The present subject matter in general relates to charging systems for
electric vehicles. More particularly, but not exclusively, the subject matter relates to preventing theft of the charging systems, specifically, the charging cable for electric vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[002] Background description includes information that may be useful in
understanding the present subject matter.
[003] Due to the rising fuel costs and the negative impact of the internal
combustion engines towards the environment, the automobile industry around the world, and particularly, in India, has seen a drastic change in the previous couple of years. Electric vehicles, which only used to be displayed in motor shows, has seen a tremendous rise in practical and everyday use. Just as internal combustion engines need refuelling, the batteries of the electric vehicles need to be recharged periodically to keep it up and running.
[004] It is common that everybody does not have facilities to park and charge
their electric vehicle securely and therefore have to charge their vehicles in unsecured area outside the comfort of their home. The charging system for electric vehicle comprises of expensive In-Cable Control Box (ICCB) or In-Cable Control and Protection Device (ICCPD). Also, the cables are generally made of copper which are expensive too. Thus, in charging the vehicles outside, there are chances that the charging system may be stolen.
[005] Existing solutions are not full proof and can be bypassed easily. Most
solutions cannot work during power cut or differentiate between power cut and cable cut. Also existing solution's theft detection decision making and sharing with user is implemented in the ICCB side and therefore requires availability of connected technology in ICCB, which is not practical, as it will lead to additional

cost burden to the user, as maintenance charges will be required for entire charging cable life.
[006] Referring to FIG. 1, disclosed is an automobile charging system 100 for
charging an automobile. The automobile charging system 100 comprises an alternating current (AC) mains connector 102, a control box 104 and a charging gun 106. In an embodiment, the control box 104 may be an In-Cable Control Box (ICCB) 104 or an In-Cable Control and Protection Device (ICCPD) 104. Hereafter, in the description, the control box 104 is referred to as the ICCB 104.
[007] The AC mains connector 102 is configured to connect the automobile
charging system 100 to an AC mains power supply socket. The charging gun 106 is configured to be connected to the electric vehicle (or automobile) for its charging. The ICCB 104 is configured to oversee functions such as steady the voltage fluctuations, charging of the automobile, among others. A connecting cable 108 connects the AC mains connector 102 to the ICCB 104 and a connecting cable 110 connects the ICCB 104 to the charging gun 106.
[008] Referring to FIG. 2, disclosed is a circuit layout of connection between
the automobile and the automobile charging system 100. The charging gun 106 is attached to a charging gun inlet 200 of the automobile. The AC mains connector 102 may be attached to an AC mains supply socket. A closed circuit 206 may determine whether the charging gun 106 is connected to the charging gun inlet 200 of the automobile. The charging gun 106 may comprise a first pin 214 that may come in contact with a second pin 212 of the charging gun inlet 200 of the automobile. A small voltage may be applied at first voltage point 208 of the automobile end. Between the second pin 212 of the charging gun inlet 200 of the automobile and the first voltage point 208 of the automobile end, there is connected a first resistor 210. Between the first pin 214 of the charging gun 106 and protective earthing conductor 216, there is a second resistor 202. When the first pin 214 and the second pin 212 are connected, the closed circuit 206 is formed. The current flows through the first voltage point 208, protective earthing conductor 216, third

pin 218, to fourth pin 220. A protective earthing conductor 224 is connected to the fourth pin 220, wherein the protective earthing conductor 224 is grounded at 226 at the automobile end. Due to the formation of the closed circuit 206, there is a voltage drop from the first voltage point 208 to the second voltage point 228. The presence of voltage difference between points 208 and 228 determines that the charging gun 106 is connected to the automobile. When the charging gun 106 is not in contact with the charging gun inlet 200 of the automobile, there is no voltage difference between the first voltage point 208 and the second voltage point 228, whereby it is determined by the automobile that the charging gun 106 is not connected to the charging gun inlet 200 of the automobile. This circuit may be also referred to as PP circuit.
[009] In an embodiment, charging gun 106 may be connected to a control
pilot or CP circuit connection on the automobile side at point 230.
[0010] Thus, existing technologies are able to determine whether the charging gun 106 is in contact with the automobile or not. Upon initiating contact between the charging gun 106 and the automobile, subsequent disconnection between the charging gun 106 and the automobile shall be intimated to a user. However, theft of the part of the automobile charging system 100, comprising the connecting cable 108, the ICCB 104 and the connecting cable 110, may not be detected by the automobile as the charging gun 106 may still be connected to the automobile. The connecting cables 108 and 110 may be cut to steal a portion of the automobile charging system 100.
[0011] Therefore, there is need in the art to have a system and a method that can determine whether connecting cable has been cut even during the charging of the electric vehicle or when there is no supply of electricity in the charging cable or when electric vehicle is fully charged.
OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0012] In view of the foregoing limitations inherent in state-of-the-art, some of

the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfy, are listed herein below.
[0013] It is an object of the present subject matter to propose a charging cable theft protection system for providing protection against theft of an automobile charging system.
[0014] These and other objects and advantages of the present subject matter will be apparent to those skilled in the art after a consideration of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which a preferred form of the present subject matter is illustrated.
SUMMARY
[0015] This summary is provided to introduce concepts related to preventing the theft of the charging systems for electric vehicles. The concepts are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.
[0016] The present invention discloses a charging cable theft protection system 300 for providing protection against theft of an automobile charging system 100. The charging cable theft protection system 300 comprises a cable main controller 306 configured to control charging. A theft detection controller 316 is in contact with the cable main controller 306. A battery charging module 304 is in contact with the cable main controller 306 and the theft detection controller 316. The theft detection controller 316 is configured to determine availability of power supply at an AC mains connector 102. A relay circuit is in contact with the cable main controller 306 and the theft detection controller 316 configured to determine charging gun 106 connection with the automobile. A battery module 318 is in contact with the theft detection controller 316 and the battery charging module 304. An information transmitting or receiving module 320 is in contact with the theft detection controller 316. An automobile information transmitting or receiving

module 502 is configured to be in communication with the information transmitting or receiving module 320 using a communication means. An automobile controller 500 is in contact with the automobile information transmitting or receiving module 502 to compare the information received from the information transmitting or receiving module 320 and the automobile information transmitting or receiving module 502.
[0017] Other objects, features and advantages of the present subject matter will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the subject matter, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the subject matter will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0018] While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter that is regarded as forming the present subject matter, it is believed that the present disclosure will be better understood from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals designate like structural and other elements, in which:
[0019] FIG. 1 discloses an automobile charging system 100 for charging an automobile;
[0020] FIG. 2 discloses a circuit layout of connection between the automobile and the automobile charging system 100;
[0021] FIG. 3 discloses circuit elements of charging cable theft protection system 300 In-Cable Control Box (ICCB) 104 in ICCB for providing protection against theft of the automobile charging system 100;
[00221 FIG. 4 discloses a control pilot circuit connection for enabling power

supply from the automobile charging system 100 to the automobile;
[0023] FIG. 5 is the charging cable theft protection system 300 within the automobile for providing protection against theft of the automobile charging system 100;
[0024] FIGs. 6A and 6B disclose a flowchart for first time configuring the charging cable theft protection system 300;
[0025] FIG. 7 discloses a flowchart of working of relay control flow of the charging cable theft protection system 300;
[0026] FIGs. 8A-8D disclose a flowchart of working of the charging cable theft protection system 300 disposed in the automobile charging system 100;
[0027] FIGs. 9A-9D disclose a flowchart of working of the charging cable theft protection system 300 disposed in the automobile; and
[0028] FIG. 10 discloses a table of logic used to detect cable theft.
[0029] The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the subject matter described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0030] The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the subject matter is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives
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appended claims.
[0031] It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[0032] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "consisting" and/or "including" when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
[0033] It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
[0034] In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present subject matter are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
[0035] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further

understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
MAIN COMPONENTS OF AN IN-CABLE CONTROL BOX (ICCB) 104
[0036] In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 3 discloses the various components of the ICCB 104. The ICCB 104 comprises an Alternating Current (AC)/ Direct Current (DC) converter and battery charging module 304, a cable main controller 306, a voltage detection module 308, a current detection module 312, a theft detection controller 316, a battery module 318, an information transmitting or receiving module 320, a normally open relay 322, a normally closed relay 324 and an oscillator module 326.
[0037] In an embodiment, the Alternating Current (AC)/ Direct Current (DC) converter and battery charging module 304 may be a battery charging module 304 alone configured to charge the charge the battery module 318. In another embodiment, as the name suggests, the Alternating Current (AC)/ Direct Current (DC) converter and battery charging module 304 may be a single module comprising the battery charging module 304 and the AC/DC converter module 304.
[0038] In an embodiment, the cable main controller 306 may be an In-Cable Control Box (ICCB) main controller 306 or an Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) main controller 306. Hereafter, in the description, the cable main controller 306 is referred to as the ICCB main controller 306.
WORKING OF THE COMPONENTS OF AN IN-CABLE CONTROL BOX (ICCB) 104
[0039] For the purposes of understanding, in addition to FIG. 3, reference shall also be made to FIG. 1. The ICCB 104 is connected to alternating current (AC) mains connector 102 using a connecting cable 108, through which the power is

supplied to the ICCB 104.
[0040] The AC/DC convertor and battery charging module 304 is connected to the AC mains connector 102. The AC/DC convertor and battery charging module 304 is configured to convert alternating current (AC) supply from the AC mains connector 102 to Direct Current (DC) of suitable voltage to charge the battery module 318 or supply power to the ICCB main controller 306 and the theft controller 316. The ICCB main controller 306 and the theft detection controller 316 is connected to the AC/DC convertor and battery charging module 304.
[0041] In an embodiment, the battery module 318 is connected between the AC/DC convertor and battery charging module 304 and the theft detection controller 316. The battery module 318 may be configured to supply power to the theft detection controller 316 in the event of an AC mains power loss at the AC mains connector 102.
[0042] The ICCB main controller 306 may be configured to control the working of the ICCB 104.
[0043] The ICCB main controller 306 and the theft detection controller 316 are connected to each other. The information transmitting or receiving module 320 is in contact with the theft detection controller 316.
[0044] In an embodiment, the information transmitting or receiving module 320 is configured to transmit information obtained by the theft detection controller 316 and to receive the information from the automobile using a communication means. The communication means shall be BLUETOOTH or other corresponding wireless information sharing technology. In an embodiment, the information transmitting or receiving module 320 may comprise wireless communication means to send and receive information.
[0045] The normally open relay 322 is in contact with the ICCB main controller 306, oscillator module 326 and CP line of the connecting cable 110. The

normally open relay 322 is configured to establish a connection between the oscillator module 326 and the CP line of the connecting cable 110 when the ICCB main controller 306 is turned on by power.
[0046] The normally closed relay 324 is in contact with the ICCB main controller 306, the theft detection controller 316 and CP line of the connecting cable 110. The normally closed relay 324 is configured to disable connection between the theft detection controller 316 and the CP line of the connecting cable 110 when the ICCB main controller 306 is turned on by power.
[0047] In an embodiment, the connection of the normally open relay 322 and the normally closed relay 324 with the components as described above may be referred to as a relay circuit.
[0048] The oscillator module 326 is in contact with the ICCB main controller 306. The oscillator module 326 is configured to be in contact with the CP line of the connecting cable 110 through the normally open relay 322 when the ICCB main controller 306 is turned on by power.
[0049] When the AC mains connector 102 is connected to the AC mains supply to charge the automobile, power is transmitted to the ICCB main controller 306 through the AC/DC convertor and battery charging module 304. The ICCB main controller 306 outputs a signal on a hardwire signal line between ICCB main controller 306 and the theft detection controller 316. The theft detection controller 316 is configured to change its state to a wakeup state from sleep state on receiving the signal on the hardwire signal line from the ICCB main controller 306. The signal on the hardwire signal line from the ICCB main controller 306 corresponds to that the power supply is available at the AC mains connector 102.
[0050] In an embodiment, the wakeup is a digital signal received from the ICCB main controller 306 by the theft detection controller 316, whenever the power supply is available to the ICCB main controller 306. This is to mark the start of the charging session and initiate the charging cable theft protection in the theft

detection controller 316. This also helps the theft detection controller 316 to identify the non-availability of power during power cut. The corresponding information on whether power supply is available at the AC mains connector 102 and the input of Alternating Current (AC)/ Direct Current (DC) converter and battery charging module 304 of the ICCB 104 or there is a power cut is communicated by the theft detection controller 316 using the information transmitting or receiving module 320.
[0051] When the ICCB main controller 306 is turned on, the normally open relay 322 is closed and the normally closed relay 324 is opened. The closing of the normally open relay 322 connects the oscillator module 326 to the CP line of the connecting cable 110. The oscillator module 326 may be configured to receive voltage output command from the ICCB main controller 306 and accordingly transmit pulsating voltage signal through the normally open relay 322 to the CP line of connecting cable 110. The ICCB main controller 306 shares the voltage signal value transmitted from the oscillator module 326 with the theft detection controller 316. . Referring to the FIG. 3, the voltage signal is transmitted through a line 334 to the CP line of the charging gun 106. When the charging gun 106 is connected to the automobile, the circuit is completed and there is a voltage drop at point 336. The point 336 is the output of the charging gun 106.
[0052] The line 334 is connected back to the ICCB main controller 306 at point 332 and to the theft detection controller 316 at point 340. When the circuit is complete, which is to say that when the charging gun 106 is connected to the automobile, due to drop in the voltage available at point 336, the voltage sensed back at point 340 or 332 is less than the applied pulsating voltage by the oscillator module 326. The theft detection controller 316 and ICCB main controller 306 compares the voltage available at point 340 and 332 respectively with the applied pulsating voltage by the oscillator module 326 and if found that there is a predetermined voltage drop at point 340, the theft detection controller 316 determines that the charging gun 106 is connected to the automobile. The
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is communicated by the theft detection controller 316 using the information transmitting or receiving module 320.
[0053] When the theft detection controller 316 compares the voltage available at point 340 with the applied pulsating voltage by the oscillator module 326 and finds that there is no voltage drop at point 340, the theft detection controller 316 may determine that the charging gun 106 is not connected to the automobile. The corresponding information that the charging gun 106 is not connected to the automobile is communicated by the theft detection controller 316 using the information transmitting or receiving module 320.
[0054] In an embodiment, the non-availability of power at the ICCB main controller 306 may keep the normally open relay 322 as open and the normally closed relay 324 as closed. The opening of the normally open relay 322 disconnects the oscillator module 326 to the CP line of the charging gun 106. The theft detection controller 316 may provide a predetermined voltage at point 330. The voltage is transmitted through the normally closed relay 324, through line 334 and to the CP line of the charging gun 106. When the charging gun 106 is connected to the automobile, the circuit is complete and there is a voltage drop at point 336. The point 336 may be the output of the CP line of the charging gun 106.
[0055] The line 334 is connected back to the theft detection controller 316 at point 340. When the circuit is complete, which is to say that when the charging gun 106 is connected to the automobile, there is a drop in the voltage available at point 340 compared to the voltage provided at the point 330. The theft detection controller 316 compares the voltage available at point 340 with the predetermined voltage provided at point 330, and if found that there is a voltage drop at point 340, the theft detection controller 316 determines that the charging gun 106 is connected to the automobile. The corresponding information that the charging gun 106 is connected to the automobile is communicated by the theft detection controller 316 using the information transmitting or receiving module 320.

at point 340 with the predetermined voltage at point 330, and finds that there is no voltage drop at point 340, the theft detection controller 316 determines that the charging gun 106 is not connected to the automobile. The corresponding information that the charging gun 106 is not connected to the automobile is communicated by the theft detection controller 316 using the information transmitting or receiving module 320.
[0057] The information transmitting or receiving module 320 shall communicate the information on the charging gun 106 being connected, to an automobile controller 500 (shown in FIG. 5) through an automobile information transmitting or receiving module 502 (shown in FIG. 5).
[0058] Referring to FIG. 4, disclosed is a control pilot or CP circuit connection for enabling voltage signal from the automobile charging system 100 to the automobile. When the automobile charging system 100 is connected to the automobile at 400, the voltage applied by the oscillator module 326 and the voltage measured at point 332 or 340 are different, as there is a voltage drop due to the circuit completion. Similarly, when the voltage applied by the theft detection controller 316 and the voltage measured at point 340 are different, it means that the automobile charging system 100 is connected to the automobile at 400 as there is a voltage drop due to the circuit completion.
[0059] FIG. 5 discloses the charging cable theft protection system 300 within the automobile for providing protection against theft of the automobile charging system 100. The charging cable theft protection system 300 within the automobile comprises an automobile controller 500, an automobile information transmitting or receiving module 502, CP and PP automobile circuit module 504 and an output module 506. The automobile controller 500 is configured to control the operations of the automobile. The automobile information transmitting or receiving module 502 is configured to be in communication with the information transmitting or receiving module 320. In an embodiment, the automobile information transmitting or receiving module 502 and the information transmitting or receiving module 320

may communicate with each other to pair the ICCB 104 with the automobile.
[0060] The automobile information transmitting or receiving module 502 and the information transmitting or receiving module 320 may communicate with each other using existing wireless communication technologies such as Bluetooth. The automobile information transmitting or receiving module 502 may receive information from the theft detection controller 316 using the information transmitting or receiving module 320 on whether power supply is available at the AC mains connector 102 or there is a power cut, and whether the charging gun 106 is connected or not to the automobile. Based on the predetermined alarm settings and the information received from the information transmitting or receiving module 320, the automobile controller 500 may communicate the alarm requirement to the output module 506.
[0061] In an embodiment, referring back to FIG. 2, a circuit layout of connection between the automobile and the automobile charging system 100 is disclosed. This circuit may be referred to as PP circuit. The PP circuit as disclosed in detail in the background section, allows the automobile to determine whether the charging gun 106 is attached to a charging gun inlet 200 of the automobile or not. The information on whether the charging gun 106 is attached to a charging gun inlet 200 of the automobile or not is received by the CP and PP automobile circuit module 504 and communicated to the automobile controller 500.
[0062] In an embodiment, a mobile phone of the user shall be paired with the automobile using telematics connection or Bluetooth or any other existing wireless communication technologies. Information regarding the cable cut may be displayed on the user's mobile phone, or alternatively, an alarm may go off in the users' mobile phone, or alternatively, the automobile controller 500 may deploy the alarm to go off within the automobile.
[0063] FIGs. 6A and 6B disclose a flowchart for configuring the charging cable theft protection system 300. At step 600, the user of the automobile may request for

[0064] At step 602, the automobile controller 500 may turn on the automobile information transmitting or receiving module 502. The automobile controller 500 may instruct the user through the output module 506 to connect the AC mains connector 102 of the automobile charging system 100 to the power supply docket, and the charging gun 106 of the automobile charging system 100 to the automobile.
[0065] At step 604, the automobile information transmitting or receiving module 502 may scan for information transmitting or receiving module 320 of available ICCB's 104 and the automobile controller 500 on receiving the list of available information transmitting or receiving module 320 from information transmitting or receiving module 502 may ask user through output module 506 to select the correct ICCB 104.
[0066] At step 606, the user may select the correct ICCB 104 and the automobile controller 500 may pair the automobile controller 500 with the selected ICCB 104.
[0067] At step 608, the automobile controller 500 may determine whether the pairing is complete with the selected ICCB 104.
[0068] At step 610, if it is determined that the pairing is not complete with the selected ICCB 104, the output module 506 of the automobile may display connection error. The user may also be intimated on his mobile device that since the connection is incomplete the charging cable theft protection could not be configured.
[0069] At step 612, if it is determined that the pairing has been successful, then the automobile controller 500 and the ICCB main controller 306 may exchange initial data and verify the connection. The initial data may correspond to that the power is available at the AC mains connector 102 and the charging gun 106 is connected to the automobile (received from the information transmitting or receiving module 320 of the ICCB 104).

[0070] At step 614, the automobile controller 500 may instruct the user using the output module 506 to disconnect and re-connect the automobile charging system 100 to verify the connection between the ICCB 104 and the automobile or to ensure that the vehicle is paired with the correct ICCB 104.
[0071] At step 616, the automobile controller 500 may verify the connection by checking that the charging gun 106 is connected to the automobile, which is received from the information transmitting or receiving module 320 of the ICCB 104 over wireless connection to the information transmitting or receiving module 502. This is verified with the information available at the automobile controller 500, using the CP and PP automobile circuit module 504, on whether the charging gun is connected to the automobile using a closed circuit 206 (shown in FIG .2).
[0072] At step 618, the automobile controller 500 may determine whether the data received at step 616 matches with the connection and disconnection of the charging gun 106 data available at the automobile. This helps to rule out pairing of a different ICCB being used nearby to the automobile.
[0073] At step 620, if it is determined that the data are not the same, the output module 506 of the automobile may display error and shall instruct the user to try the configuration process again.
[0074] At step 622, if it is determined that the data are the same, the theft detection configuration process shall be completed successfully.
[0075] In an embodiment, the connection between theft detection controller (316) and automobile controller 500 is authenticated using OTP or any other means of authentication.
[0076] FIG. 7 discloses a flowchart of working of relay control flow of the charging cable theft protection system 300. At step 702, on availability of AC mains power at the AC mains connector 102, the ICCB main controller 306 powers up (or turns on) through the DC power available from the AC/DC converter and battery

charging module.
[0077] At step 704, the normally closed relay 324 is open. The opening of the normally closed relay 324 disconnects the theft detection controller 316 from the CP line of the charging gun 106.
[0078] At step 706, the normally open relay 322 is closed. The closing of the normally open relay 322 connects the oscillator module 326 to the CP line of the charging gun 106.
[0079] FIGs. 8-12 disclose a flowchart of working of the charging cable theft protection system 300 disposed in the automobile charging system 100. At step 800, the theft detection controller 316 is in sleep mode.
[0080] At step 802, it is determined whether the theft detection controller 316 receives hardwire wake up signal from the ICCB main controller 306. If it is determined at step 802 that the ICCB main controller 306 has not provided any hardwire wake up signal to the theft detection controller 316, the theft detection controller 316 continues to be in sleep state.
[0081] At step 804, if it is determined at step 802 that the ICCB main controller 306 has provided the hardwire wake up signal to the theft detection controller 316, the theft detection controller 316 is turned on. The theft detection controller 316 turns on the information transmitting or receiving module 320. The information transmitting or receiving module 320 goes into pairing mode to connect with the automobile information transmitting or receiving module 502.
[0082] At step 806, the charging cable theft protection system 300 determines whether the information transmitting or receiving module 320 is connected to the automobile information transmitting or receiving module 502 and whether the charging gun 106 connection status received from the automobile is connected.
[0083] If it is determined at step 806 that the information transmitting or receiving module 320 is not connected to the automobile information transmitting

or receiving module 502 and that the charging gun 106 connection status received from the automobile is connected, then the charging cable theft protection system 300 at step 807 determines whether there is no hardwire wakeup signal from the main ICCB controller 306.
[0084] At step 807, if it is determined that there is no hardwire wakeup signal from the main ICCB controller 306 to the theft detection controller 316, the theft detection controller 316 goes into sleep mode.
[0085] At step 807, if it is determined that there is a hardwire wakeup signal received from the main ICCB controller 306 to the theft detection controller 316, the charging cable theft protection system 300 continues the process of connecting the information transmitting or receiving module 320 to the automobile information transmitting or receiving module 502.
[0086] At step 808, if it is determined at step 806 that the information transmitting or receiving module 320 is connected to the automobile information transmitting or receiving module 502 and that the charging gun 106 connection status received from the automobile is connected, it is determined whether the theft detection controller 316 is receiving the hardwire wakeup signal from the main ICCB controller 306 and the voltage (root mean square voltage VRMS) available at point 340 is greater than 0V.
[0087] At step 810, if it is determined at step 808 that the theft detection controller 316 is receiving the hardwire wakeup signal from the ICCB main controller 306 and that the VRMS available at point 340 is greater than 0V, the theft detection controller 316 compares the voltage at point 340 with the pulsating voltage value, applied by the oscillator module 326 at the CP line of the connecting cable 110, shared by the ICCB main controller 306.
[0088] At step 812, it is determined whether the voltage available at point 340 is less than the voltage applied by the oscillator module 326 which is shared to the theft detection controller by the ICCB main controller 306.

[0089] At step 814, if it is determined that the voltage available at point 340 is less than the applied voltage value shared by the ICCB main controller 306 and is in line with the predetermined drop expected due to connection of the charging gun 106 into the vehicle, the theft controller determines that the charging gun 106 is connected to the automobile. The theft detection controller 316 already determines that the power is available at the AC mains connector 102 due to the transmission of the hardwire wakeup signal from the main ICCB controller 306. The theft detection controller 316 shall communicate this to the information transmitting or receiving module 320. The information transmitting or receiving module 320 shall communicate the same to the automobile. At step 816, the charging cable theft protection system 300 shall await information from the automobile controller 500 with regards to the charging gun 106 connection status and sleep request status.
[001] At step 818, if it is determined that the voltage available at point 340 is
not less than the applied voltage value shared by the ICCB main controller 306, the theft detection controller 316 determines that the charging gun 106 is not connected to the automobile. The theft detection controller 316 may communicate that the power is available at the AC mains connector 102 and that the charging gun 106 is not connected to the automobile to the information transmitting or receiving module 320. The information transmitting or receiving module 320 may communicate the same to the automobile.
[002] Once the information is communicated, at step 816, the charging cable
theft protection system 300 shall await information from the automobile controller 500 with regards to the charging gun 106 connection status and sleep request status.
[003] At step 820, if it is determined at step 808 that the theft detection
controller 316 is not receiving the hardwire wakeup signal from the ICCB main controller 306 and the VRMS available at point 340 is not greater than 0V, the charging cable theft protection system 300 determines whether the theft detection controller 316 is not receiving the hardwire wakeup signal from the ICCB main controller 306 and VRMS available at point 340 is equal to 0V.

[004] At step 822, if it is determined at step 820 that the theft detection
controller 316 is receiving the hardwire wakeup signal from the ICCB main controller 306 or that the VRMS available at point 340 is greater than 0V, the charging cable theft protection system 300 may determine the situation as a theft detection error fault.
[0090] At step 824, if it is determined at step 820 that the theft detection controller 316 is not receiving the hardwire wakeup signal from the ICCB main controller 306 and the VRMS available at point 340 is equal to 0V, the theft detection controller 316 determines that the power is not available at the AC mains connector 102. Furthermore, at step 824, the non-availability of power at the ICCB main controller 306 may keep the normally open relay 322 as open and the normally closed relay 324 as closed. The opening of the normally open relay 322 disconnects the oscillator module 326 to the CP line of the charging gun 106. The closing of the normally closed relay 324 connects the theft detection controller at point 330 to the CP line of the charging gun 106. The theft detection controller 316 may provide a predetermined voltage at point 330. The voltage is transmitted through the normally closed relay 324, through line 334 and to the CP line of the charging gun 106. When the charging gun 106 is connected to the automobile, the CP circuit is completed and there is a voltage drop at point 336. The point 336 shall be the output of the CP line of the charging gun 106. The line 334 is connected back to the theft detection controller 316 at point 340. When the circuit is complete, which is to say that when the charging gun 106 is connected to the automobile, there is a drop in the voltage available at point 340 compared to the voltage provided at the point 330.
[0091] At step 826, the theft detection controller 316 compares the voltage available at point 340 with the predetermined voltage at point 330.
[0092] At step 828, if it is found at step 826 that there is a voltage drop at point 340, the theft detection controller 316 determines that the charging gun 106 is connected to the automobile. The theft detection controller 316 may communicate that the power is not available at the AC mains connector 102 and the charging gun

106 is connected to the automobile to the information transmitting or receiving module 320. The information transmitting or receiving module 320 may communicate the same to the information transmitting or receiving module 502 of the automobile.
[0093] At step 830, the charging cable theft protection system 300 removes the predetermined voltage applied at the point 330 using theft detection controller 316 for saving power of battery module 318. Once the predetermined voltage applied at the point 330 is removed, at step 816, the charging cable theft protection system 300 shall await information from the automobile controller 500 with regards to the charging gun 106 connection status and sleep request status.
[005] At step 832, if it is found at step 826 that there is no voltage drop at
point 340, the theft detection controller 316 determines that the charging gun 106 is not connected to the automobile. The theft detection controller 316 may communicate that the power is not available at the AC mains connector 102 and that the charging gun 106 is not connected to the automobile to the information transmitting or receiving module 320. The information transmitting or receiving module 320 may communicate the same to the information transmitting or receiving module 502 of the automobile.
[006] Once the information is communicated, at step 816, the charging cable
theft protection system 300 shall await information from the automobile controller 500 with regards to the charging gun 106 connection status and sleep request status.
[007] At step 834, it is determined whether information on the charging gun
106 connection status and sleep request status is received from automobile. If it is determined at step 834 that information on the charging gun 106 connection status and sleep request status is received from automobile and the sleep request is not received from automobile, the charging cable theft protection system 300 may go back to step 808.
[008] At step 836, if it is determined at step 834 that information on the

charging gun 106 connection status and sleep request status is not received from automobile, or if it is determined whether the information on the charging gun 106 connection status and sleep request status is received from the automobile but it is also determined that sleep request is received from the automobile.
[009] At step 836, if it is determined that information on the charging gun 106
connection status and sleep request status is not received from the automobile but predermined timeout period has not occurred, the charging cable theft protection system 300 shall go back to step 834.
[0010] At step 836, if it is determined that if sleep request is received from the automobile or that predetermined timeout period has occurred and information on the charging gun 106 connection status and sleep request status is not received from the automobile, the charging cable theft protection system 300 may go back to step 800.
[0094] FIGs. 9A-9D disclose a flowchart of working of the charging cable theft protection system 300 disposed in the automobile. At step 900, the charging cable theft protection system 300 disposed in the automobile is in sleep mode.
[0095] At step 902, the automobile controller 500 determines whether the charging system 100 is connected to the automobile using the closed circuit 206 and if AC charging session is started. If the automobile controller 500 determines at step 902 that the charging system 100 is not connected to the automobile, the charging cable theft protection system 300 remains in sleep state 900.
[0096] At step 904, the automobile controller 500 determines whether the charging cable theft protection system 300 is configured by the user.
[0097] At step 906, if it is determined at step 904 that the charging cable theft protection system 300 is not configured by the user, the output module 506 of the automobile displays that the charging cable theft protection system 300 is not configured and instructs the user to configure the charging cable theft protection

system 300. The information may also be shared with user on his mobile device using telematics connection.
[0098] At step 908, if it is determined at step 904 that the charging cable theft protection system 300 is configured by the user, automobile controller 500 initiates the connection to the preconfigured ICCB 104 through the information transmitting or receiving module 502.
[0099] At step 910, it is determined whether there is only one preconfigured ICCB 104 available in range of the automobile.
[00100] At step 912, if it is determined at step 910 that there exists more than one preconfigured ICCB 104 in the range of the automobile, the output module 506 of the automobile may display instruction to the user to select the preferred ICCB 104 to connect it with the automobile and shall establish connection with the preferred ICCB 104.
[00101] At step 914, if it is determined at step 910 that only one preconfigured ICCB 104 is available in range of the automobile, the charging cable theft protection system 300 may determine whether the connection between the automobile and the ICCB 104 is successful.
[00102] Similarly, if the user has tried connection with the preferred ICCB 104 at step 912, the charging cable theft protection system 300 shall determine whether the connection between the automobile and the ICCB 104 is successful at step 914.
[00103] At step 916, if it is determined that the connection between the automobile and the ICCB 104 is not successful, the output module 506 of the automobile displays that the charging cable theft protection system 300 is not activated. The output module 506 shall instruct the user to check if a new ICCB 104 is being used and reconfigure the charging cable theft protection system 300. The information may also be shared to the user in his mobile device through telematics connection.

[0011] At step 918, if it is determined that the connection between the automobile and the ICCB 104 is successful, the charging cable theft protection system 300 is activated and the same is displayed to the user using the output module 506. In another embodiment, the same shall be displayed to the user on the mobile phone if the mobile phone of the user is connected to the automobile.
[00104] At step 920, the automobile may receive AC mains power availability status and ICCB charging gun connection status from the ICCB 104 and share information on whether the charging gun 106 is connected to the automobile using the closed circuit 206 (shown in FIG. 2) along with the sleep request status information with the ICCB 104.
[00105] At step 922, the charging cable theft protection system 300 may determine whether the charging gun 106 is connected to the automobile using the closed circuit 206 (shown in FIG. 2) and whether the ICCB charging gun connection status received from the ICCB 104 is connected. The determination of whether the charging gun 106 is connected to the automobile or not and whether the ICCB charging gun connection status is connected or not has been explained in detail in FIG. 3. If it is determined that the charging gun 106 is connected to the automobile and that the ICCB charging gun connection status received from ICCB 104 is connected, the charging cable theft protection system 300 moves to step 920.
[00106] At step 924, if it is determined at step 922 that the charging gun 104 is not connected to the automobile or that the ICCB charging gun connection status received from the ICCB 104 is not connected, the charging cable theft protection system 300 may determine whether the charging gun 104 is connected to the automobile using the closed circuit 206 (shown in FIG. 2) and whether the ICCB gun connection status received from the ICCB 104 is not connected.
[00107] At step 926, if it is determined at step 924 that the charging gun 104 is not connected to the automobile or that the ICCB gun connection status received from the ICCB 104 is connected, the charging cable theft protection system 300

using the closed circuit 206 (shown in FIG. 2).
[00108] At step 928, if it is determined at step 924 that the charging gun 104 is connected to the automobile and that the ICCB charging gun connection status received from ICCB 104 is not connected, the charging cable theft protection system 300 may determine that there has been a cable cut. Information regarding the cable cut and the possibility of the theft of the automobile charging system 100 may be displayed on the user's mobile phone, or alternatively, an alarm may go off in the user's mobile phone, or alternatively, the automobile controller 500 may deploy the alarm to go off within the automobile.
[00109] At step 930, it is determined whether there is instruction from the user to stop the alarm. In an embodiment, the instruction from the user to stop the alarm shall be received through mobile phone display. If it is determined that there is no instruction from the user to stop the alarm, the charging cable theft protection system 300 shall continue to provide alarm. If it is determined that there is instruction from the user to stop the alarm, the charging cable theft protection system 300 shall move to step 900.
[00110] At step 932, if it is determined at step 926 that the charging gun 104 is not connected to the automobile, a sleep request is sent to the ICCB 104. The charging cable theft protection system 300 shall move to step 900.
[00111] Referring to FIG. 10, disclosed is a table of logic used to detect cable cut/theft. In an embodiment, first information may correspond to the AC Power availability status which is shared to the automobile by the theft detection controller 316 that whether the AC power is available at the AC mains connector 102 and to the input of Alternating Current (AC)/ Direct Current (DC) convertor and battery charging module 304 of the ICCB 104. The status of AC power availability is determined by the theft detection controller 316 and is shared to the automobile controller 500 wirelessly using information transmitting or receiving module 320 and the automobile information transmitting or receiving module 502 as disclosed
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connection status shared to the automobile, by the theft detection controller 316 of the ICCB 104. The charging gun 106 connection status corresponds to whether the charging gun 106 is connected to the automobile or not. The status of the charging gun 106 connection is determined by the theft detection controller 316 and is shared to the automobile controller 500 wirelessly using information transmitting or receiving module 320 and the automobile information transmitting or receiving module 502 as disclosed in FIGs. 8A-8D. The third information may correspond to the charging gun 106 connection status determined at the automobile end. The charging gun 106 connection status determined at the automobile end corresponds to whether the charging gun 106 is connected to the automobile or not. The status of the charging gun 106 connection is determined by the automobile using the closed circuit 206 (shown in FIG. 2). The positive may correspond to the existence of the corresponding parameter. As an example, the first information being positive corresponds to the availability of AC power and the first information being negative corresponds to the unavailability of AC power. Similarly, second information being positive corresponds to the charging gun 106 being connected to the automobile, as determined by the theft detection controller 316 in the ICCB 104. It also corresponds to that the connection from the ICCB 104 of the automobile charging system 100 to the CP and PP automobile circuit module 504 of the automobile, through the charging gun 106 and the charging gun inlet 200, is present. The second information being negative corresponds to the charging gun 106 being not connected to the automobile as determined by the theft detection controller 316 in the ICCB 104. It also corresponds to that the connection from the ICCB 104 of the automobile charging system 100 to the CP and PP automobile circuit module 504 of the automobile, through the charging gun 106 and the charging gun inlet, is not present. Likewise, third information being positive corresponds to the charging gun 106 being connected to the automobile, as determined by the automobile. This also corresponds to that the connection from the charging gun 106 of the automobile charging system 100 to the CP and PP automobile circuit module 504 of the automobile is present and the third information being negative corresponds to the charging gun 106 being not connected to the automobile, as determined by the

automobile. This also corresponds to that the connection from the charging gun 106 of the automobile charging system 100 to the CP and PP automobile circuit module 504 of the automobile is not present.
[00112] In a first scenario, when the first information and the second information are positive, and the third information is negative, the theft protection system may detect that there is an error in the detection system.
[00113] In a second scenario, when the first information and the third information are positive, and the second information is negative, the theft protection system may detect that the connecting cable 110 has been cut and there is a possibility of theft of the components of automobile charging system 100.
[00114] In a third scenario, when the first information is positive, and the second information and third information is negative, the theft protection system may detect AC power is available, the charging gun 106 is removed from the charging gun inlet 200 of the automobile and that the automobile is not charging.
[00115] In a fourth scenario, when the first information, the second information and the third information are all positive, the theft protection system may detect that the AC power is available, the connecting cable 110 has not been cut and presently there is no possibility of theft of the components of automobile charging system 100.
[00116] In a fifth scenario, when the first information and the third information are negative, and the second information is positive, the theft protection system may detect an error in the detection system.
[00117] In a sixth scenario, when the first information is negative, and the second information and the third information are positive, the theft protection system may detect that AC power is not available, the automobile is not charging, the connecting cable 110 has not been cut and presently there is no possibility of theft of the components of automobile charging system 100.

[00118] In a seventh scenario, when the first information and the second information are negative, and the third information is positive, the theft protection system may detect that the connecting cable 110 has been cut and there is a possibility of theft of the components of automobile charging system 100.
[00119] In an eighth scenario, when all of the first information, second information, and the third information are negative, the theft protection system may determine that the charging gun is not connected to the automobile.
TECHNICAL ADVANTAGE
[00120] The present disclosure proposes a charging cable theft protection system for providing protection against theft of an automobile charging system.
[00121] Furthermore, each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the "invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[00122] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all groups used in the appended claims.
[00123] Furthermore, those skilled in the art can appreciate that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not

intended to be limiting of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that several of the above-disclosed and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be combined into other systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may subsequently be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as encompassed by the following claims.
[00124] The claims, as originally presented and as they may be amended, encompass variations, alternatives, modifications, improvements, equivalents, and substantial equivalents of the embodiments and teachings disclosed herein, including those that are presently unforeseen or unappreciated, and that, for example, may arise from applicants/patentees and others.
[00125] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the present disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the present disclosure is determined by the claims that follow. The present disclosure is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

We claim:

1. A charging cable theft protection system (300) for providing protection
against theft of an automobile charging system (100), the charging cable theft
protection system (300) comprising:
a cable main controller (306) configured to control charging;
a theft detection controller (316) in contact with the cable main controller
(306);
a battery charging module (304) in contact with the cable main controller
(306) and the theft detection controller (316), wherein the theft detection
controller (316) is configured to determine availability of power supply at an
AC mains connector (102);
a relay circuit in contact with the cable main controller (306) and the theft
detection controller (316) configured to determine charging gun (106)
connection with the automobile;
a battery module (318) in contact with the theft detection controller (316) and
the battery charging module (304);
an information transmitting or receiving module (320) in contact with the
theft detection controller (316);
an automobile information transmitting or receiving module (502) configured
to be in communication with the information transmitting or receiving module
(320) using a communication means; and
an automobile controller (500) in contact with the automobile information
transmitting or receiving module (502) to compare the information received
from the information transmitting or receiving module (320) and from a CP
and PP automobile circuit module 504 to raise an alarm.
2. The charging cable theft protection system (300) as claimed in claim 1,
wherein the theft detection controller (316) is configured to receive a
hardwire wakeup signal from the cable main controller (306) when power
supply is available to the cable main controller (306).

3. The charging cable theft protection system (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the relay circuit comprises a combination of relay (322, 324) in contact with the cable main controller (306), and theft detection controller (316) to switch a CP line of the charging system (100) between oscillator module 326 and theft detection controller (316).
4. The charging cable theft protection system (300) as claimed in claim 3, wherein control pilot voltage drop is measured at point (340) by the theft detection controller (316) to determine the gun connection status with the automobile.
5. The charging cable theft protection system (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the information transmitting or receiving module (320) comprising a wireless communication means to send and receive information with the automobile information transmitting or receiving module (502).
6. The charging cable theft protection system (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the theft detection controller (316) determines availability of power supply to the AC mains connector (102) using a hardwire wakeup signal from the cable main controller (306).
7. The charging cable theft protection system (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein judgment of the alarm is determined at the automobile.
8. The charging cable theft protection system (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the information transmitting or receiving module (320) is configured to receive sleep request status and automobile gun connection status from the automobile information transmitting or receiving module (502).

The charging cable theft protection system (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the theft detection controller (316) and an automobile controller (500) are configured to connect to each other by exchanging initial data.
The charging cable theft protection system (300) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the connection between theft detection controller (316) and automobile controller (500) is authenticated by disconnected and re-connected or OTP or any other means of authentication.
A method for providing a charging cable theft protection system (300) for
protection against theft of an automobile charging system (100), the method
comprising:
controlling charging using a cable main controller (306);
determining availability of power supply at the AC mains connector (102)
using a theft detection controller (316), wherein a theft detection controller
(316) is in contact with the cable main controller (306);
powering the cable main controller (306) using a battery charging module
(304), wherein the battery charging module (304) is in contact with the cable
main controller (306) and the theft detection controller (316);
determining the connection of charging gun (106) with the automobile using
a relay circuit, wherein the relay circuit is in contact with the cable main
controller (306) and the theft detection controller (316);
powering the theft detection controller (316) using a battery module (318) or
the battery charging module (304), wherein the battery module (318) is in
contact with the theft detection controller (316) and the battery charging
module (304);
transmitting information on connection of charging gun (106) with the
automobile using an information transmitting or receiving module (320),
wherein the information transmitting or receiving module (320) is in contact
with the theft detection controller (316);

establishing communication between the information transmitting or receiving module (320) and an automobile information transmitting or receiving module (502) using a communication means; and comparing the information received from the information transmitting or receiving module (320) and from a CP and PP automobile circuit module 504 to raise an alarm.
12. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the theft detection controller (316) is configured to receive a hardwire wakeup signal from the cable main controller (306) when power supply is available to the cable main controller (306).
13. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the relay circuit comprises a combination of relay (322, 324) to connect a CP line of the charging system (100) with oscillator module 326 when power supply is available at the AC main connector (102).
14. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the relay circuit comprises a combination of relay (322, 324) to connect a CP line of the charging system (100) with theft detection controller (316) when power supply is not available at the AC main connector (102).
15. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein voltage drop is measured at point (340) by the theft detection controller (316) to determine the gun connection status with the automobile.
16. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the information transmitting or receiving module (320) is configured to transmit information of power supply at the AC mains connector (102) and connection status of the charging gun (106) with the automobile obtained by the theft detection controller (316) using a communication means.

17. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the automobile controller (500) is configured to receive information corresponding to connection of the charging gun (106) to the automobile using a closed circuit (206).
18. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the theft detection controller (316) determine availability of power supply to the AC mains connector (102) using a hardwire wakeup signal from the cable main controller (306).
19. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein a cable cut is determined at the automobile.
20. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the information transmitting or receiving module (320) is configured to receive sleep request status and automobile gun connection status from the automobile information transmitting or receiving module (502).
21. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the theft detection controller (316) and an automobile controller (500) are configured to connect to each other by exchanging initial data.
22. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the connection between theft detection controller (316) and automobile controller (500) is authenticated by disconnected and re-connected or OTP or any other means of authentication.
23. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein an alarm is raised when a cable cut is determined at the automobile by comparing the information received from the information transmitting or receiving module (320) and the information determined from a CP and PP automobile circuit module 504 at the automobile.