JP2001019098A - Oil filling system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the efficiency of a setting operation and an accurate accounting process of a self-service oil filling system. SOLUTION: The oil filling system comprises a self-service oil filling type measuring instrument, an oil filling setting instrument 14, and an oil filling station control computer provided in an office. The instrument 14 includes, on its front side, a microphone 26 to voice input the kinds and amounts of oil, a voice recognition device 27 to convert a voice signal inputted from the microphone 26 to character information, a card reader 28 for insertion of a credit card, a speaker 30 to guide a setting and operating method by means of voice, and a cash receipt/payment device 32, which is used when a charge of oil is paid in cash. By using the voice recognition device 27, a setting processing can be performed by inputting voices, and it can be checked whether or not an oil filling operating person is identical to a setting operating person and an accounting person is identical to the oil filling operating person.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a refueling system configured to simplify a setting for refueling a vehicle at a refueling station and a settlement of a refueling fee.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, in a gas station or the like in which a self-service type weighing machine is installed, a predetermined oil type and oil amount are inputted by a setting device having switches for oil type and oil amount before refueling. After performing the setting operation, a refueling fee settlement method is specified. If the payment method is cash, the driver moves to the refueling office after refueling is completed and refuels the vehicle.

[0003] When a self-service weighing machine is provided with an automatic dispenser, cash is deposited in the automatic dispenser before refueling, and change is automatically paid after refueling is completed. In the case of refueling by a self-service method and paying a refueling fee by a credit card, the credit card is inserted into a card reader / writer connected to the POS terminal and payment is made by the card.

[0004]

However, in the above-described self-service refueling station, the setting operation is complicated because the driver sets the oil type, quantity, and settlement method to be refueled by the setting device. In addition, in the case of an unfamiliar driver, there is a problem that the setting operation procedure is mistaken, and the setting operation is repeated many times, which makes the setting operation troublesome.

[0005] Further, in the case of paying a refueling fee after refueling in the self-service system, a voucher is issued after refueling is completed, and the driver moves the voucher to a refueling office with the voucher to settle the refueling fee. There is a method of performing refueling, or a method in which a driver moves to an office of a refueling station as it is after refueling and informs a refueling station member of the number of a refueling place where the driver has refueled, and then performs refueling fee settlement.

[0006] In the former case, it takes more time to deal with the slip, and in the latter case, when telling the refueling location where the refueling was performed, the number different from one's own number is told to make an incorrect payment. May be affected. In the above-mentioned method of payment using the automatic payment machine, change is automatically paid after refueling. However, it is necessary to always prepare necessary change in the automatic payment machine. There is a problem in that the refueling efficiency of the refueling station is reduced because the weighing machine connected to the automatic dispenser that has been out of change has become a burden on the refueling station staff and cannot be used.

In the settlement method using a credit card, after the information stored in the credit card is read, it is determined by communication with the credit company whether the card is genuine or the card can be settled. Since the card is returned after the reconciliation process after performing the authentication check, it takes a considerable amount of time before the card processing is performed and the vehicle leaves the refueling station, reducing the refueling efficiency at the refueling station Problem.

[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a refueling system which solves the above problems.

[0009]

The present invention has the following features to solve the above-mentioned problems. According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a voice input unit for receiving a content relating to refueling which is pronounced by a customer, a voice recognition unit for recognizing a pronunciation content based on a voice signal input to the voice input unit, and a voice recognition unit for recognizing the voice content. A voiceprint analysis unit that analyzes the received voice signal and stores a voiceprint, performs a refueling process based on the pronunciation content recognized by the voice recognition unit, and specifies a customer based on the voiceprint analysis result stored in the voiceprint analysis unit. And control means.

Therefore, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a refueling process is performed based on the pronunciation content recognized by the voice recognition unit, and a customer is specified based on the voiceprint analysis result stored in the voiceprint analysis unit. The setting operation can be easily performed by inputting, and even a driver unfamiliar with self-service refueling can set information required for refueling without mistake. Also,
It is possible to confirm that the driver who has made the setting has performed the refueling operation based on the analysis result of the voiceprint analysis unit, and it is possible to prevent fraud.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the refueling system according to the first aspect, the voice input unit is provided at a weighing machine and a refueling set position, and the control unit controls the voice recognition. The refueling setting process is performed based on the sounding content from the unit, and the voiceprint analysis results at the time of refueling setting and at the time of refueling operation are collated to put the weighing machine in a refueling permission state.

Therefore, according to the second aspect of the present invention, the voice input unit is provided at the weighing machine and the refueling setting position, and performs the refueling setting process based on the sound content from the voice recognition unit. Since the voiceprint analysis results at the time of setting and at the time of refueling operation are collated and the weighing machine is set to the refueling permission state, voice input can be performed at the weighing machine and at the refueling setting position. This is advantageous when the number of setting devices is reduced, and can prevent illegal acts such as refueling with refueling information set by another person.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the fueling system according to the first aspect, the voice input unit is provided in a weighing machine and a checkout place, and the control unit includes the voiceprint analysis unit. The voiceprint analysis results at the time of refueling operation and at the time of settlement are collated to output refueling fee data by the weighing machine. Therefore, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the voice input unit is provided at the weighing machine and the checkout place, and the voiceprint analysis unit compares the results of the voiceprint analysis at the time of refueling operation and at the time of payment with the voiceprint analysis unit, and checks the results. Since the refueling charge data is output, it is not necessary to handle slips, and it is possible to prevent unauthorized payment by telling another person's refueling location and trying to make payment.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the fuel supply system according to the first aspect, wherein the control means includes a setting information by the voice recognition unit. A voiceprint analysis result by the voiceprint analysis unit is stored, and the stored contents of the previous refueling stored based on the voiceprint analysis result are read, and a refueling setting process of the current refueling is performed.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the setting information by the voice recognition unit and the voiceprint analysis result by the voiceprint analysis unit are stored, and the setting contents of the last refueling stored based on the voiceprint analysis result are stored. Since it is necessary to read and perform the refueling setting process for refueling this time, there is no need to perform the setting operation every time.
The burden on the driver can be reduced, and the set time can be shortened to increase the refueling efficiency.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the refueling system according to the first aspect, the control means performs a refueling setting process based on a sounding content from the voice recognition unit, and then executes a crediting process. When the refueling fee is settled using the card, the credit card data is stored together with the voiceprint analysis result, and the payment is performed using the stored credit card data of the refueling based on the voiceprint analysis result at the time of performing the next refueling setting process. It is characterized by the following.

Therefore, according to the invention, the credit card data is stored together with the voiceprint analysis result, and the refueling credit card data stored based on the voiceprint analysis result at the time of performing the next refueling setting process. Once payment is made using a credit card, payment will be made using the voiceprint analysis results from the next time, eliminating the need for possession of a credit card and insertion operation into a card reader, and operation during card payment. It can be simplified.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an entire configuration of a gas station to which an embodiment of a fuel system according to the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, the refueling system generally includes four weighing machines 12 (12 _{1 to} 12 ₄ ) for refueling by self-service refueling on the premises of a gas station 11, and each weighing machine 12 (12 _1). and 12 ₄ refueling setter 14 installed in front of) (14 ₁ to 14 _4), consisting of the installed gas station management computer 18. within the office 16. Note that gas station management computer 18, the weighing machine 12 (12 ₁ to 12 ₄₎
And are connected oil supply setter 14 (14 ₁ to 14 ₄₎ and the communication line (SS-LAN) indicated by a broken line through 20.

The refueling setting device 14 (14₁~ 14_Four)
It is installed near the entrance of the oil refinery and has a setting point 15 (15₁~ 1
5_Four) Is provided. In addition, each weighing machine 12 (12₁
~ 12_Four) On both sides to stop the refueling vehicle
Refueling point 16 (16₁~ 16 ₈) Is provided. So
Therefore, the driver of the vehicle arriving at the gas station for refueling,
First, set point 15 (15₁~ 15_Four) To stop the vehicle
And then refueling setter 14 (14₁~ 14_Four) For voice input
Perform setting operation. Then, the vehicle is refueled at the refueling point 16 (1
6₁~ 16₈).

Next, the driver operates the weighing machine 12 (12 ₁ to 1).
After performing a confirmation operation by voice (confirming that the user is the same person as the setting input) for 2 ₄ ), a refueling operation is performed with the permission of refueling from the refueling station management computer 18. When refueling is completed, the refueling setter 14 (14) will be described later.
_{In 1 to} 14 ₄ ), the refueling fee is settled, moved to the exit side, and exits from the refueling station.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the refueling setting device 14. As shown in FIG. 2, a refueling setting device 14 has a microphone (voice input unit) for inputting a voice of a refueling oil type and a refueling amount on a front surface thereof.
26, a voice recognition device 27 that converts a voice signal input from the microphone 26 into character information, a card reader 28 into which a credit card is inserted, a speaker 30 that provides voice guidance on a setting operation method, and a refueling fee. A cash depositing / dispensing device 32 used when paying in cash is provided.

Further, in the weighing machine 12 and the refueling station management computer 18, it is necessary to confirm that the refueling operator is the same person as the setting operator and that the reimbursement operator is the same person as the refueling operator. , A voice recognition device 27 similar to the refueling setting device 14 is provided. The cash depositing / dispensing device 32 has a cash slot 32a for inserting 10,000 yen bills, 5,000 yen bills, and 1,000 yen bills. The cash depositing / dispensing device 32 includes:
Since the change function is not provided, when there is change, the office 16 receives the change.

As a method of adjusting the refueling fee after the refueling is completed, there are a method of inserting a credit card into the card reader 28 for settlement, and a method of inserting cash into the cash depositing / dispensing device 32 for settlement. The driver (customer) can arbitrarily select which settlement method is used for settlement. FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a refueling setting device 14.

As shown in FIG. 3, the refueling setting device 14
Has a control circuit 40 therein, and the control circuit 40 includes the microphone 26, the card reader 28, and the speaker 30.
In addition to the cash depositing / dispensing device 32, a voice recognition unit 34, a voiceprint analysis unit 36, and a storage unit 38 are connected. The voice recognition unit 34 recognizes a voice signal input from the microphone 26, subdivides it into phonemes or syllables, and converts it into a digital signal representing a character.

The voiceprint analysis unit 36 analyzes the voiceprint (acoustic characteristics) of the voice signal input from the microphone 26 and stores the voiceprint pattern of the driver who has performed the voice input in the storage unit 38. In addition, the voiceprint analysis unit 36 collates the voiceprint pattern input this time with the voiceprint pattern stored in the storage unit 38 to collate the setting operator with the refueling operator and collate the refueling operator with the reimbursement operator. .

As with the refueling setter 14, the microphone 26 and the voice recognition unit 34 are also provided in the refueling station management computer 18 of the weighing machine 12 for performing the refueling operation and the office 16 for handling change.
And a voiceprint analysis unit 36. FIG. 4 is a system configuration diagram showing the procedure of the voice recognition process and the voiceprint analysis process. As shown in FIG. 4, when an audio signal is input from the microphone 26 in S11, preprocessing such as detection of an audio section and noise removal is performed in S12. In the next step S13, an acoustic analysis of the input audio signal is performed to extract characteristic parameters.

In S14 to S16, a speech recognition process is performed. In S14, a word standard pattern is read out, and pattern matching of the feature parameters extracted from the audio signal is performed. Then, in S15, a word that matches the word standard pattern is output as speech recognition. The type of oil to be refueled, the amount of refueling (selection between full refueling and preset refueling), and the settlement method (selection between credit card and cash) are set based on the words recognized in this way (S).
16).

In steps S17 to S19, voiceprint analysis processing is performed. In S17, the voiceprint pattern stored in the past is read out from the storage unit 38, and pattern matching of the feature parameters extracted from the voice signal input this time is performed. In the next step S18, the voiceprint analysis result is output, and the current feature parameters are stored in the storage unit 38. And S1
In No. 9, when it is determined from the voiceprint analysis result that the refueling operator is the same person as the setting operator, refueling permission is output, and it is determined from the voiceprint analysis result that the refueling operator is not the same person as the setting operator. In this case, refueling is prohibited. Also,
According to the voiceprint analysis result, the card data of the credit card stored in the storage unit 38 is read out when the last payment method is a credit card in relation to the same characteristic parameter as the current characteristic parameter.

In this way, the setting process can be performed by voice input, and it can be confirmed that the refueling operator is the same person as the setting operator and that the reimbursement operator is the same person as the refueling operator. Therefore, it is possible to confirm that the driver who has made the setting has performed the refueling operation based on the analysis result of the voiceprint pattern, thereby preventing fraud. FIG. 5 is a front view of the weighing machine.

As shown in FIG. 5, the weighing machine 12 includes an apparatus main body 43 installed on an island 42, a support 44 provided on the upper part of the apparatus main body 43, and a hose provided on an upper end of the support 44. It comprises a support portion 45. The hose support portion 45 is provided with a retractor mechanism 46 for supporting an intermediate portion of the oil supply hose 49 in a suspended state. The device main body 43 is provided with an indicator 47 for displaying numerical values such as the amount of refueling and the amount of money at an upper portion thereof.

The apparatus main body 43 is provided with three nozzle hooks 48 on the front face 43a and the rear face 43b. Each nozzle hook 48 is hooked with an oil supply nozzle 50 connected to the tip of an oil supply hose 49. . Three refueling hoses 49
Are connected to liquid feed pipes (not shown) of different oil types, and for example, the oil types that can be refueled at each refueling nozzle 50 are determined from the left, such as high-octane gasoline, regular gasoline, and light oil. .

The refueling hose 49 is supported by a wire 53 drawn from the retractor mechanism 46. A microphone 2 for voice input when performing self-service refueling is provided on the front surface 43a and the back surface 43b of the device main body 43.
6 and a speaker 30 for instructing a refueling operation by voice. Further, inside the apparatus main body 43, a voice recognition unit 34 and a voiceprint analysis unit 36 are provided similarly to the refueling setting device 14 described above.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a procedure when a cash customer comes to the store for the first time. In FIG. 6, a solid line frame indicates a driver's operation, and a broken line frame indicates a voice instruction from the refueling setter 14 and the weighing machine 12. As shown in FIG. 6, the driver
Stop the vehicle at the setting point 15 of the gas station (Procedure 1
1). Next, the driver's seat window is opened (step 12).

The refueling setting unit 14 provides voice guidance for requesting the instruction of the oil type and quantity such as "Welcome, please tell me the oil type and amount of oil supply" from the speaker 30 (step 13). The driver operates the microphone 26 of the refueling setting device 14.
, The type and quantity of oil to be refueled, such as "regular full" (step 14). Next, the refueling setting device 14 gives voice guidance of the settlement method from the speaker 30 (step 15). The driver speaks the settlement method (cash or card) to the microphone 26 of the refueling setting device 14 (step 16).

Next, the refueling setting device 14 uses the speaker 30 to set contents, for example, "Regular, full, cash".
(Step 17). After confirming the setting contents, the driver speaks "high" to the microphone 26 of the refueling setting device 14 to notify that the user has acknowledged (step 18). Next, the refueling setting device 14 sets the speaker 3
From 0, a voice guidance for payment such as "Please insert cash" is provided (step 19). The driver operates the cash slot 3 of the cash depositing / dispensing device 32 according to the voice guidance.
Cash corresponding to the refueling amount is put into 2a (step 20).

Then, the refueling setting device 14 displays, for example, "10,000 yen. If you have change or need a receipt, please go to the office. Please proceed to and refuel. "(Step 21). The driver moves the vehicle to an empty refueling point 16 (step 22).

Next, when the vehicle stops at the refueling point 16, the weighing machine 12 gives voice guidance such as “Done setting” from the speaker 30 (procedure 2).
3). The driver says “high” to the microphone 26 of the weighing machine 12 (procedure 24). Next, the weighing machine 12 gives voice guidance from the speaker 30 such as "Open the fuel filler of the automobile, remove the regular nozzle, and place the cap on the cap" (step 25). The driver performs a refueling operation in accordance with the voice guidance (step 26).

Next, the weighing machine 12 gives voice guidance from the speaker 30 such as "Put the nozzle into the refueling port and pull the lever. Refueling will start after a while" (step 27). The driver performs nozzle operation according to the voice guidance to start refueling (step 28). Next, the weighing machine 12 gives voice guidance such as “The tank is full. Please return the nozzle to the nozzle hook” from the speaker 30 (procedure 2).
9). The driver returns the nozzle 50 to the nozzle hook 48 according to the voice guidance (step 30).

Next, the weighing machine 12 gives voice guidance from the speaker 30 such as "Thank you. There is change, please come to the office" (step 31). The driver moves the car to the office 16 according to the voice guidance (procedure 3).
2). Then, the driver calls out to a staff member at the office 16 to receive change and leave (steps 33 and 3).
4).

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a procedure when a card customer visits the store for the second time or more. In FIG. 7, a solid line frame indicates a driver's operation, and a broken line frame indicates voice instructions from the refueling setter 14 and the weighing machine 12. As shown in FIG. 7, the driver stops the vehicle at the set point 15 of the gas station (step 41). Next, the driver's seat window is opened (procedure 42).

The refueling setter 14 gives voice guidance of the oil type and quantity from the speaker 30 (step 43). The driver speaks to the microphone 26 of the refueling setting device 14 about the type and quantity of oil to be refueled, such as "regular full" (step 44). Next, the refueling setting device 14 sets the speaker 3
From 0, voice guidance such as "regular, full, one-time card payment" is provided (step 45). After confirming the set contents, the driver sets “high” to the microphone 26 of the refueling setting device 14.
(Step 46).

In this case, since the customer has already settled with the credit card at the time of the last refueling, the card data at the time of the last refueling can be automatically read out by voiceprint analysis. The driver moves the vehicle to an empty refueling point 16 (step 47). Next, when the vehicle stops at the refueling point 16, the weighing machine 12 gives voice guidance such as “Did you finish the setting?” From the speaker 30 (Step 48). The driver says “high” to the microphone 26 of the weighing machine 12 (step 49).

Next, the weighing machine 12 uses the speaker 30 to open the vehicle's fuel filler and remove the regular nozzle.
A voice guidance such as "Place a cap on the cap" (step 50). The driver performs a refueling operation in accordance with the voice guidance (step 51). Next, the weighing machine 12 gives voice guidance from the speaker 30 such as "Put the nozzle into the filler port and pull the lever. After a while, refueling will be started" (step 52). The driver operates the nozzle according to the voice guidance to start refueling (step 53).

Next, the weighing machine 12 gives voice guidance such as "The tank is full. Please return the nozzle to the nozzle hook" from the speaker 30 (step 5).
4). The driver returns the nozzle 50 to the nozzle hook 48 in accordance with the voice guidance (step 55). Next, the weighing machine 12 gives voice guidance such as “Thank you. If you need a receipt, please come to the office” (step 5).
6). If a receipt is required according to the above voice guidance, the driver moves the car to the office 16, receives the receipt, and exits (step 57).

As described above, when the credit card has been settled twice or more, the card data corresponding to the voiceprint analysis of the driver is automatically read, so that it is not necessary to prepare a credit card every time. , Settlement after refueling can be easily performed. Also, once the payment is made using a credit card, the authentication check can be performed based on the voiceprint analysis result from the next time, so that there is no need to communicate with the credit company, and the operation at the time of card payment can be simplified.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the setting process executed by the control circuit 40 of the refueling setting device 14. As shown in FIG. 8, the control circuit 40 waits at S <b> 21 until the vehicle stops at the setting point 15 of the refueling setting device 14. For example, if it is detected that the vehicle has stopped at the set point 15 by a sensor or the like, the process proceeds to S22, and the speaker 30 "Welcome. Our shop will refuel by voice. First, please tell us the oil type and refueling amount. And voice guidance for requesting instructions on the type and quantity of oil to be refueled.

In the next step S23, it waits for the customer (driver) to reply to the voice guidance. That is, it waits until the customer finishes talking to the microphone 26 the desired oil type and refueling amount. Then, in S24, the above-described voice recognition processing and voiceprint analysis processing are executed from the voice input of the customer.
Then, the process proceeds to S25, where the customer database registered in the storage unit 38 is searched. In the next S26, if there is no voiceprint data that matches the voiceprint data input this time, the process proceeds to S27, and it is confirmed that the voice recognition of the oil type and the refueling amount has been correctly performed. If an error occurs in the voice recognition of the oil type and the refueling amount in S27, the process proceeds to S28, performs voice guidance such as "Please tell me the oil type and the refueling amount again", and returns to S23.

If the voice recognition of the oil type and the refueling amount is OK in S27, the process proceeds to S29, and voice guidance such as "Please insert cash or a card." In the next S30, the system waits for cash or a card. In the next S31, when cash is inserted,
Proceeding to S32, voice guidance such as "If change occurs, we will return it at the office, so please stop by the office when refueling is completed" is performed. Then, proceed to S33, for example, "I'm okay with regular 10,000 yen."
Voice guidance for setting confirmation is provided.

In the next S34, the system waits for the customer to reply to the voice guidance. Then, in S35,
If the response from the customer is affirmative, such as "yes", S36
To store the voiceprint data as customer data,
Set the setting completion flag. Subsequently, in S37, "the setting is completed. Proceed to the vacant refueling point and refuel. If the answer in S35 is negative, such as the customer's reply is" No, "the aforementioned S28 Then, voice guidance such as "Please tell me the oil type and refueling amount again" is performed, and the process returns to S23.

In S26, if there is voiceprint data that matches the voiceprint data input this time, the process proceeds to S38.
And confirm that the voice recognition of the oil type and the refueling amount has been performed correctly. If the voice recognition of the oil type and the refueling amount is OK in S38, the process proceeds to S39, and the setting of the previous refueling is made valid. In S38, if the speech recognition of the oil type and the oil supply amount is an error, the processing of S39 is omitted.

In the next S40, it is checked whether or not the last refueling settlement was cash. In S40, if the last refueling settlement was cash, the process proceeds to S29 described above. However, S
At 40, if the last refueling settlement was a card, S41
Then, the card data stored in the storage unit 38 is checked. Then, in S42, if the card is valid,
Proceeding to S43, a refueling confirmation message is output from the speaker 30. For example, voice guidance such as "Is it OK to use a VISA card with high occupancy, full?" Thereafter, the process proceeds to S34 described above.

If the card is invalid in step S42, the process proceeds to step S44, and a voice such as "The card refueled last time has become invalid. Please insert another card or cash." Provide guidance. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S30 described above. If the cash is not found in S31, the process proceeds to S45, and after the card is checked, the card is returned. In the next S46, when the card is valid, the process proceeds to S47, and a refueling setting confirmation message is output from the speaker 30. For example, "VISA
Is the card full of high-octane, full? "Voice guidance. Thereafter, the process proceeds to S34 described above.

If the card is invalid at S46, the process proceeds to S48, and voice guidance such as "This card has become invalid. Please insert another card or cash." Thereafter, the process proceeds to S30 described above. In this way, the oil type, refueling amount,
Since the settlement method can be set, for example, even a driver who is not used to the self-service refueling method can set the refueling in a short time without getting lost in the setting operation.
Therefore, even when a plurality of vehicles enter the gas station consecutively, it is possible to prevent the vehicles from lining up for a long time for setting. Therefore, the waiting time for the setting operation can be reduced, and the fueling efficiency of the gas station can be increased.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for explaining the setting process executed by the control circuit of the weighing machine 12. As shown in FIG. 9, the control circuit of the weighing machine 12 waits until the vehicle stops at the refueling point 16 of the weighing machine 12 in S50. For example, when it is detected by a sensor or the like that the vehicle has stopped at the refueling point 16, the process proceeds to S <b> 51, and the voice guidance such as “Welcome.

In the next step S52, the customer (driver) answers the voice guidance (for example, "yes" or "no").
Wait to do. In other words, it waits for the customer to speak into the microphone 26. Then, in S53, the above-described voice recognition processing and voiceprint analysis processing are executed from the voice input of the customer. Subsequently, the process proceeds to S54, where the customer database is searched. If the setting is not completed in the next S55, the process proceeds to S59, and voice guidance such as "Please return to the setting place and perform refueling setting" is performed. However, S
At 55, when the setting is completed, the process proceeds to S56, and voice guidance for confirming the setting content, for example, "Regular is acceptable for 10,000 yen" is performed.

In the next S57, the system waits for the customer to reply to the voice guidance. Then, in S58,
If the response from the customer is negative, such as "No", the process proceeds to S59, and if the response from the customer is positive, such as "Yes", the process proceeds to S60. In S60, voice guidance such as "Please get off the car and open the fuel filler" is performed.
In the next S61, for example, 5 seconds is waited as a time required for opening the fuel filler.

In the next step S62, voice guidance such as "Please remove the cap of the filler port and remove the nozzle of the set oil type" is performed. The driver removes the nozzle according to the voice guidance. And in S63,
Wait for the nozzle 50 to be removed from the nozzle holder 48. In the next S64, it is checked whether or not the nozzle 50 of the set oil type has been correctly removed. When the nozzle 50 of the oil type different from the set oil type is removed in S64,
Proceed to 65 and give voice guidance such as "Nozzle is wrong. Please remove the nozzle of the set oil type."
It returns to S63. The driver removes the correct nozzle according to the above voice guidance.

In S64, when the nozzle 50 of the set oil type is removed from the nozzle hook 48, the process proceeds to S66.
Proceed to and give voice guidance such as "Place the refueling cap on the cap holder. The cap holder is on the nozzle hook." Then, the driver performs a cap placing operation according to the voice guidance, and in S67, the driver is in a standby state during that time.

In the next step S68, voice guidance such as "Put the nozzle into the refueling port and pull the lever. After a while, refueling is started" is performed. The driver operates the nozzle according to the voice guidance to start refueling. In the next S69, waiting for refueling permission from the supervisor of the gas station (in the office) is performed. When the refueling permission is transmitted, refueling is started in S70.

If the refueling is not stopped in S71, S
Proceed to 72 and check the customer database. Then, the process proceeds to S73 and outputs a voice message according to the customer. For example, voice guidance such as "It is time to change the oil. Please tell us at the office when changing the oil." Then, the above S71
Return to

If the refueling is stopped in S71, the process proceeds to S74, and voice guidance such as "The refueling has been completed. Return the nozzle and close the refueling cap" is performed. Then, in S75,
Wait for the nozzle 50 to return to the nozzle hanger 48. When the nozzle 50 is returned to the nozzle hook 48, the process proceeds to S76,
Check if there is change. If there is no change in S76, "Thank you.
Please drop in at the office if you need a receipt. " If there is change in S76, voice guidance such as "Thank you. There is change, so please stop by the office" is performed. As described above, since the refueling operation is instructed by the voice guidance from the weighing machine 12, for example, even a driver who is not used to the self-service refueling method can quickly perform the refueling operation without being lost in the refueling operation. . Therefore, even when a plurality of vehicles enter the gas station continuously, it is possible to prevent the vehicles from lining up for a long time, and it is possible to improve the fueling efficiency of the gas station.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing a first modification of the filling station layout. As shown in FIG. 10, in the first modification, only the setting of the oil type and the refueling amount is performed by the refueling setting device 14 at the setting location 15. Then, after the setting is completed, refueling is performed by the weighing machine 12 at the refueling point 16. After the refueling is completed, the vehicle moves to the front of the office and the refueling fee is settled by the automatic settling machine 52.
After the payment, exit from the exit.

In this modification, since the refueling fee is settled in front of the office, even if there is change, it is possible to receive the change on the spot, so that it is possible to reliably check the customer's settlement. Further, since it is not necessary to perform a card check before refueling, the time required for the setting operation can be further reduced.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a modification 2 of the gas station layout. As shown in FIG. 11, in the second modification, the refueling setting device 14 is installed near the weighing machine 12. Therefore, the customer can perform the setting operation and the refueling operation at the refueling point 16, but there is no need to move from the setting point 15 to the refueling point 16, and the refueling efficiency can be improved accordingly.

In the second modification, there is no space for providing the set point 15 in a place different from the refueling point 16, which is advantageous in the case of a refueling station having a small site area. In the above-described embodiment, the ground-type refueling device has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to a suspension type refueling device that raises and lowers a refueling nozzle.

[0066]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the refueling process is performed based on the pronunciation content recognized by the voice recognition unit, and the customer is specified based on the voiceprint analysis result stored in the voiceprint analysis unit. Therefore, the setting operation can be easily performed by voice input, and even a driver unfamiliar with self-service refueling can set information necessary for refueling without mistake. The oil type, refueling amount, and settlement method can be easily set by voice input, so that even a driver who is not used to the self-service refueling method can set the refueling in a short time without being confused about the setting operation. it can. Therefore, even when a plurality of vehicles enter the gas station consecutively, it is possible to prevent the vehicles from lining up for a long time for setting. Therefore,
The waiting time for the setting operation can be reduced, and the fueling efficiency of the gas station can be increased. Furthermore, it is possible to confirm that the driver who has made the setting has performed the refueling operation based on the analysis result of the voiceprint analysis unit, and it is possible to prevent fraudulent acts.

According to the second aspect of the present invention,
A voice input unit is provided at the weighing machine and at the refueling setting position, performs a refueling setting process based on the sound content from the voice recognition unit, and compares the voiceprint analysis results at the time of refueling setting and at the time of refueling operation to perform the metering. In order to put the machine in a refueling permission state, voice input can be performed at the weighing machine and at the refueling setting position.This is advantageous, for example, when a setting device is provided at the refueling station entrance to reduce the number of setting devices. Unauthorized acts such as refueling with information can be prevented.

According to the third aspect of the present invention,
A voice input unit is provided at the weighing machine and the checkout place, and the voiceprint analysis unit compares the voiceprint analysis results at the time of refueling operation and the checkout and outputs the refueling fee data by the weighing machine, so there is no need to handle slips In addition, it is possible to prevent an improper payment by telling another person's refueling place and trying to make payment. According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the setting information by the voice recognition unit and the voiceprint analysis result by the voiceprint analysis unit are stored, and the setting contents of the last refueling stored based on the voiceprint analysis result are read out and stored. Since the refueling setting process is performed, it is not necessary to perform the setting operation every time, so that the burden on the driver can be reduced and the setting time can be shortened to increase the refueling efficiency.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention,
The credit card data is stored together with the voiceprint analysis result,
Payment is performed using the credit card data of refueling stored based on the voiceprint analysis result at the time of the next refueling setting process, so once you settle using a credit card, you can check the authentication with the voiceprint analysis result from the next time Therefore, there is no need to communicate with the credit company, and the operation at the time of card payment can be simplified. In addition, since the settlement is performed using the voiceprint analysis result from the next time, the operation at the time of card settlement can be simplified because the possession of the credit card and the insertion operation into the card reader are not required.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a plan view showing an entire configuration of a gas station to which an embodiment of a fuel system according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the refueling setting device 14. FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a refueling setting device 14;

FIG. 4 is a system configuration diagram showing a procedure of voice recognition processing and voiceprint analysis processing.

FIG. 5 is a front view of the weighing machine.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a procedure when a cash customer first comes to the store.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a procedure when a card customer visits the store for the second time or more.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a setting process executed by a control circuit of the refueling setting device.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a setting process executed by a control circuit of the weighing machine 12.

FIG. 10 is a plan view showing Modification Example 1 of a gas station layout.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing Modification Example 2 of a gas station layout.

[Explanation of symbols]

12 (12 _{1 to} 12 ₄ ) Weighing machine 14 (14 _{1 to} 14 ₄ ) Refueling setting device 16 Office 18 Refueling station management computer 20 Communication line 26 Microphone 27 Voice recognition device 28 Card reader 30 Speaker 32 Cash deposit and withdrawal device 34 Voice Recognition unit 36 Voiceprint analysis unit 38 Storage unit 40 Control circuit

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A voice input unit for receiving contents relating to refueling pronounced by a customer, a voice recognition unit for recognizing a pronunciation content based on a voice signal input to the voice input unit, and a voice signal recognized by the voice recognition unit A voiceprint analysis unit that analyzes and stores a voiceprint, and a control unit that performs a refueling process based on the pronunciation content recognized by the voice recognition unit and identifies a customer based on the voiceprint analysis result stored in the voiceprint analysis unit, A refueling system comprising: 2. The refueling system according to claim 1, wherein the voice input unit is provided at a weighing machine and at a refueling setting position, and the control unit is configured to perform control based on a sound generated by the voice recognition unit. A refueling system that performs a refueling setting process and compares the voiceprint analysis results at the time of refueling setting and at the time of refueling operation to put the weighing machine in a refueling permission state. 3. The refueling system according to claim 1, wherein the voice input unit is provided in a weighing machine and a checkout place, and the control unit is configured to perform a refueling operation and a checkout by the voiceprint analysis unit. A fueling system that matches the voiceprint analysis results of the above and outputs refueling fee data by the weighing machine. 4. The refueling system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit stores setting information by the voice recognition unit and a voiceprint analysis result by a voiceprint analysis unit, and stores the information based on the voiceprint analysis result. A refueling system characterized in that the refueling setting processing for the current refueling is performed by reading the set content of the previous refueling. 5. The refueling system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit performs a refueling setting process based on a pronunciation content from the voice recognition unit, and then uses a credit card to set a refueling fee. A refueling system which stores credit card data together with a voiceprint analysis result when a payment is made, and performs payment using the stored credit card data of the refueling based on the voiceprint analysis result at the time of performing the next refueling setting process.