A payment system of a vehicle

Abstract

A payment system (100) for a vehicle comprising a vehicle control unit (102), an instrument cluster control unit (104), and a charging station control unit (106). The vehicle control unit (102) and the charging station control unit (106) being communicatively coupled with each other for enabling payment for charging of the 5 vehicle at a charging station using a message-based protocol communication.

Description

[0001] TITLE OF INVENTION

[0002] A PAYMENT SYSTEM OF A VEHICLE

[0003] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0004]

[0001] The present subject matter relates to a vehicle, more particularly, payment solution for a seamless payment for charging of a battery of the vehicle.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006]

[0002] In general, a vehicle is driven by an internal combustion engine or an electric motor or both. In conventional vehicles, the vehicles driven by an internal combustion engine is provided with a fuel tank and the vehicle is run with a fuel. The fuel is being stored in the fuel tank at a gas station and a digital or physical mode of payment for the fuel is provided.

[0007]

[0003] In the above configuration, the presence of gas stations is quite prominent in comparison to charging stations provided for charging a battery of a vehicle, especially in an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle.

[0008]

[0004] In general, in order to charge a battery of a vehicle, a user must access the charging stations through an application. The user must prebook an appointment at the charging station through the application and also provide the amount to be deducted from a payment wallet or a mode of payment prior to charging of the battery of the vehicle.

[0009]

[0005] In the above configuration, the user has to determine the charge of the battery before booking an appointment which causes unnecessary burden to the user to ascertain the charge. Furthermore, if the user forgets to carry the communication device on which the application is hosted, then he is unable to charge the battery at the charging station due to lack of confirmation and authentication from the application at the charging station.

[0010]

[0006] Moreover, if the communication device is stolen or damaged, the user is unable to book the appointment or make a payment for charging the battery of the vehicle. This causes inconvenience and difficulty to the user.

[0007] Furthermore, the conventional payment systems are accessed through a wireless communication medium, such as Bluetooth or WiFi, the system becomes complex and often there is a risk of loss of data during transmission of signals between the vehicle, the communication device, and the charging station.

[0011]

[0008] Hence, it is preferred to design a payment system for ease of payment of charging session of a battery of a vehicle without any complex system and loss of data during data transmission.

[0012] SUMMARY

[0013]

[0009] The present subject matter provides a payment system of a vehicle enabling ease of charging of a battery of a vehicle without depending solely on communication received from a communication device.

[0014]

[0010] As per an aspect of the present invention, a payment system for a vehicle. The payment system comprising a vehicle control unit, an instrument cluster control unit, and a charging station control unit. The vehicle control unit and the charging station control unit are communicatively coupled with each other for enabling payment for charging of the vehicle at a charging station using a message-based protocol communication.

[0015] [Oil] As per an embodiment, the message-based protocol communication is CAN communication. The charging station control unit and the instrument cluster unit is configured to authenticate and pair using a PIN authentication.

[0016]

[0012] As per another embodiment, the vehicle is charged after authentication of the vehicle and the charging station. Further the instrument control unit communicates with an external server which initiates the payment from the vehicle depending on a state of charge of a battery of the vehicle.

[0017]

[0013] As per another embodiment, the state of charge of the battery is determined by the vehicle control unit and the state of charge is communicated by the vehicle control unit to the instrument cluster control unit through the message-based protocol communication.

[0018]

[0014] As per another embodiment, the payment system is integrated with a dynamic pricing algorithms, and the charging station control unit is configured to adjust a charging session cost based on one or more factors such as time of day, grid demand, user preferences.

[0019]

[0015] As per another embodiment, the instrument cluster control unit is configured to enable remote payment authorization through a mobile application, allowing users to initiate and authorize the charging sessions from a distance.

[0020]

[0016] As per another embodiment, the vehicle control unit is configured to communicate with the charging station control unit to optimize energy management, and also schedule the charging sessions during off-peak hours to minimize costs and reduce grid load.

[0021]

[0017] As per another embodiment, the charging station control unit communicates with a centralized fleet management platform to track and manage the charging sessions for a plurality of vehicles at one time.

[0022]

[0018] As per another embodiment, the instrument cluster control unit configuring users to create customized profiles specifying charging preferences, payment methods, and billing preferences for a personalized charging experience.

[0023]

[0019] As per another embodiment, the vehicle control unit is configured to override payment authentication protocols to allow immediate charging access without user intervention in event of an emergency.

[0024]

[0020] As per another embodiment, the charging station control unit is configured to track and record an energy consumption data during the charging sessions and hence providing users with detailed insights into their vehicle's energy usage over time.

[0025]

[0021] As per another embodiment, the instrument cluster control unit is configured to support one or more payment methods, including but not limited to credit / debit cards, mobile wallets, and prepaid accounts.

[0026]

[0022] As per another embodiment, the charging station control unit is configured to communicate with an integrated smart grid to optimize charging sessions based on real-time energy availability and pricing.

[0027]

[0023] As per another embodiment, the instrument cluster control unit including a feedback mechanism allowing users to rate their charging experience and provide feedback for continuous improvement.

[0024] As per another aspect of the present invention, a method for a payment for charging a vehicle a vehicle using a payment system. The method comprising the steps of firstly connecting, through a connector, a charging station control unit to a vehicle control unit though a vehicle inlet. Secondly, checking, by the vehicle control unit, the charging station control unit is connected with an instrument cluster control unit. Thirdly, sending, by the vehicle control unit, a payment wallet from the instrument cluster control unit. Fourthly, verifying the payment wallet by the charging station control unit. Fifthly, checking, by the charging station control unit, payment wallet amount being greater than a threshold wallet amount. Sixthly, authenticating, by the instrument cluster control unit, the payment wallet transaction using a PIN authentication input by a user. Further, starting a charging session of said vehicle, by the charging station control unit. Furthermore, enabling, by the charging station control unit, the charging session of the vehicle for a predetermined time. Furthermore, disconnecting the connector from the vehicle inlet after the predetermined time. Finally, deducting, by the charging station control unit, the payment wallet amount from said instrument cluster control unit, and the payment wallet amount including taxes.

[0028]

[0025] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.

[0029] BRIEF DESCRIPT ION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030]

[0026] The present invention is described with reference to figures, block diagrams and flowcharts. This invention is implementable in two-wheeled vehicles, three wheeled and multi wheeled vehicles. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components. Further, the inventive features of the invention are outlined in the appended claims.

[0031]

[0027] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a payment system of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0028] Figure 2 illustrates a flowchart showing method for enabling payment during charging of a battery of a vehicle by the payment system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033]

[0029] Exemplary embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever convenient, the same reference numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to the same or like parts. While examples and features of disclosed principles are described herein, modifications, adaptations, and other implementations are possible without departing from the scope of the disclosed embodiments. It is intended that the following detailed description be considered as exemplary only, with the true scope being indicated by the following claims.

[0034]

[0030] The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate the principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

[0035]

[0031] The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and / or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. Having thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, a person of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is limited only by the claims.

[0036]

[0032] Additionally, all numerical terms, such as, but not limited to, “first”, “second”, “third”, “primary”, “secondary”, “main” or any other ordinary and / or numerical terms, should also be taken only as identifiers, to assist the reader's understanding of the various elements, embodiments, variations and / or modifications of the present disclosure, and may not create any limitations, particularly as to the order, or preference, of any element, embodiment, variation and / or modification relative to, or over, another element, embodiment, variation and / or modification.

[0037]

[0033] Hence it is an object of the present invention to provide a payment system for a making a payment during charging of a battery of the vehicle without complex wireless communication and also to overcome other related problems known in the art as explained in the background problem.

[0038]

[0034] It is also an object of the present invention to reduce fatigue of the user of the vehicle from prebooking an appointment to charge the vehicle battery.

[0039]

[0035] It is also an object of the present invention to eliminate the need of a communication device for booking, payment, and charging of the vehicle battery.

[0040]

[0036] It is also an object of the present invention to provide ease of accessibility of a charging station and also provide ease of payment from a payment wallet without the fear of loss of data.

[0041]

[0037] The embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042]

[0038] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a payment system (100) of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. A payment system (100) for a vehicle comprising a vehicle control unit (102), an instrument cluster control unit (104), and a charging station control unit (106). In one embodiment, the vehicle is an electric vehicle or a hybrid electric vehicle. In another embodiment, the vehicle is a two wheeled, three wheeled or a multi wheeled vehicle. The vehicle control unit (102) and the charging station control unit (106) are communicatively coupled with each other for enabling payment for charging of the vehicle at a charging station using a message-based protocol communication. In one embodiment, the message-based protocol communication is CAN communication. The vehicle control unit (102) and the instrument control unit (104) communicates bidirectionally through CAN communication. The charging station control unit (106) communicates bidirectionally through CAN communication with the instrument cluster control unit (104) for authentication using a PIN or a pattern. In one embodiment, the charging station control unit (106) and the instrument cluster control unit (104) is connected through a connector and the connector is connected from an instrument cluster port to a charging station port. In another embodiment, the vehicle is charged after authentication of the vehicle and the charging station. In another embodiment, the instrument control unit (104) communicates with an external server which initiates a payment from the vehicle depending on a state of charge of a battery of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the state of charge of the battery of the vehicle is determined by the vehicle control unit (102) and communicated to the instrument cluster control unit (104) using CAN communication. In an exemplary embodiment, the payment system (100) is integrated with dynamic pricing algorithms, and the charging station control unit (106) is configured to adjust a charging session cost based on one or more factors such as time of day, grid demand, user preferences after authentication of the instrument cluster control unit (104) and the charging station control unit (106). In another embodiment, the instrument cluster control unit (104) is configured to enable remote payment authorization through a mobile application, allowing users to initiate and authorize the charging sessions from a distance, however the payment for the charging sessions occurs through CAN communication after authentication of the instrument cluster control unit (104) with the charging station control unit (106). In another embodiment, the vehicle control unit (102) is configured to communicate with the charging station control unit (106) to optimize energy management, schedule the charging sessions during off-peak hours to minimize costs and reduce grid load based on a predetermined logic provided in the vehicle control unit (102). In another embodiment, the charging station control unit (106) communicates with a centralized fleet management platform to track and manage the charging sessions for a plurality of vehicles at one time, and the centralized fleet management platform is hosted on an external server which is wirelessly communicating with the instrument cluster control unit (104). In another embodiment, the instrument cluster control unit (104) configuring users to create customized profiles specifying charging preferences, payment methods, and billing preferences for a personalized charging experience. The customized profiles being hosted on an external server communicating wirelessly with the instrument cluster control unit (104). The user can choose the customized profiles after PIN authentication and choosing the option of the customized profile on a display panel of the instrument cluster and the instrument cluster control unit (104) communicating the same to the charging station control unit (106).

[0043]

[0039] In another embodiment, the vehicle control unit (102) is configured to override payment authentication protocols to allow immediate charging access without user intervention in event of an emergency by communicating the override signal to the instrument cluster control unit (104) through CAN communication and the instrument cluster control unit (104) thereby terminating the signal transfer to the charging station control unit (106). In another embodiment, the charging station control unit (106) is configured to track and record an energy consumption data during the charging sessions and communicate the same to the instrument cluster control unit (104). The energy consumption data is stored in the vehicle memory and hence providing users with detailed insights into their vehicle's energy usage over time. In another embodiment, the instrument cluster control unit (104) is configured to support one or more payment methods, including but not limited to credit / debit cards, mobile wallets, and prepaid accounts and the plurality of payment methods are stored and hosted in the vehicle memory or an external server. In another embodiment, the charging station control unit (106) is configured to communicate with an integrated smart grid to optimize charging sessions based on real-time energy availability and pricing, and the integrated smart grid is provided on either of the vehicle control unit (102) and the instrument cluster control unit (104). In another exemplary embodiment, the instrument cluster control unit (104) including a feedback mechanism allowing users to rate their charging experience and provide feedback for continuous improvement and the feedback mechanism being displayed on the display panel of the instrument cluster.

[0044]

[0040] Figure 2 illustrates a flowchart (200) showing method for enabling payment during charging of a battery of a vehicle by the payment system (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. A method (200) for payment for charging a vehicle using a payment system (100) comprising the following steps. Firstly, the charging station control unit (104) connecting a vehicle control unit (102) and an instrument cluster control unit (104) using a connector through a vehicle inlet as shown in step 204. In step 206, the vehicle control unit (102) checks whether the charging station control unit (104) is connected with said instrument cluster control unit (104). In step 208, the vehicle control unit (102) sends a payment wallet details and state of charge details of the battery of the vehicle to the charging station control unit (106) from the instrument cluster control unit (104). In step 210, the charging station control unit (106) verifies the payment wallet as an authorized payment wallet. In step 212, the charging station control unit (106) checks and determines whether the payment wallet amount being greater than a threshold wallet amount, and the threshold wallet amount is stored in a memory unit of the charging station. In step 214, the instrument cluster control unit (104) authenticates the payment wallet transaction for the charging session using a PIN authentication input by a user. In step 216, the charging station control unit (106) starts and enables a charging session of the battery of the vehicle. In step 218, the charging station control unit (106) enables the charging session for a predetermined time, the predetermined time being ascertained from the state of charge of the battery of the vehicle. In step 220, the charging session is completed, and the connector is removed thereby disconnecting the charging station from the vehicle battery. In step 222, the charging station control unit (106) deducts the payment wallet amount from the payment wallet hosted on the external server and the deduction information being communicated to the instrument cluster control unit (104) by the charging station control unit (106) and the deducted amount is displayed on a display panel of the instrument cluster by the instrument cluster control unit (104). In one embodiment, the payment wallet includes taxes.

[0045]

[0041] Various embodiments of the invention provides a payment system and method of a vehicle enabling ease of charging of a battery of a vehicle without depending solely on communication received from a communication device.

[0046]

[0042] The present invention is a payment system and method for a vehicle. The payment system comprising a vehicle control unit, an instrument cluster control unit, and a charging station control unit. The vehicle control unit and the charging station control unit are communicatively coupled with each other for enabling payment for charging of the vehicle at a charging station using a message-based protocol communication.

[0047]

[0043] The present claimed invention solves the technical problem of eliminating the requirement of an external communication device and thereby preventing data loss and provide secure transaction from a payment wallet.

[0048]

[0044] Specifically, the present invention provides ease of usage of the payment system to make a payment post charging of a vehicle in case the user forgets the communication device, or in an event of damage or theft of the communication device.

[0049]

[0045] Additionally, the payment system provides direct authentication of the vehicle at the charging station through CAN communication and thereby prevents accidental charging of another vehicle and payment for the charging session from a different wallet.

[0050]

[0046] Furthermore, the payment system provides ease of accessibility and charging of the vehicle battery without any data loss from the payment wallet.

[0051]

[0047] In light of the above-mentioned advantages and the technical advancements provided by the disclosed payment system and method of a vehicle enabling ease of charging of a battery of a vehicle without depending solely on communication received from a communication device, the claimed invention as discussed above is not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed invention enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies.

[0052]

[0048] Furthermore, a person skilled in the art would not be motivated to design a payment system and method of a vehicle enabling ease of charging of a battery of a vehicle without depending solely on communication received from a communication device.

[0053]

[0049] While the present invention has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0054] Reference Numerals:

[0055] 100 payment system 102 vehicle control unit

[0056] 104 instrument cluster control unit

[0057] 106 charging station control unit

Claims

We claim:

1. A payment system (100) for a vehicle, said payment system (100) comprising: a vehicle control unit (102); an instrument cluster control unit (104); and a charging station control unit (106); wherein said vehicle control unit (102) and said charging station control unit (106) being communicatively coupled with each other for enabling payment for charging of said vehicle at a charging station using a messagebased protocol communication.

2. The payment system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said messagebased protocol communication being CAN communication.

3. The payment system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said charging station control unit (106) and said instrument cluster unit (104) being configured to authenticate and pair using a PIN authentication.

4. The payment system (100) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said vehicle being charged after authentication of said vehicle and said charging station, wherein said instrument control unit (104) communicates with an external server which initiates said payment from said vehicle depending on a state of charge of a battery of said vehicle.

5. The payment system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said state of charge of said battery being determined by said vehicle control unit (102) and said state of charge being communicated by said vehicle control unit (102) to said instrument cluster control unit (104) through said messagebased protocol communication.

6. The payment system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said payment system (100) being integrated with dynamic pricing algorithms, wherein said charging station control unit (106) being configured to adjust a chargingsession cost based on one or more factors such as time of day, grid demand, user preferences.

7. The payment system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said instrument cluster control unit (104) being configured to: enable remote payment authorization through a mobile application, allowing users to initiate and authorize said charging sessions from a distance; and support one or more payment methods, including but not limited to credit / debit cards, mobile wallets, and prepaid accounts.

8. The payment system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vehicle control unit (102) being configured to communicate with said charging station control unit (106) to optimize energy management, schedule said charging sessions during off-peak hours to minimize costs and reduce grid load.

9. The payment system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said charging station control unit (106) communicates with a centralized fleet management platform to track and manage said charging sessions for a plurality of vehicles at one time.

10. The payment system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said instrument cluster control unit (104) configuring users to create customized profiles specifying charging preferences, payment methods, and billing preferences for a personalized charging experience.

11. The payment system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said vehicle control unit (102) being configured to override payment authentication protocols to allow immediate charging access without user intervention in event of an emergency.

12. The payment system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said charging station control unit (106) being configured to track and record an energy consumption data during said charging sessions and hence providing users with detailed insights into their vehicle's energy usage over time.

13. CThe payment system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said charging station control unit (106) being configured to communicate with an integrated smart grid to optimize charging sessions based on real-time energy availability and pricing.

14. The payment system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said instrument cluster control unit (104) including a feedback mechanism allowing users to rate their charging experience and provide feedback for continuous improvement.

15. A method (200) for payment for charging a vehicle using a payment system (100), said method (200) comprising the steps of: connecting (204), through a connector, a charging station control unit (104) to a vehicle control unit (102) and an instrument cluster control unit (104) though a vehicle inlet; checking (206), by said vehicle control unit (102), said charging station control unit (104) being connected with said instrument cluster control unit (104); sending (208), by said vehicle control unit (102), a payment wallet from said instrument cluster control unit (104) to said charging station control unit (104); verifying (210), by said charging station control unit (106), said payment wallet; checking (212), by said charging station control unit (106), payment wallet amount being greater than a threshold wallet amount; authenticating (214), by said instrument cluster control unit (104), said payment wallet transaction using a PIN authentication input by a user; starting (216), by said charging station control unit (106), a charging session of said vehicle; enabling (218), by said charging station control unit (106), said charging session of said vehicle for a predetermined time; disconnecting (220), said connector, from said vehicle inlet after said predetermined time;deducting (222), by said charging station control unit (106), said payment wallet amount from said instrument cluster control unit (104), wherein said payment wallet amount including taxes.

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