EV Charging Authentication Without Infrastructure-Side Internet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current authentication and reporting systems for electric vehicle charging devices require infrastructure-side internet connections, leading to high operating costs, complex installations, and poor user experience, especially in areas with limited mobile network coverage.
Innovation Solution
A secure, end-to-end authentication and reporting system using public key cryptography allows charging devices to authenticate users and report usage without an infrastructure-side internet connection, utilizing encrypted authentication elements and charging report elements, enabling operation in disconnected states and simplifying the system layout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If real-time communication systems (OCPP, 3/4/5G, DSL) are used for authentication and reporting, then user access control and billing are enabled, but operating costs increase due to SIM cards and internet connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication and reporting functions from the continuous internet connection requirement. The charging device can authenticate users and store reporting data locally without needing real-time connection to the central system, eliminating the need for expensive SIM cards and internet connections at the charging site.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging device performs authentication and data storage independently using its own processor and memory. The device serves itself by validating user credentials and caching reporting information without requiring external infrastructure, reducing dependency on paid communication services.
2Reliability
If real-time communication infrastructure (routers, cabinets, internet connections) is deployed, then charging devices can communicate with central systems, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the communication infrastructure (routers, cabinets, internet connections) from the charging device installation. Authentication and data reporting functions are extracted from requiring continuous network connectivity, allowing the device to operate independently with minimal installation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging device independently handles authentication validation and data caching without requiring external communication infrastructure. The device's processor and memory enable it to function autonomously, eliminating the need for trained technicians to configure complex network connections.
3Ease of operation
If mobile network coverage is available, then users can authenticate via mobile applications, but areas like underground parking lack coverage making authentication impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication process from dependency on mobile network coverage. The charging device can validate user credentials and perform authentication locally without requiring connection to external networks, enabling operation in environments like underground parking where mobile coverage is absent.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging device independently validates user authentication credentials and caches reporting data without needing external network communication. This self-sufficient operation allows the device to serve users in any environment regardless of mobile network availability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If RFID readers are added to charging devices, then user authentication is enabled in areas without mobile coverage, but consumer acceptance decreases and hardware costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication functionality from requiring additional hardware like RFID readers. The system uses the user's existing mobile device and application for authentication, eliminating the need for separate RFID cards or readers while maintaining environmental adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages the universal presence of mobile devices and internet connectivity in users' pockets as the authentication medium. This multi-functional approach uses the mobile device for both communication and authentication purposes, avoiding the need for specialized hardware and maintaining excellent user experience.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an authenticating and reporting system (10) for authenticating a user at and reporting about use of a charging device (40) comprising: —at least one database unit comprising: —at least one cryptography module (22) configured to sign and/or encrypt authentication elements (28) and to decrypt charging report elements (48), and —at least one transmitting and receiving module (26) configured to transmit encrypted authentication elements (28) and to receive encrypted charging report elements (48); —at least one charging device (40) comprising: —at least one wireless communication module (44), —at least one encrypting and decrypting unit (46), —at least one storage module (42), and —at least one control module, wherein the at least one charging device (40) is configured to decrypt the authentication elements (28), control a charging procedure of a connected chargeable device, provide encrypted charging report elements (48), and store a timestamp parameter of a transmitted encrypted charging report element (48) or a group of transmitted encrypted charging report elements (48); - and at least one mobile device (30) configured to transfer the authentication elements (28) from the database unit (20) to the charging device (40) and the charging report elements (28) from the charging device (40) to the database unit (20).