EP3586296A1

EP3586296A1 - Method and computer system for controlled and incentivated distribution of fuels

Info

Publication number: EP3586296A1
Application number: EP17717862.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Claudio Giuliano
Original assignee: Gp Srl
Current assignee: Eco Energy Srl; Gp Srl
Priority date: 2017-02-21
Filing date: 2017-02-21
Publication date: 2020-01-01
Also published as: WO2018154351A1

Abstract

A method for controlled and incentivized distribution of fuels in a plurality of stations (2) comprising the steps of a) detecting metering data corresponding to amounts of fuel supplied and time data, b) assigning a serial number (n) to each fuel supply, c) calculating a number of selections (p) available to the user (U) according to the amounts supplied, d) using a first algorithm (5) to determine a first range (i-i) with a maximum number of deliveries in which a favorable event is defined by generating a first pseudo-random number (a) e) comparing the number (n) with the first number (a) to determine a favorable event susceptible of a reward, f) using a second algorithm (6) to determine merit percentages (s-i, s2, s3) and generate a second pseudo-random number (β), g) comparing the second number (β) with the threshold values (s-i, s2, s3) for settling the access to the reward for said favorable event, h) transmitting the reward value to the dispenser (3) and i) activating a command to make the selections (p) and display the reward. The detection of metering and time data concerning the supply is separate from and independent of the operation of the first (5) and second (6) algorithms. A system (1 ) for controlled and incentivized distribution of fuels.

Description

METHOD AND COMPUTER SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLED AND INCENTIVIZED DISTRIBUTION OF FUELS

Field of the invention

[0001 ] The present invention generally addresses methods and systems for processing product sale data and particularly relates to a method for controlled and incentivized distribution of fuels.

[0002] The invention further relates to a computer system for controlled and incentivized distribution of fuels.

Background art

[0003] In the field of fuel supply methods have long been known for controlled and incentivized distribution of fuels in filling stations.

[0004] Generally, the method uses a microprocessor system, which collects supply data and later associates it with a point collection system in which each allotted point corresponds to a minimum supply amount.

[0005] In this type of system the amount of fuel supplied and the amount of accumulated points are recorded in a card owned by a user.

[0006] As used herein, the term card designates any device adapted to record points, selected from the group comprising magnetic, chip and barcode media and other similar products comprising a data recording medium.

[0007] A first drawback of this prior art method is that the user is required to carry out point reading and writing steps to read and write the points accumulated and saved from time to time into the points card at each filling operation.

[0008] This drawback is especially felt when the user doesn't carry his/her card and is not able to record the amount of earned points and to check whether he/she is entitled to a reward.

[0009] A further drawback of this method is that the right to a reward accrues with time and is directly related to the total amount of supplies within a period of time. [0010] Another drawback of this method is that the user is required to constantly refuel at the same filling station to increase the amount of accumulated points.

[0011 ] In an attempt to obviate at least some of the aforementioned drawbacks methods and systems have been developed which allow a user to accumulate and record points at each refueling stop without using cards.

[0012] US2001 049626 discloses a method for promoting fuel sales by offering a discount for fuel as a reward for the purchase of products other than fuel in the store associated with the filling station.

[0013] The method also envisages a discount on non-fuel products that can be purchased in the store associated with the filling station according to the amount of fuel supplied.

[0014] This method assigns a personal code to each user of the service, through which the reward can be redeemed. The transactions made by each user of the service are associated with the personal code and later recorded in a database.

[0015] This method has the drawback that the data exchanged between the user and the management system is transferred through a single communication network, i.e. the Internet, and there is a risk of conflict between metering data concerning deliveries and point management data.

[0016] A further drawback of this method is that the combination of these two types of data prevents proper use of a hardware and/or software device designed to protect the supply system against tampering.

Technical Problem

[0017] In view of the prior art, the technical problem addressed by the present invention consists in providing a method and a computer system for controlled and incentivized distribution of fuels, that ensures total independence between the metering data flow and the system control and management data.

Disclosure of the invention

[0018] The object of the present invention is to overcome the above drawback, by providing a method and a computer system for controlled and incentivized distribution of fuels that are highly efficient and relatively cost- effective.

[0019] A particular object of the present invention is to solve the above technical problem by providing a method and a system of the aforementioned type that afford separation of the flow of metering data concerning fuel deliveries from the flow of data concerning control and management of the distribution system.

[0020] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system of the aforementioned type that prevent alteration of metering data concerning supplies.

[0021] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system of the above mentioned type that can use hardware and/or software devices for protecting the system.

[0022] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system of the aforementioned type that allow a user to accumulate discounts on fuel even when refueling at a plurality of different filling stations.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system of the aforementioned type that allow a user of the supply service to be entitled to any rewards without any recording and without using cards.

[0024] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system of the aforementioned type that allow a user of the supply service to use a promotion algorithm of stochastic type.

[0025] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system of the aforementioned type that allow a provider of the supply service to know the daily supplied amount so that it can ensure a proportionate promotion.

[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide a method and a system of the aforementioned type that allow a provider of the supply service to boost sales associated with "full service" deliveries, which are typically more expensive and profitable. [0027] These and other objects, as better explained below, are fulfilled by a method for controlled and incentivized distribution of fuels as defined in the independent claim 1 , which comprises a step of using a first algorithm to determine a first range of numbers with a maximum number of deliveries defining a favorable event for a user by generating a pseudorandom number and a step of using a second algorithm to determine merit percentages corresponding to predetermined threshold values and generate a second pseudo-random number.

[0028] Particularly, the detection of metering and time data associated with the supply is a read-only operation and is separate from and independent of the operation of the first and second algorithms, to prevent alteration of the metering data associated with each supply by a respective station.

[0029] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a computer system for controlled and incentivized distribution of fuels as defined in claim 4.

[0030] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are obtained in accordance with the dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

[0031 ] Further features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred, non-exclusive embodiment of a method and a computer system for controlled and incentivized distribution of fuels in a plurality of filling station according to the invention, which is described as a non-limiting example with the help of the annexed drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of the method of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic view of the computer system of the invention; FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic view of a filling station of the system of Fig. 2.

Detailed description of a preferred exemplary embodiment

[0032] Particularly referring to the accompanying figures, there are shown a method and a system 1 for control and promotion of fuel sales, by detecting, determining and assigning rewards that can be associated with a given user U.

[0033] Fuel is sold in a plurality of filling stations 2, as best shown in FIG. 2, and each comprises a plurality of supply units 3 and a computer network 4 associated therewith.

[0034] The method comprises a step of a) detecting metering data corresponding to amounts of fuel supplied to the user and time data concerning each supply and a step of b) assigning a serial number n to each fuel supply, according to the time data.

[0035] These steps are followed by a step of c) calculating a number of selections p available to the user U according to the amounts supplied and a step of d) using a first algorithm 5 to determine a first range of numbers ( ) with a maximum number of supplies in which a favorable event for a user U is defined by generating a first pseudo-random number a.

[0036] In a non-limiting embodiment of the invention, a user U who purchases fuel to an amount of 15€ will be entitled to one selection p, and a user who purchases fuel to an amount of 40 € will be entitled to two selections p.

[0037] Advantageously the first pseudo-random number a may be generated from a first range of numbers of supplies, with a minimum number and a maximum number of deliveries as range limits.

[0038] Furthermore, the favorable event may consist in the availability by the user U is entitled to a reward that has been previously determined by the system manager G.

[0039] The serial number n assigned to a respective supply is compared with the pseudo-random number a during the step e) to determine whether a favorable event susceptible of a reward exists.

[0040] The method further comprises a step f) of using a second algorithm 6 to determine merit percentages s^, S2, S3 corresponding to predetermined threshold values and generate a second pseudo-random number β. [0041 ] The second pseudo-random number β is compared with the threshold values during the step g) for settling access to the reward for the favorable event for the user U.

[0042] Conveniently, the first pseudo-random number a and the second pseudo-random number β may be normalized to integers.

[0043] There are further provided steps of h) transmitting the reward value to the dispenser 3 from which the supply was carried out and of i) activating a command, associated with the unit 3, by the user U, to perform the available selections p and display the available reward.

[0044] In a peculiar aspect of the invention, the detection of metering and time data associated with the supply is a read-only operation and is separate from and independent of the operation of the first 5 and second 6 algorithms, to prevent alteration of the metering data associated with each supply by a respective unit 3.

[0045] Advantageously, an additional step may be provided of j) cyclically calculating, using a third algorithm 7, a second range of numbers i₂ as a ratio between the number of current units and the total amount of daily supplies.

[0046] The system manager G may selectively change such ratio to set a range of numbers of supplies with limits other than the previously set limits, for the pseudo-random number a or β to be generated in such range.

[0047] Likewise, the manager G may change the merit percentages and the threshold values Si , s₂, s₃ that are designed to be compared with the second pseudo-random number β to restrict or increase availability for the users U to the reward.

[0048] The third algorithm 7 may be further configured to check the statistical consistency of said second range i₂ and the predetermined threshold values Si , s₂, s₃, even during operation of the first 5 and the second 6 algorithm, according to the total amount of rewards to be awarded during the day. [0049] In a further aspect, the invention relates to a system 1 for controlled and incentivized distribution of fuels that uses the above discussed method.

[0050] The system 1 comprises a metering device 8 associated with a respective supply unit 3 and an internal clock not shown, for detecting metering data concerning the supply, which comprises the amount of fuel supplied, the cash amount and the time data associated with each supply.

[0051 ] Also, an electronic device 9 is provided at each suppliers 3, for determining a number of events corresponding to selections p available to the user U according to the amounts of fuel supplied.

[0052] Each electronic device 9 can be accessed by a user U through a digital interface 1 0 associated therewith, which provides data to the user U, concerning the supply, the availability and the amount of a reword.

[0053] As best shown in FIG. 2, the system 1 comprises a CPU 1 1 associated with a filling station 2 for an operator G to manage and control the system 1 and a software 12 installed on the CPU 1 1 to store data from the various suppliers 3.

[0054] Furthermore, the software 1 2 is configured to determine the availability to a reward for user U and the amount of the latter, for instance, as a function of the number of selections p available, which are stored in the CPU 1 1 .

[0055] Advantageously, the software 1 2 comprises one or more software programs in which the three algorithms 5, 6, 7 as described above concerning the method operate.

[0056] The software 1 2 may comprise a backup function, that can be selectively actuate during out-of-service events of each electronic device 9.

[0057] The aforementioned computer network 4 allows the CPU 1 1 to be connected to each electronic device 9 of the supply units 3.

[0058] According to a peculiar aspect of the invention, the computer network 4 comprises a first serial communication line 1 3 for transmission of metering and time data associated with each supply and a second Ethernet line 14 for control and exchange of data among electronic devices 9.

[0059] Particularly, the first serial communication line 1 3 is a oneway read-only line and is independent of and isolated from the second Ethernet communication line 14 to avoid any alteration of the metering supply data of each station 2.

[0060] Preferably, the first serial communication line 1 3 is configured to operate with a RS-485 communication protocol, and the second Ethernet communication line 14 is configured to operate with a TCP/IP communication protocol and is managed by a router 1 5 or an equivalent device.

[0061 ] The system comprises a first local server 1 6 with a first database 1 7 installed therein for storing, using the software 1 2, the metering data from the supply units 3 through the first serial communication line 13.

[0062] Furthermore, a second local server 1 8 is provided, with a second database 19 installed therein for storing, using the software 1 2, the amounts of the rewards through the second Ethernet communication line 14.

[0063] Conveniently, as shown in FIG. 2, a main server 20 may be provided which is connected via an Ethernet network 21 , other than the second communication network 14, to the CPU 1 1 of each filling station 2.

[0064] The Ethernet network 21 for connecting the plurality of filling stations 2 may be managed via an encrypted VPN connection.

[0065] Also, the main server 20 may have, loaded therein, a third database 22 for collecting the metering supply data from the plurality of filling stations 2 and a fourth database 23 for collecting the data of the reward amounts of the plurality of filling stations 2.

[0066] It will be apparent from the foregoing that the method and the system of the invention fulfill the intended objects and particularly can maintain the flow of metering data separate from the flow of management data. [0067] The method and system of the invention are susceptible to a number of changes or variants, within the inventive concept disclosed in the appended claims.

[0068] While the method and system have been described with particular reference to the accompanying figures, the numerals referred to in the disclosure and claims are only used for the sake of a better intelligibility of the invention and shall not be intended to limit the claimed scope in any manner.

Industrial applicability

[0069] The present invention may find application in industry, because it can be produced on an industrial scale in fuel supply plants.

Claims

1 . A method for controlled and incentivized distribution of fuels in a plurality of filling stations (2), wherein each filling station (2) comprises one or more supply units (3) and a computer network (4) connected thereto, said method comprising the steps of:

a) detecting metering data corresponding to amounts of fuel supplied to a user (U) and time data concerning each supply;

b) assigning a serial number (n) to each fuel supply, according to said time data;

c) calculating a number of selections (p) available to the user (U) according to the fuel amounts supplied;

d) applying a first algorithm (5) to determine a first range of numbers ( ) with a maximum number of supply operations in which a favorable event for the user (U) is occurring by generating a first pseudo- random number (a);

e) comparing the serial number (n) assigned to the supply with said first pseudo-random number (a) to determine a favorable event susceptible of a reward;

f) applying a second algorithm (6) to determine merit percentages corresponding to predetermined threshold values (si , s₂, s₃) and generate a second pseudo-random number (β);

g) comparing said second pseudo-random number (β) with said threshold values (si , s₂, s₃) for setting the access to the reward for said favorable event;

h) transmitting the value of said reward to the supply unit (3) from which supply has been carried out ;

i) activating a command by the user (U) to perform the selections available to the user and to display the reward to which the user is entitled; wherein the detection of metering and time data associated with the supply is a read-only operation and is separate from and independent of the operation of said first (5) and said second (6) algorithms, to avoid alteration of the metering data associated with each supply by the filling station (2).

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that it comprises a step of j) cyclically calculating, using a third algorithm (7), a second range of numbers (i₂) as a ratio between the number of current supplies and the total amount of daily supplies.

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that said third algorithm (7) is configured to check the statistical consistency between said second range (i₂) and said predetermined threshold values (si , s₂, s₃) according to the total amount of the rewards to be delivered during the day.

4. A computer system (1 ) for controlled and incentivized distribution of fuels in a plurality of filling stations (2), wherein each filling station (2) comprises one or more supply units (3), said system comprising:

a metering device (8) associated with a respective supply unit (3) and an internal clock for detecting metering data, which comprises the amount of fuel supplied, the cash amount and the time data associated with each supply operation;

an electronic device (9) associated with each supply unit (3), for providing a number of events corresponding to selections (p) available to the user (U) according to the amounts of fuel supplied; a CPU (1 1 ) associated with the filling station (2) for management and control of the system (1 ) by an operator (G) of the filling station

(2);

a software (1 2) loaded on said CPU (1 1 ) for storing data from the supply units (3) and determining the availability and the amount of a reward for the user (U);

- a computer network (4) for connecting said CPU (1 1 ) to each electronic device (9) associated with each supply unit (3);

a digital interface (1 0) associated with each electronic device (9) to provide data to the user (U), concerning the supply, the availability and the amount of the reward.

wherein said computer network (4) comprises a first serial communication line (13) which is operably connected to the metering devices

(8) for transmitting the metering and time data concerning the suppliers and a second Ethernet communication line (14) operatively connected to the electronic devices (9) for control and exchange of data there between, wherein said first serial communication line (1 3) is a one-way, read-only line and is independent of and isolated from said second Ethernet communication line (14) to prevent alteration of the metering data of the supply of the station (2).

5. A system as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that said first serial communication line (13) is configured to operate with a RS-485 communication protocol.

6. A system as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that said second Ethernet communication line (14) is configured to operate with a TCP/IP communication protocol and is managed by a router (1 5) or an equivalent device.

7. A system as claimed in claim 4, characterized by comprising a first local server (1 6) with a first database (1 7) loaded therein for storing, using said software (1 2), metering data from the supply units (3) through said first serial communication line (1 3).

8. A system as claimed in claim 4, characterized by comprising a second local server (1 8) with a second database (1 9) installed therein for storing, using said software (1 2), the amounts of the rewards from said supply units (3) through said second Ethernet communication line (14).

9. A system as claimed in claim 4, characterized by comprising a main network server (20) connected via an Ethernet network (21 ) to said CPU (1 1 ) of each filling station (2).

1 0. A system as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that said main server (20) has, loaded therein, a third database (22) for collecting the metering supply data from the plurality of filling stations (2) and a fourth database (23) for collecting the data of the reward amounts of the plurality of filling stations (2).

1 1 . A system as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that said

Ethernet network (21 ) for operating connection of said filling stations (2) is managed by an encrypted VPN connection.

12. A system as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that said software (12) comprises a backup function, which can be selectively actuated during out-of-service events of said electronic devices (9).