Bridging Circuit for Gas Pump Application Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems in filling stations and car washes are complex and proprietary, making it impractical to add new applications or technologies without replacing existing infrastructure, limiting the integration of new systems and hindering the adoption of new technologies due to vendor differences and proprietary protocols.
Innovation Solution
A bridging circuit and control system that separates and intercepts communications between applications and equipment, allowing additional applications to control equipment without disrupting existing systems by designating one application as the owner and preventing control by others, using a hardware processor, memory, and communication modules to manage communications and lock states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing proprietary systems are used to control equipment, then system reliability is maintained, but adaptability to new applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bridge circuit as an intermediary device between existing proprietary applications and new applications. The bridge circuit includes a processor that receives commands from multiple applications, determines which application has priority based on predefined criteria, and forwards commands to the equipment. This mediator enables multiple applications to control equipment without direct integration, maintaining system reliability while improving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into distinct functional components: the existing proprietary system, the bridge circuit with its own processor and memory, and new applications. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently with well-defined interfaces, reducing overall system complexity while enabling adaptability through the bridge's command routing capabilities.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing infrastructure is replaced to add new applications, then adaptability improves, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge circuit serves as an intermediary layer that allows new applications to integrate with existing infrastructure without replacement. It translates and routes commands between different application protocols and the equipment, enabling seamless integration while preserving the original proprietary system and avoiding infrastructure replacement costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge circuit is designed as a universal interface that can handle multiple application types and protocols simultaneously. Its processor can identify and route commands from different applications based on priority criteria, making it a multi-functional component that supports both existing and new applications through a single infrastructure addition.
3Ease of operation
If vendor proprietary protocols are used, then reliability is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge circuit acts as an intermediary that handles protocol translation and command routing. It receives commands from new applications using standard protocols, processes them according to predefined priority criteria, and forwards appropriate commands to the equipment using proprietary protocols. This mediator simplifies integration by isolating protocol complexity within the bridge rather than requiring complex point-to-point integrations.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for gas pump or carwash environments which allows new applications to be added to established systems, having a computing system, software techniques, and hardware or software communications interfaces. Various embodiments include methods of separation and interception and the software techniques. One implementation includes separating a first application from an equipped device by interposing a bridge; intercepting, with the bridge, downstream communications to the equipped device from the first application; using the bridge, accepting downstream communications to the equipped device from a second application; with the bridge, locking communications with the equipped device to one of the first application and the second application; and unlocking the communications with the equipped device in response to receiving a status from the equipped device.