Multi-Factor Authentication for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Public electrified vehicle charging stations have diverse operations and payment methods, leading to complexity in user interface and payment processing, lacking a standardized and secure authentication system for vehicle charging.
Innovation Solution
A multi-factor payment authentication system that uses a processor to receive a vehicle identifier and payment authentication from a digital entity, electronically identifies the associated account, verifies payment rights, and activates the charging station for payment processing upon successful verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple payment methods and authentication systems are supported across different charging stations, then the system becomes more adaptable to various charging providers and manufacturers, but the device complexity and difficulty of operation increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal payment authentication system that can handle multiple payment methods (credit cards, digital wallets, account-based billing) and authentication mechanisms (biometric, token-based, mobile app) through a single standardized interface. The processor is programmed to recognize and process various vehicle identifiers and payment authentications from different digital entities, electronically identifying accounts and verifying payment rights across diverse charging providers without requiring separate systems for each provider.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple payment methods and authentication systems are supported across different charging stations, then the system becomes more adaptable to various charging providers and manufacturers, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to unique procedures for each provider
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides a unified user experience by accepting various vehicle identifiers (VIN, license plate, RFID tags) and payment authentications (mobile device tokens, biometric data, account credentials) through a consistent interaction model. The processor automatically routes different authentication types through appropriate verification processes, allowing users to operate any charging station with the same simple procedures regardless of the underlying provider or payment method.
3Ease of operation
If a standardized payment authentication system is implemented, then the ease of operation improves with simplified user interface, but the adaptability to different charging providers and manufacturers may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a standardized payment authentication system that acts as an intermediary layer between users and diverse charging providers. This system translates various provider-specific authentication requirements into a unified verification process, maintaining simplicity for users while preserving compatibility with multiple providers through standardized protocols for vehicle identification, account recognition, and payment authorization.
Data Source
AI summary
A charging station comprises a processor programmed to receive a vehicle identifier identifying a vehicle from a first digital entity; receive a payment authentication from a second digital entity; electronically identify an account associated with the vehicle identifier and the payment authentication; verify payment rights confirming a right to use the account to pay; and responsive to successful verification, activate the charging station to charge and process payment from the account.