NFC Charging Control Device for GPS-Free Station Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Charging stations along long-distance routes often lack reliable mobile network coverage, leading to disruptions in user identification and authorization, and satellite-based GPS localization can be inaccurate, especially in high-density areas, causing ambiguity in selecting the correct charging station.
Innovation Solution
A control device at the charging station uses a near-field communication interface to establish a control link with a mobile terminal device, allowing for vehicle-side and terminal-side proofs of authorization to be exchanged, enabling charging operation control independently of mobile network coverage and reducing reliance on GPS for station selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mobile network coverage is used for user identification and authorization, then charging operations can be controlled remotely, but identification and authorization fail in areas with poor mobile network coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism that operates independently of mobile network coverage. A local authentication system using short-range communication (such as NFC or Bluetooth) serves as a mediator between the user's mobile device and the charging station, enabling identification and authorization without relying on distant server communication. This resolves the contradiction by providing a fallback authentication path that works in areas with poor network coverage while maintaining remote control capabilities when networks are available.
2Loss of information
If GPS satellite positioning is used to determine charging station location, then user location can be identified, but positioning accuracy is insufficient in high-density areas leading to station selection ambiguity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the location identification process into multiple components: GPS provides coarse location data, while local identifiers (such as unique station codes, Wi-Fi MAC addresses, or beacon signals) provide precise station-specific identification. This segmentation allows the system to first identify the general area using GPS and then pinpoint the exact charging station using local identifiers, resolving the ambiguity problem in high-density areas where GPS accuracy is insufficient.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mobile terminal devices are used for charging control, then card-based identification becomes obsolete, but control link establishment fails without reliable mobile network coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control link establishment mechanism that adapts to network conditions. The system attempts to establish control links through multiple channels: primary connection via mobile network for remote server communication, and secondary connection via short-range wireless communication for direct station-device communication. The system dynamically switches between these modes based on network availability, maintaining control functionality across varying conditions while supporting modern mobile device-based identification.
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 reliable user identification and authorization for charging operations even in areas with poor mobile network coverage and improves the accuracy of charging station selection by eliminating GPS inaccuracies, allowing for seamless charging operations.
Implementation Method 1
a near-field communication interface NFC for connection to a corresponding near-field communication interface of a mobile terminal device MD
Data Source
AI summary
A control device which, in addition to pairing a charging station with a vehicle to be charged, also pairs a control connection to a mobile terminal of a charging station user. A control connection via a near-field communications interface is formed with the mobile terminal (MD) after an authorisation from a vehicle-side and terminal-side authorisation pair is received. After the control connection has been formed, the charging station is assigned based on an interaction between the control connection, formed using the near-field communications interface, and the vehicle-side authorization.