BR112018075967B1 - FUEL PUMP AND METHOD FOR CONTROLING AN ALARM AND DOOR LOCK ON A FUEL PUMP - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an intelligent door alarm and lock mechanism and methods for using it that are provided for maintaining security while providing ease of access to a fuel pump. In an exemplary embodiment, the methods and devices are used in fuel supply devices to provide fuel to a vehicle. However, the idea can be used on any device that has a payment system where security and access are both required. The methods and systems described include a door alarm and door lock kit that allows unlocking one or more doors in a fuel pump housing and simultaneously disabling or reactivating respective door alarm sensor(s). In a similar mode, the door may be locked and the door alarm sensor activated or reactivated substantially simultaneously.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED ORDERS

[001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Application Number 62/350,350 entitled "Door Lock and Fuel Pump Alarm Control", filed on June 15, 2016, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

[002] Methods and devices for controlling door locks and alarms at a fuel pump are provided.

BACKGROUND

[003] Prior to pay-at-the-pump technology, gasoline service stations, gasoline service stations were typically equipped with an attendant-operated terminal to manually transact fuel purchases. This type of terminal was commonly situated in a central location, typically the sales office, and self-service customers were required to pay for gasoline at this location. As long as each fuel pump was "enabled," that is, ready to pump without attendant intervention, a customer merely needed to park their car at one of the fuel islands, pump the gasoline, and then walk to the central location to pay for their purchase. of gasoline.

[004] However, the "runaway" problem often required service station operators to avoid leaving fuel pumps in a normally enabled state. A "runaway" occurred whenever a car refueling at a remote, enabled fuel pump fled without paying for gas. This situation led to the installation of equipment to remotely enable the centrally located fuel pumps. This also led to requiring the customer to pre-pay for gasoline before the attendant enabled the fuel pump. However, such prepayment could only be made at the central location, requiring the customer to park their car at one of the fuel islands and walk to the central location to execute the prepayment by cash, debit card, credit card and similar. After making the prepayment, the customer would walk back to the fuel island and dispense the gasoline. After the fuel delivery is made, the customer would return to the central location to complete the sales transaction by obtaining any change due, picking up a payment receipt, signing a credit card stub, or performing any similar action. The procedure was time-consuming and inconvenient for the customer and often resulted in lost sales for the service station operator.

[005] Consequently, the option to pay for fuel purchases at the pump without the need to walk to the central location for the pre-payment or post-pumping package has become increasingly popular with the motoring public. Such a point-of-sale system allows payment using a customer credit card or cash or other known means of payment, and can automatically enable fuel pumps directly from a fuel island. Although pay at the pump systems are convenient for the customer, there is a risk of fuel and payment card data theft. Thieves will open the fuel pump door and may either manipulate the pump to deliver fuel without requiring payment, or they may steal confidential customer payment information.

[006] To combat this theft, many pumps are manufactured or retrofitted with a door alarm and monitoring system to help protect against unauthorized fuel pump entry. The door alarm will sound an alarm and shut down the pump when the pump door is opened without proper authorization. In order to service the fuel pump, a two-step access process must be followed. First, the door must be unlocked using a key. Second, a password must be entered into the external payment terminal. These are separate processes that must be performed in the correct order to prevent the pump from blocking. Additionally, once the service is complete, the authorized service agent or attendant must remember to reactivate the door alarm to ensure that the pump is protected from unauthorized access. This can be laborious, specifically with pumps that are retrofitted with a door alarm kit, as these pumps often require the door to be opened each time the printing paper needs to be changed.

[007] Consequently, there remains a need for improved methods and devices to maintain security at a fuel pump, while also allowing ease of access for an authorized service agent or service station owner/employee.

SUMMARY

[008] Various fuel pumps, fuel pump components and kits, and methods are provided that have means for controlling access to one or more fuel pump ports.

[009] In one embodiment, a fuel pump is provided and includes a housing that has a base module with fuel supply components arranged therein, and an electronic module with electronics for controlling the fuel supply components. At least one door is coupled to the housing and is associated with at least one locking mechanism configured to lock and unlock the at least one door to control access to components within the housing. The pump also includes a door alarm sensor configured to detect when the at least one door is locked and unlocked, and an alarm/lock controller disposed within the housing and coupled to the at least one lock mechanism and the door alarm sensor. door. The alarm/lock controller is configured to control the at least one lock mechanism and the door alarm sensor. A reader is operatively coupled to the controller such that the controller is configured to unlock the at least one lock mechanism and disable the door alarm sensor in response to the reader receiving and authenticating a first input.

[0010] Although the pump may have a variety of configurations, in one embodiment the alarm/lock controller is configured to lock the at least one lock mechanism and activate the door alarm sensor in response to the reader receiving and authenticating a second Prohibited. For example, in response to the first input, the alarm/lock controller transmits at least a first signal to cause the at least one lock mechanism to unlock and cause the door alarm to disable, and, in response to the second input , the alarm/lock controller transmits at least a second signal to cause the at least one lock mechanism to lock and cause the door alarm to activate.

[0011] In other aspects, the reader is configured to obtain information stored on a portable access device. For example, the reader may be a contactless near-field communication reader. As another example, the reader may be configured to obtain at least one type of biometric information from a user. The door alarm sensor can also have various configurations and can be, for example, a magnetic sensor.

[0012] In another embodiment, when the at least one lock mechanism is unlocked and the door alarm sensor is deactivated, the fuel pump provides an indication indicating that the at least one lock mechanism is unlocked and the alarm sensor port is disabled.

[0013] The at least one port may be at least one of a first port on the base module that controls access to the fuel delivery components, a second port on the electronic module that controls access to the electronic module, and a third door on the electronics module that controls access to a printer on the electronics module.

[0014] The fuel pump may also include a fuel controller coupled to the fuel delivery components in the base module. The reader may be configured to instruct the fuel controller to disable the use of the fuel delivery components when the at least one lock mechanism is unlocked and the door alarm sensor is disabled.

[0015] The at least one locking mechanism may have various configurations, and may be an electronic locking mechanism that has a movable latch between a locked position in which the latch engages the at least one door to prevent movement of the door, and an unlocked position in which the lock is disengaged from the at least one door to allow the door to be opened.

[0016] The fuel pump may also include a wireless communication module coupled to the reader and configured to receive the first input from the reader and to wirelessly transmit the first received input to a network cloud to authenticate the first input. The pump may also include an alarm coupled to the alarm/latch controller and configured to transmit an audible signal.

[0017] In another embodiment, a door lock and alarm control kit for use with a fuel pump is provided. The kit may include an alarm/lock controller configured to be mounted within a housing in a fuel pump, and at least one electronic door lock mechanism electrically coupled to the alarm/lock controller so that the alarm/lock controller lock is configured to cause the at least one electronic door lock mechanism to switch between a locked configuration, in which a latch on the electronic door lock mechanism is closed, and an unlocked configuration, in which the latch on the electronic door lock mechanism is closed. Electronic door lock is open. The kit may also include at least one door alarm sensor coupled to the alarm/lock controller and having a first component configured to be mounted on a fuel pump and a second component configured to be mounted on a door of a fuel pump. fuel so that the at least one door alarm sensor can detect open and closed positions of the door.

[0018] In certain aspects, the kit may include a reader configured to receive information from a portable access device. The reader may be, for example, a near field communication reader. The kit may also include a portable access device configured to store information to be transmitted to the reader. The alarm/lock controller may be configured to switch the at least one lock mechanism to the unlocked configuration and disable the door alarm sensor in response to the reader obtaining information from a portable access device. The alarm/lock controller may also be configured to cause the at least one lock mechanism to move to the locked configuration and to activate the door alarm sensor in response to reader reading obtaining information from a portable access device.

[0019] The kit may also include an alarm configured to emit an audible signal if the at least one door alarm sensor detects an open position of the door and the at least one reader has not obtained information from a portable access device.

[0020] In other aspects, the kit may include a wireless communication module coupled to the reader and configured to communicate wirelessly with a network cloud to authenticate information obtained by the reader from a portable access device.

[0021] Methods for controlling a door lock alarm on a fuel pump are also provided, and in one embodiment the method may include receiving a first input from a portable access device, and authenticating the first input. If the first entry is authenticated, at least one door lock mechanism on a fuel pump door may be unlocked thereby allowing the door to be opened, and a door alarm sensor coupled to the door and an alarm can be disabled. The method may also include receiving a second input from a portable access device and authenticating the second input. If the second entry is authenticated, the at least one door lock mechanism on the door may be locked thereby preventing the door from opening, and the door alarm sensor coupled to the door and an alarm may be activated so that the alarm will sound if the door is opened. In one embodiment, an alarm/lock controller may cause the at least one door lock mechanism on the door to lock and unlock and may cause the door alarm sensor to be deactivated and activated.

[0022] In certain aspects, the first and second inputs are received by a reader, and the first and second inputs are authenticated by a wireless communication module that wirelessly transmits the first and second inputs to a cloud network. In some aspects, the first and second inputs are received by a biometrics reader, and the first and second inputs are authenticated by a server communicating with the fuel pump. The server can be a cloud network server.

[0023] The fuel pump may also include a payment module that has a reader that takes first and second inputs. In one embodiment, the reader may be a near field communication reader and the first and second inputs are received from at least one of a card and a mobile phone. The method may also include preventing the fuel pump from delivering fuel when the at least one lock mechanism is unlocked and the door alarm sensor is deactivated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The above-described embodiments will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the attached drawings. The drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. For clarity purposes, not all components may be identified in each drawing. In the drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 is a front view of an embodiment of a fuel pump;

[0026] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating the components of the fuel pump of Figure 1;

[0027] Figure 3 is a perspective view illustrating one embodiment of components of a door lock and fuel pump alarm kit;

[0028] Figure 4A is a front view of a fuel pump structure;

[0029] Figure 4B is a perspective view of a portion of the structure of Figure 4A showing a door alarm sensor for mounting on the structure;

[0030] Figure 4C is a rear view of an electronic module port of a fuel pump;

[0031] Figure 4D is a perspective view of a portion of the door of Figure 4C showing a magnet for mounting to the door;

[0032] Figure 4E is a rear view of an electronic port of a fuel pump;

[0033] Figure 4F is a perspective view of a portion of the door of Figure 4E showing a magnet for mounting to the door;

[0034] Figure 5 is a perspective view of an interior center panel of a fuel pump showing an alarm/lock controller and a door sensor for mounting on the center panel;

[0035] Figure 6 is a schematic view of one embodiment of fuel pump components that include a door alarm and door lock kit;

[0036] Figure 7 is a schematic view of another embodiment of fuel pump components that include a door alarm and door lock kit;

[0037] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating the components of an embodiment of a fuel pump having a flag and not including a payment controller;

[0038] Figure 9 is a flow chart illustrating a process of operating the fuel pump of Figure 8;

[0039] Figure 10 is a block diagram illustrating the components of another embodiment of a fuel pump having a pay controller and not including a flag;

[0040] Figure 11 is a flowchart illustrating a process of operating the fuel pump of Figure 10;

[0041] Figure 12 is a block diagram illustrating the components of another embodiment of a fuel pump having a payment controller and a signal;

[0042] Figure 13 is a flow chart illustrating a process of operating the fuel pump of Figure 12;

[0043] Figure 14 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a fuel pump;

[0044] Figure 15 is a block diagram illustrating the fuel pump of Figure 14 and a server;

[0045] Figure 16A is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a process of operating a fuel pump to unlock at least one fuel pump door;

[0046] Figure 16B is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a process of operating a fuel pump to lock at least one door of the fuel pump; It is

[0047] Figure 17 is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of a fuel pump.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide a full understanding of the principles of structure, function, manufacture and use of the devices and methods described herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the devices and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are exemplary non-limiting embodiments and the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. Features illustrated or described in connection with an exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0049] Furthermore, in the present description, components called the same in the modalities generally have similar characteristics, and thus within a specific modality each characteristic of each component called the same is not necessarily fully elaborated. Furthermore, to the extent that linear or circular dimensions are used in describing the described systems, devices, and methods, such dimensions are not intended to limit the types of shapes that may be used in conjunction with such systems, devices, and methods. A person skilled in the art will recognize that an equivalent of such linear and circular dimensions can easily be determined for any geometric shape. Sizes and shapes of systems and devices, and their components, may depend at least on the anatomy of the subject matter with which the systems and devices will be used, the size and shape of components with which systems and devices will be used, and the methods and procedures in which systems and devices will be used.

[0050] In general, the smart door alarm and lock mechanism and methods for using them are provided to maintain security while providing ease of access to a fuel pump. In an exemplary embodiment, the methods and devices are used in fuel supply devices to provide fuel to a vehicle. However, the methods and devices can be used on any device that has a payment system where security and access are both required.

[0051] In some embodiments, the described methods and systems include a door alarm and door lock kit that allows unlocking one or more doors in a fuel pump housing and simultaneously disabling or disabling respective sensor(s). ) door alarm. In a similar mode, the door may be locked and the door alarm sensor activated or reactivated substantially simultaneously. In an exemplary embodiment, each door in the housing may be coupled to a respective electronic door lock mechanism that is configured to lock and unlock the door to control access to components within the fuel pump housing. The door alarm sensor may be coupled to an alarm and this may be configured to detect when the door is locked and unlocked. The operation of the door lock mechanism and the door alarm sensor may be controlled by a controller disposed within the housing and coupled to the lock mechanism and the door alarm sensor.

[0052] Door locking/unlocking and activation/deactivation of the door alarm sensor may be done in response to appropriate component(s) of a fuel pump receiving appropriate data. For example, the fuel pump may include a communications unit, such as a reader or other component, that may read, in a contact or non-contact mode, a portable access device to unlock the door and disable the alarm sensor. . The portable access device may be a card, a mobile phone, or other suitable device. The reader may be at least one biometrics reader configured to acquire biometrics information from a user in a contact or non-contact mode. Depending on the reader configuration, a user may swipe the card through a slot in the card reader, bring a card or mobile phone or similar device in proximity to the reader, or provide biometric information to thereby unlock the door and disable the alarm sensor. Each portable access device may be configured to open only one or more of the doors on the pump. Similarly, the biometric information used to authenticate a specific user may be configured to open only one or more of the doors on the pump. After the unlocked door is opened and the user performs required manipulations of fuel pump components that have become accessible, the user can use the portable access device again to lock the door and activate or reactivate the door alarm sensor. Furthermore, in some embodiments where a fuel pump includes a keypad, user input in the form of a pin code or other data may be received to control the locking/unlocking of the door and activation/deactivation of the door alarm sensor. In this mode, a user can access the fuel pump components in a safe and simplified mode. Furthermore, by combining door alarm deactivation/reactivation with door locking/unlocking, the number of instances of tamper deactivation can be reduced along with the number of instances where the alarm capability is inactive while the payment terminal is active. This can increase fuel pump safety and stability while also reducing the number of warranty calls to rehabilitate tamper-evident devices.

[0053] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate an embodiment of a fuel pump 1 that generally includes a housing 100 that has a housing base module 10 and an electronic module 19 (e.g., an "electronic head"), each having a front side 12 and a rear side 14. Although only the front side 12 is discussed here, the rear side 14 may also have similar characteristics. The fuel pump 1 also has two hoses 16a, 16b on the front side, each having a nozzle 18a, 18b located at a terminal end of the hose 16a, 16b. Additional hoses may be present on the rear side. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that the fuel pump 1 may have any number of hoses that may be coupled to the pump in any suitable manner.

[0054] The housing base module 10 may have a variety of configurations and generally includes fuel supply components for transporting fuel to one or more hoses and nozzles. For example, a "self-contained" fuel pump may have an electric motor, a pumping unit, gauges, pulsers, and/or valves to physically pump and control the flow of fuel. In such an example, the fuel pump may utilize a suction pump. In another example, a submersible pump fuel pump may have a pump that is sealed and immersed within on-site fuel tanks. All such variations of fuel delivery components can be used in the present fuel pumps. A control system may be disposed within the housing and is coupled to the fuel delivery components to control the fuel supply.

[0055] The base module 10 may include an external door 30 that can open to provide access to fuel supply components located within the base module 10. A locking mechanism 32 is located over the door 30 of the base module 10 to allow the door to be selectively opened and closed to control access to components within the base module 10, such as gauges and other fuel delivery components, for servicing the fuel pump 1. Maintenance may be performed by a technician or someone else. It should be appreciated that the door 30 is shown schematically, as, in some implementations, the door 30 may be in the form of the entire front side 12 of the base module 10. Also, the locking mechanism 32 and its location over the door 30 are shown schematically, as this may include a closure and/or other components, as discussed below.

[0056] The electronic module 19 for facilitating payment for fuel and for facilitating fuel delivery, with electronics for controlling the fuel supply components, may also have a variety of configurations. In general, the electronic module 19 includes a port 40 mounted on the front side of the electronic module 19 and having various components mounted thereon. The door 40 is associated with a respective locking mechanism (not shown) which is typically located on one side of the electronic module 19. The door 40 can have various configurations, and it can be opened/closed in various ways. For example, it may drop down from the top, or it may open on one side to provide access to the internal components of the electronic module 19. Other door configurations may be used, as the described techniques are not limited in this respect. Door 40 may be associated with a respective door alarm sensor (not shown in Figure 1) configured to detect when door 40 is locked and unlocked, as discussed in more detail below.

[0057] The exterior of port 40 may include various components to allow customer interaction with the pump. The illustrated electronic module 19 has a price and volume display 21 that presents information regarding the price and volume of any fuel being supplied, and a graphical display 22 that presents a user interface for displaying information to a customer and/or for interacting with the client. The illustrated electronic module 19 also has a keyboard 24 and buttons 25 that allow a customer to interact with the electronic module 19, a payment/communication unit such as a card reader 23 that allows the customer to pay for purchases, and payment selection buttons. category 28 which allows the customer to select the category of fuel to be supplied by the fuel pump 1. The payment/communication unit illustrated in the form of a card reader 23 configured to read an authorized card in a contact mode (e.g. when the card is swiped through the card reader slot). In other embodiments, the payment/communication unit may be in the form of a contactless reader so that a card or other access device (e.g., a mobile phone or other mobile terminal) may be brought in proximity to the reader which receives information from the device. Such a contactless reader may be, for example, a near field communication (NFC) reader. In other embodiments, the payment/communication unit may be or may include a biometric reader configured to acquire one or more types of biometric information from a user.

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 1, the electronic module 19 includes a printer 51 coupled to the controller for printing transaction information, unrelated fuel purchase information, map data, driving directions, etc. Access to printer 51 may be controlled by a door 50 associated with a door lock mechanism 52. Door 50 may be used to access and change paper used by printer 51, and/or perform other printer maintenance operations. Door 50 may be associated with a respective door alarm sensor (not shown in Figure 1) configured to detect when door 50 is locked and unlocked, as discussed in more detail below. It should be appreciated that some fuel pumps implementing the described techniques may not include payment-related components, so that no payment for fuel can be made on the fuel pump side and payment can be processed, for example, at a terminal. Point of Sale (POS) within the store.

[0059] As schematically illustrated in Figure 2, the internal components of the electronic module 19 may include a fuel controller 102 (in the form of a circuit board and processor) for controlling components within the housing base module 10, such as gauges, pumps, and other fuel supply components. The electronic module 19 may also include a controller or payment module 108 (in the form of a circuit board and processor) for controlling components of the electronic module 19 related to receiving and processing payments, such as card reader(s) and receivers. of money, communication mechanisms to communicate payment data, other information, etc. The fuel controller 102 and the payment controller 108 may communicate with each other, directly or indirectly through other components.

[0060] Further, in some embodiments, the fuel pump 1 may include a communication module 112, also referred to herein as a "beacon", which is configured to be installed on a plate in the fuel pump and to electronically communicate with a network cloud for accessing cloud technology services. Beacon 112, which includes one or more wireless communication connections configured to facilitate wireless communication between the fuel pump 1 and the network cloud, is not described herein in detail. The beacon may be implemented, for example, as described in U.S. Patent Application Number 15/182,201 entitled "Methods and Devices for Electronic Fuel Pump Communication" filed on June 14, 2016, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0061] Flag 112 may be associated with a fuel pump that has a payment mechanism (e.g., fuel pump 1 in Figure 1), or it may be associated with a fuel pump that does not have such a payment mechanism. . Flag 112 may also authorize information received from the access device. In embodiments in which the fuel pump includes a payment mechanism, a payment module may authorize information received from the access device.

[0062] The fuel pump 1 may include a communication unit 110 configured to communicate in a contact mode or a non-contact mode with a card, mobile phone, or other access device. In some embodiments, the communication unit 110 is configured to communicate at least one biometric reader. The communication unit 110 may be in communication with an alarm/lock controller 114 for locking/unlocking one or more doors (e.g., doors 30, 40, 50), as further discussed below.

[0063] It should be appreciated that, although only one fuel pump 1 is shown in Figure 1, one or more fuel pumps 1 may be grouped together in a single location. Furthermore, the fuel pump 1 may contain more than one hose and nozzle combination. For example, two, four, or eight hoses and two, four, or eight nozzles may be provided for use on the front side 12 of the housing base 10 while two, four, or eight hoses and two, four, or eight nozzles may be provided. be provided for use on the rear side 14. A person skilled in the art will further appreciate that the fuel pump may have a variety of configurations and the illustrated pump configuration is merely representative of one type of fuel pump.

[0064] As indicated above, a fuel pump can be manufactured with or can be retrofitted with components that allow simultaneous door locking/unlocking and alarm disabling/enabling. As shown in Figure 2, which schematically illustrates some of the components of a fuel pump 100 that implements the described techniques, the fuel pump may include at least one port 104 that is coupled to housing 100 and that is associated with a release mechanism. door lock 106 configured to lock and unlock the door to control access to components within housing 100. Door 104 may be any number of doors on a fuel pump, such as a base module door 30, module door electronic 40, and printer door 50 of Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2, the door lock mechanism 106 may be associated with a respective door alarm sensor 107 configured to detect when the door 104 is locked and unlocked, such as below discussed in more detail. The door alarm sensor 107 can detect when the door 104 has been tampered with and can output an alarm signal. In the illustrated embodiment, the fuel pump 1 includes at least one alarm 109 coupled to the door alarm sensor 107 and configured to output a suitable signal (visual, audio, visual/audio, any combination thereof) when the door alarm sensor 107 detects that port 104 has been opened without authorization.

[0065] As mentioned above, the at least one door 104 may be one or more doors 104 that protect access to various fuel pump components, and each of the doors 104 may be associated with a respective locking mechanism 106 and sensor. door alarm sensor 107. Thus, as mentioned above, each of the doors 30, 40, 50 is associated with a respective locking mechanism and respective door alarm sensors.

[0066] The operation of the lock mechanism 106 and the door alarm sensor 107 may be controlled by an alarm/lock controller. Figure 2 illustrates such an alarm/lock controller 114 disposed within the housing 100 and coupled to the lock mechanism 106 and the door alarm sensor 107. In some embodiments, the door lock mechanism 106, the door alarm sensor 107, and the alarm/lock controller 114 may be constructed within a fuel pump (e.g., fuel pump 1). Alternatively, a kit including the door lock mechanism 106, the door alarm sensor 107, and the alarm/lock controller 114 may be provided that can be incorporated into any existing fuel pump.

[0067] Figure 3 illustrates an embodiment of fuel pump components that can be used to implement the described techniques. A person skilled in the art will appreciate that any combination of the illustrated components may be used, and not all components are required. Figure 3 shows four door alarm sensors 302 each configured to couple via a cable 304 to an alarm/lock controller 306; two door locking mechanisms 308 each configured to lock a door; a fuel controller 310 for controlling the fuel delivery components in the base module; a payment controller 312 for receiving payment and for communicating with the fuel controller 310 to enable fuel delivery when payment is received; two readers, one being a contact reader 314 configured to read information from a portable access device placed in contact with the reader 314, and the other being a contactless reader 318 configured to read information from a portable access device maintained in the proximity of the reader 318; a communication module or beacon 316 configured to communicate wirelessly with a network cloud; and an alarm mechanism 320 configured to output a signal. The components can be implemented using a suitable circuit. It should be appreciated that the connections between these components are shown schematically and that not all connections are shown. Wired connections between the components shown here and other fuel pump components may be implemented via a suitable number of wires, such as via a controller area network bus (CAN Bus) wired connection, a wired RS485, a current loop connection, or another type of wired connection.

[0068] A door alarm sensor (e.g., door alarm sensor 107 in Figure 2 and door alarm sensors 302 of Figure 3), can have a variety of different configurations. In some embodiments, the door alarm sensor may be a magnetic sensor, as in Figure 3 in which each of the door alarm sensors 302 of Figure 3 may be magnetic sensors, and the fuel pump may include a magnet associated with The magnetic sensor is configured to be mounted on a door. For ease of discussion, one of the door alarm sensors 302 is discussed below with respect to the door associated therewith and with respect to the magnet associated therewith. The magnet may be attached to the door in any suitable manner. The door alarm sensor 302 may be mounted within the pump in a suitable location, such as over a center panel location in a fuel pump electronics module that separates the front and rear sides of the pump. The door alarm sensor 302 may be coupled, for example, via cable 304, to the alarm/lock controller 306 which controls the activation and deactivation of the sensor 302. The door alarm sensor 302 may detect when the magnet is disengaged of the same and thus detect that the door has been opened.

[0069] The door lock mechanism 308 associated with one or more doors (e.g., doors 30, 40, 50 in Figure 1) may also have a variety of different configurations. As shown in Figure 3, the door lock mechanism 308 may include an electronic lock assembly 309 that is mounted within the fuel pump, for example, on the center panel within the electronic module. The electronic lock assembly 309 may include a cable 322 that connects the electronic lock assembly 309 to the alarm/lock controller 306. A fuel pump may be manufactured with the electronic lock assembly 309 (or a similar lock mechanism), or electronic lock assembly 309 (or a similar locking mechanism) can be used to replace a manual lock present on an existing fuel pump. The electronics in the latch assembly 309 are configured to control the opening and closing of a latch 311. The latch 311 engages a suitable feature on the door (e.g., a ring or other feature configured to be engaged in latching by the latch 311). When lock 311 is disengaged, the door can be opened. When lock 311 is engaged, the door is prevented from being opened. The door to which the door lock mechanism 308 is coupled can be opened and closed by a user, while locking and unlocking the door can be done electronically, as described herein.

[0070] The alarm/lock controller 306 can also have a variety of different configurations. As shown in Figure 3, the alarm/lock controller 306 can be implemented as a circuit board mounted within the fuel pump, e.g., in the electronic module. The 306 alarm/lock controller may be included in a fuel pump when manufactured, or it may be added post-market to an existing fuel pump. As discussed above, the alarm/lock controller 306 is coupled to both the door alarm sensor 302 and the door lock mechanism 308 (e.g., via a universal serial bus (USB) cable or using other ) connector(s)) to allow the alarm/lock controller 306 to control the operation of these components. Regardless of the number of door alarm sensors 302 and door lock mechanisms 308 present in a fuel pump, the alarm/lock controller 306 is coupled to each of these components.

[0071] As shown in Figure 3, the alarm/trance controller 306 is connected to the fuel controller 310, either indirectly or through the payment controller 312. Thus, the alarm/trance controller 306 can instruct the fuel controller 310 to disable fuel supply and other fuel pump operations when lock 311 is disengaged (and thereby when the door is open) and/or when door alarm sensor 302 detects an unauthorized opening of the door. The alarm/lock controller 306 may also be connected to the payment controller 312 and/or the beacon 316. When both the payment controller 312 and the beacon 316 are present, the alarm/lock controller 306 is coupled to each of these. .

[0072] Regardless of its specific configuration, the alarm/lock controller 306 receives signals from the door alarm sensors 302 that indicate a current state of the doors respectively associated with the sensors 302. If a door is opened without appropriate authorization, an alarm is fired. For example, alarm 320 may generate a suitable signal that may be provided via the fuel pump (e.g., an alarm will sound) and/or a notification may be sent to a remote controller. The alarm/lock controller 306 is also configured to send instructions to the door lock mechanism to cause the lock 311 to open and close.

[0073] As mentioned above, the fuel pump may include one or more readers for obtaining information from a portable access device, such as a card, u, mobile phone, and/or other access devices. The reader(s) can have a variety of different configurations. For example, the reader can be a contact reader or a contactless reader. The reader may be operatively coupled to either or both the beacon 316 and the payment controller 312. In some cases, a contactless card reader may be coupled to the beacon 316, and a contact card reader may be coupled to the payment controller. payment 312, as shown in Figure 3. The secure card reader 314 may be a card reader present at the fuel pump and used to receive credit card payments.

[0074] The reader may be configured to read information from a portable access device, such as a card advanced into card reader 314, and the acquired information may then be provided to a suitable fuel pump component, such as beacon 316, payment controller 312, or other suitable component configured to authenticate information read from card 330. Specifically, a user may swipe card 300 through a slot in contact reader 314 so that card reader 314 reads information stored in card 300. Contactless card reader 318, which may be disposed in any suitable location on the fuel pump (e.g., on the front side of the electronic head), may read information from an access device suitable in a non-contact mode. For example, the user may touch the access device or bring it in proximity to the card reader 318.

[0075] The fuel pump may authenticate or validate information obtained from the access device using any suitable security protocol, such as a public/private key protocol. The access device may have information stored therein that may be deciphered and used to lock/unlock the door and activate/deactivate the alarm sensor 302 associated with the door. The access device may have the access code (e.g., a private key or the like) stored therein in a secure mode that can be authenticated or validated by the fuel pump using the information (e.g., a public key or the like). stored in the pump. For example, the fuel pump may store in its memory computer-executable instructions that, when executed by a processor (e.g., a payment module processor or other processor), may perform access device authentication or validation.

[0076] The access device may store an access code, user identification information that identifies at least one user and a user level, date/time information that indicates the date/time of creation of the access code, and any other appropriate information. The access code creation date/time can be used to determine how much this information should be erased and replaced with new information. The user level, which may be encoded on the card or other access device as part of the key stored on the card or other access device, is used to determine which components can be accessed using the card or other access device. Thus, a card or other access device may be configured to unlock and lock one or more doors, depending on a user level. For example, a card or other access device may allow controlling a door and a corresponding alarm to control access to a base module of a fuel pump housing, an electronic head, and a printer. Thus, a service person can use such a card or other access device to service the pump. As another example, a card or other access device may allow you to control a door and a corresponding alarm to control access to only a printer or the electronic module and the printer. For example, a store clerk may use a card or other access device that only allows access to a printer port. A fuel pump may have multiple doors that can be locked and unlocked while respective alarm sensors are activated/deactivated using cards or other access devices that have a desired level of user access.

[0077] In some embodiments, a public key may be installed in a fuel pump for availability of software for locking and alarming and installed in the fuel pump (e.g., software stored in a payment module, beacon, or other component(s)). The software, when run by a processor, can use the public key to determine the legitimacy of a user trying to access the pump. To validate access, the user can use a card or other access device that is read either through a contact reader or a contactless reader installed on the pump. For pumps without a payment module, a separate contactless non-payment reader can be installed with appropriate software. The software can be run by a processor to validate the legitimacy of the card through the date and access code encrypted on the card passed to the reader software.

[0078] The card or other access device may be created at a Network Operation Center (NOC) or by an Authorized Service Agent or may be electronically updated with an access code (e.g., via an application). ) installed on the access device). In both cases, the access code (e.g., a private key) can be generated using a one-time password. The first use of a newly generated key may automatically disable all previously generated keys. As the key has a date associated with it, if another key was generated with an earlier date but was not used, this previously generated key becomes invalid.

[0079] The card or other access device, whether magnetic strip or NFC, may contain multiple data tracks which have information about the card user, the card's expiration date, the user's authorization level and some security codes. challenge that are encrypted using a public-private key encryption pair. When the card is read by the bomb components, the track data is compared with information which has been downloaded to the pump components telling the components which track should contain a certain key. The challenge track being read will change with each instance of reading the challenge codes to ensure the card has not been partially duplicated. All attempts to access a pump will be logged both locally and on a server instance to quickly identify attempts to access the pump by a user.

[0080] In some embodiments, an access code may be received by the fuel pump based on user input received via a secure pin pad. The pin pad can be used in addition or alternatively for card readers. The pin pad can be an existing fuel pump keypad or an otherwise configured pin pad.

[0081] In use, after a user swipes, taps, or otherwise uses a card or other access device so that it is read by a reader, a respective locking mechanism is unlocked and the door alarm sensor is disabled. A suitable component of the fuel pump, for example a payment terminal, may then present on a suitable display an indication indicating that the door alarm sensor has been deactivated. The fuel pump and payment module (if present) can be deactivated while the door alarm sensor remains inactive. The indication may be a light, a change of light, a text message, an audio message, and/or another type of indication. After a door having the locking mechanism is opened and desired operations are performed (e.g., a store clerk opens a printer door and replaces the paper, a service person attends the pump, etc.), the door can be locked. again. When it is detected (for example by the door alarm sensor) that the door has been closed again, the indication will continue to be displayed, indicating that the door alarm is not activated. After the user swipes or another uses the card a second time, the door alarm is reactivated and the door is locked. If the payment terminal has been disabled, it can then be restarted.

[0082] Alarm 320, such as a bell or other mechanism, may be mounted in any suitable location on or within the pump. The 320 alarm may be connected to a battery backup. Alarm 320 may be activated by the alarm/lock controller when the door is opened without authorization.

[0083] Figures 4A-4D illustrate an embodiment of a structure 400 of a fuel pump configured to be mounted within the fuel pump and to have a door 401 attached hinged thereto. The door alarm sensor 302 of Figure 3 is Figures 4A and 4B show a front side of the frame 400, and Figures 4C and 4D show a rear (inner) side of the port 401. The structure 400, the port 401, the sensor 302 and the magnet 403 may each have any of a variety of configurations, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art. The door alarm sensor 302 may be attached to the door 400 in any of a variety of different ways. The port 400 in this illustrated embodiment includes a cavity formed therein within which the sensor 302 may be disposed, as shown in Figure 4B. Cable 304 has a connector 404 on a terminal end thereof for mating to sensor 302, and cable 304 may extend outward from the rear side of port 400 to extend into the fuel pump and couple to an alarm/lock controller. as discussed here.

[0084] Figures 4E-4F illustrate another embodiment of a door 411 that shows a magnet 413 configured to be mounted on the door 411. Various mounting components are shown to secure the magnet 413 to the door. Specifically, a bracket 414 is shown that has a recess that seats the magnet 413 and two screws 415 are shown for securing the bracket 414 to the port 411. A cover 416 is also provided to secure the magnet in the correct location so that the sensor can detect the magnetic pull of the closed door.

[0085] Figure 5 illustrates a fuel pump center panel 418 configured to be mounted within the electronic module, for example, between the front and rear sides of the fuel pump and extending from left to right. The left-to-right width W of the panel is less than the left-to-right width of the fuel pump. Figure 5 also shows the door alarm sensor 302 which has a cable 304 configured to attach to the alarm/lock controller 306 at a first end 422 thereof and to the sensor 302 at its second end. The sensor 302 may be mounted within a cavity in the port 411, as explained above with respect to Figures 4C-4F. A mounting plate 428 and connectors 430 (e.g., screws) may be used to facilitate attachment of the alarm/lock controller 306 to the center panel 418.

[0086] Figure 6 illustrates a component embodiment of a fuel pump 600 that includes a door alarm 602, which is a mechanism for emitting an audible sound in this illustrated embodiment. The fuel pump 600 also includes a first and second reader in the form of a contact card reader 604 and a contactless reader 606. The contact reader 604 is configured to communicate data to a payment controller 608 in response to a device access device by contacting the contact reader 604, and the contactless reader 606 is configured to communicate data to the payment controller 608 in response to an access device arriving within an effective distance of the contactless reader 606. The payment controller 608 is in the form of a computer that is configured to validate or authenticate the access device based on data received from one of the readers reading the access device and data communicated regarding the attempted validation or authentication to the payment controller 608. payment controller 608 is configured to transmit data indicative of validation or authentication of the access device to the alarm/lock controller 610, which is configured to cause an electronic door lock 612 to unlock in response to a received indication of validation. or successful access device authentication to allow access into the fuel controller through the unlocked door and cause the door alarm 610 to provide an alarm in response to a received indication of failed access device validation or authentication to indicate a potentially problematic attempt to access inside the fuel pump. 600 through the door.

[0087] Figure 7 illustrates another component embodiment of a fuel pump 700 that includes including a door alarm 702, which is a mechanism for emitting an audible sound in this illustrated embodiment. The system of Figure 7 is similar to the system of Figure 6, except that the combustion pump of Figure 7 does not include a payment controller and does not include a contact reader. The contactless reader 706 of Figure 7 is configured to validate or authenticate the access device based on data read from an access device and is configured to communicate data relating to the attempted validation or authentication to the alarm/lock controller 710. alarm/lock controller 710, which is configured to cause the electronic door lock 712 to unlock in response to a received indication of successful access device validation and authentication to allow access to the fuel controller through the unlocked door and causing the door alarm 702 to provide an alarm in response to a received indication of failed access device validation or authentication to indicate a potentially problematic attempt to access the fuel pump 700 through the door.

[0088] As mentioned above, a fuel pump implementing the described techniques may include a beacon and/or a payment module. In some embodiments, a flag is present and a payment module is absent. In other embodiments, a payment module is present and the flag is absent. In still other embodiments, both the beacon and the payment module are present.

[0089] Figures 8-13 illustrate examples of fuel pumps and processes in accordance with the described techniques implemented using the pumps. Regardless of the fuel pump configuration, when the door is unlocked and the door alarm sensor is deactivated, the fuel controller disables the fueling components so that fueling cannot be performed. After the door has been locked and the door alarm sensor has been activated (or reactivated), the fueling components are activated and the fuel pump can be used to pump fuel. It should be appreciated that only some fuel pump components are shown in Figures 8-13.

[0090] Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment of a fuel pump that includes a beacon (e.g., beacon 112 in Figure 2) and which does not include a payment module. As shown, the fuel pump 800 includes a contactless reader (e.g., a near field communication ("NFC") reader) 806, a beacon 805, a fuel controller 814, a door lock mechanism 812, a door alarm sensor 816, an alarm 802, and an alarm/lock controller 810.

[0091] Figure 9 illustrates a flow process for the fuel pump 800 of Figure 8. As shown, a first input may be received (902) from a portable access device. For example, a user may position a card, mobile phone, or other portable device adjacent to the contactless reader. The beacon can authenticate (904) information acquired from the portable access device (user information, user level, secure access code, secure access code creation date/time, etc.). For example, the beacon may communicate wirelessly with the network cloud, which may compare received data with stored data to verify the accuracy of the data. If authentication (906) is successful, the beacon may send a deactivation signal to the alarm/lock controller (908), which in turn may cause the door alarm sensor to be deactivated (910) and may cause the door lock mechanism to switch from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration (912). Based on a user level, one or more doors can be unlocked. For example, if the user is a service person with a portable device that provides access to all ports, including the base module port, the electronic module port, and the printer port, the locking mechanism for each port may be unlock. As another example, if the user is a cashier, clerk, or other person authorized to access only certain components of the fuel pump, such as the printer door, the alarm/lock controller will only instruct the electronic door lock mechanism. on the printer door to unlock. As mentioned above, the portable traffic device includes information about which door(s) can be unlocked using this card. It should be appreciated that the door alarm sensor can be deactivated and the door lock mechanism can be unlocked in any order or substantially simultaneously.

[0092] When the door alarm sensor is deactivated (910) and the door lock mechanism is unlocked (912), a respective indication can be provided (914) to a user. For example, a button on the electronic module may light up, a color of a light indicator may change (e.g., from green to red), or any other indication may be provided to the user indicating that the alarm has been deactivated. As shown, the beacon may send a signal (916) to a remote system (e.g., to a POS system, network cloud, or any other remote controller) indicating that the door alarm sensor is disabled and the door lock mechanism is disabled. door is unlocked.

[0093] If authentication (906) is unsuccessful, a corresponding indication can be provided (918) to the user. For example, a fuel pump graphical display may provide a message that indicates that the access device has not been properly authenticated. In some cases, in addition or alternatively, the fuel pump may include an additional display configured to display messages relating to accessing the combustion pump using the described techniques.

[0094] After the user opens the unlocked door and performs the required operations on the components that thus become accessible, the door can be closed. A suitable fuel pump component, such as the door alarm sensor, can detect that the door has been closed. A second input may then be received (920) from the portable access device, for example, when the user again brings the device in proximity to the reader. The beacon then performs further authentication (922) of the information provided by the portable access device. If authentication (924) is successful, the beacon sends an activation signal (926) to the alarm/lock controller, in response to which the alarm/lock controller causes the door alarm sensor to activate (930 ) and the door lock mechanism is locked (928). If authentication (924) is unsuccessful, a corresponding indication can be provided (932) to the user.

[0095] When the door alarm sensor is activated (930) and the door lock mechanism is locked (929), a respective indication can be provided (934) to a user. The beacon may send a signal (936) to the remote system indicating that the door alarm sensor is activated and the door lock mechanism is locked.

[0096] Figure 10 illustrates an embodiment of a fuel pump 1000 that includes a payment module or controller 1008 and that does not include a flag. As shown, the fuel pump may include a contactless reader 1004 (e.g., an NFC reader), a contact reader 1006 (e.g., a card reader configured to receive a credit card to accept payment for fuel ), a secure pin pad 1007 (e.g., a keyboard through which the user can also enter credit card authentication information or any other information), a payment controller 1008, a fuel controller 1014, at least one mechanism door lock sensor 1012, at least one door alarm sensor 1011, an alarm 1002, and an alarm/lock controller 1010. It should be appreciated that any of the readers and/or pin pad may be used to securely receive information used to control access to fuel pump components.

[0097] Figure 11 illustrates a process 1100 for operating the fuel pump 1000 of Figure 10. As shown, a first input may be received (1102) from a portable access device. Information acquired from the portable access device may be used to authenticate (1104) the access device, which may be performed by the payment controller. If authentication (1106) is successful, the payment controller transmits a deactivation signal (1108) to the alarm/lock controller, in response to which the alarm/lock controller causes the door alarm sensor to be deactivated (1110) and the door lock mechanism(s) are unlocked (1112). A respective indication may be provided (1114, 1116) to a user as discussed above. After the user opens the unlocked door(s) and performs the required operations on components that thus become accessible, the door(s) can be closed. A suitable fuel pump component, such as the door alarm sensor, can detect that the door(s) have been closed. A second input may then be received (1118) from the portable access device, for example, when the user again brings the device in proximity to the reader. The payment controller then performs another authentication (1120) of the access device. If authentication (1122) is successful, the payment controller sends an activation signal (1124) to the alarm/lock controller, in response to which the alarm/lock controller causes the door alarm sensor to activate (1128) and the door lock mechanism(s) are locked (1126). If authentication (1122) is unsuccessful, a corresponding indication may be provided to the user (1130). A respective indication may be provided (1132) to a user informing the user that the door alarm sensor is activated and the door lock mechanism(s) are locked.

[0098] Figure 12 illustrates an embodiment of a fuel pump 1200 that includes both a payment module and a beacon. As shown, the fuel pump 1200 includes a contactless reader 120 (e.g., an NFC reader), a contact reader 1206 (e.g., a card reader configured to receive a credit card to accept payment for fuel ), a secure pin pad 1207 (e.g., a keyboard through which the user can also enter credit card authentication information or any other information), a beacon 1205, a payment controller 1208, a fuel controller 1214, one or more door lock mechanisms 1212, one or more door alarm sensors 1211, an alarm 1202, and an alarm/lock controller 1210. It should be appreciated that any of the card and/or pin pad readers may be used to securely receive information used to control access to components of the fuel pump 1200.

[0099] Figure 13 illustrates a process 1300 for operating the fuel pump of Figure 12. As shown, a first input may be received (1302) from a portable access device. The payment controller may use the information acquired from the device to authenticate (1304) the device. If authentication (1306) is successful, the payment controller sends a deactivation signal (1308) to the alarm/lock controller, in response to which the alarm/lock controller causes the door alarm sensor to be deactivated (1310) and the door lock mechanism(s) are unlocked (1312). A respective indication may be provided (1314) to a user, and the beacon may send a signal (1316) to a remote system indicating that the door alarm sensor is deactivated and the door lock mechanism(s) are disabled. are unlocked. If authentication (1306) is unsuccessful, a corresponding indication can be provided (1317) to the user.

[00100] After the user opens the unlocked door(s) and performs the required operations on the components that thus become accessible, the door(s) can be closed. A suitable fuel pump component, such as the door alarm sensor, can detect that the door(s) have been closed. A second input may then be received (1318) from the access device, for example, when the user again brings the card in proximity to the card reader. The payment controller then performs (1320) another authentication of the access device. If authentication (1322) is successful, the payment controller sends an activation signal (1324) to the alarm/lock controller, in response to which the alarm/lock controller causes the sensor(s) to door alarm mechanism(s) are activated (1328) and the door lock mechanism(s) are locked (1326). If authentication (1322) is unsuccessful, a corresponding indication may be provided (1330) to the user. A relevant indication may be provided (1332) to a user informing the user that the door alarm sensor(s) are activated and the door lock mechanism(s) are locked. Also, the beacon may send a signal (1334) to the remote system indicating that the door alarm sensor(s) are activated and the door lock mechanism(s) are locked.

[00101] In some embodiments, as discussed above, access to various components of a fuel pump can be controlled using a portable access device or an access code that can be acquired through a secure pin pad or other device. Furthermore, in some embodiments, access to a fuel pump may be controlled over a user's biometric identification which involves acquiring and processing the user's biometric information. Biometric information, which may be acquired in a contact or non-contact mode, may include facial, iris, fingerprint, ear, palm (e.g., palm vein) information, full body information, hand information, voice, and any other measurable and distinct information that can characterize a user and that can be acquired from the user attempting to access a fuel pump.

[00102] Because biometrics information is not transferable, always present (unlike an access device, PIN, password, etc.) and can be relatively easily acquired from a user, the use of biometrics authentication to identify or verify User identity simplifies access control to components of a fuel pump while increasing security. In this mode, a more user-friendly experience can be provided. In some embodiments, the use of biometric information may replace the use of a portable access device (e.g., a mobile phone, card, etc.) or a password manually entered by a user. In other embodiments, however, a fuel pump may include a portable access device reader, keyboard, and/or components configured to acquire and process biometric information.

[00103] Biometrics information can be acquired when a user attempting to access a fuel pump is detected. Such an attempt can be detected automatically, for example, by detecting a presence of a person in the vicinity of the fuel pump. The fuel pump may then provide a prompt prompting the user to provide biometric information. In some embodiments, the user may be required to explicitly indicate their presence, for example, by providing biometrics information or otherwise. To provide the biometric information, the user may be required to be positioned relative to the fuel pump so that at least one image of the user's face, retina, iris, ear, palm, body, etc. is obtained. can be acquired by the fuel pump (for example, by a biometric reader). Some biometric information, such as, for example, fingerprint information, may be acquired in a contact mode, and the user may be required to bring one or more of their fingers into contact with a biometric reader that has a (e.g., sensor, imager, or scanner). Other biometric information may also be acquired in a contact mode, such as, for example, a palm print image.

[00104] Once biometrics information is acquired, authentication of the acquired information is performed, which involves accessing a server device that stores biometrics information in association with other user information. The server device may be a remote device, such as a cloud network server, or any other suitable device configured to securely store biometric and other information. The server can also be a local storage and processing device. The server is configured to process and analyze (e.g., compare) various types of biometric information.

[00105] Regardless of the type of server device and whether it is or includes at least one from a remote and local server, the server can be accessed to identify whether there is a match between biometric information acquired from a user attempting to access the fuel pump and information stored on or in association with the server. Before being able to access the fuel pump so that one or more of the fuel pump doors become unlocked and the associated door alarm sensor(s) are deactivated, a user may be required to register with the server. Logging may be done at a fuel pump or using any other suitable device that may be located in any suitable location (e.g., on a service provider's computer). For example, a company employee (a store attendant, technician, inspector, etc.) may be required to register with a service that provides access to fuel pumps so that information, including unique biometric information about this username are obtained and stored on the server. Information about each registered user can be stored in a corresponding user profile. Information about a user's access level may be part of the user's profile stored on the server in association with the user's biometric information.

[00106] As mentioned above, user authentication involves comparing acquired biometric information with information stored on the server. Authentication can be performed, at least in part, on the server, and biometric information acquired by the fuel pump is encrypted before being sent to the server. In some embodiments, a fuel pump processor processes the acquired biometric information before sending a representation, such as a plurality of characteristics, to the server for comparison with similar stored representations of biometric information. Furthermore, in some embodiments, at least one fuel pump processor may perform authentication, at least in part. Regardless of the specific authentication technique, if a match is identified, access to the fuel pump is provided. Specifically, as discussed above, one or more door alarm sensors are deactivated and at least one door lock mechanism is unlocked to provide access to fuel pump components.

[00107] It should be appreciated that a "match" can be determined with an accuracy that depends on characteristics of a technique used to process the biometric information. For example, a coincidence might be a closer coincidence. In some cases, if the comparison results in more than one match, or in another situation when biometric identification of the user with a desired accuracy is not achieved, additional biometric information may be acquired from the user.

[00108] One or more doors can be unlocked based on an access level associated with the user. As an example, if a user is a store attendant at a retail fueling facility, or another person authorized to access only certain fuel pump components, such as a printer door, an alarm/lock controller will instruct only to printer door to unlock. As another example, if a user is a technician or service person, their access level may cause an electronics module door and a printer door to unlock. As a further example, a user may be an inspector permitted to inspect the entire pump access so that access to all ports (e.g., a base module port, an electronics module port, and a printer port) ) of the fuel pump can be provided by unlocking a locking mechanism of each of the doors. The inspector may be required to, for example, examine a fuel pump leak, to determine the status of one or more pump components, and/or to determine compliance of the fuel pump and its operation with code requirements. Some problems may need to be resolved by both a technician and an inspector, or by any other type of user. It should be appreciated that a user's access level may be established in any desired manner, and any suitable number of access levels may be utilized. For example, user information associated with a technician may allow that person to access all ports, including the base module port.

[00109] After the internal components of the fuel pump are accessed, at least one unlocked door may be locked and an associated door alarm sensor may be reactivated. To activate a door lock mechanism and reactivate the door alarm sensor, biometric information may again be acquired from the user, which may be the same or different information than the information required to unlock the door.

[00110] As shown in Figure 14, a fuel pump 1400 includes input/output modules 1402, which may include a biometrics reader 1404, wireless module(s) 1406, wired communication module(s) 1408, and a display 1410. At least one processor 1420 of the fuel pump 1400 may include at least one biomechanics processor 1422 and a communications processor. The fuel pump 1400 includes a memory 1430. As shown in Figure 14, the pump 1400 also includes at least one door lock mechanism 1432 configured to lock one or more doors 1431 of the fuel pump 1400, at least one alarm sensor port number 1434, an alarm 1436 (e.g., a component configured to generate an alarm that may be audible or in any other format, including a signal communicated to a service provider computer), and an alarm/lock controller 1438 configured to control the lock mechanism 1432, the door alarm sensor 1434, and the alarm 1436. For example, the alarm/lock control 1438 may cause the door lock mechanism 1432 on the door to lock and unlock and may cause the door alarm sensor 1434 to deactivate and activate or reactivate. The ports 1431 may include at least a first port on a fuel pump base module that controls access to fuel delivery components, a second port on a fuel pump electronic module that controls access to the electronic module, and a third door on the electronics module that controls access to a printer on the electronics module.

[00111] The fuel pump 1400 may include other components, such as a fuel controller 1440 shown in Figure 14. The fuel controller 1440 may be coupled to fuel delivery components in a fuel pump base module 1400. The fuel controller 1440 may be instructed to disable the use of the fuel delivery components when the at least one locking mechanism 1432 is unlocked and the door alarm sensor 1432 is deactivated.

[00112] The biometrics processor 1422 may include various other processors, such as, for example, an image processor, a speech recognition processor, a processor configured to preprocess biometric information, etc. The biometrics processor 1422 may include at least one feature extractor configured to identify features relating to the user's face (entire face or parts thereof), user body parts, user voice, etc.

[00113] The biometrics reader 1404 can have various configurations. For example, this may include an image sensor such as a digital image or video camera, or another type of optical sensor. The biometrics reader 1404 may also include a video camera suitable for capturing biometric features, facial, iris, retina, palm, and other features. The biometrics reader 1404 may also include a voice recorder and other devices configured to acquire user biometrics information. In some embodiments, the biometrics reader 1404 may be a multimodal biometrics device configured to acquire more than one type of biometrics information from a user for biometric authentication of the user.

[00114] Biometrics information acquired by the biometrics reader 1404 and which can be preprocessed by the processor 1420 of the fuel pump 1400 (e.g., features can be extracted in a suitable format), can be provided through the ) pump communications module(s) (e.g., wireless module(s) 1404 and/or wired communications module(s) 1408) to a server, which may be remote to a location.

[00115] A server 1500 communicatively coupled to the fuel pump through at least one of a wireless and wired connection is shown in Figure 15. In some embodiments, the server 1500 is a cloud network server that provides technology services of cloud. Server 1500 may include at least one processor 1502 and this may also include or may access a user profile store 1504 (e.g., one or more databases). The server 1500 may also include or may access a biometrics information store 1506 that may be accessed by the fuel pump 1400, to compare known biometrics information stored from the server 1500 with biometrics information acquired from a user attempting to access the fuel pump 1400. The user profile store 1504 and the user biometric information store 1506 may be, for example, one or more databases stored in suitable memory, which may be cloud storage or a storage which is updated from a cloud. Either or both the user profile store 1504 and the user biometric information store 1506 may be distributed database(s). The user profile store 1504 may include user profiles for each known (e.g., registered) user, and associated known biometric information may be stored, in any suitable format, in the user biometric information store 1506. The profiles user access levels include the user access level that indicates which components of a fuel pump the user is allowed to access. In some embodiments, the level of access permitted may further be associated with a specific fuel pump, specific location, etc. The user profile and/or identity, as well as the access level, may be transmitted from the server 1500 to the fuel pump 1400.

[00116] The user profile and associated access level may be received by the communications processor 1424 and may be stored in memory 1430 of the fuel pump 1400 (Figure 14). The user profile may be used by the communications processor 1424 to provide access to the fuel pump based on the access level associated with that specific user and other information associated with the user profile. Additionally, in some embodiments, information may be rendered on display 1410 based on user preferences that may be specified in the user profile. In at least some implementations, the fuel pump may render on display 1410 any suitable information that facilitates user maintenance of the fuel pump.

[00117] Figure 16A is a process flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a process 1600 for operating a fuel pump. Process 1600 may begin, for example, when user input is received (e.g., via a fuel pump display), which includes an instruction for the fuel pump to enter a maintenance mode. In such a mode, the fueling components of a fuel controller may be disabled so that fueling cannot be performed during maintenance and/or service of the fuel pump. After the door has been locked and the door alarm sensor has been activated (or reactivated), the fueling components can be activated and the fuel pump can be used to pump fuel. In some embodiments, the fueling components may be activated after the door is locked and the door alarm sensor is activated after the fuel pump receives an instruction to exit maintenance mode. Process 1600 may start in response to any other trigger.

[00118] As shown in Figure 16A, in block 1602, a fuel pump (fuel pump 1 of Figure 1, fuel pump 1400 of Figure 14, or any of the other fuel pumps described herein or similar fuel pumps) which has a biometrics reader can acquire the user's first biometrics information. Biometric information may include at least one image (e.g., a video image or a still image) of a user's face, fingerprint, iris, retina, ear, palm, hand, any other information such as voice, DNA , etc. The first acquired user biometric information may optionally be processed by at least one fuel pump processor, in block 1603.

[00119] The fuel pump (e.g., at least one communication module thereof), in block 1604, accesses the storage of biometric information (e.g., one or more databases). The fuel pump may access a remote or local server (or both remote and local servers) that stores the biometric information and/or communicates with the biometric information store. In some embodiments, the storage of biometric information may be stored locally at the fuel pump. Also in some implementations, various types of user profiles may be stored on different servers. For example, user profiles of fuel station clerks can be stored locally, for example at the fuel pump or on a computer at the fuel stations. At the same time, user profiles of technicians, inspectors, or other personnel can be stored on external storage which can be accessed remotely.

[00120] Further, in block 1604, the first acquired user biometrics information is compared with the information stored in the biometrics information store. It is then determined, in decision block 1606, whether a match was identified as a result of the comparison. If the match has been identified, process 1600 continues to block 1608 where at least one door lock mechanism (which may be part of a door lock kit) can be unlocked based on an access level associated with the user. As discussed above, the biometric information store may store a plurality of user profiles, each of which may specify the user's rights with respect to accessing a combustion pump. For example, user rights may include a user access level, which determines which fuel pump components the user is permitted to access. Also, user rights can specify a mode in which a fuel pump can communicate with the user.

[00121] When the match is identified, a user profile stored for the user attempting to access the fuel pump is accessed and the user's access level is used to determine which door lock mechanism is allowed to be unlocked. Also, as shown in Figure 16A, at least one door alarm sensor is disabled in block 1610. As discussed above, the door alarm sensor is disabled or deactivated simultaneously with the unlocking of one or more doors in a pump housing. of fuel. Thus, processing in blocks 1608, 1610 can be performed at least in part simultaneously.

[00122] If it is determined in decision block 1606 that a match is not identified, access to the fuel pump is denied, as shown in block 1612 in Figure 16A. In some embodiments, an indication of an attempted unauthorized access to the fuel pump may be generated, in block 1614. For example, an alarm may sound, or the indication may be provided in any other format. An appropriate entity may also be notified of the unauthorized access. It should be noted, if the user's biometric information is not recognized, the user may be prompted for at least one other attempt to provide biometric information. Thus, the indication of attempted unauthorized access may be generated when repeated attempts to disable one or more fuel pump door locks are detected.

[00123] After processing in blocks 1608, 1610 and after the user opens the unlocked door(s) and performs the required operations on components that thus become accessible, the door(s) can be closed . To lock the door closed, biometric authentication can again be performed to lock the door and reactivate the door alarm sensor. Figure 16B illustrates one embodiment of a process 1700 that can be used to lock the fuel pump door when it is determined that the user is authorized to do so. Process 1700 may start, for example, when it is detected that the door is closed, or in response to another trigger.

[00124] As shown in Figure 16B, in block 1702, the user's second biometric information can be acquired. The second biometric information may be the same or different from the first biometric information acquired in block 1602 of Figure 16A. In block 1704, the acquired second biometric information can be compared with the stored biometric information. In at least some embodiments, as discussed above, the user profile may be retrieved from the server when the server is accessed with the first biometric information. The recovered user profile (and any association data) may be stored, at least in part, in fuel pump memory (or other local memory, such as on a local server) and the information may be used to authenticate the user trying to lock the fuel pump door. In this mode, you may not need to access external biometric information storage, such as on a remote server, to lock the door(s). Alternatively, in some embodiments, the fuel pump may communicate with a remote server to obtain access to the store of biometric information stored therein, to compare the second acquired biometric information with known biometric information to authenticate the user.

[00125] Regardless of the specific mode in which the comparison is performed, in decision block 1706 it can be determined whether a match with the second acquired biometric information has been identified among the stored biometric information. If the match has been identified, process 1700 branches to block 1708 where the door lock mechanism is locked. The door alarm sensor can be reactivated at block 1710, which can be done simultaneously with locking the door. If it is determined, however, that the match has not been identified, process 1700 branches to block 1712 where an appropriate indication of an unsuccessful attempt to authenticate a user to look at the port is generated. The indication can be generated after a certain number of attempts to lock the door are detected.

[00126] Figure 17 illustrates an embodiment of a fuel pump 1800 that can be configured and used as described for any of the various embodiments described herein. Only a middle portion of the fuel pump 1800 is illustrated, for example, the top and bottom portions of the fuel pump are omitted. The fuel pump 1800 includes a housing 1802, a display 1804 secured in the housing 1802, electronics (not shown) (e.g., a processor, a memory, wireless module(s), etc.) disposed within the housing 1802, and an information panel 1806 secured to and/or disposed within the housing 702. The display 1804 includes a GUI display space and, in some embodiments, at least a portion thereof may be a flexible touch screen. The fuel pump 1800 also includes fuel delivery components, such as a pump, a fuel gauge, a nozzle, a hose, etc., which are not shown for the sake of brevity.

[00127] The information panel 1806 is configured to facilitate payment and/or supply. In the illustrated embodiment, as shown in Figure 17, the information panel 1806 includes at least one biometric reader 1808 that can be configured to receive biometric information. The biometrics reader 1808, which may be a single-mode or multi-mode reader, and may have various shapes and sizes. The biometrics reader 1808 may include a digital imaging or video camera configured to acquire images of a face, retina, iris, palm, hand, fingerprints, or any other parts of the user's face or body to acquire the biometrics information. . The biometrics reader 1808 may further or alternatively include a voice recorder configured to acquire the user's voice. It should be appreciated that the biometrics reader 1808 is shown by way of example only, as it may be arranged in other locations of the fuel pump 1800 that allows users to conveniently communicate with the fuel pump 1800 and to provide one or more types of biometric information. The biometrics reader 1808 may be configured to acquire any suitable biometrics information from the user to verify the user's identity.

[00128] Further, in some embodiments, the information panel 1806 may include a card reader (e.g., any of card reader 23 of Figure 1, card reader 314, 318 of Figure 3, card readers 604 , 606 of Figure 6, card reader 706 of Figure 7, card reader 806 of Figure 8, card readers 1004, 1006 of Figure 10, card readers 1204, 1206 of Figure 12, or any other card readers) and /or any suitable pin pad or keyboard. When the fuel pump is in a fueling mode, during fueling, the information panel 1806 may show quantities of fuel pumped in a fueling section, prices of different categories of fuel, etc. In some embodiments, at least one of the information panel 1806 and the display 1804 may be configured to display information about a status of the fuel pump and/or one or more of its components. Also, during fuel pump maintenance as described herein, information (e.g., instructions, fuel pump status information, etc.) that may assist in performing the service may be rendered on at least one of the information panel 1806 and display 1804. Such information may be provided in the form of a video, including a video of a real or virtual person. The display 1804 may be interactive in that it may receive user input.

[00129] It should be appreciated that the fuel pumps described herein in connection with Figures 14 to 17 may include any of the components of the fuel pumps described in connection with Figures 1 to 13. The fuel pumps configured to receive information from biometrics and use this information to verify the user's identity can be fuel pumps of any type. In some embodiments, the fuel pumps may be smart fuel pumps. Smart fuel pumps can be configured to provide virtual assistance to customers and other users through a fuel pump display.

[00130] Although an exemplary retail fueling facility, which can sell gasoline and/or diesel fuels at retail to general purpose vehicles (e.g., automobiles and/or trucks), has been described herein, other implementations may be developed in other fuel delivery applications, such as commercial, wholesale or private fuel delivery facilities. The fuels that are supplied can, for example, be for automotive, aviation, and/or marine vehicles.

[00131] Although the current subject has been described with respect to acquiring biometric information and identifying characteristics of a user, such as a store attendant, technician, or other person with knowledge of the operation of the fuel pump, other implementations are possible. For example, a fuel pump can also or instead acquire biometric information from customers who wish to fill up a vehicle. The biometrics information can be used to verify the identity of the user, based on which a fueling and payment session for fuel can be conducted.

[00132] One or more aspects or features of the subject matter described herein may be realized in digital electronic circuit, integrated circuit, specially designed application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate networks (FPGAs), computer hardware, firmware , software, and/or combinations thereof. These various aspects or features may include implementation in one or more computer programs that are executable and/or interpretable on a programmable system that includes at least one programmable processor, which may be of use special or general, coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to transmit data and instructions to, a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device. The programmable system or computing system may include clients and servers. A client and a server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The client and server relationship arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship with each other.

[00133] These computer programs, which may also be referred to as programs, software, software applications, applications, components, or code, include machine instructions for a programmable processor, and may be implemented in a high-level procedural language , an object-oriented programming language, a functional programming language, a logical programming language, and/or assembly/machine language. As used herein, the term "machine-readable medium" refers to any computer program product, apparatus and/or device, such as, for example, magnetic disks, optical disks, memory, and Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs). , used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a machine-readable signal. The term "machine-readable signal" refers to any signal used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor. The machine-readable medium may store such machine instructions non-transiently, such as, for example, a non-transient solid-state memory or a magnetic hard drive or any equivalent storage medium would. The machine-readable medium may alternatively or in addition store such machine instructions in a transient mode, such as, for example, a processor cache or other random access memory associated with one or more physical processor cores would.

[00134] To provide interaction with a user, one or more aspects or characteristics of the subject matter described herein may be implemented in a computer having a display device, such as, for example, a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light-emitting diode (LED) monitor for displaying information to the user, and a keyboard and pointing device, such as, for example, a mouse or a trackball, by which the user can provide an input to the computer. Other types of devices can be used to provide interaction with a user as well. For example, feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback, such as, for example, visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and user input may be received in any form, including, but not limited to, acoustic, speech, or haptic input. Other possible input devices include, but are not limited to, touch screens or other touch-sensitive devices such as single- or multi-point resistive or capacitive trackpads, speech recognition hardware and software, optical scanners, optical pointing devices, digital image capture and associated interpretation software, and the like.

[00135] One skilled in the art will appreciate additional features and advantages of the invention based on the embodiments described above. Accordingly, the invention should not be limited by what has been specifically shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims (13)

1. Fuel pump (1) characterized by the fact that it comprises: a housing (100) having a base module (10) with fuel supply components arranged therein, and an electronic module (19) with electronics to control the fuel supply components; a first door (104) coupled to the housing (100) and associated with a first locking mechanism (106) configured to lock and unlock the first door to control access to components within the housing (100); a first door alarm sensor (107) configured to detect when the first door (104) is opened and closed; an alarm/lock controller (114) disposed in the housing (100) and coupled to the first lock mechanism (106) and the first door alarm sensor (107), wherein the alarm/lock controller (114) is configured to control the first lock mechanism (106) and the first door alarm sensor (107); a reader operatively coupled to the controller and configured to receive a first input; and a communication module (112) configured to communicate wirelessly with a network cloud, wherein the communication module (112) is configured to transmit the first input to the network cloud, the communication module is configured to receive authentication of the first entry from the network cloud, and the communication module (112) is configured to send a disable signal to the controller (114) so that the controller (114) unlocks the first lock mechanism ( 106) and disables the first door alarm sensor (107) for the first door (104) upon positive authentication of the first input, wherein the communication module (112) is distinct from the alarm/lock controller (114). 2. Fuel pump (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the alarm/lock controller (114) is configured to lock the first lock mechanism (106) and activate the first door alarm sensor (107) to the first port (104) in response to the reader receiving and authenticating a second input. 3. Fuel pump (1) according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that, in response to the first input, the alarm/lock controller (114) transmits a first signal to cause the first lock mechanism to (106) unlock and cause the door alarm to disable for the first door, and wherein, in response to the second input, the alarm/lock controller (114) transmits a second signal to cause the first lock mechanism to (106) lock and cause the door alarm to activate for the first door (104). 4. The fuel pump of claim 1, wherein the reader is configured to obtain information stored in a portable access device. 5. Fuel pump (1), according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the reader comprises a contactless near-field communication reader. 6. Fuel pump (1), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the reader is configured to obtain at least one type of biometric information from a user. 7. Fuel pump (1), according to claim 2, characterized by the fact that, when the at least one lock mechanism is unlocked and the door alarm sensor is deactivated, the fuel pump provides an indication that indicates that at least one lock mechanism is unlocked and the door alarm sensor is deactivated. 8. Fuel pump (1), according to claim 1, characterized in that the door alarm sensor comprises a magnetic sensor. 9. Fuel pump (1), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the first door (104) comprises a base module door (30) on the base module (10) that controls access to the components fuel supply port, an electronics module port (40) on the electronics module (19) that controls access to the electronics module (19), or a printer port (50) on the electronics module (19) that controls access to a electronic module printer (19). 10. Fuel pump (1), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it further comprises a fuel controller (1014) coupled to the fuel supply components in the base module (10), the reader being configured to instruct the fuel controller (1014) to disable the use of the fuel delivery components when the first lock mechanism (106) is unlocked and the door alarm sensor (107) is deactivated for the first door (104). 11. Fuel pump (1), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the at least one locking mechanism comprises an electronic locking mechanism that has a movable lock between a locked position in which the lock engages the at least at least one door to prevent movement of the door, and an unlocked position in which the lock is disengaged from the at least one door to allow the door to be opened. 12. Fuel pump (1), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that it further comprises an alarm coupled to the alarm/lock controller and configured to transmit an audible signal. 13. Method for controlling an alarm and door lock at the fuel pump as defined in claim 1, characterized by the fact that it comprises: receiving a first input from a portable access device; authenticate the first entry; if the first entry is authenticated, causing at least one door lock mechanism on a fuel pump door (1) to unlock and thereby permit the door to be opened, and causing a fuel pump alarm sensor to door coupled to the door and an alarm is deactivated; receiving a second input from the portable access device; authenticate the second entry; and if the second entry is authenticated, causing the at least one door lock mechanism on the door to lock and thereby prevent the door from opening, and causing the door alarm sensor coupled to the door and to a alarm is activated such that the alarm will sound if the door is opened, wherein the first and second inputs are received by a reader, and the first and second inputs are authenticated by a wireless communication module (112) that transmits in wireless mode the first and second inputs to a cloud network, and wherein the at least one door lock mechanism and the door alarm sensor are controlled by an alarm/lock controller (114), and the alarm/lock controller (114) is distinct from the wireless communication module (112).