ES2764165A1 - CENTRAL VEHICLE UNIT (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

A central unit of a vehicle (11) comprises a processor (13) and an image acquisition camera (14), where the images acquired by the image acquisition camera (14) are transmitted to the processor (13), which identifies within the received images a graphic element comprising identification information of an energy supply dispenser (32) of an energy point of sale (31) where the vehicle (11) is currently parked; wherein an energy storage device (15) of the vehicle (11) provides a first energy level message (21), if the stored energy level is equal to or less than a predetermined energy level, to the processor (13) that supplies an activation signal (22) to the image acquisition camera (14) to capture images of portions of the power point of sale (31) where the graphic element of an energy supply dispenser (32) is expected to be located . (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

DESCRIPTION

Vehicle central unit

Object

The present invention relates to a central unit of a vehicle that activates or deactivates a vehicle image acquisition camera to execute an identification and authentication scheme of an energy point of sale.

State of the art

It is known in the state of the art, the use of an image capture camera arranged in proximity to a fuel nozzle to authorize the refueling of a vehicle parked in the vicinity of the fuel nozzle.

Activation or unlocking of the fuel nozzle to refuel the vehicle is carried out from an alphanumeric keypad of the fuel nozzle and / or from a portable electronic device such as a mobile device that is approximated to the fuel nozzle.

Either of the two options described above to activate the fuel nozzle requires that the vehicle user have to leave the interior of the vehicle interior to act on the alphanumeric keypad and / or locate a fuel nozzle identification code that has to be scanned by the portable electronic device.

Once the fuel nozzle has been identified, the user has to send an authorization request message from the portable electronic device to a refueling server of the POS fuel point associated with the identified fuel nozzle.

The authorization request message includes user identification data and fuel pump identification data from which the selected fuel will be supplied.

The refueling server, based on the received authorization request message, performs verification actions to determine if the requesting user is authorized to refuel the vehicle; if the verification is positive, the fuel refueling server transmits an activation message to the identified fuel pump and, in addition, the fuel refueling server transmits, in turn, an authorization message to the portable electronic device. The authorization message received on the portable electronic device is displayed on a multimedia screen of the portable electronic device.

The aforementioned actions present at least one disadvantage and that is that the requesting user has to physically leave the vehicle, approach the fuel nozzle from which he wishes to refuel, perform the actions to select the type of fuel and volume of fuel at supplying the vehicle from the fuel pump or from the portable electronic device in proximity to the fuel pump; This action is not recommended as the use of electronic devices in proximity to fuel pumps is prohibited for safety reasons. On the other hand, the user does not have the need to perform the first step of requesting to start the procedure, but it is the vehicle that detects the user's intention to refuel, starting the process automatically and reducing the process time.

Consequently, there is a need to have an electronic device configured to make an application for authorization of energy supply without having to physically leave the vehicle and comply with the current safety regulations in fuel supply operations and also allow automatic paying for a vehicle fuel transaction.

Summary

The present invention seeks to solve one or more of the drawbacks set forth above by means of a central unit of a vehicle that executes an identification and authentication scheme of an energy point of sale as defined in the claims.

The vehicle may be a vehicle of the vehicle type with internal combustion engine, hybrid vehicle, plug-in hybrid vehicle or electric vehicle; and where the central unit of the vehicle comprises a processor electrically connected to an image acquisition camera that acquires images of the surroundings of the vehicle.

The image acquisition camera is installable in the front of the vehicle, in the central mirror of the vehicle, in the front windshield of the vehicle, in the front part of the hood of the vehicle, in the front bumper of the vehicle or similar.

The image acquisition camera acquires images in the vehicle environment, where the acquired images are transmitted to the processor that is configured to detect a graphic element within the received images. Preferably, the Image Acquisition acquires images in the forward direction of the vehicle.

The graphic element may be an alphanumeric type code, a dot matrix, a two-dimensional bar code, a QR code, or the like, comprising identification information of an energy supply dispenser of an energy point of sale, so that the Processor identifies the power supply pump where the vehicle is currently parked. In this way, the power supply dispenser to which the vehicle is close at the same time as the vehicle is parked is automatically identified, so that the process runs faster.

The graphic element comprises identification information of an energy point of sale, so that the processor identifies the energy point of sale where the vehicle is currently parked.

The energy point of sale may be a facility provided with the at least one power supply spout where the power supplied is of the gasoline, diesel, electric power or similar type.

The power supply spout can be one of the machines located at an energy point of sale that provides energy. It can be understood as a dispenser at a gasoline-type energy point of sale, the fuel dispenser and at an electricity-type energy point of sale, a machine that provides electricity. Within a power point of sale there are usually a plurality of dispensers.

The vehicle comprises an energy storage device of the electric battery type, fuel tank or the like; where the energy storage device is configured to provide the processor with a first message that includes information on the energy level that is stored; so that if the stored energy level is equal to or less than a predetermined energy level, the processor supplies an activation signal to the image acquisition camera to capture images of portions of the energy point of sale where it is expected to be arranged the graphic element of an energy supply spout. The detection of the energy level can be carried out through a sensor. Thus, the activation of the image acquisition camera is carried out exclusively when a need to supply energy is detected, minimizing the traffic and data processing in addition to the energy consumption used by the image acquisition camera. When the energy level is above the preset level, an activation signal is not supplied.

We would like to point out that in this way the image capture starts automatically so that a graphic element with information can be identified in order to identify an energy supply supplier. The process to be able to perform an identification of the power supply pump starts automatically

The vehicle's central unit is connected to a satellite navigation and positioning module connected to the processor, and furthermore, the processor is connected to a positioning data storage unit that retains stored a plurality of positioning coordinates of retail outlets. Energy.

The processor delivers the first message based on a history of refueling volumes entered by the user and stored in the data storage unit, which is periodically updateable.

The processor identifies an energy point of sale by transmitting a second positioning coordinate request message to the satellite navigation and positioning module, if the stored energy level is equal to or less than a predetermined energy level; compares the received vehicle positioning coordinates with the positioning coordinates of the energy sales points stored in the data storage unit, to establish the energy sale point closest to the current vehicle position; and provides the trigger signal to the image acquisition camera to capture images of portions of the power point of sale based on the power point of sale established by the processor. In this way, when the vehicle has a stored energy level lower than a predetermined level, it is established which is the closest energy point of sale so that the image acquisition camera is activated in order to detect the graphic element that identifies the supplier of energy supply. If the power level is higher than the default, the request signal is not transmitted.

If the stored energy level is equal to or greater than the default energy level, the processor does not activate the imaging camera.

The established point of sale of energy is the point of sale of energy that is located at a closer distance along the traffic route that the vehicle must travel from the current position of the vehicle.

The closest distance must be equal to or less than a predetermined distance threshold value depending on the energy level stored within the energy storage device and which must be sufficient for the vehicle to reach the point of sale of energy established.

The processor receives a vehicle travel speed signal from a vehicle speed meter, so the second message is transmitted from the processor to the imaging camera if the vehicle travel speed signal is equal to or less than a default speed threshold value. Thus an intention to stop the vehicle is detected, whereby an intention to enter an energy outlet is anticipated and the image acquisition camera is activated. If the speed is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the second message is not transmitted.

The processor is connected to a graphical user interface, where the processor supplies a third message to the graphical user interface, where the third message comprises the identifier of the identified power supply supplier. It should be noted that the vehicle does not necessarily have to be stopped.

The central unit comprises a first telecommunications input-output interface electrically connected to the processor, where the first telecommunications input-output interface transmits and receives messages to from a second telecommunications input-output interface of the power point of sale. The processor supplies a fourth message to the first telecommunication input / output interface to transmit the fourth message to the second telecommunication interface. In this way a communication is established between the vehicle and the point of sale, avoiding making the connection directly with the dispenser since sometimes the dispensers are not configured to transmit and receive signals from external electronic devices at the point of sale.

The fourth message comprises information from a request for authorization of energy supply from the identified energy supply supplier of the energy point of sale.

The fourth message further comprises information on the type of energy to be supplied to the vehicle, vehicle user profile data, information for charging the amount of the amount of energy supplied from the energy supply supplier of the identified energy point of sale.

The user can select or modify an amount of energy to refuel the vehicle through the graphical user interface, so that the processor enters into the fourth message information regarding the amount of energy to refuel desired. The Amount of energy to refuel is a function of the energy level stored by the vehicle's energy storage device.

In addition, the user can confirm or cancel the power supply operation using the actionable alphanumeric keyboard of the graphical user interface.

The fourth power supply authorization request information message is received at the power point of sale through the second telecommunications input / output interface, so that the power point of sale transmits a fifth authorizing information message or disavowing the requested energy supply from the identified energy supply supplier of the energy point of sale to the first telecommunications input-output interface.

The processor checks whether there is a match between the energy point of sale identified from the captured graphic element with the current positioning coordinates of the vehicle and the positioning coordinates of the energy point of sale stored in the data storage unit.

The processor is electrically connected to a multimedia electronic display where the plurality of messages transmitted and received to and from the vehicle are displayed through the graphical user interface.

The electronic multimedia screen is arranged on the vehicle's dashboard in the opposite direction to the vehicle's advance, so that if the processor correctly identifies or recognizes the graphic element of a power supply spout, the processor supplies to the electronic screen multimedia the first message that includes information about the energy level that is stored in the vehicle's energy storage device.

The graphical user interface includes an alphanumeric keyboard that can be operated by the user to modify the amount of energy to supply the vehicle and display it in the graphical user interface.

The processor supplies an activation signal from the image acquisition camera when the fuel level stored in the energy storage device is equal to or less than a predetermined level of stored fuel.

The activation signal of the image acquisition camera can coincide, in time, with the appearance of a low power signal on the vehicle's dashboard to warn the vehicle user of the need to refuel.

The actions related to the vehicle power supply operation are launched or initiated by the vehicle with the user inside the vehicle interior, through the central unit located inside the vehicle.

Therefore, the user avoids using any type of portable electronic devices from outside the vehicle, meeting the safety requirements established by the safety regulations that apply to energy points of sale for supplying vehicles.

The central unit of the vehicle provides a secure identification and authentication scheme of the energy collection supplier, of the user and allows a secure payment transaction as well.

Furthermore, the central unit of the vehicle that executes the identification and authentication scheme of the power supply dispenser and the user occupies radio resources for a reduced time and the traffic of information data transmitted bi-directionally is also reduced.

The vehicle's central unit can be integrated into vehicle vehicle fuel supplier payment systems available for portable electronic devices.

Brief description of the figures

A more detailed explanation is given in the description that follows and is based on the attached figures:

Figure 1 shows in a plan view a central unit of a vehicle comprising a processor electrically connected to an image acquisition camera that acquires images of the environment of the; and

Figure 2 shows in a flow diagram a method performed by the central unit that activates or deactivates the vehicle image acquisition camera to execute an identification and authentication scheme of an energy point of sale.

Description

Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, where a central unit 12 of a vehicle 11 is shown, it comprises a processor 13 electrically connected to an image acquisition camera 14 that acquires images of the environment of the vehicle 11, where the image acquisition camera images 14 is installed in the front of the vehicle 11, for example in the central rear-view mirror of the vehicle 11, in the front windshield of the vehicle 11, on the front of the hood of vehicle 11, on the front bumper of vehicle 11.

The images acquired by the image acquisition camera 14 are transmitted from the camera to the processor 13 that searches within the received image for a graphic element, comprising identification information of an energy supply spout 32 of an energy point of sale . The image acquisition camera 14 acquires the images preferably in the direction of advance of the vehicle 11.

Processor 13 is capable of identifying from power supply spout 32 where vehicle 11 is currently parked.

The vehicle 11 comprises an energy storage device 15 of the electric battery type, energy tank or the like; wherein the energy storage device 15 is configured to provide the processor 13 with a first message 21 that includes information on the energy level that is stored; so that if the stored energy level is equal to or less than a predetermined energy level, the processor 13 supplies the image acquisition camera 14 with an activation signal 22 to capture images of portions of the energy point of sale where it is hopefully the graphic element of a power supply spout is arranged. The predetermined energy level may be 5 to 15% of the maximum capacity of the energy storage device 15.

A satellite navigation and positioning module 16, for example, the GPS system is connected to processor 13 and, furthermore, processor 13 is connected to a positioning data storage unit 17 that holds a plurality of coordinates of stored and updated data. positioning of energy sales points.

The processor 13 supplies the first message 21 based on a history of refueling volumes entered by the user and stored in the data storage unit 17, this information is updateable.

The processor 13 identifies an energy point of sale 31 by transmitting a second message 23 requesting coordinates of the current positioning of the vehicle 11 to the satellite navigation and positioning module, if the stored energy level is equal to or less than one default energy level; compares the positioning coordinates of the received vehicle 11 with the positioning coordinates of the energy sales points stored in the data storage unit 17, to establish the point of sale of energy closest to the current position of the vehicle 11; and provides trigger signal 22 to image acquisition camera 14 to capture images of portions of the power point of sale based on the power point of sale established by processor 13.

If the stored energy level is equal to or greater than the predetermined energy level, the processor 13 avoids transmitting the second vehicle positioning coordinate request message 23 23 to the satellite navigation and positioning module.

Processor 13 receives a vehicle 11 travel speed signal from a vehicle 11 speed meter 18, so that second message 23 is transmitted from processor 13 to image acquisition camera 14 if the travel speed signal vehicle 11 is equal to or less than a predetermined speed threshold value. This speed threshold value can be around 20km / h.

Processor 13 is connected to a multimedia electronic display through a graphical user interface 27, so that processor 13 supplies a third message 24 to graphical user interface 27 so that the third message 24 is displayed on the electronic display. multimedia. The third message 24 comprises the identifier of the identified energy supply spout 32.

The image acquisition camera 14 is activatable by the user of the vehicle 11 through an alphanumeric keyboard of the graphical user interface 27, if the energy level stored in the energy storage device 15 of the vehicle 11 is equal to or less at the default stored fuel level.

The central unit 12 comprises a first telecommunication input-output interface 19 electrically connected to processor 13, where the first telecommunication input-output interface 19 transmits and receives messages to from a second telecommunication input-output interface 33 of the point selling energy.

Processor 13 supplies a fourth message 25 to the first telecommunication input-output interface 19 to transmit the fourth message 25 to the second telecommunication interface.

The fourth message 25 comprises information of a request for authorization of energy supply from the identified energy supply supplier 32 of the energy point of sale 31 and the like.

The fourth message 25 further comprises information on the type of energy to be supplied to the vehicle 11, user profile data of the vehicle 11, information for charging the amount of the amount of energy supplied from the identified energy supply supplier 32 of the point of sale of Energy.

The user can select or modify the amount of energy to be refueled to the vehicle 11 by means of an alphanumeric keyboard that can be operated from the graphical user interface 27, so that the processor 13 enters into the fourth message 25 information regarding the amount of energy to be refueled . The amount of energy to be refueled is a function of the energy level stored by the energy storage device 15 of the vehicle 11.

Likewise, the user can confirm or cancel the power supply operation through the graphical user interface 27.

The interaction of the user with the graphical user interface 27 can be carried out in an alternative and / or complementary way by means of gestures, voice, additional buttons and the like.

The power point of sale receives the fourth message 25 through the second telecommunications input-output interface and provides a fifth information message 26 authorizing or disavowing the requested power supply from the identified power supply dispenser 32.

The fifth message 26 is transmitted through the second telecommunication input / output interface from the power point of sale to the central unit 12, which receives the fifth message 26 through the first telecommunication input / output interface 19.

The fifth message 26 is shown on the electronic multimedia screen and, if the supply operation is authorized, the user leaves the interior compartment of the vehicle 11 and carries out the operation of supplying energy to the vehicle 11 from the power supply spout 32 identified.

If refueling is unauthorized from the identified power supply pump 32, the power pump is out of service; the fifth message 26 may include the identification of a different energy supply supplier 32 from the identified energy supply supplier 32, which is operative to supply from the different energy supply supplier 32.

The electronic multimedia screen is arranged on the instrument panel of the vehicle 11 in the opposite direction to the advance of vehicle 11, so that if the processor 13 correctly identifies or recognizes the graphic element of a power supply spout, the processor 13 supplies the first electronic message that includes information to the multimedia electronic display of the energy level that is stored in the energy storage device 15 of the vehicle 11.

The graphical user interface 27 comprises an alphanumeric keyboard operable by the user to modify the amount of energy to supply the vehicle 11 and display it in the graphical user interface 27.

The processor 13 supplies an activation signal 22 from the image acquisition camera 14 when the fuel level stored in the energy storage device 15 is equal to or less than a predetermined level of stored fuel.

The activation signal 22 of the image acquisition camera 14 can coincide, in time, with the appearance of a low power signal on the dashboard of the vehicle 11 to warn the user of the vehicle 11 of the need to refuel.

In an alternative mode, the vehicle 11 can be connected to a portable electronic device, from where it receives relevant information such as the user's bank details, the fuel type of the vehicle 11, a history of energy recharges, etc.

Actions related to the power supply operation of vehicle 11 are launched or initiated by vehicle 11 through central unit 12 located within vehicle 11.

The multimedia electronic display shows the plurality of messages transmitted and received to and from the vehicle 11 through the graphical user interface 27, such as, for example, the first information message.

Therefore, the user avoids using any type of portable electronic devices from outside the vehicle 11, meeting the safety requirements established by the safety regulations that apply to energy sales points for supplying vehicles 11.

LIST OF NUMERICAL REFERENCES

11 vehicle

12 conditioning unit

13 processor

14 imaging camera

15 energy storage device

16 satellite navigation and positioning module 17 positioning data storage unit 18 speed meter

19 first telecommunication input-output interface 21 first message

22 trigger signal

23 second message

24 third message

25 fourth message

26 fifth message

27 graphical user interface

31 power point of sale

32 power collection spout

33 second telecommunications input-output interface

Claims (15)

r e iv in d ic a tio n s 1. A central unit of a vehicle (11), where the central unit (12) comprises a processor (13) and an image acquisition camera (14) electrically connected to the processor (13); characterized in that the image acquisition camera (14) acquires images in the environment of the vehicle (11), the acquired images are transmitted to the processor (13) which is configured to detect a graphic element within the received images, where the element The graphic includes identification information of an energy supply dispenser (32) of an energy point of sale (31), so that the processor (13) identifies the energy supply dispenser (32) where the vehicle is currently parked (11 ). 2. Central unit according to claim 1; where a vehicle energy storage device (15) is adapted to provide a first energy level message (21), if the stored energy level is equal to or less than a predetermined energy level, where the processor (13) supplies an activation signal (22) to the image acquisition camera (14) to capture images from the power point of sale (31). 3. Central unit according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a satellite positioning and navigation module (16) that is connected to the processor (13), where the processor (13) is, in turn, connected to a positioning data storage unit (17) comprising a plurality of positioning coordinates for energy points of sale (31), where the processor (13) is adapted to identify an energy point of sale (31), where the processor (13) is adapted to: • transmitting a second vehicle positioning coordinate request message (23) (11) to the satellite navigation and positioning module (16), if the stored energy level is equal to or less than a predetermined energy level, • compare the positioning coordinates of the received vehicle (11) with the positioning coordinates of the stored energy points of sale (31), to establish the closest point of sale of energy (31) to the current position of the vehicle (11) , and • provide the activation signal to the image acquisition camera (14) to capture images of portions of the power point of sale (31) based on to the energy sales point (31) established. 4. Central unit according to claim 3, where the established power point of sale (31) is a function of the distance to the current position of the vehicle (11) being equal to or less than a predetermined distance threshold value. Central unit according to any of claims 3 or 4, where the processor (13) receives a vehicle travel speed signal (11) from a speed meter (18), where the second message (23) is sent when the vehicle travel speed signal (11) is equal to or less than a predetermined speed threshold value. 6. Central unit according to any of the preceding claims; where the processor (13) is connected to a graphical user interface (27), where the processor (13) supplies a third message (24) to the graphical user interface (27), where the third message (24) comprises the identifier of the identified power supply pump (32). 7. Central unit according to claim 6, where the image acquisition camera (14) is activatable by the vehicle user (11) through the graphical user interface (27). 8. Central unit according to claim 6; where the central unit (12) comprises a first telecommunications input-output interface (19) electrically connected to the processor (13), where the first telecommunications input-output interface (19) that transmits and receives messages to and from a second telecommunications input-output interface (33) of the power point of sale (31), where the processor (13) supplies a fourth message (25) to the first telecommunications input-output interface (31) and where the first interface telecommunications input-output (31) transmits the fourth message (25) to the second telecommunications input-output (33) interface. 9. Central unit according to claim 8; where the fourth message (25) further comprises information requesting authorization of energy supply from the identified energy supply supplier (32) of the energy point of sale (31). Central unit according to any of claims 6 to 9, wherein the fourth message (25) further comprises information regarding an amount of energy to be refueled in the vehicle (11), based on the stored energy level of the energy storage (15) of the vehicle (11). 11. Central unit according to claim 10, wherein the fourth message (25) further comprises information on the type of energy to be supplied, profile data of the vehicle user (11), information to charge the amount of the amount of energy supplied from the identified energy supply pump (32) of the energy point of sale (31). 12. Central unit according to claim 9; where the energy sale point (31) receives through the second input-output interface (32) the fourth message (25), where the energy sale point (31) is adapted to transmit a fifth message (26 ) information authorizing or disavowing the requested energy supply from the identified energy supply pump (32), to the first telecommunications input-output interface (19). 13. Central unit according to claim 6; where the graphic element further comprises identification information of an energy point of sale (31), where the processor (13) identifies the energy point of sale (31) where the vehicle (11) is currently parked. 14. Central unit according to claim 13, where the processor (13) verifies if the power point of sale (31) identified from the captured graphic element coincides with the current positioning data of the vehicle (11) and the coordinates of positioning of the energy point of sale (31) stored in the data storage unit (17). 15. Central unit according to claim 1, wherein the image acquisition camera 14 acquires the images in the forward direction of the vehicle (11).