Mobile-Authenticated Energy Refilling Nozzle Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-service energy refilling systems are costly to construct and maintain, lack consumer friendliness, and pose security risks due to complex payment processes and improper operation, leading to inefficiencies and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an image recognition device, a mobile device with a dedicated application, a cloud server, and an energy refilling device that processes and transmits vehicle and transaction information to securely facilitate self-service energy refilling, allowing users to select payment methods and authenticate transactions via their mobile devices, reducing the need for physical machines and enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a self-service refilling machine is installed next to an energy refilling pump, then consumers can save time by not having to wait for the station attendant, but the construction cost and maintenance cost of the machine increase the operational costs of the energy stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses image recognition technology to capture and process images of the energy refilling pump and surrounding environment, creating a digital representation that replaces the need for complex physical self-service machines. The system copies the functionality of a self-service machine through software-based image analysis rather than hardware deployment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical self-service refilling machine with an image recognition system that uses cameras and computer vision algorithms. Instead of physical buttons, screens, and payment terminals, the system uses image capture and processing to achieve the same self-service functionality, eliminating the need for expensive hardware installation and maintenance
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple payment terminals are installed to support various payment methods, then the system can accommodate diverse consumer preferences, but the cost on machine construction and maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The image recognition system serves multiple functions: it identifies the energy refilling pump, captures transaction information, verifies consumer identity, and supports various payment methods all through a single integrated software platform. This universal system replaces the need for multiple specialized payment terminals
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a virtual payment interface through image recognition and mobile application integration, allowing multiple payment methods to be accessed through software rather than physical terminals. This digital copying of payment functionality eliminates the need for installing and maintaining multiple physical payment devices
3Ease of operation
If additional self-service refilling machines are deployed, then consumers can operate independently without station attendants, but the machines lack consumer friendliness and payment security
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mobile application as an intermediary between the consumer and the energy refilling system. The mobile app provides a user-friendly interface for authentication, payment selection, and transaction monitoring, while the image recognition system handles the technical verification in the background. This intermediary layer enhances both ease of operation and security
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides real-time feedback to consumers through the mobile application, including authentication status, payment confirmation, and transaction details. The image recognition system continuously monitors and verifies information, providing ongoing feedback that enhances security while maintaining user-friendly operation through clear visual and digital confirmations
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a system for self-service energy refilling having an image recognition device, a mobile device, a terminal computer device, a cloud server device, and an energy refilling device including an energy refilling nozzle. The image recognition device acquires and transmits vehicle entrance information of a vehicle parked in the driveway. The mobile device processes and transmits transaction information. The terminal computer device receives and transmits the vehicle entrance information from the image recognition device. The cloud server device receives the transaction information from the mobile device and the vehicle entrance information from the terminal computer device, thereby validating the mobile device and the vehicle to generate and transmit an energy refilling instruction. The energy refilling device receives the energy refilling instruction from the cloud server device or the vehicle entrance information from the image recognition device to unlock the energy refilling nozzle.