NFC Tags Enable Secure Mobile Fueling Transactions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fuel dispenser systems face limitations in user experience due to manual input of VM identification numbers or QR code scanning, which can be insecure and unreliable, especially under poor lighting conditions, and lack seamless integration with mobile devices for payment and loyalty programs.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing NFC tags on fuel dispensers to initiate transactions on mobile devices, allowing for app-based authorization, automatic loyalty credit, and default payment methods, with an active sniffer for retrofitting existing dispensers to enable mobile payment capabilities and communication with a cloud server for transaction management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual input of VM identification number is used, then transaction can be initiated, but security is reduced and user experience is degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical input (typing VM ID) with NFC wireless communication. The mobile device automatically detects and communicates with the fuel dispenser through NFC tags, eliminating the need for manual entry while enhancing security through cryptographic authentication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces NFC tags as intermediaries between the mobile device and fuel dispenser. These tags store encrypted identification information and enable secure automatic authentication without direct user input, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and security.
2Ease of operation
If QR code scanning is used for mobile payment, then payment can be processed, but reliability deteriorates under poor lighting conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical scanning (QR code) with NFC electromagnetic communication. NFC tags enable reliable wireless data exchange without line-of-sight requirements, eliminating lighting condition dependencies while maintaining ease of mobile payment operation.
3Ease of operation
If NFC tags are implemented on fuel dispensers, then user experience is enhanced and security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive, removable NFC tags instead of permanently embedding NFC hardware in each fuel dispenser. These tags can be easily attached, configured, and replaced without complex installation procedures, reducing device complexity while enabling enhanced user experience and security features.
4Adaptability or versatility
If existing dispensers are retrofitted with active sniffer, then mobile payment capability is enabled, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an active sniffer as an intermediary device that bridges existing fuel dispensers and mobile payment systems. This external add-on unit provides NFC communication capabilities without requiring modification of the original dispenser hardware, enabling mobile payment while maintaining ease of manufacture through simple retrofitting.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of performing a fueling transaction via an application installed on a mobile device, such as a smart phone. One step of the method involves receiving at the mobile device a short range wireless initiation signal directly from a fuel dispenser. The wireless initiation signal contains information indentifying the fuel dispenser. In response to the wireless initiation signal, an application is automatically launched on the mobile device. Input is received into the mobile device from a customer, which is interpreted by the application to correspond to at least one selection made by the customer. Payment information of the customer is transmitted from the mobile device to a remote cloud server so that the transaction can be authorized. As fuel is dispensed from the fuel dispenser, at least one of fueling information and promotional information is received at the mobile device.