Certified Fuel Dispenser Transaction Data Redisplay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel dispensing devices at service stations face challenges in harmonizing display data with payment validation under the European 'MID' directive, leading to customer disputes and congestion due to the lack of official approval for cash register displays, which are not considered valid for legal metrology.
Innovation Solution
A certified fuel dispensing apparatus with secure data storage and display capabilities allows for the redisplay and reprinting of previous transaction data on an approved and certified medium, integrated within the dispensing device or near the cash register, ensuring compliance with legal metrology regulations without requiring additional approval for the cash register.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cash register display is made subject to official approval under the MID directive, then the validity of transaction data for customer disputes is improved, but the cost and maintenance constraints increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a certified copy of the transaction data by printing it on a receipt ticket that is subject to official approval under the MID directive. This receipt serves as a valid reference for customer disputes, while the cash register itself remains uncertified. The copying principle allows the system to have certified transaction records without certifying the entire cash register system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the transaction data display function into two separate systems: the uncertified cash register for real-time display and the certified fuel dispensing device for official transaction recording. This segmentation allows only the necessary component (fuel dispenser with receipt printer) to be certified, reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining data validity.
2Reliability
If the fuel dispensing device stores and redisplay previous transaction data, then customer dispute resolution is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel dispensing device is given multiple functions: it not only dispenses fuel and displays current transaction data, but also stores and redisplayS previous transaction data upon customer request. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems, reducing overall complexity while improving dispute resolution capabilities.
3Loss of information
If the transaction data is continuously displayed on the cash register, then customer information access is improved, but the risk of data mismatch and disputes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides feedback to customers by allowing them to request and view previous transaction data on the certified fuel dispensing device. This feedback mechanism enables customers to verify transaction accuracy, reducing disputes arising from information asymmetry or data mismatches between systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Approved and certified fuel dispensing device mounted on a fuel distribution circuit connecting a dispensing nozzle to a fuel storage tank and equipped with counting means comprising a fuel meter connected to a pulse generator or encoder enabling an electronic computer to establish, during a commercial transaction n, i.e. the filling of the tank of a motor vehicle, the volume and price of the fuel dispensed and to display them clearly on a display, characterized in that it includes means for secure multiple storage of data relating to previous commercial transactions, while the data relating to the current commercial transaction n are displayed on the display,These multiple storage devices are associated with display units in such a way as to allow the data relating to a previous commercial transaction n - x to be displayed on demand on the screen and possibly to print this data on a medium such as a receipt.