JP3537407B2 - Refueling system - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a fueling system, and more particularly, to a fueling system in a self-service gas station or the like in which a driver (customer) operates a self-service fueling machine to refuel a car.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Self-service gas stations have been lifted in Japan since April 1, 1998. This type of gas station is increasing in Japan because the driver (customer) operates a self-service refueling machine by himself to refuel a car, which has advantages such as lower gasoline sales prices. At present, among the refueling systems operating at self-service gas stations in Japan, customers purchase a prepaid card in advance and load the prepaid card into a card reader provided in a self-terminal device of the self-service refueling machine side. After operating the self-lubricating machine and refueling the car, based on the communication between the self-terminal device and the POS controller and the output of the measuring device, a fixed amount operation according to the amount of the prepaid card is performed, and the fuel is automatically refueled. Some are configured to complete.

[0003] In the United States and the like, self-service gas stations have become widespread. US Patent Publication No. 20010000614 (US2
001 / 0000614A1 May3,2001), multiple refuelers (dispensers) are networked to one server,
There has also been proposed a system in which the status of a dispenser is monitored, forms are created, troubles are solved, and the like by remote control.

[0004]

On the other hand, cash is deposited into a self-terminal device attached to a self-service refueling machine without using a prepaid card as described above, and a fee is settled according to a refueling situation. There is a self-service gas station that automatically pays the change from the change machine when the customer's payment exceeds the refueling fee. In this system, since payment is made in cash from the beginning in accordance with the amount of refueling, there is no need to purchase a prepaid card in advance.

However, since a change machine has complicated and delicate mechanical components, it is very difficult to ensure a so-called maintenance-free and accurate operation for a long period of time. If a failure occurs in such a change machine at an unmanned self-service gas station or the like, the customer may not be able to receive change.
The above-mentioned U.S. Patent Publication No. 20010000614 discloses a technique for easily performing various complicated information processing by a server. However, a failure caused by the above-described malfunction of a mechanical component of the change machine is disclosed. There is no disclosure of a method of recognizing or resolving issues such as coping when a problem occurs.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a refueling system capable of appropriately coping with a failure in dispensing change due to a failure of a change machine of a self-terminal device.

[0007]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention has the following characteristic configuration.

(1) A plurality of self terminals equipped with change machines for automatically paying change to customers in order to settle charges according to the refueling status of the corresponding self-type refueling machine. A refueling system including a device and a POS controller for transmitting and receiving information to and from each of the plurality of self-terminal devices, wherein the plurality of self-terminal devices include a self-change machine. Error information transmitting means for transmitting error information relating to the failure to the POS controller when a failure occurs in dispensing regular change, and a change of another self-terminal device based on command information from outside. Means for paying out change that cannot be paid out due to a malfunction of the machine from the own change machine instead of the other self-terminal device. When the POS controller receives the error information transmitted from the self-terminal device in which the change machine has failed to pay out the correct change because the change machine has failed, the change machine is functioning normally. A refueling system configured to transmit command information to pay change to another self-terminal device.

(2) The self-terminal device has terminal identification information for identifying itself, failure occurrence information indicating that a failure related to change payment has occurred, and shortage indicating a shortage amount related to change payment. (1) The refueling system according to (1), wherein the information including the amount information is transmitted as error information from the own error information transmitting means to the POS controller.

[0010] (3) When the POS controller receives the error information transmitted from the self-terminal device in which the change machine has failed to pay out a correct change due to a failure of the change machine, the POS controller performs the processing based on the error information. The refueling system according to the above (1), which is configured to be able to pay out change that cannot be paid out due to a change of the change machine on behalf of the changer.

(4) When the POS controller receives the error information transmitted from the self-terminal device in which the change machine has failed to pay out a correct change due to a failure of the change machine, the POS controller performs the processing based on the error information. Display means for displaying information for identifying the self-terminal device related to the failure, failure occurrence information indicating that a failure related to change payment has occurred, and shortage information indicating a shortage amount related to change payment. The lubrication system according to the above (1) or (3), wherein

(5) The POS controller, when receiving the error information transmitted from the self-terminal device in which the change machine has failed to pay out the correct change due to a failure of the change machine, numbers the payout number. Error handling information including information indicating the payout number and information indicating another self-terminal device that performs change payment in place of the self-terminal device related to the failure is transmitted to the self-terminal device related to the failure. (1) or (4).

(6) The POS controller transmits the error handling information to the self-terminal device related to the failure, and sends the error-corresponding information to another self-terminal device that pays change in place of the self-terminal device related to the failure. (5) The refueling system according to the above (5), which is configured to transmit proxy instruction information for performing a change payment.

(7) The POS controller transmits the proxy command information to another self-terminal device that substitutes for change payment in place of the self-terminal device related to the failure, and then transmits the change command information to the customer terminal from the self-terminal device. When the information indicating the payout number based on the input operation is received, the validity of the payout related to the payout number is confirmed, and the payout allowing the other self-terminal device to pay the change. The refueling system according to the above (6), which is configured to transmit permission information.

(8) The refueling system according to (7), wherein the self-terminal device includes an input operation section for allowing the customer to input the payout number.

(9) The self-terminal device sends out the dispensing sent from the POS controller in response to the error information issued by itself when the change machine of the self-discharge machine breaks down and can no longer dispense regular change. When error handling information including information indicating a number and information indicating another self-terminal device that performs change payment on behalf of the self-terminal device related to the failure is received, the payout is performed based on the error-handling information. The above (6) which is provided with notation means for recognizing a customer with a number and information indicating another self-terminal device which performs change payment in place of the self-terminal device related to the failure. Refueling system.

(10) The self-terminal device displays the payout number and information representing another self-terminal device that performs change payment in place of the self-terminal device related to the failure by the notation means of the self-terminal device. (9) The refueling system according to the above (9), which is configured to output a print together.

[0018]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, a preferred embodiment of a refueling system according to the present invention will be described in detail.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for explaining an embodiment of a fuel supply system according to the present invention. The POS controller 1 installed indoors, such as an office of a refueling station, is installed adjacent to or incorporated into a self-type refueling machine (not shown) installed at each predetermined location in the vicinity of an outdoor car approach road. Plural self-terminal devices 21, 22, 2
3 and a LAN transmission path 3. Each of these self-terminal devices 21, 22, 23 is provided with a change machine 211, 21 for automatically paying a change to a customer in order to settle a charge in accordance with a refueling amount in a corresponding self-type refueling machine.
2, 213, and the fuel supply system of the present invention is constituted as a whole as described above.

In this example, the POS controller 1 communicates with each of the self-terminal devices 21, 22, and 23 as described later.
Information is transmitted / received via the transmission line 3 of the AN, and information processing relating to the information thus transmitted / received and other necessary management information is performed.

Each of the self-terminal devices 21, (22, 23) receives error information relating to the failure when its own change machine 211, (212, 213) fails and cannot pay out regular change. An error information transmitting means for transmitting to the POS controller 1 and a change machine (21) for the other self-terminal devices (21), 22, and 23 based on external command information transmitted from, for example, the POS controller 1 or the like.
1), means for paying out change that cannot be paid out due to failure of 212, 213 from its own change machine in place of the other self-terminal device.

The error information transmitting means of each of the self-terminal devices 21, 22, 23, for example, detects that a failure related to change payment has occurred based on the output of a sensor provided for detecting the operating state of the change machine. Failure occurrence information to represent;
Insufficient information indicating the shortage of change due to a failure is obtained, and further, terminal identification information for identifying the self-refueling machine, such as the number of the self-terminal device, is added and included. Information is transmitted from the known interface circuit to the POS controller 1 as the error information.

On the other hand, when the error information transmitted from the self-terminal device in which the change machine has failed to pay out the correct change due to the malfunction of the change machine is received, the change machine operates normally. It is configured to transmit command information to pay out change to another self-terminal device.

In this embodiment, when the POS controller 1 receives the above-described error information from the self-terminal device in which the change machine has failed to pay out the correct change, the POS controller 1 detects the error. Based on the information, information identifying the self-terminal device, such as the number of the self-refueling device, is associated with the self-terminal device related to the malfunction, and a malfunction indicating that a malfunction related to change payment has occurred. A display means 11 is provided for displaying occurrence information, shortage amount information indicating a shortage amount related to change payment, and a payout number described later.

The display means 11 includes, for example, "No. 1"
"Dispensation failure occurred""Change shortage is 1,30
0 yen "," payout number: 12345 ", etc., and a display of the amount of refueling, the type of oil, the total amount of charge, etc. is made. Based on the display, the operator can hand the customer any change that cannot be paid out due to the failure of the change machine (the first machine) or a shortage thereof. Therefore, even if the refueling station is provided with only one self-refueling machine and one self-terminal device as described above, when the dispensing of change outside occurs, the indoor POS controller appropriately takes measures. It is possible to do.

In the system of the present invention, when the POS controller 1 receives the above-described error information from the self-terminal device (eg, 21) in which the change machine has failed to pay out the normal change, the POS controller 1 has failed. First, a payout number (eg, 12345) related to the change payment obstacle.
Numbering. Next, the change machine is functioning normally based on communication with each self-terminal device, and is suitable for paying change on behalf of the self-terminal device related to the failure, such as not being occupied by the customer at that time. Another self-terminal device (for example, 23) is selected. Then, the error handling information including the information indicating the payout number (12345) and the information indicating another self-terminal device (23) acting as a substitute for change-out is transferred to the self-terminal device (21) related to the failure.
It is configured to transmit to.

The POS controller further transmits the error handling information to the self-terminal device (21) related to the failure, and performs a change payment in place of the self-terminal device related to the failure. 23), it is configured to transmit agency command information for agency of change payment.

On the other hand, each of the self-terminal devices 21, 22, 23
Is information indicating a payout number transmitted from the POS controller 1 in response to error information issued by the user when his / her change machine breaks down and cannot supply normal change (in the case described above, 12345) and information indicating another self-terminal device (for example, 23) which substitutes for change in place of the self-terminal device (for example, 21) related to the failure, when the error-handling information is received. Based on the information, the payout number (123
45) and another self-terminal device (2) that substitutes for change payment instead of the self-terminal device (21) related to the failure.
It is provided with notation means 221, 222, 223 for making the customer recognize the information representing 3).

In this embodiment, each of these notation means 22
Reference numerals 1, 222, and 223 denote the self-payout number (12345 in the above-described example) and another self-terminal device (for example, the third device) that substitutes for change in place of the self-terminal device (for example, the first device 21) related to the failure. 23) is displayed and printed out.

[0030] For example, "The first self-terminal device cannot pay out change due to failure.""I am very sorry, but I will pay it out from the third self-terminal device instead." Please input a number 12345. "is output. In addition, you may comprise so that notification by sound may be performed other than the above-mentioned display and printing output.

Each of the self-terminal devices 21, 22, 23 has an input operation unit for the customer to input the payout number. The customer refuels with a self-lubricating machine, and a self-terminal device (for example, 2
If a printout sheet as described above is received after inserting the fee from 1), a self-terminal device (e.g., 2) for paying the change represented by the printout is received.
3) The payout number (for example, 1234) is input from the input operation unit.
Enter 5).

The validity of the payout number by this input is confirmed by the POS controller 1, and only when the validity is confirmed, the POS controller 1 pays out the change to the self-terminal device (23) which substitutes the change. As described above, the payout permission information for permitting is transmitted.

The self-terminal device (23) acting on behalf of the change pays out the required change in response to the payout permission information.

According to the present invention, even if the change machine of the self-terminal device attached to a certain self-refueling machine breaks down or runs out of change, the dispensing of change occurs, the other self-terminal device can be used. As a result, the change can be paid out, so that the risk of financial damage to the customer can be significantly reduced.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the POS controller in the case where a failure relating to change dispensing occurs in the refueling system of the embodiment described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, based on FIG. 2, the functions of the above-described refueling system of the present invention will be outlined, and a part of the description will be supplemented.

The POS controller 1 is connected to each of the self-terminal devices 21, 22, and 23 via a LAN transmission line 3, and communicates with each other at an appropriate cycle to monitor the status of the self-terminal devices. If error information for notifying that a change in dispensing has occurred has been received (S
1) A payout number (N) is assigned, and a self-terminal device (A) acting for payout of change is selected (S2). This numbering may be configured so that the POS controller generates the number automatically by itself, or may be configured so that the operator of the refueling station manually inputs the number.

The POS controller 1 calculates the payout number (N) based on the numbering, the number (F) of the self-terminal device in which the failure has occurred based on the error information, and
The shortage of the change is displayed on its own display means 11 (S
3).

Next, the error handling information (D1) indicating the payout number (N) based on the numbering and the self-terminal device (A) acting for change payout is stored in the number (F) of the self-terminal device in which the failure has occurred. (S4).
Based on the error handling information (D1), the self-terminal device (F) informs the customer of the self-terminal device (A) that performs change payout by printing out a print sheet using its own notation means. Further, proxy command information (D2) to the effect of paying change instead of the self terminal device (F) is transmitted to the self terminal device (A) (S5).

Based on the notation on the print sheet, the customer goes to the self-terminal device (A) for paying out change and inputs the payout number (N) from the input operation section.

The POS controller 1 checks whether or not the payout number (N) inputted from the self-terminal device (A) is valid. That is, it is checked whether or not the change payment has already been processed by the substitute machine, or whether an incorrect operation has been performed at the time of input (S6).

When the payout number (N) is confirmed to be valid, the POS controller 1 sends payout permission information (D3) for permitting the self-terminal device (A) acting as a payout of change to actually perform the payout operation. It is transmitted (S7). In response to this, the self-terminal device (A) pays out the change by, for example, releasing the interlock of the cash discharging mechanism.

When the change dispensing operation is completed, the self-terminal device (A) transmits the change dispensing process completion information to the POS controller 1, and the POS controller 1 determines that the change dispensing operation is completed based on this information. If confirmed (S8), a series of operations are performed to execute a termination process such as resetting a flag or data indicating that change has not been paid and resetting the change in the refueling system. Ends.

If the payout number (N) is not confirmed to be valid in the step (S6), the payout permission information (D3) is not transmitted, and therefore, change is erroneously duplicated and paid out. There is no danger of being lost. Also,
In such a case, the customer is informed that the payout number (N) is invalid by the notation means described above, and
Predetermined invalidation processing such as displaying a message urging the operator of the refueling station to respond by the display means 11 of the OS controller 1 is executed (S10).

[0044]

As will be understood from the above description, according to the refueling system of the present invention, it is possible to appropriately cope with a failure in dispensing change due to a failure of the change machine of the self-terminal device. In addition, there is provided a self-service refueling system in which a customer is not likely to lose change.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram for describing an embodiment of a refueling system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the POS controller in the embodiment of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 POS controller 3 Transmission line 11 Display means 21,22,23 Self-terminal device 211, 212, 213 Change machine 221, 222, 223 Notation means

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-5-170297 (JP, A) JP-A-7-93592 (JP, A) JP-A-7-237697 (JP, A) JP-A-8-50665 (JP) JP-A 8-119396 (JP, A) JP-A 8-171669 (JP, A) JP-A 10-338300 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB Name) B67D 5/00

Claims (10)

(57) [Claims] 1. A plurality of self-terminal devices comprising a change machine for automatically paying a change to a customer in order to settle a charge according to a refueling amount in a corresponding self-type refueling machine. And a POS controller for transmitting and receiving information to and from each of the plurality of self-terminal devices and for performing required information processing, wherein each of the plurality of self-terminal devices has its own change An error information transmitting means for transmitting error information relating to the failure to the POS controller when the device fails to pay out a normal change, and a self-terminal device of another self-terminal device based on command information from the outside. Means for dispensing change that cannot be dispensed due to a change of the change machine from its own change machine in place of the other self-terminal device. When the POS controller receives the error information transmitted from the self-terminal device in which the change machine has failed to pay out the correct change due to the failure of the change machine, the change machine is functioning normally. A refueling system configured to transmit command information to pay change to another self-terminal device. 2. The self-terminal device has terminal identification information for identifying itself, failure occurrence information indicating that a failure related to change payment has occurred, and a shortage amount indicating a shortage amount related to change payment. And information including the information as the error information from the own error information transmitting means.
The refueling system according to claim 1, wherein the refueling system is configured to transmit to the controller. 3. When the POS controller receives the error information transmitted from the self-terminal device in which the change machine has failed to pay out a correct change, the change is made based on the error information. The refueling system according to claim 1, wherein the changer is configured to be able to pay out change that cannot be paid out due to a machine failure on behalf of the machine. 4. When the POS controller receives the error information transmitted from the self-terminal device in which the change machine has failed to pay out a correct change due to a failure of the change machine, the POS controller determines the error based on the error information. Display means for displaying information for identifying the self-terminal device related to the failure, failure occurrence information indicating that a failure related to change payment has occurred, and shortage information indicating a shortage amount related to change payment. The lubrication system according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the lubrication system is configured. 5. The POS controller, when receiving the error information transmitted from the self-terminal device in which the change machine has failed and cannot dispense regular change, assigns a payout number. Error handling information including information indicating the payout number and information indicating another self-terminal device that performs change payment in place of the self-terminal device related to the failure is transmitted to the self-terminal device related to the failure. The lubrication system according to claim 1 or 4, wherein the lubrication system is configured. 6. The POS controller transmits the error handling information to the self-terminal device related to the failure, and sends the error-corresponding information to another self-terminal device that performs change payment in place of the self-terminal device related to the failure. 6. The refueling system according to claim 5, wherein the refueling system is configured to transmit proxy command information for proxying change. 7. The POS controller transmits the proxy command information to another self-terminal device that substitutes for change payment in place of the self-terminal device related to the failure, and then inputs the customer's input from the self-terminal device. When the information indicating the payout number based on the operation is received, the validity of the payout related to the payout number is confirmed, and the payout permission for permitting the other self-terminal device to pay the change. 7. The refueling system according to claim 6, wherein the system is configured to transmit information. 8. The refueling system according to claim 7, wherein said self-terminal device has an input operation section for a customer to input said payout number. 9. The payout number transmitted from the POS controller in response to error information issued by the self-terminal device in response to error information issued by the self-change device when the change machine of the self-device has failed and cannot supply normal change. When the error handling information including the information representing the self-terminal device and the information representing the other self-terminal device that performs change payment on behalf of the self-terminal device related to the failure is received, the payout number based on the error handling information is received. Claims characterized by comprising notation means for recognizing a customer with information indicating another self-terminal device that performs change payment in place of the self-terminal device related to the failure. Item 7. A refueling system according to Item 6. 10. The self-terminal device displays the payout number and information representing another self-terminal device which performs change payment in place of the self-terminal device related to the failure by the notation means of the self-terminal device. 10. The refueling system according to claim 9, wherein the system is configured to print out.