Fluid Dispensing Meter Authorization Using NFC Work Order Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid dispensing systems require cumbersome and time-consuming processes for user authentication and work order association, often necessitating PIN entry and network connectivity, which can be impractical or costly.
Innovation Solution
A fluid dispensing meter system utilizing Near Field Communication (NFC) devices or optical scanners for user and work order authentication, enabling direct, proximity-based authorization without the need for PIN entry or network communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If PIN entry and work order selection are required on the meter interface, then security and proper tracking are improved, but the dispensing process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-loads work order information and user credentials into the meter's memory before the dispensing operation begins. This allows the meter to automatically retrieve and process this information during the actual dispensing process, eliminating the need for manual entry at the point of use while maintaining security and tracking requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the authentication and work order selection functions from the manual interaction process and relocates them to automated processes. The meter automatically handles credential verification and work order retrieval from stored data or remote systems, removing these cumbersome steps from the user's direct interaction with the meter interface.
2Loss of information
If Wi-Fi network connectivity is required to transmit work order and fluid dispense parameters, then data accuracy and system integration are improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The meter is designed with multi-functional communication capabilities, able to operate in multiple modes: with network connectivity when available for full data transmission, and without network connectivity when unavailable by using locally stored work order information. This universal design allows the system to maintain data accuracy through various communication pathways while adapting to different installation environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The meter performs self-service by storing work order parameters and fluid dispense information locally in its memory. When network connectivity is unavailable, the meter can still complete the dispensing operation using its own stored data, eliminating the mandatory requirement for continuous network connectivity while maintaining data integrity for the dispensing transaction.
3Reliability
If manual entry of work order number or scrolling through work order lists is required, then proper work order association is ensured, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the meter automatically receives and processes work order information from external systems or retrieves it from pre-loaded data. This automated feedback loop ensures that the correct work order is associated with the dispensing event without requiring manual searching or entry, thereby maintaining reliability while significantly improving dispensing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical interaction of typing work order numbers or scrolling through lists with automated electronic data retrieval and processing. The meter automatically fetches work order information from stored memory or connected systems and associates it with the dispensing event, eliminating the time-consuming manual operations while ensuring proper association through automated data matching.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates quick and secure fluid dispensing by eliminating the need for manual PIN entry and network connectivity, enhancing efficiency and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid dispensing meter system utilizing Near Field Communication (NFC) devices or optical scanners for user and work order authentication
Implementation Method 2
A fluid dispensing meter system utilizing Near Field Communication (NFC) devices or optical scanners for user and work order authentication
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A fluid management system includes an authentication device and a fluid dispensing meter, and the fluid dispensing meter includes a processor and a memory. The authentication device is configured to provide data to the processor. The processor is configured to recall information from the memory, to compare the information to the data received from the authenticator, and to control a trigger control mechanism between the activated state and the deactivated state based on the comparison.