Mobile Payment Terminal for Vehicle Refueling Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle fuel payment systems require complex and costly installations at service stations, pose electromagnetic compatibility issues, and restrict user mobility within the station, limiting payment flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a central apparatus connected to a service station management system and portable terminals that communicate via radio with an onboard electronic toll unit (OBU), allowing payment processing without fixed infrastructure or presence sensors, enabling payment anywhere within the station.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If fixed POS devices or RSUs are installed at each dispenser, then automated payment is enabled, but installation complexity and cost increase due to civil works
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the payment terminal from the fixed infrastructure and relocates it to the user's mobile device. The service station only needs to provide a simple reader at the dispenser, while the full payment functionality resides in the user's smartphone, eliminating the need for complex fixed installations at each dispenser.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mobile device as an intermediary between the user and the payment system. The mobile device acts as a portable payment terminal that communicates with both the dispenser reader and the payment gateway, simplifying the infrastructure requirements at the service station while maintaining automated payment capabilities.
2Extent of automation
If presence sensors and RSUs are positioned at each dispenser, then automated detection works, but electromagnetic compatibility issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the sophisticated presence detection and communication infrastructure from the service station environment and relocates these functions to the user's mobile device. The mobile device's sensors and communication capabilities replace the need for fixed RSUs and presence sensors, reducing electromagnetic interference in the service station.
3Reliability
If wired connections with safety ropes are used, then payment security is ensured, but user mobility is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with wireless communication between the mobile device and the dispenser reader. This substitution eliminates the physical constraints of cables and safety ropes while maintaining secure payment processing through encrypted digital communication channels.
4Extent of automation
If fixed POS terminals are integrated in dispensers, then payment processing is automated, but modification costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the payment terminal functionality from the dispenser itself and places it in the user's mobile device. The dispenser only needs a simple reader component, while the complex payment processing logic resides externally in the mobile device, eliminating the need for costly dispenser modifications.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system simplifies installation, reduces electromagnetic interference, and allows users to pay for fuel without leaving their vehicle, maintaining mobility and eliminating the need for cash or electronic money handling.
Implementation Method 1
both the on-board device and the road side devices are provided with respective radiofrequency communication stages (typically, DSRC stages or 'Dedicated Short Range Communication'), which allow the on-board device to exchange data with the road side devices
Data Source
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AI summary
A system and method for paying the refueling to a vehicle with OBU for electronic tolling are described. The system includes a central apparatus located at a service station and a set of portable terminals, available at the service station and connected via radio to the central apparatus. The central apparatus is connected to a service station management system and to the electronic toll system at which the OBU is registered. Each portable terminal can communicate via radio with the OBU when it is brought close to it. After refueling, the refueling operator activates any of the portable terminals, which obtains the amount to be paid by the management system through the central apparatus. The operator approaches the vehicle, so that the portable terminal retrieves the unique identifier of the OBU. The portable terminal then sends a payment request including the amount to be paid and the OBU identification to the electronic toll system, through the central apparatus.