Methods for providing information, messages and advertisements to a user of a fuel pump that is coupled to remote computers through a data communications network

• US 6,727,809 B1
• Filed: 01/24/2000
• Issued: 04/27/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/25/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Intellectual Property Development Associates of Connecticut Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Intellectual Property Development Associates of Connecticut Incorporated
• Inventors: Smith, Harry F.
• Primary Examiner(s): POPE, DARYL C
• Application Number:
  US09/490,311
• Time in Patent Office: 1,555 Days
• Field of Search: 340/438, 340/439, 340/928, 320/2, 320/21, 320/17, 320/18, 320/31, 324/434
• US Class Current: 340/438
• CPC Class Codes: G01C 21/26 specially adapted for navigation in a road network
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/127 Shopping or accessing services according to a time-limitation
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/008 communicating information to a remotely located station transmission systems for measured values G08C
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 15/00 Coin-freed apparatus with meter-controlled dispensing of liquid, gas or electricity
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 15/12 in which metering is on a time basis
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/00 Coin-freed apparatus for hiring articles; Coin-freed facilities or services
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/0014 for vending, access and use of specific services not covered anywhere else in G07F17/00 meter-controlled dispensing of liquid, gas or electricity G07F15/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/16 for devices exhibiting advertisements, announcements, pictures or the like
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 5/18 specially adapted for controlling several coin-freed apparatus from one place
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/002 Vending machines being part of a centrally controlled network of vending machines
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/02 Devices for alarm or indication, e.g. when empty; Advertising arrangements in coin-freed apparatus alarms or warning devices indicating the interruption of flow to be metered G07F15/10

Abstract

A method for providing information to a user of a fuel pump includes steps of: (A) performing an initial step of bidirectionally coupling a microprocessor of the fuel pump to a communications network, the communications network having a plurality of remote computers bidirectionally coupled thereto; (B) entering a user'"'"'s information request into the microprocessor of the fuel pump; (C) transmitting data representing the information request from the microprocessor of the fuel pump to the communications network; (E) directing the data representing the request to a remote computer over the communications network; (F) fulfilling the information request with the remote computer and transmitting the requested information back to the microprocessor of the fuel pump over the communication network; and (G) using an output device of the fuel pump, presenting the requested information to the user in a human perceptible format. Optional steps include (H) transmitting a promotional message to the microprocessor of the fuel pump over the communications network; and (I) using the output device of the fuel pump, presenting the promotional message to the user in a human perceptible format. The step of presenting the requested information to the user presents at least one of: information concerning a restaurant, a lodging, or a recreational area; weather information; road conditions; traffic conditions; information concerning a merchant or a local event; information concerning a news item; or information concerning a security.

Claims

1. A method for providing information to a user of a fuel dispenser, comprising the steps of:

performing an initial step of bidirectionally coupling a data processor of a fuel dispenser to a data communications network, the data communications network having a plurality of remote data processors bidirectionally coupled thereto;

entering a user'"'"'s information request into the data processor of the fuel dispenser;

transmitting data representing the information request from the data processor of the fuel dispenser to the data communications network;

fulfilling the information request with at least one of the remote data processors and transmitting the requested information back to the data processor of the fuel dispenser over the data communication network; and

using an output device of the fuel dispenser, presenting the requested information to the user in a human perceptible format.

2. A method as in claim 1, and further comprising steps of:

transmitting a promotional message to the data processor of the fuel dispenser over the data communications network; and

using the output device of the fuel dispenser, presenting the promotional message to the user in a human perceptible format.

3. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of entering the information request includes a step of entering information that comprises a portion that contains at least an identification of the user.

4. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of presenting the requested information to the user presents information that comprises an amount of money that is charged for a room at a lodging.

5. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of presenting the requested information to the user presents a message to the user that was previously stored in the remote data processor that fulfilled the information request.

6. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of presenting the requested information to the user presents information that comprises a name of a restaurant.

7. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of presenting the requested information to the user presents information that comprises a name of a lodging.

8. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of presenting the requested information to the user presents information that comprises a name of a recreational area.

9. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of presenting the requested information to the user presents information that comprises weather-related information.

10. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of presenting the requested information to the user presents information that comprises local road condition information.

11. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of presenting the requested information to the user presents information that comprises local traffic condition information.

12. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of presenting the requested information to the user presents information that comprises a name of at least one merchant and a location of the at least one merchant.

13. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of presenting the requested information to the user presents information that comprises an identification of at least one local event.

14. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of presenting the requested information to the user presents information that comprises at least one news item.

15. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of presenting the requested information to the user presents a quotation for a security that was identified by the user'"'"'s information request.

16. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of entering the information request includes a step of entering information that includes an identification of the user, and further comprising a step of using the identification information to access a data base to obtain additional information concerning the user.

17. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of entering the information request includes a step of entering information that includes an identification of the user, and further comprising a step of using the identification information to access a data base to obtain additional information concerning the user, and further comprising a step of using the additional information while fulfilling the information request with the at least one of the remote data processors.

18. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of entering the information request includes a step of entering information that includes an identification of the user, and further comprising a step of using the identification information to access a data base to obtain additional information concerning the user, and further comprising a step of using the additional information to select an advertisement to be presented to the user.

19. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of entering the information request includes a step of entering information that includes an identification of the user, and further comprising steps of:

using the identification information to access a data

base to obtain additional information concerning the user;

using the additional information while selecting an advertisement for goods or services;

transmitting the selected advertisement to the data processor of the fuel dispenser over the data communications network; and

using the output device of the fuel dispenser, presenting the selected advertisement to the user in a human perceptible format.

20. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of fulfilling the information request considers a location of fuel dispenser.

21. A method as in claim 1, and further comprising an initial step of soliciting business organizations to supply promotional messages for display to users of the fuel dispenser.

22. A method as in claim 1, and further comprising an initial step of soliciting business organizations to supply promotional messages for display to users of the fuel dispenser, and the method further comprising steps of:

transmitting one of the promotional messages to the data processor of the fuel dispenser over the data communications network; and

using the output device of the fuel dispenser, presenting the promotional message to the user in a human perceptible format.

23. A method as in claim 1, wherein the step of entering the user'"'"'s information request comprises an initial step of coupling a vehicle to the fuel dispenser.

24. A method for providing information to a user of a fuel pump that comprises a microprocessor, comprising the steps of:

performing an initial step of bidirectionally coupling a microprocessor of a fuel pump to a communications network, the communications network having a plurality of remote computers bidirectionally coupled thereto;

entering a user'"'"'s information request into the microprocessor of the fuel pump;

transmitting data representing the information request from the microprocessor of the fuel pump towards the communications network;

directing the data that represents the information request to a remote computer over the communications network;

fulfilling the information request with the remote computer and transmitting the requested information back towards the microprocessor of the fuel pump over the communications network; and

using a display device of the fuel pump, presenting the requested information to the user in a human perceptible format.

25. A method as in claim 24, and further comprising steps of:

transmitting a promotional message towards the microprocessor of the fuel pump over the communications network; and

using the display device of the fuel pump, presenting the promotional message to the user in a human perceptible format.

26. A method as in claim 24, wherein the step of presenting the requested information to the user presents at least one of:

information concerning a restaurant;

information concerning a lodging;

information concerning a recreational area;

weather information;

road conditions;

traffic conditions;

information concerning a merchant;

information concerning a local event;

information concerning a news item; and

information concerning a security.

27. A method as in claim 24, wherein the step of presenting the requested information to the user presents a message to the user that was previously stored in the remote computer that fulfilled the information request.

28. A fuel pump, comprising:

a microprocessor;

a display device having an input coupled to said microprocessor; and

an interface for bidirectionally coupling said microprocessor to a communications network, the communications network having a plurality of remote computers bidirectionally coupled thereto;

wherein said microprocessor is programmed to operate

to respond to an information request from a user of said fuel pump for transmitting data representing the information request through said interface towards the communications network, and is further programmed to receive through said interface a response to said information request, the response being generated by at least one of said remote computers, and for operating said display device for displaying the received response to the user in a human perceptible format; and

wherein

said microprocessor operates said display device for displaying said response as at least one of;

information that is descriptive of a restaurant;

information that is descriptive of a lodging;

information that is descriptive of a recreational area;

information that is descriptive of a weather forecast;

information that is descriptive of road conditions;

information that is descriptive of traffic conditions;

information that is descriptive of a merchant;

information that is descriptive of a local event;

information that is descriptive of a news item; and

information that is descriptive of a security.

29. A fuel pump as in claim 28, wherein said microprocessor is further programmed to receive a promotional message from said communications network, and for further operating said display device for displaying the received promotional message to the user in a human perceptible format.

30. A fuel pump as in claim 28, wherein said microprocessor is further programmed to receive an advertisement from said communications network, and for further operating said display device for displaying the received advertisement to the user in a human perceptible format.

31. A fuel pump as in claim 28, wherein said microprocessor is further programmed to receive an advertisement from said communications network, and for further operating said display device for displaying the received advertisement to the user in a human perceptible format, wherein the received advertisement is one selected based at least in part on data included with the information request that was received from the user.

32. A method for providing information to a user of a fuel pump that comprises a microprocessor, comprising the steps of:

performing an initial step of bidirectionally coupling a microprocessor of a fuel pump to a communications network, the communications network having a plurality of remote computers bidirectionally coupled thereto;

entering an information request into the microprocessor of the fuel pump, the information request being generated by the user for obtaining information that is descriptive of at least one of a restaurant, a lodging, a recreational area, a weather forecast, road conditions, traffic conditions, a merchant, a local event, a news item, or a security;

transmitting data representing the information request from the microprocessor of the fuel pump towards the communications network;

directing the data that represents the information request to a remote computer over the communications network;

fulfilling the information request with the remote computer and transmitting the requested information back towards the microprocessor of the fuel pump over the communications network; and

using a display device of the fuel pump, presenting the requested information to the user in a human perceptible format.

33. A method as in claim 32, and further comprising steps of:

transmitting a promotional message towards the microprocessor of the fuel pump over the communications network; and

using the display device of the fuel pump, presenting the promotional message to the user in a human perceptible format.

34. A method for operating a fuel dispenser, comprising the steps of:

detecting a presence of an information request generated by a user of the fuel dispenser; and

in response to detecting the user-generated information request, displaying a response at the fuel dispenser, where the response comprises local weather information.

35. A method as in claim 34, and further comprising a step of displaying an advertisement at the fuel dispenser.

36. A method for operating a fuel dispenser, comprising the steps of:

detecting a presence of an information request generated by a user of the fuel dispenser; and

in response to detecting the user-generated information request, displaying a response at the fuel dispenser, where the response comprises local traffic information.

37. A method as in claim 36, and further comprising a step of displaying an advertisement at the fuel dispenser.

38. A method for operating a fuel dispenser, comprising the steps of:

detecting a presence of an information request generated by a user of the fuel dispenser; and

in response to detecting the user-generated information request, displaying a response at the fuel dispenser, where the response comprises road condition information.

39. A method as in claim 38, and further comprising a step of displaying an advertisement at the fuel dispenser.

40. A method for operating a fuel dispenser, comprising the steps of:

detecting a presence of an information request generated by a user of the fuel dispenser; and

in response to detecting the user-generated information request, displaying a response at the fuel dispenser, where the response comprises news information.

41. A method as in claim 40, and further comprising a step of displaying an advertisement at the fuel dispenser.

42. A method for operating a fuel dispenser, comprising the steps of:

detecting a presence of an information request generated by a user of the fuel dispenser; and

in response to detecting the user-generated information request, displaying a response at the fuel dispenser, where the response comprises information concerning at least one lodging.

43. A method as in claim 42, and further comprising a step of displaying an advertisement at the fuel dispenser.

44. A method for operating a fuel dispenser, comprising the steps of:

detecting a presence of an information request generated by a user of the fuel dispenser; and

in response to detecting the user-generated information request, displaying a response at the fuel dispenser, where the response comprises information concerning a reservation at a lodging.

45. A method as in claim 44, and further comprising a step of displaying an advertisement at the fuel dispenser.

46. A method for operating a fuel dispenser, comprising the steps of:

detecting a presence of an information request generated by a user of the fuel dispenser; and

in response to detecting the user-generated information request, displaying a response at the fuel dispenser, where the response comprises information concerning at least one restaurant.

47. A method as in claim 46, and further comprising a step of displaying an advertisement at the fuel dispenser.

48. A method for operating a fuel dispenser, comprising the steps of:

detecting a presence of an information request generated by a user of the fuel dispenser; and

in response to detecting the user-generated information request, displaying a response at the fuel dispenser, where the response comprises information concerning a recreational area.

49. A method as in claim 48, and further comprising a step of displaying an advertisement at the fuel dispenser.

50. A method for operating a fuel dispenser, comprising the steps of:

detecting a presence of an information request generated by a user of the fuel dispenser; and

in response to detecting the user-generated information request, displaying a response at the fuel dispenser, where the response comprises information concerning a price of at least one stock.

51. A method as in claim 50, and further comprising a step of displaying an advertisement at the fuel dispenser.

52. A fuel dispenser for pumping fuel to a fuel tank of a vehicle, comprising:

a microprocessor;

a display device and an information data entry device coupled to said microprocessor; and

an interface for bidirectionally coupling said microprocessor to a communications network, the communications network having a plurality of computers bidirectionally coupled thereto;

wherein said microprocessor is programmed to operate to respond to an information request from a user of said fuel dispenser for transmitting a message through said interface to at least one of the plurality of computers, and is further programmed to receive through said interface a response to said message, the response being generated by at least one of the plurality computers, and for operating said display device for displaying the received response to the user; and

wherein

said microprocessor operates said display device for displaying said response as information that is descriptive of a restaurant.

53. A fuel dispenser as in claim 52, wherein said microprocessor is responsive to a receipt of an advertisement from said communications network for further operating said display device for displaying the received advertisement.

54. A fuel dispenser for pumping fuel to a fuel tank of a vehicle, comprising:

a microprocessor;

a display device and an information data entry device coupled to said microprocessor; and

an interface for bidirectionally coupling said microprocessor to a communications network, the communications network having a plurality of computers bidirectionally coupled thereto;

wherein said microprocessor is programmed to operate to respond to an information request from a user of said fuel dispenser for transmitting a message through said interface to at least one of the plurality of computers, and is further programmed to receive through said interface a response to said message, the response being generated by at least one of the plurality computers, and for operating said display device for displaying the received response to the user; and

wherein

said microprocessor operates said display device for displaying said response as information that is descriptive of a lodging.

55. A fuel dispenser as in claim 54, wherein said microprocessor is responsive to a receipt of an advertisement from said communications network for further operating said display device for displaying the received advertisement.

56. A fuel dispenser for pumping fuel to a fuel tank of a vehicle, comprising:

a microprocessor;

a display device and an information data entry device coupled to said microprocessor; and

an interface for bidirectionally coupling said microprocessor to a communications network, the communications network having a plurality of computers bidirectionally coupled thereto;

wherein said microprocessor is programmed to operate to respond to an information request from a user of said fuel dispenser for transmitting a message through said interface to at least one of the plurality of computers, and is further programmed to receive through said interface a response to said message, the response being generated by at least one of the plurality computers, and for operating said display device for displaying the received response to the user; and

wherein

said microprocessor operates said display device for displaying said response as information that is descriptive of at least one of road conditions and traffic conditions.

57. A fuel dispenser as in claim 56, wherein said microprocessor is responsive to a receipt of an advertisement from said communications network for further operating said display device for displaying the received advertisement.

58. A fuel dispenser for pumping fuel to a fuel tank of a vehicle, comprising:

a microprocessor;

a display device and an information data entry device coupled to said microprocessor; and

an interface for bidirectionally coupling said microprocessor to a communications network, the communications network having a plurality of computers bidirectionally coupled thereto;

wherein said microprocessor is programmed to operate to respond to an information request from a user of said fuel dispenser for transmitting a message through said interface to at least one of the plurality of computers, and is further programmed to receive through said interface a response to said message, the response being generated by at least one of the plurality computers, and for operating said display device for displaying the received response to the user; and

wherein

said microprocessor operates said display device for displaying said response as information that is descriptive of at least one news item.

59. A fuel dispenser as in claim 58, wherein said microprocessor is responsive to a receipt of an advertisement from said communications network for further operating said display device for displaying the received advertisement.

60. A fuel dispenser for pumping fuel to a fuel tank of a vehicle, comprising:

a microprocessor;

a display device and an information data entry device coupled to said microprocessor; and

an interface for bidirectionally coupling said microprocessor to a communications network, the communications network having a plurality of computers bidirectionally coupled thereto;

wherein said microprocessor is programmed to operate to respond to an information request from a user of said fuel dispenser for transmitting a message through said interface to at least one of the plurality of computers, and is further programmed to receive through said interface a response to said message, the response being generated by at least one of the plurality computers, and for operating said display device for displaying the received response to the user; and

wherein

said microprocessor operates said display device for displaying said response as information that is descriptive of at least one stock quotation.

61. A fuel dispenser as in claim 60, wherein said microprocessor is responsive to a receipt of an advertisement from said communications network for further operating said display device for displaying the received advertisement.