Fuel supply system

Abstract

To prevent fuel supply from being enabled by operation of a management machine without an attendant confirming the status of a fuel supply device via a camera image, by controlling whether or not the fuel supply is enabled based on whether the camera image is displayed on a display part of a portable terminal device.SOLUTION: A fuel supply system includes: fuel supply devices 21 to 2n that supply fuel to a vehicle 101; a portable terminal device 8 that issues an instruction regarding fuel supply to the fuel supply devices 21 to 2n, and cameras 31 to 3n that take the images of the vicinity of the fuel supply devices 21 to 2n. In addition, the portable terminal device 8 includes: a display part 9 that displays the camera images taken by the cameras 31 to 3n; display state determination means 10 that determines whether or not the camera images are being displayed on the display part 9; and a control part 11 that controls whether or not fuel is to be supplied by the supply devices 21 to 2n based on a determination result by display state determination means 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fuel delivery system. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a fuel supply system that includes a plurality of refueling machines that supply fuel to refueling targets, a management machine that has a display and manages refueling by each refueling machine, and a camera that photographs the vicinity of each refueling machine. In this fuel supply system, an attendant visually checks the camera image displayed on the display of the management machine, and when it is determined that there is no abnormality in the refueling area near the refueling machine, a confirmation button is operated to allow supply. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-10358 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] As described above, in Patent Document 1, the staff member gives permission for supply by visually checking the camera image displayed on the display unit of the management machine. Therefore, for example, if the camera image is not displayed on the management machine due to a camera failure or communication error, the staff member cannot determine from the camera image whether fuel supply to the refueling area should be permitted, but may mistakenly operate the management machine, resulting in a state in which supply is permitted.

[0005] An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide a fuel supply system that controls whether or not fuel can be supplied based on whether or not a camera image is displayed on the display of the management machine, thereby preventing an attendant from being able to supply fuel by operating the management machine without checking the status of the fuel supply device using a camera image. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention comprises a fuel supply device that supplies fuel to a fuel supply target, a portable terminal device that issues instructions regarding fuel supply to the fuel supply device, and a camera that photographs the area near the fuel supply device, and the portable terminal device comprises a display unit that displays a camera image captured by the camera, a display state determination means that determines whether the camera image is displayed on the display unit, and a control unit that controls whether or not fuel is supplied by the fuel supply device based on the determination result by the display state determination means. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the possibility of fuel supply can be controlled based on whether or not a camera image is displayed on the display unit of the management machine, preventing an attendant from operating the management machine to allow fuel supply without checking the status of the fuel supply device using a camera image. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall view showing a gas station equipped with a fuel supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a fuel supply system. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a portable terminal device in which a selection button for selecting a refueling lane is displayed on a display unit. [Figure 4] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a mobile terminal device in which a camera image of a selected refueling lane and settings are displayed on a display unit. FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a mobile terminal device in which a camera image is not displayed on the display unit. [Figure 6] 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the correspondence between a plurality of cameras and the fuel lanes corresponding to the cameras; [Figure 7] 4 is a flowchart showing a control process of the refueling monitoring device. [Figure 8] 8 is a flowchart continuing from the control process of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 4 is a flowchart showing a control process of the portable terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] A fuel supply system that manages the supply of liquid fuel such as gasoline will be described below in detail with reference to Figs. 1 to 9 as a representative example of a fuel supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a gas station 1 in which a fuel supply system is implemented as a fuel supply system. In FIG. 1, outside the gas station 1, there are a plurality of fuel supply devices, for example, five fuel supply devices 21-2 n In this case, five fuel supply devices 21-2 are installed. n There are 10 fuel lanes on either side of the refueling station. n The fuel supply devices 21-2 supply liquid fuel such as gasoline to the fuel tank of the vehicle 101 that is the fuel supply target and is parked in the fuel supply lane. n The fuel supply device may have, for example, three fuel supply systems. The fuel supply device may have a single fuel supply system, or may have two or four or more fuel supply systems.

[0011] Refueling equipment 21~2 n The vehicle is provided with a plurality of nozzles 2A for supplying fuel such as gasoline (regular gasoline, high-octane gasoline), diesel, etc. The driver (operator) inserts the nozzles 2A into the fuel supply devices 21-2. n The fuel supply device 21-2 is attached to the fuel supply port 101 of the vehicle 101. ... n The control unit 2B drives a fuel pump (not shown) and external machines 2C1 to 2C for selecting the type of oil and the amount of oil to be fed. n etc. are provided.

[0012] In addition, the gas station 1 includes a plurality of fuel supply devices, for example, fuel supply devices 21-2 n 5 cameras in total 31~3n A plurality of cameras 31 to 3 n The objects to be photographed are, for example, as shown in FIG. n The corresponding oil supply devices 21-2 n The operating status of the fueling lane, for example, the status of the fueling device 21-2 by the driver (operator) n In order to monitor the operation status of the fuel supply devices 21-2 n The camera 31-3 is taking pictures of the area around the n The cameras 31 to 33 are connected to a refueling monitoring device 6, which will be described later, by wireless or wire. n The camera image (image information) taken by the vehicle is transmitted to the refueling monitoring device 6 as information on the refueling lane.

[0013] The gas station 1 is provided with a control room 4. The control room 4 (indoors) contains, for example, fuel supply devices 21-2. n A POS system 5 that performs point-of-sale information management by the refueling device 21-2 n and a refueling monitoring device (self-service controller) 6 which performs control processing for granting permission for refueling to the vehicle.

[0014] The POS system 5 is connected to a plurality of external machines 2C1 to 2C via a fuel supply monitoring device 6. n and the external devices 2C1 to 2C2 are connected by a signal line 7. The POS system 5 manages transaction information when fuel is supplied, and n When the refueling setting is completed, the refueling monitoring device 6 can be notified of the setting completion information. n The external devices 2C1 to 2C2 are configured with a bill validator, a card reader / writer, an oil type selection button, a balance / deposit amount display unit, a slip printer, etc. (none of which are shown). n is a device that is operated by the driver (operator) who performs the refueling operation to set the information necessary for self-service refueling. For example, the POS system 5 also serves as a cash register.

[0015] The fuel supply monitoring device 6, together with a portable terminal device 8 (display unit 9) described later, is connected to the fuel supply devices 21-2. nAs shown in FIG. 2, the fuel supply monitoring device 6 is provided with a display unit 6E. The display unit 6E displays the fuel supply by the outdoor machines 2C1 to 2C. n The display unit 6A shows a setting content display area 6A in which the refueling information (fuel lane, fuel type, fuel amount, etc.) set in the refueling information display area 6A is displayed, and selection and operation buttons 6B are selected and operated by the attendant. The selection and operation buttons 6B are configured with a touch sensor panel displayed on the display unit 6E, and are a lane selection button, a permission button, and a stop button provided for each of the multiple refueling lanes. Furthermore, the refueling monitoring device 6 includes a control unit 6C that controls whether or not refueling is permitted, and refueling devices 21-2 n , Camera 31~3 n and a communication unit 6D that communicates with a mobile terminal device 8 described later. n and cameras 31 to 3 n A monitor 12 is provided on which an image of the

[0016] Next, the display and control of the refueling monitoring device 6 will be described. First, the refueling monitoring device 6 is a device for monitoring the refueling devices 21-2 in the gas station 1. n The refueling monitoring device 6 acquires the setting status (setting information) of the POS system 5 through the communication unit 6D and displays the setting information in the setting content display area 6A. n Among the multiple nozzles 2A, the external machines 2C1 to 2C of the POS system 5 n When the nozzle 2A, to which the same oil type as that set in the oil supply device 21-2 is set, is removed from the nozzle hook by the driver, n When the information of the nozzle being disconnected is received from the fuel supply device 21-2, the fuel supply preparation is completed (when the information of the nozzle being disconnected is received from the fuel supply device 21-2 n (indicating that the corresponding fuel lane is waiting for fuel).

[0017] Then, the staff in the management room 4 checks the cameras 31-3 displayed on the monitor 12. nThe safety of the fueling lane is confirmed by checking the image of the fueling lane taken by the camera or by visually inspecting the fueling lane from inside the management room 4. When the safety of the fueling lane where the above-mentioned fueling operation is being performed is confirmed, the staff member selects the lane where the fueling operation is being performed by using the lane selection button and operates the permission button to permit the fueling device 21-2 to enter the lane. n Specifically, in this refueling operation, the control unit 6C can issue a refueling permission to the refueling devices 21-2. n A refueling permission signal is transmitted to the refueling device 21-2 which receives the refueling permission signal. n The control unit 2B drives the fuel pump, that is, brings the vehicle into a state where fuel supply is possible.

[0018] The communication section 6D of the refueling monitoring device 6 communicates with the refueling devices 21-2 via a signal line 7. n ya Camera 31~3 n Connected to camera 31-3 n The image information acquired (received) from the fuel supply monitor device 6 is transmitted to the portable terminal device 8. n , Camera 31~3 n are connected to each other via a LAN (Local Area Network) using a signal line 7. The communication method may be any communication method, such as SS-LAN communication, Ethernet communication, Wi-Fi communication, Bluetooth (registered trademark) communication, Wi-SUN communication, LTE communication, LPWA communication, ZigBee communication, WirelessHART communication, EnOcean communication, etc. n , Camera 31~3 n The communication unit 6D is capable of transmitting and receiving various signals to and from the mobile terminal 8 (communication unit 17) via wireless communication means.

[0019] The portable terminal device 8 is carried by a staff member (a fuel manager) of the gas station 1. The staff member uses the portable terminal device 8 in the gas station 1 to operate the fuel supply devices 21-2. n The attendant monitors and manages the refueling by the refueling device 21-2. For example, the driver of the vehicle 101 is a refueling customer. nWhen refueling a vehicle 101 (fuel tank) using the fuel supply device 21-2, permission or non-permission (stop) of refueling is given. n The portable terminal device 8 and the refueling monitoring device 6 are connected to each other by wireless communication means (communication unit 6D, communication unit 17). Note that the portable terminal device 8 and the refueling monitoring device 6 may be configured to be connected to each other by wire, if necessary.

[0020] The portable terminal device 8 functions as a management device together with the refueling monitoring device 6. The portable terminal device 8 is configured, for example, as a portable tablet terminal or a smartphone. The portable terminal device 8 is capable of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the refueling monitoring device 6 via a communication unit 17. The portable terminal device 8 also includes a display unit 9, a display state determination means 10, a control unit 11, an image processing unit 16, etc., which will be described later.

[0021] The mobile terminal 8 is a portable computer equipped with a processor (CPU) and a storage device (memory) as a storage means. The storage device of the mobile terminal 8 stores (contains) a processing program for executing the processing flows related to the display state determination means 10 and the control unit 11 shown in Figs. 7 to 9.

[0022] The control unit 11 switches the display contents of the display unit 9 and controls refueling (permitting refueling or stopping refueling) in response to selection and operation by a selection / operation button 9B of the display unit 9 described later. In addition, the image processing unit 16 receives images from the cameras 31-32 transmitted from the refueling monitoring device 6 (communication unit 6D) and acquired by the communication unit 17. n The image processor 16 also controls the display unit 9 to display the camera images (image information) captured by the cameras 31 to 33 stored in a storage device (not shown). n Based on the correspondence between the lane and the fuel lane (see FIG. 6), the cameras 31 to 3 corresponding to the lane selected by the lane selection buttons 9B1 and 9B2 described later are n The camera image is displayed in the camera image display area 9C.

[0023] The display unit 9 of the portable terminal device 8 is formed of a touch-type monitor made of a liquid crystal panel, an organic EL panel, or the like. The content displayed on the display unit 9 may be the same as the content displayed on the monitor of the refueling monitoring device 6, or may be the same as the content displayed on the monitor of the refueling devices 21-2. n The screen configuration is not limited to this, as long as it allows fuel supply management. Note that the present invention will be described using a screen displayed on the display unit 9 of the portable terminal device 8.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, the display unit 9 of the portable terminal device 8 displays the fuel supply devices 21-2 n The operation status of a plurality of fuel lanes corresponding to the fuel lane is recorded by the camera 31 to the camera 32. As shown in FIG. 4, the operation status of a specific fuel lane among the plurality of fuel lanes is recorded by the camera 33. n The image includes a camera image taken by the fuel supply device 21-2. n The list screen (screen shown in Fig. 3) displays the operating status of the fuel lane corresponding to the area in one screen. On the other hand, the details screen (screen shown in Fig. 4) displays the operating status (driver's behavior, nozzle handling, camera images of the fuel lane, etc.) of a specific fuel lane among multiple fuel areas, as well as the set fuel type and fuel amount.

[0025] As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the display unit 9 displays a setting content display area 9A, lane selection buttons 9B1, 9B2 of the selection / operation button 9B, a simultaneous stop button 9B3, a stop button 9B4, a permission button 9B5, a return button 9B6, a condition display area 9B7, a camera image display area 9C, etc.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 3, the setting content display area 9A is in a list screen state during standby, and displays the refueling lane number and the setting information of the POS system 5, and also has lane selection buttons 9B1, 9B2. The lane selection buttons 9B1, 9B2 correspond to the refueling lanes, and when an attendant operates (touches) the lane selection buttons 9B1, 9B2, a selection button operation signal (screen switching signal, etc.) is transmitted to the refueling monitoring device 6. The lane selection buttons 9B1, 9B2 can display a triangular icon indicating that refueling is in progress, an icon indicating that refueling is waiting, an icon indicating that refueling has been temporarily stopped, etc. As a result, when the refueling devices 21-2 have completed preparation for refueling by operating the lane selection buttons 9B1, 9B2 of the selection / operation buttons 9B, n By selecting this, the display content in the setting content display area 9A can be switched to a detailed screen as shown in FIG.

[0027] The list screen of Fig. 3 can be switched to the detailed screen of Fig. 4 by operating lane selection buttons 9B1, 9B2 on the display unit 9. On the other hand, the detailed screen of Fig. 4 can be switched to the list screen of Fig. 3 by operating a return button 9B6 on the display unit 9. Also, when an attendant touches the display unit 9, the portable terminal 8 can transmit a refueling permission signal, a screen switching signal, etc. to the refueling monitoring device 6.

[0028] For example, the list screen of FIG. 3 includes lane selection buttons 9B1 to 9B2 corresponding to 10 fuel lanes. n For example, lane selection buttons 9B1 and 9B2 for two refueling lanes (for example, a first lane and a second lane) in which a refueling operation is being performed on a vehicle 101 and refueling devices 21 to 2 n A simultaneous stop button 9B3 for simultaneously stopping the refueling operation of the refueling devices 21-2 n Among these, a stop button 9B4 for stopping the refueling operation of the selected refueling device and an enable button 9B5 can be displayed.

[0029] In the detailed screen of FIG. 4, for example, camera images of the first lane and the second lane taken by the cameras 31 and 32 corresponding to the refueling lane selected by the lane selection buttons 9B1 and 9B2 are displayed in the central camera image display area 9C. This allows the attendant to understand the situation regarding refueling in the selected refueling lane by checking the camera image display area 9C. In addition, the detailed screen can display a condition display area 9B7 such as the type of oil and the amount of oil, in addition to the simultaneous stop button 9B3, the stop button 9B4, the permission button 9B5, and the return button 9B6. The camera image display area 9C can also display characters and icons indicating the refueling situation.

[0030] Here, the permission button 9B5 is operated on the detailed screen of FIG. 4 to transmit information indicating that a refueling permission operation has been performed to the refueling monitoring device 6, thereby permitting the refueling devices 21-2 to perform a refueling permission operation. n When permission for refueling is given, the setting content display area 9A returns to the list screen. Even in the list screen of FIG. 3, the permission button 9B5 can be pressed, for example, when an attendant is in a position where he or she can visually confirm the refueling operation and the camera 31-3 n The operator can operate the portable terminal 8 when it is confirmed that the fuel supply operation is being performed correctly without looking at the camera image taken by the operator. In this case, the position of the attendant (portable terminal 8) can be grasped by the beacon 14 described later. The position of the attendant (portable terminal 8) may be grasped by using a GPS, position detection by reading an identification code provided on the fuel supply device or the like with the portable terminal, or the like, in addition to the beacon.

[0031] The display state determination means 10 is provided in the mobile terminal device 8. The display state determination means 10 detects the images of the cameras 31-3 in the camera image display area 9C of the display unit 9 of the mobile terminal device 8. n Here, it is determined whether the camera image captured by the camera 31 to 3 is displayed in the camera image display area 9C. n The following explains why the images taken by the cameras 31-3 are not displayed. nHowever, due to a communication environment problem (communication failure (no response) of the communication unit 6D of the refueling monitoring device 6 or the communication unit 17 of the portable terminal device 8), the portable terminal device 8 cannot receive the image data. n This means that communication is sent and received at regular intervals, and communication is interrupted (camera 31-3 n When a signal is not transmitted from the camera or cannot be received, the camera image cannot be received, and the display state determination means 10 determines that the camera image is not displayed.

[0032] The portable terminal device 8 (communication unit 17) receives the images of the cameras 31-33 via the refueling monitoring device 6 (communication unit 6D). n The image data may be received, in which case the display state determination means 10 may determine that the camera image is not displayed due to communication being interrupted between the portable terminal device 8 and the communication unit 6D of the refueling monitoring device 6.

[0033] As for reason 2, the camera image cannot be displayed due to a malfunction of the display unit 9. For example, a battery capacity calculation means (not shown) for calculating the battery capacity may be provided in the portable terminal device 8, and the display unit 9 may be determined to have malfunctioned based on the change in the battery capacity between when the camera image is displayed on the display unit 9 and when the camera image is not displayed. Alternatively, the number of display pixels of the display unit 9 may be detected, and when a predetermined number of pixels is not detected, specifically, when the screen is completely black (for example, when 80% or more of the entire screen is configured with the same number of pixels for several seconds), the display unit 9 may be determined to have malfunctioned. These events are considered as reasons why the camera image of the fuel lane is not displayed on the portable terminal device 8. In addition to these, other events such as a dead battery may also be considered.

[0034] The control unit 11 determines whether the fuel supply device 21-2 is in a normal or abnormal state based on the result of the determination by the display state determination means 10. n The control unit 11 controls whether or not fuel is supplied by the cameras 31 to 33 (putting the fuel supply in a possible or impossible state). nWhen the display state determination means 10 determines that the camera image captured by the camera is not displayed, the control unit 11 controls the POS system 5 and the fuel supply devices 21-2 in the management room 4 to invalidate the instruction to the permission button 9B5 as the instruction unit or to disable the instruction to the permission button 9B5. n It can also be provided in.

[0035] The control by the control unit 11 to invalidate an instruction to the permission button 9B5 or to disable an instruction to the permission button 9B5 includes control not to display the permission button 9B5 on the display unit 9 of the portable terminal device 8, control not to transmit a permission signal even when the permission button 9B5 of the portable terminal device 8 is operated, control to invalidate the signal on the receiving side even when the permission button 9B5 of the portable terminal device 8 is operated and a permission signal is transmitted from the portable terminal device 8, or control not to permit refueling (pump drive) even when the signal is received, and control not to put the portable terminal device 8 into a refueling permission waiting state when a refueling permission operation is possible from the portable terminal device 8 because the portable terminal device 8 is in a refueling permission waiting state. Any control other than these controls may be used as long as it can invalidate the refueling permission.

[0036] In addition, the control unit 11 determines by the display state determination means 10 that the camera image display area 9C of the display unit 9 is n It is determined that the camera image captured by the portable terminal device 8 is not displayed, and the portable terminal device 8 is not connected to the fuel supply device 21-2 by the beacon 14 described later. n When it is detected that the fuel supply device is located near the vehicle 101 (the portable terminal device 8 receives radio waves emitted from the beacon 14 near the fuel supply device), the control unit 11 performs control to enable fuel supply to the vehicle 101. Furthermore, the control unit 11 performs control to enable fuel supply to the vehicle 101 by the display state determination means 10. n If it is determined that the camera image is not being displayed and the portable terminal device 8 is not located within the gas station based on a beacon 13 described below, an abnormality is notified and control is also performed to stop the refueling control.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 1, the monitor 12 is provided in the control room 4 near the fuel supply monitoring device 6. The monitor 12 is provided with cameras 31 to 3 n and cameras 31 to 3 nThis allows the staff in the management room 4 to see the images captured by the cameras 31 to 3 by looking at the monitor 12. n The status of the fueling lane photographed by the monitor 12 can be grasped, and for example, in a fueling lane waiting for permission to refuel, the driver (operator) can check safety such as whether the fueling nozzle is securely inserted into the fueling opening of the vehicle 101, and can start refueling by operating the permission button of the fueling monitoring device 6. The monitor 12 can also display a screen similar to that of the portable terminal device 8. Note that, if the attendant can visually check the fueling lane from within the management room 4, it is also possible to start refueling by operating the permission button without checking the monitor 12, and in that case, the monitor 12 may not be provided.

[0038] As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the beacons 13, 14, and 15 are appropriately arranged in the gas station 1 and constitute a position detection means for detecting the position of the portable terminal device 8 within the gas station 1. Specifically, when radio waves are irradiated from the beacons 13, 14, and 15 within a predetermined range and the radio waves are received by the communication unit 17 of the portable terminal device 8, the control unit 11 of the portable terminal device 8 detects the location of the portable terminal device 8 within the predetermined area (for example, the fuel supply devices 21-2 n The beacon 13, which is an in-facility beacon, is placed over a wide area of ​​the gas station 1 (or radiates radio waves over a wide area). This allows the beacon 13 to detect that a staff member carrying the portable terminal device 8 is present within the gas station 1.

[0039] The beacon 14 as a fuel supply device vicinity beacon is located outside the gas station 1 and is connected to the fuel supply devices 21-2. n , Camera 31~3 n In this way, the beacon 14 is installed near the fuel supply devices 21-2 by a staff member carrying the portable terminal device 8. n In other words, the beacon 14 can detect that the staff member who issues the permission and carries the mobile terminal device 8 is in the vicinity of the cameras 31 to 3. n It is possible to detect that the person is in a position where they can visually confirm a situation equivalent to that captured by the camera image.

[0040] Beacon 15, which serves as a control room beacon, is arranged inside gas station 1. As a result, beacon 15 can detect that an attendant carrying portable terminal device 8 is inside control room 4. Furthermore, when control unit 11 of portable terminal device 8 receives radio waves from beacons 13, 14, and 15 at communication unit 17, it transmits the information to refueling monitoring device 6. Specifically, when communication unit 17 of portable terminal device 8 receives radio waves from beacon 13, it transmits information that portable terminal device 8 is located inside gas station 1 to refueling monitoring device 6 via communication unit 17. As a result, refueling monitoring device 6 can obtain location information of portable terminal device 8.

[0041] Next, an example of a refueling operation using the control unit 6C of the refueling monitoring device 6 according to this embodiment will be described. Note that the steps in the flow charts shown in Figures 7 and 8 are each represented by "S", for example, step 1 is represented as "S1".

[0042] First, a customer who comes to the store, for example, a driver, connects the external devices 2C1 to 2C of the POS system 5 to refuel the vehicle 101. n Operate the external equipment 2C1-2C by the driver. n When this operation is completed, the control unit 6C starts the control process shown in FIGS.

[0043] In S1, external devices 2C1 to 2C of the POS system 5 n The process repeats until the determination of "YES" is made in S1 as to whether or not a setting completion signal has been received from the target outdoor units 2C1 to 2C. n The setting contents such as the amount, quantity, and type of fuel are displayed in the setting content display area 6A of the refueling monitoring device 6 corresponding to the fuel supply monitoring device 6. Next, in S3, the setting contents of S2 are transmitted to the portable terminal device 8. At this time, when the fuel supply lanes in which the refueling operation is being performed are the first lane and the second lane, for example, the portable terminal device 8 is in a list display state as shown in Fig. 3 in the standby state.

[0044] Next, the driver uses the fuel supply devices 21-2 to refuel. nThe nozzle 2A provided on the fuel supply device 21 is removed from the nozzle hanger and inserted into the fuel supply port of the vehicle 101. n The process repeats until a "YES" is received from the nozzle switch of the fuel supply device 21-2. If the "YES" is received in S4, the process proceeds to S5. In S5, the fuel supply device 21-2 n The type of oil supplied to the nozzle 2A removed from the external machine 2C1-2C n The process repeats until the answer is "YES." If the answer is "YES" in S5, the process proceeds to S6.

[0045] Here, the fuel supply monitoring device 6 is the external machines 2C1 to 2C n Setting contents and fuel supply device 21~2 n If the fuel type of the nozzle 2A matches and the answer is "YES" in S5, the refueling preparation is complete (a state of waiting for refueling). At this time, in S6, the setting content display area 6A of the refueling monitoring device 6 displays the designated lane as waiting for permission to refuel.

[0046] In S7, the refueling monitoring device 6 detects the cameras 31 to 3 n Then, in S8, it is determined whether the camera image is correctly displayed on the monitor 12 of the refueling monitoring device 6. n It is determined whether or not a situation has occurred in which the refueling monitoring device 6 is unable to receive camera image data due to an inability to communicate with the refueling monitoring device 6. If the determination in S8 is "YES" (correct display), the process proceeds to S9. In this S9, the process repeats checking whether the portable terminal device 8 is located within the facility until the determination is "YES". If the determination in S9 is "YES", it can be confirmed that an attendant carrying the portable terminal device 8 and who can issue permission is present within the gas station 1. Therefore, the process proceeds to S10, and the portable terminal device 8 is put into a state of waiting for refueling permission. In other words, a permission waiting instruction signal is transmitted to the portable terminal device 8. Therefore, the display unit 9 of the portable terminal device 8 displays the images of the cameras 31-3 n The images captured by the camera are displayed on the display unit 9, and staff at the gas station 1 can check the status of refueling from the images captured by the camera displayed on the display unit 9.

[0047] On the other hand, if the result of S8 is "NO", the process proceeds to S11. n If the answer is "YES" in S11, the person in charge of issuing the permit who carries the portable terminal device 8 accesses the fuel supply device 21-2 that can visually observe the fuel supply lane. n Therefore, the process proceeds to S10 and the portable terminal device 8 is made to wait for permission to refuel. Therefore, as the portable terminal device 8 receives the radio wave of the beacon 14, the attendant n Therefore, the display unit 9 of the mobile terminal device 8 displays the cameras 31 to 3 n Although the image is not displayed, the attendant can visually check the fuel supply status, and therefore it is possible to use the portable terminal device 8 to supply fuel.

[0048] Furthermore, if the determination in S11 is "NO", the process proceeds to S12. In this S12, it is determined whether or not the portable terminal device 8 is located inside the management room 4. If the determination in S12 is "YES", it can be confirmed that the staff member carrying the portable terminal device 8 who issues the permission is inside the management room 4 (indoors). Therefore, the process proceeds to S10, and the portable terminal device 8 is put into a waiting state for refueling permission. Furthermore, if the determination in S12 is "NO", the control from S8 onwards is repeated. Here, since there is a staff member inside the management room 4, the refueling devices 21-2 can be accessed from inside the management room 4. n The camera 31-3 installed in the management room 4 n The refueling status can be confirmed by checking the monitor 12 on which the image is displayed, and refueling can be performed using the refueling monitoring device 6.

[0049] Next, in S13, it is determined whether the permission button 9B5 of the fuel supply monitoring device 6 arranged in the control room 4 (indoors) has been operated, i.e., whether a button operation signal of the permission button 9B5 has been received. If the determination in S13 is "YES", it means that another staff member who checked the monitor 12 in the control room 4 has determined that there is no problem with the driver's work, so the process proceeds to S14 and the fuel supply devices 21-2 nThen, in S14, the fuel supply device 21-2 n After sending the refueling permission signal to the fuel supply control unit 11, the process proceeds to S15.

[0050] On the other hand, if the determination in S13 is "NO", the process proceeds to S16. In this S16, it is determined whether or not the permission button 9B5 on the portable terminal device 8 has been operated, that is, whether or not a button operation signal by the selection / operation button 9B has been received from the portable terminal device 8. If the determination in S16 is "NO", the determination in S13 is repeated. Also, if the determination in S16 is "YES", the process proceeds to S14, and the fuel supply device 21-2 n Send a refueling permission signal to the

[0051] In step S15, the nozzle 2A is n The determination of whether the nozzle has been hung or not is repeated until it is determined to be "YES." If it is determined to be "YES" in S15, the refueling operation is completed.

[0052] Next, the display control of the mobile terminal 8 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 9. As in Fig. 7 and Fig. 8, the steps in the figure are indicated by the letter "S", for example, step 21 is indicated as "S21".

[0053] In S21, the list screen shown in Fig. 3 is displayed on the display unit 9, and the process proceeds to S22. In this S22, it is determined whether or not setting information related to refueling has been received from the refueling monitoring device 6. If the determination in S22 is "YES", the process proceeds to S23, where the received setting information is updated and displayed, and the process proceeds to S24. If the determination in S22 is "NO", the process is repeated until the setting information is updated.

[0054] In S24, it is determined whether the lane selection buttons 9B1, 9B2 displayed on the display unit 9 have been operated, and if it is determined to be "YES" (operated), the process proceeds to S25, and if it is determined to be "NO" (not operated), the process repeats the determination until the lane selection buttons 9B1, 9B2 are operated. In S25, a detailed screen (such as the one shown in FIG. 4) of the lane selected in S24 is displayed on the display unit, and the process proceeds to S26.

[0055] In S26, cameras 31-3 n Then, in S27, it is determined whether the camera image is correctly displayed in the camera image display area 9C of the display unit 9. Specifically, the mobile terminal device 8 (communication unit 17) and the cameras 31 to 3 n It is determined whether or not a situation has occurred in which the camera image data cannot be received by the mobile terminal device 8 due to a communication failure with the camera 31-3. If the determination in S27 is "YES" (displayed correctly), the process proceeds to S28, and if the determination is "NO" (displayed incorrectly), the process proceeds to S29. n The image data may be received by the portable terminal device 8 via the refueling monitoring device 6, and in this case, if communication between the refueling monitoring device 6 and the portable terminal device 8 becomes impossible, it may be determined that the camera image data cannot be received.

[0056] In S28, it is determined whether or not the portable terminal device 8 (communication unit 17) has received radio waves from the beacon 13 within the facility, and if it is determined to be "YES" (received), the process proceeds to S31. On the other hand, if it is determined to be "NO" (not received) in S28, the process proceeds to S29. Here, if radio waves have been received, the display unit 9 of the portable terminal device 8 of the attendant in the gas station 1 displays the cameras 31-3 corresponding to the selected lane. n The camera image of the selected lane is displayed. The attendant can then grasp the refueling situation of the selected lane from the camera image displayed on the display unit 9, and can determine whether or not to issue permission for refueling to that lane (whether or not to operate the permission button 9B5).

[0057] In addition, in S29, the portable terminal device 8 (communication unit 17) n If the result in S29 is "YES" (received), the process proceeds to S31. On the other hand, if the result in S29 is "NO" (not received), the process proceeds to S30. Here, if the signal has been received, the attendant nThe attendant can then determine whether or not to issue permission for refueling (whether or not to operate permission button 9B5) by visually checking the lane in question based on the camera image displayed on display unit 9, or by visually checking the lane if the camera image on portable terminal device 8 is not correctly displayed on display unit 9.

[0058] In S30, it is determined whether or not the portable terminal device 8 (communication unit 17) has received radio waves from the beacon 15 in the management room 4, and if it is determined as "YES" (received), the process proceeds to S31. On the other hand, if it is determined as "NO" (not received) in S30, the process proceeds to S32. Here, if radio waves from the beacon 15 have been received, it means that an attendant is present in the management room 4, and if the camera image displayed on the display unit 9 or the camera image is not correctly displayed on the display unit 9 of the portable terminal device 8, the attendant can determine whether or not to issue a refueling permission for the lane (whether or not to operate the permission button 9B5) by visually checking the corresponding lane or by checking the camera image displayed on the monitor 12.

[0059] In S31, it is determined whether or not the permission button 9B5 displayed on the display unit 9 has been operated, and if it is determined to be "YES" (operated), this control is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined to be "NO" (not operated) in S31, the process returns to S27 and the processes from S27 onwards are repeated. Here, if it is determined to be "YES" (operated) in S31, a button operation signal is transmitted to the refueling monitoring device 6. The refueling monitoring device 6 which has received the button operation signal transmits the button operation signal to the corresponding refueling device 21-2 n A refueling permission signal is transmitted to the fuel supply unit 10, and refueling is performed.

[0060] Furthermore, in the control up to S30, no camera image is displayed on the display unit 9 of the portable terminal device 8, and it can be determined from the radio wave reception status of the beacons 13, 14, and 15 that no attendant is in a position to confirm the selected lane visually or on the monitor 12. Therefore, in S32, the permission button 9B5 on the display unit 9 of the portable terminal device 8 is made inactive (a state in which the permission signal is not transmitted even when the permission button 9B5 is pressed), and the process proceeds to S33. Next, in S33, the portable terminal device 8 is made to report an abnormality (for example, the display unit 9 displays "Please return to the management room 4"), and the control ends.

[0061] Thus, according to this embodiment, the fuel supply devices 21-2 supply fuel to the vehicle 101. n and refueling device 21~2 n A portable terminal device 8 that issues instructions regarding fuel supply to the fuel supply devices 21-2 n Camera 31-3 captures the vicinity of n In addition, the mobile terminal device 8 is equipped with cameras 31 to 3 n a display unit 9 for displaying a camera image captured by the camera, a display state determination means 10 for determining whether or not the camera image is being displayed on the display unit 9, and a fuel supply device 21-2 based on a determination result by the display state determination means 10. n and a control unit 11 that controls whether or not fuel is supplied by the fuel supply means.

[0062] Therefore, normally, the cameras 31 to 3 displayed in the camera image display area 9C of the display unit 9 of the mobile terminal device 8 are n The supply permission is given by the attendant visually checking the image. However, there are cases where the camera image is not displayed in the camera image display area 9C. In such cases, the attendant cannot visually check from the camera image for abnormalities in the fuel supply area, such as incorrect removal of the nozzle 2A or improper insertion, and so there is a risk that the attendant will mistakenly give permission for supply.

[0063] In contrast, in this embodiment, the display state determination means 10 determines whether or not the camera image is displayed on the display unit 9, and then the control unit 11 determines whether or not the camera image is displayed on the display unit 9 based on the result of the determination by the display state determination means 10. nAs a result, in the present embodiment, the camera images are displayed on the mobile terminal device 8, and the camera images are displayed on the mobile terminal device 8. n In cases where there is no camera image due to a malfunction or communication error, it is possible to mistakenly issue permission without checking the safety of the lane to which permission is to be granted, but this can be prevented.

[0064] In addition, the display unit 9 of the portable terminal device 8 displays the fuel supply devices 21-2 n The display unit 9 of the portable terminal 8 is provided with an enable button 9B5 for issuing an instruction regarding fuel supply from the camera 31 to the camera 32. When the display state determination means 10 determines that the display unit 9 is not displaying a camera image, the control unit 11 performs control to invalidate the instruction to the enable button 9B5 or to disable the instruction to the enable button 9B5. As a result, the cameras 31 to 3 are displayed on the display unit 9 of the portable terminal 8. n If the captured image cannot be displayed, fuel supply from the portable terminal device 8 cannot be permitted, thereby improving safety.

[0065] On the other hand, the gas station 1 is provided with beacons 13, 14, and 15 for detecting the position of the portable terminal device 8 within the gas station 1. Furthermore, when the display state determination means 10 determines that the display unit 9 is not displaying a camera image and the beacons 13, 14, and 15 determine that the portable terminal device 8 is connected to the fuel supply device 21-2, the control unit 11 determines whether the portable terminal device 8 is connected to the fuel supply device 21-2. n When the portable terminal device 8 detects that the vehicle 101 is located in the vicinity of the vehicle 101, the portable terminal device 8 performs control to enable fuel supply to the vehicle 101. n Even if the captured image of the fuel supply device 21-2 is not displayed correctly, a staff member carrying the mobile terminal device 8 can n Since fuel supply can be permitted by being in the vicinity of the fuel supply station, the efficiency of the fuel supply operation by the attendant can be improved.

[0066] Furthermore, in this embodiment, cameras 31 to 3 n When the fuel supply device 21-2 fails, the permission cannot be issued from the mobile terminal device 8. n By receiving the beacon 14 placed near the fuel supply device 21-2, a staff member carrying a portable terminal device 8 can nIt is possible to detect that the driver is in the vicinity of the vehicle and judge the refueling operation of the driver from this position by directly viewing it, making it possible to issue permission from the portable terminal device 8, and thus permitting safe issuance of permission even in the event of camera failure.

[0067] In this embodiment, five fuel supply devices 21 to 2 n The gas station 1 having 10 fuel lanes is described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to a gas station having one fuel supply device and one fuel supply lane, or may be applied to a gas station having two to four fuel supply devices and two to nine fuel supply lanes, or may be applied to a gas station having six or more fuel supply devices and eleven or more fuel supply lanes. In the above embodiment, the gas station 1 having one portable terminal device 8 is described as an example, but the present invention may be applied to a gas station having two or more portable terminal devices.

[0068] In the embodiment, various operations are performed by the portable terminal device 8. However, in the present invention, various operations may be performed by the refueling monitoring device 6 together with the portable terminal device 8.

[0069] In the embodiment, further, a fuel supply device 21-2 that supplies liquid fuel such as gasoline to the vehicle 101 n However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be applied to a fuel station equipped with a fuel supply machine that supplies fuel such as CNG or LPG to vehicles.

[0070] Next, as the fuel supply system included in the above embodiment, for example, the following aspect is considered.

[0071] In a first aspect, the present invention comprises a fuel supply device that supplies fuel to a fuel supply target, a portable terminal device that issues instructions regarding fuel supply to the fuel supply device, and a camera that photographs the vicinity of the fuel supply device, wherein the portable terminal device comprises a display unit that displays a camera image captured by the camera, a display state determination means that determines whether or not the camera image is displayed on the display unit, and a control unit that controls whether or not fuel is supplied by the fuel supply device based on a result of the determination by the display state determination means.

[0072] As a second aspect, in the first aspect, the portable terminal device is provided with an instruction unit for giving instructions regarding fuel supply from the fuel supply device, and the control unit is characterized in that when the display state determination means determines that the display unit is not displaying the camera image, it invalidates the instruction to the instruction unit or makes it impossible to give the instruction to the instruction unit.

[0073] As a third aspect, in the first aspect, a position detection means is provided for detecting the position of the portable terminal unit within the fuel supply station, and the control unit is characterized in that when the display state determination means determines that the display unit is not displaying the camera image and the position detection means detects that the portable terminal unit is located in the vicinity of the fuel supply device, it enables fuel supply to the fuel supply target. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] 1. Gas station (fuel supply station) 21~2 n Refueling device (fuel supply device) 31~3 n camera 8. Mobile terminals 9 Display section 9B5 Permission button (indicator) 10. Display state determination means 11 Control section 13~15 Beacon (location detection means) 101 Vehicle (fuel supply subject)

Claims

1. A fuel supply device that supplies fuel to a fuel supply target; a portable terminal for issuing instructions regarding fuel supply to the fuel supply device; a camera for photographing the vicinity of the fuel supply device; Equipped with The mobile terminal device includes: a display unit that displays a camera image captured by the camera; a display state determination means for determining whether the camera image is displayed on the display unit; a control unit that controls whether or not fuel is supplied by the fuel supply device based on a result of the determination by the display state determination means; A fuel supply system comprising:

2. 2. The fuel supply system of claim 1, the portable terminal is provided with an instruction unit for giving an instruction regarding fuel supply from the fuel supply device, A fuel supply system characterized in that the control unit invalidates instructions to the instruction unit or disables instructions to the instruction unit when the display state determination means determines that the display unit is not displaying the camera image.

3. 2. The fuel supply system of claim 1, a position detection means for detecting a position of the portable terminal within a fuel supply station; The control unit enables fuel supply to the fuel supply target when the display state determination means determines that the display unit is not displaying the camera image and the position detection means detects that the portable terminal is located in the vicinity of the fuel supply device.

Images