Vehicle Charging Authentication via Provisioning Certificate Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle charging systems require inconvenient repeated input of vehicle and payment information for each charging session, hindering the adoption of plug and charge (PNC) services due to the lack of a functional service system that ensures secure and efficient authentication.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for vehicle charging that utilizes a provisioning certificate identification (PCID) for secure and efficient authentication, allowing automatic charging and payment by connecting a vehicle to a charger, with a charging server managing user information and processing payments without the need for repeated authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional charging system is used where vehicle and payment information are input manually for each charging session, then information security can be maintained through controlled access, but user convenience deteriorates due to repeated information input requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication and information setup by issuing a PCID (Provisioning Certificate Identification) to the user in advance. This PCID encapsulates vehicle identification and payment information, eliminating the need for repeated manual input during each charging session. The charging server validates the PCID to grant charging access and process payments automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCID serves as an intermediary credential that mediates between the user's vehicle and the charging server. Instead of directly transmitting sensitive vehicle and payment information during each charging session, the system uses this intermediate PCID token that the server validates to establish charging authorization and payment processing.
2Ease of operation
If a plug and charge service with automatic authentication is implemented, then user convenience improves by eliminating repeated information input, but information security risks increase due to automated access
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a secure copy or representation of the user's authentication credentials in the form of a PCID. This PCID is a provisioning certificate identification that contains encoded vehicle and payment information, serving as a secure copy that can be validated without exposing the actual sensitive data during charging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCID acts as an intermediary credential that enables automatic authentication while maintaining security. The charging server validates this intermediate token to verify user identity and authorization without requiring direct access to or transmission of sensitive payment and vehicle information during the charging process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing chargers are upgraded to support plug and charge service, then service functionality improves, but the cost of replacement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PCID-based authentication system is designed to be universal and compatible with existing charger infrastructure. The charging server can validate PCIDs from multiple vehicles and chargers without requiring hardware replacement, enabling one system to serve multiple functions across different charging stations and vehicle types.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical information input processes with electronic PCID validation. Instead of requiring physical input of vehicle identifiers and payment details at the charger interface, the system uses electronic authentication through the PCID that can be read automatically, reducing the need for complex input interfaces and hardware modifications.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for a vehicle charging service, includes a charging server configured to network with the plurality of chargers, receive a provisioning certificate identification (PCID) from outside, look up the received PCID in user information, allow charging of the charger connecting with the vehicle corresponding to the received PCID when the user information matching the received PCID is present, and updating the matching user information with the received PCID when the received PCID is a new PCID.