Fuel Dispenser Display Control Without Payment Data Protocols
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dispensers for gaseous fuels like natural gas and hydrogen often have complex and secure payment terminal communication interfaces, which can be cumbersome and insecure, requiring multiple communication protocols and security mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The system uses physically conveyed control indicia, such as electrically conductive wiring, fiber optic cabling, or pneumatic connectors, to control the display of a payment terminal without transmitting data packets or using predefined communication protocols, thereby simplifying and securing the communication process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If traditional communication protocols and data packet transmission are used between payment terminal and fuel dispensing system, then data exchange functionality is achieved, but system complexity and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex communication protocol layer and data packet transmission mechanisms from the payment terminal interface. Instead of using traditional protocols like HTTP, TCP/IP, or proprietary protocols with authentication handshakes, the system directly transmits control signals through simplified electrical connections, eliminating the need for protocol interpretation, data encoding/decoding, and security certificate verification processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electronic/software-based communication protocol system with a direct electrical/mechanical signal transmission system. Control indicia are transmitted through physical electrical connections (wires, contacts) rather than through software protocol stacks, substituting a simpler physical layer for a complex logical layer, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable control functionality
2Ease of operation
If multiple communication protocols and security mechanisms are implemented, then data transmission capability is maintained, but ease of operation and integration simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the entire communication protocol stack and security mechanism layer from the payment terminal interface. By extracting these complex elements, the system achieves direct electrical signal transmission between the payment terminal and fuel dispensing controller, eliminating the need for protocol configuration, security certificate management, and complex integration procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal control interface where a single electrical connection system performs multiple functions: transmitting control signals, indicating payment status, and controlling display outputs. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate communication channels for different purposes, thereby simplifying integration while maintaining operational capability
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, apparatuses, controllers, and processes that are configured to facilitate controlling visual information provided via a display at a dispenser while a vehicle is being fueled can be adapted so no use of communication protocols is needed for control of the display. For instance, a controller can be connected with a payment terminal having a screen via multiple different physical connections (e.g. wiring for conveying electricity, optical fiber cables, etc.). One or more of these connections can be activated while others are deactivated in an accordance with a pre-defined scheme to indicate to the payment terminal which of a number of different pre-defined display graphics should be displayed during fueling. Embodiments can be adapted so no payment information or other information is shared between a payment processing device and a fuel dispensing controller and no communication protocol is needed for transport of data between such devices.