Fuel Dispenser Media Library for Timely Local Content Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fuel dispensers in the retail petroleum industry rely on remote dispenser controllers for media communication, leading to delayed updates, network connectivity issues, and inconvenience due to power loss or component failures, resulting in suboptimal media display.
Innovation Solution
Fuel dispensers are equipped with a media library that allows direct communication with external media sources, enabling on-demand media requests and updates, ensuring relevance and freshness of displayed content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If fuel dispensers communicate with remote sources through dispenser controllers, then media can be transmitted to multiple dispensers, but media updates are delayed and network connectivity issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the media library functionality from the remote dispenser controller and places it directly in the fuel dispenser. This allows the dispenser to independently access and display media from external sources without relying on the controller, eliminating media update delays and network connectivity dependencies while maintaining the ability to receive targeted media information.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dispenser controllers transmit media to multiple fuel dispensers, then communication infrastructure is simplified, but media cannot be specific to each dispenser
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by enabling each fuel dispenser to have its own media library that can store and display media specific to that particular dispenser. The system uses the dispenser's identification information to retrieve customized media content from external sources, allowing each location to display relevant advertisements and information while maintaining a relatively simple communication architecture through the use of standard identification protocols.
3Reliability
If fuel dispensers rely on dispenser controllers for media, then centralized control is maintained, but dispensers are vulnerable to power loss and component failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by equipping each fuel dispenser with a media library that can independently access and store media content before needing it. This allows the dispenser to have media ready for display without waiting for transmission from the controller, ensuring continuous operation even during power loss or controller failures. The system proactively manages media updates based on the dispenser's own timing and needs.
4Productivity
If remote sources transmit media on a scheduled basis, then network bandwidth is managed, but media updates may be delayed beyond optimal timing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by allowing each fuel dispenser to independently control its media update timing. Instead of following a fixed schedule from the remote source, the dispenser can dynamically request and receive media updates based on its specific needs, operational status, and local timing requirements. This enables more frequent and timely media updates without overwhelming the network, as each dispenser manages its own communication rhythm.
Data Source
AI summary
Management of fuel dispenser media is provided. In general, a fuel dispenser can be in communication with a media library configured to facilitate delivery of media to the fuel dispenser for output therefrom. The media library can be on board the fuel dispenser or can be included in a gateway configured to communicate with the fuel dispenser. The media library is configured to query one or more media sources for media information and to retrieve media information therefrom that is specific to the fuel dispenser. Additionally or alternatively, the media library is configured to query the one or more media sources for updates to the retrieved media information and, if updated, to retrieve the updated media content from the media source(s).