WO2016064313A1

WO2016064313A1 - Selectively activating delivery of a vehicle propulsion product

Info

Publication number: WO2016064313A1
Application number: PCT/SE2014/051249
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Rimhagen; Per Elmdahl
Original assignee: Telefonaktiebolaget L M Ericsson (Publ)
Priority date: 2014-10-22
Filing date: 2014-10-22
Publication date: 2016-04-28

Abstract

It is presented a method for selectively activating delivery of a vehicle propulsion product, the method being performed in a control device being associated with at least one product delivery device for delivering a vehicle propulsion product. The method comprises the steps of: receiving vehicle data from a vehicle over a short range radio channel, the vehicle data comprising at least one reference to a vehicle propulsion product which is compatible with the vehicle; determining whether there is an available vehicle propulsion product associated with the control device which is compatible with the vehicle; and activating a product delivery device when a compatible vehicle propulsion product is found, the product delivery device being capable of providing the compatible vehicle propulsion product to the vehicle.

Description

SELECTIVELY ACTIVATING DELIVERY OF A VEHICLE

PROPULSION PRODUCT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention relates to methods, control device, vehicle, computer programs, and computer program products, for selectively activating delivery of a vehicle propulsion product.

BACKGROUND

Today there are a number of different vehicle propulsion products, being different types of fuel and electric power, that are used in motors and engines in vehicles, such as cars, lorries, buses, boats, etc. Each vehicle is capable of using only a subset of all possible vehicle propulsion products. If an unsupported vehicle propulsion product somehow provided to a vehicle, there could be extensive damage or repair costs for the vehicle.

The number of different vehicle propulsion products has increased from the days when petrol and possibly diesel were the main fuel types. These days, vehicles running on ethanol and gas (such as biogas or natural gas) are becoming more common. Moreover, electrical vehicles are increasing in popularity and different vehicles can be charged with electrical power of different types, in terms of voltage level, number of phases, current, DC/AC (Direct Current/Alternating Current), etc.

Hence, the complexity of filling of vehicle propulsion product is increasing and it would be of great benefit if there were to be some way of simplifying the selection of a compatible vehicle propulsion product for a vehicle.

SUMMARY

It is an object to provide a new way of controlling the selection of a

compatible vehicle propulsion product for a vehicle.

According to a first aspect, it is presented a method for selectively activating delivery of a vehicle propulsion product, the method being performed in a control device being associated with at least one product delivery device for delivering a vehicle propulsion product. The method comprises the steps of: receiving vehicle data from a vehicle over a short range radio channel, the vehicle data comprising at least one reference to a vehicle propulsion product which is compatible with the vehicle; determining whether there is an available vehicle propulsion product associated with the control device which is compatible with the vehicle; and activating a product delivery device when a compatible vehicle propulsion product is found, the product delivery device being capable of providing the compatible vehicle propulsion product to the vehicle. In this way, a convenient and user friendly way of selecting fuel or electricity delivery type is achieved. The risk of a user selecting an

incompatible vehicle propulsion product is thus significantly reduced or even eliminated. By using the short range radio in the communication, the communication range between the control device and the vehicle can be reduced to only allow communication when the vehicle is in a position where it can be filled up with vehicle propulsion product.

The method may further comprise the step of: deactivating delivery of incompatible vehicle propulsion products to the vehicle.

The step of deactivating delivery may comprise ensuring any delivery mouthpiece of incompatible vehicle propulsion products is physically locked to its product delivery device.

The method may further comprise the steps of: receiving status data from the vehicle over the short range radio channel, the status data comprising a measurement of current amount of vehicle propulsion product stored in the vehicle; and stopping delivery of the compatible vehicle propulsion product when the status data indicates the vehicle is approaching a state when it is not to receive any more vehicle propulsion product.

The method may further comprise the steps of: receiving status data from the vehicle over the short range radio channel prior to any delivery of vehicle propulsion product, the status data comprising an indication of how much vehicle propulsion product to provide to the vehicle; and stopping delivery of the compatible vehicle propulsion product when the amount of vehicle propulsion product having been delivered corresponds to the indication.

The step of activating a product delivery device may comprise activating delivery of a vehicle fuel. The step of activating a product delivery device may comprise activating delivery of electrical energy.

The step of determining whether there is an available vehicle propulsion product may comprise considering a compatibility of electrical energy delivery. According to a second aspect, it is presented a control device for selectively activating delivery of a vehicle propulsion product, the control device being associated with at least one product delivery device for delivering a vehicle propulsion product. The control device comprises: a processor; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the control device to: receive vehicle data from a vehicle over a short range radio channel, the vehicle data comprising at least one reference to a vehicle propulsion product which is compatible with the vehicle; determine whether there is an available vehicle propulsion product associated with the control device which is compatible with the vehicle; and activate a product delivery device when a compatible vehicle propulsion product is found, the product delivery device being capable of providing the compatible vehicle propulsion product to the vehicle.

The control device may further comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the control device to deactivate delivery of incompatible vehicle propulsion products to the vehicle.

The instructions to deactivate delivery may comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the control device to ensure any delivery mouthpiece of incompatible vehicle propulsion products is physically locked to its product delivery device. The instructions may comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the control device to: receive status data from the vehicle over the short range radio channel, the status data comprising a

measurement of current amount of vehicle propulsion product stored in the vehicle; and stop delivery of the compatible vehicle propulsion product when the status data indicates the vehicle is approaching a state when it is not to receive any more vehicle propulsion product.

The instructions may further comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the control device to receive status data from the vehicle over the short range radio channel prior to any delivery of vehicle propulsion product, the status data comprising an indication of how much vehicle propulsion product to provide to the vehicle; and stop delivery of the compatible vehicle propulsion product when the amount of vehicle propulsion product having been delivered corresponds to the indication. The instructions to activate a product delivery device may comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the control device to activate delivery of a vehicle fuel.

The instructions to activate a product delivery device may comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the control device to activate delivery of electrical energy.

The instructions to determine whether there is an available vehicle propulsion product may comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the control device to consider a compatibility of electrical energy delivery. According to a third aspect, it is presented a control device comprising: means for receiving vehicle data from a vehicle over a short range radio channel, the vehicle data comprising at least one reference to a vehicle propulsion product which is compatible with the vehicle, the control device being associated with at least one product delivery device for delivering a vehicle propulsion product; means for determining whether there is an available vehicle propulsion product associated with the control device which is compatible with the vehicle; and means for activating a product delivery device when a compatible vehicle propulsion product is found, the product delivery device being capable of providing the compatible vehicle propulsion product to the vehicle.

According to a fourth aspect, it is presented a product delivery device comprising the control device according to the second or third aspect.

According to a fifth aspect, it is presented a computer program, for selectively activating delivery of a vehicle propulsion product. The computer program comprises computer program code which, when run on a control device being associated with at least one product delivery device for delivering a vehicle propulsion product, causes the control device to: receive vehicle data from a vehicle over a short range radio channel, the vehicle data comprising at least one reference to a vehicle propulsion product which is compatible with the vehicle; determine whether there is an available vehicle propulsion product associated with the control device which is compatible with the vehicle; and activate a product delivery device when a compatible vehicle propulsion product is found, the product delivery device being capable of providing the compatible vehicle propulsion product to the vehicle. According to a sixth aspect, it is presented a computer program product comprising a computer program according to the fifth aspect and a computer readable means on which the computer program is stored.

According to a seventh aspect, it is presented a method for selectively activating delivery of a vehicle propulsion product. The method is performed in a vehicle and comprises the steps of: receiving a product message over a short range radio channel from a control device being associated with at least one source of a vehicle propulsion product, the product message comprising references to all available vehicle propulsion products associated with the control device; determining whether there is an available vehicle propulsion product associated with the control device which is compatible with the vehicle; and sending an activation message to the control device, requesting activation of delivery of a vehicle propulsion product which is compatible with the vehicle, when a compatible vehicle propulsion product is found.

The method may further comprise the step of: sending a product request over the short range radio channel for available vehicle propulsion products to the control device.

The method may further comprise the step of: sending status data to the control device over the short range radio channel comprising an indication that the vehicle is approaching a state when it is not to receive any more vehicle propulsion product.

The method may further comprise the step of: receiving the compatible vehicle propulsion product.

The step of receiving the compatible vehicle propulsion product may comprise receiving vehicle fuel. The step of receiving the compatible vehicle propulsion product may comprises receiving electrical energy.

The step of determining whether there is an available vehicle propulsion product may comprise considering a compatibility of electrical energy delivery. According to an eighth aspect, it is presented a vehicle for selectively activating delivery of a vehicle propulsion product. The vehicle comprises: a processor; and a memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the vehicle to: receive a product message over a short range radio channel from a control device being associated with at least one source of a vehicle propulsion product, the product message comprising references to all available vehicle propulsion products associated with the control device; determine whether there is an available vehicle propulsion product associated with the control device which is compatible with the vehicle; and send an activation message to the control device, requesting activation of delivery of a vehicle propulsion product which is compatible with the vehicle, when a compatible vehicle propulsion product is found.

The instructions may further comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the vehicle to send a product request over the short range radio channel for available vehicle propulsion products to the control device.

The instructions may further comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the vehicle to: send status data to the control device over the short range radio channel comprising an indication that the vehicle is approaching a state when it is not to receive any more vehicle propulsion product.

The instructions may further comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the vehicle to receive the compatible vehicle propulsion product. The instructions to receive the compatible vehicle propulsion product may comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the vehicle to receive vehicle fuel.

The instructions to receive the compatible vehicle propulsion product may comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the vehicle to receive electrical energy.

The instructions to determine whether there is an available vehicle propulsion product may comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the vehicle to consider a compatibility of electrical energy delivery. According to a ninth aspect, it is presented a vehicle comprising: means for receiving a product message over a short range radio channel from a control device being associated with at least one source of a vehicle propulsion product, the product message comprising references to all available vehicle propulsion products associated with the control device; means for determining whether there is an available vehicle propulsion product associated with the control device which is compatible with the vehicle; and means for sending an activation message to the control device, requesting activation of delivery of a vehicle propulsion product which is compatible with the vehicle, when a compatible vehicle propulsion product is found.

According to a tenth aspect, it is presented a computer program for selectively activating delivery of a vehicle propulsion product. The computer program comprises computer program code which, when run on a processor of a vehicle causes the vehicle to: receive a product message over a short range radio channel from a control device being associated with at least one source of a vehicle propulsion product, the product message comprising references to all available vehicle propulsion products associated with the control device; determine whether there is an available vehicle propulsion product associated with the control device which is compatible with the vehicle; and send an activation message to the control device, requesting activation of delivery of a vehicle propulsion product which is compatible with the vehicle, when a compatible vehicle propulsion product is found.

According to an eleventh aspect, it is presented a computer program product comprising a computer program according to the tenth aspect and a computer readable means on which the computer program is stored.

Generally, all terms used in the claims are to be interpreted according to their ordinary meaning in the technical field, unless explicitly defined otherwise herein. All references to "a/an/the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc." are to be interpreted openly as referring to at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means, step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any method disclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact order disclosed, unless explicitly stated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is now described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig l is a schematic drawing illustrating an environment in which

embodiments presented herein can be applied;

Figs 2A-E are schematic drawings illustrating various embodiment of product delivery devices; Fig 3 is a schematic drawing illustrating an embodiment of the control device of Fig l;

Fig 4 is a schematic drawing illustrating an embodiment of the vehicle of Fig i;

Figs 5A-C are flow charts illustrating embodiments of methods performed in the control device of Fig 1 or 3 for selectively activating delivery of a vehicle propulsion product;

Figs 6A-B are flow charts illustrating embodiments of methods performed in the vehicle of Fig 1 or 3 for selectively activating delivery of a vehicle propulsion product; Fig 7 is a schematic diagram showing functional modules of the control device of Fig 3 according to one embodiment;

Fig 8 is a schematic diagram showing functional modules of the vehicle of Fig 4 according to one embodiment;

Fig 9 shows one example of a computer program product comprising computer readable means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which certain embodiments of the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of example so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description.

Fig l is a schematic drawing illustrating an environment in which

embodiments presented herein can be applied. A vehicle 2 is in

communication with a control device l over a short range radio channel 3. The control device 1 is associated one or more product delivery devices, in this example a first product delivery device 4a and a second product delivery device 4b. The control device 1 and the product delivery devices 4a-b are part of a filling station for refuelling and/or recharging vehicles. In the filling station there may be more control devices more product delivery devices.

The vehicle 2 can be any type of vehicle which needs to fill up on vehicle propulsion product, such as fuel or electricity, from time to time. For instance, the vehicle can be a land vehicle such as a car, a lorry, a bus, etc., a marine vehicle such as a boat or ship, or even an air or space vehicle such as an airplane. The vehicle is compatible with at least one type of vehicle propulsion product

Each product delivery device 4a, 4b is used for delivery of vehicle propulsion product to vehicles. Each product delivery device 4a, 4b can support a single vehicle propulsion product or a plurality of vehicle propulsion products, as described in more detail below with reference to Fig 4.

The short range radio channel 3 is of any suitable type allowing the control device 1 and the vehicle 2 to communicate with each other when in vicinity with each other. For example, the short range radio channel 3 can be implemented using Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, any of the IEEE 802.11 standards, ZigBee, WirelessHART, etc. It is to be noted though that the short range radio channel does not make use of a cellular network such as LTE (Long Term Evolution), W-CDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiplex), GSM (Global System for Mobile communication), etc., for its communication, The control device 1 is used to control the product delivery devices 4a-b based on communication with the vehicle. Optionally, the control device 1 can be integrated in a product delivery device 4a-b.

Figs 2A-E are schematic drawings illustrating various embodiment of product delivery devices such as those illustrated in Fig l, here represented by a single product delivery device 4 in each figure. It is to be noted that an

implementation of a product delivery device 4 can be a combination of several of the product delivery devices described below.

In Fig 2A, the product delivery device 4 is a fuel pump (also known as fuel dispenser) used for the vehicle propulsion product being petrol 10a. A mouthpiece 11 at the end of a hose of the product delivery device 4 is adapted to be able to be inserted in an opening in the vehicle to provide the liquid petrol 10a to the vehicle.

In Fig 2B, the product delivery device 4 is a fuel pump used for the vehicle propulsion product being diesel 10b. A mouthpiece 11 at the end of a hose of the product delivery device 4 is adapted to be able to be inserted in an opening in the vehicle to provide the liquid diesel 10b to the vehicle.

In Fig 2C, the product delivery device 4 is a fuel pump used for the vehicle propulsion product being a gas 10c, such as biogas, natural gas or even hydrogen. Here, a gas mouthpiece 12 comprises e.g. a valve to provide the gas 10c to the vehicle without allowing the gas 10c to leak into surrounding air.

In Fig 2D, the product delivery device 4 is an electric power dispenser (also known as charging station) used for the vehicle propulsion product being electricity lod of a first type. A first electric mouthpiece 13a at the end of a hose of the product delivery device 4 is adapted to be connected with a corresponding connector in the vehicle to allow delivery of electricity to the vehicle.

In Fig 2E, the product delivery device 4 is an electric power dispenser used for the vehicle propulsion product being electricity loe of a second type. The electricity loe of the second type varies from the electricity lod of the first type in one or more of voltage level, number of phases, current, DC/AC (Direct Current/Alternating Current), etc. A second electric mouthpiece 13b at the end of a hose of the product delivery device 4 is adapted to be connected with a corresponding connector in the vehicle to allow delivery of electricity to the vehicle.

By using different mechanical structures for the first electric mouthpiece 13a and the second electric mouthpiece 13b, the risk of connecting electricity of the wrong type to the vehicle is reduced. Fig 3 is a schematic drawing illustrating an embodiment of the control device 1 of Fig 1. A processor 60 is provided using any combination of one or more of a suitable central processing unit (CPU), multiprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit etc., capable of executing software instructions 67 stored in a memory 65, which can thus be a computer program product. The processor 60 can be configured to execute the method described with reference to Figs 5A-C below.

The memory 65 can be any combination of read and write memory (RAM) and read only memory (ROM). The memory 65 also comprises persistent storage, which, for example, can be any single one or combination of magnetic memory, optical memory, solid state memory or even remotely mounted memory.

A data memory 66 is also provided for reading and/or storing data during execution of software instructions in the processor 60. The data memory 66 can be any combination of read and write memory (RAM) and read only memory (ROM).

The control device 1 also comprises one or more transceivers 63, comprising analogue and digital components, and a suitable number of antennas 61 for wireless communication using short range radio with vehicles as shown in Fig 1. It is to be noted that the antenna(s) 61 and/or transceiver 63 may form part of the control device 1 itself or be external to the control device 1. For instance, the antenna(s) 61 can be one or more directional antennas placed such that the short range radio channel to the vehicle is only possible in locations where a vehicle can receive vehicle propulsion product from product delivery devices associated with the control device 1, e.g. the antenna(s) can be placed on or by the product delivery device(s) associated with the control device 1. For example, if a control device is associated with a diesel pump and a three phase 400 volts 16 ampere AC electrical connection provided to a vehicle parked in a specific location, then the antenna(s) can be directed such that communication with the control device is only possible with a vehicle parked in that specific location, e.g. by having a transmission range from the control device of 1-10 metres. The range can be controlled by controlling the transmission power in the transceiver 63 for a transmission signal transmitted by the antenna(s) 61.

The control device 1 further comprises an I/O interface 62 for communicating with external entities, such as one or more product delivery devices and a central operation and maintenance system. Optionally, the I/O interface 62 also includes a user interface.

Other components of the control device 1 are omitted in order not to obscure the concepts presented herein. Fig 4 is a schematic drawing illustrating an embodiment of the vehicle 2 of Fig 1. The components described here are focused on components which are used when a vehicle propulsion product is replenished in the vehicle. A processor 70 is provided using any combination of one or more of a suitable central processing unit (CPU), multiprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application specific integrated circuit etc., capable of executing software instructions 77 stored in a memory 75, which can thus be a computer program product. The processor 70 can be configured to execute the method described with reference to Figs 6A-B below.

The memory 75 can be any combination of read and write memory (RAM) and read only memory (ROM). The memory 75 also comprises persistent storage, which, for example, can be any single one or combination of magnetic memory, optical memory, solid state memory or even remotely mounted memory.

A data memory 76 is also provided for reading and/ or storing data during execution of software instructions in the processor 70. The data memory 76 can be any combination of read and write memory (RAM) and read only memory (ROM). For instance, the data memory 76 can comprise information regarding what vehicle propulsion products that the vehicle is compatible with. The vehicle 2 also comprises one or more transceivers 73, comprising analogue and digital components, and a suitable number of antennas 79 for wireless communication using short range radio with control devices as shown in Fig 1.

The vehicle 2 further comprises an I/O interface 72 for communicating with other external entities. Optionally, the I/O interface 72 also includes a user interface.

The vehicle 2 comprises a motor 74 for moving the vehicle. The motor 74 can be an internal combustion engine running on a vehicle propulsion product being fuel such as petrol, diesel, ethanol, biogas, or natural gas. Optionally, the internal combustion engine can run on several of the fuel types.

Alternatively or additionally, the motor 74 is an electric motor which converts electrical energy to mechanical energy. Optionally, the electrical energy is generated from hydrogen in fuel cells in the vehicle. The vehicle optionally runs on different vehicle propulsion products in any suitable combination, such as on petrol, on petrol and electricity, diesel and electricity, petrol and biogas or petrol, biogas and electricity, etc. Other combinations are equally possible, as long as the vehicle uses at least one vehicle propulsion product to power the motor 74.

A storage 71 stores one or more vehicle propulsion product for the motor 74. For instance, when the vehicle propulsion product is liquid fuel such as petrol, ethanol or diesel, the storage is implemented using a fuel tank. When the vehicle propulsion product is biogas, natural gas or hydrogen, the storage is a gas tank. And when the vehicle propulsion product is electrical energy, the storage is a battery. An interface 78 allows vehicle propulsion product to be provided from an external source, such as a product delivery device, to be stored in the storage 71. For instance, the interface 78 can comprise a pipe for accepting liquid fuel, a gas interface for accepting biogas, natural gas or hydrogen, or an electrical socket for accepting electrical energy. The interface 78 is designed to match the mouthpiece (see Figs 2A-E) of the product delivery device. This can assist in preventing an incompatible vehicle propulsion product to be supplied to the vehicle. For example, electrical energy needs to be of the correct type in order not to damage the vehicle. Correct type can e.g. comprise one or more of voltage level, number of phases, current, DC/AC, etc. A certain physical interface can by convention imply electrical energy of a certain type, thus preventing incompatible electrical energy to be supplied to the vehicle 2.

Other components of the vehicle 2 are omitted in order not to obscure the concepts presented herein. Figs 5A-C are flow charts illustrating embodiments of methods performed in the control device 1 of Fig 1 or 3 for selectively activating delivery of a vehicle propulsion product. The control device 1 is associated with at least one product delivery device 4 for delivering a vehicle propulsion product, e.g. as shown in Fig 1. In a receive vehicle data step 40, vehicle data is received from a vehicle over a short range radio channel. The vehicle data comprises at least one reference to a vehicle propulsion product which is compatible with the vehicle.

Optionally, the vehicle data further comprises billing information to simplify the payment process for the vehicle propulsion product. l6

In a conditional compatible vehicle propulsion product step 41, the control device determines whether there is an available vehicle propulsion product (associated with the control device via a product delivery device) which is compatible with the vehicle. The determination of compatible vehicle propulsion product also comprises considering a compatibility of electrical energy delivery, e.g. voltage level, number of phases, current, DC/AC, physical connector, etc.

If there is a compatible vehicle propulsion product, the method proceeds to an activate step 42. Otherwise, the method ends. In the activate step 42, a suitable product delivery device is activated. The suitable product delivery device is chosen to be one which is capable of providing the compatible vehicle propulsion product to the vehicle.

If the compatible vehicle propulsion product is a vehicle fuel (such as petrol, ethanol, diesel, natural gas, biogas, hydrogen, etc.) then this step comprises activating delivery of a vehicle fuel.

If the compatible vehicle propulsion product is electricity, then this step comprises activating delivery of electrical energy.

Looking now to Fig 5B, only new or modified steps compared to the method illustrated by the flow chart of Fig 5A will be described. In an optional deactivate step 43, delivery of incompatible vehicle propulsion products to the vehicle is deactivated. For instance, this may comprise ensuring that any delivery mouthpiece of incompatible vehicle propulsion products is physically locked to its product delivery device, preventing someone from connecting the mouthpiece in question with the vehicle. In such a case, the activate step 42 comprises ensuring that the delivery mouthpiece of compatible vehicle propulsion products is physically unlocked, to enable use of the mouthpiece(s).

In an optional receive status step 44, status data from the vehicle is received over the short range radio channel. The status data comprises a measurement of current amount of vehicle propulsion product in the storage (71 of Fig 4) of the vehicle.

In an optional conditional done step 45, the control device determines when the status data indicates that the vehicle is approaching a state when it is not to receive any more vehicle propulsion product. This state can e.g. be when the storage in the vehicle is full or when a pre-set (e.g. by the driver desired) amount of vehicle propulsion product has been received. If this is the case, the method proceeds to an optional stop delivery step 46. Otherwise, the method returns to the receive status step 44. In the optional stop delivery step 46, delivery of the compatible vehicle propulsion product is stopped.

Looking now to Fig 5C, only new or modified steps compared to the method illustrated by the flow chart of Fig 5B will be described.

Here, in the receive status data step 44, the status data comprises an indication of how much vehicle propulsion product to provide to the vehicle. In other words, the status data allows the control device to calculate how much vehicle propulsion product to provide prior to starting the delivery of the vehicle propulsion product.

In the conditional done step 45, the method re-executes the conditional done step 45 if the vehicle is approaching a state when the amount of vehicle propulsion product of the indication in the status data has been delivered.

In this embodiment, the vehicle is given the ability to, in advance, control how much vehicle propulsion product is to be delivered to the vehicle.

Using the embodiments illustrated in Figs 5A-C the control device in the filling station can decide on whether it is feasible to provide a certain vehicle propulsion product to the given vehicle. For instance, if it is a car with a combustion engine running on petrol, the fuel pump with diesel is disabled for this vehicle, in order to avoid damages and/or repair costs. Another example is that an electric vehicle can only be provided with electricity of a l8 compatible type, e.g. preventing AC power to be provided to a vehicle only being capable of receiving DC power.

Figs 6A-B are flow charts illustrating embodiments of methods performed in the vehicle 2 of Fig 1 or 3 for selectively activating delivery of a vehicle propulsion product.

In a receive product message step 51, a product message is received over the short range radio channel from the control device. The product message comprises references to all available vehicle propulsion products associated with the control device. In a conditional compatible vehicle propulsion product step 52, the vehicle determines whether there is an available vehicle propulsion product associated with the control device, which vehicle propulsion product is compatible with the vehicle. This step can comprise considering a

compatibility of electrical energy delivery, e.g. in terms of voltage level, number of phases, current, DC/AC, physical connector, etc. Optionally, the vehicle optimises the selection of vehicle propulsion product, by selecting only the vehicle propulsion product which gives the best distance per currency unit measurement (e.g. km per euro). In such a case, only the selected vehicle propulsion product is considered a compatible vehicle propulsion product. If a compatible vehicle propulsion product is found, the method proceeds to a send activation message step 53. Otherwise, the method ends.

In the send activation message step 53, an activation message is sent to the control device. In this way, the vehicle requests activation of delivery of a vehicle propulsion product which is compatible with the vehicle. Optionally, the activation message also comprises an indication of the amount of vehicle propulsion product to provide.

Looking now to Fig 6B, only new or modified steps compared to the method illustrated by the flow chart of Fig 6A will be described. In a send request step 50, a product request is sent over the short range radio channel to the control device. The product request triggers the control device to send the product message which is received in the receive product message step 51. In a receive vehicle propulsion product step 54, the compatible vehicle propulsion product is received, using the interface (78 of Fig 4). For example, this can comprise receiving vehicle fuel. Alternatively or additionally, this comprises receiving electrical energy. In practice, the receive vehicle propulsion product step 54 can be performed in parallel with the subsequent steps as long as the product delivery device delivers vehicle propulsion product.

In a send status data step 55, status data is sent to the control device over the short range radio channel. The status data comprises an indication that the vehicle is approaching a state when it is not to receive any more vehicle propulsion product. This state can e.g. be when the storage in the vehicle is full or when a pre-set amount of vehicle propulsion product has been received. This step is performed when the storage for vehicle propulsion product in the vehicle is almost at the desired level.

In a conditional finished step 56, it is determined whether the product delivery device has finished delivering vehicle propulsion product. If this is the case, the method ends. Otherwise, the method returns to the receive vehicle propulsion product step 54.

Using the embodiments described with reference to Figs 6A-B, the decision of compatible vehicle propulsion products is made by the vehicle. This alternative is especially interesting if the filling station is not aware of the requirements of the vehicle. Another reason is if the vehicle or its driver have other preferences than the filling station.

Fig 7 is a schematic diagram showing functional modules of the control device 1 of Fig 3 according to one embodiment. The modules are

implemented using software instructions such as a computer program executing in the control device 1. The modules correspond to the steps in the methods illustrated in Figs 5A-C.

A data receiver 100 is arranged to receive vehicle data from a vehicle over a short range radio channel. The vehicle data comprises at least one reference to a vehicle propulsion product which is compatible with the vehicle.

A compatibility determiner 101 is arranged to determine whether there is an available vehicle propulsion product associated with the control device which is compatible with the vehicle.

An activator 102 is arranged to activate a product delivery device associated with the control device when a compatible vehicle propulsion product is found. The activated product delivery device is capable of providing the compatible vehicle propulsion product to the vehicle.

A deactivator 103 is arranged to deactivate delivery of incompatible vehicle propulsion products to the vehicle. A status receiver 104 is arranged to receive status data from the vehicle over the short range radio channel. The status data comprises a measurement of a current amount of vehicle propulsion product. Alternative the status receiver is arranged to receive status data from the vehicle over the short range radio channel prior to any delivery of vehicle propulsion product. In such a case, the status data comprises an indication of how much vehicle propulsion product to provide to the vehicle.

A level determiner 105 is arranged to determine a level of vehicle propulsion product in the vehicle.

A delivery terminator 106 is arranged to stop delivery of the compatible vehicle propulsion product when appropriate, e.g. when the storage of vehicle propulsion product in the vehicle is becoming full.

Fig 8 is a schematic diagram showing functional modules of the vehicle of Fig 4 according to one embodiment. The modules are implemented using software instructions such as a computer program executing in the vehicle 2. The modules correspond to the steps in the methods illustrated in Figs 6A-B.

A request transmitter 80 is arranged to send a product request over the short range radio channel for available vehicle propulsion products to the control device.

A message receiver 81 is arranged to receive a product message over a short range radio channel from a control device being associated with at least one source of a vehicle propulsion product. The product message comprises references to all available vehicle propulsion products associated with the control device.

A compatibility determiner 82 is arranged to determine whether there is an available vehicle propulsion product associated with the control device which is compatible with the vehicle.

An activation message transmitter 83 is arranged to send an activation message to the control device, requesting activation of delivery of a vehicle propulsion product which is compatible with the vehicle, when a compatible vehicle propulsion product is found.

A product receiver 84 is arranged to receive the compatible vehicle propulsion product. A status data transmitter 85 is arranged to send status data to the control device over the short range radio channel. The status data can e.g. comprise an indication that the vehicle is approaching a state when it is incapable of receiving any more vehicle propulsion product.

A finished determiner 86 is arranged to determine when the delivery of vehicle propulsion product is finished.

Fig 9 shows one example of a computer program product comprising computer readable means. On this computer readable means a computer program 91 can be stored, which computer program can cause a processor to execute a method according to embodiments described herein. In this example, the computer program product is an optical disc, such as a CD (compact disc) or a DVD (digital versatile disc) or a Blu-Ray disc. As explained above, the computer program product could also be embodied in a memory of a device, such as the computer program product 65 of Fig 3 or the computer program product 75 of Fig 4. While the computer program 91 is here schematically shown as a track on the depicted optical disk, the computer program can be stored in any way which is suitable for the computer program product, such as a removable solid state memory, e.g. a Universal Serial Bus (USB) drive.

The invention has mainly been described above with reference to a few embodiments. However, as is readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are equally possible within the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended patent claims.

Claims

1. A method for selectively activating delivery of a vehicle propulsion product (loa-e), the method being performed in a control device (1) being associated with at least one product delivery device (4a-b) for delivering a vehicle propulsion product (loa-e), the method comprising the steps of: receiving (40) vehicle data from a vehicle (2) over a short range radio channel (3), the vehicle data comprising at least one reference to a vehicle propulsion product which is compatible with the vehicle (2);

determining (41) whether there is an available vehicle propulsion product associated with the control device (1) which is compatible with the vehicle; and

activating (42) a product delivery device (4a-b) when a compatible vehicle propulsion product is found, the product delivery device (4a-b) being capable of providing the compatible vehicle propulsion product to the vehicle (2).

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the step of:

deactivating (43) delivery of incompatible vehicle propulsion products to the vehicle (2).

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the step of deactivating (43) delivery comprises ensuring any delivery mouthpiece of incompatible vehicle propulsion products is physically locked to its product delivery device.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the steps of:

receiving (44) status data from the vehicle (2) over the short range radio channel (3), the status data comprising a measurement of current amount of vehicle propulsion product stored in the vehicle; and

stopping (46) delivery of the compatible vehicle propulsion product when the status data indicates the vehicle (2) is approaching a state when it is not to receive any more vehicle propulsion product.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising the steps of:

receiving (44) status data from the vehicle (2) over the short range radio channel (3) prior to any delivery of vehicle propulsion product, the status data comprising an indication of how much vehicle propulsion product to provide to the vehicle (2); and

stopping (46) delivery of the compatible vehicle propulsion product when the amount of vehicle propulsion product having been delivered corresponds to the indication.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of activating (42) a product delivery device (4a-b) comprises activating delivery of a vehicle fuel.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of activating (42) a product delivery device (4a-b) comprises activating delivery of electrical energy.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the step of determining (41) whether there is an available vehicle propulsion product comprises considering a compatibility of electrical energy delivery.

9. A control device (1) for selectively activating delivery of a vehicle propulsion product (loa-e), the control device being associated with at least one product delivery device (4a-b) for delivering a vehicle propulsion product (loa-e) and comprising:

a processor (60); and

a memory (65) storing instructions (67) that, when executed by the processor, causes the control device (1) to:

receive vehicle data from a vehicle (2) over a short range radio channel (3), the vehicle data comprising at least one reference to a vehicle propulsion product which is compatible with the vehicle (2);

determine whether there is an available vehicle propulsion product associated with the control device (1) which is compatible with the vehicle; and

activate a product delivery device (4a-b) when a compatible vehicle propulsion product is found, the product delivery device (4a-b) being capable of providing the compatible vehicle propulsion product to the vehicle (2).

10. The control device (1) according to claim 9, further comprising instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the control device to deactivate delivery of incompatible vehicle propulsion products to the vehicle (2).

11. The control device (1) according to claim 10, wherein the instructions to deactivate delivery comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the control device to ensure any delivery mouthpiece of incompatible vehicle propulsion products is physically locked to its product delivery device.

12. The control device (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the instructions comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the control device to: receive status data from the vehicle (2) over the short range radio channel (3), the status data comprising a measurement of current amount of vehicle propulsion product stored in the vehicle; and stop delivery of the compatible vehicle propulsion product when the status data indicates the vehicle (2) is approaching a state when it is not to receive any more vehicle propulsion product.

13. The control device (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the instructions further comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the control device to receive status data from the vehicle (2) over the short range radio channel (3) prior to any delivery of vehicle propulsion product, the status data comprising an indication of how much vehicle propulsion product to provide to the vehicle (2); and stop delivery of the compatible vehicle propulsion product when the amount of vehicle propulsion product having been delivered corresponds to the indication.

14. The control device (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the instructions to activate a product delivery device (4a-b) comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the control device to activate delivery of a vehicle fuel.

15. The control device (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the instructions to activate a product delivery device (4a-b) comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the control device to activate delivery of electrical energy.

16. The control device (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 15, wherein the instructions to determine whether there is an available vehicle propulsion product comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the control device to consider a compatibility of electrical energy delivery.

17. A control device (1) comprising:

means for receiving vehicle data from a vehicle (2) over a short range radio channel (3), the vehicle data comprising at least one reference to a vehicle propulsion product which is compatible with the vehicle (2), the control device (1) being associated with at least one product delivery device (4a-b) for delivering a vehicle propulsion product (loa-e);

means for determining whether there is an available vehicle propulsion product associated with the control device (1) which is compatible with the vehicle; and

means for activating a product delivery device (4a-b) when a compatible vehicle propulsion product is found, the product delivery device (4a-b) being capable of providing the compatible vehicle propulsion product to the vehicle (2).

18. A product delivery device (4a-b) comprising the control device (1) according to any one of claims 9 to 17.

19. A computer program (90), for selectively activating delivery of a vehicle propulsion product (loa-e), the computer program comprising computer program code which, when run on a control device (1) being associated with at least one product delivery device (4a-b) for delivering a vehicle propulsion product (loa-e), causes the control device (1) to:

20. A computer program product (91) comprising a computer program according to claim 19 and a computer readable means on which the computer program is stored.

21. A method for selectively activating delivery of a vehicle propulsion product (loa-e), the method being performed in a vehicle and comprising the steps of:

receiving (51) a product message over a short range radio channel (3) from a control device (1) being associated with at least one source of a vehicle propulsion product (loa-e), the product message comprising references to all available vehicle propulsion products associated with the control device (1); determining (52) whether there is an available vehicle propulsion product associated with the control device (1) which is compatible with the vehicle; and

sending (53) an activation message to the control device (1), requesting activation of delivery of a vehicle propulsion product which is compatible with the vehicle, when a compatible vehicle propulsion product is found.

22. The method according to claim 21, further comprising the step of:

sending (50) a product request over the short range radio channel (3) for available vehicle propulsion products to the control device (1).

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, further comprising the step of: sending (55) status data to the control device (1) over the short range radio channel (3) comprising an indication that the vehicle (2) is approaching a state when it is not to receive any more vehicle propulsion product.

24. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 23, further comprising the step of:

receiving (54) the compatible vehicle propulsion product.

25. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the step of receiving (54) the compatible vehicle propulsion product comprises receiving vehicle fuel.

26. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the step of receiving (54) the compatible vehicle propulsion product comprises receiving electrical energy.

27. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the step of determining (52) whether there is an available vehicle propulsion product comprises considering a compatibility of electrical energy delivery.

28. A vehicle (2) for selectively activating delivery of a vehicle propulsion product, the vehicle comprising:

a processor (70); and

a memory (75) storing instructions (77) that, when executed by the processor, causes the vehicle to:

receive a product message over a short range radio channel (3) from a control device (1) being associated with at least one source of a vehicle propulsion product (loa-e), the product message comprising references to all available vehicle propulsion products associated with the control device (1); determine whether there is an available vehicle propulsion product associated with the control device (1) which is compatible with the vehicle; and

send an activation message to the control device (1), requesting activation of delivery of a vehicle propulsion product which is compatible with the vehicle, when a compatible vehicle propulsion product is found.

29. The vehicle according to claim 28, wherein the instructions further comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the vehicle to send a product request over the short range radio channel (3) for available vehicle propulsion products to the control device (1).

30. The vehicle according to claim 28 or 29, wherein the instructions further comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the vehicle to: send status data to the control device (1) over the short range radio channel (3) comprising an indication that the vehicle (2) is approaching a state when it is not to receive any more vehicle propulsion product.

31. The vehicle according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein the instructions further comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the vehicle to receive the compatible vehicle propulsion product.

32. The vehicle according to any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein the instructions to receive the compatible vehicle propulsion product comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the vehicle to receive vehicle fuel.

33. The vehicle according to any one of claims 28 to 32, wherein the instructions to receive the compatible vehicle propulsion product comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the vehicle to receive electrical energy.

34. The vehicle according to any one of claims 28 to 33, wherein the instructions to determine whether there is an available vehicle propulsion product comprise instructions that, when executed by the processor, causes the vehicle to consider a compatibility of electrical energy delivery.

35. A vehicle comprising:

means for receiving a product message over a short range radio channel (3) from a control device (1) being associated with at least one source of a vehicle propulsion product (loa-e), the product message comprising references to all available vehicle propulsion products associated with the control device (1);

means for sending an activation message to the control device (1), requesting activation of delivery of a vehicle propulsion product which is compatible with the vehicle, when a compatible vehicle propulsion product is found.

36. A computer program (90) for selectively activating delivery of a vehicle propulsion product (loa-e), the computer program comprising computer program code which, when run on a processor of a vehicle causes the vehicle to:

37. A computer program product (91) comprising a computer program according to claim 36 and a computer readable means on which the computer program is stored.