Fuel Dispenser Merchandise Purchase Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current retail fuel station technologies do not allow consumers to purchase non-fuel merchandise at the fuel dispenser during either pre-pay or post-pay transactions, requiring separate transactions inside the convenience store.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that enables consumers to select and purchase non-fuel merchandise at the fuel dispenser using a computerized interface, with an intermediary system facilitating transactions through a specified messaging protocol, allowing for seamless integration with the point-of-sale system, enabling both pre-pay and post-pay options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If consumers use pre-pay or post-pay transactions at the fuel dispenser, then fuel purchase is simplified, but non-fuel merchandise cannot be purchased at the dispenser

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemerchandise purchase capabilityVSAvoidtransaction process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fuel dispenser is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it not only dispenses fuel but also serves as a point-of-sale terminal for purchasing non-fuel merchandise. The dispenser includes a user interface that displays merchandise information and accepts selections, allowing consumers to purchase both fuel and general merchandise at a single location without requiring separate transactions at the convenience store.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If consumers purchase non-fuel merchandise inside the convenience store, then merchandise selection is available, but the number of transactions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction efficiencyVSAvoidtime spent on transactions

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the fuel dispensing function and the merchandise purchasing function into a single integrated transaction process at the fuel dispenser. The system merges the fuel sale and general merchandise sale into one unified point-of-sale transaction, allowing consumers to complete both purchases in a single stop without entering the convenience store, thereby reducing the number of transactions and time spent.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a unified system is implemented at the fuel dispenser, then transaction number is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsumer convenienceVSAvoiddispenser system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary communication system that bridges the fuel dispenser and the point-of-sale system. This intermediary layer handles the complex data exchange and coordination between the two systems through standardized message protocols, allowing the fuel dispenser to function as a point-of-sale terminal without requiring complete system integration. The intermediary simplifies the implementation by providing a standardized interface that manages the complexity of unified transactions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10430843B2Method and system for purchasing non-fuel merchandise

Publication Date: 2019.10.01 ADDITIVE SYST

AI summary

The present methods and systems (including computer software, computer hardware, and an intermediary system) facilitate a transaction for non-fuel merchandise items at any fuel dispenser during a pre-pay or post-pay inside the store fuel sale. Consumers can select non-fuel merchandise items at a fuel dispenser (either via a fuel dispenser key pad or a separate computerized customer interface, attached to a fuel dispenser) at the time they are selecting their fuel at the fuel dispenser.