Sniffer Device Upgrades Legacy Fuel Dispensers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Legacy fuel dispensers are limited by low-data rate field wiring, making it difficult to implement high-bandwidth features like video advertising and mobile payment options, which require faster communication rates and compatibility with various manufacturers' equipment.
Innovation Solution
A sniffer device is installed between the fuel dispenser and the forecourt controller, enabling a wireless proximity transmitter for mobile payment and broadband communication with a cloud server, allowing for message interpretation and action based on processor instructions, thereby upgrading legacy dispensers to support mobile transactions and high-bandwidth capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If legacy field wiring is used for communication between FCC and fuel dispensers, then existing infrastructure is maintained, but high-bandwidth features like video advertising and mobile payment cannot be implemented
Solution Approach 1:
A wireless communication bridge device is introduced as an intermediary between the legacy field wiring and the fuel dispenser. This bridge receives data from the dispenser via the existing two-wire or RS422 connection, then transmits it wirelessly to a remote server, enabling high-bandwidth features without modifying the legacy wiring infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for physical high-bandwidth cable installation with a wireless communication system. Instead of mechanically installing Cat5 or higher cables in the forecourt, the solution uses wireless transmission to achieve the same data transfer capability, thereby avoiding the complexity of reconfiguring the physical infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If high-bandwidth cable is installed in existing service stations, then data-intensive features can be provided, but the cost becomes prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless communication bridge acts as a cost-effective intermediary that leverages the existing legacy wiring for basic connectivity while adding wireless capability for high-bandwidth data transmission. This avoids the prohibitive cost of installing new high-bandwidth cable infrastructure in existing service stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution changes the communication parameter from wired to wireless transmission. By transitioning from physical cable-based data transfer to wireless communication, the system achieves high-bandwidth capability without the capital expenditure required for cable installation, maintenance, and reconfiguration.
3Reliability
If legacy two-wire or RS422 signaling is used, then existing equipment compatibility is maintained, but data rates are insufficient for mobile payment and cloud communication
Solution Approach 1:
The communication system is segmented into two separate channels: a legacy channel using two-wire or RS422 signaling for maintaining compatibility with existing FCC and dispenser equipment, and a wireless channel for high-speed data transmission to cloud servers. This segmentation allows each channel to optimize for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless communication bridge serves as a mediator that translates between the low-speed legacy signaling protocol and high-speed wireless communication protocols. It receives data from the dispenser via legacy wiring, processes it, then transmits it wirelessly at high speeds, effectively bridging the gap between old and new communication requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
An assembly for installation in a fuel dispensing environment having a forecourt controller and at least one fuel dispenser communicating via legacy cable. The assembly comprises a sniffer device connectable along the legacy cable such that a first communication side thereof is in electrical communication with the forecourt controller and a second communication side thereof is in electrical communication with the fuel dispenser. The sniffer device is operative to receive an incoming message at either the first communication side or the second communication side. The sniffer device also includes memory and a processor, the processor implementing instructions to interpret the incoming message. Based on an interpretation of the incoming message, the sniffer device is operative to determine an action to be taken regarding the incoming message.