IL279973B1 - Device for automated fuel delivery and authorization - Google Patents

Description

DEVICE FOR AUTOMATED FUEL DELIVERY AND AUTHORIZATION FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to electronic identification systems and more particularly but not limited to electronic identification systems to be used with vehicle-refueling systems. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Vehicle-refueling systems, in which a vehicle is provided with a way of identifying itself to a fuel provider, are known from many years and were published in a plurality of patents and patent applications. For example US6497363; US6900719; and others describe examples of such systems. In those systems an inductive ring is placed around the upper end of the fuel intake pipe of a vehicle. The ring is connected to a radio-frequency-identification (RFID) transponder assembly. The RFID assembly is configured to transmit information regarding the vehicle, owner, charge account number, type of fuel required and the like. The identification and additional information obtained from the vehicle is transmitted via the inductive ring and/or coil to a receiver that is located nearby, for example, on the nozzle of the refueling pipe, and used to relay the data to the fuel provider. Such vehicle-refueling systems are popular with organizations that run large fleets of vehicles and they allow vehicle refueling to be carried out without fuss where fuel costs are directed to a central account and data center. The data center used to gather and analyze data concerning the vehicle fleet and its users, and its refueling operations. Such data is utilized so as to prevent fraud and reduce fuel expenses, while ensuring efficiency of the fleet. Due to its importance in rendering an efficient fleet and streamlining the refueling process the RFID transponder assembly needs to be protected from outright theft or from tampering or foul play. Various protective measures are known in the art, for example as described in US Patent No. 7,907,058 to Weitzhandler et al., US Patent No. 9,129,202 to Kelrich et al.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Despite the prior art vehicle refueling systems remain vulnerable to tampering and theft. In particular, trucks and the like large vehicles are particularly prone to foul play while trucks and the like vehicles remain one of the most important assets available to a business utilizing a fleet. The present invention overcomes the deficiencies of the background art by providing a vehicle refueling system and device that are provided with a plurality of anti-tampering measurements in such a manner that allows the fleet managers to quickly identify tampering attempts, while allowing for remote policing and/or control of the vehicle refueling system. Embodiments of the present invention provide a device in the form of an electronic vehicle identification that may be used for fueling delivery and authorization, the device comprising: a housing configured to be secured to a portion of a vehicle surface; the housing associated with electronic circuitry module including an RFID chip and associated coil to facilitate vehicle identification and re-fueling authorization; an accelerometer in communication with the electronic circuitry module provided to facilitate identifying an installation status of the device and to initiate a tamper protection monitoring, by recording the installation orientation of the housing on the vehicle surface. In embodiments the accelerometer provides a tamperproof sensor, wherein a change in the accelerometer orientation may be monitored relative to the installation orientation so as to identify a tampering attempt and to abstract an alert signal when such a suspect tampering attempt may be identified. In embodiments the accelerometer provides a tamperproof sensor, wherein the alert signal may be communicated so as to determine the device status selected from one of: transport mode, on-hold mode, suspect tamper mode, tamper mode, or shut-off non-functional mode. In embodiments the communicated alert signal may be configured to determine the functional status of the coil therein rendering the device functional or non-functional. In embodiments the electronics circuit module includes an impedance and/or frequency detection sub-module within a sensor module , the sub-module configured to detect any impedance and/or frequency fluctuations associated with of the coil .

In embodiments the frequency detection sub-module may be configured to detect a threshold frequency fluctuation relative to a base frequency level provided to identify tampering with the coil. In embodiments the impedance measurement may be provided by measuring the central frequency of antenna matching circuit. In some embodiments the device may further comprising a tamperproof contact module comprising at least two tamperproof electrical contracts. In embodiments the at least two tamperproof electrical contracts are disposed along an external surface of the device housing. In embodiments the electronic circuitry module comprises at least four contacts connected in series wherein all four contacts must be active and intact in order to render the device functional. In embodiments the electric circuit may be provided in the form of a flexible circuit board that further comprises a plurality of slits and/or cuts to that are configured to sever the circuit board during an removal attempt and to render the circuit board non- functional after such an attempt. In embodiments the device may be secured to surface near a vehicle refueling port or a vehicle re-energizing port. In embodiments the electronics circuitry module comprises a switch, and wherein a RFID chip and a communication coil that are indirectly associated with one another via the switch. Embodiments of the presents invention provide a system for fueling authentication and authorization including the device according the embodiments of the previously describe device, a relay module and an authorization system wherein the relay module facilitates communication between the device and the authorization system . In embodiments of the system, the relay module may be a communication and processing device selected from one of: a cellular communication device, a mobile communication device, a computer, a transponder, a modem, a communication gateway or a combination thereof. In embodiments of the system, the authorization system may be provided in the form of a communication and processing device in the form of a fleet management system.

In embodiments of the system, the communication gateway may be installed at a refueling station as part of a fuel authorization system. In embodiments of the system, the device communicates data in response to a control signal received from the fuel authorization system. In embodiments of the system, the device communicates data in response to a control signal received from the communication gateway. Within the context of this application the term passive connection and/or coupling to a non-wired connection between two circuits is not a physical connection between two electronic circuits. Within the context of this application the term passive transmission and/or passive communication is signal communication and/or data transfer that is provided by way of passive coupling between a data source and a data Within the context of this application the term fuel and/or re-fueling is not limited to the oil, gas and/or petroleum form that is commonly referred to as “fuel” rather reference is made to any form of energy that may be dispensed in a metered and/or controlled manner that may be utilized to energize and/or power a vehicle and/or like machine and/or robot, for example including but not limited to different forms of energy in any state of matter (solid, gas, liquid, plasma) for example including but not limited to electrical current, electric field, electromagnetic energy, magnetic field, magnetic flux, induced currents, magnetic energy, chemical, water, solar power, photon, electromagnetic wave, nuclear energy or the like. Unless otherwise defined the various embodiment of the present invention may be provided to an end user in a plurality of formats, platforms, and may be outputted to at least one of a computer readable memory, a computer display device, a printout, a computer on a network or a user. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The materials, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting. Implementation of the method and system of the present invention involves performing or completing certain selected tasks or steps manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of preferred embodiments of the method and system of the present invention, several selected steps could be implemented by hardware or by software on any operating system of any firmware or a combination thereof. For example, as hardware, selected steps of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected steps of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In any case, selected steps of the method and system of the invention could be described as being performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and for purposes of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented in order to provide what is believed to be the most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how the several forms of the invention may be embodied in practice. In the drawings: FIG. 1A is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary device and system according to embodiments of the present invention; FIG. 1B is a schematic block diagram of circuitry module showing tamperproof measure utilized in the device and system according to embodiments of the present invention; FIG. 2A-E are schematic non-limiting illustration of an exemplary device according to embodiments of the present invention; FIG. 2A shows a front face on view; FIG. 2B shows a back face on view; FIG. 2C shows a side view; FIG. 2D shows a perspective exploded view ; and FIG. 2E shows an exploded side view of the device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and FIG. 3A-C are schematic non-limiting illustration of the circuitry of the device according to embodiments of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The principles and operation of the present invention may be better understood with reference to the drawings and the accompanying description. The following figure reference labels are used throughout the description to refer to similarly functioning components are used throughout the specification hereinbelow. 10 authorization system; ID and authorization relay device or system; communication and processing device; 100 device ; 101 system; 102 housing; 102a distal surface / portion; 102b proximal surface / portion; 102c adhesive cover; 102d housing adhesive recess; 103 fixation screw; 103c screw covers; 105 coil; 106 coil leads/cable; 110 electronic circuitry module; 110a spacer; 110b circuit board breaking slits 110c circuit board; 111 RF Identification Chip; 114 memory module; 115 accelerometer; 113 switch; 116 communication module; 118 processing module; 112 power module; 120 tamperproof contacts; 121-124 contacts 130 sensor module; FIG. 1A shows a schematic block diagram of the device 100 according to embodiments of the present invention and its use within system 101. Device 100 is an electronic identification device particularly that is secured to a vehicle and used for automated fuel authorization and fuel dispensing. Device 100 when used within system 101 allows the vehicle’s user to obtain fuel in a seamless manner while payment for the fuel is provided by a third party, for example a vehicle fleet owner for which authorization is provided by fleet authorization system 10. Typically fuel dispensing authorization is carried out by way of communicating vehicular data from device 100 to at least one remote authorization system 10, for example a fleet management system. The authorization system 10 checks that indeed the vehicle associated with device 100 is authorized to receive fuel and provides the appropriate authorization. Communication between device 100 and authorization system 10 may be optionally facilitated with a communication relay 20 device and/or an auxiliary communication and processing device 30, such as a smartphone. Relay may be provided in different forms and may involve one or more devices that are in communication with one another. For example, relay 20 may including an RFID reader that reads device 100 and communicates the data onto a second mobile communication device such as a cellular communication device, smart phone, computer or the like. Device 100 according to embodiments of the present invention provides an electronic identification device that is secured or coupled to a vehicle and used to communicate vehicular data, for example including but not limited vehicle identification, vehicle use parameters, to an authorization system 10 or the like fleet management system. Accordingly device 100 is provided with vehicular data that may be communicated to and/or received by an external communication and processing device such as relay 20 and/or auxiliary communication device 30 that is relayed to authorization system 10 fleet management system and/or authorization system 10. In some embodiments device 100 may be configured to obtain and/or receive vehicular data from a vehicle data bus by way of wired, wireless and/or contactless communication with a vehicle data bus and/or a vehicle’s central computer. Accordingly since device 100 may hold valuable data may most preferably is a gateway to fuel dispensing it would be advantageous to securing device 100 in such a manner so as to render it tamperproof reducing the likelihood of any theft or at least identifying such tampering attempt in quick and efficient manner.

Embodiments of the present invention provide an electronic identification device 100 that may be readily secured and/or coupled to a vehicle (not shown) so as to facilitate fuel dispensing and authorization while utilizing a plurality of tamperproof measures to secure the device and identification of any such tampering attempts. Device 100 comprises a housing 102, circuitry module 110 and a communication coil 105. In embodiments device 100 may form a system 101 when in communication with a fleet and/or fueling authorization system 10 optionally via a relay communication device 20 and/or auxiliary communication and processing device 30. In embodiments, device 100 features a plurality of tamperproof measures that render device non-functional when a tampering attempt has been identified. The tamperproof measures are provided about all portions of device 100 such that each component of housing 102, coil/antenna 105 and circuitry module 110 feature at least one or more tamperproof measure. Housing 102 is a housing provided for securing device 100 onto a portion of a vehicle (not shown). Housing 102 may be secured on a vehicle with at least one fixation screw 103 or optionally with an adhesive. Housing 102 comprises a distal surface and/or portion 102a and a proximal surface and/or portion 102b wherein the housing circuity module 110 is secured between distal portion 102a and proximal portion 102b. In embodiments, distal surface 102a provided to be coupled to a vehicle surface optionally and preferably with a fixation screw 103. In some embodiments distal surface 102a may optionally feature a recess 102d for receiving an adhesive and/or an adhesive pad, and/or a fixation screw as an additional optional measure to affix and secure device 100 onto a vehicle surface. In some embodiments housing 102 may further feature a portion that is dedicated to receive and secure coil 105. Optionally such a coil housing portion is provided along the periphery and/or external perimeter of housing 102. In embodiments, electronics circuitry module 110 provides the data management, identification and processing capabilities of device 100. Module 1comprises a radio frequency identification chip 111, a tamperproof electrical contacts module 120, a memory module 114, a processing module 118, an accelerometer 115 and a power module 112 all of which are preferably fit onto a circuit board 110c, a non limiting example of which is schematically shown in FIG. 2-3. Electronics module is further coupled to a radio frequency antennae and/or coil 105. Preferably coil 105 and electronics module 110 are coupled by wiring 106.

In some embodiments module 110 may optionally further comprise a sensor module 130. In some embodiments module 110 may optionally further comprise a communication module 116. In embodiments, radio frequency communication coil and/or antenna 105 that extends external to housing 102. In some embodiments coil 105 may be provided with a dedicated housing along the perimeter and/or periphery of housing 102 that forms a part of housing 102. Preferably, coil 105 is functionally associated and/or coupled with circuitry module 110 via wiring lead and/or cable 106. Coil 105 preferably provides device 100 with short range RF communication capabilities with a relay 20 communication device, for example an RFID reader, transponder, communication device or the like. Processing module 118 may be provided in the form of a central processing unit (CPU) for example in the form of a microprocessor that provides for controlling and processing all data received and/or communicated to or from device 100 and/or to any portion of device . Memory module 114 may be provided form memory of any form as is known in the art for example including but not limited to flash memory, volatile memory, non-volatile memory, any combination thereof or the like. In embodiments, data stored with module 114 may be communicated to relay device 20 and/or system 10 via coil 105. In some embodiments data stored with module 114 may be communicated to an external processing device for example relay and/or auxiliary communication device 30 via communication module 116. In embodiments communication module 116 may be provided for communicating any data associated with and/or stored by device 100 according to communication protocols that are known in the art. Optionally communication module 116 provides for any form of communication as is known in the art for example including but not limited to wired, wireless, contactless, near field communication (NFC), radio frequency communication, optical communication, infrared communication, acoustic communication, Bluetooth, ZigBee, any combination thereof or the like. In embodiments circuitry module 110 is preferably powered with power module 112. Preferably power module 112 is provided in the form of a battery and /or a rechargeable battery. Optionally power module 112 may be provided in optional forms for example including but not limited to an on board power supply in the form of a battery, rechargeable battery, super capacitor, capacitor or the like internal means for powering circuitry module 110. Optionally power module 112 may be provided in the form of a photovoltaic cell. Optionally power module 112 may be provided as an induced power source that renders device 100 functional only when module 112 is induced with an external contactless power source. In some embodiments power supply module 112 may be directly powered by hardwiring to the vehicle’s power supply. In embodiments circuitry module 110 comprises a radio frequency identification chip 111 (RFID), the ID chip 111 is provided to stores data associated with the vehicle for example including but not limited to the vehicle’s identification data, and to communicate the data over a radio frequency. In some optional embodiments chip 1may be provided in the form of an active RFID tag. In some preferable embodiments chip 111 is provided in the form of a passive RFID tag. In embodiments circuitry module 110 comprises a tamperproof electrical contact module 120 that comprises a plurality of tamperproof electrical contacts 121-124 that are strategically placed to identify any tampering attempt with device 100. Preferably contact forming module 120 couple vital components to circuitry module 110 and in particular circuit board 110c such that a tampering attempt would break at least one contact forming part of module 120 so as to reveal a tampering attempt and to optionally and preferably render device 100 non-functional. For example such contacts may be disposed along housing 102 such that an attempt to remove and/or open housing 1would break at least one tamperproof contacts of the contacts module 120 rendering device 100 nonfunctional. In some embodiments tamperproof contacts module 120 may comprise a plurality of contacts may be connected in series with circuit board 110c such that if any one of the contacts are broken circuit board 110 is rendered non-functional. In embodiments at least one contact of contacts module 120 may be disposed and dedicated to couple at least a portion of at least one or more of housing 102, circuit board 110c, coil 102, or any combination thereof. In embodiments circuitry module 110 preferably includes an accelerometer 115, the accelerometer provided for identifying the three axis position of device 100 once device 100 is installed (affixed to a vehicle) and activated for use with a vehicle. Preferably the three axis position of device 100 is identified with an integrated three axis accelerometer 115 such that device 100 is provided with a positional tamperproof measure. For example, if processor 118 senses that the three dimensional position of device 100 has changed relative to a recorded position of device 100 obtained during the installation, various response measures may be taken to investigate a tempering attempt. A first optional measure may be to shut down device 100 and report the tampering incident. A second optional measure may be to place the device “on hold” for a given time period so as to further investigate the situation. In embodiments the change in relative position of device 100 identified with accelerometer 115 may be identified relative to a predefined threshold and/or positional change limit. Preferably accelerometer provides for detecting a positional change, in at least one or more axes, of device 100 even in circumstances when device 100 is not physically disassociated and/or removed from the associated vehicle. In some embodiments circuitry module 110 may further comprise a sensor module 130 including at least one or more sensors to provide further tamperproof protection for device 100. For example, sensor module 130 may comprise a temperature sensor so as to monitor temperature changes of device 100 such that when a temperature change in sensed device 100 may be shut off. For example, an attempt to tamper with the functionality of a battery by application of cold may be identified with a temperature sensor so as to allow device 100 to overcome and/or record the tampering attempt. For example, if a temperature change outside the a predetermined temperature range is sensed with sensor module 130 a response measure provided by device 100 may be to shut down device 100. In embodiments sensor module 130 may be provided with any form of sensor for example including but not limited to optical sensor, infrared sensor, acoustic sensor, magnetic field sensor, voltage sensor, current sensor, frequency detection, induction sensor, electromagnetic induction sensor, hall effect sensor, the like or any combination thereof. Now referring to FIG. 1B showing a schematic box diagram of a portion of circuitry module 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments RFID chip 111 may be indirectly associated with coil 105 via a controllable switch 113 provided with circuitry module 110, for example as shown. Switch 113 is controlled with processing module118 to bridge contact between RFID 111 and coil 105. Switch 113 provides a further tamperproof measure where control of the communication with RFID chip 111 and coil 105 is controllable with processing module 118 as processing module can readily enable or disable switch 113 to render RFID chip 111 functional and/or non-functional. This configuration provides device 100 with a plurality of controllable states including on, off, and “on hold”. Prior art devices do not have such fine control and are binary in that if tampering has been identified the device is rendered non-functional. Conversely embodiments of the present invention allow for an additional controllable “in-between” state where device 100 may be temporarily be put “on-hold” under certain conditions where tampering is suspected. For example, if accelerometer 115 senses a change in position of device 100, processor 118 can in response temporarily disconnect RFID chip 111 and coil 105 via switch 113 therein place device 100 in an “on-hold” until such a time that the tampering state is verified. In embodiments accelerometer position may be changed in any one or more of its axes. In some optional embodiments the accelerometer 115 may be directly interface with switch 113, for example a shown with a broken line, so as to control the status of at least one of RFID chip (111) and/or Coil 105. Accordingly embodiments of the present invention, may provide accelerometer 115 to directly (for example via switch 113) and/or indirectly (for example via cpu118) to control the status of the communication coil 105 and/or RFID 111. For example, a tampering attempt directed at coil 105 so as to increase its range and/or frequency band, or the like, may be identified by a circuit module 105 and/or a dedicated sensor within sensor module 130, wherein, for example, a threshold change in frequency of +/- (plus or minus) of about 3 kHz is identified. Accordingly when such an instance is identified, processor 118 may take tamperproof measures via switch 103 to disconnect coil 105 rending device 100 non-functional. Now referring to FIG. 2-3 that show a schematic illustrative diagram of device 100 according to embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 2A shows a front face on view of device 100 showing the face of housing proximal portion 102b of housing 102. Housing 102 is preferably affixed and/or coupled to a vehicle surface using at least one fixation screw 103. Optionally and fixation screw is further fitted with a screw cover 103c so as to prevent access to screw 103 after installation from the proximal surface 102b of housing 102. As shown, fixation screw 103 is associated with a tamperproof contact 123, 124 that is associated with a corresponding contact 123c, 124c disposed about circuitry board 110c of circuitry module 110. Tamperproof contacts 123,124 are configured to render circuit board 110 non-functional if an attempt to remove fixation screws 103, as it will disconnect contacts 123, 124 from its corresponding contact 123c,124c featured on circuit board 110c (shown in FIG. 2D). Fixation screw covers 103c are shown in the pre-installation configuration, during installation the cover 103c is fit over the proximal end of fixation screws 103, so as to be disposed about the proximal portion surface 102b of housing 102. FIG. 2B shows a back face on view of device 100 showing the distal portion 102a of housing 102, to reveal the distal surface 102a that will be approximated to the vehicle surface. As shown, distal portion 102a features a portion of circuitry module 110 and in particular flexible circuit board 110c that features at least two tamperproof contacts 121,122 of module 120. Circuit board 110c further features notches and/or cuts and/or slits 110b that render circuit board 110c sensitive to tampering attempts, such that if an attempt to remove and/or move board 110cis made the board is cut along notches 110b in a manner that would render it board 110c non-functional. As shown, tamperproof contacts 121, 122 are configured so as to extend beyond the surface of circuit board 110c, therein providing a further tamperproof measure. Contacts 121,122 are configured such that a tampering attempt causes any one of tamperproof contacts 121,122 to disconnect from circuit board 110c so as to render it non-functional. Contacts are 121, 122 are disposed across housing 102 from distal surface of portion 102a toward the circuit board 110c and circuitry 110 disposed internal to housing 102. FIG.2B further shows a central recess 102d that may optionally be utilized to further affix device 100 onto a vehicle surface with optional adhesive and/or fixation screw. FIG. 2C shows a side view of device 100 that further shows how contacts 121 extends beyond the distal surface of housing 102. FIG. 2D shows a perspective exploded view ; and FIG. 2E shows an exploded side view of the device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2D-E show exploded view revealing the main components of device 100 including housing 102 that is provided from multiple portions including a distal surface portion 102a that is configured to be approximate with the vehicle surface, and a proximal surface portion 102b preferably with a fixation screw 103 that transcends housing 102 and the vehicle surface therein coupling them.

Housing 102 houses circuitry module 110 featuring a circuit board 110c (FIG. 2C) having tamperproof contacts module 120 comprising a plurality of tamperproof electrical contacts 121c, 122c, 123c, 124c and corresponding to tamperproof electrical contacts 121,122,123,124. Tamperproof electrical contacts 121-124 are configured such that multiple components are aligned in order to ensure that the tamperproof contact module120 closes and/or completes a circuit in circuitry module 110. Tamperproof contacts 122,124 are configured to monitor tampering attempts relating associated with the circuity module 110, such that they link circuitry module 110, flexible circuit board 110c, from within housing 102 and extend beyond the distal surface of housing distal portion 102a. Tamperproof contacts 124,123 are configured to monitor the tampering attempt associated with fixation screw 103 where fixation screw 103 may be configured to complete and/or close at least one such tamperproof contact 124c, 123c featured on circuitry module 110 by coupling fixation screw 103, contacts 123,124, over corresponding contacts 124c,123c, therein tampering attempts from the proximal surface 102b of housing 102 are monitored. Such a configuration provides a physical tamperproof measure such that if an attempt to remove device 100 is made it would break and/or sever at least one component forming tamperproof contact 120 that is in contact with circuitry module 110 and/or board110c. Fixation screw 103 abuts with an electrical contact 123,124 similar to a washer, that is aligned with at least one or more corresponding contacts 123c,124c of module 120 disposed on circuitry module 110, and housing distal portion 102a, such that a continuous contact is required across housing 102 from upper surface of proximal portion 102b to distal surface 102a, so as to ensure that circuit module 110 is closed. If the chain of contacts associated with fixation screw 103, housing 102 and circuit 110 is broken it would render device 100 non-functional. FIG. 2E further shows a side view of tamperproof contact 122 that shows how it crosses from the internal circuitry module 110 toward flexible circuit board 110c. Further FIG. 2E shows the shape of contact 122 that may be provided with a serrated and/or jagged and/or sharp edge such that an attempt to remove it would cut portions of flexible circuit board 110c. FIG. 2E further show coil leads 106 used to functionally couple circuitry module 110 to coil 105 (not shown here) via coil contacts 106c disposed on circuit board 110c; such that if lead 106 was to be severed device 100 would be rendered non-functional. As described in FIG. 1B optionally and preferably circuit 110c may further comprise a switch 113 that controllably bridges contact between coil leads 106, 106c and by electrical coupling coil 105, with RFID chip 111 (not shown here) disposed on circuitry module 110. FIG. 2E further reveals power module 112, in the form of a battery that is utilized to run circuit 110c. FIG. 3A-C show a views of circuitry module 110 of device 100 so as to more clearly show the tamperproof measures employed in embodiments of the present invention and in particular the tamperproof contacts module 120 and associated contacts 121, 122, 123, 124. FIG. 3B how a close up view circuity board 110c that is provided in the form of a flexible circuit board comprising a plurality of notches and/or cuts and/or breaking slits 110b so as to facilitate rendering circuit board 110c non-functional if a removal attempt is made. Any such removal attempt would result in cutting circuit board 110c. FIG. 3A shows a front view circuitry module 110 showing the tamperproof contacts 121c, 122c, 123c, 124c and power module 112. FIG. 3C also show a plurality of tampering contacts 121,122,123,124 of module 120 that are utilized to provide a tampering protection from the removal of device 100. As previously described at least one fixation screw 103 may be utilized to affix device 100 onto a vehicle surface while access to fixation screw 103 following installation is denied in using screw covers 103c. As used herein the term “about” refers to +/-10 %. The terms "comprises", "comprising", "includes", "including", “having” and their conjugates mean "including but not limited to". The term “consisting of” means “including and limited to”. The term "consisting essentially of" means that the composition, method or structure may include additional ingredients, steps and/or parts, but only if the additional ingredients, steps and/or parts do not materially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed composition, method or structure. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance or illustration”. Any embodiment described as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments and/or to exclude the incorporation of features from other embodiments.

The word “optionally” is used herein to mean “is provided in some embodiments and not provided in other embodiments”. Any particular embodiment of the invention may include a plurality of “optional” features unless such features conflict. As used herein, the singular form "a", "an" and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, the term "a compound" or "at least one compound" may include a plurality of compounds, including mixtures thereof. Throughout this application, various embodiments of this invention may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range. Whenever a numerical range is indicated herein, it is meant to include any cited numeral (fractional or integral) within the indicated range. The phrases “ranging/ranges between” a first indicate number and a second indicate number and “ranging/ranges from” a first indicate number “to” a second indicate number are used herein interchangeably and are meant to include the first and second indicated numbers and all the fractional and integral numerals therebetween. In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B." As used herein the term "method" refers to manners, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task including, but not limited to, those manners, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or readily developed from known manners, means, techniques and procedures by practitioners of the chemical, pharmacological, biological, biochemical and medical arts. While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiment, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not described to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. Having described a specific preferred embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to that precise embodiment and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention defined by the appended claims. Further modifications of the invention will also occur to persons skilled in the art and all such are deemed to fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiment, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not described to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made. It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination or as suitable in any other described embodiment of the invention. Certain features described in the context of various embodiments are not to be considered essential features of those embodiments, unless the embodiment is inoperative without those elements. Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the scope of the appended claims. Citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the invention. Section headings are used herein to ease understanding of the specification and should not be construed as necessarily limiting. While the invention has been described with respect to a limited number of embodiments, it will be appreciated that many variations, modifications and other applications of the invention may be made.

Claims (31)

1. CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1) A device in the form of an electronic vehicle identification that is used for fueling delivery and authorization, the device comprising: a) a housing configured to be secured to a portion of a vehicle surface; b) the housing associated with electronic circuitry module (110) including an RFID chip (111) and associated coil (105) to facilitate vehicle identification and re-fueling authorization; c) an accelerometer (115) in communication with said electronic circuitry module provided to facilitate identifying an installation status of the device (100) and to initiate a tamper protection monitoring, by recording the installation orientation of said housing on the vehicle surface.
2. 2) The device of claim 1 wherein said accelerometer provides a tamperproof sensor, wherein a change in the accelerometer orientation is monitored relative to the installation orientation so as to identify a tampering attempt and to abstract an alert signal when such a suspect tampering attempt is identified.
3. 3) The device of claim 1 wherein said accelerometer provides a tamperproof sensor, wherein said alert signal is communicated so as to determine the device status selected from one of: transport mode, on-hold mode, suspect tamper mode, tamper mode, or shut-off non-functional mode.
4. 4) The device of claim 3 wherein said communicated alert signal is configured to determine the functional status of the coil (105) therein rendering the device functional or non-functional.
5. 5) The device of claim 1 wherein said electronics circuit module includes an impedance and/or frequency detection sub-module within a sensor module (130), the sub-module configured to detect any impedance and/or frequency fluctuations associated with of the coil (105).
6. 6) The device of claim 5 wherein said frequency detection sub-module is configured to detect a threshold frequency fluctuation relative to a base frequency level provided to identify tampering with the coil.
7. 7) The device of claim 6 wherein the threshold frequency fluctuation detection is +/- (plus or minus) 3kHz.
8. 8) The device of claim 5 wherein said impedance measurement is provided by measuring the central frequency of antenna matching circuit
9. 9) The device of claim 1 further comprising a tamperproof contact module (120) comprising at least two tamperproof electrical contracts.
10. 10) The device of claim 9 wherein said at least two tamperproof electrical contracts are disposed along an external surface of the device housing.
11. 11) The device of claim 1 further comprising a sensor module (130).
12. 12) The device of claim 11 wherein said sensor module comprises a temperature sensor, said temperature sensor provided as a power source tampering measure.
13. 13) The device of claim 1 wherein said housing comprise at least one fixation screw recess for receiving at least one fixation screw (103), the at least one fixation screw recess featuring an electrical contact (120) associated with said electronics circuitry module, the electrical contact configured to render the circuitry functional only when at least one fixation screw is secured within said fixation screw recess and against said electrical contact.
14. 14) The device of claim 13 wherein said housing further comprises a cap (103c) for securing over said at least one fixation screw.
15. 15) The device of claim 1 wherein said housing comprises at least one surface (102c, 102d) capable of receiving an adhesive.
16. 16) The device of claim 1 wherein the electronic circuitry module (110) comprises at least four contacts connected in series wherein all four contacts must be active and intact in order to render the device functional.
17. 17) The device of claim 16 wherein the at least four contacts are coupled with at least one of the following: coil, power module, at least one housing surface contacts (112), and the accelerometer (115); wherein if any one of the at least four contacts are disconnected said device (100) is rendered non-functional.
18. 18) The device of claim 1 wherein said circuitry module (110) comprises a power module (112) provided in the form of an internal power supply.
19. 19) The device of claim 1 wherein the electric circuit is disposed along an external surface of the housing.
20. 20) The device of claim 19 wherein the electric circuit is provided in the form of a flexible circuit board that further comprises a plurality of slits and/or cuts to that are configured to sever the circuit board during an removal attempt and to render the circuit board non-functional after such an attempt.
21. 21) The device of claim 1 wherein said device is secured to surface near a vehicle refueling port or a vehicle re-energizing port.
22. 22) The device of claim 1 wherein said electronics circuitry module (110) comprises a switch, and wherein a RFID chip (111) and a communication coil (105) that are indirectly associated with one another via said switch (113).
23. 23) The device of claim 22 wherein the status of said switch (113) is controlled with a processing module (118).
24. 24) The device of claim 22 wherein an alert signal is communicated to said processing module (118) from said accelerometer (115).
25. 25) The device of claim 22 wherein the status of said switch (113) is controlled with said accelerometer (115).
26. 26) A system (101) for fueling authentication and authorization including the device according to any one of claims 1-21, a relay module (20) and an authorization system (10) wherein the relay module facilitates communication between the device (100) and the authorization system (10).
27. 27) The system of claim 26 wherein said relay module is a communication and processing device selected from one of: a cellular communication device, a mobile communication device, a computer, a transponder, a modem, a communication gateway or a combination thereof.
28. 28) The system of claim 26 wherein said authorization system is provided in the form of a communication and processing device in the form of a fleet management system.
29. 29) The system of claim 28 wherein said communication gateway is installed at a refueling station as part of a fuel authorization system.
30. 30) The system of claim 28 wherein said device communicates data in response to a control signal received from said fuel authorization system.
31. 31) The system of claim 30 wherein said device communicates data in response to a control signal received from said communication gateway.