Method for operating a gas fuel dispensing apparatus and gas fuel dispensing apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating gas fuel dispensing apparatus (100), wherein the gas fuel dispensing apparatus (100) comprises a hose configured to be coupled to an interface of a gas fuel receiver, wherein the gas fuel dispensing apparatus (100) is configured to dispense gas fuel via the hose to the gas fuel receiver, and wherein the gas fuel dispensing apparatus (100) comprises a distance sensor (104), the method comprising: receiving sensor information from the distance sensor (104); detecting, based on the sensor information, a person (140); and causing the gas dispensing fuel apparatus (100) to dispense gas fuel depending on the detection of a person (140). The invention also relates to a gas fuel dispensing apparatus (100).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Method for operating a gas fuel dispensing apparatus and gas fuel dispensing apparatus

[0003] The present invention relates to a method for operating a gas fuel dispensing apparatus for dispensing gas fuel like natural gas or hydrogen, and to a gas fuel dispensing apparatus.

[0004] Background

[0005] Vehicles like trucks, buses, vans or cars can be powered with petroleum fuel or fuel from petroleum products like petrol or diesel fuel. Fuel dispensers for such fuel typically comprise a hose with a gun at its end. A person, also described as user, has to put the gun into an interface at the fuel tank of the vehicle and operate the gun to start dispensing the fuel. For examples see US6180304 or JP3954194.

[0006] Other vehicles (also such like trucks, buses, vans or cars) can be powered with gas fuel like natural gas or hydrogen instead of standard hydrocarbon fuels like the fuel from petroleum products mentioned before. Gas fuel dispensers for this kind of gas fuel comprise a hose that is to be connected to an interface at the fuel tank of the vehicle or another gas fuel receiver. There is no such gun. Instead, gas fuel dispensers typically comprise a button which a user has to operate in order to start gas fuel dispensing.

[0007] During dispensing, the user, typically, also has to operate or press this button in order to make sure that the user is still present and can react in case of an emergency, e.g., stop dispensing. Other than for liquid fuels like the fuel from petroleum products, any emergency case might be more severe due to high pressures involved. Pressing such button for long times (typically several minutes) can be stressful and tiring. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved gas fuel dispensing apparatus or way of operating it.

[0008] Disclosure of the invention This object is achieved by providing a method for operating gas fuel dispensing apparatus, a gas fuel dispensing apparatus and a data processing device with the features of the independent claims. Embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and of the description that follows.

[0009] The invention relates to gas fuel dispensing apparatuses (i.e. , gas fuel dispensers) and their operation. Gas fuels in the sense of the present invention in particular comprise fuels that are in gaseous state at standard conditions for pressure and temperature, e.g., room temperature and atmospheric pressure. Typical ones for such gas fuels are natural gas (NG) and hydrogen (H2). It is noted that at gas fuel dispensers or in general for storage, such gas fuels can also be compressed and / or cooled and, thus, liquefied. Then, natural gas (NG) and hydrogen (H2) are also referred to as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and liquefied hydrogen (LH2).

[0010] As mentioned above, a gas fuel dispensing apparatus comprises a hose configured to be coupled to an interface of a gas fuel receiver, like a vehicle or its fuel tank. The gas fuel dispensing apparatus is configured to dispense gas fuel via the hose to the gas fuel receiver, preferably only when the hose is coupled to the interface of the receiver; typically, the hose comprises a corresponding interface at its end for the purpose of coupling. Such coupling typically has to withstand high pressures due to the gas fuel often provided in compressed form.

[0011] As mentioned, such gas fuel dispensers typically comprise a button which a user has to operate (e.g., push or press) not only to start gas fuel dispensing but also during dispensing (fuelling). The user (typically the driver) has to maintain the button, for example, operated with a hand during dispensing, at the end of it or in case of emergency, he releases the button to stop the dispensing. A purpose of such button is to keep the driver away from all the risks associated with the connection from the gas fuel dispense via the hose to the gas fuel receiver as leaks, cold burns, and the like may occur. Also, a purpose is to confirm that the driver is present and in full consciousness to be able to stop in case of incident on the connection (any leave of the user will automatically stop the fuelling process). Following the pump performance and vehicle volume, the person may have to keep pushed the button for a long time, e.g., up to 20 minutes. They has the possibility to change they hand but this situation can procure some muscle stress and a discomfort.

[0012] In addition, technical problems with such button can occur, for example, the button can be mechanically blocked or be electrically short-circuited (intentionally or due to failure). Thus, even when the button is released by the user, a processing device (like a logic controller) of the gas fuel apparatus can still receive the information that the button is pushed.

[0013] Within the present invention, it is suggested to use a distance sensor, i.e. the gas fuel dispensing apparatus comprises a distance sensor. Based on sensor information received from the distance sensor, e.g., at a processing device of the gas fuel dispensing apparatus, a user can be detected. This means that, based on the sensor information, it can be determined whether a person is present within a detection area of the distance sensor. Such gas fuel dispensing apparatus is, thus, configured to detect a person by means of the distance sensor.

[0014] Such distance sensor, for example, is capable of aiming a body of a person, which is also described as user. Such distance sensor is also able to detect movements of the person. Preferred distance sensor that can be used are an infrared sensor, a laser distance sensor, an ultrasound sensor, a radar sensor, a thermic camera, a video camera. Also, two or more of them in combination could be used. The distance sensor can, for example, be of an analogue type, i.e., it will provide an electrical analogue signal proportional to the distance. Preferably, the distance sensor is designed or configured for outdoor atmosphere, a minimum recommendation is, for example, -20°C to 60°C to reach a large number of countries. Preferably, the distance sensor is also designed or configured for explosive atmosphere.

[0015] The gas dispensing fuel apparatus is then caused to dispense gas fuel depending on the detection of a person. The use of such distance sensor allows detecting whether a person is present or not and thus can fulfil the same purpose as the button. However, the drawbacks of the button are overcome, the person does not need to press anything, they only has to be present, for example, near or in front of the gas fuel dispensing apparatus. The used sensors detects whether a person is present within at least one first predefined area with respect to, preferably in front of, the gas fuel dispensing apparatus. For example, a specific area or zone on the floor in front of the gas fuel dispensing apparatus can be defined and also marked on the floor, in which zone the user is intended to stay during dispensing in order to make sure the user is present, e.g., for emergency reasons. Based on such zone on the floor, a corresponding area within the detection field or area of the distance sensor can be defined (for example, it can be assumed that a person typically stands upright) such that corresponding distances from the sensor can be used for defined the first area. The at least one first pre-defined area can, advantageously, have a pre-defined minimum distance from the gas dispensing apparatus or the distance sensor, and / or a pre-defined maximum distance from the gas dispensing apparatus or the distance sensor.

[0016] Additionally, a movement of the person is detected. This might include analysing detected distances of the person over time. Then the gas dispensing fuel apparatus can be caused to provide an instruction to the person to move, if no movement of the person has been detected for at least a second pre-defined time duration, for example, 5 or 10 seconds. For example, a message and / or image might be displayed on a display of the gas fuel dispensing apparatus. Alternatively, or in addition, an acoustic warning alarm or signal might be provided. In this way, a person cannot just put a dummy in front of the sensor and leave the first area during dispensing. Thus, safety is further improved. In a preferred embodiment, already small movements of the person are detected, e.g. breathing, moving of the head or shoulders.

[0017] Then, the gas dispensing fuel apparatus can be caused to dispense to dispense gas fuel, if a person is present within the at least one first pre-defined area. Preferably, the gas dispensing fuel apparatus is caused to start dispensing gas fuel upon receiving a person input and if a user is present within the at least one first pre-defined area. Such person input can comprise, for example, operating a physical or touch button at the gas fuel dispensing apparatus. This improves safety. Further, after start of dispensing, the gas dispensing fuel apparatus can also be caused to provide an instruction to the person to stay within the at least one first pre-defined area or a corresponding marked zone during dispensing. For example, a message and / or image might be displayed on a display of the gas fuel dispensing apparatus. Also, the gas dispensing fuel apparatus can be caused to stop dispensing gas fuel in a regular way upon receiving a user input, from the person. Such user input can comprise, for example, operating a physical or touch button at the gas fuel dispensing apparatus; this button may the same as for starting the dispensing.

[0018] In is of further advantage, when the gas dispensing fuel apparatus caused to provide an instruction to the person to relocate to the at least one first pre-defined area or a corresponding marked zone, if the person is not present within the at least one first predefined area or leaves the at least one pre-defined area. This can be the case when the person is not able to be detected any more, e.g., due to leaving the detection area. This might also be the case, however, if the person is still detectable but outside the at least one first pre-defined area, e.g. when the person is too close to the gas fuel dispensing apparatus or too far away from it. For example, a message and / or image might be displayed on a display of the gas fuel dispensing apparatus. Alternatively, or in addition, an acoustic warning alarm or signal might be provided.

[0019] Alternatively, or in addition, the gas dispensing fuel apparatus is preferably caused to stop gas fuel dispensing, if the person is not present within the at least one first predefined area for at least a first pre-defined time duration, for example, one or two or three seconds. In general, dispensing might also be stopped immediately after detecting that the person is not present within the at least one first pre-defined area. In this way, safety is improved in that no emergency case without the person being present can occur.

[0020] In another embodiment, it is detected whether a person is present within at least one second pre-defined area with respect to, preferably in front of, the gas fuel dispensing apparatus. Such at least one second pre-defined area is different from the at least one first pre-defined area and might be closer to and / or further away from the gas dispensing fuel apparatus or the sensor than the at least one first pre-defined area. In such case, the gas dispensing fuel apparatus can be caused to stop gas fuel dispensing, if the person is not present within the at least one first pre-defined area and not present with the at least one second pre-defined area. This can be the case when the person is not able to be detected any more, e.g., due to leaving the detection area. This might also be the case, however, if the person is still detectable but outside the at least one first pre-defined area and the at least one second pre-defined area, e.g. when the person is too close to the gas fuel dispensing apparatus or too far away from it. If the person is not present within the at least one first pre-defined area and if the person is present with the at least one second pre-defined area, then, the gas dispensing fuel apparatus can be caused to provide an instruction to the person to relocate to the at least one first pre-defined area or a corresponding marked zone. For example, a message and / or image might be displayed on a display of the gas fuel dispensing apparatus. Alternatively, or in addition, an acoustic warning alarm or signal might be provided. Also in this case, the gas dispensing fuel apparatus can be caused to stop gas fuel dispensing, if the person is not present within the at least one first predefined area for at least a first pre-defined time duration. In this way, dispensing is stopped in any case in that the person cannot be detected anymore and some time is given to the person to relocate only if the person is still detectable albeit outside the first area.

[0021] Further, detecting a person can be used to anticipate an imminent gas fuel dispensing operation. Thus, the gas fuel dispensing apparatus can be caused to cool down a pump and / or other dispensing equipment, if a person is detected, e.g., detected at all or within the at least first pre-defined area. This accelerates the entire time duration necessary for the gas fuel dispensing operation.

[0022] The invention also relates to a data processing device comprising or processor or other means for performing the method according to the invention or method steps thereof. The data processing device may be a computer or server, for example in a so-called cloud or cloud environment. In particular, however, the data processing device is a processing device of a gas fuel dispensing apparatus.

[0023] The implementation of a method according to the invention in the form of a computer program or computer program product with program code or instructions for performing all method steps is also advantageous, since this causes particularly low costs, in particular if an executing control device is still used for further tasks and is therefore present anyway. Also, a machine-readable storage medium is provided with a computer program or instructions stored thereon as described above. Suitable storage media or data carriers for providing the computer program are in particular magnetic, optical and electrical memories, such as hard disks, flash memories, EEPROMs, DVDs and the like. It is also possible to download a program via computer networks (Internet, intranet, etc.). Such a download can take place by wire or cable or wirelessly (e.g. via a WIFI network, a 3G, 4G, 5G or 6G connection, etc.).

[0024] Further advantages and embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the description and the appended figures.

[0025] It should be noted that the previously mentioned features and the features to be further described in the following are usable not only in the respectively indicated combination, but also in further combinations or taken alone, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0026] Short description of the figures

[0027] Fig. 1 illustrates a gas fuel dispensing apparatus according to a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0028] Fig. 2a illustrates the gas fuel dispensing apparatus of Fig. 1 in a different view

[0029] Fig. 2b illustrates the gas fuel dispensing apparatus of Fig. 1 in a further different view

[0030] Fig. 3 illustrates a method according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in a flow diagram.

[0031] Fig. 4 illustrates a method according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention in a flow diagram.

[0032] Fig. 5 illustrates a method according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention in a flow diagram.

[0033] Fig. 6 illustrates a method according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention in a flow diagram.

[0034] Detailed description of the figures Fig. 1 schematically illustrates a gas fuel dispensing apparatus 100 (gas fuel dispenser) according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, being located on a floor or ground 110.

[0035] The gas fuel dispensing apparatus 100 comprises a data processing device 102, a distance sensor 104 and a display 106. The data processing device 102 can be configured to operate the gas fuel dispensing device 100, in particular according to a method according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, in particular with receiving sensor information from the distance sensor 104. The distance sensor 104 can be of any type of sensor capable of determining a distance (incl. analysing the sensor information) the distance of a person or person from the distance sensor 104.

[0036] For example, the distance sensor 104 can be an infrared sensor, a laser distance sensor, an ultrasound sensor, a radar sensor, a thermic camera, or a video camera. An ultrasound sensor, for example, provides a larger detection area (or field of view) than an infrared sensor or a laser distance sensor, but might be of lower distance resolution.

[0037] Further, the gas fuel dispensing apparatus 100 comprises a hose 108 configured to be coupled to an interface 132 of a gas fuel receiver 130. In this embodiment, the gas fuel receiver 130 is a car or its fuel tank, respectively. The gas fuel dispensing apparatus 100 is configured to dispense gas fuel via the hose 108 to the gas fuel receiver 132.

[0038] Further, a gas fuel reservoir or tank 120 for storing large amounts of gas fuel 122 like (liquid) natural gas or (liquid) hydrogen, which is supplied to the gas fuel dispensing apparatus 100 via a supply line 124.

[0039] Fig. 2 illustrates the gas fuel dispensing apparatus 100 of Fig. 1 in a different view (a top view). Fig. 3 illustrates the gas fuel dispensing apparatus 100 of Fig. 2 in a further different view (a side view), similar to Fig. 1 . Both, Figs. 2 and 3, show the gas fuel dispensing apparatus 100 without the vehicle 130 and without the gas fuel reservoir or tank 120. Instead, a user 140 is shown, who can be the one to use and operate the gas fuel dispensing apparatus 100. Further, a detection area or field of view 112 is shown.

[0040] The distance sensor 104 is arranged and configured such that an area in front of the gas fuel dispensing apparatus 100 can be monitored and a person therein can be detected. For example, the distance sensor can be placed in a height hi over height hO of ground 110, e.g., between 100 cm and 200 cm, preferably at 140 cm. The distance sensor 104 can be arranged with an angle 114 of, e.g., 20° tilt versus a parallel line to ground 110, in order to aim the driver person.

[0041] The detection area 112 comprises or is divided into, by means of example, five zones or pre-defined areas A, B, C, D and E. These five pre-defined areas are defined by different distances d1, d2, d3, d4, d5 and d6 from the distance sensor 104. The distances d1, d2, d3, d4, d5 and d6 can be, e.g., 0 cm, 20 cm, 40 cm, 80 cm, 100 cm, and 300 cm.

[0042] Zone C is, for example, the ideal position for the person 140 during dispensing gas fuel (refuelling the vehicle) and can be marked on ground 110 by means of a printing 116 or the like, for example. Zone C can be a first pre-defined area in which the person is to be detected such that the gas dispensing fuel apparatus 100 is cased to dispense to dispense gas fuel, preferably, receiving a person input via a touch button on the display 106.

[0043] Zones B and D are located next to zone C, such that zone B is closer to the gas dispensing fuel apparatus 100 (and the distance sensor 104) and that zone D is further away from the gas dispensing fuel apparatus 100 (and the distance sensor 104). Zones B and D can be a second pre-defined areas or warning zones. If the person 140 is not present within one of these zones B, C, D, the gas dispensing fuel apparatus 100 can be caused to stop gas fuel dispensing. If the person 140 is present within zone B or D, the gas dispensing fuel apparatus 100 an be caused to provide an instruction to the person to relocate to zone C, for example. If the person does not return to zone C within a first pre-defined time duration, e.g., two seconds, the gas dispensing fuel apparatus 100 can be caused to stop gas fuel dispensing.

[0044] Zones A and E are located next to zones B and D, respectively, such that zone A is closer to the gas dispensing fuel apparatus 100 (and the distance sensor 104) and that zone D is further away from the gas dispensing fuel apparatus 100 (and the distance sensor 104). If the person 140 is present in zone A or E, the gas dispensing fuel apparatus 100 can be caused to stop gas fuel dispensing. Also, the gas dispensing fuel apparatus 100 can be caused to stop gas fuel dispensing, if the person 140 cannot be detected at all.

[0045] Fig. 3 illustrates a method according to a preferred embodiment of the invention in a flow diagram. In step 300, sensor information from the distance sensor are received. In step 302, based on the sensor information, a person is detected (if any person can be detected). In step 304, the gas dispensing fuel apparatus is caused to dispense gas fuel depending on the detection of a person. These steps can be repeated.

[0046] In particular, step 304 can comprise, in step 306, causing the gas dispensing fuel apparatus 100 to start dispensing gas fuel upon receiving a person input and if a person is present within the at least one first pre-defined area.

[0047] Further, step 304 can comprise, in step 308, detecting whether a person is present within at least one second pre-defined area and, step 310, causing the gas dispensing fuel apparatus to stop gas fuel dispensing, if the person is not present within the at least one first pre-defined area and not present with the at least one second predefined area. If the person is not present within the at least one first pre-defined area and if the person is present with the at least one second pre-defined area, in step 312, the gas dispensing fuel apparatus is caused to provide an instruction to the person to relocate to the at least one first pre-defined area.

[0048] If the person is not present within the at least one first pre-defined area for at least a first pre-defined time duration, in step 314, the gas dispensing fuel apparatus is caused to stop gas fuel dispensing.

[0049] Fig. 4 illustrates a method according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention in a flow diagram and, in particular, by means of messages or images to be displayed on the display of the gas dispensing fuel apparatus, like the display 106 shown in Fig. 1.

[0050] When the gas dispensing fuel apparatus is available and stopped (no step in progress), thanks to the distance sensor, a message like message 400 can be displayed if a person or driver enters into the detection area of the distance sensor. The screen can change its state (from idle mode to working mode). The information that a person is detected can be provided to the gas dispensing fuel apparatus and / or the gas fuel reservoir in order to activate a cooling down of a pump, for example. In this way the total time to finish a fuelling can be reduced. The person can confirm and to start gas fuel dispensing by pressing on a (touch) button on the screen, for example. The gas dispensing fuel apparatus is caused to start dispensing gas fuel upon receiving such person input (pressing the button) and if the person is present within the at least one first pre-defined area like zone C of Figs. 2 and 3.

[0051] The distance sensor can permanently or repeatedly check the person position during dispensing (fuelling); the person has to stay within the at least one first pre-defined area like zone C. If the person moves over warning tolerances, i.e. out of zone C, a message can be provided to warn the person and ask him to go back into zone C, the approved position. Two such messages (control messages) can be used: a message 410 (with the person shown in orange, for example), instructing the person to move forward (if he is zone D, for example), and a message 420 (with the person shown in orange, for example), instructing the person to move back (if he is zone B, for example). In addition to such messages, an acoustic alarm and / or sound message can be provided.

[0052] If the person is not detected in any of zones B, C and D, for more than a first predetermined time duration (e.g. two seconds), dispensing is stopped (or put on hold). For example, a buzzer can be activated in case of such stop, such that the person can proceed dispensing when back in zone C.

[0053] When the person is back in zone C - and also at every other time, when the person is in zone C, a message 430 (with the person shown in green, for example) can be provided, indication that the person is ideally located

[0054] If, during dispensing (vehicle fuelling), the person goes out of zone C (the safety area) or even out of the detection area of the distance sensor, a visual warning like message 440 (with the person shown in red, for example) can be provided. Also, a sound warning can be activated (e.g., constant sound or noise for alert and intervallic for warning). A proportional intermittent sound similarly to a vehicle equipped with a reversing radar might be used (the more the person goes away form the ideal position, one C, the more the sound becomes continuous, i.e., with shorter intervals. Fig. 5 illustrates a method according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention in a flow diagram. During dispensing (fuelling), a minimum distance for the person from the distance sensor (e.g., distance d2 or d3 in Figs. 2 and 3) can be monitored; if this minimum distance is not respected by the person, a warning message can be provided for (during) a certain time duration, e.g., 5 seconds. After that certain time duration, dispensing can be stopped (or put into hold). A possible way of how to perform such monitoring process will be explained in the following.

[0055] After start in step 500, in step 502 it is checked whether the gas fuel dispensing apparatus is dispensing. If not (N, no), the process is stopped, step 514. If it is (Y, yes), in step 504 it is checked whether the distance of the person from the distance sensor is less than the minimum distance. If not (N, no), the process is stopped, step 514. If it is (Y, yes), in step 506 a message is provided (on the display) instructing the person to move back (see, for example, message 420 in Fig. 4). In addition, in step 508, a timer is started, setting the certain time duration, e.g., 5 seconds. Then, in step 510, it is checked whether the timer has finished. If not (N, no), the process restarts with step 502. If it is (Y, yes), in step 512, dispensing is stopped or put on hold. Then, the process ends, step 514.

[0056] Fig. 6 illustrates a method according to a further preferred embodiment of the invention in a flow diagram. During dispensing (fuelling), movement of the person is monitored by means of the distance sensor. For example, the distance can be determined every one or two seconds. If there is no movement during more than a certain time duration, e.g., 15 seconds, a message is displayed to invite the person to move a little bit, and, e.g., also that he has to stay on the safety area (zone C). If there is no movement after another certain time duration, e.g., 5 seconds, dispensing is stopped or put on hold. A possible way of how to perform such monitoring process will be explained in the following.

[0057] After start in step 600, in step 602 it is checked whether the gas fuel dispensing apparatus is dispensing. If not (N, no), the process is stopped, step 622. If it is (Y, yes), in step 604, the current distance of the person from the distance sensor is determined and, e.g., saved. Further, a movement timer is started, setting a certain time duration, e.g., 15 seconds during which a movement has to be detected, and it is waited for next time determining the distance, e.g., one or two seconds. If, step 606, the movement timer is running, in step 608, the distance is again determined and compared with the saved (previous) one. It is checked, if a difference of the two distances is more than a certain value, e.g., 1 cm, this means that the person moved. If it is (Y, yes), the process restarts with step 602. If not (N, no), it is checked, whether the movement timer is still running, i.e., whether the certain time duration, e.g., 15 seconds, is over, step 610. If not (N, no), it is turned to step 606. If it is (Y, yes), in step 612 a message is provided (on the display) instructing the person to move within zone C.

[0058] In addition (still step 612), a further timer is started, setting a certain time duration, e.g., 5 seconds. Then, in step 614, the distance is again determined and compared with the saved (previous) one (from step 608). It is checked, if a difference of the two distances is more than the certain value, e.g., 1 cm, this means that the person moved. If it is (Y, yes), the process restarts with step 602. If not (N, no), in step 616, it is checked whether the other timer is still running, i.e., whether the certain time duration, e.g., 5 seconds, is over. If not (N, no), it is turned to step 612. If it is (Y, yes), in step 620, dispensing is stopped or put on hold. Then, the process ends, step 622.

Claims

Patent Claims1. A method for operating gas fuel dispensing apparatus (100), wherein the gas fuel dispensing apparatus (100) comprises a hose (108) configured to be coupled to an interface (132) of a gas fuel receiver (130), wherein the gas fuel dispensing apparatus (100) is configured to dispense gas fuel (122) via the hose (108) to the gas fuel receiver (130), and wherein the gas fuel dispensing apparatus (100) comprises a distance sensor (104), the method comprising: receiving (300) sensor information from the distance sensor (104); detecting (302), based on the sensor information, a person (140); and causing (304) the gas dispensing fuel apparatus (100) to dispense gas fuel depending on the detection of a person (140) characterized by detecting whether a person(140) is present within at least one first pre-defined area (C) with respect to, preferably in front of, the gas fuel dispensing apparatus (100); and causing the gas dispensing fuel apparatus (100) to dispense gas fuel if a person (140) is present within the at least one first pre-defined area (C) and detecting a movement of the person (140); and causing the gas dispensing fuel apparatus (100) to provide an instruction to the person to move, if no movement of the person (140) has been detected for at least a second pre-defined time duration.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising: causing (306) the gas dispensing fuel apparatus (100) to start dispensing gas fuel upon receiving a person input and if a person (140) is present within the at least one first pre-defined area (C).

3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one first pre-defined area (C) has a pre-defined minimum distance (d3) from the gas dispensing apparatus (100) or the distance sensor (104), and / or a pre-defined maximum distance (d4) from the gas dispensing apparatus (100) or the distance sensor (104).

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: causing the gas dispensing fuel apparatus (100) to provide an instruction to the person (140) to relocate to the at least one first pre-defined area (C) or a corresponding marked zone (116), if the person (140) is not present within the at least one first predefined area (C) or leaves the at least one pre-defined area (C).The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising: detecting (308) whether a person (140) is present within at least one second pre-defined area (B, D) with respect to, preferably in front of, the gas fuel dispensing apparatus (100); causing (310) the gas dispensing fuel apparatus (100) to stop gas fuel dispensing, if the person (140) is not present within the at least one first predefined area (C) and not present with the at least one second pre-defined area (B, D); and causing (312) the gas dispensing fuel apparatus (100) to provide an instruction to the person(140) to relocate to the at least one first pre-defined area (C), if the person (140) is not present within the at least one first pre-defined area (C) and if the person(140) is present with the at least one second pre-defined area (B, D). The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: causing (314) the gas dispensing fuel apparatus (100) to stop gas fuel dispensing, if the person (140) is not present within the at least one first pre-defined area (C) for at least a first predefined time duration. The method of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance sensor (104) is one of the following: an infrared sensor, a laser distance sensor an ultrasound sensor, a radar sensor, a thermic camera, a video camera. A data processing device (102) comprising a processor configured to perform the steps of any one of the preceding claims. A gas fuel dispensing apparatus (100) comprising a hose (108) configured to be coupled to an interface (132) of a gas fuel receiver (130), wherein the gas fuel dispensing apparatus (100) is configured to dispense gas fuel (122) via the hose (108) to the gas fuel receiver (130), wherein the gas fuel dispensing apparatus (100) comprises a distance sensor (104), wherein the gas fuel dispensing apparatus (100) is configured to detect a person (140) by means of the distance sensor (104), and wherein the gas dispensing fuel apparatus (100) is configured to operate gas fuel dispensing depending on the detection of a person (140) and its movement.The gas fuel dispensing apparatus (100) of claim 9, further comprising the data processing device (102) of claim 8. A computer program comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of the method of any one of claims 1 to 7. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of the method of any one of claims 1 to 7.

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