Hybrid Forecourt Controller Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Forecourt controllers for gas stations have been 'closed' systems, limiting flexibility and customization, as they require proprietary hardware and software, making it difficult for third parties to develop new applications and integrate with evolving forecourt devices using legacy serial interfaces.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid forecourt controller combining a closed operating system for controlling forecourt devices with an open, embedded operating system for in-store systems on a single hardware platform, allowing third-party modifications and integration with TCP/IP communication, reducing downtime and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a closed operating system with proprietary hardware is used, then control over forecourt devices is reliable, but flexibility and customization are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol reliabilityVSAvoidsystem flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two distinct sub-systems: a closed sub-system for controlling forecourt devices and an open sub-system for in-store systems. This segmentation allows each sub-system to maintain its specific characteristics (reliability for forecourt control, flexibility for in-store operations) while coexisting on a single hardware platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A communication interface acts as an intermediary between the closed sub-system and the open sub-system, enabling data exchange and coordination. This mediator allows the two contrasting systems to work together seamlessly, transferring control information and transaction data between them.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If proprietary hardware and software are required, then forecourt device control is maintained, but third-party development and integration become difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice control stabilityVSAvoidthird-party integration ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the proprietary closed sub-system from the open sub-system, the patent allows third parties to develop applications and integrate services on the open side without affecting the stability of the forecourt device control on the closed side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The open sub-system provides universal compatibility for third-party applications and services, while the closed sub-system maintains specialized control functions. This multi-functionality allows the single platform to serve both proprietary and third-party needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If legacy serial interfaces are used, then compatibility with existing forecourt devices is ensured, but communication with modern TCP/IP systems is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelegacy device compatibilityVSAvoidcommunication protocol flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The communication interface serves as a protocol translator and intermediary, converting between legacy serial protocols and modern TCP/IP protocols. This allows forecourt devices using older interfaces to communicate seamlessly with in-store systems using contemporary network protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes communication parameters (protocol type, data format, transmission method) depending on whether it is communicating with legacy forecourt devices or modern in-store systems, allowing adaptability across different protocol requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If separate hardware platforms are used for closed and open systems, then system independence is maintained, but complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem independenceVSAvoidhardware platform complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the closed sub-system and open sub-system onto a single hardware platform, reducing overall system complexity and cost. Despite the physical integration, the logical separation through virtualization maintains the independence and reliability benefits of separate systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10152843B2Hybrid forecourt controllers

Publication Date: 2018.12.11 ALLIED ELECTRONICS INC

AI summary

One embodiment is a hybrid forecourt controller (FCC) for a fuel-dispensing facility having forecourt devices and in-store systems. The hybrid FCC has a closed sub-system communicating with and controlling operations of the forecourt devices and an open sub-system communicating with and controlling operations of the in-store systems. The closed sub-system communicates with the open sub-system to enable the forecourt devices and the in-store systems to operate together to support operations of the fuel-dispensing facility. The closed sub-system prevents third parties from modifying any of the closed operating system and the closed software applications corresponding to the forecourt devices of the closed sub-system, while the open sub-system enables third parties to modify any of the open operating system and the open software applications corresponding to the in-store systems of the open sub-system.