RFID Tag Payment Processing for Electric Vehicle Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Public charging stations for plug-in electrified vehicles have varying operations, user interfaces, and payment methods, causing complexity and confusion for users accustomed to standardized refueling processes.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses a processor to receive a vehicle identifier, obtain and validate payment information, and initiate charging automatically, eliminating the need for multiple RFID cards or apps by linking vehicle identification to associated payment accounts and authenticating payments through cloud or onboard storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple payment methods (RFID cards, phone apps, credit card insertion, phone calls) are used at different charging stations, then payment flexibility is improved, but user complexity and confusion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal payment system where a single RFID tag stores multiple payment methods (credit card, debit card, mobile payment) and can be used at any charging station. This eliminates the need for users to carry different RFID cards or download multiple apps for different chargers, as one tag handles all payment scenarios across the entire charging network.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple separate payment systems (RFID cards, mobile apps, cash cards) into a single integrated RFID tag system. The tag combines storage for multiple payment methods and communication protocols, allowing users to pay at any charging station using one device instead of multiple separate systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users must carry multiple RFID cards and apps to match different chargers, then charger compatibility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The RFID tag is designed as a universal identifier that works with multiple charging station manufacturers and payment methods. The tag stores various payment credentials and communication protocols, enabling it to interface with different charger types without requiring users to switch between multiple cards or apps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects the charging station type and selects the appropriate payment method without user intervention. The RFID tag autonomously handles the communication and payment processing, eliminating the need for users to manually configure or switch between different payment systems based on the charger manufacturer.
3Ease of operation
If automated payment processing is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Payment information is pre-stored in the RFID tag during initial setup, eliminating the need for real-time card insertion or app activation at charging stations. The tag contains pre-configured payment credentials and communication parameters that are automatically retrieved and processed when the user approaches a charging station, enabling seamless automated payment without user input.
Solution Approach 2:
The RFID tag serves as an intermediary between the user and the charging station payment system. It consolidates payment credentials, communication protocols, and identification data in one device, simplifying the interaction between users and the complex charging infrastructure while enabling automated processing without requiring direct user engagement with the payment system.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a processor configured to receive a vehicle identifier identifying a vehicle from a first digital entity. The processor is also configured to digitally obtain a payment account associated with the identifier, responsive to receiving the identifier. The processor is further configured to validate payment rights through input from a second entity, confirming the right to use the account to pay for charging the vehicle and responsive to successful validation, charge the payment account for vehicle charging, following vehicle charging completion.