GB2441384A

GB2441384A - Fuel station monitoring system

Info

Publication number: GB2441384A
Application number: GB0616978A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Menachem Mendel Sudak
Original assignee: Ranger Services Ltd
Current assignee: Ranger Services Ltd
Priority date: 2006-08-29
Filing date: 2006-08-29
Publication date: 2008-03-05
Also published as: GB0616978D0

Abstract

A system for monitoring activity at a vehicle fuelling station comprises first camera 1 to monitor entrance point A and to automatically detect the registration number upon an arriving vehicle. A second camera 2 is positioned to supervise the forecourt area while the driver uses one of several pumps 3 to dispense fuel into the vehicle. Upon departure of the vehicle without payment at the kiosk 4 being made, processing means are arranged to notify the station attendant of a 'drive-off' event, upon which images from both cameras and vehicles registration details are recorded to provide a report. The system is able to compare detected registration numbers with those stored in a database to identify vehicles previously associated with drive-off events, upon which the attendant is alerted to take action to disable the appropriate pump or require payment in advance. The system may be linked to similar systems at other stations to enable sharing and uploading of reports on a secure server.

Description

DRIVE-OFF MONITORING APPARATUS

The present invention relates to a system of apparatus adapted to monitor the entrance, forecourt and optionally exits of a motor vehicle fuel filling station such as a petrol fiiiing station and recording instances of drive-off. For convenience the term petrol filling station' or petrol station' will be used herein to embrace diesel and/or LPG fuels, which are conventionally sold alongside petrol pumps : A drive-off is an event of possible criminal significance where a user of the petrol S...

station supplies their vehicle with petrol (or other similar fuel), but then drives off S...

without making payment for the fuel. Instances of drive-off currently are only *1**sS * recordable when an attendant spots that a drive-off has occurred, views CCIV *.*..S * footage (if any) and fills out the paperwork for forwarding to a remote event handling system such as an off-site central system. This method is, however, unsatisfactory * since drive-off events often occur when a station forecourt is most busy. At such times in particular there will not normally be staff capacity to review any tapes or other recordings and complete the paperwork whilst serving customers in a queue wanting to pay.

There is therefore a clear need or opportunity to provide a way of simplifying the reporting procedure and of providing an effective deterrent and/or a way of alerting a petrol station attendant that a known drive-off vehicle is approaching or using the petrol filling station facilities.

It is from a consideration of the present drive off monitoring systems and their inadequacies which has led to the development of the present invention.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a system of apparatus for monitoring a petrol filling station and reporting drive-off events, the system comprising: a) primary camera means arranged to monitor each vehicle entry point of the filling station and further arranged to capture and record the number plate of a vehicle entering the station; : ** b) secondary camera means arranged to monitor the forecourt of the petrol S...

. filling station such that any vehicle at any pump is within field of view of at least one such camera; * .

S * *

C) processing means associated with both said camera means and arranged to : record input from both said camera means, log number plate details and generate a report in the event of a drive-off; and d) data input means associated with the processing means and arranged to permit a petrol station attendant to enter details therein of a drive-off event.

Preferably, the processing means is associated with display means arranged to display number plates as they are captured by either or both of said camera means Preferably, the processing means further comprises or is linked to a database arranged to record details of vehicles using the station and record particulars of any vehicle involved in a drive-off event Preferably, the processing means is arranged to generate an alert when a vehicle involved in a previously logged drive- off is detected and/or logged on approach to the forecourt.

Preferably, the data input means comprises a key pad arranged to permit reporting of a drive-off, pump number at which a drive-off occurred and the value of a drive-off, and optionally the time and/or date.

Preferably, a report generated by the processing means will comprise images from : * the cameras in respect of the previous 5 to 10 minutes, the time at which a drive-off event occurred and was noted, the date on which the drive-off event occurred, the pump number at which the drive-off event occurred, the value of the drive-off and the * vehicle number plate registration, together with identification such as the reference *I.S.. * *

and number of the site at which the drive-off occurred. * * * * * * ** ** * * *.

* Preferably, the processing means comprises a digital video recorder (DVR) in communication with both said camera means.

Preferably, the processing means comprises automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) software; database software and communication software.

Preferably, the processing means is associated with an alarm system.

Preferably, the input means is arranged such that a drive-off report can be entered with the touch of three buttons on the key pad.

Preferably, the input means comprises means for cancelling a report generated in error.

Preferably, the processing means comprises software arranged to track any arriving vehicle to a pump and further arranged to check entry of the vehicle user into a payment kiosk Preferably, the software is arranged to generate a drive-off report if a vehicle stops at a pump and no entry into a payment kiosk is detected. * .* * * se.

Preferably, the processing means is arranged to forward the generated report to a a.

central processing system.

S * * * * *

* Preferably, the central processing system is arranged to link a system as described *5::: above with one or more similar or identical such systems at other petrol filling station sites.

Preferably, the central processing system is further arranged to share reports and details of drive-off vehicles between all linked systems.

Preferably, the central processing system comprises a central database in communication with the processing means of all such systems installed at other petrol filling station sites.

Preferably the central processing system is arranged to compile a generated report and post said report on a secure web site.

Preferably, the central processing system is arranged to forward the number plate of -: a drive-off vehicle to the DVLA with a request for registered keeper details.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention there is provided a key pad for use with a system as described above.

In order that the invention may be illustrated more easily appreciated and readily carried into effect by those skilled in the art it will now be explained purely by way of non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawing where * .. * -*5..

*:::: Figure 1 shows an overhead view of a petrol filling station site; S S.,.. * .

Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the features present in apparatus on site, * S and

IS . a $ .. , S

Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the events at the petrol filling station and essential processing means once a drive-off report has been generated.

Referring to the drawings and initially to Figure 1 thereof, on approach to the entry A of a petrol filling station site a vehicle (not shown) is logged by ANPR camera 1 and details such as number plate, time of entry and so on are sent to the processing means. Once the vehicle (not shown) reaches the forecourt it comes into constant view of CCTV cameras 2 while the vehicle user uses the pump 3 to supply the vehicle with fuel. To create this constant view it may be necessary to supply additional CCTV cameras for installation at the site. Software (not shown) will track the vehicle whilst on site, such that if the vehicle user does not enter the kiosk 4, but simply drives off the attendant (not shown) will be notified. All cameras I and 2 are linked to a digital video recorder (DVR). The ANPR camera is further linked to a computer with appropriate recognition, database and communication software.

The CCTV cameras 3 will feed into an existing DVR and into a separate DVR which is a dedicated part of the system of the present invention. The DVR of the system of the present invention does not interfere with any existing DVR that may be in place at the filling station. The ANPR camera 1 will feed both into the DVR and into the personal computer having the appropriate software as above described. The personal computer will be programmed with processing means and will have a link to the DVR of the system of the present invention, but not with any existing DVR. The processing means on the personal computer may be linked to an external LED display which will provide a display deterrent to those entering the forecourt of the ::::. petrol filling station by showing the vehicle number plate details as they are logged *. .

on to the system. A vehicle user will thus see that their number plate details have been noted and will, it is hoped, be more cautious and less likely to drive-off without paying. Alternatively, the LED display may be replaced by an electro-mechanical display. As is known in the art, such displays have limited advantages over the LED displays and would be recommended for use in any site where adequate lighting is not available The processing means on the personal computer is also linked to an alarm. In the event of a vehicle previously logged as involved in a drive-off event appearing on the forecourt, the database linked with the processing means will note this and activate an alarm to alert the attendant. Such an alarm may be silent or audible, depending on the preference of the system user. In such an event an attendant may disable the pump at which the relevant vehicle is parked and require payment in advance.

In the event of the software reporting a drive-off event, and/or in the event of an attendant noticing a drive-off event, a key pad (not shown) located at the point of sale (POS) will permit an attendant quickly and easily to log all relevant details of the drive-off. The key pad ideally has a set of numbered keys together with a "drive-off' key, "value" key, "report" key and "cancel" key. Other keys may be included such as date/time stamp depending on the preference of the system user. An attendant can report a drive-off event by keying the pump number, the "drive-off' button, the value of the drive off, the "amount" button and then press another button to generate the report. The key pad is linked to the personal computer and the processing means thereof such that the processing means will take the data from the key pad and generate a report automatically including all footage available from the cameras in the preceding 5 to 10 minutes. The length or duration of the footage can be varied as is known by a central user to a preferred length of time depending on the needs of * * the system user. *

*SS... * *

The personal computer holding the processing means is linked to a modem or other means of communication and linked thereby to the central processing means (not **. : shown). *

When a drive-off event is reported at a local site, a report is received by the central processing means, the central processing means can log on to the processing means at the site of the detected system DVR and cover all video footage from all cameras for a period of time preceding the event as described above. The central processing system is arranged to view and display the drive-off event in reverse, beginning with the vehicle leaving the pump, the supply of fuel without paying and ultimately the vehicle arriving at the petrol filling station in full view of the ANPR camera. Once the vehicle has been identified by standard CCTV cameras and a clear image of the number plate has been generated by the ANPR camera, the system may initiate the next stages. Once the central processing system has confirmed that the footage does in fact show a drive-off event, the registration number of the drive-off vehicle is added to a central database of the central processing system. This database is in communication with all databases of similar or identical such systems at petrol filling station sites and can be arranged to update all those databases with the details of the drive-off vehicle. In this way, should the drive-off vehicle approach any other petrol filling station linked to the central processing system, it will be known and logged as an offending vehicle, so the attendant can switch off the relevant pump and require advance payment.

Referring to Figure 3, the central processing system is arranged to compile a package of all relevant details including vehicle registration, time of drive-off, value of S. drive-off and the relevant video footage and once compiled can post this on a secure site on the internet. Optionally, the central processing system may send an e-mail to local Police and the owner of the site at which the drive-off occurred with a report of *:*:. the drive-off event, together with login and password details for the secure site *.. enabling recipients of the e- mail to view the information stored at the secure site. At the same time, the central processing system may request registered details of the vehicle user from the DVLA. Once these are obtained, a letter may be generated and sent to the vehicle user requesting payment optionally together with a substantial surcharge in view of the inconvenience and additional administration caused, The system therefore allows for reimbursement of the site owner in respect of the fuel taken, while the surcharge covers the system costs.

This follow-up sequence allows for the correction of genuine errors. The initial assumption is that the drive-off was committed in error and therefore allows the driver to make a payment without any further delay. If the payment requested does not follow within a predetermined say 14 day period this drive-off will be assumed to be deliberate and therefore theft. If a vehicle has been identified as having been in a previously logged drive-off event this will also be known to the system, and can be reported to the attendant for precautionary measures to prevent subsequent drive-off events by that logged vehicle. * .* * * * S... *... * S SSS.

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Claims

CLAIMS

A system of apparatus for monitoring a petrol filling station and reporting drive-off events, the system comprising: a) primary camera means arranged to monitor each vehicle entry point of the filling station and further arranged to capture and record the number plate of a vehicle entering the station; b) secondary camera means arranged to monitor the forecourt of the petrol filling station such that any vehicle at any pump is within field of view of at least one such camera; c) processing means associated with both said camera means and arranged to record input from both said camera means, log number *:* : :* plate details and generate a report in the event of a drive-off; and d) data input means associated with the processing means and arranged * to permit a petrol station attendant to enter details therein of a drive-off event.

2. A system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the processing means is associated with display means arranged to display number plates as they are captured by either or both of said camera means.

3. A system as claimed in either preceding Claim, wherein the processing means further comprises or is linked to a database arranged to record details of vehicles using the station and record particulars of any vehicle involved in a drive-off event.

4. A system as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the processing means is arranged to generate an alert when a vehicle involved in a previously logged drive-off is detected and/or logged on approach to the forecourt.

5. A system as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the data input means comprises a key pad arranged to permit reporting of a drive-off, pump number at which a drive-off occurred and the value of a drive-off, and optionally the time and/or date. * S * S.. S...

6. A system as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein a report generated by the processing means comprises images from the cameras in respect of the previous 5 to 10 minutes, the time at which a drive-off event occurred and was noted, the date on which the drive-off event occurred, the pump number * . at which the drive-off event occurred, the value of the drive-off and the vehicle number plate registration, together with identification such as the reference and number of the site at which the drive-off occurred.

7. A system as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the processing means comprises a digital video recorder (DVR) in communication with both said camera means.

8. A system as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the processing means comprises automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) software; database software and communication software.

9. A system as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the processing means is associated with an alarm system.

10. A system as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the input means is arranged such that a drive-off report can be entered with the touch of three buttons on the key pad.

11. A system as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the input means comprises means for cancelling a report generated in error. * S * S.. *1*S

12. A system as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the processing means *:*:* comprises software arranged to track any arriving vehicle to a pump and further arranged to check entry of the vehicle user into a payment kiosk. *S*S

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13. A system as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the software is arranged to generate a drive-off report if a vehicle stops at a pump and no entry into a payment kiosk is detected.

14. A system as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the processing means is arranged to forward the generated report to a central processing system.

15. A system as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the central processing system is arranged to link a system as described herein with one or more similar or identical such systems at other petrol filling station sites.

16. A system as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the central processing system is further arranged to share reports and details of drive-off vehicles between all linked systems.

17. A system as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the central processing system comprises a central database in communication with the processing means of all such systems installed at other petrol filling station sites.

18. A system as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the central processing system is arranged to compile a generated report and post said report on a secure web site. * ** * * * * **

19. A system as claimed in any preceding Claim, wherein the central processing system is arranged to forward the number plate of a drive-off vehicle to the DVL.A with a request for registered keeper details.

20. A system as claimed in any preceding Claim substantially as herein described.

21. A system as claimed in any one of Claims I to 19 substantially as herein illustrated in any figure of the accompanying drawings.

22. A key pad adapted for use with a system as claimed in any preceding Claim.

23. A key pad as claimed in Claim 22 substantially as herein described.

24. A key pad as claimed in Claim 22 substantially as herein illustrated in any Figure of the accompany drawings. *. * .** * I *.t. * ** * * * * a. *..I * . I... * a. *I * * S