Telematics Battery Discharge Authorization via TSP Validation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Unauthorized discharge of electric vehicle batteries poses a problem similar to unauthorized fuel siphoning in fuel-powered vehicles, as there is no effective mechanism to prevent battery charge extraction without user consent.
Innovation Solution
A telematics unit system that includes a charge controller, which only allows battery discharge after user authorization through a telematics system, ensuring that battery charge is not extracted unless the driver has made an authorization request, and the telematics unit communicates with a TSP for validation before allowing discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If battery charge can be freely discharged and transferred between vehicles, then ease of operation and flexibility are improved, but unauthorized discharge and theft of battery charge become a problem
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a TSP server as an intermediary between the telematics unit and the battery discharge process. The TSP server receives authorization requests, validates them, and sends authorization codes to the telematics unit, which then permits battery discharge. This intermediary layer prevents unauthorized discharge while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system requires preliminary authorization action before battery discharge can occur. The user must first request authorization through the telematics unit, the TSP server must validate and approve the request, and an authorization code must be issued before the battery can be discharged. This preliminary action prevents unauthorized discharge while allowing convenient operation for authorized users.
2Reliability
If a telematics authorization system is implemented to prevent unauthorized battery discharge, then security and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing telematics unit, which already provides multiple functions including emergency call handling, stolen vehicle recovery, diagnostics monitoring, and navigation. By reusing this multi-functional device for battery authorization, the system avoids adding dedicated hardware complexity while improving reliability of battery discharge control.
Solution Approach 2:
The telematics unit and TSP server work together to provide self-service authorization. The system automatically validates requests, issues authorization codes, and controls battery discharge without requiring manual intervention or additional complex security hardware. This self-service approach maintains reliability while minimizing added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The described method and system allows for the utilization of a telematics unit on a telematics-equipped vehicle to prevent the unauthorized discharge of a vehicle battery. A user may communicate an authorization request for allowing discharge of the vehicle battery through a telematics unit or telematics service provider (TSP) call center. If approved by the TSP call enter or telematics unit, an authorization, which may include an authorization code, is communicated to a charge controller which controls the discharge of the vehicle battery. Alternatively, the user may communicate an authorization code directly to the telematics unit which passes it on to the charge controller for approval.