Method for recharging an electric car through vehicle-centric authentication and apparatus thereof

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention discloses a method for charging an electric vehicle through vehicle-centric authentication, comprising: a step of detecting a completed connection state of a charging cable of an external charger for a vehicle; a step of obtaining charger information of the external charger based on the interaction between a first wireless communication module of the vehicle and a second wireless communication module corresponding to the external charger when the completed connection state is detected; a step of transmitting identification information of the vehicle and charger information to a server; and a step of visualizing and outputting the charging process to a terminal corresponding to the vehicle when the charging process caused by the external charger is initiated as a result of the identification information and charger information being transmitted to the server and authenticated normally.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for an authentication procedure for charging an electric vehicle, and more specifically, to a method for charging an electric vehicle through vehicle-centered authentication and an apparatus for implementing the method. Background Technology

[0002] As the adoption rate of electric vehicles (EVs) rises dramatically, many issues regarding EV charging systems are naturally emerging. For example, based on charging speed, EV chargers can be divided into fast chargers and slow chargers. As another example, based on the charging procedure, EV charging methods can be classified into RFID, QR code, Plug and Charge (PnC), and other methods.

[0003] Figure 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the authentication process among the existing electric vehicle charging processes.

[0004] In FIG. 1, when the cable of the charger (130) is connected to the electric vehicle (110), the electric vehicle (110) transmits vehicle information to the charger (130). The charger (130) transmits the authentication information of the electric vehicle, including the vehicle number, to the server (150) of the charging business operator via a communication network, and when the authentication of the electric vehicle (110) is completed, the server (150) of the charging business operator issues an operation command to the charger (130) so that the charger (130) can control the charging of the battery pack of the electric vehicle (110).

[0005] While most charging point operators (CPOs) utilize authentication procedures like the one shown in Fig. 1, the methods of implementing these procedures vary slightly from operator to operator, which can cause inconvenience for electric vehicle users. For example, users must create a separate account for each charging point operator providing charging services, authenticate using a separate authentication method, and pay the charges using a separate payment method after charging is completed. Since there are dozens of charging point operators providing electric vehicle charging services, similar tasks must be repeated every time an electric vehicle is charged. Because authentication procedures like the one shown in Fig. 1 generally involve an authentication process using RFID, users request the authentication process by tagging a membership card equipped with an RFID chip to the RFID recognition part of the charger.

[0006] As a method to simplify the authentication process as shown in Fig. 1, there is an authentication process using a platform. For example, platform companies that have partnerships with dozens or hundreds of charging business operators (e.g., TMAP or Kakao Mobility) provide authentication process services to users through QR codes without distributing separate membership cards.

[0007] However, the previously explained methods using RFID and QR codes are all types of authentication methods centered on charging operators and have limitations in providing high convenience to actual electric vehicle users. Therefore, there is a need for an authentication method that offers high convenience by centering on the vehicle rather than charging operators or platform providers.

[0008] Meanwhile, the PnC method exists as one of the certification methods for vehicle-centered electric vehicle charging procedures. The most widely known existing PnC method involves performing certification through charging cables that comply with the ISO-15118 standard. However, since charging cables for chargers adopting the ISO-15118 standard are designed to exchange various information between the EV and the charger, their unit cost is high; this is cited as a factor that excessively increases the cost of establishing EV charging infrastructure. Prior art literature

[0009] 1. Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2021-0128276 (Oct. 26, 2021) 2. Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2126584 (June 18, 2020) 3. Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2012-0120900 (Nov. 2, 2012) 4. Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2394609 (May 2, 2022) 5. Korean Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2296004 (Aug. 25, 2021) The problem to be solved

[0010] The technical problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a method and apparatus for charging an electric vehicle through vehicle-centric authentication. means of solving the problem

[0011] A method according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above technical problem comprises: a step of detecting a completed connection state of a charging cable of an external charger for a vehicle; a step of obtaining charger information of the external charger based on the interaction between a first wireless communication module of the vehicle and a second wireless communication module corresponding to the external charger when the completed connection state is detected; a step of transmitting identification information of the vehicle and charger information to a server; and a step of visualizing and outputting the charging process to a terminal corresponding to the vehicle when the charging process caused by the external charger is initiated as a result of the identification information and charger information being transmitted to the server and authenticated normally.

[0012] In the above method, the step of detecting the connection completion state can detect the connection completion state of a cable capable of supplying only power to the vehicle.

[0013] In the above method, the first wireless communication module may be a wireless communication module based on UWB (Ultra-Wide Band).

[0014] In the above method, the first wireless communication module may be equipped with at least two or more UWB modules.

[0015] In the above method, it may be a wireless communication module that is temporarily attached to an external charger to receive power and become activated, or is attached to the external charger and can be detached from the external charger.

[0016] In the above method, the second wireless communication module may be a UWB-based module embedded in the external charger.

[0017] In the above method, the second wireless communication module is activated only when the connection completion state is detected, and can induce interaction between the activated modules.

[0018] In the above method, the information output to the terminal may be at least one of the charging business operator (CPO) of the charger, the charging status of the vehicle's battery, and the estimated time for full charging of the vehicle.

[0019] In the above method, the terminal may be one of the IVI touch panel display of the vehicle and the smart terminal of the owner of the vehicle.

[0020] In the above method, the step of transmitting the identification information of the vehicle and the charger information to the server may further include payment information for the user of the vehicle and transmit it to the server.

[0021] A device according to another embodiment of the present invention for solving the above technical problem is a device for controlling the charging of an electric vehicle through vehicle-centric authentication, comprising: a memory in which at least one program is stored; and a processor that performs operations by executing the at least one program. The processor detects the completion of connection of a charging cable of an external charger for a vehicle, and when the completion of connection is detected, acquires charger information of the external charger based on the interaction between a first wireless communication module of the vehicle and a second wireless communication module corresponding to the external charger, transmits identification information of the vehicle and charger information to a server, and when a charging process caused by the external charger is initiated as a result of the identification information and charger information being transmitted from the server and successfully authenticated, the charging process can be visualized and output to a terminal corresponding to the vehicle.

[0022] A method according to another embodiment of the present invention for solving the above technical problem is a vehicle-centric charging control method implemented by a vehicle charging system comprising a vehicle, an external charger, a vehicle server, and a CPO server, wherein the vehicle detects the completion of connection of a charging cable of an external charger and performs wireless communication with the external charger to obtain charger information of the external charger; the vehicle transmits identification information of the vehicle and the obtained charger information to the vehicle server; the vehicle server performs authentication processing on the identification information and the charger information and transmits a charging request to the CPO server; and the CPO server receives the charging request and transmits a charging start command to the external charger corresponding to the charging request.

[0023] One embodiment of the present invention may provide a computer-readable recording medium storing a program for executing the method. Effects of the invention

[0024] According to the present invention, the authentication procedure that a user must perform to charge an electric vehicle can be significantly simplified. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0025] Figure 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating the authentication process among the existing electric vehicle charging processes. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an overall system for implementing a method of charging an electric vehicle through vehicle-centered authentication according to the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for charging an electric vehicle through vehicle-centered authentication according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating another example of a method for charging an electric vehicle through vehicle-centered authentication according to the present invention. Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating, exemplarily, the information displayed on a user terminal when an electric vehicle is being charged. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for charging an electric vehicle through vehicle-centered authentication according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a charging control device according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a method for charging an electric vehicle through vehicle-centered authentication according to the present invention. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle server implementing the method according to the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0026] The present invention is capable of various modifications and may have various embodiments; specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail in the detailed description. The effects and features of the present invention, and the methods for achieving them, will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but can be implemented in various forms.

[0027] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. When describing with reference to the drawings, identical or corresponding components are given the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0028] In the following embodiments, terms such as first, second, etc. are used not in a limiting sense, but for the purpose of distinguishing one component from another component.

[0029] In the following embodiments, singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0030] In the following embodiments, terms such as "include" or "have" mean that the features or components described in the specification are present, and do not preclude the possibility that one or more other features or components may be added.

[0031] Where an embodiment can be implemented differently, a specific process sequence may be performed differently from the order described. For example, two processes described consecutively may be performed substantially simultaneously or proceed in the reverse order of the description.

[0032] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an overall system for implementing a method of charging an electric vehicle through vehicle-centered authentication according to the present invention.

[0033] The entire system (1) illustrated in FIG. 2 includes an electric vehicle (21), a charger (22), a vehicle server (24), and a CPO server (25), and the electric vehicle (21), the charger (22), the vehicle server (24), and the CPO server (25) are considered to be electrically connected through various wired and wireless communication.

[0034] In FIG. 2, the electric vehicle (21) is a vehicle used by a user and refers to a vehicle that obtains power through the operation of a driving motor supplied with power from a battery. The battery of the electric vehicle (21) may be a battery package containing multiple batteries, and the battery of the electric vehicle (21) may be a rechargeable battery that is charged through a predetermined procedure when the charging cable of the charger (22) is connected to the electric vehicle (21). In the present invention, the electric vehicle (21) is considered to be a broad concept that includes not only conventional battery electric vehicles (BEVs) but also plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs). Depending on the embodiment, the electric vehicle (21) may include an electric two-wheeled vehicle that operates on a battery.

[0035] The charger (22) refers to a device including a charging module and a charging cable capable of charging a battery installed in an electric vehicle (21). In the present invention, the charger (22) includes not only a fixed charger installed in a fixed location at a charging station, but also a power outlet-connected charger installed in an apartment parking lot, etc. The charger (22) includes a wireless communication module (23), and the wireless communication module (23) refers to a communication module capable of communicating with an electric vehicle (21) that has approached the charger (22) within a certain distance, or communicating with a CPO server (25) through various communication networks. In one embodiment, the wireless communication module (23) may be a module capable of implementing UWB-based communication, and in particular, the wireless communication module (23) may be a communication module capable of processing a series of interactions with a UWB module installed in the electric vehicle (21). The wireless communication module (23) included in the charger (22) may be a movable communication module that can be arbitrarily installed in the charger (22) or removed from the charger (22), and this will be described later.

[0036] The vehicle server (24) refers to a server operated by the manufacturer of the electric vehicle (21). The vehicle server (24) can form an individual channel and communicate with the electric vehicle (21) through a unique communication module (not shown) embedded in the electric vehicle (21). Typically, since the entity operating the vehicle server (24) is the company that manufactured the electric vehicle (21), once the model of the electric vehicle (21) is identified, the vehicle server (24) can establish a secure, unique session with the electric vehicle (21) and communicate. According to an embodiment, the vehicle server (24) may also communicate with the electric vehicle (21) through a conventional mobile communication network.

[0037] In the present invention, the vehicle server (24) can receive an authentication request from the electric vehicle (21) and perform an authentication procedure. More specifically, when the vehicle server (24) receives an authentication request from the electric vehicle (21), it can determine the vehicle information and charger information included in the authentication request and process an authentication procedure for charging the electric vehicle (21). Here, the vehicle information may be the vehicle number or the vehicle model number, and may include other identification information. The charger information refers to the identification information of the charger connected to the electric vehicle (21) via a charging cable. After completing the authentication procedure, the vehicle server (24) can send a charging request message to the CPO server (25) requesting charging for the electric vehicle (21) for which authentication has been completed.

[0038] The CPO server (25) receives a charging request from the vehicle server (24) and, accordingly, can initiate a charging operation of the charger (22). The charging request received from the vehicle server (24) includes identification information of the charger (22), so the CPO server (25) can selectively identify the charger (22) connected to the electric vehicle (21) that sent the authentication request and issue an operation command. The charger (22) that receives the operation command from the CPO server (25) can initiate a charging process for the battery of the electric vehicle (21).

[0039] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for charging an electric vehicle through vehicle-centered authentication according to the present invention.

[0040] The method for charging an electric vehicle through vehicle-centric authentication according to the present invention can be classified as a PnC method, as explained in the background art. Therefore, the present invention can initiate an authentication procedure based on the fact that a charging cable is connected to an electric vehicle from a charger installed at a charging station. The following description will be explained with reference to FIG. 2.

[0041] First, when the charging cable of the charger (22) is connected to the electric vehicle (21) and communication is established with the wireless communication module (23) of the charger (22) (S310), communication can be performed between the electric vehicle (21) and the wireless communication module (23) corresponding to the charger (22) (S320).

[0042] The electric vehicle (21) can transmit vehicle information stored in the electric vehicle (21) and charger information received from the wireless communication module (23) of the charger (22) to the vehicle server (24) via a communication network (S330). At this time, the vehicle information of the electric vehicle (21) may include information of the user using the electric vehicle (21). In addition, the charger information may include the serial number of the charger, information of the charging business operator owning the charger, etc.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the user can pay the charging fee through payment information corresponding to the vehicle server (24) or the CPO server (25). For example, the payment procedure may proceed in the order of registering payment information (pre-payment information), payment authentication, and payment execution.

[0044] According to an embodiment, in step S330, the electric vehicle (21) may additionally receive payment information in addition to vehicle information and charger information. The payment information is information for paying the charging fee of the electric vehicle (21) and may include at least one of account information and payment method information of the electric vehicle (21) owner or user paying the charging fee. The payment information (including pre-payment information) may be entered by the user when charging or entered in advance. The payment information may be transmitted to the CPO server (25) after being entered into the vehicle server (24), or may be entered in advance into the CPO server (25).

[0045] Account information refers to information about an account that is pre-registered on the vehicle server (24) or CPO server (25) for the purpose of paying charging fees, and includes information regarding whether the user is registered (new user or existing user) or the user's level. For example, if the user's account information is not pre-registered on the vehicle server (24) or CPO server (25), direct payment cannot be made simultaneously with authentication through the vehicle server (24), or a separate payment procedure or authentication for payment must be performed, and benefits such as different levels of service or fee discounts may be provided depending on the user's level.

[0046] The user's payment method information may include credit card information, bank transfer information, etc., that the user has pre-registered to correspond to the user's account for charging the electric vehicle (21). Additionally, the user's payment method information may further include automatic payment setting information or additional payment authentication information. For example, if the automatic payment setting information is ON (or the additional payment authentication information is OFF), the vehicle server (24) or the CPO server (25) can immediately proceed with the payment process through the credit card information or bank transfer information that the user has pre-registered.

[0047] As another example, if the automatic payment setting information is OFF (or the additional payment authentication information is ON), the vehicle server (24) or CPO server (25) can proceed with payment via credit card or bank transfer only after receiving 'additional authentication' through the terminal of the user or other payment holder whenever a charging cable is connected to the electric vehicle (21), even if the user has previously registered credit card information or bank transfer information. The automatic payment setting information may be set together when the user creates an account on the vehicle server (24), or may be changed arbitrarily after the user creates an account. Additional authentication is a user approval procedure that serves as a final confirmation of the charging of the electric vehicle (21), and can be performed through a terminal equipped in the electric vehicle (21) (e.g., an IVI touch panel) or a terminal of the user or other payment holder (e.g., a smartphone).

[0048] When payment authentication is completed, payment is performed through the vehicle server (24) or the CPO server (25). When payment is performed at the vehicle server (24), payment completion information is transmitted to the CPO server (25), and when payment is performed at the CPO server (25), payment completion information can be transmitted to the vehicle server (24).

[0049] The vehicle server (24) can process an authentication procedure based on the vehicle information and charger information of the electric vehicle (21) received from the electric vehicle (21) (S340). The vehicle server (24) can request the charging business operator server (25) to proceed with the charging process based on the fact that the authentication procedure has been completed (S350). In step S350, the CPO server (25), having received the charging request from the vehicle server (24), can issue an operation command to the charger (22) through a communication network (S360), and the charger (22) can start charging the electric vehicle (21) (S370).

[0050] In the present invention, the charging cable of the charger (22) connected to the electric vehicle (21) may include a power line capable of supplying only power to the electric vehicle (21). When implementing a PnC charging process using the conventionally known ISO-15118 standard, the charging cable of the charger includes not only a power line for power supply but also various cables for data communication, so the volume and weight of the charging cable of the charger (22) increase significantly, and there is a problem of increased costs for building charging infrastructure. On the other hand, the present invention does not follow the ISO-15118 standard, and since the charging cable of the charger (22) charges only the power of the battery of the electric vehicle (21) according to the operation command of the charger, there is an advantage of being able to use a lightweight and economical cable.

[0051] In addition, the present invention is characterized by physically separating the vehicle server (24) and the CPO server (25) and configuring them to perform individual operations. As one of the conventional methods of configuring PnC, there is a PnC method in which the vehicle server is omitted by using the charger's camera and the CPO server (25) processes both the authentication of the electric vehicle and the operation command for the charger together; hereinafter, this PnC method will be referred to as the first public PnC method. Furthermore, as another method of configuring conventional PnC, there is a method in which the vehicle server is omitted and the CPO server processes both the authentication of the electric vehicle and the operation command for the charger together, instead of installing an application corresponding to the charger on the user's smartphone; hereinafter, this PnC method will be referred to as the second public PnC method.

[0052] When charging electric vehicles using the first public PnC method, the entities operating the CPO server vary in proportion to the number of charging operators, and for the authentication of electric vehicles, cameras must be installed at each charger to verify the license plate number and compare it with vehicle information stored in an external database. In other words, there is a problem in that cameras must be installed at each charger to secure the license plate number (vehicle information) of the electric vehicle, and the process of reading the vehicle information captured by the camera through the CPO server is essential. Furthermore, when charging electric vehicles using the second public PnC method, if different applications are used for each charging operator, users face the inconvenience of having to install and use multiple similar applications on their smartphones to access chargers installed nationwide.

[0053] According to the present invention, there is no need to install a camera on every charger, and there is no inconvenience of having to install different applications for each charging provider on the user's smartphone and learn how to use them every time, so the problems associated with the first known PnC method and the second known PnC method can be resolved.

[0054] As an optional embodiment of the present invention, the vehicle server (24) determines in the authentication process that the user or electric vehicle (21) is a user or vehicle of a pre-set class, and when sending a charging request to the CPO server (25), it may include prepayment information and transmit it. For example, if the user has prepaid a predetermined amount using a dedicated payment method (dedicated payment) approved by the vehicle server (24), the vehicle server (24) transmits the prepayment information together when sending a charging request to the CPO server (25), thereby controlling the process so that the procedure of separately charging the user for charging costs after the CPO server (25) issues a charging command to the charger (22) is omitted.

[0055] As another example, if a user or electric vehicle (21) is registered with the vehicle server (24) as a user who receives a discount on a certain charging cost through a user grade promotion, the vehicle server (24) may transmit discount information, which is a type of prepayment information, together with the charging request sent to the CPO server (25), thereby controlling the process so that the procedure to charge the user the discounted charging cost is initiated after the CPO server (25) issues a charging command to the charger (22). In this embodiment, the loss amount of the CPO resulting from the discount on charging costs can be implemented in a way that compensates the company operating the vehicle server (24), and the company operating the vehicle server (24) can expect a lock-in effect for the customer (user) who receives the discount on charging costs.

[0056] FIG. 4 is a drawing illustrating another example of a method for charging an electric vehicle through vehicle-centered authentication according to the present invention.

[0057] In FIG. 4, the battery of the electric vehicle (410) is assumed to be charged by the charger 2 (420). Additionally, the electric vehicle (410) physically or logically includes a device for implementing a method of charging the electric vehicle through vehicle-centric authentication according to the present invention, and hereinafter, the device will be abbreviated as 'charging control device (411)'. In FIG. 4, the UWB (Ultra-Wide Band) modules attached to each charger refer to wireless communication modules capable of performing communication using a frequency of 3.1 GHz to 10.6 GHz. In FIG. 4, the UWB modules (421, 431, 441) may have their signal strength (magnitude) or signal generation cycle adjusted to a value less than a predetermined value or within a predetermined range based on a value set in the charging control device (411) in order to implement the method according to the present invention.

[0058] In FIG. 4, the electric vehicle (410) may include a plurality of UWB modules within the vehicle to implement a digital key method vehicle control process. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the electric vehicle (410) may include a total of 6 UWB modules, and the 6 UWB modules may be arranged at a certain distance from each other inside the electric vehicle (410) to maximize communication characteristics. The UWB modules included in the electric vehicle (410) may be arranged with 2 modules at the front, 2 modules in the middle, and 2 modules at the rear of the electric vehicle (410), and various arrangement methods may be applied according to the embodiment. In addition, according to the embodiment, at least one of the plurality of UWB modules included in the electric vehicle (410) may be included in a charging control device (411). The UWB module included in the electric vehicle (410) is connected to the charging control device (411) via a wired or wireless connection, and the communication results detected by the UWB module can be transmitted to the charging control device (411).

[0059] When the electric vehicle (410) approaches the charger 2 (420), the user can physically connect the charging cable of the charger 2 (420) to the charging terminal of the electric vehicle (410). The UWB modules included in the electric vehicle (410) can communicate with the UWB module 2 (421) provided in the charger 2 (420) during the process of the electric vehicle (410) approaching the charger 2 (420).

[0060] The charging control device (411) can detect the state in which the electric vehicle (410) attempts to charge using the charging cable of charger 2 (420) rather than charger 1 (430) or charger 3 (440), based on information collected while the UWB modules included in the electric vehicle (410) communicate with the UWB module 2 (421) of charger 2 (420). Specifically, the charging control device (411) can detect that the electric vehicle (410) is approaching charger 2 (420) by detecting that the sensing values ​​of multiple UWB modules included in the electric vehicle (410) all exceed a predetermined threshold value. In this process, the charging control device (411) can receive identification information of charger 2 (420) or UWB module 2 (421).

[0061] The charging control device (411) detects the sensing values ​​of multiple UWB modules included in the electric vehicle (410) and, after primarily estimating that the charger 2 (420) is nearby, subsequently detects that the charging cable of the charger 2 (420) is connected to the charging terminal of the electric vehicle (410), it can start communicating with the vehicle server (450) through the communication device of the electric vehicle (410). In this process, the charging control device (411) can transmit vehicle information regarding the electric vehicle (410) and identification information (unique value) regarding the UWB module 2 (421) to the vehicle server (450).

[0062] The vehicle server (450) can complete the authentication procedure for the electric vehicle (410) and the user of the electric vehicle (410) based on the received vehicle information and the identification information of the UWB module 2 (421). When the authentication procedure for the electric vehicle (410) and the user of the electric vehicle (410) is completed, the vehicle server (450) can send a charging request to the CPO server (460), and the CPO server (460), having received the charging request from the vehicle server (450), can send a charging command to the charger 2 (420). According to an embodiment, the CPO server (460) can generate a charging command for the charger 2 (420) using only the identification information of the UWB module 2 (421) instead of the identification information of the charger 2 (420). The charger 2 (420), having received the charging command from the CPO server (460), can start charging the electric vehicle (410).

[0063] The communication network (470) performs the function of connecting the charging control device (411), the vehicle server (450), the CPO server (460), and various chargers (420, 430, 440), and may include various wired and wireless communication networks such as data networks, mobile communication networks, and the Internet. In particular, in the present invention, the communication network (470) includes not only the mobile communication network currently in use but also the old generation mobile communication network that has already been used and discarded, and the next generation mobile communication network for which infrastructure is to be built and used in the future. Therefore, it may be one of the GSM (Global System for Mobile communications), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access), CDMA 2000, LTE (Long Term Evolution), LTE-A (Long Term Evolution Advanced), 5G (5-Generation), and 6G mobile communication networks scheduled to be serviced in 2030. In addition, the communication network (470) may include a network implemented through satellite communication, such as STARLINK.

[0064] Figure 5 is a diagram illustrating, exemplarily, the information displayed on a user terminal when an electric vehicle is being charged.

[0065] In the present invention, when a charging process initiated by an external charger is initiated, the charging control device can visualize and output the charging process to a terminal corresponding to the electric vehicle. Here, the terminal corresponding to the electric vehicle may be at least one of an IVI touch panel installed inside the electric vehicle and a user's smart terminal. The information regarding the charging process output to the terminal corresponding to the electric vehicle may include at least one of the name of the battery charging business operator, a numerical value of the battery's charging status, and the time required to fully charge the battery, as shown in FIG. 5.

[0066] When the terminal corresponding to the electric vehicle is the user's smartphone, information regarding the charging process displayed on the terminal can be generated by the vehicle server and displayed through an application installed on the user's smartphone. Meanwhile, when the terminal corresponding to the electric vehicle is an IVI touch panel installed inside the electric vehicle, the battery information (such as charging status information and remaining charging time information) received by the electric vehicle's central controller (ECU) from the Battery Management System (BMS) included in the electric vehicle, and the CPO information identified by the charging control device based on information received by the electric vehicle's UWB modules from the charger's UWB modules, can be displayed through the IVI touch panel. Through this embodiment, the user can not only check the charging progress status but also easily verify information about the charging service provider via the terminal.

[0067] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for charging an electric vehicle through vehicle-centered authentication according to the present invention.

[0068] Since the method according to FIG. 6 can be implemented by the charging control device described in FIG. 2 to FIG. 5, it will be described with reference to FIG. 2 to FIG. 5, and below, descriptions that overlap with previously explained content will be omitted. The charging control device is considered to be a device physically or logically included in the electric vehicle.

[0069] The charging control device can detect the completion status of the charging cable connection to the vehicle (S610).

[0070] As an example of one embodiment, in step S610, the charging control device may detect the completed connection state of a charging cable capable of supplying only power to the vehicle. This embodiment means that it is effectively applicable to chargers comprising a charging cable composed only of power lines capable of transmitting only power, without using the ISO-15118 standard.

[0071] When the charging control device detects that the charging cable connection is complete in step S610, it can obtain charger information of the external charger based on the interaction between the vehicle's first wireless communication module and the second wireless communication module corresponding to the external charger (S630).

[0072] As an example, in step S630, the first wireless communication module may be a wireless communication module based on Ultra-Wide Band (UWB). At this time, the second wireless communication module corresponding to the external charger interacting with the first wireless communication module may also be a UWB module, as has already been explained through FIG. 4.

[0073] Additionally, in step S630, the first wireless communication module may be at least two UWB modules, and six UWB modules installed in an electric vehicle have been described in FIG. 4.

[0074] Additionally, in step S630, the second wireless communication module may be temporarily attached to an external charger to receive power and become activated, or it may be a wireless communication module that is attached to the external charger and can be detached from the external charger. In this embodiment, the fact that the second wireless communication module can be attached to and detached from the external charger is intended to ensure compatibility with many existing chargers. Specifically, according to this embodiment, there is no need to manufacture new second wireless communication modules to install them on numerous chargers of various existing charging operators; instead, the present invention can be easily implemented by individually manufacturing and installing only the second wireless communication module, which is activated by receiving power from a fixed charger and is capable of communicating with the vehicle's first wireless communication module, on each charger.

[0075] As another example, the second wireless communication module may be a UWB module embedded in an external charger.

[0076] As another example, the second wireless communication module may be a module designed to be activated only when the completion of the charging cable connection to the vehicle is detected, thereby inducing interaction between the activated modules. According to the present embodiment, since the second wireless communication module does not need to be activated at all times, power required to keep the power of the second wireless communication module ON can be reduced, and unnecessary communication between the first wireless communication module and the second wireless communication module can be minimized when the vehicle approaches the charger for charging.

[0077] The charging control device can transmit the vehicle identification information and the charger information obtained in step S630 to the vehicle server (S650). In step S650, the vehicle identification information may include vehicle license plate information, vehicle model information, and information about the vehicle owner (user).

[0078] The charging control device can visualize and output the charging process to a terminal corresponding to the vehicle when the charging process caused by the external charger is initiated as a result of the vehicle identification information and charger information being transmitted from the vehicle server and successfully authenticated (S670). The information output to the terminal corresponding to the vehicle in step S670 may be at least one of the charger's charging operator (CPO), the charging status of the vehicle's battery, and the estimated time for full charging of the vehicle.

[0079] In step S670, the terminal corresponding to the vehicle may be one of the vehicle's IVI touch panel display and the user's smart terminal using the vehicle.

[0080] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of a charging control device according to the present invention.

[0081] Referring to FIG. 7, the charging control device (700) may include a communication unit (710), a processor (720), and a DB (730). Only the components related to the embodiment are shown in the charging control device (700) of FIG. 7. Therefore, a person skilled in the art will understand that other general-purpose components may be included in addition to the components shown in FIG. 7.

[0082] The communication unit (710) may include one or more components that enable wired / wireless communication with an external server or external device. For example, the communication unit (710) may include at least one of a short-range communication unit (not shown), a mobile communication unit (not shown), and a broadcast receiving unit (not shown).

[0083] DB (730) is hardware that stores various data processed within the charging control device (700) and can store programs for processing and controlling the processor (720).

[0084] DB (730) may include RAM (random access memory), such as DRAM (dynamic random access memory) and SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), CD-ROM, Blu-ray or other optical disc storage, HDD (hard disk drive), SSD (solid state drive), or flash memory.

[0085] The processor (720) controls the overall operation of the charging control device (700). For example, the processor (720) can control the input unit (not shown), display (not shown), communication unit (710), DB (730), etc., by executing programs stored in DB (730). The processor (720) can control the operation of the charging control device (700) by executing programs stored in DB (730).

[0086] As an example, the processor (720) detects the connection completion status of the charging cable of the external charger for the vehicle, and when the connection completion status is detected, it obtains charger information of the external charger based on the interaction between the first wireless communication module of the vehicle and the second wireless communication module corresponding to the external charger, transmits the identification information of the vehicle and the charger information to the server, and when the charging process caused by the external charger is initiated as a result of the identification information and charger information being transmitted from the server and authenticated normally, it can process to visualize and output the charging process to the terminal corresponding to the vehicle.

[0087] The processor (720) may be implemented using at least one of ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), DSPDs (digital signal processing devices), PLDs (programmable logic devices), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing functions.

[0088] FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a method for charging an electric vehicle through vehicle-centered authentication according to the present invention.

[0089] Since the method according to FIG. 8 can be implemented by the vehicle server (24) described in FIG. 2 to 5, it will be described with reference to FIG. 2 to 5, and below, descriptions that are redundant with previously described content will be omitted. Here, the vehicle server (24) is considered to be a physical device that communicates with a charging control device and controls the vehicle so that it can receive power from a charger and be charged.

[0090] The vehicle server can receive vehicle information and charger information about the vehicle from the vehicle that has acquired charger information from an external charger via wireless communication (S810).

[0091] The vehicle server can process the authentication procedure for the vehicle based on the vehicle information (S820).

[0092] When the authentication process is completed, the vehicle server can send a charging request to the CPO server corresponding to the external charger (S830).

[0093] The vehicle server determines whether a charging process caused by an external charger has been initiated (S840), and if a charging process has been initiated, it can generate information to visualize and output the charging process to a terminal corresponding to the vehicle and transmit it to the terminal corresponding to the vehicle (S850).

[0094] FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a vehicle server implementing the method according to the present invention.

[0095] Referring to FIG. 9, it can be seen that the vehicle server (900) includes a receiving unit (910), an authentication processing unit (930), a charging request transmission unit (950), and an output information transmission unit (970). Below, the description will be made with reference to FIGS. 2 to 8.

[0096] The vehicle server (900) can be operated by executing programs stored in memory (not shown). The vehicle server (900) can be implemented using at least one of ASICs (application specific integrated circuits), DSPs (digital signal processors), DSPDs (digital signal processing devices), PLDs (programmable logic devices), FPGAs (field programmable gate arrays), controllers, microcontrollers, microprocessors, and other electrical units for performing functions. The memory (not shown) may include RAM (random access memory), such as DRAM (dynamic random access memory) and SRAM (static random access memory), ROM (read-only memory), EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), CD-ROM, Blu-ray, HDD (hard disk drive), SSD (solid state drive), or flash memory.

[0097] The receiving unit (910), authentication processing unit (930), charging request transmission unit (950), and output information transmission unit (970) included in the vehicle server (900) according to one embodiment of the present invention may be operated in a form included in a hardware device such as a microprocessor or a general-purpose computer system.

[0098] The names of each module included in the vehicle server (900) illustrated in FIG. 9 are arbitrarily named to intuitively explain the representative function performed by each module, and when the present invention is actually implemented, each module may be given a name different from the name described in FIG. 9.

[0099] Additionally, the number of modules included in the vehicle server (900) of FIG. 9 may vary depending on the embodiment. More specifically, the vehicle server (900) in FIG. 9 includes a total of four modules, but depending on the embodiment, the receiving unit (910), the authentication processing unit (930), the charging request transmission unit (950), and the output information transmission unit (970) may be integrated into one module, or at least one module may be implemented in a form where one module is separated into two or more modules.

[0100] The receiver (910) is a module capable of operating with a preset communication protocol and can implement communication functions. The receiver (910) may include one or more components that enable wired / wireless communication with an external server or external device. For example, the receiver (910) may include at least one of a short-range communication unit (not shown), a mobile communication unit (not shown), and a broadcast receiver (not shown). The receiver (910) can receive vehicle information and charger information regarding the vehicle from a vehicle that has acquired charger information from an external charger via wireless communication.

[0101] The authentication processing unit (930) can process the authentication procedure for the vehicle based on the vehicle information.

[0102] The charging request transmission unit (950) can transmit a charging request to the CPO server corresponding to the external charger once the authentication process is completed.

[0103] When a charging process caused by an external charger is initiated, the output information transmission unit (970) can generate information to visualize and output the charging process to a terminal corresponding to the vehicle and transmit it to the terminal corresponding to the vehicle.

[0104] As an optional embodiment, the vehicle server (900) may be the same server as the aforementioned CPO server. That is, in the case where the company manufacturing the electric vehicle and the charging business operator are the same, the vehicle server (900) can perform not only the authentication procedure but also the function of issuing a charging start command to the charger, and the process of transmitting a charging request message from the vehicle server to the CPO server is omitted.

[0105] According to the present invention, a consistent PnC process can be established without being limited to charging operators (CPO) or charger types (charger types using standard cables compliant with ISO-15118 standards or cables containing power lines capable of supplying only power), thereby significantly increasing the convenience of using charging services for users of battery-based electric vehicles.

[0106] The embodiments according to the present invention described above may be implemented in the form of a computer program that can be executed through various components on a computer, and such a computer program may be recorded on a computer-readable medium. In this case, the medium may include a magnetic medium such as a hard disk, a floppy disk, and a magnetic tape, an optical recording medium such as a CD-ROM and a DVD, a magneto-optical medium such as a floptical disk, and a hardware device specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as a ROM, RAM, or flash memory.

[0107] Meanwhile, the above-mentioned computer program may be one specifically designed and configured for the present invention, or one known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer programs may include machine code, such as that generated by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc.

[0108] The specific embodiments described in this invention are examples and do not limit the scope of the invention in any way. For the sake of brevity of the specification, descriptions of prior electronic configurations, control systems, software, and other functional aspects of said systems may be omitted. Additionally, the connections of lines or connecting members between components shown in the drawings are illustrative of functional connections and / or physical or circuit connections, and may be replaced or additionally represented as various functional connections, physical connections, or circuit connections in actual devices. Furthermore, unless specifically stated as "essential," "importantly," etc., a component may not be strictly necessary for the application of the invention.

[0109] In the specification of the present invention (particularly in the claims), the use of the term "the above" and similar descriptive terms may be in both singular and plural. Furthermore, where a range is described in the present invention, it is to include the invention to which individual values ​​belonging to said range are applied (unless otherwise stated), and is equivalent to describing each individual value constituting said range in the detailed description of the invention. Finally, regarding the steps constituting the method according to the present invention, unless explicitly stated or otherwise stated, said steps may be performed in a suitable order. The present invention is not necessarily limited by the order in which said steps are described. The use of all examples or exemplary terms (e.g., etc.) in the present invention is merely for the purpose of describing the present invention in detail, and the scope of the present invention is not limited by said examples or exemplary terms unless limited by the claims. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications, combinations, and changes may be made according to design conditions and factors within the scope of the claims or equivalents to which they are added. Explanation of the symbols

[0110] 700: Charging control device 710: Communications Department 720: Processor 730: DB 900: Vehicle Server 910: Receiver 930: Authentication Processing Unit 950: Charging Request Transmission Unit 970: Output Information Transmission Unit

Claims

Claim 1 A method for charging an electric vehicle through vehicle-centric authentication, comprising: a step of detecting a completed connection state of a charging cable of an external charger for a vehicle; a step of obtaining charger information of the external charger based on the interaction between a first wireless communication module of the vehicle and a second wireless communication module corresponding to the external charger when the completed connection state is detected; a step of transmitting identification information of the vehicle and charger information to a first server corresponding to the vehicle; and a step of visualizing and outputting the charging process to a user terminal corresponding to the vehicle when a charging process caused by the external charger is initiated for the vehicle as a result of the identification information and charger information being successfully authenticated at the first server and the charger information being successfully authenticated at the second server corresponding to the external charger that received the charger information from the first server. Claim 2 In claim 1, the step of detecting the connection completion state is a method for charging an electric vehicle through vehicle-centered authentication, which detects the connection completion state of a cable capable of supplying only power to the vehicle. Claim 3 In claim 1, the first wireless communication module is a wireless communication module based on UWB (Ultra-Wide Band), and the method of charging an electric vehicle through vehicle-centric authentication. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the first wireless communication module is equipped with at least two UWB modules, and the method of charging an electric vehicle through vehicle-centered authentication. Claim 5 A method for charging an electric vehicle through vehicle-centric authentication, wherein the second wireless communication module is a wireless communication module that is temporarily attached to the external charger to receive power and become activated, or is attached to the external charger and can be detached from the external charger. Claim 6 In claim 1, the second wireless communication module is a UWB-based module embedded in the external charger, a method for charging an electric vehicle through vehicle-centric authentication. Claim 7 A method for charging an electric vehicle through vehicle-centric authentication, wherein, in claim 1, the second wireless communication module is activated only when the connection completion state is detected, and the activated module facilitates interaction between the modules. Claim 8 In claim 1, the information output to the user terminal is at least one of the charging business operator (CPO) of the charger, the charging status of the vehicle's battery, and the estimated time to fully charge the vehicle, a method for charging an electric vehicle through vehicle-centric authentication. Claim 9 A method for charging an electric vehicle through vehicle-centric authentication, wherein the user terminal is one of the IVI touch panel display of the vehicle and the smart terminal of the owner of the vehicle. Claim 10 A method for charging an electric vehicle through vehicle-centric authentication, wherein, in claim 1, the step of transmitting the identification information of the vehicle and the charger information to the first server further includes payment information for the user of the vehicle and transmits it to the first server. Claim 11 A computer-readable recording medium storing a program for executing the method according to paragraph 1. Claim 12 A device for controlling the charging of an electric vehicle through vehicle-centric authentication, comprising: a memory in which at least one program is stored; and a processor that performs operations by executing the at least one program, wherein the processor detects the completion of connection of a charging cable of an external charger for a vehicle, and when the completion of connection is detected, acquires charger information of the external charger based on the interaction between a first wireless communication module of the vehicle and a second wireless communication module of the external charger, transmits identification information of the vehicle and charger information to a first server corresponding to the vehicle, and when the identification information and charger information are successfully authenticated at the first server and the charger information is successfully authenticated at a second server corresponding to the external charger that received the charger information from the first server, and when a charging process caused by the external charger is initiated, the charging process is visualized and output to a user terminal corresponding to the vehicle. Claim 13 A vehicle server that controls the charging of an electric vehicle through vehicle-centric authentication, comprising: a receiving unit that receives vehicle information and charger information regarding the vehicle from a vehicle that has acquired charger information from an external charger via wireless communication; an authentication processing unit that processes an authentication procedure for the vehicle based on the vehicle information; a charging request transmission unit that transmits a charging request to a CPO server corresponding to the external charger when the authentication procedure is completed; and an output information transmission unit that, when a charging process caused by the external charger is initiated as a result of the charging request being transmitted from the CPO server to the external charger, receives a result of the charging process being initiated from the CPO server, generates information for visualizing and outputting the charging process to a user terminal corresponding to the vehicle, and transmits the generated information to the user terminal corresponding to the vehicle. Claim 14 A vehicle-centered charging control method implemented by a vehicle charging system comprising a vehicle, an external charger, a vehicle server, and a CPO server, wherein the vehicle detects the completion of connection of a charging cable of an external charger and performs wireless communication with the external charger to obtain charger information of the external charger; the vehicle transmits identification information of the vehicle and the obtained charger information to the vehicle server; the vehicle server performs authentication processing on the identification information and the charger information, and if the vehicle is a vehicle corresponding to the vehicle server based on the identification information and the charger information is information of an external charger of a CPO communicating with the vehicle server, transmits a charging request to the CPO server; and the CPO server receives the charging request and transmits a charging start command to the external charger corresponding to the charging request.

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