Personal information protection device and method for electric vehicles

Abstract

The present invention discloses a personal information management device and method for protecting personal information stored in a controller of an electric vehicle. The present invention enables a personal information management device, which is implemented by integrating with a controller that stores personal information and provides services in conjunction with an external service provider, to receive power from the high-voltage battery and the low-voltage battery of the electric vehicle, respectively. When power is supplied from at least one of the high-voltage battery and the low-voltage battery, the control unit of the personal information management device continuously receives a voltage signal in a constant state. When the personal information management device is detached and power supply from both the high-voltage battery and the low-voltage battery is cut off, the control unit receives a voltage signal in a state opposite to the existing one. By detecting a change in the state of the voltage signal, the control unit of the personal information management device can determine whether the personal information management device has been detached from the electric vehicle where it was originally installed and installed in another electric vehicle. If it is determined that the device was detached and reinstalled without authorization, the function of providing personal information stored internally is disabled to block the provision of personal information, thereby preventing the illegal misuse of personal information.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a personal information management device and method, and more specifically, to a personal information management device and method that can be used in various services performed in electric vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] With the recent advancement of information and communication technology, various electronic services are being introduced into automobiles, and this trend is becoming more active as electric vehicles become more widespread. Representative examples of such services include FoD (Feature On Demand) services and PnC (Plug and Charge).

[0003] FoD is an optional subscription service that allows for the selective purchase of automotive functions using wireless communication technology. In the case of FoD, the vehicle's hardware and software are fully implemented during mass production, but some functions are selectively enabled while others are disabled. After the vehicle is released, if a function purchase event occurs, the purchased functions are changed to an enabled state. However, to enable or disable the purchased functions, an FoD certificate containing the vehicle owner's personal information must be stored in the target controller in advance.

[0004] Meanwhile, PnC is a service that performs authentication and billing without separate user intervention when connecting an electric vehicle and a charger to improve the charging convenience of electric vehicles. However, to use the PnC service, a contract certificate containing payment information must be stored in the PnC controller installed in the vehicle.

[0005] The commonality of these services is that, in order to perform service functions properly, customers' personal information (payment methods, card information, contract information, certificates, etc.) must be stored within the controller providing the service.

[0006] However, if the controller itself, which stores personal information and is installed in an electric vehicle, is stolen or taken over and installed in another vehicle, the personal information stored inside the controller can be used as is. In other words, if a third party steals the controller containing personal information, installs it in another vehicle, and maliciously uses paid services such as electric vehicle charging, the cost of such paid services may be charged based on the personal information stored in the controller, leading to a problem where the original owner from whom the controller was stolen is charged. The problem to be solved

[0007] The problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a personal information management device and method for an electric vehicle that can ultimately prevent the provision of services and prevent illegal billing by detecting when a controller installed in an electric vehicle and storing personal information is illegally stolen and then installed in another electric vehicle, and blocking the use of personal information. means of solving the problem

[0008] A personal information management device for an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problem comprises: a power supply unit that receives a first power source (Vcc1) input from either a high-voltage battery or a low-voltage battery of the electric vehicle and a second power source (Vcc2) input from the other, and outputs power to a detachment detection unit and a control unit, respectively; the detachment detection unit that detects whether the personal information management device is detached using the power input from the power supply unit; and the control unit that stores personal information in an internal memory, is driven by the power input from the power supply unit, determines whether the personal information management device is detached by examining a voltage signal input from the detachment detection unit, and deactivates the function of providing personal information stored in the memory when it is determined that the personal information management device is detached.

[0009] In addition, the control unit can determine that the personal information management device has been detached when the state of the voltage signal input from the detachment detection unit changes.

[0010] In addition, the control unit can determine that the personal information management device has been detached when the voltage signal input from the detachment detection unit changes from a Low state to a High state.

[0011] Additionally, when at least one of the first power supply (Vcc1) and the second power supply (Vcc2) is input, the power supply unit continuously outputs power to the detachment detection unit and the control unit, respectively, and when power is continuously input from the power supply unit, the detachment detection unit outputs a voltage signal of a constant state to the control unit, and when power is not supplied from the power supply unit, it outputs a voltage signal of a state different from the constant state to the control unit.

[0012] Additionally, the power supply unit comprises: a first switch implemented with an NPN bipolar transistor; a second switch implemented with a PNP bipolar transistor; a first diode with a cathode connected to the collector of the first switch; a second diode with a cathode connected to the collector of the second switch; a first resistor connected between the collector of the first switch and a first power supply; and a second resistor connected between the collector of the second switch and a second power supply; wherein the second power supply is input to the bases of the first switch and the second switch, and the cathodes of the first diode and the second diode may be commonly connected to the input node of the detachment detection unit.

[0013] Additionally, the power supply unit comprises: a first switch implemented as an N-type FET (Field Effect Transistor); a second switch implemented as a P-type FET (Field Effect Transistor); a first diode with a cathode connected to the drain of the first switch; a second diode with a cathode connected to the drain of the second switch; a first resistor connected between the drain of the first switch and a first power source; and a second resistor connected between the drain of the second switch and a second power source; wherein the second power source is input to the gates of the first switch and the second switch, and the cathodes of the first diode and the second diode may be commonly connected to the input node of the detachment detection unit.

[0014] Additionally, the detachment detection unit may include a third resistor connected between an input node of the detachment detection unit, into which power is input from the power supply unit, and a power monitoring terminal of the control unit; and a capacitor connected between the power monitoring terminal of the control unit and ground, which outputs a voltage signal to the power monitoring terminal.

[0015] In addition, the control unit is driven by receiving a driving voltage from the power supply unit to the driving power terminal through a fourth resistor connected to the input node of the detachment detection unit, and when the driving voltage is input, it investigates the voltage signal input to the power monitoring terminal, and if the voltage signal switches from a Low state to a High state, it determines that the personal information management device has been detached and can disable the function of providing personal information stored in the memory.

[0016] Additionally, the detachment detection unit may include: a third resistor connected between an input node of the detachment detection unit, into which power is input from the power supply unit, and a third switch; a capacitor with one end connected between the third resistor and the third switch and the other end grounded; and the third switch, which is turned on / off according to the voltage charged in the capacitor, outputs a high voltage signal to the power monitoring terminal in the on state and outputs a low voltage signal to the power monitoring terminal in the off state.

[0017] In addition, the personal information management device of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a communication unit that communicates with a customer's terminal to which personal information belongs through a mobile communication network, and when the control unit determines that the personal information management device has been detached, it can notify the customer's terminal of the detachment of the personal information management device through the communication unit.

[0018] Meanwhile, a personal information management method for an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problem comprises: a power supply unit that receives a first power source (Vcc1) input from either one of the high-voltage battery and the low-voltage battery of the electric vehicle and a second power source (Vcc2) input from the other, and outputs power to a detachment detection unit and a control unit, respectively; the detachment detection unit that detects whether the personal information management device is detached using the power input from the power supply unit; and the control unit that stores personal information in an internal memory, is driven by the power input from the power supply unit, determines whether the personal information management device is detached by examining a voltage signal input from the detachment detection unit, and deactivates the function of providing personal information stored in the memory when it is determined that the personal information management device is detached; wherein the method comprises: (a) a step of operating the personal information management device when the first power source (Vcc1) and the second power source (Vcc2) are input; (b) a step of checking whether personal information is stored, and if personal information is stored, monitoring a voltage signal input from the detachment detection unit; and (c) a step of determining that the personal information management device has been detached when the state of the monitored voltage signal changes, and deactivating the function of providing the stored personal information.

[0019] In addition, step (c) above can determine that the personal information management device is detached when the voltage signal input from the detachment detection unit to the control unit changes from a Low state to a High state.

[0020] Additionally, when at least one of the first power supply (Vcc1) and the second power supply (Vcc2) is input, the power supply unit continuously outputs power to the detachment detection unit and the control unit, respectively, and when power is continuously input from the power supply unit, the detachment detection unit outputs a voltage signal of a constant state to the control unit, and when power is not supplied from the power supply unit, it outputs a voltage signal of a state different from the constant state to the control unit.

[0021] Additionally, the power supply unit comprises: a first switch implemented with an NPN bipolar transistor; a second switch implemented with a PNP bipolar transistor; a first diode with a cathode connected to the collector of the first switch; a second diode with a cathode connected to the collector of the second switch; a first resistor connected between the collector of the first switch and a first power supply; and a second resistor connected between the collector of the second switch and a second power supply; wherein the second power supply is input to the bases of the first switch and the second switch, and the cathodes of the first diode and the second diode may be commonly connected to the input node of the detachment detection unit.

[0022] Additionally, the power supply unit comprises: a first switch implemented as an N-type FET (Field Effect Transistor); a second switch implemented as a P-type FET (Field Effect Transistor); a first diode with a cathode connected to the drain of the first switch; a second diode with a cathode connected to the drain of the second switch; a first resistor connected between the drain of the first switch and a first power source; and a second resistor connected between the drain of the second switch and a second power source; wherein the second power source is input to the gates of the first switch and the second switch, and the cathodes of the first diode and the second diode may be commonly connected to the input node of the detachment detection unit.

[0023] Additionally, the detachment detection unit may include a third resistor connected between the input node of the detachment detection unit, to which power is input from the power supply unit, and the power monitoring terminal of the control unit; and a capacitor connected between the power monitoring terminal of the control unit and ground, to output a voltage signal to the power monitoring terminal.

[0024] In addition, the control unit is driven by receiving a driving voltage from the power supply unit to the driving power terminal through a fourth resistor connected to the input node of the detachment detection unit, and when the driving voltage is input, it investigates the voltage signal input to the power monitoring terminal, and if the voltage signal switches from a Low state to a High state, it determines that the personal information management device has been detached and can disable the function of providing personal information stored in the memory.

[0025] Additionally, the detachment detection unit may include: a third resistor connected between an input node of the detachment detection unit, into which power is input from the power supply unit, and a third switch; a capacitor with one end connected between the third resistor and the third switch and the other end grounded; and the third switch, which is turned on / off according to the voltage charged in the capacitor, outputs a high voltage signal to the power monitoring terminal in the on state and outputs a low voltage signal to the power monitoring terminal in the off state. Effects of the invention

[0026] The present invention enables a personal information management device, which is implemented by integrating with a controller that stores personal information and provides services in conjunction with an external service provider, to receive power from the high-voltage battery and the low-voltage battery of an electric vehicle, respectively.

[0027] When power is supplied from at least one of the high-voltage battery and the low-voltage battery, the control unit of the personal information management device continuously receives a voltage signal in a constant state, and when the personal information management device is detached and power supply from both the high-voltage battery and the low-voltage battery is cut off, the control unit receives a voltage signal in a state opposite to the existing one.

[0028] The control unit of the personal information management device can determine whether the personal information management device has been detached from the electric vehicle where it was originally installed and installed in another electric vehicle by detecting a change in the state of the voltage signal, and if it is determined that it has been detached and reinstalled without authorization, it can prevent the illegal misuse of personal information by blocking the provision of personal information by deactivating the function of providing personal information stored internally. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0029] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating the overall configuration of a personal information management device of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating the detailed configuration of a personal information management device of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a personal information management method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram illustrating the detailed configuration of a personal information management device of an electric vehicle according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram illustrating the detailed configuration of a personal information management device of an electric vehicle according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0030] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0031] Hereinafter, the aforementioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However, as the present invention is subject to various modifications and may have various embodiments, specific embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail below.

[0032] Throughout the specification, identical reference numbers indicate identical components in principle. Additionally, components with identical functions within the scope of the same concept appearing in the drawings of each embodiment are described using the same reference numeral.

[0033] When a part of a specification is described as "including" a certain component, this means that, unless specifically stated otherwise, it does not exclude other components but may include additional components. Furthermore, terms such as "...part" or "module" as used in the specification refer to a unit that processes at least one function or operation, and this may be implemented in hardware or software, or as a combination of hardware and software.

[0034] If it is determined that a detailed description of known functions or configurations related to the present invention may unnecessarily obscure the essence of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted. Additionally, numbers used in the description of this specification (e.g., 1st, 2nd, etc.) are merely identification symbols to distinguish one component from another.

[0035] FIG. 1 is a drawing illustrating the overall configuration of a personal information management device of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, a personal information management device for an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter abbreviated as "personal information management device") receives a first power source (Vcc1) and a second power source (Vcc2) from a high-voltage battery and a low-voltage battery installed inside the electric vehicle. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the personal information management device can be operated by receiving two independent power sources, and it is not essential to distinguish between the power source input from the high-voltage battery and the power source input from the low-voltage battery. Accordingly, the power source supplied from the high-voltage battery may be the first power source or the second power source, and the power source supplied from the low-voltage battery may be the first power source or the second power source.

[0037] In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, battery 1 (210) is shown as a high-voltage battery supplying the first power source (Vcc1) and battery 2 (220) is shown as a low-voltage battery supplying the second power source (Vcc2), but the reverse is also possible.

[0038] The personal information management device (100) is basically implemented as a service controller that provides services that store and use personal information (e.g., PnC service, FoD service, etc.) within the controller, and performs the personal information protection function described below, and at the same time, in conjunction with an external service providing device (400), provides services that use personal information such as PnC service and FoD service.

[0039] The external service providing device (400) is a device that provides a service using personal information in conjunction with controllers inside the vehicle, and can be, for example, a charging station of an external battery charging station that provides PnC functions.

[0040] However, the present invention can be implemented by integrating it into any service controller that performs personal information protection and management functions. Since the content of the present invention relates to personal information protection and management functions and is not limited to services that use specific personal information, the description regarding individual service provision functions will be omitted below, and only functions related to personal information protection and management will be described.

[0041] The personal information management device (100) provides services in conjunction with an external service providing device (400), and at the same time continuously investigates whether the personal information management device (100) has been detached and reinstalled, that is, whether the personal information management device (100) storing personal information has been detached from the electric vehicle originally installed and then installed without authorization in another electric vehicle.

[0042] When the personal information management device (100) of the present invention determines that it has been detached from the electric vehicle originally installed and installed in another electric vehicle, it disables the function of providing personal information stored internally to an external service provider (400) to prevent personal information from leaking to the outside. In addition, when the personal information management device (100) determines that it has been detached and reinstalled, it notifies the customer terminal (300) of the fact that the personal information management device (100) has been detached.

[0043] The personal information management device (100) is configured to include a power supply unit (110), a detachment detection unit (120), a control unit (130), and a communication unit (140).

[0044] The power supply unit (110) continuously supplies power to the detachment detection unit (120) from the time the personal information management device (100) is first installed in the electric vehicle. As described above, the power supply unit (110) receives Vcc1 and Vcc2 and supplies power to the detachment detection unit (120), and supplies power identical to the power input to the detachment detection unit (120) to the control unit (130) to drive the control unit (130).

[0045] When at least one of Vcc1 and Vcc2 is input from battery 1 (210) and battery 2 (220), which are implemented as high-voltage and low-voltage batteries of an electric vehicle, the power supply unit (110) provides the corresponding power to the detachment detection unit (120).

[0046] The detachment detection unit (120) outputs a voltage signal of a constant state to the control unit (130) using power input from the power supply unit (110). Therefore, when the power input from the power supply unit (110) is interrupted, the voltage signal output from the detachment detection unit (120) to the control unit (130) is also interrupted.

[0047] The control unit (130) detects when the voltage signal is interrupted and then supplied again, that is, when the state of the voltage signal changes, and determines whether the personal information management device (100) is detached. The control unit (130) is implemented as a semiconductor chip, and when driving power for driving the semiconductor chip is supplied, it first checks whether personal information is stored in the internal memory (131).

[0048] If personal information is not stored in the memory (131), the control unit (130) receives personal information through an external input device (500) or receives personal information through an external service provider (400), stores it in the internal memory (131), and starts monitoring the voltage signal input from the detachment detection unit (120).

[0049] If personal information is already stored in the memory (131), the control unit (130) monitors the voltage signal input from the detachment detection unit (120).

[0050] The control unit (130) determines whether the personal information management device (100) is detached based on the monitoring result of the voltage signal. In particular, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (130) investigates whether the voltage signal input from the detachment detection unit (120) changes from a Low state to a High state, and determines whether the personal information management device (100) has been removed from an electric vehicle in which it was legally installed and reinstalled in another electric vehicle.

[0051] However, the control unit (130) of the present invention determining detachment when the voltage signal input from the detachment detection unit (120) switches from a Low state to a High state is merely an example, and the method of determining whether detachment is possible can be implemented in various ways in conjunction with the configuration of the detachment detection unit (120).

[0052] When the control unit (130) determines that the personal information management device (100) has been removed and reinstalled, it disables the personal information provision function to block the personal information stored in the memory (131) from being provided to the outside.

[0053] Here, it should be noted that the control unit (130) can perform the remaining functions, excluding the provision of personal information, after the personal information management device (100) is reinstalled. That is, the control unit (130) can be linked with other controllers inside the reinstalled electric vehicle and communicate with the external service provider (400) to proceed with the process up to the stage before the provision of personal information among a series of service execution procedures such as PnC service and FoD service.

[0054] Additionally, when the personal information management device (100) determines that the personal information management device (100) has been detached, the communication unit (140) notifies the original customer terminal (300) of the personal information management device (100) of the detachment through a mobile communication network.

[0055] In addition, the control unit (130) periodically checks whether the sleep mode condition is satisfied, and if the sleep condition is satisfied, it can proceed to sleep mode.

[0056] So far, the overall configuration and functions of the personal information management device (100) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention have been described. FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram illustrating the detailed configuration of the personal information management device (100) according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0057] Hereinafter, with further reference to FIG. 2, the configuration of the personal information management device (100) is described. First, the power supply unit (110) includes a first switch (Q1) and a second switch (Q2). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first switch (Q1) and the second switch (Q2) are implemented as bipolar junction transistors (BJT), and specifically, the first switch (Q1) is implemented as an NPN bipolar transistor and the second switch (Q2) is implemented as a PNP bipolar transistor.

[0058] The base of the first switch (Q1) and the base of the second switch (Q2) are each connected to the first node (N1), and the first node (N1) is connected to the second power supply (Vcc2).

[0059] The collector of the first switch (Q1), the first resistor (R1), and the cathode of the first diode (D1) are connected to the second node (N2), and the emitter of the first switch (Q1) is connected to ground. The first power supply (Vcc1) is connected to the other end of the first resistor (R1).

[0060] The collector of the second switch (Q2), the second resistor (R2), and the cathode of the second diode (D2) are connected to the third node (N3), and the emitter of the second switch (Q2) is connected to ground. The second power supply (Vcc2) is connected to the other end of the second resistor (R2).

[0061] The anodes of the first diode (D1) and the second diode (D2) are respectively connected to the fourth node (N4), and one end of the third resistor (R3) and the fourth resistor (R4) is connected. The other end of the fourth resistor (R4) is connected to the driving power supply terminal (Vin) of the semiconductor chip implementing the control unit (130), and the other end of the third resistor (R3) is connected to the fifth node (N5), to which the capacitor (C1) and the voltage monitoring terminal (Pin) are connected. Here, the fourth node (N4) becomes the input node of the detachment detection unit (120).

[0062] As described above, a capacitor is connected to the 5th node (N5), and the voltage monitoring terminal (Pin) of the control unit (130) is connected.

[0063] In the above configuration, the resistance values ​​of the first resistor (R1) to the fourth resistor (R4) and the capacitance of the capacitor (C1) change according to design specifications, so a detailed description is omitted.

[0064] Referring to FIG. 2, the operation of the personal information management device (100) is described as follows: First, when the personal information management device (100) is first installed in an electric vehicle, the capacitor (C1) is in an uncharged state. Then, when battery 1 (high-voltage battery) (210) and battery 2 (low-voltage battery) (220) are connected to the personal information management device (100) and the first power supply (Vcc1) and the second power supply (Vcc2) are supplied, Vcc2 is applied to the bases of the first switch (Q1) and the second switch (Q2), respectively.

[0065] When Vcc2 is in a High state, the first switch (Q1) is an NPN type so it becomes conductive, and the second switch (Q2) is a PNP type so it becomes non-conductive.

[0066] Since the first switch (Q1) is in a conducting state, the second node (N2) is connected to ground, so the output voltage (V1) of the second node (N2) becomes Low, and the output voltage (V2) of the third node (N3) becomes High because it is the voltage after the Vcc2 voltage is voltage-dropped through the second resistor (R2), and accordingly, the voltage of the fourth node (N4) also becomes High.

[0067] The voltage (V2) of the third node (N3) is output to the fourth node (N4) through the second diode (D2), and the voltage of the fourth node (N4) is input to the driving power terminal (Vin) of the control unit (130) through the fourth resistor (R4) to drive the control unit (130).

[0068] Additionally, the voltage of the fourth node (N4) is output to the fifth node (N5) through the third resistor (R3), and the voltage of the fifth node (N5) charges the capacitor (C1), and the voltage charged in the capacitor (C1) is input to the voltage monitoring terminal (Pin) of the control unit (130). Since the voltage charged in the capacitor (C1) is continuously input to the voltage monitoring terminal (Pin), a high voltage signal is input to the voltage monitoring terminal (Pin) of the control unit (130) while the capacitor (C1) is charged.

[0069] After the control unit (130) is activated, the control unit (130) receives personal information through the input device (500) or in conjunction with the external service provider (400), stores it in the internal memory (131), and when the personal information is stored, a personal information protection and management operation is performed.

[0070] Meanwhile, when power is supplied from Vcc1 and Vcc2 of the electric vehicle (High state), if Vcc2 of the electric vehicle becomes 0V (Low state) due to the removal or failure of the battery 2 (220), the first switch (Q1) becomes non-conducting and the second switch (Q2) becomes conducting.

[0071] Accordingly, the voltage (V1) applied to the second node (N2) becomes High as Vcc1 is stepped down to the voltage applied to the first resistor (R1), and the corresponding voltage is transmitted to the fourth node (N4) through the first diode (D1). Meanwhile, as the second switch (Q2) becomes conductive, the voltage (V2) applied to the third node becomes Low.

[0072] As described above, the voltage applied to the fourth node (N4) is input to the driving power terminal (Vin) of the control unit (130) through the fourth resistor (R4) to drive the control unit (130), and the charging voltage is applied to the capacitor (C1) through the third resistor (R3), and the voltage charged in the capacitor (C1) is input as a voltage signal to the voltage monitoring terminal (Pin) of the control unit (130).

[0073] Meanwhile, when power is supplied from Vcc1 and Vcc2 of the electric vehicle (High state), if Vcc1 becomes 0V (Low state) due to the removal or failure of battery 1 (210), Vcc2 remains in the High state, so the first switch (Q1) remains in the conductive state, the second node (N2) is connected to ground, and since Vcc1 becomes 0V, the output voltage (V1) of the second node (N2) remains in the Low state.

[0074] In addition, since Vcc2 remains in a High state, the second switch (Q2) remains in a non-conducting state, and the output voltage (V2) of the third node (N3) becomes High because the Vcc2 voltage is the voltage that has dropped across the second resistor (R2), and accordingly, the voltage of the fourth node (N4) also becomes High.

[0075] The voltage of the fourth node (N4) is input to the driving power terminal (Vin) of the control unit (130) through the fourth resistor (R4), so that the control unit (130) maintains a driving state, while the voltage of the fourth node (N4) is output to the fifth node (N5) through the third resistor (R3), and since the voltage of the fifth node (N5) charges the capacitor (C1), the voltage signal input to the voltage monitoring terminal (Pin) of the control unit (130) maintains a High state.

[0076] Meanwhile, when the personal information management device (100) is removed, both Vcc1 and Vcc2 are cut off and become 0V (Low state). Then, the first switch (Q1) switches from a conducting state to a non-conducting state, and the voltage V1 of the second node (N2) becomes 0 (Low state). Also, the second switch (Q2) switches from a non-conducting state to a conducting state, but since Vcc2 is 0V, the voltage V2 of the third node (N3) becomes 0V (Low state).

[0077] Accordingly, the voltage supplied from Vcc1 and Vcc2 to the fourth node (N4) becomes zero, and the power charged in the capacitor (C1) begins to discharge, so that current flows through the third resistor (R3) and the fourth resistor (R4) to the driving power terminal (Vin) of the control unit (130), thereby consuming the power, and the voltage of the capacitor (C1) becomes zero.

[0078] After that, when the removed personal information management device (100) is installed in another electric vehicle and Vcc1 and Vcc2 power is supplied from the high-voltage battery and low-voltage battery of the electric vehicle, driving power is supplied to the driving power terminal (Vin) of the control unit (130) in the same manner as when the personal information management device (100) was first installed in the electric vehicle, and the control unit (130) is driven, and the control unit (130) receives a voltage signal through the power monitoring terminal (Pin).

[0079] As in the example above, when the personal information management device (100) is maintained in the electric vehicle where it is initially installed, the capacitor (C1) is always charged with voltage, so the voltage signal input through the power monitoring terminal (Pin) remains in a High state.

[0080] However, when the personal information management device (100) is detached, as described above, the capacitor (C1) is discharged, and when it is reinstalled in the electric vehicle, the capacitor (C1) is charged at a speed relatively slower than the speed at which the control unit (130) is driven. Therefore, when the control unit (130) is driven, the voltage signal initially input through the power monitoring terminal (Pin) is in a Low state, and as time passes and the capacitor (C1) is charged, the voltage signal input through the power monitoring terminal (Pin) switches from a Low state to a High state, and the control unit (130) can detect the switch of the voltage signal from a Low state to a High state and determine the detachment and reinstallation of the personal information management device (100).

[0081] In Table 1 below, the states of Vcc1, Vcc2, the second node (N2) voltage V1, and the third node (N3) voltage V2 described above are summarized.

[0082] Vcc 1 Vcc 2 V 1 V 2 High High Low High High Low High Low Low High Low High Low Low Low Low

[0083] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a personal information management method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0084] Hereinafter, with further reference to FIG. 3, a method for managing personal information of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter abbreviated as "personal information management method") will be described. However, since the personal information management method of the present invention is performed in the personal information management device (100) of the electric vehicle described with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, it should be noted that the functions performed in the personal information management device (100) described above are performed in the personal information management method without specific description.

[0085] First, when the personal information management device (100) is installed in the electric vehicle, the Vcc1 and Vcc2 power outputs from the high-voltage battery and low-voltage battery of the electric vehicle are input to the power supply unit (110) of the personal information management device (100), and the power outputs from the power supply unit (110) are input to the driving power terminal (Vin) of the control unit (130) so that the control unit (130) is driven, thereby driving the personal information management device (100) (S311).

[0086] The driven control unit (130) checks whether personal information is stored in the internal memory (131) (S313), and if there is no stored personal information, it receives personal information from the input device (500) or external service device and stores it in the internal memory (131) (S315). If personal information is not stored in the memory (131), the personal information protection process described below is unnecessary, and steps S313 and S315 are repeated.

[0087] Meanwhile, in step S313, if personal information is stored in the internal memory (131) of the control unit (130), the control unit (130) investigates the voltage signal input to the power monitoring terminal (Pin) and continuously monitors the voltage signal (S320).

[0088] The control unit (130) monitors the change in the voltage signal to determine whether a voltage change corresponding to a predefined rule has occurred (S331), and if a voltage change corresponding to a predefined rule has occurred, determines that an abnormal situation has occurred (S333) and disables the personal information provision function (S335).

[0089] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, step S331 checks whether the voltage signal input to the power monitoring terminal (Pin) of the control unit (130) has changed from a Low state to a High state, as described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and FIGS. 2.

[0090] In step S335, when the personal information provision function is disabled, the control unit (130) notifies the customer terminal (300) through the communication unit (140) that the personal information management device (100) has been detached from the original electric vehicle and installed in another electric vehicle (S340).

[0091] After that, the control unit (130) checks whether the sleep condition is satisfied (S351), and if the sleep condition is satisfied, it enters sleep mode (S353).

[0092] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram illustrating the detailed configuration of a personal information management device of an electric vehicle according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0093] Another embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 4 differs in that the first switch (Q1) illustrated in FIG. 2 is implemented as an N-type FET (Field Effect Transistor) instead of an NPN bipolar transistor, and the second switch (Q2) is implemented as a P-type FET (Field Effect Transistor) instead of a PNP bipolar transistor, while the rest of the configuration is the same.

[0094] That is, the gate of the first switch (Q1) and the gate of the second switch (Q2) are connected to the first node (N1), the source of the first switch (Q1) and the source of the second switch (Q2) are connected to ground, the drain of the first switch (Q1) is connected to the second node (N2), and the drain of the second switch (Q2) is connected to the third node (N3).

[0095] The logic for how the voltage signal applied to the capacitor (C1) and the control unit (130) changes as the first power supply (Vcc1) and the second power supply (Vcc2) change is the same, so a detailed explanation is omitted.

[0096] FIG. 5 is a circuit diagram illustrating the detailed configuration of a personal information management device of an electric vehicle according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0097] In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, a third switch (Q3) is installed between the fifth node (N5) and the voltage monitoring terminal (Pin) of the control unit (130). In this embodiment, the third switch (Q3) is implemented as an NPN bipolar transistor, the base of the third switch (Q3) is connected to the fifth node (N5), the collector is connected to the fourth resistor (R4) and the driving power supply terminal (Vin) of the control unit (130), and the emitter is connected to the voltage monitoring terminal (Pin) of the control unit (130).

[0098] The overall operation of this embodiment is the same as described with reference to FIG. 2, and a third switch (Q3) was added to prevent the voltage input to the voltage monitoring terminal (Pin) from becoming floating and to measure a more clear voltage value.

[0099] When power is supplied from either the first power source (Vcc1) or the second power source (Vcc2), the voltage (V3) input to the driving power supply terminal (Vin) through the fourth resistor (R4) as described above becomes High.

[0100] Meanwhile, when the capacitor (C1) is not charged, the voltage applied to the base of the third switch (Q3) is in a Low state, the third switch (Q3) is in a non-conducting state, the voltage signal input to the voltage monitoring terminal (Pin) is also in a Low state (0V), and the Low state is maintained even while the capacitor (C1) is being charged.

[0101] After that, when the capacitor (C1) is charged, the third switch (Q3) becomes conductive, and the voltage input to the driving power supply terminal (Vin) is input together to the voltage monitoring terminal (Pin). Since this voltage is in a High state, the control unit (130) can confirm that the voltage signal input to the voltage monitoring terminal (Pin) changes from a Low state to a High state.

[0102] Meanwhile, those skilled in the art will understand that the configuration of the third switch (Q3) shown in FIG. 5 can also be applied to another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 4.

[0103] The method for managing personal information of an electric vehicle according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention described so far can be implemented as a computer program that is implemented as a computer-executable instruction and stored on a non-transient storage medium.

[0104] Storage media include all types of recording devices in which data that can be read by a computer system is stored. Examples of computer-readable storage media include ROM, RAM, CD-ROM, and optical data storage devices. Additionally, computer-readable storage media are distributed across networked computer systems, allowing computer-readable code to be stored and executed in a distributed manner.

[0105] The present invention has been described above with reference to its preferred embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention may be embodied in modified forms without departing from the essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the disclosed embodiments should be considered in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, not by the foregoing description, and all variations within the scope of the claims should be interpreted as being included in the invention. Explanation of the symbols

[0106] 100 : Personal information management device 110: Power supply unit 120: Detachment detection unit 130 : Control unit 131 : Memory 140 : Communications Department 210 : Battery 1 220 : Battery 2 300 : Customer terminal 400: External service provider 500 : Input device

Claims

Claim 1 A power supply unit that receives a first power source (Vcc1) input from either the high-voltage battery or the low-voltage battery of an electric vehicle and a second power source (Vcc2) input from the other, and outputs power to a detachment detection unit and a control unit, respectively; and a detachment detection unit that detects whether a personal information management device is detached using the power input from the power supply unit; The control unit stores personal information in an internal memory, is driven by power input from the power supply unit, determines whether the personal information management device is detached by examining a voltage signal input from the detachment detection unit, and disables the function of providing personal information stored in the memory if it is determined that the personal information management device is detached; wherein the power supply unit continuously outputs power to the detachment detection unit and the control unit, respectively, when at least one of the first power (Vcc1) and the second power (Vcc2) is input, the detachment detection unit outputs a voltage signal of a constant state to the control unit when power is continuously input from the power supply unit, and outputs a voltage signal of a state different from the constant state to the control unit when power is not supplied from the power supply unit, and the power supply unit includes a first switch implemented with an NPN bipolar transistor; a second switch implemented with a PNP bipolar transistor; a first diode with a cathode connected to the collector of the first switch; and a second diode with a cathode connected to the collector of the second switch. A personal information management device for an electric vehicle, comprising: a first resistor connected between the collector of a first switch and a first power source; and a second resistor connected between the collector of a second switch and a second power source; wherein the second power source is input to the base of the first switch and the second switch, and the cathodes of the first diode and the second diode are commonly connected to the input node of the detachment detection unit. Claim 2 A power supply unit that receives a first power source (Vcc1) input from either the high-voltage battery or the low-voltage battery of an electric vehicle and a second power source (Vcc2) input from the other, and outputs power to a detachment detection unit and a control unit, respectively; and a detachment detection unit that detects whether a personal information management device is detached using the power input from the power supply unit; The control unit stores personal information in an internal memory, is driven by power input from the power supply unit, determines whether the personal information management device is detached by examining a voltage signal input from the detachment detection unit, and disables the function of providing personal information stored in the memory if it is determined that the personal information management device is detached; wherein the power supply unit continuously outputs power to the detachment detection unit and the control unit, respectively, when at least one of the first power supply (Vcc1) and the second power supply (Vcc2) is input, the detachment detection unit outputs a voltage signal of a constant state to the control unit when power is continuously input from the power supply unit, and outputs a voltage signal of a state different from the constant state to the control unit when power is not supplied from the power supply unit, and the power supply unit includes a first switch implemented with an N-type FET (Field Effect Transistor); a second switch implemented with a P-type FET (Field Effect Transistor); a first diode whose cathode is connected to the drain of the first switch; and the second switch A second diode having its cathode connected to its drain; a first resistor connected between the drain of the first switch and a first power source; and a second resistor connected between the drain of the second switch and a second power source;A personal information management device for an electric vehicle, comprising, wherein the second power supply is input to the gates of the first switch and the second switch, and the cathodes of the first diode and the second diode are commonly connected to the input node of the detachment detection unit. Claim 3 A personal information management device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the control unit determines that the personal information management device has been detached when the state of the voltage signal input from the detachment detection unit changes. Claim 4 A personal information management device for an electric vehicle according to claim 3, wherein the control unit determines that the personal information management device has been detached when the voltage signal input from the detachment detection unit changes from a Low state to a High state. Claim 5 delete Claim 6 delete Claim 7 A personal information management device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detachment detection unit comprises: a third resistor connected between an input node of the detachment detection unit into which power is input from the power supply unit and a power monitoring terminal of the control unit; and a capacitor connected between the power monitoring terminal of the control unit and ground to output a voltage signal to the power monitoring terminal. Claim 8 A personal information management device for an electric vehicle according to claim 7, wherein the control unit receives a driving voltage from the power supply unit to the driving power terminal through a fourth resistor connected to the input node of the detachment detection unit and, when the driving voltage is input, investigates a voltage signal input to the power monitoring terminal, and when the voltage signal switches from a Low state to a High state, determines that the personal information management device has been detached and disables the function of providing personal information stored in the memory. Claim 9 A personal information management device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detachment detection unit comprises: a third resistor connected between an input node of the detachment detection unit, into which power is input from the power supply unit, and a third switch; a capacitor having one end connected between the third resistor and the third switch and the other end grounded; and the third switch, which is turned on / off according to the voltage charged in the capacitor, and outputs a High state voltage signal to the power monitoring terminal of the control unit in the ON state and outputs a Low state voltage signal to the power monitoring terminal in the OFF state. Claim 10 A personal information management device for an electric vehicle according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a communication unit that communicates with a customer's terminal to which personal information belongs via a mobile communication network, and wherein the control unit notifies the customer terminal of the detachment of the personal information management device via the communication unit when it is determined that the personal information management device has been detached. Claim 11 A method for managing personal information performed in a personal information management device comprising: (a) a step of operating the personal information management device when the first power supply (Vcc1) and the second power supply (Vcc2) are input from either one of the high-voltage battery and the low-voltage battery of an electric vehicle, and outputting power to a detachment detection unit and a control unit, respectively; a power supply unit that receives a first power supply (Vcc1) input from one of the high-voltage battery and the low-voltage battery of an electric vehicle and a second power supply (Vcc2) input from the other, and outputs power to a detachment detection unit and a control unit, respectively; a detachment detection unit that detects whether the personal information management device is detached using power input from the power supply unit; and a control unit that stores personal information in an internal memory, is driven by power input from the power supply unit, determines whether the personal information management device is detached by examining a voltage signal input from the detachment detection unit, and deactivates the function of providing personal information stored in the memory when it is determined that the personal information management device is detached; and (b) a step of checking whether personal information is stored and, if personal information is stored, monitoring a voltage signal input from the detachment detection unit. and (c) a step of determining that the personal information management device has been detached when the state of the monitored voltage signal changes, and deactivating the function of providing stored personal information, wherein the power supply unit continuously outputs power to the detachment detection unit and the control unit, respectively, when at least one of the first power supply (Vcc1) and the second power supply (Vcc2) is input, the detachment detection unit outputs a voltage signal of a constant state to the control unit when power is continuously input from the power supply unit, and outputs a voltage signal of a state different from the constant state to the control unit when power is not supplied from the power supply unit, and the power supply unit comprises a first switch implemented with an NPN bipolar transistor; a second switch implemented with a PNP bipolar transistor; and a first diode whose cathode is connected to the collector of the first switch;A method for managing personal information of an electric vehicle, comprising: a second diode having its cathode connected to the collector of the second switch; a first resistor connected between the collector of the first switch and a first power source; and a second resistor connected between the collector of the second switch and a second power source; wherein the second power source is input to the bases of the first switch and the second switch, and the cathodes of the first diode and the second diode are commonly connected to the input node of the detachment detection unit. Claim 12 A method for managing personal information performed in a personal information management device comprising: (a) a step of operating the personal information management device when the first power supply (Vcc1) and the second power supply (Vcc2) are input from either one of the high-voltage battery and the low-voltage battery of an electric vehicle, and outputting power to a detachment detection unit and a control unit, respectively; a power supply unit that receives a first power supply (Vcc1) input from one of the high-voltage battery and the low-voltage battery of an electric vehicle and a second power supply (Vcc2) input from the other, and outputs power to a detachment detection unit and a control unit, respectively; a detachment detection unit that detects whether the personal information management device is detached using power input from the power supply unit; and a control unit that stores personal information in an internal memory, is driven by power input from the power supply unit, determines whether the personal information management device is detached by examining a voltage signal input from the detachment detection unit, and deactivates the function of providing personal information stored in the memory when it is determined that the personal information management device is detached; and (b) a step of checking whether personal information is stored and, if personal information is stored, monitoring a voltage signal input from the detachment detection unit. and (c) a step of determining that the personal information management device has been detached when the state of the monitored voltage signal changes, and deactivating the function of providing stored personal information, wherein the power supply unit continuously outputs power to the detachment detection unit and the control unit, respectively, when at least one of the first power supply (Vcc1) and the second power supply (Vcc2) is input, the detachment detection unit outputs a voltage signal of a constant state to the control unit when power is continuously input from the power supply unit, and outputs a voltage signal of a state different from the constant state to the control unit when power is not supplied from the power supply unit, and the power supply unit comprises a first switch implemented with an N-type FET (Field Effect Transistor); a second switch implemented with a P-type FET (Field Effect Transistor);A method for managing personal information of an electric vehicle, comprising: a first diode having its cathode connected to the drain of the first switch; a second diode having its cathode connected to the drain of the second switch; a first resistor connected between the drain of the first switch and a first power source; and a second resistor connected between the drain of the second switch and a second power source; wherein the second power source is input to the gates of the first switch and the second switch, and the cathodes of the first diode and the second diode are commonly connected to the input node of the detachment detection unit. Claim 13 A method for managing personal information of an electric vehicle according to claim 11 or 12, wherein step (c) determines that the personal information management device has been detached when the voltage signal input from the detachment detection unit to the control unit changes from a Low state to a High state. Claim 14 delete Claim 15 delete Claim 16 A method for managing personal information of an electric vehicle according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the detachment detection unit comprises: a third resistor connected between an input node of the detachment detection unit, into which power is input from the power supply unit, and a power monitoring terminal of the control unit; and a capacitor connected between the power monitoring terminal of the control unit and ground, which outputs a voltage signal to the power monitoring terminal. Claim 17 A method for managing personal information of an electric vehicle according to claim 16, wherein the control unit receives a driving voltage from the power supply unit to the driving power terminal through a fourth resistor connected to the input node of the detachment detection unit and, when the driving voltage is input, investigates a voltage signal input to the power monitoring terminal, and when the voltage signal switches from a Low state to a High state, determines that the personal information management device has been detached and disables the function of providing personal information stored in the memory. Claim 18 A method for managing personal information of an electric vehicle according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the detachment detection unit comprises: a third resistor connected between an input node of the detachment detection unit into which power is input from the power supply unit and a third switch; a capacitor having one end connected between the third resistor and the third switch and the other end grounded; and the third switch which is turned on / off according to the voltage charged in the capacitor, outputting a High state voltage signal to the power monitoring terminal of the control unit in the ON state and outputting a Low state voltage signal to the power monitoring terminal in the OFF state.

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