Fuel Dispensing Anomaly Detection Using Tank Inventory Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fuel dispensing terminals are vulnerable to manipulation by malicious devices that alter fuel flow measurements, leading to unauthorized fuel access and component damage, with existing systems failing to detect such anomalies efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a processor and memory configured to compare measured fuel volume per unit time with a configurable threshold, stopping the dispensing operation if the measured volume is less than the threshold, and leveraging fuel tank inventory data to validate anomalous operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fuel dispensing terminals are used without anomaly detection, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the system is vulnerable to manipulation by malicious devices that alter fuel flow measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing expected fuel flow rate ranges before dispensing operations begin. The processor stores and compares actual fuel flow measurements against these pre-established expectations during operation, enabling early detection of anomalies before they result in significant fuel loss or damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback by monitoring fuel flow rate measurements during dispensing operations and comparing them against expected ranges. When deviations are detected, the system provides feedback signals to stop the dispensing operation, creating a closed-loop control system that automatically responds to anomalies.
2Reliability
If the system stops dispensing operation when measured volume is less than threshold, then unauthorized fuel access is prevented, but dispensing operations may be interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors changes in fuel flow rate parameters during dispensing operations. By detecting significant deviations from expected flow rate ranges, the system can identify potential manipulation attempts and stop operations accordingly, balancing security with operational continuity.
3Loss of time
If fuel flow rate is monitored continuously at predetermined intervals, then anomalies are detected early, but system complexity and processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs monitoring at predetermined intervals rather than continuously, applying partial action to achieve effective anomaly detection without the full complexity and resource requirements of continuous monitoring. This interval-based approach reduces processing demands while maintaining detection effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A system determines that a fuel dispensing operation may be anomalous. In response, the system accesses fuel inventory data that indicates fuel levels in a fuel tank during a time period. The system determines a measure amount of fuel that left the fuel tank based on the fuel inventory data. The system determines a calculated amount of dispensed fuel associated with one or more fuel dispensing operations during the time period. The system compares the measured amount of fuel that left the fuel tank with the calculated amount of dispensed fuel. The system determines that the measured amount of fuel that left the fuel tank is more than the calculated amount of dispensed fuel. In response, the system concludes that at least one of the fuel dispensing operations is anomalous and causes the fuel dispensing terminal to stop dispensing fuel.