GB2396039A

GB2396039A - A fuel delivery system for legally entitled drivers

Info

Publication number: GB2396039A
Application number: GB0228535A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Paul Hedgecock
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-12-06
Filing date: 2002-12-06
Publication date: 2004-06-09
Anticipated expiration: 2022-12-06
Also published as: GB2396039B; GB0228535D0

Abstract

The FUEL DELIVERY SECURITY SYSTEM is an electromechanical Device attached to and intergrated with individual fuel delivery systems at Filling Stations. It is activated by a PERSONAL FUEL CARD that contains electronic/electromagnetic/holographic data specific to a Driver and Vehicle(s) together with a Personal Security Code. When fuel is required it is inserted into an Aperture in the FUEL SECURITY SYSTEM that simultaneously recognizes the Vehicles Identity. On an Alphanumeric Keypad the Driver enters the Vehicles Registration Number and the Personal Security Code. If computed as correct the Fuel Delivery System is unlocked and fuel purchased. The Card is retrieved for future use. The PERSONAL FUEL CARD and Security Code is only issued by the Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority on an annual application for a Road Fund Licence together with relevant Personal and Vehicular details.

Description

A FITFUL DELF,RY SECITR1 - SYSTEM

THIS INVENTION RELATES TO ALL VEHICLES

REQUIRING FUEL OF ALL DESCRIPTION THAT

NEEDS TO BE PURCHASED OR ACQUIRE D FROM

A FILLING STATION.

It is a well known fact that many davers and owners of motor vehicles neither have a drivers licence. have motor vehicle insurance have a current MOT Certificate for their vehicles, have a valid Road Fund Licence. are the legitimate or legal drivers of vehicles on the road' or are knowingly or unknowingly aware of the validity of the chassis number of the vehicle they are driving. or if the number plates of their vehicle are legal.

All these factors produce a major intended or unintended criminal element in the running of vehicles on the roads and together with the non payment of fuel at filling stations. produces a substantial financial burden on businesses and society in general together a major OQlicinE and judicial expense.

According to this Invention a major proportion of this criminal element will be prevented from fuel purchase to any practicable or consistent extent.

Only those drivers meeting the legitimate and legal requirements for vehicle use; registered with the limiters Vehicle Licensing Authority and issued with PERSONAL FUEL CARD for use in conjunction with the FUEL SECURITY SYSTEM - both described later as the Invenffon - at filling stations will be able to acquire fuel.

A FIJFJL DELIVERY SECIJRlTY SYSTEM.

This invention has two main components. The first is a Unit named as A FUEL SECURITY SYSTEM and the second component is a PERSONAL FUEL SECURITY CARD which is used in conjunction with it.

THE FUEL SECURITY SYSTEM is an electronically operated electro mechanical device that is attached to and integrated wim the individual fuel delivery systems for motor vehicles at filling stations.

This operates as follows.

The main unit of the FUEL SECURITY SYSTEM contains optical and/or electronic. electromagnetic. intra - red.

transponder means to recognize the registration plate/number plate and/or the chassis number of the vehicle awaiting receipt of fuel. It then displays the restraffon plate/number plate on a liquid crystal display panel visible to the driver to confirm that the fuel deliver system is available to that vehicle. The driver inserts A PERSONAL FUEL CARD into the appropriate aperture in the FUEL SECURITY SYSTEM.

This Card contains data relevant to the driver and vehicle used to be explained in detail later.

The driver enters a Personal Identity Code / Security Code on an alphanumeric keypad on THE FUEL SECURITY SYSTEM Then the registration plate/number plate of the vehicle to be fuelled, the latter being displayed on a separate and adjacent liquid crystal display panel for drivers confirmation as correct entry. If THE FUEL SECURITY SYSTEM computes bow entries as correct with data stored in the PERSONAL FUEL CARD then the fuel delivery system is unlocked and fuel is taken in me conventional way.

The PERSONAL FUEL CARI) is ejected and retrieved by the craver for farther use within the year that it was first issued.

If incorrect data is entered on the keypad and/. the data from scanning the velaicle '*e. the registration numberinumber plate and)br chassis number does not correlate with that entered or that data within the PERSONAL FUEL CARD then ERROR is displayed on the LCD Panel and the fuel delivery system remains locked. An audio visual link on the FUEL DELIVERY SECURITY SYSTEM connects the driver with the main cashiers desk for consultation and allows the operator to overcome problems andior unlock the fuel delivery system by remote control.

All data is stored and sent to a mainframe computing or data storage and retrieval system for future reference.

As an alternative driver identification system a facility allows for fingerprint identification system and/or visual identity system to be; nstalted and operated in conjunction with the compatible data stored in the PERSONAL FUEL CARI) as registered and issued by the Driver Vehicle licensing Authority.

Users of fore)@ vehicles entering the country will In a PERSONAL FUEL CARD on production of relevant documentation. together with Personal Security Code valid for the duration of their stay.

THE PERSONAL [ITEL Cam Is a credit card sue item similar to a battle vi" card. It is only issued by 13rver Vehicle Licensing Authority on submission of all data and information relating both to the driver and to the vehicle(s} owned or named as being driven' that entices them to do so legally and legitimately? including the chassis numbers of all vehicles named, This PERSONAL FUEL CARD is applied for and issued annually in combination with an application for a Road Fund Licence by a driver.

This data/information is intergrated with the PERSONAL FUEL CARD electronically, electromagnetically, holographically - by way of an electr omagnetic strip, a microchip and hologram; together with data on the surface of the card, utilising relief alphanumeric text as well as conventional text. It is issued in conjunction for use with THE F1JEL SECURITY SYSTEM for sole use by the drivels) and vehicle(s) named and is valid for one year.

A Security cede andlor Personal Identity Number is issued separately by The Vehicle Licensing Authority for use in conjunction with the PERSONAL FUEL CARD and the F1JEL SECURITY SYSTEM by the Applicant.

For [lease/Hire Vehicles the Lease/{ire Company is issued with PERSONAL FUEL CARI)S for each vehicle named together with their individual Security CodeslPersonal Identity Numbers by the Vehicle Licensing Authority.

A Driver Leasing/Hiring a vehicle will be issued Ninth the appropriate FUEI SECURITY CARD and its corresponding Security Code/Personal Identity Number.

All stolen vehicles and PERSONAL FUEL CARI)S With lug Security Codes can have their use stopped by instant electronic communication with all Filling Station fuelddivery systems by acentralpolicing agent.

E-XAMPLI: OF -HOW- THE FUEL SECURITY 5

SYSTEM OPERATES WITH REFERENCE TO THE

DRAWINGS - t/3 ? 2/3 9 3/3.

REFFERING TO DRAWING -1/3, the Vehicle 9 arrives and its Registration PlateJNumber Plate and/or Chassis number is recognized by the visual/infra - redlelectronic recognition system 6, and/or underground transponder 17/Vehicle transponderl8, The Registration Plate/llumber Plate is displayed on the Liquid Display Pane! 2 for confirmation that this vehicle is next to receive fuel.

REFFERING TO DRAWING - 2/3, A green light 5 that is below the LCD Panel is illuminated.

The Driver enters the Vehicles Registration Plate details/Number Plate on me Alphanumeric Keypad 3.

These details are displayed above on a Liquid Crystal Display Panel for Driver confirmation that the details are correct. If so lDnter button 8 is pressed, if an error is made Cancel button 9 is pressed, and the correct number entered Then the Security Code/Personal Identity Number is entered, on the Alphanumeric Keypad, these show as a series of xxxx in me LCD Panel. If this is computed as correct by electronic matching of details in the PERSONAL SECURITY CARD and correct chassis number then a green light 10 is illuminated and the fuel filling system is electronically unlocked and fuel can be taken. If incorrect the red light 11 is illuminated and the fuel delivery system remains locked.

An Audio Visual Link with the Controller 13 is available to communicate any problems.

When the transaction is completed the LCD Panel 6 is cleared and a red light is illuminated 5, the LCI) Panel 4 is cleared and lights 10 and I I are off THE PERSONAL FUEL CARD is ejected and retrieved for future us within the year that it is valid.

INDEX TO DRAWINGS 6

SHEET 113,

1 FUELSECURI1Y SYSTEM IRVIN UNIT

2 LCD Panel to display Registration PlatetNumber Plate of Vehicle electronically registered as awaiting fuel by the FUEL SECURITY SYSTEII.

3 tCD Panel and Alphanumeric Keypad to display the Registration Plate/Number Plate entered on the Alphanumeric Keypad, 4 PERSONAL FUEL CARD.

5 Audio Visual Link with Cashier / Central Control Desk.

6 Two way Vehicle Identity System. i,e. Left approach and Right approach.

7 Vehicles Registration Plate/Number Plate.

8 Vehicle Identity Transponder.

9 Vehicle Approaching for fuel.

10 Fuel Cost Indicator.

11 Volume/Unit Indicator.

12 Fuel Price Indicator.

13 Fuel Delivery Unit Indicator.

14 Fuel Line and Handle in Cradle.

15 Main Fuel Delivery Unit.

|6 Plinth.

\? Conduit for/and Transponder.

INDEX TO DRAWINGS SHEET 2/3

1 PERSONAL FUEL CARD.

2 Aperture for PERSONAL FUEL CARD.

3 Alphanumeric Keypad.

4 Liquid Crystal Display PaneL GreenlRed Illuminating Light.

6 Liquid Crystal Display Panel for Registration Number/lumber Plate recognized by the FUEL SECURITY SYSTEM.

7 Main Unit of Fuel Security SYSTEM.

8 ENTER Button.

9 CANCEL Button.

10 GREEN Light.

I 1 REI) Light.

12 Panel with Instructions for Operation on Panel over Fingerprint/Optical Character Recognition System.

13 Audio/Visual Link with on/off switch.

14 Infra Red/VisuaVElectronic Vehicle Recognition System. 15 Electronic Contacts to main Fuel Delivery System and Transponders.

l INDEX TO DRAWINGS 8.

SHEET 3/3 No. A 1 DRIVERS VEHICLE LICENCING CEIY1 RE FUEL

CARD Issuing Authority.

2 R egstration PlatelPIumber Plate of Vehicle.

3 D ate issued and Expiry D ate.

4 CARD Issue Number.

5 Name of C ard H older for whom Card is Valid.

6 H ologra m. C ontaining Holographic Security Details.

No, B 7 Electromagnetic Details Contained Within Card and/or Electronic resolution of FingerprintlTbumbprint.

8 Microchip.

9 Magnetic strip.

Claims

CLAIMS - al

1 A FUEL DELIVERY SECURITY SYTSTEM allows only legitimately and legally entitled Drivers and their specifically named Vehicle(s), Accredited by the Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority to Purchase Fuel from individual fuel delivery systems for all types of Fuel for all types of Vehicles at Fuel Filling Stations.

2 A FUEL DELIVERY SECURITY SYSTEM as Claimed in Claim 1 is an electronically powered unit that is intergrated electronically/electromagnetically and/or by wireless means to the Individual Fuel Delivery Systems at Fuel Filling Stations.

3 THE FUEL DELIVERY SECURITY SYSTEM as Claimed in Claims 1 and Claim 2 has a three stage operating Procedure.

4 AS claimed in Claims 1,2 and 3, THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM will only allow, by electronic, electromagnetic and/or wireless means, fuel to be purchased from the Fuel Delivery System that it is intergrated with, after validating specific data that is entered into its computing component by electronic, electromagnetic/electromechanical, infra red, wireless or holographic means of a Vehicle,from a Data Card known as a PERSONAL FUEL CARD containing one or more of these capacities; and by the Driver entering specific Data on an Alphanumeric Keypad.

5 As Claimed in Claim 4, THE FUEL DELIVERY SECURITY SYSTEM will recognize by electronic, electromagnetic, infra red visual and/or transponder means the Registration Plate/Number Plate and/or the Vehicle Chassis Number of the Vehicle awaitag fuel.

6 Claim 6 as Claimed in Claims 4 and 5, A PERSONAL FUEL CARD containing Data specific to an individual Driver and specific Vehicle, is entered into an aperture in the FUEL DELIVERY SECURITY SYSTEM.

7 THE PERSONAL FUEL CARD as Claimed in I (I Claim 6 is a credit card size security device used specifically in conjunction with the vehicle being filled with fuel, by the specifically named Driver and with THE FUEL DELIVERY SECURITY SYSTEM.

8 As Claimed in Claims 6 and Claim 7, the PERSONAL FUEL CARD is issued by the Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority on receipt of all information relating to the Driver and Vehicle(s) used, including that which allows THE FUEL DELIVERY SECURITY SYSTEM to function correctly and conforming to all legitmate and legal requirements.

9 THE PERSONAL FUEL CARD as Claimed in Claims 6,7 and 8, contains and is issued with a Personal Security Code/Personal Identity Number by The Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority, For exclusive use by the Driver and Vehicle(s) named.

10 As Claimed in Claim 6 THE PERSONAL FUEL CARD is entered into the Aperture of THE FUEL DELIVERY SECURITY DEVICE and then the Vehicles Registration Plate/Number Plate is entered into an Alphanumeric Keypad as Claimed in Claim 4, as claimed in Claim 9 the Drivers Personal security Code/ Personal Identity Number is entered into the Alphanumeric Keypad.

11 As Claimed in Claim 10,the correct cross referencing and computing of information contained in the PERSONAL FUEL CARD, the data entered on the Alphanumeric Keypad- and the Vehicle Data received by THE FUEL DELIVERY SECURITY SYSTEM S Sensors unlocks the fuel delivery system. Fuel can be taken by the Driver.

12 As Claimed in Claim 11,after correct use and completion of fuel transaction the PERSONAL

1) 12 FUEL CARD is ejected and retrieved by the Driver for future use for the year that it is valid.

13 As Claimed in Claims 4,5,8,9,10 and 11, THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM as Claimed in Claim 2, has all the data received by it transmitted and stored in a main data storage system within the Filling Station that can be accessed for Business reasons and for Policing purposes.

14 Claim 14 as Claimed in Claims 2 and 4, an Audio Visual link from THE FUEL DELIVERY SECURITY SYSTEM to the Cashiers Desk and/or Central Control Unit that allows for communication with the Driver to overcome problems and to allow for remote locking/unlocking of THE FUEL DELIVERY SYSTEM.

15 As Claimed in Claim 4 and Claim 5, Vehicles Registered wim the Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority, and as named as those driven by a Driver also Registered with the Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority as Claimed in Claim 8 and Claim 9, contain within their structure a microchip and/or transponder that contains and transmits sufficient data about me Vehicle for the FUEL DELIVERY SECURITY SYSTEM TO operate Correctly. % i

l] Amended claims have been filed as follows CLAIM 1

A Fuel Authorisation system comprising an electronic, electromagnetic and/or wireless operated system that is fully integrated with fuel delivery systems and that only allows legitimate and legally entitled drivers and their specifically named vehicle(s) accredited by the Driving Vehicle Licensing Authority, to purchase fuel only by the activation and validation of specific data contained in the authorization systems' computing component, through comparing the data held on a data card ( hereinafter referred to as a personal fuel card) containing data specific to the individual driver and specific vehicle(s) and transmissive of such data to the authorization system by means of electronic, electromagnetic, infra-red, wireless or holographic means, and the receipt of the vehicles' registration plate/number plate and/or the vehicles' chassis number obtained by electronic, electromagnetic, infra red, visual and/or transponder means and driver entered data.

CLAIM 2

cea. À. a The personal fuel card as claimed in Claim 1 is a credit card size data card accredited by the Driving Vehicle Licensing Authority and used prior to the A. vehicle being fuelled, by its insertion into the appropraite aperture of the fuel delivery authorization system by the driver.

CLAIM 3

ma À . The personal fuel card as claimed in Claim 1 and Claim 2 after being entered add into the fuel authorization system is activated and validated, by the driver entering a personal security code and vehicle registration plate/number plate details, contained in the personal fuel card, exclusive to that driver and vehicle, on an alphanumeric keypad integrated with the fuel authorization system. CLAIM 4

As claimed in Claim 3 the correct cross - referencing and computing of information contained in the personal fuel card, the data entered in the alphanumeric keypad and the vehicle data received by the fuel authorization sensor system contained within the fuel delivery system unlocks that particular delivery mode and fuel can be taken by the driver.

CLAIM 5

As claimed in Claim 2 the personal fuel card is ejected and retrieved by the driver on completion of taking fuel for future use for the year that it is valid.