Fuel Dispenser Command Translation for Payment Terminal Upgrades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel dispenser systems require replacement of the entire unit when a payment terminal needs upgrading, as new terminals often do not match the vendor of the fuel controller, leading to costly and time-consuming processes.
Innovation Solution
A fuel controller translator that translates commands between different formats used by the fuel controller and payment terminal, allowing compatibility with different vendors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a new payment terminal is installed that does not match the vendor of the fuel controller, then the payment terminal can be upgraded to meet new payment methods or security regulations, but the system becomes incompatible and requires replacement of the entire fuel dispenser
Solution Approach 1:
A translator device is introduced as an intermediary component between the payment terminal and fuel controller. The translator receives commands from the payment terminal in its native format, translates them into the format required by the fuel controller, and forwards them. This mediator enables compatibility between different vendor systems without requiring replacement of existing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The translator device serves multiple functions: it acts as a communication bridge between different vendor protocols, provides protocol translation, and enables future payment terminal upgrades without system-wide replacement. This multi-functional component enhances the overall adaptability of the fuel dispensing system.
2Reliability
If the entire fuel dispenser is replaced to accommodate a new payment terminal, then compatibility is ensured, but the cost and time required for replacement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The translation functionality is extracted as a separate, standalone device rather than being integrated into the fuel dispenser itself. This allows the translator to be independently installed and configured, enabling payment terminal upgrades without the need to replace the entire fuel dispenser system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: the payment terminal, the translator device, and the fuel controller. This segmentation allows individual components to be upgraded or replaced independently, reducing the scope and time of replacements required while maintaining overall system compatibility.
3Reliability
If the entire fuel dispenser is replaced to accommodate a new payment terminal, then compatibility is ensured, but the cost of replacement increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The translation capability is extracted as a separate, reusable component that can be deployed across multiple fuel dispensers. This extraction reduces the cost per unit by allowing the same translator hardware to serve multiple systems, rather than requiring expensive full dispenser replacements at each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The translator device is designed to work with multiple fuel controller vendors and payment terminal types, making it a universal solution. This universality reduces overall system cost by eliminating the need for vendor-specific integrations and allowing a single translator design to serve multiple applications.
Data Source
AI summary
Various systems, devices, and methods are provided for facilitating communication between a forecourt controller and a fuel dispenser. In certain aspects, a fuel controller translator is provided for translating commands transmitted between the forecourt controller and the fuel dispenser. For example, where the forecourt controller transmits commands that are compatible with the payment terminal, but not with the fuel controller, the fuel controller translator can translate the commands received from the forecourt controller into a format compatible with the fuel controller. Conversely, the fuel controller translator can translate commands received from the fuel controller into a format that is compatible with the forecourt controller.