Wireless Fuel Dispenser Activation via Mobile ID Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromechanical fuel dispensers require manual operations for activation and fuel selection, which are time-consuming and inefficient, especially in a retail setting where streamlined transactions are desired.
Innovation Solution
A system that wirelessly associates fuel dispensers with unique identification codes and electronic payment systems, allowing for remote activation and automatic payment processing using a mobile device, enabling quick and efficient fuel dispensation by matching identification codes and authorizing payments electronically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operations are used for fuel dispenser activation and fuel selection, then the system is simple and reliable, but the transaction time is excessive and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with wireless electronic communication. A mobile device communicates wirelessly with the fuel dispenser control section to transmit identification codes and activate the dispenser remotely, eliminating the need for manual card insertion, code entry, or physical button pressing at the dispenser interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-storing identification codes and payment information in the mobile device and database. When a customer approaches the dispenser, the system has already prepared the authentication data and payment methods, enabling immediate wireless transmission and rapid activation without on-site data entry or manual preparation.
2Loss of time
If manual code entry and payment processing are required at the dispenser, then security is maintained through direct user interaction, but the time spent on authentication and payment is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual code entry and payment processing at the dispenser with wireless electronic transmission. The mobile device automatically transmits the identification code and payment information to the dispenser control section, eliminating the need for users to manually enter codes or insert payment cards at the dispenser interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by allowing customers to complete authentication and payment initiation remotely using their mobile devices. The mobile device automatically performs the authentication process by transmitting stored identification codes wirelessly, and the system handles payment processing without requiring manual intervention at the dispenser.
3Ease of operation
If wireless remote activation is implemented, then transaction speed and convenience are improved, but the system requires additional wireless communication components and databases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by enabling the fuel dispenser control section to handle both traditional manual operations and wireless remote activation through a unified system. The control section can process activation requests from either manual user input at the dispenser interface or wireless transmissions from mobile devices, allowing the same hardware to serve multiple operational modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces a database as an intermediary component that stores identification codes and links them to both fuel dispensers and payment systems. This database acts as a central repository that enables the wireless communication between mobile devices and dispensers without requiring direct complex point-to-point connections, simplifying the overall system architecture.
4Productivity
If automatic payment processing is implemented through wireless communication, then transaction completion time is reduced, but the system requires integration of electronic payment systems with fuel dispenser control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the authentication and payment processing functions into a single integrated workflow. When the system receives an identification code wirelessly from a mobile device, it simultaneously verifies the code against stored data and initiates payment processing using the associated payment information, combining multiple steps into one automated sequence that reduces transaction time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the wireless communication between mobile devices and dispensers, verifying received identification codes against the database, and automatically adjusting the activation state and payment processing based on the verification results. This feedback loop ensures secure automatic payment processing while maintaining system control.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for remotely activating electromechanically controlled fuel dispensers. Each fuel dispenser is associated in a database with a unique identification code, and a first code is associated with an electronic payment system pre-identified by a fuel purchasing customer for automatic payment processing during fuel purchase transactions. In response to a wirelessly received identification code, the fuel dispenser associated in the database with the identification code that matches the wirelessly received identification code is identified, the identified fuel dispenser is activated to an active state in which the identified fuel dispenser is enabled to dispense fuel if the first code in the database matches a wirelessly received second code, and payment for the purchase of fuel dispensed from the identified fuel dispenser is automatically processed following activation thereof using the pre-identified electronic payment system associated with the first code in the database.