Preview display feature for fuel dispensers

Abstract

Various exemplary devices, systems, and methods for a preview display feature for fuel dispensers are provided. In general, a fuel dispenser is configured to include a preview display feature that shows, e.g., on a display of the fuel dispenser, a real time image of a user of the fuel dispenser. In an exemplary implementation, the image is a video image, but the image can be a still image.

Description

PREVIEW DISPLAY FEATURE FOR FUEL DISPENSERSCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 586,518 entitled “Preview Display Feature For Fuel Dispensers” filed September 29, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a preview display feature for fuel dispensers.BACKGROUND

[0003] Security of fuel dispensers is a concern for fuel dispenser manufacturers, retail fuel providers, service personnel, and customers alike. Security can encompass many different aspects of the fuel dispenser.

[0004] For example, retail fuel providers may be concerned with the physical security of the fuel dispenser. Damage to or theft of fuel and / or other good or service available for purchase via the fuel dispenser may represent a large, unforeseen cost to the provider, and further, may reduce its business revenue due to customer skepticism of the overall security of the provider’s property.

[0005] For another example, fuel dispenser manufacturers may be concerned with the security of proprietary equipment, devices, or software encompassed within the fuel dispenser.Manufacturers may not be able to guarantee the security of information stored within or transmitted through the fuel dispenser should the proprietary equipment or software be compromised in any way, such as if a party other than authorized service personnel access the equipment, devices, or software encompassed within the fuel dispenser. Any loss of proprietary or confidential equipment or software may prevent proper functioning of the fuel dispenser and / or may severely limit the fuel dispenser manufacturer’s ability to expand its business or obtain any regulatory approvals required for fuel dispensers.

[0006] For yet another example, customers may be concerned with fuel dispenser security issues. For instance, customers may be concerned with their physical safety while outdoors at the fuel dispenser, and / or with an unauthorized party’s use of a stolen credit card or other payment mechanism to make a payment at the fuel dispenser, and / or with a possible loss of personal information.

[0007] For another example, service personnel may be concerned with fuel dispenser securityissues. For one example, service personnel may be concerned with their physical safety while outdoors at the fuel dispenser.SUMMARY

[0008] In general, devices, systems, and methods for a preview display feature for fuel dispensers are provided.

[0009] In one aspect, a system is provided that in one implementation includes a fuel dispenser including a display configured to display, in response to occurrence of a trigger event, real time images showing an area in front of the fuel dispenser. The trigger event is one of: a start of a fueling transaction by a customer at the fuel dispenser, a start of a customer payment process at the fuel dispenser, and a start of a service mode of the fuel dispenser.

[0010] The system can vary in any number of ways. For example, the fuel dispenser can include a camera configured to gather the real time images. Further, the camera can be located proximate an upper comer of the display in which the real time images are shown on the display.

[0011] For another example, the trigger event can be the start of the fueling transaction by the customer at the fuel dispenser. Further, the real time images can be shown on the display until an end of the fueling transaction.

[0012] For yet another example, the trigger event can be the start of the customer payment process at the fuel dispenser. Further, the real time images can be shown on the display until an end of the payment process.

[0013] For still another example, the trigger event can be the start of the service mode of the fuel dispenser. Further, the real time images can be shown on the display until the fuel dispenser exits the service mode.

[0014] For another example, the fuel dispenser can include a processor configured to detect the occurrence of the trigger event and to cause the display to show the real time images in response to detecting the occurrence of the trigger event. Further, the fuel dispenser can include a camera configured to gather the real time images, and the processor can be configured to cause the camera to begin gathering the real time images in response to detecting the occurrence of the trigger event.

[0015] For yet another example, the real time images can be video.

[0016] For another example, at least one message can be configured to be shown on the real time images. Further, the at least one message can be configured to be customized by an authorized administrator.

[0017] For yet another example, the display can also be configured to display, in response to occurrence of the trigger event, second real time images showing a second area in front of a second fuel dispenser located at a same fueling station as the fuel dispenser.

[0018] For still another example, the real time images can be still images.

[0019] For another example, the trigger event can be one of the start of the fueling transaction by the customer at the fuel dispenser and the start of the customer payment process at the fuel dispenser, and the real time images can show the customer.

[0020] For yet another example, the trigger event can be the start of the service mode of the fuel dispenser, and the real time images can show a user servicing the fuel dispenser in the service mode.

[0021] In another implementation, a system includes a terminal including a display configured to display, in response to occurrence of a trigger event, real time images showing an area in front of the terminal. The trigger event is one of a start of a transaction by a customer at the terminal, a start of a customer payment process at the terminal, and a start of a service mode of the fuel terminal.

[0022] The system can have any number of variations. For example, the terminal can be a dispenser configured to dispense a good.

[0023] For another example, the terminal can be one of an automatic teller machine, an air machine, a parking meter, and a vending machine.

[0024] For yet another example, the terminal can include a camera configured to gather the real time images. Further, the camera can be located proximate an upper corner of the display in which the real time images are shown on the display.

[0025] For still another example, the trigger event can be the start of the transaction by the customer at the terminal. Further, the real time images can be shown on the display until an end of the transaction.

[0026] For yet another example, the trigger event can be the start of the customer paymentprocess at the terminal. Further, the real time images can be shown on the display until an end of the payment process.

[0027] For still another example, the trigger event can be the start of the service mode of the terminal. Further, the real time images can be shown on the display until the fuel dispenser exits the service mode.

[0028] For another example, the terminal can include a processor configured to be used to detect the occurrence of the trigger event and to cause the display to show the real time images in response to detecting the occurrence of the trigger event. Further, the terminal can include a camera configured to gather the real time images, and the processor can be configured to be used to cause the camera to begin gathering the real time images in response to detecting the occurrence of the trigger event.

[0029] For yet another example, the real time images can be video.

[0030] For still another example, at least one message can be configured to be shown on the real time images. Further, the at least one message can be configured to be customized by an authorized administrator.

[0031] For another example, the display can also be configured to display, in response to occurrence of the trigger event, second real time images showing a second area in front of a second terminal located at a same site as the terminal.

[0032] For still another example, the real time images can be still images.

[0033] For another example, the trigger event can be one of the start of the transaction by the customer at the terminal and the start of the customer payment process at the terminal, and the real time images can show the customer.

[0034] For yet another example, the trigger event can be the start of the service mode of the terminal, and the real time images can show a user servicing the terminal in the service mode.

[0035] In another aspect, a computer-implemented method is provided that in one implementation includes detecting, at a terminal, occurrence of a trigger event, and, in response to detecting the occurrence of the trigger event, causing real time images showing an area in front of the terminal to be shown on a display of the terminal.

[0036] The method can vary in any number of ways. For example, the terminal can be a fueldispenser.

[0037] For another example, the terminal can be a dispenser configured to dispense a good.

[0038] For yet another example, the terminal can be one of an automatic teller machine, an air machine, a parking meter, and a vending machine.

[0039] For still another example, the terminal can include a camera that gathers the real time images. Further, the camera can be located proximate an upper corner of the display in which the real time images are shown on the display.

[0040] For yet another example, the trigger event can be the start of the fueling transaction by the customer at the terminal. Further, the real time images can be shown on the display until an end of the fueling transaction.

[0041] For still another example, the trigger event can be the start of the customer payment process at the terminal. Further, the real time images can be shown on the display until an end of the payment process.

[0042] For another example, the trigger event can be the start of the service mode of the terminal. Further, the real time images can be shown on the display until the fuel dispenser exits the service mode.

[0043] For yet another example, the terminal can include a processor that is used to detect the occurrence of the trigger event and to cause the display to show the real time images in response to detecting the occurrence of the trigger event. Further, the terminal can include a camera that gathers the real time images, and the processor can be used to cause the camera to begin gathering the real time images in response to detecting the occurrence of the trigger event.

[0044] For another example, the real time images can be video.

[0045] For yet another example, at least one message can be shown on the real time images. Further, the at least one message can be configured to be customized by an authorized administrator.

[0046] For another example, the method can also include, in response to detecting the occurrence of the trigger event, causing second real time images showing a second area in front of a second terminal to be shown on the display of the terminal, and the second terminal can be located at a same site as the terminal.

[0047] For still another example, the real time images can be still images.

[0048] For another example, the trigger event can be one of the start of the transaction by the customer at the terminal and the start of the customer payment process at the terminal, and the real time images can show the customer.

[0049] For yet another example, the trigger event can be the start of the service mode of the terminal, and the real time images can show a user servicing the terminal in the service mode.

[0050] In another aspect, a preview display feature is provided as described herein.

[0051] In another aspect, a method of using a preview display feature is provided as described herein.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0052] The embodiments described above will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled in every drawing. In the drawings:

[0053] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of one implementation of a fuel dispenser;

[0054] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of another implementation of a fuel dispenser;

[0055] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of another implementation of a fuel dispenser with a preview display feature on a display of the fuel dispenser;

[0056] FIG. 4 is another implementation of the preview display feature on the display of FIG. 3;

[0057] FIG. 5 is yet another implementation of the preview display feature on the display of FIG. 3;

[0058] FIG. 6 is still another implementation of the preview display feature on the display of FIG. 3;

[0059] FIG. 7 is another implementation of the preview display feature on the display of FIG. 3;

[0060] FIG. 8 is one implementation of a configuration interface for a preview display feature; and

[0061] FIG. 9 is a schematic view of one implementation of a computing system.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide an overall understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the devices, systems, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

[0063] Further, in the present disclosure, like-named components of the embodiments generally have similar features, and thus within a particular embodiment each feature of each like-named component is not necessarily fully elaborated upon. Additionally, to the extent that linear or circular dimensions are used in the description of the disclosed systems, devices, and methods, such dimensions are not intended to limit the types of shapes that can be used in conjunction with such systems, devices, and methods. A person skilled in the art will recognize that an equivalent to such linear and circular dimensions can easily be determined for any geometric shape. Sizes and shapes of the systems and devices, and the components thereof, can depend at least on the dimensions of the subject in which the systems and devices will be used, the size and shape of components with which the systems and devices will be used, and the methods with which the systems and devices will be used.

[0064] Various exemplary devices, systems, and methods for a preview display feature for fuel dispensers are provided. In general, a fuel dispenser is configured to include a preview display feature that shows, e.g., on a display of the fuel dispenser, a real time image of a user of the fuel dispenser. In an exemplary implementation, the image is a video image, but the image can be a still image. The preview display feature may give the user of the fuel dispenser a sense of safety since even though the user is looking at the fuel dispenser, the real time image on the fuel dispenser allows the user to see activity occurring behind the user. The preview display feature may remind the user that they are on camera and are being monitored, which may reduce vandalism, theft, or other undesirable activity.

[0065] The user of the fuel dispenser can be a customer conducting a transaction to purchase fuel (and / or other good(s) / service(s) via the fuel dispenser). In an exemplary implementation, the fuel dispenser is configured to cause the preview display feature to be displayed during at least a payment process in which the customer pays for fuel (and / or other good(s) / service(s)). The customer is likely to be looking at the fuel dispenser instead of at their general surroundings during the payment process, so safety of the customer may be improved by showing the preview display feature during the payment process. Non-payment for dispensed fuel is most likely to occur once fuel dispensing has ended and the payment process begins, so a start of the paymentprocess triggering display of the preview display feature may help prevent fuel theft by reminding a customer that a camera (or other image gathering device) can “see” them and / or may help a merchant identify a customer who failed to submit payment.

[0066] The user of the fuel dispenser can be a maintenance worker or other authorized service personnel servicing the fuel dispenser, repairing the fuel dispenser, etc. In an exemplary implementation, the fuel dispenser is configured to cause the preview display feature to be displayed in response to the fuel dispenser entering a service mode allowing the fuel dispenser to be serviced, repaired, etc. The service personnel is likely to be looking at the fuel dispenser instead of at their general surroundings while operating the fuel dispenser in service mode, so safety of the service personnel may be improved by showing the preview display feature throughout use of the fuel dispenser in service mode.

[0067] In an exemplary implementation, the preview display feature is configured to include a message to the user. The user may thus have an improved experience using the fuel dispenser. The message can be different based on whether the user is a customer or is service personnel. A message for a customer can include, for example, a welcome message. A message for service personnel can include, for example, a reminder that the service is being audited, e.g., an audit trail is being saved of the service, repair, etc. performed, which may help ensure that the service personnel works efficiently and / or that any failed service, repair, etc. can be examined to determine the reason for failure.

[0068] One example of a message to the user is a welcome message, e.g., “Welcome valued Customer,” “Welcome,” “Hello,” “Nice to see you today,” etc. In a welcome message with the term “see” or the like, the term can be emphasized, e.g., in all capital letters, in bold font, etc., to emphasize to the user that they are being watched, e.g., “Nice to SEE you today!” or the like. Another example of a message to the user is a thank you message, e.g., “Thank you,” “Thanks,” “Thanks for your business,” “We appreciate your business,” “Thank you for choosing us,” “Thanks for choosing [name of business],” etc. Another example of a message to the user is an informational message regarding the image gathering, e.g., “Live video,” “Live image,” “You are being recorded,” etc.

[0069] The preview display feature can include a single message to the user, e.g., one of a welcome message, thank you message, etc., or can simultaneously include more than one message to the user, e.g., at least two of a welcome message, thank you message, etc.

[0070] In some implementations, the message to the user is configured to be customizable in text and / or formatting. A particular merchant may thus customize messages to be shown to their customers and their service personnel, which may improve overall user experience and / or may allow for desired marketing features (color, font, logo, etc.).

[0071] In some implementations, the images gathered are shown live on the fuel dispenser but are not saved. In other implementations, the images gathered are shown live on the fuel dispenser and are saved, e.g., in a memory of the fuel dispenser. Saving the images may allow for later review of the images, which may be useful in the event of an anomaly such as vandalism, theft, customer non-payment, etc. and / or to create a service / maintenance audit trail.

[0072] FIG. 1 illustrates one implementation of a fuel dispenser 100 configured to include a preview display feature. As shown in FIG. 1, the fuel dispenser 100 includes an electronics compartment 104 and a pump compartment 106. The electronics compartment 104 has therein electronics for facilitating payment for fuel (and / or other good and / or services) and for facilitating the dispensing of the fuel. The electronics include, for example, a processor 108 configured to control various electronic components of the fuel dispenser 100 and dispensing of the fuel from the pump compartment 106, a communication unit 110 configured to electronically communicate wired and / or wirelessly over a network, a display 112 configured to show information (e.g., media content, payment information, etc.) thereon, a memory 114 configured to store data therein that is readable by the processor 108, a camera 116 (or other image gathering device) configured to gather images external to the fuel dispenser 100, and a payment mechanism 118 (e.g., a card reader, a Near Field Communication (NFC) module, etc.) configured to facilitate payment for fuel (and / or other good and / or services). The fuel dispenser 100 can be configured for mobile payment in addition to (or instead of) payment through the fuel dispenser 100.

[0073] The display 112 is configured to show information to a user of the fuel dispenser 100, including a preview display feature, as discussed herein. The display 112 can have any of a variety of configurations, such as a cathode ray tube (CRT) screen, a liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, a light emitting diode (LED) screen, a touchscreen, and the like. The display 112 can include a single display. Alternatively, the display 112 can include multiple displays. For example, a first display 112 can be on a front side of the fuel dispenser 100 and a second display 112 can be on a back side of the fuel dispenser 100. For another example, the display 112 can include two displays mounted next to each other to increase an overall display size. For yet another example, the display 112 can include first and second displays mounted next to each other on a front side of the fuel dispenser 100 and can include third and fourth mounted next to

[0074] The fuel dispenser 100 can, in some implementations, include at least one media output device in addition to the display 112. For example, the at least one media output device can include a speaker configured to output audio therefrom.

[0075] The communication unit 110 can have a variety of configurations. The communication unit 110 is configured to communicate wirelessly in an exemplary implementation, which may facilitate communication with a remote system (e.g., a remote cloud server, a third party payment authorization system, etc.) and / or may facilitate setup of the communication. The communication unit 110 can be configured to facilitate wireless communication over a communication link and can include, e.g., a transceiver communicating via any of a variety of wireless techniques, e.g., Bluetooth protocol, cellular protocol, WIFI protocol, near field communication (NFC), a radio frequency identification (RFID) protocol, etc. Any of a variety of types of wireless connectivity hardware can be used for the wireless connectivity, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art. The wireless communication can be according to any of a variety of communication protocols, e.g., TCP / IP, etc., as will also be appreciated by a person skilled in the art. The wireless connectivity may facilitate wireless mesh network communication, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art. The types of wireless connectivity that the communication unit 110 includes can be chosen by an owner of the fuel dispenser 100 according to the owner’s current fueling site setup and / or future fueling site plans, and the communication unit 110 may be manufactured and / or updated accordingly.

[0076] In some implementations, the communication unit 110 is configured to communicate over a wired connection in addition to or instead of over a wireless connection. A wired connection may be used, for example, for a local communication link between the fuel dispenser 100 and a local computing system external to the fuel dispenser 100 (e.g., a forecourt controller, an in-store a point of sale (POS) device, etc.). A wired connection may provide more security and / or stability than a wireless connection and / or may allow a legacy fuel dispenser configured to communicate only via one or more wired connections to implement dynamic management of display content as described herein. Wired communication can occur via any of a variety of wired communication protocols, e.g., TCP / IP, etc., as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art. Some fuel dispensers are manufactured with two-wire connectivity, and the wired communication can accordingly be via two wires, such as via a controller area network bus (CANBus) two wire connection, an RS485 two wire connection, a current loop connection, or other type of two wire connection. Some fuel dispensers are additionally or alternatively manufactured with cable connectivity and can accordingly be configured to provide wired communication via cable connection, such as an Ethernet cable or other network cable. Olderfuel dispensers typically have two-wire connectivity capabilities while newer fuel dispensers typically have Ethernet connectivity capabilities instead.

[0077] The pump compartment 106 of the fuel dispenser 100 can, as in this illustrated implementation, have therein a pump 120 configured to pump fuel from a fuel tank or other reservoir and has therein a fuel meter 100 configured to monitor fuel flow. The pump compartment 106 can include other elements to facilitate fuel dispensing, such as valves, a vapor recovery system, etc., as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art. The pump compartment 106 is isolated from the electronics compartment 104 within the dispenser 100 to facilitate safety, security, and / or maintenance, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art. Fuel is configured to flow through the pump compartment 106 to a hose (not shown) and out of a nozzle (not shown) at an end of the hose. The fuel dispenser 100 can include any number of hoses and associated nozzles.

[0078] A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the fuel dispenser 100 of FIG. 1 can have various other configurations. Various exemplary implementations of fuel dispensers are described further in, for example, U.S. Pat. No. 10,214,411 entitled “Fuel Dispenser Communication” issued Feb. 26, 2019, U.S. Pat. No. 10,269,082 entitled “Intelligent Fuel Dispensers” issued Apr. 23, 2019, U.S. Pat. No. 10,577,237 entitled “Methods And Devices For Fuel Dispenser Electronic Communication” issued March 3, 2020, U.S. Pat. No. 10,726,508 entitled “Intelligent Fuel Dispensers” issued Jul. 28, 2020, U.S. Pat. No. 11,276,051 entitled “Systems And Methods For Convenient And Secure Mobile Transactions” issued Mar. 15, 2022, U.S. Pat. No. 11,429,945 entitled “Outdoor Payment Terminals” issued Aug. 30, 2022, and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2023 / 0196360 entitled “Conducting Fuel Dispensing Transactions” published Jun. 22, 2023, which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0079] In some implementations, a fuel dispenser (e.g., the fuel dispenser 100 of FIG. 1, etc.) configured to include a preview display feature can be configured to dispense type(s) of “fuel” besides a petroleum fuel. For example, the fuel dispenser can be configured to dispense hydrogen, liquid propane gas (LPG) or compressed natural gas (CNG), water, electricity, or the like. It will be understood that the fueling stations and the fuel dispensers described herein are not limited to petroleum gasoline in liquid format and that other types of fuel dispensers configured to dispense alternate types of “fuel” can be envisioned. For example, in some implementations, the fuel dispenser can be a hydrogen fuel dispenser. For another example, in some implementations, the fuel dispenser can be a natural gas fuel dispenser. For yet another example, in some implementations, the fuel dispenser can be an electrical fuel dispenser.

[0080] FIG. 2 illustrates one implementation of a fuel dispenser 200 that is configured to include a preview display feature and that is configured to dispense electricity. As in this illustrated implementation, the fuel dispenser 200 can include a charging cable 202 coupled to a body 204 of the dispenser 200 at one end and configured to deliver electricity to a charging connector 206 coupled to an opposite end. The charging connector 206 is configured to couple to a charging port of a vehicle (not shown) and to deliver the electricity provided by the dispenser 200, via the charging cable 202, to the vehicle when coupled to the charging port. When not in use, the charging connector 206 is configured to be stored in a charger receptacle 208 formed on the dispenser body 204.

[0081] The dispenser body 204 has an electronics compartment 210, a pump compartment 212, and a camera or other image sensor 214. The pump compartment 212 is isolated from the electronics compartment 210 within the dispenser 200 to facilitate safety, security, and / or maintenance, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art. Fuel is thus not allowed to flow from the pump compartment 212 to the electronics compartment 210 and instead flows from the pump compartment 212 through a hose 216 to a nozzle 218 for dispensing. As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the nozzle 218 is configured to dispense fuel from the dispenser 200 as pumped therefrom by the pump. The dispenser 100 also includes a nozzle receptacle 220 configured to store the nozzle 208 when not in use.

[0082] The dispenser 200 of FIG. 2 is thus configured to dispense fuel as electricity via the charging connector 206 and to dispense another type of fuel via the nozzle 218. In other implementations, a fuel dispenser can be configured to dispense fuel only as electricity or to dispense only one or more types of fuel that are not electricity.

[0083] The dispenser 200 also includes a display 222. The display 222 in this illustrated implementation includes a first display on one side of the dispenser 200 and a second display (obscured in FIG. 2) on the other, opposite side of the dispenser 200. The display 222 is configured to show a preview display feature, as discussed herein.

[0084] In some implementations, a dispenser configured to include a preview display feature is configured to dispense a good other than (or in addition to) fuel. Examples of product dispensers configured to dispense a good include fuel dispensers configured to dispense fuel, vending machines configured to dispense food, electronics, or other good, automated teller machines (ATMs) configured to dispense money, and the like.

[0085] In some implementations, a payment terminal configured to accept payment for goods and / or services is configured to include a preview display feature. A payment terminal may be configured to dispense a good and to accept payment for goods and / or services, for example a fuel dispenser, a vending machine, and the like. Examples of goods and services include fuel, a parking space, a pharmacy item, groceries to be delivered, a car wash, public transit, and the like. Examples of payment terminals configured to accept payment for goods and / or services without dispensing a good include parking meters, payment kiosks (such as at a parking garage, and the like), and the like.

[0086] FIG. 3 illustrates another implementation of a fuel dispenser 300 that is configured to include a preview display feature 302. The fuel dispenser 300 in this illustrated embodiment is configured to dispense petroleum fuel via a nozzle 304, but as discussed above, the fuel dispenser 300 can have other configurations and be configured to alternatively or additionally be configured to dispense at least one other type of fuel.

[0087] The fuel dispenser 300 includes a camera 306 (or other image gathering device) configured to gather an image outside of the fuel dispenser 300. The preview display feature 302 is configured to show the image gathered by the camera 306 in real time with the image gathering. The camera 306 faces outward so as to be configured to gather an image outside of the fuel dispenser 300. The camera 306 has a field of view that includes at least an area proximate to the fuel dispenser 300, for example an area in front of a display 308 of the fuel dispenser 300. The image gathered by the camera 306 including an area in front of the display 308 is likely to capture a user of the fuel dispenser 300, whether the user is a customer conducting a transaction via the fuel dispenser 300 or is service personnel interacting with the fuel dispenser 300.

[0088] In an exemplary implementation, as shown in FIG. 3, the preview display feature 302 is configured to be positioned on the display 308 adjacent to a location of the camera 306. A user is likely to look at the preview display feature 302 when it appears on the display 308. The camera 306 will thus be able to gather an image of the user’s face at least at this time when the user is looking at the preview display feature 302. In this illustrated implementation, the camera 306 is located next to an upper right comer of the display 308, so the preview display feature 302 is positioned in an upper right comer of the display 308, but the camera 306 (and thus the preview display feature 302) can be located elsewhere, e.g., upper left comer, upper middle, middle right, middle left, etc. The camera 306 is located adjacent an upper portion of the display 308 in an exemplary implementation, as in this illustrated implementation, so a user will likely be either looking directly at or up at the preview display feature 302, which may facilitate the camera 306

[0089] The preview display feature 302 is shown on the display 308 during a payment process, e.g., while a customer is paying $21.44 for 14.317 gallons of dispensed fuel. The fuel dispenser 300, e.g., a processor thereof, is configured to cause the camera 306 to begin gathering an image at a start of the payment process such that the preview display feature 302 is caused to be shown on the display 308 at the start of the payment process. In other implementations, the fuel dispenser 300 is configured to cause the camera 306 to begin gathering an image, and thus for the preview display feature 302 to be shown on the display 308, at a start of a transaction before the payment process begins. The customer may thus have an increased sense of safety throughout the transaction. In other implementations, the fuel dispenser 300 is configured to cause the camera 306 to gather images whenever the fuel dispenser 300 is on (is powered), which may improve overall security.

[0090] FIG. 4 illustrates one implementation of the preview display feature 302 being shown on the display 308 at a start of a payment process of the fuel dispenser 300. In this illustrated implementation, a customer has finished dispensing 0.385 gallons of fuel and is being prompted, via the display 308, to insert a payment or rewards card to pay $1.40 for the dispensed fuel. Payment via card is one example. As mentioned above, payment may be made in another way, such as via a mobile device.

[0091] FIG. 5 illustrates another implementation of the preview display feature 302 being shown on the display 308 at a start of a payment process of the fuel dispenser 300. In this illustrated implementation, a customer has finished dispensing 9.522 gallons of fuel and is being prompted, via the display 308, to insert a payment or rewards card to pay $29.98 for the dispensed fuel. Payment via card is one example. As mentioned above, payment may be made in another way, such as via a mobile device.

[0092] FIG. 6 illustrates one implementation of the preview display feature 302 being shown on the display 308 at a start of a transaction, before a start of a payment process and before any fuel has been dispensed, as reflected by $0.00 and 0.000 gallons being shown on the display 308.

[0093] Although the preview display feature 302 is shown on the display 308 in FIGS. 3-6 during use of the fuel dispenser 300 by a customer, as mentioned above, the preview display feature 302 can be shown on the display 308 during servicing / maintenance of the fuel dispenser 300. FIG. 7 illustrates one implementation of the preview display feature 302 being shown on the display 308 with the fuel dispenser 300 being in service mode.

[0094] Various exemplary implementations of servicing / maintenance of fuel dispensers are described further in, for example, U.S. Patent No. 10,192,381 entitled “Fuel Dispenser Door Lock and Alarm Control,” issued Jan. 29, 2019, U.S. Patent No. 11,472,695 entitled “Controlling Maintenance Of A Fuel Dispenser,” issued Oct. 18, 2022, U.S. Pat. Pub. No. 2024 / 0109766 entitled “Replication Of A Healthy Fueling Point” published April 4, 2024, U.S. Prov. Pat. App. No. 63 / 377,911 entitled “Replication Of A Healthy Fueling Point” filed Sep. 30, 2022, and U.S. Prov. Pat. App. No. 63 / 479,130 entitled “Dispenser Health Monitoring And Healthy Fueling Point Replication” filed Jan. 9, 2023, which is each hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0095] The preview display feature 302 illustrated in FIGS. 3-7 includes only real time images gathered by the camera 302. However, as mentioned above, the preview display feature 302 can include at least one message, e.g., text on the real time images.

[0096] FIG. 8 illustrates one implementation of a configuration interface 400 configured to allow an administrator or other authorized user to customize at least one message configured to be shown on a preview display feature, e.g., the preview display feature 302 of FIGS. 3-7 or other preview display feature, of a fuel dispenser or other terminal. The configuration interface 400 is configured to be shown on a display of a laptop, desktop computer, or other computing system.

[0097] The preview display feature configuration set up via the configuration interface 400 is configured to be communicated to each one or more fuel dispensers, payment terminals, etc. configured to a show preview display feature. For example, the preview display feature configuration set up via the configuration interface 400 can be configured to be communicated (wirelessly or wires) to each of a plurality of fuel dispensers at a fueling station. For another example, the preview display feature configuration set up via the configuration interface 400 can be configured to be communicated (wirelessly or wires) to each fuel dispenser at each of a plurality of fueling stations having common ownership. For yet another example, the preview display feature configuration set up via the configuration interface 400 can be configured to be communicated (wirelessly or wires) to each payment terminal at each of a plurality of parking garages having common ownership.

[0098] The configuration interface 400 in this illustrated embodiment is configured to allow the authorized user to customize a first message 402 and a second message 404. In this illustrated implementation, the first message 402 is a welcome message and has been customized in this examole to be “Nice to SEE vou todav!” In this illustrated imolementation. the second messase404 is a thank you message and has been customized in this example to be “Thanks for your business.” Once input to the configuration interface 400 and saved, the welcome message 402 is configured to be shown at a top of the preview display feature, and the thank you message 404 is configured to be shown at a bottom of the preview display feature.

[0099] The configuration interface 400 in this illustrated embodiment is configured to allow the authorized user to customize a message text color. In this illustrated implementation, the message text color has been customized in this example to be rgba (255,255,255,1).

[0100] In addition to or in alternative to a configuration interface being configured to allow an administrator or other authorized user customize at least one message, the customization interface can be configured to allow the authorized user to enable and disable the preview display feature. In this illustrated implementation of FIG. 8, the configuration interface 400 configured to allow an authorized user to enable and disable the preview display feature by checking a check box 408 to enable the preview display feature and unchecking the check box 408 to disable the preview display feature.

[0101] In some implementations, a preview display feature shown on a display of a terminal (e.g., a fuel dispenser or other type of dispenser, a parking meter, a payment kiosk, etc.) is configured to show real time images gathered by a camera (or other image gathering device) of the terminal as well as real time images gathered by at least one additional camera located at a same site (e.g., fueling station, store, etc.) as the terminal. Showing additional real time images gathered by the at least one additional camera may help increase security by showing more information to the user about the user’s surroundings. In an exemplary implementation, the additional real time images are shown in response to the same trigger event that prompts the real time images to be shown.

[0102] In some implementations, the at least one additional camera can be at the same terminal as the camera but on an opposite side of the terminal. Thus, for example, if a person is approaching the opposite side of the terminal, the user may be able to see the approaching person without having to divert their view from the display.

[0103] In some implementations, the least one additional camera can be at at least one additional terminal that is located at a same site as the terminal, such as at least one terminal that is facing the terminal, e.g., to the user’s back with the user standing and looking at the terminal’s display. Thus, for example, the user may be able to have an expanded view of their location without having to turn around or divert their view from the display.

[0104] FIG. 9 illustrates one embodiment of a computing system 510 suitable for use in implementing computerized components described herein. In broad overview, the computing system 510 includes a processor 550 configured to perform actions in accordance with instructions, and memory devices 560 and / or 570 configured to store instructions and data. The illustrated example computing system 510 includes one or more processors 550 in communication, via a bus 515, with the memory 570 and with at least one network interface controller 520 with a network interface 525 for connecting to external devices 530, e.g., a computing device (such as a mobile phone, a tablet, a laptop, a server, etc.). The one or more processors 550 are also configured to be in communication, via the bus 515, with each other and with any I / O devices at an I / O interfaces 540, and any other devices 580. The processor 550 illustrated incorporates, or is directly connected to, the cache memory 560. Generally, a processor will execute instructions received from memory. In some embodiments, the computing system 510 can be configured within a cloud computing environment, a virtual or containerized computing environment, and / or a web-based microservices environment.

[0105] In more detail, the processor 550 can be any logic circuitry that processes instructions, e.g., instructions fetched from the memory 570 or cache 560. In many embodiments, the processor 550 is an embedded processor, a microprocessor unit or special purpose processor. The computing system 510 can be based on any processor, e.g., suitable digital signal processor (DSP), or set of processors, capable of operating as described herein. In some embodiments, the processor 550 can be a single core or multi -core processor. In some embodiments, the processor 550 can be composed of multiple processors.

[0106] The memory 570 can be any device suitable for storing computer readable data. The memory 570 can be a device with fixed storage or a device for reading removable storage media. Examples include all forms of non-volatile memory, media and memory devices, semiconductor memory devices (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, SDRAM, flash memory devices, and all types of solid state memory), magnetic disks, and magneto optical disks. A computing device 510 can have any number of memory devices 570.

[0107] The cache memory 560 is generally a form of high-speed computer memory placed in close proximity to the processor 550 for fast read / write times. In some implementations, the cache memory 560 is part of, or on the same chip as, the processor 550.

[0108] The network interface controller 520 is configured to manage data exchanges via the network interface 525. The network interface controller 520 handles the physical, media access control, and data link lavers of the Onen Svstems Interconnect f OS I ) model for networkcommunication. In some implementations, some of the network interface controller’s tasks are handled by the processor 550. In some implementations, the network interface controller 520 is part of the processor 550. In some implementations, a computing device 510 has multiple network interface controllers 520. In some implementations, the network interface 525 is a connection point for a physical network link, e.g., an RJ 55 connector. In some implementations, the network interface controller 520 supports wireless network connections and an interface port 525 is a wireless Bluetooth transceiver. Generally, a computing device 510 can be configured to exchange data with other network devices 530, such as computing device 530, via physical or wireless links to a network interface 525. In some implementations, the network interface controller 520 implements a network protocol such as LTE, TCP / IP Ethernet, IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.16, Bluetooth, or the like.

[0109] The other computing devices 530 are connected to the computing device 510 via a network interface port 525. The other computing device 530 can be a peer computing device, a network device, a server, or any other computing device with network functionality. For example, a computing device 530 can be a computing device associated with a user of a fuel dispenser or other terminal. In some embodiments, the computing device 530 can be a network device such as a hub, a bridge, a switch, or a router, connecting the computing device 510 to a data network such as the Internet.

[0110] In some uses, the VO interface 540 supports an input device and / or an output device (not shown). In some uses, the input device and the output device are integrated into the same hardware, e.g., as in a touch screen. In some uses, such as in a server context, there is no VO interface 540 or the VO interface 540 is not used. In some uses, additional other components 580 are in communication with the computer system 510, e.g., external devices connected via a universal serial bus (USB).

[0111] The other devices 580 can include an VO interface 540, external serial device ports, and any additional co-processors. For example, a computing system 510 can include an interface (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) interface, or the like) configured to connect input devices (e.g., a keyboard, microphone, mouse, or other pointing device), output devices (e.g., video display, speaker, refreshable Braille terminal, or printer), or additional memory devices (e.g., portable flash drive or external media drive). In some implementations an VO device is incorporated into the computing system 510, e.g., a touch screen on a tablet device. In some implementations, a computing device 510 includes an additional device 580 such as a co-processor, e.g., a math coprocessor that is configured to assist the processor 550 with high precision or complex

[0112] One skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, this disclosure is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0113] Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems, devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0114] The present disclosure has been described above by way of example only within the context of the overall disclosure provided herein. It will be appreciated that modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims may be made without departing from the overall scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A system, comprising: a fuel dispenser including a display configured to display, in response to occurrence of a trigger event, real time images showing an area in front of the fuel dispenser; wherein the trigger event is one of: a start of a fueling transaction by a customer at the fuel dispenser, a start of a customer payment process at the fuel dispenser, and a start of a service mode of the fuel dispenser.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the fuel dispenser includes a camera configured to gather the real time images.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the camera is located proximate an upper corner of the display in which the real time images are shown on the display.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the trigger event is the start of the fueling transaction by the customer at the fuel dispenser.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein the real time images are shown on the display until an end of the fueling transaction.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the trigger event is the start of the customer payment process at the fuel dispenser.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the real time images are shown on the display until an end of the payment process.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein the trigger event is the start of the service mode of the fuel dispenser.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the real time images are shown on the display until the fuel dispenser exits the service mode.

10. The system of claim 1, wherein the fuel dispenser includes a processor configured to detect the occurrence of the trigger event and to cause the display to show the real time images in response to detecting the occurrence of the trigger event.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the fuel dispenser includes a camera configured to gather the real time images; andthe processor is configured to cause the camera to begin gathering the real time images in response to detecting the occurrence of the trigger event.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the real time images are video.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein at least one message is configured to be shown on the real time images.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the at least one message is configured to be customized by an authorized administrator.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the display is also configured to display, in response to occurrence of the trigger event, second real time images showing a second area in front of a second fuel dispenser located at a same fueling station as the fuel dispenser.

16. The system of claim 1, wherein the real time images are still images.

17. The system of claim 1, wherein the trigger event is one of the start of the fueling transaction by the customer at the fuel dispenser and the start of the customer payment process at the fuel dispenser; and the real time images show the customer.

18. The system of claim 1, wherein the trigger event is the start of the service mode of the fuel dispenser; and the real time images show a user servicing the fuel dispenser in the service mode.

19. A system, comprising: a terminal including a display configured to display, in response to occurrence of a trigger event, real time images showing an area in front of the terminal; wherein the trigger event is one of a start of a transaction by a customer at the terminal, a start of a customer payment process at the terminal, and a start of a service mode of the fuel terminal.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the terminal is a dispenser configured to dispense a good.

21. The system of claim 19, wherein the terminal is one of an automatic teller machine, an air machine, a parking meter, and a vending machine.

22. The system of claim 19, wherein the terminal includes a camera configured to gather the real time images.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the camera is located proximate an upper comer of the display in which the real time images are shown on the display.

24. The system of claim 19, wherein the trigger event is the start of the transaction by the customer at the terminal.

25. The system of claim 24, wherein the real time images are shown on the display until an end of the transaction.

26. The system of claim 19, wherein the trigger event is the start of the customer payment process at the terminal.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein the real time images are shown on the display until an end of the payment process.

28. The system of claim 19, wherein the trigger event is the start of the service mode of the terminal.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein the real time images are shown on the display until the fuel dispenser exits the service mode.

30. The system of claim 19, wherein the terminal includes a processor configured to be used to detect the occurrence of the trigger event and to cause the display to show the real time images in response to detecting the occurrence of the trigger event.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein the terminal includes a camera configured to gather the real time images; and the processor is configured to be used to cause the camera to begin gathering the real time images in response to detecting the occurrence of the trigger event.

32. The system of claim 19, wherein the real time images are video.

33. The system of claim 19, wherein at least one message is configured to be shown on the real time images.

34. The system of claim 33, wherein the at least one message is configured to be customized by an authorized administrator.

35. The system of claim 19, wherein the display is also configured to display, in response to occurrence of the trigger event, second real time images showing a second area in front of a second terminal located at a same site as the terminal.

36. The system of claim 19, wherein the real time images are still images.

37. The system of claim 19, wherein the trigger event is one of the start of the transaction by the customer at the terminal and the start of the customer payment process at the terminal; and the real time images show the customer.

38. The system of claim 19, wherein the trigger event is the start of the service mode of the terminal; and the real time images show a user servicing the terminal in the service mode.

39. A computer-implemented method, comprising: detecting, at a terminal, occurrence of a trigger event; and in response to detecting the occurrence of the trigger event, causing real time images showing an area in front of the terminal to be shown on a display of the terminal.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein the terminal is a fuel dispenser.

41. The method of claim 39, wherein the terminal is a dispenser configured to dispense a good.

42. The method of claim 39, wherein the terminal is one of an automatic teller machine, an air machine, a parking meter, and a vending machine.

43. The method of claim 39, wherein the terminal includes a camera that gathers the real time images.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein the camera is located proximate an upper corner of the display in which the real time images are shown on the display.

45. The method of claim 39, wherein the trigger event is the start of the fueling transaction by the customer at the terminal.

46. The method of claim 45, wherein the real time images are shown on the display until an end of the fueling transaction.

47. The method of claim 39, wherein the trigger event is the start of the customer payment process at the terminal.

48. The method of claim 47, wherein the real time images are shown on the display until an end of the payment process.

49. The method of claim 39, wherein the trigger event is the start of the service mode of the terminal.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein the real time images are shown on the display until the fuel dispenser exits the service mode.

51. The method of claim 39, wherein the terminal includes a processor that is used to detect the occurrence of the trigger event and to cause the display to show the real time images in response to detecting the occurrence of the trigger event.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein the terminal includes a camera that gathers the real time images; and the processor is used to cause the camera to begin gathering the real time images in response to detecting the occurrence of the trigger event.

53. The method of claim 39, wherein the real time images are video.

54. The method of claim 39, wherein at least one message is shown on the real time images.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein the at least one message is configured to be customized by an authorized administrator.

56. The method of claim 39, further comprising, in response to detecting the occurrence of the trigger event, causing second real time images showing a second area in front of a second terminal to be shown on the display of the terminal; wherein the second terminal is located at a same site as the terminal.

57. The method of claim 39, wherein the real time images are still images.

58. The method of claim 39, wherein the trigger event is one of the start of the transaction by the customer at the terminal and the start of the customer payment process at the terminal; and the real time images show the customer.

59. The method of claim 39, wherein the trigger event is the start of the service mode of the terminal; and the real time images show a user servicing the terminal in the service mode.

Images