TWI779536B - Electric vehicle charging management methods and systems capable of using coupons intelligently - Google Patents

Abstract

Electric vehicle charging management methods and systems capable of using coupons intelligently are provided. First, at least one charging coupon is provided for an electric vehicle or a mobile device corresponding to the electric vehicle, wherein the charging coupon includes a discount content and at least one attribute, and the electric vehicle or the mobile device corresponds to a user identification code. Then, a charging request is received from an electric vehicle charging station or the mobile device through a network by a server, wherein the charging request at least includes a charging station identification code corresponding to the electric vehicle charging station and the user identification code. The server then instructs the electric vehicle charging station to perform a charging operation through the network. The server obtains the charging coupon corresponding to the electric vehicle or the mobile device according to the user identification code, and determines whether the charging coupon is applicable for the charging operation based on the charging station identification code and the attribute of the charging coupon. When the charging coupon is applicable for the charging operation, a charging fee corresponding to the charging operation is discounted according to the discount content of the charging coupon.

Description

Electric vehicle charging management method and system that can use coupons intelligently

The present invention relates to a charging management method and system for an electric vehicle, and in particular to a charging management method and system for intelligently using coupons in the charging procedure of an electric vehicle.

In recent years, with the rising awareness of environmental protection and the advancement of electric vehicle technology, the development of electric vehicles powered by electricity to replace traditional vehicles powered by fossil fuels has gradually become an important goal in the field of vehicles, thus making electric vehicles more and more more and more popular. In order to improve the range and willingness to use electric vehicles, many countries or cities have begun to plan to set up charging stations that provide electricity to electric vehicles in public places, and have also begun to plan to deploy a large number of charging stations in urban areas or scenic spots to make the charging of electric vehicles more convenient.

In some charging fields, shared electric vehicle charging stations are usually built to allow electric vehicle users in the charging field to perform electric vehicle charging operations. The operator of the electric vehicle charging station can carry out the charging operation of the corresponding charging operation after each charging operation is completed to collect the corresponding charging fee. In order to attract more electric vehicle users to use specific electric vehicle charging stations for charging, some electric vehicle charging station operators have begun to provide charging coupons to consumers. Consumers can use these charging coupons to charge at specific electric vehicle charging stations. charging operation to obtain a discount on the charging fee for the corresponding charging operation. However, individual charging coupons usually have different usage conditions and advantages The discount content must meet the usage conditions to use the discount content of the charging coupon to discount the charging fee. Therefore, electric vehicle users may find that a specific charging coupon cannot be used when some electric vehicle charging stations want to use it for discount, or electric vehicle users do not know which charging coupons can be used on electric vehicles at present. To use charging stations, you must manually try to clarify one by one. In addition to causing trouble for users to use coupons to charge electric vehicles, it will affect users' willingness to use coupons, and it will not achieve the purpose of using coupons to attract customers.

In view of this, the present invention provides an electric vehicle charging management method and system that can use coupons intelligently.

An embodiment of the present invention relates to a charging management method for electric vehicles that can use coupons intelligently. Firstly, provide at least one charging coupon for an electric vehicle or a mobile device corresponding to the electric vehicle, wherein the charging coupon has a preferential content and at least one attribute, and the electric vehicle or the mobile device is corresponding to a user identification code. Next, a server receives a charging request from an electric vehicle charging station or mobile device through a network, wherein the charging request at least includes a charging station identification code and a user identification code of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station. The server causes the electric vehicle charging station to perform a charging operation through the network. The server obtains the charging coupon of the corresponding electric vehicle or mobile device according to the user identification code, and judges whether the charging coupon is applicable to the charging operation according to the charging station identification code and the attributes of the charging coupon. When the charging coupon is applicable to the charging operation, one of the charging fees for the corresponding charging operation will be discounted according to the discount content of the charging coupon.

An electric vehicle charging management system capable of intelligently using coupons in an embodiment of the present invention includes at least one mobile device corresponding to an electric vehicle, at least one electric vehicle charging station, and a server. The server is connected to the electric vehicle charging station through a network, and provides at least one charging coupon for the electric vehicle or mobile device, wherein the charging coupon has a discount content and at least one attribute, and the electric vehicle or mobile device is corresponding to a Subscriber identification code, charging electric vehicles through the network The station or mobile device receives a charging request, wherein the charging request at least includes a charging station identification code and a user identification code of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station, causes the electric vehicle charging station to perform a charging operation through the network, and obtains the corresponding electric vehicle according to the user identification code. Charging coupons for cars or mobile devices, and according to the identification code of the charging station and the attributes of the charging coupons, determine whether the charging coupons are applicable to charging operations, and when the charging coupons are applicable to charging operations, according to the discount content of the charging coupons Discount the charging fee for one of the corresponding charging operations.

In some embodiments, the server can obtain a charging station type of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station according to the charging station identification code, and the server determines whether the charging station type of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station conforms to one of the attributes defined in the charging coupon specific type. When the charging station type of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station matches the specific type defined by the attribute of the charging coupon, it is judged that the charging coupon is suitable for the charging operation, and the charging fee for the corresponding charging operation is discounted according to the discount content of the charging coupon .

In some embodiments, the server can obtain a charging station location of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station according to the charging station identification code, and determine whether the charging station location of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station is located in a specific area defined by the attribute of the charging coupon, When the charging station of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station is located in a specific area defined by the attribute of the charging coupon, it is determined that the charging coupon is applicable to the charging operation, and the charging fee for the corresponding charging operation is discounted according to the discount content of the charging coupon.

In some embodiments, the server can obtain a valid period of the corresponding charging coupon, judge whether the charging coupon is valid according to a current time and the valid period of the corresponding charging coupon, and when the charging coupon is valid, according to the charging coupon The preferential content will discount the charging fee of the corresponding charging operation.

In some embodiments, the server can obtain the number of times the corresponding charging coupon has been used, and determine whether the number of times the charging coupon has been used has exceeded a predetermined number of times, so as to And when the number of times of use has not exceeded the predetermined number of times, the charging fee for the corresponding charging operation will be discounted according to the preferential content of the charging coupon.

In some embodiments, the preferential content of the charging coupon is a discount of a predetermined percentage of the charging fee, or a predetermined amount of discount.

In some embodiments, a membership effective date of the corresponding user identification code can be obtained, and whether the electric vehicle or mobile device is a new member status is determined according to a current date and the membership effective date, and when the electric vehicle or mobile device is a new member status , the charging fee for the corresponding charging operation will be discounted according to the preferential content of the charging coupon.

In some embodiments, the charging coupon can be selected on the mobile device. Corresponding to the selection of the charging coupon, the server determines at least one candidate electric vehicle charging station that matches the attribute of the charging coupon according to the attribute of the charging coupon, and Candidate electric vehicle charging stations are displayed through a user interface of the mobile device.

In some embodiments, it is possible to obtain a specific location where the corresponding mobile device is currently located, or receive a designation of a specific location, and the server determines according to the attribute of the charging coupon that the corresponding specific location matches the attribute of the charging coupon within a specific area. The candidate electric vehicle charging stations, and display the candidate electric vehicle charging stations through the user interface of the mobile device.

The above-mentioned method of the present invention may exist in a coded manner. When the program code is loaded and executed by the machine, the machine becomes a device for implementing the present invention.

In order to make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more comprehensible, the following specific examples are given together with the accompanying drawings and detailed descriptions are as follows.

100: Electric vehicle charging management system that can use coupons intelligently

112: The first charging station

114: Second charging station

EV1, EV2: electric vehicles

120: Network

130: server

132: storage unit

DB: database

134: Network connection unit

136: Processor

140:Mobile device

142: storage unit

AP: Application

144: Network connection unit

146: Processor

200: charging station

212: storage unit

214: Network connection unit

216: Charging gun

218: Processing unit

S510, S520, S530, S540, S550, S560: steps

S610, S620, S630, S640, S650: steps

S710, S720, S730, S740, S750: Steps

S810, S820, S830, S840: steps

S910, S920, S930, S940: Steps

S1010, S1020, S1030, S1040: steps

S1110, S1120, S1130: steps

S1210, S1220, S1230, S1240: steps

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram showing an electric vehicle charging management system that can use coupons intelligently according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an electric vehicle charging station according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing a server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a mobile device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing a charging management method for an electric vehicle that can use coupons intelligently according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart showing an electric vehicle charging management method that can use coupons intelligently according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing an electric vehicle charging management method that can use coupons intelligently according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing an electric vehicle charging management method that can use coupons intelligently according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an electric vehicle charging management method that can use coupons intelligently according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing an electric vehicle charging management method that can use coupons intelligently according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing an electric vehicle charging management method that can use coupons intelligently according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing an electric vehicle charging management method that can use coupons intelligently according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows an electric vehicle charging management system that can use coupons intelligently according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to the embodiment of the present invention, the electric vehicle charging management system 100 that can intelligently use coupons includes a plurality of electric vehicle charging stations, such as electric vehicle charging stations (112, 114), and are respectively connected to individual electric vehicle charging stations through a network 120 One of the servers 130 . Individual charging stations can provide The electric vehicles (EV1, EV2) perform a charging operation. In some embodiments, the network 120 may be a wired network, a telecommunication network, and a wireless network such as a Wi-Fi network. The server 130 can receive various data from the electric vehicle charging station (112, 114) through the network 120, and transmit related signals to the electric vehicle charging station (112, 114). The electric vehicle charging station ( 112 , 114 ) can perform related operations according to the signal received by the server 130 . For example, when the electric vehicle EV1 is coupled to the electric vehicle charging station 112 through a charging gun of the electric vehicle charging station 112 to perform a charging operation, the electric vehicle charging station 112 can continuously charge the corresponding electric vehicle EV1 for the charging operation. The information is transmitted through the network 120 , and the server 130 can receive the charging information corresponding to the charging operation from the electric vehicle charging station 112 through the network 120 . Similarly, when the electric vehicle EV2 is coupled to the electric vehicle charging station 114 through a charging gun of the electric vehicle charging station 114 to perform a charging operation, the electric vehicle charging station 114 can continue to store the charging information corresponding to the charging operation of the electric vehicle EV2 By transmitting through the network 120 , the server 130 can receive the charging information corresponding to the charging operation from the electric vehicle charging station 114 through the network 120 .

It is worth noting that the user can connect the electric vehicle EV1 to the electric vehicle charging station 112, such as inserting the charging gun into the charging interface of the electric vehicle, to send a charging request corresponding to the electric vehicle charging station 112, so as to use the electric vehicle to charge The station 112 performs charging work for the electric vehicle EV1. Similarly, the user can connect the electric vehicle EV2 to the electric vehicle charging station 114, such as inserting a charging gun into the charging interface of the electric vehicle, to send a charging request corresponding to the electric vehicle charging station 114, so as to utilize the electric vehicle charging station 114 Carry out charging work on the electric vehicle EV2. It is worth noting that, in some embodiments, the server 130 can directly or indirectly receive a charging request from a mobile device 140 of the owner of the corresponding electric vehicle EV1, generate a charging authorization command according to the charging request and send it to the electric vehicle through the network 120 The charging station 112 is used to cause the electric vehicle charging station 112 to output power to the electric vehicle EV1 electrically connected to it, such as an electric locomotive or an electric vehicle, or to prohibit the electric vehicle charging station 112 from outputting power to the electric vehicle EV1. It is reminded that in some embodiments, the charging request can be accompanied by an identity authentication and/or a payment mechanism, and the charging authorization will not be generated until the identity authentication and/or payment mechanism is completed. power order. In some embodiments, the user of the electric vehicle EV1 can use his mobile device to download and install an application to generate a charging request through the user interface of the application. In some embodiments, the user can scan a two-dimensional identification code, such as a Quick Response Code (QR code), on the electric vehicle charging station 112 through the scanning function of the application to generate the above charging request. Thus a charging procedure is started. In some embodiments, the user can select a specific charging station through the application program, and execute an activation function to generate the above-mentioned charging request, thereby activating a charging procedure. It is worth noting that, in some embodiments, the owner of the electric vehicle EV1 can use a physical proximity card, such as an RFID proximity card, to approach a sensing area (not shown in FIG. 1 ) on the electric vehicle charging station 112 to generate The corresponding charging request is sent to the server 130 through the network 120 . It is reminded that in some embodiments, the user (electric vehicle owner) may have an RFID proximity card.

It is reminded that the mobile device 140 of the electric car owner can be any electronic device with Internet access capabilities, such as mobile phones, smart phones, personal digital assistants, global positioning systems, and notebook computers. In some embodiments, the mobile device 140 can receive the status information and notification of the corresponding charging operation from the cloud management server 130 through the network 120 . In some embodiments, the state information and notification may include notifying that the electric vehicle has stopped charging, notifying that the vehicle is being moved, and/or notifying that the charging cable of the electric vehicle charging device has been pulled out of the electric vehicle, and the like.

It is reminded that, in some embodiments, the server 130 may perform a load adjustment operation for the electric vehicle charging station. Specifically, the server 130 can generate an instruction and send the instruction to the electric vehicle charging station (112, 114) through the network 120, so as to control the electric vehicle charging station to use a specified power parameter, such as a specified amperage, for a specific period of time. Output power to the electric vehicle connected to the charging station, or prohibit the charging station from outputting power to the electric vehicle.

Fig. 2 shows an electric vehicle charging station according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electric vehicle charging station 200 shown in Figure 2 can be applied to the first charging station 112 and the second charging station 114 in Figure 1, which has processing and computing capabilities to perform charging management operations belonging to the electric vehicle charging station, and has network The road connection function is used to transmit, receive, download or update various parameters and information required for charging management calculations.

The electric vehicle charging station 200 at least includes a storage unit 212 , a network connection unit 214 , a charging gun 216 , and a processing unit 218 . The storage unit 212 can be a memory for storing and recording related data, such as electric vehicle charging station information included in the electric vehicle charging station, such as charging station identification code, charging station type, charging station location, charging request information, and the like. It should be noted that the foregoing information is only an example of this case, and the present invention is not limited thereto. The network connection unit 214 can transmit, receive, download or update various parameters and information required for charging management operations through a network, such as a wired network, a telecommunication network, and a wireless network, such as a Wi-Fi network. . The charging gun 216 may include one or a plurality of charging connectors conforming to the same charging interface specification or different charging interface specifications, which are electrically connected to the corresponding electric vehicle. The processing unit 218 can control the operation of related software and hardware in the electric vehicle charging station 200, and cooperate with the server 130 to implement the electric vehicle charging management method that can use coupons intelligently in this case, and the relevant details will be described later. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the processing unit 218 can be a general-purpose controller, a microcontroller (Micro-Control Unit, MCU), or a digital signal controller (Digital Signal Processor, DSP), etc., to provide data The functions of analysis, processing and calculation, but the present invention is not limited thereto. In one embodiment, the processing unit 218 can use the network connection unit 214 to transmit the power state of the corresponding electric vehicle through a network, and provide a cloud management server, such as the server 130, for subsequent charging management. In another embodiment, the processing unit 218 can obtain the power parameters corresponding to a charging operation through the server 130, and determine the output power according to the power parameters received by the server 130, and output the power to at least one electric power through the charging gun 216. car for charging. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the electric vehicle charging station 200 may include an RFID reading unit for sensing information of an RFID card, such as a user identification code of an electric vehicle user.

It must be noted that the electric vehicle charging station 200 has an output power upper limit and A lower limit value of output power. Specifically, the electric vehicle charging station 200 can use the output power upper limit as the power parameter at most, so as to output power to the electric vehicle during a charging operation. On the other hand, the electric vehicle charging station 200 at least needs to use the output power lower limit as a power parameter to output power to the electric vehicle during a charging operation. It must be noted that charging stations of different brands and models may have different upper limit values of output power and lower limit values of output power. The present invention is not limited to any value, and the value will vary with different charging stations.

Figure 3 shows a server according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3 , the server 130 according to the embodiment of the present invention can be any processor-based electronic device, which at least includes a storage unit 132 , a network connection unit 134 , and a processor 136 . It should be noted that the server 130 can receive various data of individual electric vehicle charging stations in individual charging fields. The server 130 can directly or indirectly receive a charging request from a mobile device or an electric vehicle charging station, and after completing actions such as identity verification according to the charging request, generate a charging authorization command and send it to the corresponding electric vehicle charging station through the network to Allow the corresponding electric vehicle charging station to output power to an electric vehicle connected to it, such as an electric locomotive or an electric vehicle, or prohibit the electric vehicle charging station from outputting power to an electric vehicle. The storage unit 132, such as a memory, can store and record relevant data, such as various data of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station. It is reminded that the storage unit 132 may include a database DB for recording relevant information of a corresponding individual user, such as a corresponding user identification code and a corresponding charging coupon. The charging coupon has a discount content and at least one attribute, wherein the discount content can specify the discount method corresponding to the charging coupon, and the attribute can specify the usage conditions corresponding to the charging coupon. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the preferential content of the charging coupon can be discounted by a predetermined percentage of the charging fee, or by a predetermined amount. For example, in some embodiments, the attributes of the charging coupon may include validity period, whether it can be used together with other coupons, how many times it can be used, the time, location, type of charging station, etc., but not limited to this. In some embodiments, the charging station category may include the corresponding electric vehicle charging station's Types include alternating current (AC) charging stations and/or direct current (DC) charging stations, charging efficiency such as fast charging charging stations or slow charging charging stations, etc., but the present invention is not limited thereto. When a specific user charges, the charging fee generated by the charging operation can be discounted by using the specific user's corresponding charging coupon. For example, in one embodiment, when the preferential content of a specific charging coupon is a discount of 100 yuan each time and the attribute is that it can be used at any AC charging station, then use this charging coupon to carry out electric charging at any AC charging station. The charging fee of 100 yuan can be exempted during the charging operation of the car. However, this charging coupon cannot be used to obtain any discount on the charging fee when charging the electric vehicle at the DC charging station. Through the network connection unit 134, the server 130 can be coupled with the electric vehicle charging stations 112 and 114 through the network 120, such as a wired network, a telecommunication network, and a wireless network, such as a Wi-Fi network. Communication, and transmit relevant data/signals/commands to different electric vehicle charging stations through the network 120, so as to control whether the electric vehicle charging stations output power and specify power parameters to output power to electric vehicles for charging. The processor 136 can control the operation of related software and hardware in the server 130, and execute the electric vehicle charging management method that can intelligently use coupons in this case, and the relevant details will be described later. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the processor 136 can be a general-purpose controller, a microcontroller (Micro-Control Unit, MCU), or a digital signal controller (Digital Signal Processor, DSP), etc., to provide data The functions of analysis, processing and calculation, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

FIG. 4 shows a mobile device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 4, the mobile device 140 according to the embodiment of the present invention can be any electronic device with Internet access capabilities, such as mobile phones, smart phones, personal digital assistants, global positioning systems, and notebook computers. The mobile device 140 at least includes a storage unit 142 , a network connection unit 144 , and a processor 146 . The storage unit 142, such as a memory, can store and record related data, such as a user identification code of a user corresponding to a corresponding mobile device and its corresponding charging coupon, and related data received by the server 130 through the network 120 , such as status information and notifications of charging operations. in some In an embodiment, the charging coupon has a discount content and at least one attribute, wherein the discount content can specify a discount method corresponding to the charging coupon, and the attribute can specify a usage condition corresponding to the charging coupon. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the preferential content of the charging coupon can be discounted by a predetermined percentage of the charging fee, or by a predetermined amount. In some embodiments, the state information and notification may include notifying that the electric vehicle has stopped charging, notifying that the vehicle is being moved, and/or notifying that the charging cable of the electric vehicle charging device has been pulled out of the electric vehicle, and the like. It is reminded that the storage unit 142 may include an application program AP. The app AP is used for charging electric vehicles. The application program AP can include a user interface through which a charging request can be generated for a specific electric vehicle charging station. In addition, all charging coupons can be displayed and specific charging coupons can be selected through this user interface. In addition, the application program AP may have a scanning function for scanning a two-dimensional identification code, such as a QR code, on a specific electric vehicle charging station to generate the above-mentioned charging request, thereby starting a charging procedure. Through the network connection unit 144 , the mobile device 140 can be coupled to and communicate with the server 130 via the network 120 , such as a wired network, a telecommunication network, and a wireless network, such as a Wi-Fi network. The processor 146 can control the operation of related software and hardware in the mobile device 140, and cooperate to execute the electric vehicle charging management method that can use coupons intelligently in this case, and the relevant details will be described later. It is worth noting that, in some embodiments, the processor 146 can be a general-purpose controller, a microcontroller (Micro-Control Unit, MCU), or a digital signal controller (Digital Signal Processor, DSP), etc., to provide data The functions of analysis, processing and calculation, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

Fig. 5 shows an electric vehicle charging management method that can use coupons intelligently according to an embodiment of the present invention. The electric vehicle charging management method capable of intelligently using coupons according to the embodiment of the present invention is applicable to a server coupled to at least one electric vehicle charging station through a network, an electric vehicle, and a mobile device corresponding to the electric vehicle .

First, as step S510, provide at least one charger for electric vehicles or mobile devices Electric coupons. Wherein, the charging coupon has a discount content and at least one attribute, and the electric vehicle or mobile device corresponds to a user identification code. The discount content of one of the charging coupons can specify the discount method corresponding to the charging coupon, and the attribute can specify the usage conditions corresponding to the charging coupon. For example, in some embodiments, the attributes of the charging coupon may include validity period, whether it can be used together with other coupons, how many times it can be used, the time, location, type of charging station, etc., but not limited to this. In some embodiments, the type of charging station may include the type of electrical characteristics of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station, such as alternating current (AC) charging station and/or direct current (DC) charging station, charging efficiency such as fast charging charging station or slow charging charging station, etc. etc., but the present invention is not limited thereto. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the preferential content of the charging coupon can be discounted by a predetermined percentage of the charging fee, or by a predetermined amount. Next, in step S520, the server receives a charging request from the electric vehicle charging station or the mobile device through the network. Wherein, the charging request at least includes a charging station identification code and a user identification code of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the user can connect the electric vehicle EV1 to the first charging station, such as inserting a charging gun into the charging interface of the electric vehicle, to send a charging request corresponding to the first charging station. In some embodiments, the server can directly or indirectly receive a charging request from a mobile device of a corresponding electric vehicle EV1 owner. It is reminded that, in some embodiments, the user can use the scanning function of the application in the mobile device to scan a quick response code on the first charging station to generate the above charging request. In some embodiments, the user can use an application in the mobile device to select the first charging station and execute an activation function to generate the above-mentioned charging request. In some embodiments, the owner of the electric vehicle EV1 can use an RFID proximity card to approach the sensing area on the first charging station to generate a corresponding charging request. In step S530, the server causes the electric vehicle charging station to perform a charging operation through the network. Next, in step S540, the server obtains the charging coupon of the corresponding electric vehicle or mobile device according to the user identification code, and determines whether the charging coupon is applicable to the charging operation according to the charging station identification code and the attribute of the charging coupon. Specifically, the server can rely on According to the charging station identification code, the relevant data corresponding to the attribute of the charging coupon is obtained from a database and compared with the attribute data of the charging coupon to determine whether the charging coupon is suitable for the charging operation. The details of how to judge whether the charging coupon is applicable to the charging operation according to the charging station identification code and the attribute of the charging coupon will be explained later. When it is determined that the charging coupon is not applicable to the charging operation (No in step S550 ), the process ends. When it is determined that the charging coupon is applicable to the charging operation (Yes in step S550 ), in step S560 , the server discounts one of the charging fees of the corresponding charging operation according to the preferential content of the charging coupon. In other words, the server can automatically determine whether the charging coupon meets the usage conditions, and use the discount content of the charging coupon to discount the charging fee for the corresponding charging operation. For example, in one embodiment, when the charging fee is 1000 yuan and the preferential content of the first charging coupon is 50% discount, the charging fee after using the first charging coupon is 500 yuan. In another embodiment, when the charging fee is 1000 yuan and the preferential content of the second charging coupon is a discount of 200 yuan, the charging fee after using the second charging coupon is 800 yuan. In some embodiments, when there are more than one charging coupons for the corresponding electric vehicle or mobile device, the server can automatically obtain other charging coupons and proceed to step S540 in sequence when it is judged that a charging coupon is not suitable for the charging operation. Judging until a charging coupon applicable to the charging operation is found or when all charging coupons have been compared and none of them are applicable to the charging operation, stop.

In some embodiments, when the user has multiple applicable charging coupons, the server can automatically determine which charging coupons are applicable and discount the charging fee for the corresponding charging operation according to the preferential content of more than one charging coupon . In other words, in the situation where multiple charging coupons can be used at the same time, the server can automatically accumulate the discounts of different charging coupons. In some embodiments, when the user has multiple charging coupons that can be applied, the server can automatically select the one with the most discount from the discount content of all charging coupons, and accordingly discount the charging fee for the corresponding charging operation . In other words, in the situation where only one coupon can be used, the server can automatically select the best coupon for discount.

Fig. 6 shows an electric vehicle charging management method that can use coupons intelligently according to another embodiment of the present invention. The electric vehicle charging management method capable of intelligently using coupons according to the embodiment of the present invention is applicable to a server coupled to at least one electric vehicle charging station through a network, an electric vehicle, and a mobile device corresponding to the electric vehicle . In this embodiment, the server can determine whether the charging coupon is applicable to the charging operation according to a specific type defined by the charging station type of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station and the attribute of the charging coupon.

First, in step S610, the server obtains a charging station type of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station according to the charging station identification code, and in step S620, judges whether the charging station type of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station conforms to the definition defined by the attribute of the charging coupon a specific type. As mentioned above, the server can receive a charging request from the electric vehicle charging station or the mobile device through the network. Wherein, the charging request at least includes a charging station identification code and a user identification code of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station. The server searches a database according to the charging station identification code to obtain a charging station type of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station, and compares whether the charging station type of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station matches the specific type defined by the attribute of the charging coupon. For example, in some embodiments, the charging station type of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station may include the type of electrical characteristics of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station, such as AC charging station and/or DC charging station, charging efficiency such as fast charging station or slow charging station. Charging stations, etc., but the present invention is not limited thereto. In some embodiments, the specific types defined by the attributes of the charging coupons can be AC charging stations, DC charging stations, and AC charging stations and DC charging stations, respectively indicating that the charging coupons are only applicable to charging stations whose type is AC charging. The electric vehicle charging station of the station, only applicable to the electric vehicle charging station whose charging station type is DC charging station, and can be applied to the electric vehicle charging station whose charging station type is AC charging station or DC charging station at the same time. When the charging station type of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station matches the specific type defined by the attribute of the charging coupon (Yes in step S630), as in step S640, the server judges that the charging coupon is applicable to the charging operation, and according to the charging coupon The preferential content will discount the charging fee of the corresponding charging operation. In some embodiments, the preferential content of the charging coupon can be based on the charging fee Discount by a given percentage, or discount by a given amount. When the charging station type of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station does not conform to the specific type defined by the attribute of the charging coupon (No in step S630), as in step S650, the server determines that the charging coupon is not applicable to the charging operation, and ends the process. In other words, the server can automatically determine whether the charging station type of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station conforms to the specific type defined by the attribute of the charging coupon, and use the preferential content of the charging coupon to discount the charging fee for the corresponding charging operation.

FIG. 7 shows an electric vehicle charging management method that can use coupons intelligently according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the server can determine whether the charging coupon is applicable to the charging operation according to a specific area defined by the charging station location of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station and the attribute of the charging coupon.

Firstly, in step S710, the server obtains the location of a charging station of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station according to the charging station identification code, and in step S720, determines whether the location of the charging station of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station is defined by the attribute of the charging coupon a specific area. Similarly, as mentioned above, the server can receive a charging request from the electric vehicle charging station or the mobile device through the network. Wherein, the charging request at least includes a charging station identification code and a user identification code of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station. The server searches a database according to the charging station identification code to obtain a charging station location of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station, and compares the charging station location of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station with the specific area defined by the attribute of the charging coupon to perform the steps S720 judgment. For example, in some embodiments, the specific area defined by the attribute of the charging coupon may be a specific charging area, such as a specific store or a residential parking lot, but the invention is not limited thereto. When the location of the charging station of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station is within the specific area (Yes in step S730), in step S740, the server determines that the charging coupon is applicable to the charging operation, and performs the corresponding charging operation according to the preferential content of the charging coupon Discount on the charging fee. In some embodiments, the preferential content of the charging coupon can be a discount of a predetermined percentage of the charging fee, or a predetermined amount of discount. When the corresponding electric vehicle When the location of the charging station of the charging station is outside the specific area (No in step S730), in step S750, the server determines that the charging coupon is not applicable to the charging operation, and ends the process. In other words, the server can automatically determine whether the charging station location of the corresponding electric vehicle charging station conforms to the specific area defined by the attribute of the charging coupon, and use the preferential content of the charging coupon to discount the charging fee for the corresponding charging operation.

Fig. 8 shows an electric vehicle charging management method that can use coupons intelligently according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the charging coupon includes a valid period, and the server can determine whether the charging coupon is applicable to the charging operation according to the valid period of the corresponding charging coupon.

First, in step S810, the server obtains a valid period of the corresponding charging coupon, and in step S820, judges whether the charging coupon is valid according to a current time and the valid period of the corresponding charging coupon. In this step, the server can determine whether the current time falls within the validity period of the corresponding charging coupon to determine whether the charging coupon is valid. For example, in some embodiments, the valid period of the charging coupon is a specific date, and the server can determine whether the current time is before the specific date, but the present invention is not limited thereto. When the current time falls within the validity period, the server determines that the charging coupon is valid. When the current time does not fall within the valid period, the server determines that the charging coupon is invalid. When the charging coupon is invalid (No in step S830), the process ends. When the charging coupon is valid (Yes in step S830 ), in step S840 , the server discounts the charging fee for the corresponding charging operation according to the preferential content of the charging coupon. In some embodiments, the preferential content of the charging coupon can be a discount of a predetermined percentage of the charging fee, or a predetermined amount of discount.

FIG. 9 shows an electric vehicle charging management method that can use coupons intelligently according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the charging coupon includes a predetermined number of times of use, and the server can determine the charging priority according to the predetermined number of times of use and the number of times that the corresponding charging coupon has been used. Whether the coupon is applicable to the charging operation.

First, in step S910, the server obtains the number of times that one of the corresponding charging coupons has been used, and in step S920, determines whether the number of times that the charging coupon has been used has exceeded the predetermined number of times of the corresponding charging coupon. It should be noted that, in some embodiments, the server can record the number of usages of individual charging coupons in the database. When the number of times of use exceeds the predetermined number of times (Yes in step S930 ), it means that the charging coupon has expired, and the process ends. When the number of times of use has not exceeded the predetermined number of times (No in step S930), as in step S940, it means that the charging coupon is still valid, and the server discounts the charging fee for the corresponding charging operation according to the preferential content of the charging coupon. In some embodiments, the preferential content of the charging coupon can be a discount of a predetermined percentage of the charging fee, or a predetermined amount of discount.

Fig. 10 shows an electric vehicle charging management method that can use coupons intelligently according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the user with the new membership status can additionally use the preferential content of the charging coupon for discount. First, in step S1010, the server obtains the effective date of membership of the corresponding user identification code. It is reminded that, in some embodiments, the user can use the application program of the mobile device to apply for and set the membership, and the server can record the effective date of the user's membership. In step S1020, the server judges whether the electric vehicle or the mobile device is a new member according to the current date and the effective date of membership. It is reminded that, in some embodiments, when the current date and the effective date of membership are within a predetermined period of time, such as one week or one month, the above-mentioned electric vehicle or mobile device is a new member status, but the present invention is not limited thereto . When the electric vehicle or mobile device is not in the new member state (No in step S1030), the process ends. When the electric vehicle or mobile device is a new member (Yes in step S1030 ), in step S1040 , the server discounts the charging fee for the corresponding charging operation according to the preferential content of the charging coupon. For example, in one embodiment, the preferential content may be that new members get a discount of 100 yuan. Therefore, when the electric vehicle or mobile device is a new member and the charging fee for the corresponding charging operation is 500 yuan, the discounted charging fee is 400 yuan. Yuan. in another In the embodiment, the preferential content may be free for new members (i.e. a 100% discount), so when the electric vehicle or mobile device is a new member and the charging fee for the corresponding charging operation is 500 yuan, the discounted charging fee is 0 yuan. It is reminded that, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned preferential content and the definition of new members can be displayed in the application program.

It is worth noting that in some embodiments, when the user chooses to use a specific coupon, this case can select a candidate electric vehicle charging station that matches the selected coupon according to the coupon selected by the user and prompt the user to perform electric vehicle charging operations.

FIG. 11 shows an electric vehicle charging management method that can use coupons intelligently according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the corresponding candidate electric vehicle charging station can be determined according to the attribute of the charging coupon designated or selected by the user. First, in step S1110, select a charging coupon on the mobile device. It is reminded that, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned charging coupon can be displayed in the application program of the mobile device, and the user can use the user interface of the application program in the mobile device to select the above-mentioned charging coupon, and use the application program to select the above-mentioned charging coupon. The results are sent to the server over the network. In step S1120, corresponding to the selection of the charging coupon, the server determines at least one candidate electric vehicle charging station according to the attribute of the charging coupon according to the attribute of the charging coupon. In other words, in this step, the candidate electric vehicle charging station is an electric vehicle charging station that meets the attributes of the charging coupon. Next, in step S1130, the candidate electric vehicle charging stations are displayed through a user interface of the mobile device. It is reminded that, in some embodiments, the user interface of the mobile device can display the location of the candidate electric vehicle charging station and related information, for example, marking the location of the candidate electric vehicle charging station on a map. In other words, through the user interface of the user's mobile device, the user can know which candidate electric vehicle charging stations can use the selected charging coupon, and can choose one of the candidate electric vehicle charging stations to perform the charging operation, by using the selected Charging coupons are used to perform charging operations at selected candidate electric vehicle charging stations to obtain discounts on the charging fees for corresponding charging operations.

In some embodiments, when the user chooses to use a specific coupon, this case can detect the user's location and select the candidate electric vehicle charging station that matches the selected coupon and location range according to the coupon and location information selected by the user. Users perform electric vehicle charging operations.

FIG. 12 shows an electric vehicle charging management method that can use coupons intelligently according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the corresponding candidate electric vehicle charging station can be determined according to the location of the user or a specific location designated by the user and the attribute of the charging coupon. First, in step S1210, select a charging coupon on the mobile device. It is reminded that, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned charging coupon can be displayed in the application program of the mobile device, and the user can use the user interface of the application program in the mobile device to select the above-mentioned charging coupon, and use the application program to select the above-mentioned charging coupon. The results are sent to the server over the network. In step S1220, obtain a specific location where the corresponding mobile device is currently located, or receive designation of a specific location. It is reminded that, in some embodiments, the designation of the above-mentioned specific location can be received through the application program, and the specific location can be sent to the server through the network. In step S1230, the server determines, according to the attribute of the charging coupon, a candidate electric vehicle charging station within a specific area corresponding to a specific location that meets the attribute of the charging coupon. In other words, in this step, the candidate electric vehicle charging station is an electric vehicle charging station that simultaneously meets the attributes of the charging coupon and is located within a specific area of a corresponding specific location. Next, as in step S1240, the candidate electric vehicle charging stations are displayed through the user interface of the mobile device. It is reminded that, in some embodiments, the user interface of the mobile device can display the location of the candidate electric vehicle charging station and related information, for example, marking the location of the candidate electric vehicle charging station on a map. In other words, through the user interface of the user's mobile device, the user can know which candidate electric vehicle charging stations within the specific area of the corresponding specific location can use the selected charging coupon, and can choose one of the candidate electric vehicle charging stations Carry out the charging operation, by using the selected charging coupon to perform the charging operation at the selected candidate electric vehicle charging station to obtain a discount on the charging fee of the corresponding charging operation.

Therefore, through the electric vehicle charging management method and system that can intelligently use coupons in this case, it is possible to intelligently use suitable coupons for the charging operation of electric vehicles to obtain the largest discount on charging fees, and can also automatically recommend suitable electric vehicle charging stations. In order to use specific coupons, users are relieved of the trouble of using coupons to charge electric vehicles, and it is convenient for users to perform charging operations, thereby increasing the flexibility of charging and payment of electric vehicle charging operations.

The methods of the present invention, or specific forms or parts thereof, may exist in the form of program codes. The code may be contained in a physical medium, such as a floppy disk, compact disc, hard disk, or any other machine-readable (such as computer-readable) storage medium, or a computer program product without limitation in external form, wherein, When the program code is loaded and executed by a machine, such as a computer, the machine becomes a device for participating in the present invention. Code may also be sent via some transmission medium, such as wire or cable, optical fiber, or any type of transmission in which when the code is received, loaded, and executed by a machine, such as a computer, that machine becomes the Invented device. When implemented on a general-purpose processing unit, the code combines with the processing unit to provide a unique device that operates similarly to application-specific logic circuits.

Although the present invention has been disclosed above with preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person familiar with the art may make some changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention The scope of protection shall be determined by the scope of the attached patent application.

S510, S520, S530, S540, S550, S560: steps

Claims (9)

A charging management method for electric vehicles capable of intelligently using coupons, applicable to a server coupled to at least one electric vehicle charging station, an electric vehicle, and a mobile device corresponding to the electric vehicle, comprising the following steps: For the The electric vehicle or the mobile device provides at least one charging coupon, wherein the charging coupon has a discount content and at least one attribute, and the electric vehicle or the mobile device is corresponding to a user identification code; the server is routed through a network The electric vehicle charging station or the mobile device receives a charging request, wherein the charging request at least includes a charging station identification code corresponding to the electric vehicle charging station and the user identification code; the server causes the electric vehicle to charge through the network The station performs a charging operation; the server obtains the charging coupon corresponding to the electric vehicle or the mobile device according to the user identification code, and judges the charging coupon according to the charging station identification code and the attribute of the charging coupon Whether it is applicable to the charging operation; and when the charging coupon is applicable to the charging operation, according to the preferential content of the charging coupon, the charging fee of the corresponding charging operation is discounted, wherein the method further includes the following steps: Select the charging coupon in the mobile device; corresponding to the selection of the charging coupon, the server determines at least one candidate electric vehicle charging station that meets the attribute of the charging coupon according to the attribute of the charging coupon; and The candidate electric vehicle charging station is displayed through a user interface of the mobile device. The electric vehicle charging management method that can use coupons intelligently as described in item 1 of the scope of the patent application further includes the following steps: the server obtains charging from one of the corresponding electric vehicle charging stations according to the charging station identification code station type; the server judges whether the charging station type corresponding to the electric vehicle charging station conforms to a specific type defined by the attribute of the charging coupon; and when the charging station type corresponding to the electric vehicle charging station conforms to the charging When the specific type defined by the attribute of the coupon is used, it is determined that the charging coupon is applicable to the charging operation, and the charging fee corresponding to the charging operation is discounted according to the discount content of the charging coupon. The electric vehicle charging management method that can use coupons intelligently as described in item 1 of the scope of the patent application further includes the following steps: the server obtains the location of a charging station corresponding to the electric vehicle charging station according to the charging station identification code; The server judges whether the charging station location corresponding to the electric vehicle charging station is located in a specific area defined by the attribute of the charging coupon; and when the charging station location corresponding to the electric vehicle charging station is located in the charging coupon When the specific area defined by the attribute is used, it is judged that the charging coupon is applicable to the charging operation, and the charging fee corresponding to the charging operation is discounted according to the discount content of the charging coupon. The electric vehicle charging management method that can use coupons intelligently as described in item 1 of the scope of the patent application further includes the following steps: the server obtains a valid period of the corresponding charging coupon; based on a current time and the corresponding charging coupon Determine whether the charging coupon is valid during the validity period of the coupon; and when the charging coupon is valid, discount the charging fee corresponding to the charging operation according to the discount content of the charging coupon. The charging management method for electric vehicles that can use coupons intelligently as described in item 1 of the scope of the patent application further includes the following steps: the server obtains the number of times that one of the corresponding charging coupons has been used; Whether the number of times of use has exceeded a predetermined number of times; and when the number of times of use has not exceeded the predetermined number of times, the charging fee corresponding to the charging operation is discounted according to the preferential content of the charging coupon. According to the electric vehicle charging management method that can use coupons intelligently as described in item 1 of the scope of application, the discount content of the charging coupon is discounted by a predetermined percentage of the charging fee, or by a predetermined amount. The electric vehicle charging management method that can use coupons intelligently as described in item 1 of the scope of the patent application further includes the following steps: obtaining a membership effective date corresponding to the user identification code; judging the membership based on a current date and the membership effective date Whether the electric vehicle or the mobile device is a new member status; and when the electric vehicle or the mobile device is the new member status, the charging fee corresponding to the charging operation will be discounted according to the preferential content of the charging coupon. The charging management method for electric vehicles that can use coupons intelligently as described in item 1 of the scope of the patent application further includes the following steps: obtaining a specific location where the corresponding mobile device is currently located, or receiving the designation of the specific location; the servo According to the attribute of the charging coupon, the device determines the candidate electric vehicle charging station that meets the attribute of the charging coupon within a specific area corresponding to the specific location; and the candidate electric vehicle charging station through the mobile device The user interface is displayed. An electric vehicle charging management system capable of intelligently using coupons, comprising: a mobile device corresponding to an electric vehicle; at least one electric vehicle charging station; and a server connected to the electric vehicle charging station through a network, for The electric vehicle or the mobile device provides at least one charging coupon, wherein the charging coupon has a discount content and at least one attribute, and the electric vehicle or the mobile device is corresponding to a user identification code, and the electric vehicle is routed through the network. The vehicle charging station or the mobile device receives a charging request, wherein the charging request at least includes a charging station identification code corresponding to the electric vehicle charging station and the user identification code, causing the electric vehicle charging station to perform a charging operation through the network Obtaining the charging coupon corresponding to the electric vehicle or the mobile device according to the user identification code, and judging whether the charging coupon is applicable to the charging operation according to the charging station identification code and the attribute of the charging coupon, and When the charging coupon is applicable to the charging operation, according to the preferential content of the charging coupon, a charging fee corresponding to the charging operation is discounted, wherein the mobile device further accepts the selection of the corresponding charging coupon, and corresponds to For the selection of the charging coupon, the server further determines at least one candidate electric vehicle charging station that meets the attribute of the charging coupon according to the attribute of the charging coupon, and sends the candidate electric vehicle charging station through the mobile device. A user interface is displayed.

Images