Contactless EV Charging Authorization Using Vehicle Image Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing contactless charging systems for electric vehicles used in services like taxis cannot effectively distinguish authorized vehicles without pre-registered identification, leading to potential service disruptions if unauthorized vehicles occupy charging stations.

Innovation Solution

A contactless charging device and method that uses image recognition and positional sensing to identify authorized vehicles, such as taxis or buses, by analyzing vehicle features and ensuring proper alignment for charging, while preventing unauthorized use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pre-registered identification information is used to determine whether to perform contactless charging, then unauthorized vehicles are prevented from charging, but authorized vehicles without pre-registered IDs (such as taxis) cannot utilize the charging service

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveauthorization accuracyVSAvoidservice availability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The identification method is segmented into multiple types: pre-registered identification information (for known authorized vehicles) and image recognition-based identification (for vehicles without pre-registered IDs). This segmentation allows the system to handle different vehicle types appropriately, maintaining both security and service availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Image recognition technology serves as an intermediary method between the charging device and vehicles without pre-registered IDs. The image recognition device captures vehicle images, and the controller compares them with registered vehicle images to authorize charging, bridging the gap between security requirements and service accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If image recognition is used to identify authorized vehicles, then service availability is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller performs multiple functions: it manages pre-registered identification verification, controls the image recognition device, and makes charging authorization decisions based on both methods. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, thereby managing system complexity while maintaining service availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the vehicle's own image (captured by the image recognition device) as the identification key, eliminating the need for separate physical ID cards or complex authentication devices on the vehicle side. The vehicle essentially identifies itself through its visual characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If contactless charging is provided to all vehicles in the stop space, then service availability is maximized, but unauthorized vehicles can occupy charging stations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice availabilityVSAvoidunauthorized occupation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary identification and authorization checks before enabling contactless charging. The controller determines whether to permit power transmission based on pre-registered identification information or image recognition results, preventing unauthorized vehicles from occupying charging stations before the charging process begins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where the controller continuously monitors vehicle presence through the image recognition device, compares captured images with registered vehicles, and adjusts charging authorization accordingly. This real-time feedback ensures that only authorized vehicles receive power while maintaining service availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Ensures continuous service provision by allowing only authorized vehicles to charge, preventing unauthorized occupation of charging stations, and optimizing charging efficiency during standby periods.

Implementation Method 1

a power transmitting device that is capable of transmitting power to the power receiving device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12533973B2Contactless charging device and contactless charging method
Publication Date: 2026.01.27 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK
  • US12533973B2 patent drawing
  • US12533973B2 patent drawing
  • US12533973B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A controller of a contactless charging device performs a process including: acquiring vehicle information when a vehicle is present above a power transmitting device; permitting charging when it is determined that the vehicle is an electrically powered vehicle used as a taxi; starting charging; prohibiting charging when it is determined that the vehicle is not an electrically powered vehicle used as a taxi; and performing a notification process.