EVSE Gossip Network for Offline Updates and Payment Settlement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Deploying electric vehicle charging stations is hindered by the lack of Internet connectivity in common charging locations, such as parking garages or remote areas, making it difficult to provide over-the-air software updates and facilitate payment transactions for Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE) devices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing peer-to-peer communication using trusted wireless devices, such as smartphones or tablets, to connect with EVSE devices, enabling the exchange of software updates and payment information even without direct Internet access, through methods like Bluetooth, BLE, NFC, Wi-Fi, or DSRC, allowing for payment authorization and settlement via an Open Charge Point Protocol service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If EVSE devices are deployed in common charging locations like parking garages or remote areas, then charging accessibility is improved, but Internet connectivity becomes unreliable making software updates and payment transactions difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a peer device as an intermediary to transfer data between the EVSE and the network. When the EVSE cannot connect directly to the Internet, a peer device (such as a smartphone or tablet) acts as a mediator to receive data from the EVSE via peer-to-peer communication and forward it to the network when connectivity is available, thus resolving the contradiction between deploying in remote locations and maintaining reliable connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by storing data locally in the EVSE or in peer devices when connectivity is unavailable. Software updates and payment information are buffered and transmitted later when network connectivity is restored, allowing the system to maintain functionality in locations with unreliable Internet access.
2Reliability
If direct Internet connection is required for software updates and payment transactions, then data security and transaction reliability are improved, but deployment flexibility and location versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A peer device serves as an intermediary that maintains data security while enabling flexible deployment. The peer device establishes a secure peer-to-peer connection with the EVSE and acts as a trusted intermediary for transferring sensitive data such as payment information and software updates, eliminating the need for the EVSE to have direct Internet connectivity while maintaining security standards.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates copies of data (software updates, payment information) and stores them locally in the EVSE or in peer devices. These local copies allow the system to operate offline and transmit data later when connectivity is available, maintaining both security and deployment flexibility.
3Reliability
If peer-to-peer communication is implemented using trusted wireless devices, then connectivity reliability in remote areas is improved, but system complexity increases due to multiple communication protocols and devices
Solution Approach 1:
The peer device serves multiple functions: it acts as a communication relay, a local storage unit, and a security authentication point. By making the peer device multi-functional, the system reduces overall complexity compared to implementing separate dedicated devices for each function, while maintaining reliable communication in remote areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple communication functions (data transfer, authentication, and protocol handling) into a single peer-to-peer communication framework. This consolidation simplifies the system architecture compared to having separate dedicated systems for each function, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining communication reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosed technology provide solutions for updating and facilitating payment settlement for an Electric Vehicle Service (EVSE) device using peer-to-peer communications such as a gossip network. In some approaches, a process of the disclosed technology can include steps for establishing a connection with a wireless device, wherein the wireless device is running an Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) service, validating a user identity (ID) for at least one user associated with the wireless device, and determining if updates are available for one or more software or firmware components of a charging station management system (CSMS) of an Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE) device. In some aspects the process can further include transferring the updates from the wireless device to the EVSE, if updates are available. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.