Unloading System

Abstract

To provide an unloading system capable of preventing an unloading operation from being carried out by a person other than an unloading operator (e.g., a tank lorry crew).SOLUTION: An unloading control device 19 as a management unit for managing unloading is equipped with an unloading control panel 20 and a portable terminal 23. The portable terminal 23 comprises: a memory 23C as unloading operator storage means in which information related to an unloading operator M is stored; a built-in camera 23B as biometric authentication means for authenticating a person; determination means for determining whether or not the person authenticated by the built-in camera 23B is the unloading operator M, based on the information related to the unloading operator M stored in the memory 23C; and control means for permitting or prohibiting unloading based on a determination result of the determination means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an unloading system that is suitably used for unloading fuel (gasoline, diesel, kerosene, etc.) from a tank truck to an underground tank at, for example, a gas station. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, tank trucks are known as vehicles that deliver fuel (liquid fuel) from refineries, oil depots, etc. to unloading destinations such as gas stations (gas stations) and factories. Tank trucks are equipped with multiple hatches (compartments, tanks), and each of these hatches is loaded with a type of fuel that has been ordered in advance by the destination. When the tank truck arrives at the designated unloading destination (for example, a gas station that is a fuel supply station), the unloading worker confirms that the type of fuel loaded in the designated hatch matches the type of fuel stored in the underground tank at the unloading destination, and then unloads the fuel into the underground tank (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2019-6489 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, unloading workers are required to be licensed as hazardous materials handlers. However, unloading work using conventional technology may allow unloading work to be carried out by people who are not licensed as hazardous materials handlers, for example, by people other than the tank truck driver (e.g., the driver). Furthermore, for example, when unloading is to be carried out in the presence (confirmation) of a worker (e.g., an employee) of the destination gas station (supply station), there is a possibility that the tank truck driver alone may unload the cargo without the presence (confirmation) of the worker.

[0005] An object of one embodiment of the present invention is to provide an unloading system that can prevent unloading work from being performed by someone other than the unloading worker (for example, the crew of a tanker truck). [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] One embodiment of the present invention is an unloading system that connects a hose of a tank truck vehicle to a liquid fuel inlet in a supply station and unloads liquid fuel in a hatch of the tank truck vehicle into a tank, a mobile terminal carried by the unloading worker and equipped with a display screen and a camera; an unloading worker storage means for storing information about unloading workers; Using the camera The system comprises a biometric authentication means for authenticating a person, a determination means for determining whether or not the person authenticated by the biometric authentication means is an unloading worker based on information about the unloading worker stored in the unloading worker storage means, and a control means for permitting or disallowing unloading based on the determination result of the determination means. and the control means displays information about unloading on the display screen, and then permits unloading when the determination means determines that the person authenticated by the biometric authentication means is an unloading worker. do. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it is possible to prevent unloading work from being carried out by someone other than the unloading worker. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a partially cutaway configuration diagram showing a tank truck and a gas station (supply station) to which an unloading system according to an embodiment is applied. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the unloading operation between a tank truck and an underground tank. [Figure 3] 10 is a flowchart showing a control process performed by the mobile terminal. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An unloading system (fuel unloading system) according to an embodiment will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, taking as an example a case where fuel is unloaded from a tank truck to an underground tank at a gas station. Note that each step in the flow chart shown in Figure 3 is represented by the letter "S" (for example, step 1 = "S1").

[0010] In FIG. 1, gas station 1 is a supply station (fuel supply station) for supplying fuel to fuel supply targets such as vehicles. Gas station 1 is also called, for example, a gas station or a service station (SS), and is a facility for supplying fuel to vehicles such as passenger cars and trucks. Underground tank 2 is buried underground on the premises of gas station 1 as a tank for storing multiple types of liquid fuel (e.g., regular gasoline, premium gasoline, kerosene, diesel, etc.). Underground tank 2 is usually installed as a plurality of separate or divided tanks, and each tank stores a different type of liquid fuel (e.g., regular gasoline, premium gasoline, kerosene, diesel, etc.).

[0011] In the following explanation, there are multiple underground tanks 2-n (n = 1, 2, 3, 4, ...), and they are collectively referred to as the underground tank 2. In Figure 2, for example, a total of two underground tanks 2-n are shown as underground tanks 2-1 and 2-2. Also, in Figure 2, for example, a total of two oil inlets 4 are shown. However, these are symbols assigned for the convenience of explanation, and the number and arrangement of the underground tanks 2 and oil inlets 4 are not limited to these. Also, the terms liquid type and oil type are used interchangeably.

[0012] Each underground tank 2-n is connected to a plurality of fuel inlets 4 arranged at appropriate locations on the site via a plurality of fuel inlets 3. Each underground tank 2-n receives fuel from a tank truck 8 via the fuel inlets 4 and the fuel inlets 3. Each underground tank 2-n is also connected to a fuel metering machine arranged at an appropriate location on the site via a supply pipe (neither is shown). The metering machine is equipped with equipment such as a pump and a flow meter (neither is shown), and draws up the fuel stored in each underground tank 2-n and supplies (supplies) the fuel to a refueling target (fuel supply target) such as a refueling vehicle.

[0013] Each underground tank 2-n is provided with a liquid level detector 5 that individually detects the fuel level. This allows the remaining fuel amount in each underground tank 2-n to be individually monitored. A detection signal from the liquid level detector 5 is output to an underground tank management terminal 6 (hereinafter referred to as tank management terminal 6) installed in an appropriate location on the premises of the gas station 1. The tank management terminal 6 is, for example, located at a distance from the gas station office 7. The tank management terminal 6 is connected to, for example, a main tank management device (underground tank management device) installed in the gas station office 7 via a dedicated line (neither is shown). The tank management terminal 6 receives fuel storage management information and the like from the tank management device, for example, when a tanker truck 8 is unloading fuel.

[0014] As a result, the tank management terminal 6 is individually connected to the liquid level detector 5 of each underground tank 2-n, and can calculate liquid volume information such as the remaining amount of fuel (inventory amount) in each underground tank 2-n based on the measurement output from each liquid level detector 5. The tank management terminal 6 stores this calculated liquid volume information for each underground tank 2-n in a data storage unit (not shown) together with tank information such as the individual identification information (e.g., tank number), stored liquid type, and tank capacity of each underground tank 2-n that has been set in advance, and can manage the oil storage in each underground tank 2-n based on this tank information and liquid volume information.

[0015] In other words, the tank management terminal 6 can store the remaining amount of fuel stored in each underground tank 2-n as an inventory amount for each tank in an updatable manner. The tank management terminal 6 can transmit the stored contents electronically via the communication interface 6A to the unloading control device 19 described below. The remaining amount of fuel stored in the underground tanks 2-n (inventory amount for each tank) fluctuates depending on the pumping of fuel by the weighing machine and the refueling of fuel from the tanker truck 8.

[0016] The tank truck 8 is a transport vehicle (fuel transport vehicle) that delivers fuel to the gas station 1. A cab 8A is provided at the front of the tank truck 8. Inside the cab 8A, for example, a driver's seat, a steering wheel, operation pedals (accelerator pedal, brake pedal), a data reader, etc. are provided. The tank truck 8 has an on-board tank 9 behind the cab 8A. The on-board tank 9 has a structure in which its interior is divided into multiple hatches 10-N (N=1, 2, 3, 4, ...) by partition plates. For example, in FIG. 2, a total of four hatches 10-N of the on-board tank 9 are shown as hatches 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, and 10-4. However, these symbols are assigned for convenience of explanation, and the number and arrangement of the hatches 10-N are not limited to these.

[0017] When transporting fuel, a shipping facility such as an oil refinery or oil depot appropriately allocates the type and amount of liquid to be loaded into each hatch 10-N of a tank truck 8 in accordance with an order from the delivery destination. The tank truck 8 is loaded with the allocated amount of liquid for each hatch 10-N by a shipping device at the shipping facility. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, hatch 10-1 stores "high-octane gasoline," hatch 10-2 stores "regular gasoline," hatch 10-3 stores "kerosene," and hatch 10-4 stores "diesel." A predetermined amount of a predetermined type of liquid is loaded into each hatch 10-N in accordance with the order from the delivery destination. Each hatch 10-N is provided with a hatch level gauge 11 for measuring the remaining amount of fuel in that hatch (the inventory amount as a load). The hatch level gauge 11 is connected to the unloading control panel 20 of the unloading control device 19 .

[0018] At a shipping point such as a refinery or oil depot, an unloading card (vehicle number card) storing information necessary for unloading at the unloading destination (fuel station 1), i.e., information for permitting unloading at the unloading destination (fuel station 1), is handed to the driver of the tank truck 8. The unloading card stores hatch information (e.g., information on the type and amount of liquid loaded for each hatch 10-N of the tank truck 8), unloading destination information (e.g., location information of the destination SS, destination SS code, SS unloading information as to whether unloading at the destination SS is independent or attended), etc. The unloading card is read when unloading is performed at the unloading destination. At the unloading destination, a decision is made as to whether unloading is permitted or not based on the information on the unloading card (card data). When permission for unloading is granted at the unloading destination, unloading can be carried out from each hatch 10-N of the tank truck 8 into the underground tank 2-n of the gas station 1.

[0019] The onboard tank 9 of the tank truck 8 is provided with a liquid supply port (not shown) at the top of each hatch 10-N for loading the fuel as cargo. A bottom valve 12 and an unloading discharge pipe 13 are provided at the bottom of each hatch 10-N. Each bottom valve 12 is composed of a normally closed air-operated on-off valve that opens when supplied with an air pressure signal from an air pressure control unit 17 (described later). Each bottom valve 12 is kept in a closed state except when unloading fuel at the delivery destination gas station 1.

[0020] Each bottom valve 12, which is an air-operated on-off valve, is connected to a discharge port 14 via an unloading discharge pipe 13. The discharge port 14 is provided on the side and / or rear side of the tank truck 8, and is connected to the bottom valve 12 of each hatch 10-N via each unloading discharge pipe 13. Each unloading discharge pipe 13 is provided below each hatch 10-N, and its upstream end is connected to the outlet of each bottom valve 12.

[0021] An unloading solenoid valve 15 is provided in the pipeline upstream of the discharge port 14. The unloading solenoid valve 15 is connected to an unloading control panel 20 of an unloading control device 19. The discharge port 14 is provided with a discharge port opening / closing sensor 16 that detects whether the discharge port 14 is open or closed. The discharge port opening / closing sensor 16 is also connected to the unloading control panel 20 of the unloading control device 19. The fuel loaded into each hatch 10-N is sent out to the discharge port 14 through each unloading discharge pipe 13 when the corresponding bottom valve 12 and unloading solenoid valve 15 are opened.

[0022] An unloading hose 18, which will be described later, is connected to the discharge port 14 by, for example, a crew member (e.g., a driver or a passenger) of the tanker truck 8 and / or a worker (e.g., an employee) of the gas station 1. In the following description, a worker who unloads fuel, such as a crew member of the tanker truck 8, will be referred to as an "unloading worker M." Furthermore, a worker of the gas station 1, more specifically, a worker (attendant) who is present when unloading is performed, will be referred to as an "attendant worker W."

[0023] The vehicle tank 9 is provided with a plurality of atmosphere release valves (not shown) that connect the interior of each hatch 10-N to the atmosphere. Each atmosphere release valve is configured, for example, as a normally closed air-operated on-off valve that opens when an air pressure signal is supplied from an air pressure control unit 17 (described later). The atmosphere release valve is connected to an opening via an atmosphere release pipe (not shown) provided on the upper part of the vehicle tank 9. The opening of the atmosphere release pipe is connected to an atmosphere release pipe (not shown) of the gas station 1 via an atmosphere release hose (not shown) during unloading, for example. The atmosphere release valve opens, for example, during unloading of fuel, and connects the hatch 10-N to the atmosphere, thereby preventing negative pressure from building up inside the hatch 10-N.

[0024] The air pressure control unit 17 opens the bottom valves 12 and the atmospheric release valves. The air pressure control unit 17 is connected to an unloading control panel 20 of the unloading control device 19. The air pressure control unit 17 generates an air pressure signal in accordance with a control signal from the unloading control device 19 (unloading control panel 20), and selectively supplies this air pressure signal to one of the bottom valves 12, thereby opening the bottom valves 12, which are normally closed air-operated on-off valves. The air pressure control unit 17 also generates an air pressure signal in accordance with a control signal from the unloading control device 19 (unloading control panel 20), and selectively supplies this air pressure signal to one of the atmospheric release valves, thereby opening the atmospheric release valves, which are normally closed air-operated on-off valves. The fuel loaded into each hatch 10-N is unloaded into the underground tank 2-n through the unloading discharge pipe 13, discharge port 14, and unloading hose 18 when the corresponding bottom valve 12, atmospheric release valve, and unloading solenoid valve 15 are opened by the unloading control device 19.

[0025] The unloading hose 18 is a hose used to unload fuel from the on-board tank 9 of the tank truck 8 to the underground tank 2 of the gas station 1. One end of the unloading hose 18 is connected to a discharge port 14 provided on the bottom side of the on-board tank 9. The other end of the unloading hose 18 is connected to one of the fuel filler ports 4 of the underground tanks 2-n. Each fuel filler port 4 is provided with a liquid type key (not shown) that corresponds to the type of liquid (type of fuel) stored in the respective underground tank 2-n. Meanwhile, the other end of the unloading hose 18 is provided with a hose liquid type key reader (not shown) into which the liquid type of the fuel filler port 4 is inserted.

[0026] The hose liquid type key reader is also connected to the unloading control panel 20 of the unloading control device 19. When one of the liquid type keys for each fuel inlet 4 is selectively inserted, the hose liquid type key reader outputs a signal corresponding to the inserted liquid type key to the unloading control device 19 (unloading control panel 20). In addition, each hatch 10-N of the on-board tank 9 is also provided with a hatch liquid type key reader that reads the liquid type key corresponding to the liquid type (type of fuel) loaded in each hatch 10-N. The hatch liquid type key reader also outputs a signal corresponding to the liquid type key of each hatch 10-N to the unloading control device 19 (unloading control panel 20).

[0027] The tank truck 8 is equipped with an unloading control device 19. The unloading control device 19 constitutes an unloading system. The unloading system connects an unloading hose 18 of the tank truck 8 to a fuel inlet 4 in the gas station 1, and unloads the liquid fuel in the hatch 10-N of the tank truck 8 into the underground tank 2-n. The liquid fuel corresponds to, for example, regular gasoline, high-octane gasoline, kerosene, diesel, etc., and the fuel inlet 4 corresponds to a liquid filling port.

[0028] The unloading control device 19 is a fuel unloading control processing device that manages (information processing) and controls (opening and closing control of various valves) the unloading of fuel. The unloading control device 19 is operated by an unloading worker M (for example, a crew member of the tank truck 8). For example, when the liquid type in the hatch 10-N of the tank truck 8 matches the liquid type in the underground tank 2-n connected to this hatch 10-N via an unloading hose 18, the unloading control device 19 opens the bottom valve 12 and the unloading solenoid valve 15 to start unloading.

[0029] The unloading control device 19 corresponds to a management machine that manages unloading. The unloading control device 19 includes an unloading control panel 20 fixed to the body of the tank truck 8, and a mobile terminal 23 that communicates wirelessly 21 with the unloading control panel 20. The unloading control panel 20 is located, for example, on the side of the tank truck 8, below the on-board tank 9. The unloading control panel 20 constitutes an opening / closing control unit that individually opens and closes each of the bottom valves 12 provided corresponding to each of the multiple hatches 10-N of the tank truck 8, thereby unloading fuel from one of the hatches 10-N to one of the multiple underground tanks 2-n.

[0030] The unloading control panel 20 is equipped with, for example, a microcomputer consisting of a CPU for performing calculations, a memory for storing a control processing program, etc. The unloading control panel 20 is connected by wires (cables) to, for example, a hose liquid type key reader, a hatch liquid type key reader (neither of which are shown), a discharge port opening / closing sensor 16, a hatch liquid level gauge 11, an air pressure control unit 17, and an unloading solenoid valve 15. The unloading control panel 20 is connected by wire or wirelessly to, for example, a tank management terminal 6.

[0031] Furthermore, the unloading control panel 20 is connected to a mobile terminal 23 via wireless communication 21. Specifically, the unloading control panel 20 is connected to the mobile terminal 23 via a communication unit 22 capable of low-power wireless communication 21 (BLE communication) such as BLE (Bluetooth (registered trademark) Low Energy). Note that the wireless communication 21 is not limited to BLE communication and may be wireless communication of other standards such as wireless LAN communication. The unloading control panel 20 wirelessly transmits and receives signals to and from the mobile terminal 23 via the communication unit 22. Note that the mobile terminal 23 may be configured to enable wired communication by connecting to the unloading control panel 20 via a cable (not shown). Furthermore, the unloading control panel 20 and the mobile terminal 23 may be configured to enable wired communication in addition to the wireless communication 21.

[0032] The unloading control panel 20 is connected to a vehicle battery (not shown) via a power switch 20A. The vehicle battery is, for example, a 24V storage battery mounted on the tank truck 8. When the power switch 20A is turned ON, power is supplied to the unloading control panel 20, and the unloading control panel 20 starts up. In this state, fuel can be unloaded via the unloading control panel 20 by operating the mobile terminal 23. Furthermore, when the power switch 20A is turned OFF, the power supply to the unloading control panel 20 is cut off, and the power to the unloading control panel 20 is shut off. In this case, unloading of fuel (opening and closing of the bottom valve 12) cannot be performed even by operating the mobile terminal 23.

[0033] The mobile terminal 23 is configured, for example, by a mobile information communication terminal (mobile computer) such as a tablet terminal or a smartphone that can be carried (carried) by an unloading worker M (operator), such as a crew member of the tank truck 8. The mobile terminal 23 is connected to the unloading control panel 20 by wireless communication 21, for example, BLE communication. The mobile terminal 23 transmits and receives signals corresponding to information, data, and commands necessary for unloading (for example, unloading start command, unloading stop command, bottom valve open command, bottom valve close command) to and from the unloading control panel 20. That is, the mobile terminal 23 and the unloading control panel 20 transmit and receive necessary signals to and from each other.

[0034] The mobile terminal 23 is equipped with, for example, a touch panel which is a display screen 23A that can be used for input. The display screen 23A of the mobile terminal 23 displays, for example, the loading status of the tank truck 8, the tank status of the underground tank 2-n, the status of the fuel unloading work, operation buttons (input buttons), etc. The unloading worker M can start, stop, suspend, etc. unloading by operating the operation buttons displayed on the display screen 23A of the mobile terminal 23.

[0035] The mobile terminal 23 is equipped with a built-in camera 23B. The mobile terminal 23 is also equipped with a card reader 23D that reads cards that store information (data), such as magnetic cards and IC cards. The card reader 23D is a card reading device that reads data from, for example, an unloading card (vehicle number card). The unloading card (vehicle number card) stores information (data) required for unloading. The card reader 23D may be built into the mobile terminal 23, or may be separate from the mobile terminal 23, and the mobile terminal 23 and the card reader 23D may be connected by wire or wirelessly. The card reader 23D may also be provided in the unloading control panel 20. Furthermore, a data reader in the cab 8A of the tanker truck 8 may serve as the card reader 23D.

[0036] The mobile terminal 23 also has a memory 23C consisting of storage devices such as a non-volatile memory, RAM, and ROM. That is, the mobile terminal 23 is a portable computer having a central processing unit (CPU) and the memory 23C, and the memory 23C stores, for example, a program for unloading control processing (fuel unloading application software). More specifically, the memory 23C of the mobile terminal 23 stores a processing program for executing the processing flow shown in FIG. 3 (described later), i.e., a processing program used for unloading control processing. The memory 23C of the mobile terminal 23 also stores information (card data) of an unloading card (vehicle number card) read by the card reader 23D. The memory 23C of the mobile terminal 23 stores image data acquired (photographed) by the built-in camera 23B. The memory 23C of the mobile terminal 23 also stores information (face information) of the unloading worker M.

[0037] As will be described later, unloading worker M uses card reader 23D of portable terminal 23 to have portable terminal 23 read information on an unloading card (vehicle number card). This allows portable terminal 23 to check whether unloading is permitted or not based on the information on the unloading card (vehicle number card). In addition, unloading worker M takes a picture of his / her own face using built-in camera 23B of portable terminal 23. This allows portable terminal 23 to check whether unloading is permitted or not (face authentication) based on the photographed image (facial image) of unloading worker M.

[0038] Furthermore, memory 23C of mobile terminal 23 stores updatable information about the fuel stored in each hatch 10-N of tanker truck 8. Memory 23C of mobile terminal 23 also stores updatable information about the fuel stored in each underground tank 2-n of gas station 1 via tank management terminal 6 and unloading control panel 20. Mobile terminal 23 (more specifically, mobile terminal 23 on which fuel unloading application software has been launched) has a function of associating (guidance processing) hatches and tanks that are available for unloading among the plurality of hatches 10-N and the plurality of underground tanks 2-n, based on the stored information (fuel information) in memory 23C.

[0039] The display screen 23A of the mobile terminal 23 constitutes a notification means for notifying the unloading worker M of information. The display screen 23A of the mobile terminal 23 displays, for example, the association between the hatches and tanks that can be unloaded out of the multiple hatches 10-N and the multiple underground tanks 2-n, the status of the underground tank 2-n, and the status during the unloading work. In addition, the display screen 23A of the mobile terminal 23 displays operation buttons such as an "unloading start button" or an "unloading stop button."

[0040] When unloading fuel from tank truck 8 into underground tank 2 of gas station 1, unloading worker M operates the mobile terminal 23 to press with his fingertip the "unloading start button" displayed on display screen 23A. This causes a signal to be sent from mobile terminal 23 to unloading control panel 20 to open bottom valve 12 and unloading solenoid valve 15, and fuel is unloaded from on-board tank 9 of tank truck 8 into underground tank 2. On the other hand, when unloading worker M presses the "unloading stop button," bottom valve 12 and unloading solenoid valve 15 close, and unloading of fuel stops.

[0041] In addition, at a gas station 1 where the crew (e.g., the driver) of a tank truck 8 can unload independently, a standalone unloading device (DCD interface) is installed, which is composed of a tank management terminal 6, an emergency notification device, a disaster prevention device, etc. At such a gas station 1, unloading is performed with the unloading control device 19 (unloading control panel 20, mobile terminal 23), which is the management device for the tank truck 8, connected to the standalone unloading device by wire or wireless. Therefore, the unloading control device 19 can recognize that the unloading is standalone unloading, as the standalone unloading device of the gas station 1 is connected to the unloading control panel 20 or the mobile terminal 23 by wire or wireless.

[0042] Meanwhile, workers who unload fuel (unloading workers), such as tank truck drivers, are required to be licensed as hazardous materials handlers. However, conventional unloading systems could allow unloading work to be performed by people who are not licensed as hazardous materials handlers (e.g., people other than the tank truck driver) by, for example, reading a card (unloading card) on which hatch information is written into the unloading system. Furthermore, for example, when unloading is performed in the presence (confirmation) of a worker (e.g., an employee) of the destination gas station (supply station), there is no means for determining whether or not the worker is present, so there is a possibility that the tank truck driver alone could unload the fuel without the worker being present (confirmation).

[0043] Therefore, in order to prevent unloading by anyone other than the unloader, the unloading system of the embodiment is configured to determine whether or not the person is the unloader using biometric authentication, and to permit unloading only if the person is determined to be the unloader. That is, in the embodiment, the unloading system is equipped with an unloading control device 19 as a management machine. The unloading control device 19 manages unloading. In this case, the unloading control device 19 includes an unloading control panel 20 and a mobile terminal 23. Note that the unloading control device 19 may also include a remote terminal (not shown) in addition to the unloading control panel 20 and the mobile terminal 23. That is, the management machine that manages unloading can be configured with at least one of the unloading control panel 20, the mobile terminal 23, and the remote terminal.

[0044] The remote terminal may be, for example, a terminal located within the gas station 1 (gas station terminal). The remote terminal may also be a terminal located further away from the gas station 1 (external gas station terminal), specifically, a terminal located in a management office that centrally manages multiple gas stations 1 within a specified area (for example, multiple gas stations 1 within a metropolitan area, prefecture, or city) at a location away from the gas station 1. The remote terminal may also be a terminal located in a refinery, oil depot, shipping facility, or the like. The remote terminal may correspond to, for example, a stationary computer such as a personal computer or a server computer. The remote terminal is capable of connecting (sending and receiving data) with the mobile terminal 23 or the unloading control panel 20 via a communication line such as a telephone line, an internet line, or a mobile line (mobile phone line).

[0045] In this embodiment, the unloading control device 19, which serves as a management machine for managing unloading, is composed of an unloading control panel 20 and a mobile terminal 23. The mobile terminal 23 is equipped with an unloading worker storage means, a biometric authentication means, a determination means (first determination means), and a control means. The unloading worker storage means stores information about the unloading worker M (more specifically, information for identifying the unloading worker M). The unloading worker storage means corresponds to the memory 23C of the mobile terminal 23. The memory 23C of the mobile terminal 23 stores, for example, information about the unloading worker M (qualified person) who is qualified as a hazardous materials handler, together with facial information (authentication information) that is information about physical characteristics.

[0046] Furthermore, memory 23C of portable terminal 23 also stores information about the workers at gas station 1 (more specifically, information for identifying the attendant worker W when attending unloading is performed). That is, memory 23C stores, for example, information about the worker (attendant) at gas station 1 who is qualified as a hazardous materials handler, i.e., attendant worker W (qualified person), along with facial information (authentication information) that is information about physical characteristics. Memory 23C of portable terminal 23 corresponds to a gas station worker storage means (gas station worker storage means) in which information about attendant worker W at gas station 1 is stored.

[0047] The biometric authentication means authenticates a person. The biometric authentication means corresponds to the built-in camera 23B of the mobile terminal 23. The mobile terminal 23 compares the image data (face image) captured by the built-in camera 23B with information (face information) about the unloading worker M stored in the memory 23C, and identifies the person captured by the built-in camera 23B. The mobile terminal 23 also compares the image data (face image) captured by the built-in camera 23B with information (face information) about the attending worker W at the gas station 1 stored in the memory 23C, and identifies the person captured by the built-in camera 23B.

[0048] The determination means (first determination means) determines whether or not the person authenticated by the biometric authentication means (built-in camera 23B) is unloader M, based on information about unloader M stored in the unloader storage means (memory 23C). The determination means corresponds to the arithmetic circuit (CPU) of the mobile terminal 23, more specifically, the processing of S2 and S10 in FIG. 3, which will be described later. The arithmetic circuit of the mobile terminal 23 determines whether or not the person photographed by the built-in camera 23B is unloader M stored in the memory 23C of the mobile terminal 23, i.e., a qualified crew member.

[0049] The control means permits or disallows unloading based on the determination result of the determination means. The control means corresponds to the arithmetic circuit (CPU) of the mobile terminal 23, more specifically, the processes of S2 and S10 in FIG. 3, which will be described later. If the arithmetic circuit of the mobile terminal 23 determines that the person photographed by the built-in camera 23B is the unloading worker M (qualified person) stored in the memory 23C of the mobile terminal 23, the unloading is permitted. When unloading is permitted, for example, the arithmetic circuit permits reading of hatch information (e.g., information on the type and amount of liquid loaded for each hatch 10-N of the tank truck 8) from the unloading card, permits display of hatch information on the display screen 23A of the mobile terminal 23, or permits opening of the bottom valve 12 (sends a valve open signal). This allows the unloading worker M to perform unloading (open / close the bottom valve 12) using the mobile terminal 23.

[0050] On the other hand, if the arithmetic circuit of the mobile terminal 23 determines that the person photographed by the built-in camera 23B is not the unloading worker M (qualified person) stored in the memory 23C of the mobile terminal 23, the arithmetic circuit denies unloading. When unloading is denied, for example, reading of hatch information from the unloading card is not permitted, display of hatch information on the display screen 23A of the mobile terminal 23 is not permitted, or opening of the bottom valve 12 (transmission of a valve open signal) is not permitted. In this case, the unloading worker M cannot use the mobile terminal 23 to unload (open or close the bottom valve 12).

[0051] In addition, in the embodiment, the mobile terminal 23 is equipped with an unloading information acquisition means, the aforementioned supply station worker storage means, and a second determination means. The unloading information acquisition means acquires information about unloading, whether the unloading is "solo unloading performed by the unloading worker M alone" or "attended unloading requiring the presence of a gas station 1 worker (attending worker W)." In other words, the unloading information acquisition means acquires unloading information about whether the gas station 1 where unloading is performed is "solo unloading" or "attended unloading." The unloading information acquisition means corresponds to the card reader 23D of the mobile terminal 23. The card reader 23D acquires unloading information about whether the unloading at the gas station 1 where unloading is performed is solo unloading or attended unloading by reading an unloading card carried by the crew.

[0052] The second determination means determines whether the person authenticated by the biometric authentication means is a gas station 1 worker (attending worker W) pre-stored in the gas station worker storage means (memory 23C). That is, the second determination means determines whether the person authenticated by the biometric authentication means (built-in camera 23B) is a gas station 1 worker (attending worker W) based on information about the gas station 1 worker (attending worker W) stored in the gas station worker storage means (memory 23C). The second determination means corresponds to the arithmetic circuit (CPU) of the mobile terminal 23, more specifically, the processing of S7 in FIG. 3 described below. The arithmetic circuit of the mobile terminal 23 determines whether the person photographed by the built-in camera 23B is a gas station 1 worker stored in the gas station worker storage means (memory 23C), i.e., a qualified attending worker W.

[0053] The control means permits unloading when it is determined, based on the information acquired by the unloading information acquisition means (card reader 23D), that the unloading is attended unloading and the person authenticated by the second determination means is determined to be an attendant unloading of the gas station 1 (attending worker W). This process corresponds to the process of S7 in FIG. 3, which will be described later. That is, the arithmetic circuit of the mobile terminal 23 permits unloading when it determines that the person photographed by the built-in camera 23B is the attendant worker W of the gas station 1 stored in the memory 23C of the mobile terminal 23. When unloading is permitted, the unloading worker M can perform unloading (opening and closing the bottom valve 12) using the mobile terminal 23 in the presence of the attendant worker W of the gas station 1.

[0054] On the other hand, if the arithmetic circuit of the portable terminal 23 determines that the person photographed by the built-in camera 23B is not the attendant worker W (qualified person) of the gas station 1 stored in the memory 23C of the portable terminal 23, the arithmetic circuit denies unloading. In this case, the unloading worker M cannot perform unloading (opening and closing the bottom valve 12) using the portable terminal 23. The unloading control of the portable terminal 23, including the process of permitting or disallowing unloading, i.e., the control process shown in FIG. 3, will be described in detail later.

[0055] As described above, in this embodiment, the tank truck 8 is provided with an unloading control panel 20. The unloading control panel 20 controls the opening and closing of the bottom valve 12 of the hatch 10-N in which fuel is stored, thereby unloading fuel from the hatch 10-N to the underground tank 2-n. The unloading control panel 20 is connected to a portable terminal 23 so that data (information) and instructions (commands) can be sent and received between them. The portable terminal 23 can be carried by an unloading worker M, such as a crew member of the tank truck 8. The portable terminal 23 communicates with the unloading control panel 20 attached to the tank truck 8 to open and close the bottom valve 12 and display the load amount.

[0056] The mobile terminal 23 has a built-in camera 23B for verifying a person's face and a card reader 23D for reading an unloading card on which data for the hatch 10-N is written. In this case, the mobile terminal 23 can read card data from the unloading card using the card reader 23D when it determines, through face verification using the built-in camera 23B, that the verified person is an unloading worker M (qualified person) who is able to unload. As a result, in this embodiment, face verification can prevent unloading by persons who are not qualified to unload.

[0057] Furthermore, for example, when unloading is performed in the presence of a person, if it is determined that the person identified by facial matching is an attendant at the gas station 1 (attending worker W), it is possible to import the card data of the unloading card. This makes it possible to prevent unloading from being performed without an attendant (attending worker W) present by facial matching.

[0058] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the unloading control panel 20 determines that the unloader is M through facial matching using the mobile terminal 23, it opens the bottom valve 12 to allow unloading. This prevents unloading by someone who is not qualified to do so when unloading begins for each hatch 10-N.

[0059] Here, the portable terminal 23 of the unloading system can be configured to include a location matching means for matching a location using a current location specifying device such as a GPS mounted on the portable terminal 23 or the tank truck vehicle 8. The location matching means determines, for example, whether the current location of the portable terminal 23 or the tank truck vehicle 8 is the location of the gas station 1 where unloading is to be performed, as specified by the unloading card. The portable terminal 23 then permits unloading when the location matching means determines that the location of the portable terminal 23 or the tank truck vehicle 8 matches the location of the gas station 1 specified by the unloading card. In this case, by matching the location by the portable terminal 23, i.e., by matching "the location of the portable terminal 23 or the tank truck vehicle 8 obtained by GPS or the like" with "the location of the gas station 1," it is possible to prevent unloading from being performed at a gas station 1 that is not the unloading destination.

[0060] The unloading system (fuel unloading system) according to the embodiment has the configuration described above, and next, the operation of unloading fuel from the tank truck 8 into the underground tank 2-n of the gas station 1 will be described.

[0061] When the crew of the tanker truck 8 (for example, the driver) arrives at the destination gas station 1, the crew operates the portable terminal 23 and starts the fuel unloading application software. The crew, who is the unloading worker M, uses the card reader 23D to have the portable terminal 23 read the unloading card. The unloading card stores, for example, "hatch information of the tanker truck 8," "location information of the destination gas station 1," and "information on the unloading method at the destination gas station 1 (i.e., whether unloading is performed independently or with the driver present)."

[0062] The crew photographs their own face using built-in camera 23B of portable terminal 23 and verifies whether or not the photographed person is a pre-registered crew member (a crew member whose facial authentication information is stored in memory 23C of portable terminal 23). If the person (crew member) photographed by built-in camera 23B matches the pre-registered crew member, portable terminal 23 verifies whether or not the location information obtained by the GPS of portable terminal 23 matches the location information of destination gas station 1 (location information stored in the unloading card). If the location information of portable terminal 23 matches the location information of destination gas station 1, portable terminal 23 determines whether unloading at destination gas station 1 is unassisted unloading or attended unloading.

[0063] Whether unloading is independent or attended is registered in the unloading card together with the location information of the destination gas station 1, for example. When the portable terminal 23 determines that unloading is independent, it displays hatch information of the tank truck 8 (for example, information on the type and amount of liquid loaded for each hatch 10-N) on the display screen 23A. On the other hand, when it determines that unloading is attended, the portable terminal 23 displays, for example, on the display screen 23A, that unloading is attended. Based on this display, the crew photographs the face of the attendant worker (attending worker W) of the gas station 1 using the built-in camera 23B of the portable terminal 23, and verifies whether the attendant worker is a pre-registered worker (attending worker whose face authentication information is stored in the memory 23C of the portable terminal 23). If the person (worker) photographed by the built-in camera 23B matches a pre-registered worker (attendant), the mobile terminal 23 displays hatch information of the tanker truck 8 on the display screen 23A.

[0064] In this way, the mobile terminal 23 displays hatch information of the tank truck 8 on the display screen 23A, thereby permitting unloading (first stage permission). The unloading worker M, who is a crew member of the tank truck 8, connects the discharge port 14 of the on-board tank 9 to the fuel filler port 4 of the underground tank 2-n with the unloading hose 18. When starting unloading, the unloading worker M photographs his or her own face and checks whether or not the photographed person is a pre-registered unloading worker M. If the person (crew member) photographed by the built-in camera 23B matches the pre-registered crew member, the mobile terminal 23 permits unloading (second stage permission). In this case, the bottom valve 12 is permitted to open. This allows the unloading worker M to start unloading the fuel using the mobile terminal 23.

[0065] That is, the unloading worker M presses the "Start Unloading" button displayed on the display screen 23A of the mobile terminal 23 with his / her fingertip. This causes the mobile terminal 23 to send an open signal to the unloading control panel 20 to open the bottom valve 12 and the unloading solenoid valve 15, and the bottom valve 12 and the unloading solenoid valve 15 open, thereby unloading fuel from the tank truck 8 into the underground tank 2. On the other hand, when the unloading worker M presses the "Stop Unloading" button on the mobile terminal 23 with his / her fingertip, or when a predetermined amount of fuel has been unloaded into the underground tank 2, the bottom valve 12 and the unloading solenoid valve 15 close, and the unloading of fuel stops. When the unloading of the fuel is complete, the unloading worker M removes the unloading hose 18 and cleans up (prepares for departure). This puts the tank truck 8 in a state where it can depart from the gas station 1.

[0066] Next, the control processing performed by the arithmetic circuit of the mobile terminal 23 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0067] For example, when the unloading application software is launched and the processing of Fig. 3 starts, in S1 it is determined whether or not a card has been read. That is, the mobile terminal 23 determines whether or not the unloading card has been read by the card reader 23D. If the determination in S1 is "NO," that is, if it is determined that the unloading card has not been read, the processing of S1 is repeated. On the other hand, if the unloading card has been read by the card reader 23D, the determination in S1 is "YES," and the processing proceeds to S2. In this case, the card reader 23D reads information stored on the unloading card, such as hatch information of the tank truck 8, location information of the destination gas station 1, and information on the unloading method at the destination gas station 1 (i.e., whether unloading is performed independently or with the driver's assistance), and the read information is stored in the memory 23C of the mobile terminal 23.

[0068] In S2, face authentication of the unloading worker M (crew member) is performed using the built-in camera 23B of the mobile terminal 23. That is, when a person is photographed by the built-in camera 23B of the mobile terminal 23, authentication is performed using the image data (face image) in S2. Specifically, in S2, it is determined whether the photographed person is the unloading worker M (crew member) stored in the memory 23C of the mobile terminal 23. If the result of S2 is "NO," that is, if it is determined that the photographed person is not the unloading worker M (crew member) stored in the memory 23C, the process proceeds to S3. In S3, "Not a registered crew member" is displayed on the display screen 23A of the mobile terminal 23, and the process ends. That is, the process returns to the start via the end, and the process from S1 onwards is repeated. In this case, the process ends without unloading being performed. Note that if "Not a registered crew member" is displayed on the display screen 23A of the mobile terminal 23 by the process of S3, the process may return to before S2 and repeat the process of S2. In this case, the next step can be achieved by taking a photograph and authenticating the user again.

[0069] If S2 returns "YES," that is, if it is determined that the photographed person is the unloading worker M (crew member) stored in memory 23C, the process proceeds to S4. In S4, the location information is compared. That is, in S4, it is determined whether or not the location information from the GPS of portable terminal 23 matches the location information of gas station 1 read from the unloading card. If S4 returns "NO," that is, if it is determined that the location information of portable terminal 23 does not match the location information of gas station 1 read from the unloading card, the process proceeds to S5. In S5, "This is not the destination gas station" is displayed on the display screen 23A of portable terminal 23, and the process ends. That is, the process returns to the start via the end, and the process from S1 onwards is repeated.

[0070] On the other hand, if S4 returns "YES," i.e., if it is determined that the location information of the mobile terminal 23 and the location information of the gas station 1 read from the unloading card match, the process proceeds to S6. In S6, it is determined whether the unloading method at the gas station 1 where unloading is to be performed is attended unloading. That is, in S6, it is determined whether it is attended unloading or unattended unloading. This determination is made based on the information on the unloading method at the destination gas station 1 read from the unloading card (i.e., whether it is unattended unloading or unattended unloading). If S6 returns "NO," i.e., if it is determined that it is not attended unloading, in other words, it is unattended unloading, the process proceeds to S9 without going through the processing of S7. On the other hand, if S6 returns "YES," i.e., if it is determined that it is attended unloading, the process proceeds to S7. In S7, face authentication of the attendant (attending worker W at the gas station 1) is performed using the built-in camera 23B of the mobile terminal 23.

[0071] That is, when a person is photographed by the built-in camera 23B of the mobile terminal 23, authentication is performed in S7 using the image data (image of the face). Specifically, in S7, it is determined whether the photographed person is the attendant (attendant worker W of the gas station 1) stored in the memory 23C of the mobile terminal 23. If the result of S7 is "NO," that is, if it is determined that the photographed person is not the attendant (attendant worker W of the gas station 1) stored in the memory 23C, the process proceeds to S8. In S8, "Not an attendant at the gas station" is displayed on the display screen 23A of the mobile terminal 23, and the process ends. That is, the process returns to the start via the end, and the process from S1 onwards is repeated. Note that if "Not an attendant at the gas station" is displayed on the display screen 23A of the mobile terminal 23 by the process of S8, the process may return to before S7 and repeat the process of S7.

[0072] If S7 returns "YES," that is, if it is determined that the photographed person is the attendant (attendant worker W of the gas station 1) stored in the memory 23C, the process proceeds to S9. In S9, the hatch information is recorded and displayed. That is, in S9, the hatch information is recorded in the memory 23C of the portable terminal 23, and the hatch information is displayed on the display screen 23A of the portable terminal 23. In the following S10, face authentication of the unloading worker M (crew member) is performed by the built-in camera 23B of the portable terminal 23. That is, when a person is photographed by the built-in camera 23B of the portable terminal 23, authentication is performed in S10 using the image data (image of the face). Specifically, in S10, it is determined whether the photographed person is the unloading worker M (crew member) stored in the memory 23C of the portable terminal 23. If S10 returns "NO," that is, if it is determined that the photographed person is not the unloading worker M (crew member) stored in memory 23C, the process proceeds to S11. In S11, the display screen 23A of the mobile terminal 23 displays "The bottom valve will not open because the person is not a registered crew member," and the process of S10 is repeated.

[0073] If S10 returns "YES," i.e., if it is determined that the photographed person is the unloading worker M (crew member) stored in memory 23C, the process proceeds to S12 and S13. In S12, unloading begins. That is, when the "unloading start button" is pressed, the mobile terminal 23 transmits a signal to the unloading control panel 20 to open the bottom valve 12 and the unloading solenoid valve 15, and fuel is unloaded from the onboard tank 9 of the tank truck 8 to the underground tank 2. In the following S13, unloading ends. That is, when the "unloading stop button" is pressed on the mobile terminal 23, or when a predetermined amount of fuel has been unloaded into the underground tank 2, the unloading control panel 20 closes the bottom valve 12 and the unloading solenoid valve 15, and unloading of fuel stops. When unloading of fuel into the underground tank 2-n of the gas station 1 is all completed through the processes of S12 and S13, the process ends. That is, the process returns to the start via the end and repeats the processes from S1 onwards.

[0074] As described above, according to the embodiment, the mobile terminal 23 as the control means permits or disallows unloading based on the determination result of whether or not the person authenticated by the built-in camera 23B as the biometric authentication means is the unloader M. Therefore, if the person authenticated by the built-in camera 23B is the unloader M, unloading can be permitted. This makes it possible to prevent unloading work from being performed by someone other than the unloader M.

[0075] According to the embodiment, the mobile terminal 23 as a control means permits unloading in the presence of an attendant based on the determination result of whether or not the person authenticated by the built-in camera 23B as a biometric authentication means is an attendant worker W of the gas station 1. Therefore, in the presence of an attendant unloading, if the person authenticated by the built-in camera 23B is the unloading worker M and the attendant worker W of the gas station 1, unloading can be permitted. This makes it possible to prevent unloading work from being performed without the attendant being present (confirmed) in the presence of an attendant unloading.

[0076] In the embodiment, a case where a person is authenticated using image data acquired by the built-in camera 23B of the mobile terminal 23 has been described as an example. That is, a case where the built-in camera 23B of the mobile terminal 23 constitutes a biometric authentication means has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a person may be authenticated using image data acquired by a camera connected to the mobile terminal 23 wirelessly or via a cable, that is, a camera separate from the mobile terminal 23. In this case, for example, a person may be authenticated using image data acquired by a camera (monitoring camera) installed at the gas station 1. That is, the biometric authentication means may be constituted by a camera (monitoring camera) at the gas station 1. Also, a camera for authenticating a person may be provided in the unloading control panel 20. Also, an on-board camera mounted on a tanker truck may be used as the camera for authenticating a person.

[0077] Furthermore, person authentication may be performed by fingerprint authentication (finger authentication), iris authentication (pupil authentication), vein authentication (blood vessel authentication), or voiceprint authentication (voice authentication), in addition to face authentication using a camera. That is, biometric authentication means such as a fingerprint sensor, iris sensor, vital sign sensor, or voiceprint sensor (microphone) may be used. In any case, authentication can be performed by comparing authentication information (template) for identifying a person that has been acquired and registered in advance with information acquired by a sensor (for example, an image sensor, a touch sensor, or a microphone) provided in the mobile terminal 23 or the like.

[0078] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the built-in camera 23B serving as biometric authentication means is provided in the mobile terminal 23. In this case, authentication can be easily performed. That is, compared to when a camera for biometric authentication is provided in the unloading control panel 20 or when it is an on-board camera of the tanker truck 8, the person to be authenticated (i.e., the unloading worker or the gas station worker) does not need to go close to the unloading control panel 20 or the on-board camera of the tanker truck 8. This makes authentication easy.

[0079] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the management machine that manages unloading is configured with an "unloading control panel 20 mounted on the tank truck 8" and a "portable terminal 23 that can be carried from the tank truck 8." However, this is not limiting, and for example, the management machine that manages unloading may be configured with either an unloading control panel or a portable terminal. Furthermore, the management machine may be configured with a remote terminal, for example, a terminal located within the gas station 1 (gas station terminal), or a terminal located farther away than the gas station 1 (external terminal).

[0080] That is, the management device that manages unloading can be configured with at least one of an unloading control panel, a mobile terminal, and a remote terminal. The remote terminal may be, for example, a server computer that manages multiple gas stations and multiple tank trucks. The remote terminal may also be, for example, a terminal of a fuel wholesaler, a fuel sales company, or a fuel transportation company.

[0081] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which information about unloading, whether it is independent unloading or attended unloading, is stored in an unloading card and this information is acquired by the card reader 23D of the mobile terminal 23. That is, in the embodiment, an example has been described in which the card reader 23D of the mobile terminal 23 serves as unloading information acquisition means. However, this is not limiting. For example, information about unloading, whether it is independent unloading or attended unloading, may be stored in a remote terminal, and this information may be acquired by the mobile terminal 23 through data communication with the remote terminal. In this case, the communication device of the mobile terminal 23 corresponds to the unloading information acquisition means. Also, information about unloading, whether it is independent unloading or attended unloading, may be stored in advance in the memory 23C of the mobile terminal 23. In this case, the arithmetic circuit that acquires information from the memory 23C of the mobile terminal 23 corresponds to the unloading information acquisition means.

[0082] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which the mobile terminal 23 is provided with an "unloading worker storage means" that stores information about the unloading worker M, a "supply station worker storage means" that stores information about the worker (attending worker W) at the gas station 1, a "determination means" that determines the unloading worker M, a "control means" that permits or prohibits unloading, and a "second determination means" that determines whether the worker is a gas station 1 worker (attending worker W). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the unloading worker storage means, supply station worker storage means, determination means, control means, and second determination means may be provided in the unloading control panel 20 or a remote terminal (a terminal inside the gas station, a terminal outside the gas station). Also, for example, the storage means (unloading worker storage means, supply station worker storage means) may be provided in the remote terminal, the determination means and second determination means may be provided in the mobile terminal 23, and the control means may be provided in the unloading control panel 20.

[0083] In other words, the unloading worker storage means can be configured with a mobile terminal, an unloading control panel, or a remote terminal. The supply station worker storage means can be configured with a mobile terminal, an unloading control panel, or a remote terminal. The determination means can be configured with a mobile terminal, an unloading control panel, or a remote terminal. The control means can be configured with a mobile terminal, an unloading control panel, or a remote terminal. The second determination means can be configured with a mobile terminal, an unloading control panel, or a remote terminal. Furthermore, information about the unloading worker (information for biometric authentication) may be stored in an unloading card. That is, the unloading worker storage means in which information about the unloading worker is stored may be configured with an unloading card. Furthermore, information about the attending worker (information for biometric authentication) may be stored in an unloading card. That is, the supply station worker storage means in which information about the attending worker is stored may be configured with an unloading card.

[0084] In the embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the verification process for the unloading worker M (crew member) is performed twice, once in S2 and once in S10, i.e., once after the unloading card is read and once before the bottom valve 12 is opened. However, this is not limiting, and the process of S2 or S10 may be omitted, and the verification process for the unloading worker M (crew member) may be performed only once. That is, the verification process for the unloading worker M (crew member) may be performed at least once before the bottom valve 12 is opened. Furthermore, the verification process for the unloading worker M (crew member) may be performed, for example, every time the bottom valve of any of the multiple hatches is opened. In this case, unloading by someone other than the unloading worker can be more reliably prevented.

[0085] In the embodiment, the tank truck 8 is described as having a configuration including a plurality of hatches 10-N. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the tank truck may have a configuration including a single hatch, for example.

[0086] In the embodiment, an example has been described in which fuel is unloaded from a tank truck 8 into an underground tank 2 of a gas station 1. However, the unloading system of the embodiment is not limited to this, and can be widely applied to, for example, cases in which fuel is unloaded from a tank truck into a tank at a factory. In other words, the supply station to which fuel is unloaded is not limited to a gas station that supplies fuel to vehicles, but can be various supply stations (fuel supply stations) equipped with tanks that store liquid fuel, such as factories that require fuel.

[0087] According to the embodiment described above, the control means permits or denies unloading based on the determination result of the determination means that determines whether the person authenticated by the biometric authentication means is the unloader. Therefore, unloading can be permitted if the person authenticated by the biometric authentication means is the unloader. This makes it possible to prevent unloading work from being performed by someone other than the unloader.

[0088] According to the embodiment, the control means permits unloading based on the determination result of the second determination means, which determines whether the person authenticated by the biometric authentication means is a supply station worker during attended unloading. Therefore, during attended unloading, if the person authenticated by the biometric authentication means is an unloader and a supply station worker, unloading can be permitted. This makes it possible to prevent unloading work from being carried out without the presence (confirmation) of the unloader during attended unloading. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1. Gas station (supply station) 2(2-n) Underground tank (tank) 4 Oil filler port (liquid filler port) 8 Tanker trucks 10(10-N) Hatch 18 Unloading hose (hose) 19 Unloading control device (management machine) 20 Unloading control panel 23 Portable terminal (unloading worker storage means, supply station worker storage means, determination means, control means, second determination means) 23B Built-in camera (biometric authentication method) 23D Card reader (means of obtaining unloading information) M Unloader W. Attending worker

Claims

1. In an unloading system that connects a hose of a tank truck to a liquid filling port in a supply station and unloads liquid fuel from a hatch of the tank truck into a tank, a mobile terminal carried by the unloading worker and equipped with a display screen and a camera; an unloading worker storage means for storing information about unloading workers; a biometric authentication means for authenticating a person using the camera; a determination means for determining whether or not the person authenticated by the biometric authentication means is an unloading worker based on the information about the unloading worker stored in the unloading worker storage means; and a control means for permitting or disallowing unloading based on the determination result of the determination means, The control means displays information regarding unloading on the display screen, and then allows unloading if the determination means determines that the person authenticated by the biometric authentication means is an unloading worker.

2. an unloading information acquiring means for acquiring information on unloading, whether the unloading is a single unloading performed by an unloader alone or an attended unloading requiring the attendance of an operator of the supply facility; supply station worker storage means for storing information about workers at the supply station; a second determination means for determining whether or not the person authenticated by the biometric authentication means is a supply station worker stored in advance in the supply station worker storage means, The unloading system described in claim 1, wherein the control means displays information regarding unloading on the display screen when it determines that the unloading is an attended unloading based on the information acquired by the unloading information acquisition means and when it determines that the person authenticated by the second determination means is a worker at the supply station.

Images