EP2727088A1

EP2727088A1 - Method and system for securing a rental vehicle, and secure vehicle

Info

Publication number: EP2727088A1
Application number: EP12744036.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Clément LAMBRINOS; Aymeric AUGUSTIN; Raphaël BARROIS; Julien ROUYER; Sandrine RESSAYRE; Franck THIEULENT
Original assignee: Bluecarsharing SAS
Current assignee: Bluecarsharing SAS
Priority date: 2011-06-30
Filing date: 2012-07-02
Publication date: 2014-05-07
Also published as: FR2977215A1; WO2013001255A8; US10266061B2; FR2977215B1; WO2013001255A1; US20140379185A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method (300) for securing an electric rental vehicle when returning/picking up the vehicle at a so-called rental site, said vehicle including at least one sensor for determining at least one state of an element of said vehicle, said method including the following steps: measuring (310, 320) at least one value of at least one parameter by said sensor means, comparing (310, 320) the value of said parameter with at least one predetermined value, and indicating (312, 322, 324) an anomaly if the value is not equal to the predetermined value. The invention also relates to a method for securing an electric rental vehicle when returning/picking up said vehicle, and to a secure vehicle.

Description

"Method and system for securing a proposed vehicle for rental, and secure vehicle"

The present invention relates to a method of securing a vehicle offered for rental. It also relates to a system for securing such a vehicle and such a secure vehicle.

The field of the invention is the field of the delivery and taking of electric vehicles offered for rental and in particular the field of securing such electric vehicles, especially during operations of taking or handing the vehicle.

State of the art

We currently know vehicles operating with one or more electric batteries and sites, so-called rental, to take a rental vehicle or to return a rented vehicle at the end of rental.

These sites generally include a charging station for charging the batteries of the rented vehicle during the parking of the vehicle.

However, there is currently no method or system for protecting the rented vehicle against acts of vandalism or damage that may occur during the handling of a vehicle during the phases of taking the vehicle for hire or delivery of a vehicle at the end of the rental.

An object of the invention is to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks.

Another object of the invention is to provide a method and a system for protecting the vehicle against acts of theft or vandalism.

Finally, another object of the invention is to provide a method and a system for protecting the vehicle against damage caused by improper handling of the vehicle during the operations of setting the vehicle or delivery of the vehicle on a rental site. Presentation of the invention

The invention proposes to achieve at least one of the abovementioned goals by a method of securing an electric vehicle proposed for rental during the delivery / taking of said vehicle on a site, said rental, said vehicle comprising at least a sensor for determining at least one state of an element of said vehicle, said method comprising the steps of:

measuring at least one value of at least one parameter by said sensor means,

comparing the value of said parameter with at least one predetermined value, and

- signaling an anomaly, if the value is not equal to the predetermined value.

Thus, the method according to the invention makes it possible to monitor the state of the vehicle during the operations of handing over the vehicle at the end of the lease and / or during an operation of taking the vehicle at the beginning of the lease.

The method according to the invention thus makes it possible to avoid damage to the vehicle caused by mishandling by transmission of notification.

Moreover, the method according to the invention makes it possible to ensure that the operation of taking / handing the vehicle is carried out successfully and in a prescribed manner and thus to avoid that the vehicle is left in a configuration in which the vehicle would be subject to acts of theft or vandalism.

Advantageously, for at least one parameter, the comparison of the measured value with a predetermined value can be performed at a remote site, called a central site, said method further comprising sending said measured value to said central site.

The measured value can be sent directly to the remote site by the vehicle through a wireless network, such as the GPRS network.

In this case, the measured values can be sent to the remote device periodically, at the request of the remote device, or following a predetermined event, for example an identification of a user on the vehicle or a terminal of a charging station.

Of course, for at least one parameter, the comparison of the measured value with a predetermined value can be performed by the charging terminal.

In any case, the measured value can be sent in the form of a data frame also comprising an identification number relating to the vehicle. The data can be sent through an at least partly wireless communication network, such as a GPRS network. The data can also be sent over a wired link.

The signaling step may comprise a step of emitting a sound and / or light signal at the level of the vehicle, or on a terminal of a charging station, in particular a charging terminal to which the vehicle is associated. The signal is intended to alert the user. In the case where the signal is emitted at the level of the vehicle, it may be a message displayed on the vehicle computer for example. In the case where the signal is emitted at the charging terminal to which the vehicle is associated, it is a light or sound signaling. This terminal can be recognized because it is associated directly or indirectly with the vehicle in a database stored in the organ - or central site.

If the comparison step is not performed by the element transmitting the warning signal, especially in the case where this element is the charging terminal, the signaling step is preceded by a transmission step of a message to this item.

The signaling step can additionally and / or replace the transmission of at least one notification data to the user or an operator.

The notification data is usually sent by the central site. If it is not this site that performs the comparison step, this step is preceded by the transmission of a message from the element that performs the comparison step, a priori the vehicle, to the central site.

The notification data can be transmitted to the user or operator on a portable communication device that he owns, in the form of SMS, MMS, or e-mail messages, etc.

Of course, the same notification data or different data can be sent to different recipients.

The method according to the invention may further comprise a step of identifying at least one user by reading an identifier of said user on the rental site, to ensure that the user requesting a vehicle is a user. known.

The method according to the invention may further, as a replacement or supplement to the preceding identification step, comprise a step of identifying at least one user by reading an identifier of said user by the vehicle, for ensure that the user attempting to access the vehicle is a user who has been previously authorized.

The identification step (s) can be performed using RFID identification means held by the user that can be read by the various elements of the system. Other means of identification (key, barcode, entry, etc.) can also be used.

The parameter measured can be a parameter informing about the state of a leaf of a vehicle, a connection of a vehicle electrical connector with an electrical connector of a charging terminal, or the state of a hatch or cover allowing access to such an electrical connector.

Each of the sensor elements can be connected to a control module within the vehicle which centralizes all the values sent by all the sensor elements. Such a module can also send other commands

When the comparison step is not performed by the vehicle, the control module can send each of the data through a communication network. It will be noted that the method may comprise a step of determining a configuration (for example, taking or delivering the vehicle) and, depending on the result of this step, a step of determining the parameter or parameters to be compared and / or values with which to compare them during the comparison step.

For example, when the vehicle is taken, once the doors are unlocked, it is checked that the cable is disconnected from the vehicle and that the loadgate of the vehicle is closed, when it is handed over, it is checked that the cable is well connected and the doors and the charging door are closed. For this, it is necessary to request the comparison of different parameters during the comparison step.

The configuration determination step is most often performed by the central site from the data stored in its databases. It can in particular be combined with the user identification step, and consist in checking whether a vehicle is associated with the user in the databases or the time of the beginning of the lease.

Furthermore, it can also be envisaged that, when a measured value does not correspond to the predetermined value, the central site transmits data intended for the vehicle, in particular the vehicle control module, such data triggering an activation signal. . Such a signal can make it possible to perform some of the actions not performed by the user, for example the closing of an opening or a load hatch, or to block the starting of the vehicle until the anomaly is resorbed.

According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for securing an electric vehicle proposed for rental during the delivery / taking of said vehicle on a site, said rental, said system comprising:

at least one sensor means disposed at said electric vehicle and arranged to detect the state of at least one element of said vehicle, means, referred to as comparison means, for comparing at least one value of at least one parameter measured by said sensor means with at least one predetermined value, and

means for signaling an anomaly that can be activated if the measured value does not correspond to the predetermined value.

The signaling means may in particular be means for transmitting an audible and / or luminous signal, preferably arranged on the charging terminal or the vehicle, or means for transmitting at least one notification datum at destination. of a user or an operator.

Said at least one element may be an opening of the vehicle, an electrical connector of the vehicle, or a hatch or cover allowing access to such an electrical connector.

Advantageously, the comparison means may be arranged at a site remote from the rental site, said system further comprising data transmission means from said vehicle to said remote site, for example transmission means through a wireless communication network such as the GPRS network.

Advantageously, the system according to the invention may further comprise means for reading an identifier of a user at the location of the rental site and / or the vehicle.

The reading means may comprise means for reading a biometric identifier or an RFID card, among others.

The sensor means may comprise at least one force sensor, a position sensor, a pilot wire indicating the establishment of an electrical connection with a charging terminal, at least one mechanical locking of an electrical connector with at least one other electrical connector. According to yet another aspect of the invention it is proposed, an electric vehicle provided to be secured by the method or system according to the invention.

The electric vehicle according to the invention comprises:

at least one electrical connector designed to cooperate with at least one electrical connector of a charging terminal to establish an electrical connection for charging at least one battery of said vehicle, and

at least one sensor arranged to detect the state of at least one element of said vehicle;

The vehicle according to the invention may further comprise means for transmitting / receiving data to / from a remote site, for example through a wireless communication network such as the GPRS network and / or means for transmitting data. emission of a light or sound signal.

Advantageously, the vehicle according to the invention may further comprise comprises at least one reader means, for example RFID or biometric, of an identifier of a user.

In addition, the vehicle according to the invention may further comprise at least one sensor arranged to detect the state:

an electrical charging connector at said vehicle,

a cover enabling access to an electrical charging connector, and / or

- An opening of said vehicle.

The invention is particularly applicable to the management of a fleet of interchangeable electric vehicles for rental and for which a plurality of docking stations is provided.

Other advantages and characteristics will appear on examining the detailed description of non-limiting embodiments, and the appended drawings in which: - Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a management system of a fleet of vehicles offered for rental;

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of an example of a security system according to the invention; and

FIG. 3 is a schematic description of an example of a method according to the invention.

It is understood that the embodiments which will be described in the following are in no way limiting. It will be possible, in particular, to imagine variants of the invention comprising only a selection of characteristics described subsequently isolated from the other characteristics described, if this selection of characteristics is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention with respect to the state of the art. This selection comprises at least one feature preferably functional without structural details, or with only a part of the structural details if this part alone is sufficient to confer a technical advantage or to differentiate the invention from the state of the prior art.

In particular, all the variants and embodiments described are combinable with each other if nothing stands in the way of this combination at the technical level.

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a global management system of a fleet of electric vehicles offered for rental.

The system 100 shown in FIG. 1 comprises a central site

102 (also called central organ in the following description) connected to several sites - or stations - 104i-104 _n , said rental through a wireless communication network 106, for example GPRS, or a network wired, for example DSL type. Preferably, each station is connected to the central site via the two separate networks, which allows a continuous connection even if one of the networks is faulty. Each rental station includes a subscription terminal 108 for the registration of a new subscriber, a rental terminal 110 for the rental of a vehicle and a plurality of charging terminals 112-116, each charging terminal being designed to charge a vehicle with an electric battery at a parking space.

The central site 102 can be connected directly to each of the terminals of a rental station 104 through the network 106 or only to the subscription terminal and / or to the rental terminal and / or charging terminals 112-116. .

At least two terminals of a rental station are connected to each other through a wired connection (not shown). The central site 102 is also arranged to connect to an electric vehicle comprising a connection box with one or more elements of the vehicle and / or a communication interface with the user, via a GPRS network. Each vehicle is therefore equipped with a GSM chip.

The central site 102 is also arranged to exchange information with a portable communication device such as a PDA, a mobile phone, etc., carried by an operator of the rental service and also connected to the central site via a GPRS network.

The system makes it possible to manage a plurality of vehicles, each comprising a control unit capable of communicating with the central body and with various organs of the vehicle, and a user interface.

The users are able to interact with the different terminals as well as with the various elements of the vehicles. In addition, the vehicle rental service with the system according to the invention can also be performed using the operators and their mobile terminal such as a PDA, which can intervene in the service. As explained above, the general principle of the invention is as follows:

- indication of a user to an element of a rental site, including a rental terminal or a charge or a terminal of subscription, that this user wants to take a vehicle for rent or give a vehicle at the end of the rental,

- checking the status of one or more elements of the vehicle,

- if the status of at least one of these elements does not conform to a predetermined status, the user or an operator is notified in the form of a notification until the status of all the elements of the vehicle conform to a predetermined status.

The element whose status is checked is as follows:

- vehicle doors: are they closed when the vehicle is handed over, and / or

- hatch of the vehicle receiving an electric charging cable: is it closed when the vehicle is taken or handed over, and / or

- electric charging cable: is it connected / disconnected correctly when putting the vehicle back in / out?

The first two points can be checked by interrogation of a vehicle control module controlling the closing and opening of the opening of the vehicle, for example using an RFID reader which can also perform a user identification. in which case the opening or closing order is executed only if the user is recognized.

The closing of the hatch can also be checked using a force or position sensor. The connection / disconnection of the electric cable can be checked using a pilot wire or by a position sensor. The connection could also be verified by means of a mechanical locking of the cable in the vehicle connector, which can ensure the proper connection of the various connectors. The indication step may include an identification step. This step can be performed directly on a charging terminal using an identification means such as an RFID card. The charging station may indeed include an RFID reader. This step could however be performed by other means, such as for example identification on the rental terminal or by typing on a keyboard.

The identification step may involve the participation of the central site which includes a database of user access rights. The charging station or the rental terminal or the subscription terminal communicates to the central site the identifier of the user and the central site returns data relating to this user, for example, a rental authorization, a notification that a rental is in progress, etc.

With regard to the verification of the status of the vehicle components, this check may be carried out at the central site or the vehicle.

In the case where this step is performed by the central site, the vehicle can remount the information relating to the sensor periodically to the central site.

Preferably, the central site interrogates the vehicle and therefore the sensors of the vehicle a predetermined time, for example 2 minutes, after the signaling step has occurred. In response to this interrogation, the vehicle transmits the state of the sensors, either a binary or digital value measured by the sensors, or the control module, and relating to the vehicle element whose state is monitored. The central site compares the measured values with predetermined normal values stored in a database and determines whether there is an abnormality on the vehicle or not.

In the case where this step is performed by the vehicle, the vehicle control unit collects the values relating to the state of the sensors monitoring the elements of the vehicle, for example through the control module especially when it controls those this can be the case, for example, regarding the opening / closing of doors, and compares to predetermined values. In this case, the control module can return to the central site if it detects an anomaly.

The warning of the user or an operator can be made in several ways, possibly combined with one another:

- SMS warning, e-mail, call on a mobile phone of the user or the operator,

- warning via vehicle interface, and / or

- warning by means of a sound or light signal on the charging station or the rental terminal.

These steps can occur when taking a vehicle. The lock of the connection flap and / or the absence of a cable in the vehicle connector are preferably checked. Preferably, the message is in this case displayed on interface means of the electric vehicle. One can even consider preventing the start of the electric vehicle if the status of certain organs of the vehicle is not considered normal.

They can also occur during the delivery of a vehicle, in which case it is preferably checked the locking of the hatch, the doors and the connection of the cable to the vehicle. The message is then sent to the user on his mobile phone, preferably by SMS. It can also be sent to an operator of the rental service.

We will now describe with reference to Figure 2 an example of a security system according to the invention.

The system includes means for reading a user identification means. This means consists of one or more RFID readers placed in different locations of the vehicle. In the example shown in Figure 2, the system 200 comprises an RFID reading module 202 stuck on the left front baffle glazing of the vehicle. This or these RFID readers can in particular allow to trigger the opening or closing of the opening of the vehicle (doors, trunk, hatch) simultaneously or separately, after checking the validity of the identifier at the central site after checking that the vehicle has been assigned to this user by the central site. Preferably, the vehicle comprises a reader for opening the doors and the safe and a specific reader for opening the connection hatch.

The vehicle comprises a GPRS antenna 204 enabling the vehicle to communicate with the central site and a housing 206 forming a control module connected to the RFID reader and to the antenna as well as to the various elements of the vehicle to enable control of these and connecting these different elements. This box 206 also comprises data storage means.

The vehicle also includes an interface with the user formed by an embedded PC. He is also able to communicate with the central site.

Furthermore, the system 200 further comprises at least one sensor 208, such as a force sensor, detecting the state (open / closed) of at least one opening of the vehicle, such as a door or a trunk. The sensor or sensors 208 are connected to the control module and inform the control unit on the state of the openings for example in the form of a binary signal.

The system 200 also comprises a sensor 210, such as a pilot wire and / or a locking means, detecting the state (connected / not connected) of a charging connector of a vehicle battery and / or the state (open closed) of an access hatch to such a connector. The sensor or sensors 210 are connected to the control unit and inform the control unit on the state of the connector and / or the hatch. We will now describe with reference to Figure 3, an example of a method according to the invention.

The method 300 of the invention comprises a first identification step 302 during which the user identifies with the rental site, including an RFID card on a reader of a terminal charge corresponding to a place containing the vehicle he wants to take or that he just put. During this step, as explained above, the identifier read is transmitted to the central site, which searches the databases it stores and sends back data to the rental site (rental authorization, etc.). ).

The central site checks in a step 304 if the user wishes to rent a vehicle or if he gives a vehicle.

If the user wishes to surrender a vehicle, an end-of-lease process is initiated at step 306.

Then, after a predetermined time, for example 2 minutes, the central site sends the vehicle a command to check the status of the various elements of the vehicle during a step 308. The verification of the values is then performed during a verification step 310.

Alternatively, the verification step 310 can be triggered by a request from the user, particularly in the form of a start request.

The central site can in particular transmit at the same time as its request the values that must verify the different elements, depending on the circumstances, for example, cable connection OK if end of lease but NOK cable connection if rental start. The vehicle can store these values temporarily or permanently in the storage means of the control unit. In the event that the vehicle is not able to determine by itself the values that it must check, it can communicate with the central site to determine them, after sending a request to the central site and response from it.

The control module then retrieves the different values associated with the monitored elements, for example a numerical or binary value, and compares them with predetermined normal values for these elements.

If the central site does not receive a response after a predetermined time, it can also alert an operator. If all the values are in conformity, the rent is terminated.

If one of the values of the sensors does not conform to the expected value, the vehicle generally warns the central site, which, in a step 312, issues an alert notification to the user via the vehicle or a mobile communication device of the user or via a terminal on the rental site.

In the case where the user wishes to rent a vehicle, a step of verifying the identity of the user is performed during a step 314. If the user does not have the right to rent it is terminated. process. If the user has the rental right, a lease start procedure is initiated at step 316.

After a predetermined time, for example 2 minutes, the central site sends the vehicle a command to check the status of the various elements of the vehicle during a step 318. As explained above, these values are chosen according to the vehicle socket configuration. The verification of the values is then carried out during a verification step 320.

If all values are true, the lease begins and a lease start or start signal may be issued in an optional step 322.

If one of the values of the sensors does not conform to the expected value, the vehicle generally warns the central site, which, in a step 324, issues an alert notification to the user via the vehicle or a mobile communication device of the user or via a terminal on the rental site.

After a predetermined time, for example 2 minutes, step 320 is repeated until all measured values are normal.

In a first embodiment (in particular when the vehicle is handed over), during the alerting step (or signaling anomaly), the central body then composes a message intended for the user indicating in particular the type anomaly and / or the address of the rental site and the inviting to go to this rental site to correct the anomaly. This message is sent by SMS to the user. This is done by a central site communication unit including a GSM chip to communicate with any mobile phone. The mobile phone number of the user is found in an internal database of the central body.

Note that the user can still open the vehicle until the latter is rented by another user. He no longer has permission to start the vehicle.

It is also conceivable that the message is sent to a rental service operator if the user's number is not available or can not be reached. We can also imagine that the end of rental time remains unchanged in the case where the user comes to repair the anomaly in a given period of time, for example 15 minutes, but that the end time of the lease is changed in the hour of resolution of the anomaly if the user does not come to correct this one. For this purpose, a counter can be activated in the central site or the control unit of the vehicle. One can also consider sending a message to a system operator after the predetermined period of time to solve the problem.

If the user can not solve the problem due to an internal vehicle failure, he can request the assistance of an operator and / or declare it on the rental terminal / vehicle in which case its end time rental is not changed and an operator is called for maintenance. The vehicle and the place on which it is located may also be declared unavailable.

In a second embodiment (especially when the vehicle is taken), during the alerting step, the central body also composes a message for the PC embedded in the vehicle. This message could also be sent by the control unit, but, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the control module and the vehicle interface means are only able to communicate by through the central site, which prevents one or more information from passing.

It is also conceivable that the control unit emits a control signal preventing the vehicle from starting until the fault is resolved. This signal can be activated by the observation of the anomaly by the control unit or by data sent by the central body. The starting of the vehicle may in fact be conditioned by a plurality of start signals (one or more OK signals transmitted by the command module + OK signal sent by a key or start button for example). This would then ensure that the user can not start without having properly prepared the vehicle.

Similarly, if the user can not solve the problem due to an internal vehicle failure, he can request the assistance of an operator and / or declare it on the rental terminal. In this case, the rental is canceled and another vehicle is assigned. The vehicle and the place on which it is located may also be declared unavailable.

The dotted steps in the process shown in Figure 3 are optional.

Naturally, the invention is not limited to the examples which have just been described.

Claims

1. A method (300) for securing an electric vehicle proposed for rental during the delivery / taking of said vehicle on a site (104), said rental, said vehicle comprising at least one sensor (208, 210) to determine at least one state of an element of said vehicle, said method comprising the following steps:

measuring (310, 320) at least one value of at least one parameter by said sensor means,

comparing (310, 320) the value of said parameter with at least one predetermined value, and

- signaling (312, 322, 324) an anomaly, if the value is not equal to the predetermined value.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that, for at least one parameter, the comparison of the measured value with a predetermined value is performed at a remote site (102), said central, said method further comprising sending said measured value to said central site.

3. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the signaling step comprises a step of transmitting a light signal and / or sound at the vehicle or on a terminal of a charging station to which is the vehicle, especially associated with the vehicle.

4. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the signaling step comprises a step of transmitting at least one notification data to the user or an operator.

5. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it further comprises a step (302) for identifying at least one user by reading an identifier, in particular of the RFID type, of said user. on the rental site and / or the vehicle.

6. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the parameter measured is relative to the state of an opening of a vehicle, a connection of an electrical connector of the vehicle with an electrical connector of a charging terminal, or the state of a hatch or a cover allowing access to such an electrical connector.

7. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a step of determining a configuration (for example, taking or delivering the vehicle) and, depending on the result of this step, a step of determining the parameter or parameters to compare and / or predetermined values with which to compare them during the comparison step.

8. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one or more data can also be transmitted to the vehicle, this or these data being able to control the triggering of an activation signal, especially if the measured value n is not equal to the predetermined value.

9. System (200) for securing an electric vehicle proposed for rental upon delivery / taking of said vehicle to a site (104), said rental, said system comprising:

at least one sensor means (208, 210) disposed at said electric vehicle and arranged to detect the state of at least one element of said vehicle,

means, referred to as comparison means, for comparing at least one value of at least one parameter measured by said sensor means with at least one predetermined value, and

10. System according to claim 9, characterized in that the comparison means are arranged at a remote site (102), said system further comprising means (204) for transmitting data from said vehicle to said site. remote.

Electric vehicle intended to be secured by the method or system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises:

at least one sensor (208, 210) arranged to detect the state of at least one element of said vehicle.

12. Vehicle according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises at least one sensor arranged to detect the state:

- an electric charging connector at said vehicle, - a cover for accessing an electrical charging connector, and / or

- An opening of said vehicle.