 200 using a specific communication protocol. For example, the charging management device 130 can communicate via a Controller Area Network (CAN). In another example, the charging management device 130 can communicate via Ethernet (registered trademark).

[0031] The connector 300 is provided at the tip of a cable 330 extending from the charging control device 350. The connector 300 has a plug 301 at its tip. The plug 301 can be inserted into a socket provided in the inlet 120.

[0032] A latch 302a is provided on the plug 301. When the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120, the latch 302a catches on the inlet 120, and prevents the connector 300 from being removed from the inlet 120 by the latch 302a.

[0033] The connector 300 is further provided with a release button 303a. The release button 303a is used to move the latch 302a. When a user presses the release button 303a, the latch 302a moves and is released from engagement with the inlet 120. The user can pull the connector 300 out of the inlet 120 while pressing the release button 303a.

[0034] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the vehicle body control device 140. The vehicle body control device 140 includes a processor 141, a non-volatile memory 142, a volatile memory 143, a wireless communication interface (I / F) 144, a communication I / F 145, and an input / output interface (I / O) 146.

[0035] The volatile memory 143 is a volatile memory such as an SRAM or a DRAM. The non-volatile memory 142 is a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, a hard disk, or a ROM. The non-volatile memory 142 stores a control program 147, which is a computer program, and data used to execute the control program 147. Each function of the vehicle body control device 140 is realized by the processor 141 executing the control program 147. The control program 147 can be stored in a recording medium such as a flash memory, a ROM, or a CD-ROM.

[0036] The processor 141 is, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit). However, the processor 141 is not limited to a CPU. The processor 141 may also be a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit). In a specific example, the processor 141 is a multi-core GPU. The processor 141 may also be, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or a programmable logic device such as a gate array or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array). In this case, the ASIC or programmable logic device is configured to be able to execute the same processing as the control program 147.

[0037] The wireless communication I / F 144 wirelessly communicates with the smart key 170. The vehicle body control device 140 locks or unlocks the doors when wireless communication with the smart key 170 is established. Specifically, the wireless communication I / F 144 periodically transmits a search signal, which is a wireless signal. When the smart key 170 receives the search signal, it transmits a key signal (response signal). The response signal includes encrypted identification information. When the wireless communication I / F 144 receives the response signal, the vehicle body control device 140 decrypts the signal and performs authentication processing (key authentication processing) using the identification information. If the key authentication processing is successful, the vehicle body control device 140 unlocks the doors.

[0038] The communication I / F 145 is an interface for wired communication. The communication I / F 145 is used for communication in an in-vehicle network. The communication I / F 145 is also used for communication with the charging device 200. The communication I / F 145 is a communication circuit for a specific communication protocol, for example, CAN. In another example, the communication I / F 145 may be a communication circuit for Ethernet.

[0039] The I / O 146 is connected to sensors and actuators arranged in the vehicle body, such as a sensor for detecting whether a door is locked or unlocked, a door lock drive motor, a window drive motor, a mirror drive motor, and a wiper drive motor.

[0040] 3 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the video authentication device 150. The video authentication device 150 includes a processor 151, a non-volatile memory 152, a volatile memory 153, a communication I / F 154, and an I / O 155.

[0041] The processor 151, nonvolatile memory 152, and volatile memory 153 have the same configuration as the processor 141, nonvolatile memory 142, and volatile memory 143 described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0042] Non-volatile memory 152 stores a video authentication program 157, which is a computer program, and data used to execute video authentication program 157. Each function of video authentication device 150 is realized by processor 151 executing video authentication program 157. Video authentication program 157 can be stored in a recording medium such as a flash memory, a ROM, or a CD-ROM.

[0043] The communication I / F 154 is an interface for wired communication. The communication I / F 154 is used for communication in an in-vehicle network. The communication I / F 154 is a communication circuit for a specific communication protocol, for example, CAN. In another example, the communication I / F 154 may be a communication circuit for Ethernet.

[0044] The I / O 155 is connected to the camera 160. The I / O 155 can receive video data output from the camera 160.

[0045] [1.4. Charging Device] FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the charging device according to the first embodiment.

[0046] The charging control device 350 includes a control circuit 360 , a communication I / F 351 , a power converter 352 , and a battery 353 .

[0047] The charging device 200 according to the first embodiment is, for example, a device for vehicle-to-home (V2H) use and is installed in a home. The power converter 352 is connected to a commercial AC power supply 400, a load 410 that is an electrical device installed in the home, and a battery 353. A power line 317 extends from the power converter 352 to the connector 300 through the inside of the sheath of the cable 330.

[0048] With connector 300 connected to inlet 120, power converter 352 can charge battery 110. That is, power converter 352 can convert AC power from commercial AC power supply 400 into DC power of a predetermined voltage and output it. The output DC power is provided to battery 110 via power line 317, charging battery 110. Furthermore, power converter 352 can also convert the voltage of DC power output from battery 353 and output the converted DC power. This allows battery 110 to be charged using the power stored in battery 353.

[0049] With the connector 300 connected to the inlet 120, the power converter 352 can discharge the battery 110. That is, the power converter 352 can convert the DC power output from the battery 110 into AC power, output the AC power to the load 410, and reverse-flow the AC power to the grid-connected commercial AC power supply 400. Furthermore, the power converter 352 can convert the voltage of the DC power output from the battery 110 and output the converted DC power to the battery 353. This allows the battery 353 to be charged by the power stored in the battery 110.

[0050] In the first embodiment, the charging system 10 is described in which the battery 110 of the electric vehicle 100 is charged and discharged by the charging device 200 installed in a home, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the charging system may be such that the battery 110 of the electric vehicle 100 is charged by a charging device installed in a public charging station. The public charging device does not have a function of discharging the battery 110, but only a function of charging it.

[0051] The control circuit 360 is connected to the power converter 352 and controls the power converter 352. The control circuit 360 detects the connection of the connector 300 to the inlet 120 and causes the power converter 352 to perform a charging operation for the battery 110.

[0052] A latch member 302 is disposed inside the connector 300. The latch member 302 is a lever that can rotate around a fulcrum 302b. A first end of the latch member 302 protrudes upward, and a latch 302a is formed thereon. A second end of the latch member 302 is pressed downward by a spring 302c. This biases the latch 302a upward.

[0053] The connector 300 includes a built-in locking unit 303. The locking unit 303 locks the connection between the connector 300 and the inlet 120. In one specific example, the locking unit 303 is an electromagnetic lock including a solenoid. The locking unit 303 is connected to the control circuit 360 via a signal line 312 and operates in response to a control signal from the control circuit 360. That is, when the control signal is received, a current is applied to the solenoid of the locking unit 303, causing the movable piece 303b to move. When the latch 302a is in the upper position, the movable piece 303b moves, restricting the rotation of the latch member 302 and establishing a locked state. When the movable piece 303b returns to its original position, the restriction on the rotation of the latch member 302 is released, and the latch member 302 is placed in an unlocked state.

[0054] A switch 310A is disposed near the locking unit 303. The switch 310A is a microswitch with an a-contact. The switch 310A includes an actuator and a contact mechanism, and the contact mechanism opens and closes depending on the position of the actuator. That is, when the movable piece 303b is in the reference position (the natural position when no current is applied to the solenoid), the movable piece 303b does not press the actuator, and the switch 310A is in the OFF state. When the movable piece 303b is in the locked position (the position when current is applied to the solenoid and the movable iron core is attracted), the actuator is pressed by the movable piece 303b, and the switch 310A is in the ON state. The switch 310A is connected to the control circuit 360 by a signal line 313 that runs inside the sheath of the cable 330. The control circuit 360 can receive an ON signal from the switch 310A and detects the locked state of the locking unit 303 by receiving the ON signal.

[0055] The connector 300 has an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 304. The LED 304 is used to notify the user that the connector 300 has been successfully connected to the inlet 120. More specifically, the LED 304 is used to notify the user that the connector 300 has been successfully connected to the inlet 120 and that the connection state has been locked by the locking unit 303. The LED 304 is connected to the control circuit 360 by a signal line 311 that passes through the sheath of the cable 330. The control circuit 360 can send a control signal to the LED 304 to control the turning on and off of the LED 304.

[0056] The communication I / F 351 is a communication circuit for a specific communication protocol, for example, CAN. In another example, the communication I / F 351 may be a communication circuit for Ethernet. A communication line 316 extends from the communication I / F 351 to the connector 300 through the inside of the sheath of the cable 330. The communication I / F 351 is used for communication with the charging management device 130.

[0057] 5 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control circuit 360. The control circuit 360 includes a processor 361, a non-volatile memory 362, a volatile memory 363, and an I / O 364.

[0058] The processor 361, nonvolatile memory 362, and volatile memory 363 have the same configuration as the processor 141, nonvolatile memory 142, and volatile memory 143 described above, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0059] The non-volatile memory 362 stores a lock control program 365, which is a computer program, and data used to execute the lock control program 365. Each function of the charge control device 350 is realized by the processor 361 executing the lock control program 365. The lock control program 365 can be stored in a recording medium such as a flash memory, a ROM, or a CD-ROM.

[0060] The I / O 364 is connected to the communication I / F 351 and the power converter 352. The control circuit 360 can input and output signals between the communication I / F 351 and the power converter 352 via the I / O 364. That is, the control circuit 360 can instruct the communication I / F 351 or the power converter 352 to operate by sending a control signal to the communication I / F 351 or the power converter 352, and can receive various types of information from the communication I / F 351 or the power converter 352.

[0061] The I / O 364 is connected to signal lines 311, 312, 313, and 315. In response to an instruction from the processor 361, the I / O 364 outputs a control signal to the LED 304 via the signal line 311. This causes the LED 304 to light up or turn off. In response to an instruction from the processor 361, the I / O 364 outputs a control signal to the locking unit 303 via the signal line 312. This controls the position of the movable piece 303b of the locking unit 303. The I / O 364 detects an ON signal from the switch 310A via the signal line 313 and notifies the processor 361.

[0062] While the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120, the I / O 364 outputs a charging start signal for notifying the start of charging via the signal line 315 in response to an instruction from the processor 361.

[0063] [1.5. Functions of Charging System] FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing an example of functions of the charging system according to the first embodiment.

[0064] The charging system 10 has the functions of a video acquisition unit 101, a video authentication unit 102, a key authentication unit 103, an authentication result acquisition unit 104, a determination unit 105, and a control unit 201. In the charging system 10 according to the first embodiment, the video acquisition unit 101 and the video authentication unit 102 are provided in a video authentication device 150, the key authentication unit 103, the authentication result acquisition unit 104, and the determination unit 105 are provided in a vehicle body control device 140, and the control unit 201 is provided in a charging device 200.

[0065] The image acquisition unit 101 acquires an image of the surroundings of the electric vehicle 100. That is, the image acquisition unit 101 acquires an image output from the camera 160.

[0066] The video authentication unit 102 executes a video authentication process for authenticating a user based on the video acquired by the video acquisition unit 101. For example, the video authentication process is a face authentication process that compares facial features of a registered user with features obtained from a video including a face, and determines whether a person appearing in the video matches the registered user. The video authentication process may also be a process that compares features of body parts other than the face of the registered user with features extracted from body parts other than the face in the video, and determines whether a person appearing in the video matches the registered user.

[0067] The key authentication unit 103 performs key authentication processing based on the key signal transmitted from the smart key. Specifically, the vehicle body control unit 140 receives and decodes the key signal, which is a response from the smart key 170 to the search signal transmitted from the vehicle body control unit 140. The key authentication processing compares the identification information obtained by decoding the key signal with registered identification information to determine whether the identification information transmitted from the smart key 170 matches the registered identification information.

[0068] The authentication result acquisition unit 104 acquires the result of the key authentication process by the key authentication unit 103. Furthermore, the authentication result acquisition unit 104 acquires the result of the video authentication process by the video authentication unit .

[0069] Based on the result of the video authentication process by the video authentication unit 102, the determination unit 105 determines whether to lock or unlock the connection between the connector 300 of the charging device 200 and the inlet 120 of the electric vehicle 100. Based further on the result of the key authentication process acquired by the authentication result acquisition unit 104, the determination unit 105 determines whether to lock or unlock the connection between the connector 300 and the inlet 120.

[0070] If the key authentication process is successful and the video authentication process is successful, the determination unit 105 determines to unlock the connection between the connector 300 and the inlet 120. If at least one of the key authentication process and the video authentication process fails, the determination unit 105 determines to lock the connection between the connector 300 and the inlet 120.

[0071] The authentication result acquisition unit 104 and the determination unit 105 do not have to be provided in the vehicle body control device 140. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the charging device 200 may include the authentication result acquisition unit 104 and the determination unit 105.

[0072] The control unit 201 controls the lock unit 303 based on the determination result by the determination unit 105. The lock unit 303 is in a locked state while the connector 300 is connected to the inlet 120 and the battery 110 is being charged. When the determination unit 105 determines that the lock unit 303 should be put into an unlocked state, the control unit 201 transmits a control signal to change the lock unit 303 from the locked state to the unlocked state. When the determination unit 105 determines that the lock unit 303 should be put into a locked state, the control unit 201 causes the lock unit 303 to maintain the locked state.

[0073] [1.6. Operation of Charging System] Hereinafter, the operation of the charging system 10 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0074] The charging device 200 executes the following charging control process when charging the battery 110 of the electric vehicle 100. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the charging control process performed by the charging control device according to the first embodiment.

[0075] When charging the battery 110 of the electric vehicle 100, the user connects the connector 300 of the charging device 200 to the inlet 120 of the electric vehicle 100. The processor 361 monitors the output signal of a sensor (not shown) for detecting connector connection, and detects connection of the connector 300 to the inlet 120 (step S101).

[0076] Next, the processor 361 transmits a charging start signal via the signal line 315 (step S102), thereby notifying the charging management device 130 that the charging operation can be started.

[0077] The processor 361 starts communication with the electric vehicle 100. In the communication between the charging device 200 and the electric vehicle 100, battery information and power information are exchanged. The battery information is transmitted from the charging management device 130 to the charging device 200. The battery information is characteristic information of the battery 110, and includes, for example, the maximum capacity, maximum output voltage, and SOC (State Of Charge) of the battery 110. The power information is transmitted from the charging device 200 to the charging management device 130. The power information is characteristic information of the power converter 352, and includes, for example, the maximum output current and maximum output voltage of the power converter 352.

[0078] The processor 361 outputs a control signal to the lock unit 303 via the signal line 312 to lock the connection between the inlet 120 and the connector 300 (step S103). This prevents the connector 300 from being detached from the inlet 120, thereby preventing theft and tampering with the electric vehicle 100.

[0079] Next, the processor 361 controls the power converter 352 to start the charging operation (step S104), thereby charging the battery 110.

[0080] For example, charging of the battery 110 is completed when the amount of power output from the power converter 352 to the battery 110 reaches a required charge amount calculated from the SOC of the battery 110. The processor 361 determines whether the charging operation has ended (step S105). If the charging operation has not ended (NO in step S105), the processor 361 executes step S105 again.

[0081] When the charging operation has ended (YES in step S105), the processor 361 notifies the charging management device 130 of the end of the charging operation (step S106). This ends the charging control process.

[0082] When charging of the battery 110 is completed, the charging system 10 executes the following lock control operation: Fig. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the lock control operation of the charging system 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0083] When charging is completed and the user wants to use the electric vehicle 100, the lock between the connector 300 and the inlet 120 needs to be released.

[0084] The vehicle body control device 140 periodically transmits a search signal (step S1). When a user carrying the smart key 170 approaches the electric vehicle 100, the smart key 170 receives the search signal. Upon receiving the search signal, the smart key 170 transmits a key signal, which is a response signal (step S2).

[0085] The vehicle body control device 140 receives the key signal. Upon receiving the key signal, the vehicle body control device 140 executes key authentication processing (step S3).

[0086] The camera 160 captures an image of the surroundings of the electric vehicle 100. The user who approaches the electric vehicle 100 is imaged by the camera 160. An image including the user is output from the camera 160 (step S4).

[0087] The video authentication device 150 receives the video output from the camera 160. After receiving the video, the video authentication device 150 executes a video authentication process (step S5). The video authentication device 150 transmits the result of the video authentication process to the vehicle body control device 140 (step S6). The vehicle body control device 140 receives the result of the video authentication process.

[0088] The vehicle body control device 140 determines whether to unlock the lock unit 303 based on the results of the video authentication process and the key authentication process (step S7). If the vehicle body control device 140 determines to unlock the lock unit 303, it transmits an unlock permission (step S8). The charging management device 130 transfers the unlock permission to the charging device 200 (step S9).

[0089] When the charging device 200 receives the unlock permission, it unlocks the lock unit 303 (step S10). This completes the lock control operation.

[0090] Here, a detailed description will be given of the processing performed by the vehicle body control device 140 during the lock control operation. Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the processing performed by the vehicle body control device 140 during the lock control operation of the charging system 10 according to the first embodiment.

[0091] The vehicle body control device 140 receives the charging operation end notification transmitted from the charging device 200 (step S201).

[0092] The smart key 170 transmits a key signal, and the key signal is received by the vehicle body control device 140. The processor 141 of the vehicle body control device 140 executes key authentication processing based on the received key signal and obtains the result of the key authentication processing (step S202).

[0093] The video authentication device 150 performs video authentication processing based on the video of the surroundings of the electric vehicle 100, and transmits the result of the video authentication processing to the vehicle body control device 140. The processor 141 of the vehicle body control device 140 acquires the result of the video authentication processing by the video authentication device 150 (step S203).

[0094] The processor 141 determines whether the key authentication process is successful and whether the video authentication process is successful (step S204). If at least one of the key authentication process and the video authentication process is unsuccessful (NO in step S204), the processor 141 returns to step S202. If the key authentication process is successful and the video authentication process is successful (YES in step S204), the processor 141 determines to release the lock by the lock unit 303 and transmits an unlock permission (step S205). This completes the processing by the vehicle body control device 140.

[0095] 2. Second Embodiment A charging system according to a second embodiment performs video authentication of a user based on video captured by a security camera installed in a home.

[0096] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of a charging system according to Embodiment 2. A charging system 10A according to Embodiment 2 includes a Home Energy Management System (HEMS) controller 510 and a security camera 550 arranged in a house 500.

[0097] The HEMS controller 510 centrally manages power usage in the house 500. The HEMS controller 510 is connected to the charge control device 350. For example, the HEMS controller 510 displays the amount of power usage in the home on a monitor, controls electrical appliances such as air conditioners and lighting fixtures, stores power from the commercial AC power supply 400 in the battery 353 at night, and supplies power from the battery 353 to the load 410 during the day.

[0098] The HEMS controller 510 is connected to a security camera 550. The HEMS controller 510 can receive images output from the camera 550.

[0099] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram showing an example of functions of the charging system according to the second embodiment.

[0100] In the second embodiment, the HEMS controller 510 functions as a video authentication device. That is, the HEMS controller 510 includes the functions of the video acquisition unit 101 and the video authentication unit 102.

[0101] The camera 550 captures images of the surroundings of the parked electric vehicle 100. The video acquisition unit 101 acquires the video of the surroundings of the electric vehicle 100. That is, the video acquisition unit 101 acquires the video output from the camera 550. The video authentication unit 102 executes a video authentication process for authenticating a user based on the video acquired by the video acquisition unit 101.

[0102] The other configurations of the charging system 10A according to the second embodiment are the same as those of the charging system 10 according to the first embodiment, so the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0103] FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the lock control operation of the charging system 10A according to the second embodiment.

[0104] The vehicle body control device 140 periodically transmits a search signal (step S11). When a user carrying the smart key 170 approaches the electric vehicle 100, the smart key 170 receives the search signal. Upon receiving the search signal, the smart key 170 transmits a key signal, which is a response signal (step S12).

[0105] The vehicle body control device 140 receives the key signal. Upon receiving the key signal, the vehicle body control device 140 executes key authentication processing (step S13).

[0106] If the key authentication process is successful, the vehicle body control device 140 transmits an unlock request to the charge management device 130 (step S14).

[0107] When the charge management device 130 receives the unlock request, it transmits an image acquisition request to the charging device 200 (step S15). When the charging device 200 receives the image acquisition request, it transmits an image capture instruction to the HEMS controller 510 (step S16). The HEMS controller 510 transmits an image capture instruction to the camera 550 (step S17), and the camera 550 captures an image of the surroundings of the electric vehicle 100. The user approaching the electric vehicle 100 is captured by the camera 550. An image including the user is output from the camera 550 (step S18).

[0108] The HEMS controller 510 receives the video output from the camera 550. The HEMS controller 510 that has received the video executes a video authentication process (step S19). The HEMS controller 510 transmits the result of the video authentication process to the vehicle body control device 140 (steps S20 and S21). The vehicle body control device 140 receives the result of the video authentication process.

[0109] The vehicle body control device 140 determines whether to unlock the lock unit 303 based on the results of the video authentication process and the key authentication process (step S22). If the vehicle body control device 140 determines to unlock the lock unit 303, it transmits an unlock permission (step S23). The charging management device 130 transfers the unlock permission to the charging device 200 (step S24).

[0110] When the charging device 200 receives the unlock permission, it unlocks the lock unit 303 (step S25). This completes the lock control operation.

[0111] The authentication result acquisition unit 104 and the determination unit 105 do not have to be provided in the HEMS controller 510. For example, as shown in FIG.

[0112] The video acquisition unit 101 and the video authentication unit 102 also do not have to be provided in the HEMS controller 510. For example, the charging device 200 may include the video acquisition unit 101 and the video authentication unit 102.

[0113] [3. Third Embodiment] A charging system according to a third embodiment determines whether to release the lock between the inlet 120 and the connector 300, using the result of the key authentication process based on a smart entry key signal, the result of the video authentication process, and a request sent from the smart key 170 to release the connection lock between the inlet 120 and the connector 300.

[0114] The configuration of a charging system 10 according to a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1 . The smart key 170 is provided with an unlock button 171 for unlocking the connection between the inlet 120 and the connector 300. When a user presses the unlock button 171, the smart key 170 transmits an unlock request. The unlock request includes encrypted identification information. The vehicle body control device 140 receives the unlock request. If the key authentication process is successful, the vehicle body control device 140 receives a legitimate unlock request, and the video authentication process is successful, the vehicle body control device 140 determines to release the lock set by the lock unit 303. This ensures sufficiently strong security against attacks (relay attacks) using illegally duplicated key signals or unlock requests.

[0115] The other configurations of the charging system 10 according to the third embodiment are the same as those of the charging system 10 according to the first embodiment, so the same components are given the same reference numerals and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0116] Fig. 13 is a sequence diagram showing an example of the lock control operation of the charging system 10 according to the third embodiment. Fig. 13 shows the operation of the charging system 10 when the video authentication process fails.

[0117] The vehicle body control device 140 periodically transmits a search signal (step S1). When a user carrying the smart key 170 approaches the electric vehicle 100, the smart key 170 receives the search signal. Upon receiving the search signal, the smart key 170 transmits a key signal, which is a response signal (step S2).

[0118] The vehicle body control device 140 receives the key signal. Upon receiving the key signal, the vehicle body control device 140 executes key authentication processing (step S3).

[0119] The user presses the unlock button 171 of the smart key 170 (step S31). When the unlock button 171 is pressed, the smart key 170 transmits an unlock request (step S32). The vehicle body control device 140 receives the unlock request.

[0120] The vehicle body control device 140 determines whether the received unlock request is valid or not, and if the unlock request is valid, transmits an image capture instruction to the camera 160 (step S33).

[0121] When the camera 160 receives the image capture instruction, it captures an image of the surroundings of the electric vehicle 100. The user who approaches the electric vehicle 100 is captured by the camera 160. An image including the user (or a malicious third party) is output from the camera 160 (step S4).

[0122] The video authentication device 150 receives the video output from the camera 160. After receiving the video, the video authentication device 150 executes a video authentication process (step S5). The video authentication device 150 transmits the result of the video authentication process to the vehicle body control device 140 (step S6). The vehicle body control device 140 receives the result of the video authentication process.

[0123] The vehicle body control device 140 determines whether to unlock the lock unit 303 based on the results of the video authentication process, the results of the key authentication process, and the validity of the unlock request. For example, if the video authentication process fails, the vehicle body control device 140 determines that unlocking is prohibited (step S34). In this case, the vehicle body control device 140 does not send unlock permission, and the lock unit 303 is not unlocked. This completes the lock control operation.

[0124] [4. Supplementary Note] The embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the claims, not the above-described embodiments, and includes meanings equivalent to the claims and all modifications within the scope thereof.

[0125] 10, 10A Charging system 100 Electric vehicle 101 Video acquisition unit 102 Video authentication unit 103 Key authentication unit 104 Authentication result acquisition unit 105 Determination unit 110 Battery 120 Inlet 130 Charging management device 140 Vehicle body control device 141 Processor 142 Non-volatile memory 143 Volatile memory 144 Wireless communication interface (wireless communication I / F) 145 Communication interface (communication I / F) 146 Input / output interface (I / O) 147 Control program 150 Video authentication device 151 Processor 152 Non-volatile memory 153 Volatile memory 154 Communication interface (communication I / F) 155 Input / output interface (I / O) 157 Video authentication program 160 Camera 170 Smart key 171 Unlock button 200 Charging device 201 Control unit 300 Connector 301 Plug 302 Latch member 302a Latch 302b Fulcrum 302c Spring 302d Second end 303 Lock portion 303a Release button 303b Movable piece 304 LED 310A Switch 311, 312, 313, 315 Signal line 316 Communication line 317 Power line 330 Cable 350 Charging control device 351 Control circuit 352 Power converter 353 Battery 360 Control circuit 361 Processor 362 Non-volatile memory 363 Volatile memory 364 Input / output interface (I / O) 365 Lock control program 400 Commercial AC power supply 410 Load 500 House 510 HEMS controller 550 Camera

Claims

1. A charging system for charging a battery of an electric vehicle by a charging device, an image acquisition unit that acquires an image of the surroundings of the electric vehicle; a video authentication unit that executes a video authentication process to authenticate a user based on the video acquired by the video acquisition unit; a determination unit that determines whether to lock or unlock a connection between a connector of the charging device and an inlet of the electric vehicle based on a result of the video authentication process by the video authentication unit; a control unit that controls a lock unit that locks the connection between the connector and the inlet based on a result of the determination by the determination unit; Equipped with Charging system.

2. an authentication result acquisition unit that acquires a result of a key authentication process based on a key signal transmitted from a key used to lock and unlock a door of the electric vehicle; the determination unit determines whether to lock or unlock the connection between the connector and the inlet, further based on the result of the key authentication process acquired by the authentication result acquisition unit. The charging system of claim 1 .

3. the determination unit determines to unlock the connection between the connector and the inlet when the key authentication process is successful and the video authentication process is successful. The charging system according to claim 2 .

4. the determination unit determines to lock the connection between the connector and the inlet when at least one of the key authentication process and the video authentication process fails. The charging system according to claim 3 .

5. The image acquisition unit acquires an image by a camera mounted on the electric vehicle. The charging system of claim 1 .

6. The image acquisition unit acquires images from a security camera installed in the house. The charging system of claim 1 .

7. the charging device includes a power converter that converts AC power into DC power; The control unit is provided in the charging device. The charging system according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The determination unit is provided in the charging device.

8. The charging system of claim 7.

9. The determination unit is provided in an on-board control device provided in the electric vehicle.

8. The charging system of claim 7.

10. A charging device for charging a battery of an electric vehicle, a determination unit that determines whether to lock or unlock a connection between a connector of the charging device and an inlet of the electric vehicle based on a result of a video authentication process that authenticates a user based on an image of the surroundings of the electric vehicle; a control unit that controls a lock unit that locks the connection between the connector and the inlet based on a result of the determination by the determination unit; Equipped with Charging device.

11. A lock control method for controlling a lock state of a connection between an inlet of an electric vehicle and a connector of a charging device, comprising: acquiring an image of the surroundings of the electric vehicle; executing a video authentication process for authenticating a user based on the acquired video; determining whether to lock or unlock a connection between a connector of the charging device and an inlet of the electric vehicle based on a result of the video authentication process; controlling a lock unit that locks the connection between the connector and the inlet based on a result of determining whether to lock or unlock the connection between the connector and the inlet; Including, Lock control method.

12. A lock control program for use in a charging device that charges a battery of an electric vehicle, comprising: On the computer, determining whether to lock or unlock a connection between a connector of the charging device and an inlet of the electric vehicle based on a result of a video authentication process that authenticates a user based on an image of the surroundings of the electric vehicle; controlling a lock unit that locks the connection between the connector and the inlet based on a result of determining whether to lock or unlock the connection between the connector and the inlet; In order to execute Lock control program.