Method of verifying authorisation of a transaction associated with products to be received by a vehicle

Abstract

A method and system are disclosed for verifying authorisation of a transaction associated with products to be received by a vehicle (2). The method comprises identifying a vehicle (2), collecting variable data (5,6,7) associated with the vehicle (2), and determining whether the vehicle (2) is authorised to receive the products by comparing the vehicle (2) identity and collected variable data (5,6,7) with previously recorded vehicle (2) authorisation data stored in a database. Based on the comparison, an authorisation message is generated and transmitted indicating whether the transaction is authorised or denied. The variable data (5,6,7) may include vehicle (2) usage data, driver-related data, and environmental data. The method is applicable to transactions involving the supply of consumable products, including fuel and electrical energy for charging vehicle (2) batteries, and may be implemented at retail locations or fleet- controlled locations to improve control, security, and prevention of unauthorised product receipt.

Description

[0001] METHOD OF VERIFYING AUTHORISATION OF A TRANSACTION ASSOCIATED WITH PRODUCTS TO BE RECEIVED BY A VEHICLE

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to a method of verifying authorisation of a transaction associated with products to be received by a vehicle more specifically a method of verifying authorisation of a fuel or similar purchase.

[0004] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0005] As known in the art, efficient management of fuel and service expenditures is critical for organizations operating a fleet of vehicles. Fuel costs, along with vehicle maintenance and service expenses, constitute a significant portion of operational overhead. Managing these expenditures requires robust systems that ensure transparency, accountability, and fraud prevention. However, existing solutions in the market have notable limitations.

[0006] Many fleets rely on fleet cards or petrol cards to facilitate fuel and service purchases. In such systems, drivers use the fleet card to pay for fuel or vehicle-related services at service stations. While these cards streamline payment processes, they lack comprehensive verification of the vehicle and driver and fail to provide granular details about the transactions. For example,an unauthorised driver can potentially proceed with an unauthorised vehicle to a filling station with a card to refill the vehicle with minimal verification of the vehicle and driver, leading to potential misuse, such as unauthorized purchases or fraudulent activities. A driver may also make use of the fleet card to fill a personal portable container along with filling a fuel tank of a vehicle.

[0007] Other approaches to managing fuel and service expenses include text-based or mobile app-based authorization systems. In such systems, drivers request a PIN or authorization code before making a purchase. While this adds a layer of security, these systems are not without their drawbacks. A common issue is the inability to confirm whether the transaction pertains to the authorized vehicle or driver, leading to challenges in ensuring that the fuel or service purchased is legitimately associated with the intended fleet vehicle. Additionally, these systems often lack integration with real-time monitoring tools, limiting their utility in providing comprehensive oversight. The creating of the orders is also an onerous process, requiring an individual to manually place an order before the vehicle can refuel.

[0008] Other approaches include providing identifiers to vehicles and or drivers such as barcode tags, radio frequency tags and various other systems which are then scanned for verification purposes.

[0009] The problem with these approaches is that they require the identifier to be inserted onto the vehicle or provided to the driver before they can refill. Whenthe devices are faulty which is a common problem, the system fails causing delays. When vehicles are sold or drivers change employment, the devices need to be deactivated or removed manually, some of the devices are costly to install, devices can be removed from one vehicle and taken to another vehicle leading to potential misuse, such as unauthorized purchases or fraudulent activities. The prior artis not verifying the actual vehicle and the actual driver. It merely makes use of pre-verified tags or device, which is subject to abuse because the pre-verified tag or device can be manipulated and misused.

[0010] The absence of robust mechanisms for live identity verification of both the actual driver and the actual vehicle involved in transactions creates vulnerabilities. These include unauthorized spending, difficulty in reconciling expenses with operational data, and limited ability to detect anomalies such as overfilling, non-fleet vehicle refuelling, or excessive service charges. The need for a more secure, integrated, and transparent system for monitoring fuel and service expenditures is therefore evident.

[0011] This invention addresses the aforementioned challenges by providing a comprehensive solution that enhances monitoring, verification, and management of fleet fuel and service expenses. Through innovative mechanisms that ensure transaction authenticity and provide real-time insights, the system offers improved accountability, reduces fraud, and optimizes operational efficiency for fleet operators.OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0012] It is an object of this invention to provide a method of verifying authorisation of a transaction associated with products to be received by a vehicle which, at least partially, alleviates some of the above-mentioned difficulties.

[0013] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] In accordance with this invention there is provided a method of verifying authorisation of a transaction associated with products to be received by a vehicle the method includes the steps of:

[0015] identifying a vehicle;

[0016] collecting variable data associated with the vehicle;

[0017] determining whether the vehicle is authorised to receive a product by comparing the vehicle identity and collected data to a database of previously recorded vehicle authorisation data ;

[0018] sending a message containing authorisation information.

[0019] The method may further include the step that the vehicle may be identified by means of an electronic sensor. The sensor may be an electronic optical sensor such as a digital camera, however, any appropriate sensing mechanism or device, such as a near field communication device, radio frequency scanner, a barcode scanner or other machine readable image scanner, a scanner making use of optical character recognition may beincorporated to identify or assist in the identification of the vehicle, the invention is not limited in that regard.

[0020] The method further including the step that the vehicle may be identified by a licence plate, a vehicle identification number, a model or colour of the vehicle or any other unique identifier. The unique identifier may be a bar code or QR code or an identifier not visible to the naked eye.

[0021] The method may further include the step of the variable data associated with the vehicle may be data relating to specific usage of the vehicle, such odometer readings, fuel levels, oil levels, tyre thread etc.

[0022] The method may further include the step of the variable data being data relating to the driver or a person associated with the vehicle. This may include biometric data such as facial recognition data, however any other appropriately secure means of identifying the driver such as other identification data, data relating to the licence of a person, etc. may be incorporated as a further step.

[0023] The method may further include the step that the variable data could be data relating to the location, the time, the place or any other environmental data.

[0024] The method further including the step of all the data including identity data of the vehicle is recorded on an electronic storage means. The storage means maybe a physical storage means or a cloud based storage means.The method further including the step of all the data including identity data of the vehicle being transmitted in real time.

[0025] The method further including the step of all the data being compared to a database of pre-recorded vehicle data.

[0026] The method further including the step of the database of pre-recorded vehicle data including authorization of specific transactions. This can include but is not limited to the purchase of fuel, oil, or any other consumable product which may be utilised by the vehicle.

[0027] The method further including the step of sending a message containing authorization information to an output device in close proximity to the vehicle.

[0028] The method further including the step of the authorization information being either a message granting authorization of a transaction or denying authorization of a transaction.

[0029] The method further including the step of utilising a mobile phone application.

[0030] The method further including the step of the output device being a mobile phone.The method further including the step of calculating maximum quantities and / or maximum values of products which are authorised to be purchased.

[0031] The method further including the step of requiring a confirmation from at least a retailer and / or a customer.

[0032] The method further including the step of funds being deposited into an account associated with the vehicle and / or the customer and / or a person or company who owns or manages the vehicle.

[0033] The method further including the step of issuing an invoice on behalf of the retailer for the products supplied or services rendered.

[0034] The method further including the step of the outstanding invoice being settled from the funds previously deposited into the account associated with the vehicle.

[0035] The method further including the step of managing the location of the authenticity and location of devices being used to process transactions.

[0036] A method of pre-recording vehicle purchase authorisation data the method includes the steps ofrecording data including data relating to the authorisation of transactions related to a vehicle onto a database;

[0037] allowing the database to be queried to compare received data with recorded data;

[0038] allowing at least part of the recorded data to be transmitted.

[0039] These and other features of the invention are described in more detail below.

[0040] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] One embodiment of the invention is described below, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings in which:

[0042] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a method of method of verifying authorisation of a transaction associated with products to be received by a vehicle;

[0043] Figure 2 shows the step of variable data recording forming part of the method; and

[0044] Figure 3 shows the step an authorisation message being displayed at an output device.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0045] With reference to the drawings, a method of verifying authorisation of a transaction associated with products to be received by a vehicle is generally depicted by reference numeral 1.

[0046] The method 1 includes the steps of: identifying a vehicle 2. The identifying step is performed at a transaction location and verifies that the vehicle 2 is physically present at the location at which the products are to be received. This is done with a digital camera 3 which is associated with a service station 4. In this embodiment the digital camera forms part of a handheld mobile device 10 such as a smartphone. A mobile application 11 installed on the smartphone maybe used for variable input or to communicate with a server, database, or any similar central command station, should real-time adjustments or special verification requests be required. The central processing unit and / or memory, be it physical or cloud based memory associated with the smartphone may be utilised to centralise all required data. The mobile application 11 coordinates the capture, transmission, and processing of live data used to determine transaction authorisation.

[0047] The digital camera 3 captures images of the vehicle 2 and collects data relating to the numberplate 5, the licence disc 6, or any other unique identifier 7 such as a QR code or data dot associated to or found on the vehicle 2. The captured data represents live physical characteristics of the vehicle that cannot be substituted by a transferable credential. Data relating to the images of the vehicle 2 is also stored as part of the evidentiary / audit trail.The method also includes capturing other data such as the odometer reading, fuel levels and / or any other gauges which may be required to be inputted into the system. The additional data contributes to verifying that the transaction corresponds to the actual operational state of the vehicle.

[0048] The system also makes use of biometric scanners 8 to capture data relating to the driver 9 or any other person making use of or driving the vehicle. In this embodiment it is preferred that the biometric scanner makes use of facial recognition. The biometric data verifies the physical presence of a person associated with the vehicle at the transaction location. Data relating to the facial identity of the driver or person operating or making use of the vehicle is also stored as part of the evidentiary / audit trail.

[0049] Once all the relevant data is collected the method includes the step of comparing said data with a database. The comparison determines whether the live captured data corresponds to pre-recorded authorisation data associated specifically with the identified vehicle. This comparison prevents unauthorised receipt of products at a retailer or at a fleet home base, thereby reducing theft or misuse.

[0050] The database includes records of previously recorded data relating to any number of vehicles as well as accounts related to said vehicles. The database stores vehicle-specific authorisation parameters defining permitted transactions.The database will include specific transaction which are pre authorised for specific vehicles and if the data relating to a specific vehicle 2 matches the pre recorded data then a message of authorisation will be sent. Authorisation is generated automatically based on the comparison, without requiring presentation of a fleet card, token, PIN, or other transferable identifier.

[0051] This message is sent to an output device such as a screen of the mobile device 10 which will be associated with the service station 4.

[0052] If there is no authorised transaction then a message rejecting the transaction will be relayed. The rejection prevents completion of the transaction when the live captured data does not correspond to the authorised vehicle.

[0053] The output device may also be a mobile device such as a smartphone which is associated with the vehicle 2, rather than an output device associated with the service station 4, the method may make use of more than one output device. A mobile application 11 can form part of the method to ensure that the information relayed is done correctly and can be manipulated should it be necessary.

[0054] It should be understood that the authorization may be of a specific transaction or of a general transaction. In this example it is for the purchase of fuel, however, it can include but is not limited to the purchase of fuel, oil, or any other consumable product which may be utilised by the vehicle. Theauthorisation is tied to the verified vehicle rather than to a user-held payment instrument. This includes authorisation of electrical energy supplied to an electric or hybrid vehicle for the purpose of charging one or more batteries.

[0055] The method may also include the step of calculating maximum quantities and / or maximum values of products which are authorised to be purchased. In the case of an electric or hybrid vehicle, the maximum quantity may relate to an amount of electrical energy supplied for battery charging

[0056] Funds are deposited into an account associated with the vehicle 2. This account is associated with the customer and / or a person or company who owns or manages the vehicle 2 or the fleet to which it forms part of.

[0057] The method includes the step of issuing an invoice on behalf of the retailer for the fuel supplied and / or any other services rendered. The services may include the supply of electrical energy for charging a vehicle battery.

[0058] The outstanding invoiced amount will then be settled from the funds previously deposited into the account associated with the vehicle 2.

[0059] The invention further provides for a method of pre-recording vehicle purchase authorisation data the method includes the steps of

[0060] recording data including data relating to the authorisation of transactions related to a vehicle 2 onto a database, allowing the database to be queried to compare received data with recorded data, allowing at least part of therecorded data to be transmitted. The pre-recorded data defines permissible transactions in relation to the physical vehicle.

[0061] In another embodiment the vehicle may be identified by means of any electronic sensor. The sensor could be a near field communication device, radio frequency scanner, a barcode or other machine readable image scanner, a scanner making use of optical character recognition or any other suitable device. The sensor is used to capture live data at the transaction location.

[0062] The vehicle may be identified by a vehicle identification number, a model or colour of the vehicle or any other unique identifier. The unique identifier may be a bar code or QR code or an identifier not visible to the naked eye such as a DataDottm.

[0063] The variable data associated with the vehicle may be data relating to specific usage of the vehicle 2, such odometer readings, fuel levels, oil levels, tyre thread etc. it can also include driver identification data, data relating to the licence of a person, or persons utilising the vehicle.

[0064] There is further provided that the variable data could be data relating to the location, the time, the place or any other environmental data. The environmental data further confirms that the transaction is occurring at an authorised location.The method further including the step of all the data including identity data of the vehicle is recorded on an electronic storage means or that it can be transmitted to be compared against the database in real time. Recording the data creates a verifiable audit trail linking the authorised transaction to the physically present vehicle.

[0065] In an alternative embodiment, the service station 4 may comprise a fleet-controlled location or home base at which vehicles are authorised to receive products. In this embodiment, the method is implemented at a non-retail location under the control of a fleet owner or operator, enabling vehicles forming part of the fleet to receive products in a controlled manner without requiring a conventional retail transaction.

[0066] In this alternative embodiment, the digital camera 3 used to identify the vehicle 2 is associated with the fleet home base and is configured to capture images and data relating to the vehicle at the home base location. The identification and verification steps are performed in the same manner as described herein, thereby ensuring that only authorised vehicles are permitted to receive products at the home base.

[0067] The authorisation message generated by the method may be sent to an output device, such as a screen of the mobile device 10, which is associated with the fleet home base rather than a retail service station. The output device may be used by fleet personnel to confirm authorisation or rejection of a transaction at the home base location.It should be understood that, in this alternative embodiment, the authorisation may relate to a specific transaction or to a general transaction, and the transaction may include the supply of products at the fleet home base without a retail sale. The supply of products at the home base may be performed for purposes of controlled internal distribution within the fleet.

[0068] The method further includes the step of recording all data, including identity data of the vehicle, on an electronic storage means and / or transmitting the data in real time for comparison against the database. Recording and storing the data in this manner enables monitoring, auditing, and prevention of unauthorised product removal or misuse at the fleet home base.

[0069] Alternatively, and for authenticity and security a further step of requiring a confirmation from at least a retailer and / or a customer may be added. This is to ensure that both parties are aware of the transaction.

[0070] It is envisaged that incorporating the concept described herein to form part of all future transactions relating to vehicle fleets. The method improves transaction security by eliminating reliance on transferable credentials.

[0071] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the precise examples as described or shown herein and that many other embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method of verifying authorisation of a transaction associated with products to be received by a vehicle the method includes the steps of: identifying a vehicle;characterised in that the method further comprisescollecting variable data associated with the vehicle;determining whether the vehicle is authorised to receive a product by comparing the vehicle identity and collected data to a database of previously recorded vehicle authorisation data;sending a message containing authorisation information.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein identifying the vehicle is performed by means of an electronic sensor.

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the electronic sensor is selected from the group consisting of an electronic optical sensor, a digital camera, a near field communication device, a radio frequency scanner, a barcode scanner, a machine-readable image scanner, and an optical character recognition scanner.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the vehicle is identified using one or more identifiers selected from the group consisting of a licence plate, a vehicle identification number, a vehicle model, a vehicle colour, and a unique identifier.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the unique identifier is selected from the group consisting of a barcode, a QR code, and an identifier not visible to the naked eye.

6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the variable data associated with the vehicle comprises usage data selected from the group consisting of odometer readings, fuel levels, oil levels, and tyre tread condition.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the variable data further comprises data relating to a driver or a person associated with the vehicle.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the data relating to the driver comprises biometric data.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein the biometric data comprises facial recognition data.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the variable data further comprises environmental data selected from the group consisting of location data, time data, and place data.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein all collected data, including vehicle identity data, is recorded on an electronic storage means.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the electronic storage means is selected from the group consisting of a physical storage means and a cloud-based storage means.

13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein all collected data, including vehicle identity data, is transmitted in real time.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein all collected data is compared to a database of pre-recorded vehicle data.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the database of prerecorded vehicle data includes authorisation data for specific transactions.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the authorised transactions are selected from the group consisting of the purchase of fuel, oil, electrical energy for charging a vehicle battery, and other consumable products utilised by the vehicle.

17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein sending the message containing authorisation information comprises sending the message to an output device located in close proximity to the vehicle.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the output device is a mobile phone.

19. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the authorisation information comprises either a message granting authorisation of the transaction or a message denying authorisation of the transaction.

20. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the method is implemented using a mobile phone application.

21. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 20, further comprising calculating one or more limits selected from the group consisting of maximum quantities and maximum values of products authorised to be received by the vehicle.

22. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 21, further comprising requiring confirmation from one or more parties selected from the group consisting of a retailer and a customer.

23. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 22, further comprising depositing funds into an account associated with one or more entities selected from the group consisting of the vehicle, a customer, and a person or company owning or managing the vehicle.

24. The method according to claim 23, further comprising issuing an invoice on behalf of a retailer for products supplied or services rendered.

25. The method according to claim 24, further comprising settling the invoice using the funds deposited into the account.

26. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 25, further comprising managing authenticity and location data of devices used to process transactions.

27. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 26, wherein the transaction is performed at a fleet-controlled location forming a home base at which vehicles are authorised to receive products without a retail sale.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein the method is used to monitor and prevent unauthorised receipt or removal of products at the fleet-controlled home base29. A method of pre-recording vehicle purchase authorisation data, the method comprising the steps of:recording data relating to authorisation of transactions associated with a vehicle onto a database;allowing the database to be queried to compare received data with recorded data; andallowing at least part of the recorded data to be transmitted.

30. A system for verifying authorisation of a transaction associated with products to be received by a vehicle, the system comprising:at least one electronic sensor configured to identify a vehicle and to collect variable data associated with the vehicle;a database storing previously recorded vehicle authorisation data; a processing unit configured to compare the vehicle identity and collected variable data with the previously recorded vehicle authorisation data to determine whether the vehicle is authorised to receive the products; andan output device configured to output authorisation information indicating whether the transaction is authorised.

31. The system according to claim 30, wherein the electronic sensor is selected from the group consisting of an electronic optical sensor, a digital camera, a near field communication device, a radio frequency scanner, a barcode scanner, a machine-readable image scanner, and an optical character recognition scanner.

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