BR102014023314B1 - AUTOMATIC PAYMENT SYSTEM FOR FUEL SUPPLY AT A FUEL STATION - Google Patents

Abstract

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATIC PAYMENT FOR FUEL SUPPLY AT A FUEL STATION. The present invention relates to a system for automatic payment of fuel supply at gas stations (10), using vehicle identification by means of an RFID transponder (radio frequency identification) (11). In general, the system includes an RFID device (11) installed in the vehicle (12) that will supply at the gas station (10) and cabinets (13A, 13B, 13C) installed in the supply islands (14) of the gas stations ( 10). The cabinets (13A, 13B, 13C) concentrate in their interior the equipment used for the identification, processing and conclusion of the supply financial discharge operation. According to the present invention, the cabinets (13A, 13B, 13C) installed in the supply islands (14) provide a decentralized control of the supply and respective payment. Furthermore, the cabinets (13A, 13B, 13C) described in the present invention allow a very reduced number of modifications to be carried out in the supply islands (14) already installed in gas stations (10). The present invention also deals with a method for operating the mentioned system.

Description

[001] The present invention relates to a system for automatic payment of fuel supply at gas stations that uses vehicle identification by means of an RFID transponder (radio frequency identification). In general, the system includes an RFID device installed in the vehicle that will fill up at the gas station and cabinets installed in the supply islands of the gas stations. The offices concentrate inside the equipment used for the identification, processing and conclusion of the supply financial discharge operation.

[002] According to the present invention, the offices installed in the supply islands provide a decentralized control of the supply and respective payment. Furthermore, the cabinets described in the present invention allow a very reduced number of modifications to be carried out in the supply islands already installed in gas stations.

[003] The present invention also deals with a method for the operationalization of the mentioned system.

Description of the State of the Art

[004] Usually payment for fueling at gas stations is carried out by traditional means, such as credit and debit cards, checks and cash.

[005] In addition, state-of-the-art payment systems that use RFID technology to charge for fueling comprise a number of antennas installed on the coverage of the gas station that receive information from vehicles parked for fueling.

[006] Therefore, as the antennas are arranged far from the transponders installed on the windshields of vehicles, it is common for interference to occur, impairing the reading of the electronic transponders, the processing of the vehicle identification and the payment.

[007] Therefore, the state of the art presents as a problem the interference between the various readings that are carried out at the gas station, which generates errors and interruption of the payment system.

[008] In addition, the antennas located on the coverage of the gas station communicate with a control center, usually installed in a convenience store or gas station office, which is responsible for processing all payment operations that use payment through vehicle identification through an RFID transponder.

[009] Thus, another disadvantage of the prior art is the dependence on a single control center for sending and receiving payment data for all vehicles parked on the islands of the gas station. In case the control center becomes inoperative, there is no possibility of identifying the vehicle and processing the fuel payment.

[0010] Another disadvantage of the state of the art is the need to carry out major structural works at the gas station to install the antennas, the control center, and the passage of communication cables.

Brief Description of the Invention

[0011] The present invention uses RFID vehicle identification technology (radio frequency identification) as the main tool.

[0012] The system of the present invention is composed of an electronic transponder with RFID technology installed in a vehicle, which is used to identify the vehicle.

[0013] The system also comprises offices or totems, installed in the supply islands of gas stations. The cabinets or totems have inside all the necessary equipment for the identification, processing and conclusion of the supply financial settlement operation, which facilitates maintenance and adjustment operations.

[0014] In addition, with the installation of the totems, it is possible to maintain the aesthetics of the pre-existing supply island at the gas station, avoiding the installation of equipment on the columns or on the cover of the supply island.

[0015] In the proposed system, vehicle identification and payment control are carried out in a decentralized manner, without depending on antennas installed on the roof or on a single control center.

[0016] The system of the present invention is considerably economical, as it uses the existing infrastructure of the filling stations, requiring only minor modifications in the cabinets of the supply pumps or in the supply islands, minimizing the need for works for the passage of cables and other installation infrastructure needs.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0017] The present invention will now be described in more detail based on an example of execution. To help understanding, the following figures are presented: Figure 1 - shows a first example of a gas station containing the payment system of the present invention; Figure 2 - shows a second exemplary embodiment of a gas station containing the payment system of the present invention; and Figure 3 - shows the equipment that make up the system proposed by the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0018] As shown in Figure 1, the vehicle 12 parked at the gas station 10 comprises an electronic transponder with RFID technology 11, which is used to identify the vehicle 12.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the transponder 11 is an electronic tag composed of an electronic microcircuit connected to an antenna that allows access to stored data through radiofrequency reading.

[0020] As shown in figure 2, the gas station 10 comprises offices or totems 13A, 13B, 13C, installed in the supply island 14 and comprising the necessary equipment for identifying the vehicle, as well as for processing and completion of the supply financial discharge operation.

[0021] Preferably, the totems 13A, 13B, 13C are installed so that their faces are, each one, facing one side of the supply island 14, allowing simultaneous service on both sides of the supply pump 15.

[0022] On each of these faces there are windows that allow, for example, the visualization of information about the supply and the financial operation.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the totems 13A, 13B, 13C have a door that can be kept closed by means of a security lock. Said door allows access to the equipment installed inside it for adjustment, cleaning and maintenance operations.

[0024] Preferably, the totems 13A, 13B, 13C are a metallic cabinet comprising equipment, cables and power and grounding resources. In particular, the totems 13A, 13B, 13C can be made of aluminum with an epoxy paint finish.

[0025] Figure 2 shows three models of totems 13A, 13B, 13C, which have different structures, as shown below: - the first model of totem 13A is used when there is no furniture in front of the supply pump. Said totem 13A has a self-supporting structure, without the aid of any other structure. Said first totem model 13A is fixed to the floor of the supply island 14 through parabolts, preferably at a distance of not less than 1 (one) meter from the supply pump 15. - the second totem model 13B is installed in place of the product display cabinets in the supply island 14. The display cabinet must be in front (in the direction of traffic) of the supply pump 15 used and consists of replacing the existing glass doors in the cabinets with hinged panels. - the third model of totem pole 13C is used when the front of the used pump 15 comprises a standard column structure of end of supply island 14. In this case, the panel facing the pump is removed and replaced by a curved panel.

[0026] Thus, as shown in figure 2, each supply island 14 has at least one totem 13A, 13B, 13B responsible for operating the system for automatic payment of fuel supply using vehicle identification through an RFID transponder.

[0027] As each totem 13A, 13B, 13B is responsible for a single supply island 14, there is no interference between simultaneous identification and payment processes carried out by means of RFID transponders.

[0028] Furthermore, as can be seen in Figure 3, the totems 13A, 13B, 13C comprise: a central processing unit 20; RFID readers 21, antennas 22A, 22B, video monitors 23A, 23B, video cameras 24A, 24B, a modem 25; an Ethernet switch 26, operation cancel buttons 27A, 27B, power supplies 28 and connection cables.

[0029] Thus, each totem 13A, 13B, 13C installed at the gas station 10 contains its own RFID reader 21 and its own antennas 22A, 22B, which are dedicated to the identification and payment processes carried out in a single supply island .

[0030] As can be seen in Figure 3, the totem 13A, 13B, 13C can be connected to a non-fiscal printer 29, for printing operating receipts to control the attendant's cashier.

[0031] In addition, the totem 13A, 13B, 13C can be connected to a second Ethernet Switch 30 for communication with the gas station automation system 34 to exchange information on financial transactions carried out by this means of payment, and, via the Internet 32, it can connect to a Central Online Authorizer 33, a Supervision Central 35 and a Remote Database 36. It should be noted that the Central Online Authorizer 33, the Supervision Central 35 and the Remote Database 36 are located outside the gas station 10.

[0032] Furthermore, the second Ethernet Switch 30 is also connected to the point of sale (POS) system 31 of the supply island 14 through the communication link of the POS system 31 existing in the island 14. The POS system 31 issues the notes consumer sales tax. Such sales may be made using any means of payment, such as cash, debit or credit cards, or automatic payment.

[0033] The central processing unit 20 has the function of controlling the communication and the local operation, performing the following tasks: - interfacing with the Radiofrequency reader 21, receiving information from read RFID transponders 11; - decrypting the read RFID transponders 11; - interface with video cameras 24A, 24B that capture images of the vehicle being filled; - making the interface with monitors 23A, 23B, to display messages and information regarding the supply process and about the financial settlement operation to keep the user and the attendant abreast of all the steps involved; - interface with an automation system at station 34 that provides information generated by the fueling pumps, receiving information regarding the fueling process, such as type of fuel, liters and value of the operation; - carry out the online authentication of the automatic operation through a query via the internet connection of the station itself or through a modem 25, functioning as a connection contingency; and - perform diagnostic routines in order to check the perfect functioning of the hardware and software components, displaying the routines on the video monitor 23A, 23B and transmitting any abnormality found to a Supervision Center 35.

[0034] The central processing unit 20 is also responsible for managing tasks, monitoring operations and supervising the activities carried out.

[0035] In addition, the central processing unit 20 comprises a Message Manager Module, responsible for communicating with the Central Online Authorizer 33 that authorizes or not the operation in accordance with established business rules, and controls the operation of financial settlement of supply payment. In general terms, the Message Manager Module works as follows:

[0036] Receives from the RFID reader 21 the identification of the RFID transponder 11 installed in the vehicle;

[0037] Assembles and forwards a message to the On Line Central Authorizer 33 informing the identification of the RFID transponder 11 and waits for a response message informing whether that RFID transponder 11 is authorized to carry out the supply operation;

[0038] If the answer is positive, it releases the payment operation through the system for automatic payment of fuel supply at gas stations via RFID;

[0039] At the end of the supply, it ends the operation by sending the transaction to a Remote Database 36 and triggers the sending of a text message (SMS) to the customer informing the operation data.

[0040] In addition, the central processing unit 20 also comprises a Test Routines Module that periodically verifies and tests the equipment and services involved in the supply payment process via RFID. If a behavior different from that expected is detected, the abnormality information is transmitted to the Supervision Center 35, so that recovery measures can be implemented.

[0041] In a preferred mode, the radio frequency identification reader 21 operates at a frequency of 915 MHz and ISO/IEC 18000-63 reading standard connected to two 8.5 dBi antennas through coaxial cables 80 cm long, which allows transponders installed in vehicles that are in the reading area at the fueling position to be uniquely identified.

[0042] Furthermore, due to the proximity of the antenna 22A, 22B and the transponder 11, the reading field should preferably be set to a minimum, allowing the power used to be reduced. As an example, 1/3 of the power usually used in access control operations in garages and parking lots in shopping malls can be used, that is, approximately 12 dBm, which is equivalent to 15.85 mW of radiated power.

[0043] The RFID reader 21 is also responsible for capturing information on activating operation cancellation buttons 27A, 27B, one of which is arranged for each side of the supply island. When the cancellation buttons 27A, 27B are activated, it indicates that the user requested the cancellation of the automatic payment operation via RFID, choosing to settle the supply by another means of payment.

[0044] Cancellation buttons 27A, 27B have multiple functions depending on when they are pressed, as shown below:

[0045] Cancellation: During the interval between the fueling authorization and the end of the operation, when the attendant replaces the nozzle on the pump, it is possible to cancel the payment operation via RFID transponder by pressing button 27A, 27B on the side where the fueling is being carried out. During the interval where cancellation is possible, the cancel button 27A, 27B is illuminated;

[0046] Printing of duplicate receipt: During the entire time that the cancellation button 27A, 27B is not illuminated, if pressed, the attendant receipt related to the last operation performed on the side of the button activated via RFID is reprinted;

[0047] Printing of the shift closing report: if both buttons 27A, 27B on both sides of the totem are pressed simultaneously for more than three seconds, a shift closing report is printed, where the operations carried out and settled using the payment system via RFID, since the printing of the last closing report.

[0048] Still as can be seen in figure 3, the totems 13A, 13B, 13C comprise at least two video monitors 23A, 23B, one for each side of the supply island, so that two supply operations can be carried out simultaneously . In this case, the information displayed on each of the monitors 23A, 23B are independent of each other.

[0049] In the same way as the monitors 23A, 23B, two video cameras 24A, 24B are arranged on the totem 13A, 13B, 13C, one for each side of the supply island.

[0050] Cameras 24A, 24B are equipped with moving image capture technology and infrared lighting, being able to capture images of the vehicle approaching and moving away from the fueling position and passing the image to the central processing unit 20 .

[0051] The central processing unit 20 temporarily stores the images on a storage medium during the supply process. At the end of the process, the images are transferred to the Remote Database 36, where they are associated with the corresponding supply operation, and kept stored for a predetermined period, allowing subsequent consultations in case of doubts or disputes by the user.

[0052] If the connection with the Central Online Authorizer 33 cannot be carried out via the Internet, the communication can alternatively be carried out via a modem connected to the central processing unit 20.

[0053] In addition, the Ethernet Switch 26 installed on the totem 13A, 13B, 13C allows the communication of all TCP-IP devices with the central processing unit 20.

[0054] The central processing unit 20 also comprises a Decryption Module, which receives the identification of transponders read by RFID readers that are encrypted and, using key tables and specific decryption routines, performs the "translation" of the transponder identification so that it can be consulted in an authorization table, identifying the vehicle.

[0055] The procedure for automatic payment of fuel supply using an RFID reader installed in the supply island basically comprises the following steps:

[0056] During the period when no refueling is carried out with the system for automatic payment of fuel supply at gas stations via RFID, the system is at rest.

[0057] When a vehicle carrying an identification RFID transponder approaches the fueling location, one of the video cameras located on the totem captures the front or rear image of the vehicle, depending on how the vehicle approaches.

[0058] It is important to note that the reading can be performed both from the front and from the rear of the vehicle, with the exception of vehicles with metal buckets or that do not have a glass area at the rear, since it would not be possible to read the transponder through the rear window.

[0059] The reader located on the totem reads the RFID transponder.

[0060] The transponder is decrypted and the Central Processing Unit passes the translated identification to the Central Online Authorizer.

[0061] The identification of the RFID transponder is analyzed and it is verified if the transponder is active and the account is in good standing. You can also check other parameters, such as daily and monthly limits for the supply function.

[0062] If the authorization is approved, a supply authorization screen with the registered vehicle data is displayed on the corresponding monitor installed on the totem, informing that the supply can be paid for by the system of the present invention.

[0063] It is evident that the steps listed above take place in a few seconds, so that when a vehicle parks next to the fuel pump, the entire process has already been performed and the information on the availability of automatic operation is already being displayed on the monitor. .

[0064] Furthermore, if the data shown on the screen do not coincide with the vehicle stopped at the pump, the supply can still be carried out. If the discrepancy is found by the attendant, he can guide the driver to request the correction of the information.

[0065] At this point, the driver only needs to inform the attendant the type of fuel and the quantity or value to be filled.

[0066] Optionally, the driver can opt out of making the payment for the supply automatically, choosing another form of payment. In this case, when the attendant is informed of this option, he must press the cancel button on the totem.

[0067] By pressing the button, the automatic payment via RFID is canceled and this information is displayed on the corresponding monitor, alerting the driver that the payment will not be made by the system of the present invention.

[0068] It should be noted that the cancellation of the automatic operation can be performed from the moment the authorization for the operation is displayed until the end of the supply. During the entire period in which cancellation is possible, the cancellation button is illuminated.

[0069] If the driver chooses to maintain automatic operation, when activating the pump, it sends an initial message identifying the pump, the type of fuel and the zero value for the literage and for the sale value to the central processing unit .

[0070] If you do not receive this first message from the pump, which guarantees that the pump is reset, the monitor displays an error message, making it impossible for the automatic payment to proceed.

[0071] If it normally receives said initial message, the pump displays the message “supply in progress” on the monitor, showing in real time, the evolution of the supply, reproducing the information presented on the digital display of the pump.

[0072] During the fueling process, a second image of the vehicle is recorded by the corresponding camera and sent to the central processing unit for storage.

[0073] Upon completion of the supply operation, the pump sends a final supply message, including the liters and the final sale value. At this point, an information message of “Filling Complete”, the liter and the final value are displayed on the monitor.

[0074] Then, the central processing unit sends, to the Remote Database, data related to the supply operation, including the final supply liters and the final amount to be paid, in addition to additional information that characterize the supply operation supply.

[0075] The supply operation is processed and the debit of the amount to be paid is authorized in the account associated with the RFID transponder present in the vehicle.

[0076] It is also possible for an SMS message to be sent to the registered user's cell phone with the operation data.

[0077] When the transponder leaves the RF reading field, a third image of the vehicle is captured and transferred to the central processing unit.

[0078] In the central processing unit, the captured images are renamed with the encoding of the supply transaction, associating them with the operation that has just been performed for storage in the Remote Database.

[0079] It should be noted that whenever a supply is identified without the use of RFID transponders, a record of the end of the operation can be performed associated with the license plate number obtained through OCR of the vehicle license plate image. This record can be accumulated locally with the aim of building a database of potential customers.

[0080] Furthermore, if during the authorization process communication with the Central Online Authorizer is not possible, an error screen is displayed until communication is reestablished.

[0081] It is important to highlight that the information regarding the supply (type of fuel, liter and value) is obtained directly from the supply pump, avoiding the manual introduction of this information by the attendant.

[0082] Having described a preferred example of embodiment, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention encompasses other possible variations, being limited only by the content of the appended claims, including possible equivalents.

Claims (27)

1. System for automatic payment of fuel supply at a gas station (10), comprising: an electronic transponder with RFID technology (11) located in a vehicle (12); a Central Online Authorizer (33) to authorize supply operations according to pre-established parameters; a Remote Database (36) to store information related to the supply operations carried out; wherein the automatic payment system is characterized by the fact that it further comprises at least one totem (13A, 13B, 13C) installed in a supply island (14) of the gas station (10), the at least one totem (13A , 13B, 13C) comprising: a central processing unit (20) for controlling the communication and operation of the payment system; at least one Radio Frequency (RFID) reader (21) for receiving information from the at least one RFID transponder (11); at least one antenna (22A, 22B) coupled to the at least one RFID reader (21); at least one video monitor (23A, 23B) for displaying messages and information regarding the supply process and the financial settlement operation; at least one video camera (24A, 24B) to capture images of the vehicle (12) in fueling; an Ethernet Switch (26) to allow TCP-IP devices to communicate with the central processing unit (20); at least one operation cancellation button (27A, 27B); and a plurality of power supplies (28). 2. System, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the totem (13A) has a self-supporting structure, without the aid of any other structure. 3. System, according to claim 2, characterized in that the totem (13A) is fixed to the floor of the supply island (14) through parabolts at a distance of at least one meter from the supply pump (15) . 4. System, according to claim 1, characterized in that the totem (13B) is installed in place of a product display cabinet in the supply island (14), and consists of replacing the existing glass doors in the cabinet by hinged panels. 5. System, according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the totem (13B) is arranged after, in the direction of traffic, the supply pump (15). 6. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the totem (13C) is used when the front of the supply pump (15) comprises a standard column structure at the end of the supply island (14). 7. System, according to claim 6, characterized in that the totem (13C) consists of a curved panel that replaces a panel facing the supply pump (14), in which the panel facing the pump (14 ) is removed. 8. System, according to claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the totem (13A, 13B, 13C) is installed so that its faces are each facing one side of the supply island (14) . 9. System, according to claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the totem (13A, 13B, 13C) allows two supply operations to be carried out simultaneously. 10. System, according to claims 1 to 9, characterized by the fact that the totem (13A, 13B, 13C) is a metallic cabinet. 11. System, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the totem (13A, 13B, 13C) is still connected to a non-fiscal printer (29). 12. System, according to claim 1, characterized in that the totem (13A, 13B, 13C) is also connected to a second Ethernet Switch (30) for communication with the supply pumps (15), the Authorizer On -line Central (33), the Supervision Central (35) and the Remote Database (36). 13. System, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the Central Online Authorizer (33), the Supervision Center (35) and the Remote Database (36) are located outside the gas station ( 10). 14. System, according to claim 1, characterized in that the central processing unit (20) comprises: a Message Manager Module that communicates with the Central Online Authorizer (33), and controls the operation of financial settlement of supply payment; a Test Routines Module that periodically verifies and tests the equipment and services involved in the supply payment process; and a Decryption Module which decrypts the identification information received from the RFID transponder (11). 15. System, according to claim 1, characterized in that the RFID transponder (11) is an electronic tag composed of an electronic microcircuit connected to an antenna that allows access to stored data through reading via radiofrequency. 16. System, according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the RFID reader (21) operates at a power of 15.85mW (12 dBm). 17. System according to claim 1 or 16, characterized in that the RFID reader (21) also receives activation information from at least one operation cancellation button (27A, 27B). 18. System, according to claim 1, characterized in that the operation cancellation button (27A, 27B), corresponding to the side on which the fueling is being carried out, is illuminated during the interval between the fueling authorization and the end of the operation. 19. System, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises two operation cancellation buttons (27A, 27B) arranged on opposite sides of the supply island (14). 20. System, according to claim 1 or 19, characterized in that pressing the cancellation button (27A, 27B) corresponding to the side on which the fueling is being carried out, during the interval between the fueling authorization and the end operation, cancels the payment operation via RFID transponder (11). 21. System, according to claim 1 or 18, characterized in that pressing a cancel button (27A, 27B) while it is off, prints a duplicate of the receipt related to the last operation performed on the side corresponding to the cancel button. cancel (27A, 27B) pressed. 22. System, according to claim 19, characterized in that pressing the two cancellation buttons (27A, 27B) simultaneously for at least a predetermined period, prints a report containing information on operations carried out and settled using the system for automatic payment, since the printing of the last report. 23. System according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises two video monitors (23A, 23B) facing opposite sides of the supply island (14). 24. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one video camera (24A, 24B) is equipped with technology for capturing moving images and infrared lighting. 25. System according to claim 1 or 24, characterized in that it comprises two video cameras (24A, 24B) facing opposite sides of the supply island (14). 26. System according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one totem (13A, 13B, 13C) further comprises a modem (25) to provide an alternative connection between the central processing unit (20) and the Central Online Authorizer (33); 27. System, according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one totem (13A, 13B, 13C) also comprises a Supervision Center (35) to perform recovery measures in case of abnormality.

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