METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FUEL ISLAND AUTHORIZATION FOR TRUCKING INDUSTRY USING PROXIMITY SENSORS
First Claim
1. A fueling station for refueling a vehicle, the fueling station comprising:
- (a) a fuel dispensing device;
(b) a sensor for detecting a vehicle approaching the fuel island; and
(c) a proximity component physically associated to the fuel dispensing device, and responsive to the sensor, the proximity component including a proximity transmitter and a controller implementing the function of using the proximity transmitter to automatically broadcast a unique pump identifier in response to a set of conditions that includes receiving a signal from the sensor indicating that a vehicle has been detected.
0 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A fuel authorization program based on equipping fuel station, fuel pumps, and vehicles with components to enable automatic fuel authorization for enrolled vehicles. The program includes fuel pumps including a pump transmitting sensor that automatically emits a pump ID. As a vehicle pulls in next to the pump a vehicle coupling receiving sensor detects the pump ID signal and a proximity link is created. The vehicle sensor passes the pump ID via hardwire or Bluetooth to vehicle fuel authorization processor (which can be part of a telematics device). The vehicle processor transmits the pump ID (and any fuel authorization credentials needed, such as a PIN or VIN) via WI-FI to a Station processor for fuel vendor authorization. If approved, the pump is enabled. As the vehicle moves away the coupling sensor link is broken and the vehicle transmits a “disconnect” message via Wi-Fi and the pump is disabled.
22 Citations
17 Claims
-
1. A fueling station for refueling a vehicle, the fueling station comprising:
-
(a) a fuel dispensing device; (b) a sensor for detecting a vehicle approaching the fuel island; and (c) a proximity component physically associated to the fuel dispensing device, and responsive to the sensor, the proximity component including a proximity transmitter and a controller implementing the function of using the proximity transmitter to automatically broadcast a unique pump identifier in response to a set of conditions that includes receiving a signal from the sensor indicating that a vehicle has been detected. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
-
-
11. A method for refueling a vehicle that is enrolled in a vehicle fueling program, the method comprising:
-
(a) providing a fuel dispensing device; (b) sensing a vehicle approaching the fuel dispensing device; (c) transmitting a short range, directional signal, from a position coincident to the fuel dispensing device, the signal including a unique identifier of the fuel dispensing device; (d) receiving a signal, at a position in the vicinity of the fuel dispensing device, having both the unique identifier of the fuel dispensing device and an identifier of a vehicle enrolled in the vehicle fueling program; and (e) enabling the fuel dispensing device to dispense fuel. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
-
Specification