JP7414763B2 - Fueling station system, fueling permit control device, method, and program - Google Patents

Description

The present disclosure relates to a refueling station system, refueling permit control device, method, and program.

BACKGROUND ART Self-service refueling stations (hereinafter also referred to as service stations (SS)), where customers (users) themselves operate refueling machines to refuel their vehicles, have become widespread. When self-operating an SS, it is mandatory to install a device with a refueling permit function (hereinafter also referred to as a refueling permit device). In order to reliably control refueling permission from a safety standpoint, the refueling permission device is required to be fixed in a room such as a management office. When a user refuels, an attendant at a gas station confirms the safety of the refueling operation and issues a refueling permit by operating a refueling permit device. When a refueling permit is issued from the refueling permit device, the refueling machine becomes ready for refueling.

As a related technology, Patent Document 1 discloses a self-fueling management system. The self-fueling management system described in Patent Document 1 includes a POS (Point of Sale) terminal, a self-console, and a portable operating device. The self-console is a refueling permit device installed at the management office and controls the refueling machine. The portable operating device is a portable device that is owned by a manager and has a wireless communication function.

When the user refuels, the refueling machine transmits a refueling request signal to the self-console. Upon receiving the refueling request signal, the self console transfers the received refueling request signal to the POS terminal. When the POS terminal receives the refueling request signal, it determines whether the refueling request can be made or not, and transmits a refueling permission signal to the self-console. When the self-console receives the refueling permission signal, it displays a refueling request on the display monitor.

If there is a manager in the monitoring station, the manager confirms the safety of the refueling operation and inputs a confirmation signal by operating the self-console. If the manager is outside the control center, after confirming the safety of the refueling operation, the manager can input a confirmation signal to the self-console from the portable operator in his/her possession. The self-console transmits a refueling permission signal to the refueling machine when the administrator inputs a confirmation signal or when a confirmation signal is input to the portable operation device. The self-refueling management system described in Patent Document 1 can output a safety confirmation signal for refueling work from a portable operating device. Therefore, the manager does not have to return to the management office every time a refueling request is made, and the efficiency of refueling management can be improved.

As another related technology, Patent Document 2 discloses a gas station system. The gas station system described in Patent Document 2 includes a POS terminal and an SSC (Self Service Console) terminal. The POS terminal performs overall control of a plurality of gas station devices within the gas station and performs payment processing regarding the gas station devices. The SSC terminal outputs a control signal to the gas station equipment based on the signal transmitted from the POS terminal.

In the gas station system described in Patent Document 2, the POS terminal and the SSC terminal share sales data and operation data regarding a plurality of gas station devices. Under normal conditions, refueling control is performed by the SSC terminal. If the SSC terminal goes down, the POS terminal takes over the safe refueling management that was performed by the SSC terminal. By doing so, the refueling station system described in Patent Document 2 can continue to perform refueling operations without stopping refueling operations even if the SSC terminal becomes unusable.

Patent No. 4918925 JP2013-235524A

In Patent Document 1, a portable controller is used as a portable SSC for inputting a confirmation signal. The manager can issue a refueling permit by operating a portable SSC (portable operator). However, even when a portable operator is used, a refueling permission device such as a fixed SSC is required, which is connected by wire to the network in the SS and fixedly installed in the office. In order to continue self-service refueling even if the refueling permit device malfunctions and becomes unusable, a fixed backup SSC is required within the office. In this case, in addition to the portable controller, at least two fixed SSCs are required, which increases operational costs.

In Patent Document 2, since the POS terminal and the SSC terminal can be substituted for each other, a fixed SSC dedicated for backup is not necessary. However, in Patent Document 2 as well, when a portable SSC is used, a POS terminal and an SSC terminal having an SSC function need to be fixedly installed in an office. Therefore, in Patent Document 2 as well, in addition to the portable SSC, at least two devices having the SSC function fixed in the office are required.

In view of the above circumstances, the present disclosure aims to provide a refueling permission control device, a refueling station system, a method, and a program that can reduce operating costs at self-service refueling stations.

In order to achieve the above object, the present disclosure includes a fixed refueling permission device installed in a gas station store and configured to be able to transmit a permission signal indicating refueling permission to a weighing machine installed in a refueling area; A plurality of portable terminal devices used by the workers at the gas station, a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication between the plurality of portable terminal devices, and a control for refueling permission using the portable terminal device. A refueling station system is provided, which includes a refueling permission control device. The refueling permission control device includes a recognition means for recognizing a failure of the fixed refueling permission device, and a refueling permission control device that, when a worker inputs a refueling permission using one of the plurality of portable terminal devices, transmits information via the wireless communication device. transfer means for receiving a permission signal indicating refueling permission from the portable terminal device and transmitting the received permission signal to the weighing machine; and at least one of the plurality of portable terminal devices is located in the store. a determining means for determining whether or not the plurality of portable terminal devices can transmit the permission signal to the weighing machine based on the recognition result of the recognition means and the determination result of the determining means; a control means for controlling, when the recognition result indicates that the fixed refueling permission device is not out of order, and the recognition result indicates that the fixed refueling permission device is out of order, and If the determination result indicates that at least one of the plurality of portable terminal devices is fixed in the store, transmission of the permission signal is permitted, and if the recognition result indicates that the fixed refueling permission device is malfunctioning. control means configured to prohibit transmission of the permission signal when the determination result indicates that none of the plurality of portable terminal devices is fixed in the store; and has.

The present disclosure provides a recognition means for recognizing a failure of a fixed refueling permission device installed in a gas station store and configured to be able to transmit a permission signal indicating refueling permission to a weighing machine installed in a refueling area; When the worker inputs refueling permission using one of a plurality of portable terminal devices used by workers at a gas station, a permission signal indicating refueling permission is sent from the portable terminal device via a wireless communication device. a transfer means for receiving and transmitting the received permission signal to the weighing machine; a determination means for determining whether at least one of the plurality of portable terminal devices is fixed in the store; and the recognition control means for controlling whether or not the permission signal can be transmitted from the plurality of portable terminal devices to the weighing machine based on a recognition result of the means and a determination result of the determination means; If the fixed refueling permitting device is not out of order, and the recognition result indicates that the fixed refueling permitting device is out of order, and the determination result is one of the plurality of portable terminal devices. If at least one of the fixed refueling permission devices is shown to be fixed in the store, the transmission of the permission signal is permitted, and the recognition result indicates that the fixed refueling permission device is out of order, and the determination result is that the plural and a control means configured to prohibit transmission of the permission signal when it indicates that none of the portable terminal devices is fixed in the store.

The present disclosure recognizes whether or not a fixed refueling permission device installed in a gas station store and configured to be able to transmit a permission signal indicating refueling permission to a weighing machine installed in a refueling area is malfunctioning. , determining whether at least one of a plurality of portable terminal devices used by workers at the gas station is fixed in the store, and a failure of the fixed fuel permitting device is not recognized. a wireless communication device; receives a permission signal indicating refueling permission input by the worker from the portable terminal device via the mobile terminal device, transmits the received permission signal to the weighing machine, and detects that a malfunction of the fixed refueling permission device is recognized. and if it is determined that none of the plurality of portable terminal devices is fixed in the store, the refueling permission control method prohibits transmission of the permission signal to the weighing machine. provide.

The present disclosure recognizes whether or not a fixed refueling permission device installed in a gas station store and configured to be able to transmit a permission signal indicating refueling permission to a weighing machine installed in a refueling area is malfunctioning. , determining whether at least one of a plurality of portable terminal devices used by workers at the gas station is fixed in the store, and a failure of the fixed fuel permitting device is not recognized. a wireless communication device; receives a permission signal indicating refueling permission input by the worker from the portable terminal device via the mobile terminal device, transmits the received permission signal to the weighing machine, and detects that a malfunction of the fixed refueling permission device is recognized. and if it is determined that none of the plurality of portable terminal devices is fixed in the store, causing a processor to execute a process of prohibiting transmission of the permission signal to the weighing machine. Provide programs for

The fueling station system, fueling permission control device, method, and program according to the present disclosure can reduce operational costs at self-service fueling stations.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram schematically showing a gas station system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a refueling permission control device. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a gas station system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The block diagram which shows the example of a structure of a repeater. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a gas station system when operating an SSC function in an external machine. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure (refueling permission control method) in the relay machine. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the gas station system when the POS terminal is not out of order. FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the gas station system when a POS terminal is out of order.

Prior to describing the embodiments of the present disclosure, an overview of the present disclosure will be explained. FIG. 1 schematically depicts a filling station system according to the present disclosure. The gas station system 10 includes a refueling permission control device 20, a fixed refueling permission device 30, a weighing machine 40, a wireless communication device 50, and a plurality of portable terminal devices 60. The weighing machine 40 is installed in a refueling area of a refueling station. The fixed refueling permit device 30 is installed inside a refueling station store. The fixed refueling permission device 30 is configured to be able to transmit a refueling permission signal indicating permission for refueling to the weighing machine 40.

The wireless communication device 50 wirelessly communicates with a plurality of portable terminal devices 60. Each portable terminal device 60 is used by a gas station worker. The worker can input refueling permission by operating the portable terminal device 60. The refueling permission control device 20 controls refueling permission using the portable terminal device 60.

FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the refueling permission control device 20. As shown in FIG. The refueling permission control device 20 includes a recognition means 21 , a transfer means 22 , a determination means 23 , and a control means 24 . The recognition means 21 recognizes a failure of the fixed refueling permission device 30. When the worker inputs refueling permission using the portable terminal device 60, the transfer means 22 receives a permission signal indicating refueling permission from the portable terminal device 60 via the wireless communication device 50. The transfer means 22 transfers the received permission signal to the weighing machine 40.

The determining means 23 determines whether at least one of the plurality of portable terminal devices 60 is fixed inside the gas station. The control means 24 controls whether or not the permission signal can be transmitted from the portable terminal device 60 to the weighing machine 40 based on the recognition result by the recognition means 21 and the determination result by the determination means 23.

When the recognition result of the recognition means 21 indicates that the fixed refueling permission device 30 is not out of order, the control means 24 permits transmission of a permission signal from the portable terminal device 60 to the weighing machine 40. The control means 24 determines that the recognition result of the recognition means 21 indicates that the fixed refueling permission device 30 is out of order, and the determination result of the determination means 23 indicates that the portable terminal device 60 is fixed in the store. In this case, transmission of a permission signal from the portable terminal device 60 to the weighing machine 40 is permitted. The control means 24 determines that the recognition result of the recognition means 21 indicates that the fixed refueling permission device 30 is out of order, and the determination result of the determination means 23 indicates that the portable terminal device 60 is not fixed in the store. In the case shown, transmission of a permission signal from the portable terminal device 60 to the weighing machine 40 is prohibited.

In the present disclosure, the refueling permission control device 20 allows refueling permission using the portable terminal device 60 when the fixed refueling permission device 30 is operating normally. If the fixed refueling permit device 30 is not operating normally, the refueling permission control device 20 controls the portable terminal device 60 depending on whether at least a part of the portable terminal device 60 is fixed in the store. Control the refueling permissions used. In this disclosure, the fixed portable terminal device 60 in the store is considered to be the fixed refueling permit device 30. In the present disclosure, even if the fixed refueling permission device 30 breaks down, the refueling permission using the portable terminal device 60 can be continued using the portable terminal device 60 fixed in the store. Therefore, there is no need for fixed equipment to be permanently installed in the store for backup purposes, and operational costs can be reduced.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail below. FIG. 3 shows a fueling station system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The gas station system 100 includes a POS terminal 110, a communication converter 120, a repeater 130, a WAP (Wireless Access Point) 140, portable SSCs 150A and 150B, an external device 170, a weighing device 180, and a camera 190. At the gas station, a POS terminal 110, a communication converter 120, a repeater 130, and a WAP 140 are arranged in an office (store) 200. External equipment 170, weighing machine 180, and camera 190 are arranged in a refueling area outside store 200.

The POS terminal 110 and the external device 170 are connected to each other via a LAN (Local Area Network) 210. In the LAN 210, communication is performed according to a protocol such as TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol). Relay machine 130 and weighing machine 180 are each connected to SS-LAN 220. In the SS-LAN 220, communication is performed in accordance with, for example, the Japan Petroleum Association's standard communication method (RS (Recommended Standard) 485 serial control method). The communication converter 120 performs communication method conversion between the LAN 210 and the SS-LAN 220. The communication converter 120 may be, for example, a device called an SS-LAN Interface Box (SIB). Communication converter 120 and relay device 130 do not necessarily need to be configured as independent devices, and communication converter 120 and relay device 130 may be configured as one device.

In addition, in FIG. 3, two types of networks, LAN 210 and SS-LAN 220, are used in the gas station system 100. However, this embodiment is not limited to this. The POS terminal 110, the repeater 130, the external equipment 170, and the weighing machine 180 may be connected to each other via the same LAN. In that case, a device such as the communication converter 120 that converts the communication method between the two networks is not required.

The weighing machine 180 is a device used when a customer refuels a vehicle such as a car. The metering machine 180 has nozzles and a fuel pump for high-octane, regular, and light oil. The external machine 170 includes a banknote handling device, a coin handling device, a card reader, a display device, an input device, a printer, and the like. The external machine 170 is provided above the weighing machine 180 or near the weighing machine 180. The camera 190 photographs the customer refueling. Camera 190 transmits the captured video to POS terminal 110. Weighing machine 180 corresponds to weighing machine 40 shown in FIG.

Although FIG. 3 shows one external machine 170, one weighing machine 180, and one camera 190, the present embodiment is not limited thereto. Gas station system 100 may include any number of external machines 170, weighing machines 180, and cameras 190.

The POS terminal 110 is an accounting device that records fuel sales at a gas station. The POS terminal 110 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a storage device, a display, an input device, and a communication I/F (Interface). In this embodiment, the POS terminal 110 has an SSC function (SSC control software) 111. The SSC function 111 displays an image of the vicinity of the weighing machine 180 taken by the camera 190, a refueling permission button, etc. on the display. The SSC functionality 111 provides functionality to perform SSC operations including refueling permissions. The SSC function 111 includes a function to control the weighing machine and a function to provide a user interface to the worker. The function of providing a user interface includes a function of receiving an input of refueling permission from a worker. The POS terminal 110 corresponds to the fixed refueling permit device 30 shown in FIG.

The WAP 140 is installed at a predetermined location in a gas station, such as in a store. The WAP 140 performs wireless communication with the portable SSCs 150A and 150B according to a predetermined wireless communication method. The WAP 140 is configured, for example, as a WiFi (registered trademark) access point. WAP 140 is connected to SS-LAN 220 via relay 130. The relay device 130 relays signals between the WAP 140 and the SS-LAN 220. The relay machine 130 has the function of the refueling permission control device 20 shown in FIG. WAP 140 corresponds to wireless communication device 50 shown in FIG.

The portable SSCs 150A and 150B are portable terminal devices carried by gas station workers. The portable SSCs 150A and 150B include, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a storage device, a display, a touch sensor, and a wireless communication unit. Portable SSCs 150A and 150B are wirelessly connected to WAP 140. The portable SSCs 150A and 150B mainly provide a function of providing a user interface to workers during SSC operation. Note that, hereinafter, the portable SSCs 150A and 150B are also collectively referred to as the portable SSC 150 unless a distinction is particularly necessary. Portable SSC 150 corresponds to portable terminal device 60 shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, a worker can issue a refueling permit to the weighing machine 180 using either the POS terminal 110 or the portable SSC 150. For example, the worker looks at the image of the camera 190 displayed on the display of the POS terminal 110 and confirms that the customer can safely refuel. Alternatively, the worker in possession of the portable SSC 150 visually confirms that customers can safely refuel in the refueling area. After confirming that the customer can refuel safely, the worker presses a refueling permission button displayed on the touch panel of the POS terminal 110 or the portable SSC 150.

Here, an example of operating conditions for the portable SSC 150 will be explained. In order to reliably perform SSC operations including emergency stop, it is assumed that a fixed SSC needs to be installed in addition to the portable SSC 150. In other words, operation of only the portable SSC 150 is not permitted. In this embodiment, the POS terminal 110 has an SSC function 111 and also serves as a fixed SSC. It is assumed that the SSC operation needs to be performed by visually confirming the refueling customer's operation or by checking the camera image. When a portable SSC 150 is used, the use of camera images is not permitted. The area where refueling is permitted using the portable SSC 150 (refueling permitted area) is defined using beacon radio, etc., and the worker is permitted to refuel only in the vicinity of the weighing machine 180 that requested refueling permission. do. Emergency stop is not regulated by beacon radio and can be operated from outside the refueling permitted area.

Cradle 160 is placed within store 200. Cradle 160 is connected to repeater 130 through a wired communication cable. Cradle 160 has terminals for connection to terminals provided on portable SSC 150. A worker can place any one of the plurality of portable SSCs 150 on the cradle 160. When the portable SSC 150 is placed on the cradle 160, the terminals of the portable SSC 150 and the terminals of the cradle 160 come into physical contact. Hereinafter, a state in which the portable SSC 150 is placed on the cradle 160 and the terminals of the portable SSC 150 and the terminals of the cradle 160 are in physical contact will also be referred to as a state in which the portable SSC 150 is fixed in the store 200. Note that the number of cradles 160 is not limited to one, and a plurality of cradles 160 may be arranged within store 200.

FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of the repeater 130. The relay device 130 includes a recognition section 131, a transfer section 132, a determination section 133, and a control section 134. Relay 130 includes, for example, a processor and a memory. At least some of the functions of each part in the relay device 130 can be realized by executing processing according to a program read from a memory by a processor.

When the worker inputs refueling permission using any of the plurality of portable SSCs 150, the transfer unit 132 receives a permission signal indicating refueling permission from the portable SSC 150 via the WAP 140. When the transfer unit 132 receives the permission signal, it transmits the received permission signal to the weighing machine 180 via the SS-LAN 220. The transfer unit 132 corresponds to the transfer means 22 shown in FIG.

The recognition unit 131 monitors whether the POS terminal 110 (its SSC function 111) is operating normally. The recognition unit 131 recognizes a failure of the POS terminal 110 when the POS terminal 110 is not operating normally. If the POS terminal 110 is out of order, the worker may input a signal to the repeater 130 indicating this fact. The recognition unit 131 recognizes that the POS terminal is out of order when a person uses a device connected to the repeater 130 to input a signal indicating that the POS terminal is out of order. The recognition unit 131 corresponds to the recognition means 21 shown in FIG.

The determination unit 133 determines whether the portable SSC 150 is placed on the cradle 160. In other words, the determination unit 133 determines whether at least one of the plurality of portable SSCs 150 is fixed within the store 200. For example, when the cradle 160 and the portable SSC 150 are physically connected, the determination unit 133 determines that the portable SSC 150 is fixed inside the store 200. The determination unit 133 may determine whether the portable SSC 150 is fixed in the store 200, for example, depending on whether the terminal of the cradle 160 is in direct contact with the terminal of the portable SSC 150. The determining unit 133 corresponds to the determining means 23 shown in FIG.

The control unit 134 controls transmission of a refueling permission signal from the portable SSC 150 to the weighing machine 180 according to the recognition result of the recognition unit 131 and the determination result of the determination unit 133. The control unit 134 may control the transmission of the refueling permission signal from the portable SSC 150 to the weighing machine 180, for example, by controlling wireless communication between the portable SSC 150 and the WAP 140. For example, the control unit 134 may permit transmission of a refueling permission signal from the portable SSC 150 to the weighing machine 180 by enabling wireless communication between the WAP 140 and the portable SSC 150. The control unit 134 may prohibit the transmission of the refueling permission signal from the portable SSC 150 to the weighing machine 180 by stopping the wireless output of the WAP 140.

If the recognition unit 131 does not recognize the failure of the POS terminal 110, the control unit 134 enables input of refueling permission using the portable SSC 150. In that case, the control unit 134 does not stop the wireless output of the WAP 140. Portable SSC 150 transmits a refueling permission signal to repeater 130 via WAP 140. The transfer unit 132 of the relay machine 130 receives the refueling permission signal and transmits the received refueling permission signal to the weighing machine 180 via the SS-LAN 220.

When the recognition unit 131 recognizes that the POS terminal 110 has failed, the control unit 134 determines whether the determination unit 133 determines that the portable SSC 150 is fixed within the store 200. The control unit 134 controls the wireless output of the WAP 140 depending on whether the portable SSC 150 is fixed in the store 200 or not. The control unit 134 stops the wireless output of the WAP 140 when a failure of the POS terminal 110 is recognized and when it is determined that the portable SSC 150 is not fixed in the store 200. When the wireless output of WAP 140 is stopped, transfer unit 132 cannot receive the refueling permission signal from portable SSC 150. Therefore, the transfer unit 132 cannot transfer the refueling permission signal to the weighing machine 180.

The control unit 134 does not stop the wireless output of the WAP 140 when a failure of the POS terminal 110 is recognized and when it is determined that the portable SSC 150 is fixed within the store 200. In that case, the transfer unit 132 can receive the refueling permission signal from the portable SSC 150 and transfer the received refueling permission signal to the weighing machine 180. If the portable SSC 150 is removed from the cradle 160 after being fixed in the store 200, the determination unit 133 determines that the portable SSC 150 is not fixed in the store 200. In that case, the control unit 134 stops the wireless output of the WAP 140 and prohibits the transfer of the refueling permission signal to the weighing machine 180.

Note that the portable SSC 150 fixed to the cradle 160 may operate as a substitute for the SSC function 111 of the failed POS terminal 110. The worker may use the portable SSC 150 fixed in the store 200 to give refueling permission. In that case, the transfer unit 132 receives the refueling permission signal from the portable SSC 150 connected by wire to the repeater 130 via the cradle 160. When the transfer unit 132 receives a refueling permission signal from the portable SSC 150 fixed in the store 200, the transfer unit 132 transmits the received refueling permission signal to the weighing machine 180.

Here, since the portable SSC 150 is generally configured as a small device, its processing capacity is lower than that of stationary devices installed in stores such as the POS terminal 110, and the portable SSC 150 has all of the SSC functions 111. There may be cases where we are unable to provide this. In such a case, a part of the SSC function 111 may operate in other equipment outside the store 200, for example, the external equipment 170. In that case, the SSC function 111 is provided by the cooperation of the portable SSC 150 fixed in the store 200 and the external machine 170.

FIG. 5 shows the gas station system 100 when the SSC function is operated in the external machine 170. In FIG. 5, it is assumed that a failure has occurred in the POS terminal 110. The relay device 130 recognizes the failure of the POS terminal 110 and deploys the SSC function 171 to the external device 170. For example, the relay device 130 reads a program for realizing the SSC function 171 from a storage or the like (not shown), and transmits the read program to the external device 170 via the LAN 210 or the like. Alternatively, a program for realizing the SSC function 171 may be stored in the external device 170 in advance.

The SSC function 171 provides some of the functions included in the SSC function 111 (see FIG. 3), for example. For example, the SSC function 171 provides a function included in the SSC function 111 to control a weighing machine. The SSC function 171 may provide a function of displaying the image of the camera 190 on the display of the portable SSC 150 fixed in the store 200. The portable SSC 150 fixed in the store provides a function of receiving an input of refueling permission from a worker. The above operation is useful when the processing power and hardware resources of the portable SSC 150 are insufficient to provide all of the SSC functions 111.

Next, the operating procedure will be explained. FIG. 6 shows an operation procedure (refueling permission control method) in the relay machine 130 functioning as a refueling permission control device. The recognition unit 131 monitors whether the SSC function 111 of the POS terminal 110 is operating normally (step S1). In other words, the recognition unit 131 monitors whether the fixed SSC is operating normally. The recognition unit 131 determines whether the fixed SSC is abnormal (step S2). If there is no abnormality in the fixed SSC, the recognition unit 131 returns to step S1 and continues monitoring the fixed SSC.

When the recognition unit 131 recognizes an abnormality in the fixed SSC, the control unit 134 stops permission for refueling using the portable SSC 150 (step S3). In step S3, the control unit 134 stops permission for refueling using the portable SSC 150, for example, by stopping wireless communication between the WAP 140 and the portable SSC 150. In response to recognizing the abnormality in the fixed SSC, the recognition unit 131 causes the external device 170 to perform a part of the SSC function (step S4). In step S4, the recognition unit 131 operates the SSC function 171 (see FIG. 5) in the external device 170. The recognition unit 131 may cause the external device 170 to operate the function of the POS terminal 110 (POS function). When the gas station system 100 has a plurality of external machines 170, the SSC function 171 and the POS function do not necessarily need to be operated by the same external machine 170.

If the POS terminal 110 fails, permission to refuel using the portable SSC 150 is stopped in step S3, so the worker cannot permit refueling to the weighing machine. If the POS terminal 110 breaks down, the worker places one of the plurality of portable SSCs 150, for example, the portable SSC 150B, on the cradle 160 to secure the portable SSC 150B inside the store 200.

The determining unit 133 determines whether the portable SSC 150 is fixed within the store 200 (step S5). For example, when the portable SSC 150B is placed on the cradle 160, the determination unit 133 determines that the portable SSC 150B is fixed inside the store 200. If it is determined in step S5 that the portable SSC 150B is fixed within the store 200, the control unit 134 restarts permission to refuel using the portable SSC 150A (step S6). In step S6, the control unit 134 restarts refueling permission using the portable SSC 150A, for example, by restarting wireless communication between the WAP 140 and the portable SSC 150A. The worker can input refueling permission using the portable SSC 150A.

The determination unit 133 continuously monitors whether the portable SSC 150 is placed on the cradle 160. When the determination unit 133 determines that the portable SSC 150 has been removed from the cradle 160, the control unit 134 stops the wireless output of the WAP 140. When it is determined that the portable SSC 150 has been returned to the cradle 160, the control unit 134 releases the stoppage of the wireless output of the WAP 140. When the recognition unit 131 recognizes that the POS terminal 110 has recovered from a failure, the control unit 134 enables the wireless output of the WAP 140 regardless of whether the portable SSC 150 is fixed to the cradle 160. .

Next, the operation of the gas station system 100 when a customer refuels will be explained. FIG. 7 shows the operation of the gas station system 100 when the POS terminal 110 is not out of order. The customer sets refueling conditions using the external device 170 (step A1). In step A1, the customer inputs refueling information into the external machine 170. The refueling information includes the oil type, refueling method, and payment method. For example, the external machine 170 displays a plurality of selectable items for each of oil type, refueling method, and payment method, and allows the customer to select a desired item. For example, oil types include high octane, regular, and light oil. Refueling methods include fixed amount, fixed amount, and full tank. Payment methods include cash, electronic money, prepaid cards, and credit cards.

The external device 170 transmits refueling permission reception information including the input refueling information to the POS terminal 110 (step A2). The POS terminal 110 receives refueling permission reception information transmitted from the external device 170 via the LAN 210.

When the weighing machine 180 detects that the nozzle has been removed from the holder, it transmits a signal indicating that the nozzle has been removed to the POS terminal 110, which is a fixed SSC (step A3). The SSC function 111 of the POS terminal 110 receives a signal indicating that the nozzle has been removed via the SS-LAN 220, the communication converter 120, and the LAN 210. The SSC function 111 displays the image of the camera 190 and a refueling permission button on the display, and prompts the worker to input refueling permission. When the worker inputs refueling permission (step A4), the POS terminal 110 (SSC function 111) transmits a refueling permission signal to the weighing machine 180 (step A5). Weighing machine 180 receives a refueling permission signal from POS terminal 110 via LAN 210, communication converter 120, and SS-LAN 220. The worker may use the portable SSC 150 to obtain refueling permission.

After the metering machine 180 receives the refueling permission signal from the POS terminal 110, the fuel pump becomes operational and the customer can refuel the vehicle through the nozzle (step A6). When the customer completes refueling, the customer returns the nozzle to the holder. When the nozzle is returned to the holder, the weighing machine 180 transmits a signal indicating completion of refueling to the POS terminal 110 (step A7). POS terminal 110 receives a signal indicating completion of refueling via SS-LAN 220, communication converter 120, and LAN 210. When the POS terminal 110 receives the signal indicating the completion of refueling, it transmits the signal indicating the completion of refueling to the external device 170 via the LAN 210 (step A8).

When the external machine 170 receives the signal indicating the completion of refueling, it transmits a signal requesting pump lock to the POS terminal 110 via the LAN 210 (step A9). The POS terminal 110 transmits a signal indicating pump lock to the weighing machine 180 (step A10). Meter 180 receives a signal indicating pump lock via LAN 210, communication converter 120, and SS-LAN 220. When the meter 180 receives information indicating pump lock, it disables the fuel pump. With the fuel pump in the operation prohibited state, the metering machine 180 returns to the refueling disabled state.

FIG. 8 shows the operation of the gas station system 100 when the POS terminal 110 is out of order. When the POS terminal 110 breaks down, the worker places the portable SSC 150B on the cradle 160 and fixes the portable SSC 150B to the store 200. It is also assumed that the SSC function 171 (see FIG. 5) is operating in the external equipment 170 according to the procedure shown in FIG. Further, although not shown in FIG. 5, it is assumed that the POS function is also operating in the external device 170.

The customer uses the external device 170 to set refueling conditions (step B1). Step B1 may be similar to step A1 in FIG. The external equipment 170 transmits refueling permission reception information including the input refueling information to the SSC function 171 within the external equipment 170 (step B2). Step B2 may be the same as step A2, except that the destination of the refueling permission reception information is changed from the POS terminal 110 (its SSC function 111) to the SSC function 171 of the external device 170.

When the weighing machine 180 detects that the nozzle has been removed from the holder, it transmits a signal indicating that the nozzle has been removed to the SSC function 171 (step B3). SSC function 171 receives a signal via SS-LAN 220, communications converter 120, and LAN 210 indicating that the nozzle has been removed.

The portable SSC 150A displays a refueling permission button on the touch panel to prompt the worker to input refueling permission. Workers will visually confirm that customers can refuel safely in the refueling area. When the worker inputs refueling permission (step B4), the portable SSC 150A transmits a refueling permission signal to the relay machine 130 via the WAP 140 (step B5). The relay machine 130 transmits a refueling permission signal to the weighing machine 180 via the SS-LAN 220 (step B6).

After the weighing machine 180 receives the refueling permission signal from the portable SSC 150A, the fuel pump becomes operational, and the customer refuels the vehicle through the nozzle (step B7). When the customer completes refueling, the customer returns the nozzle to the holder. When the nozzle is returned to the holder, the weighing machine 180 transmits a signal indicating completion of refueling to the SSC function 171 (step B8). The SSC function 171 receives a signal indicating the completion of refueling via the SS-LAN 220, the communication converter 120, and the LAN 210. When the SSC function 171 receives the signal indicating the completion of refueling, it transmits the signal indicating the completion of refueling to the external equipment 170 (step B9).

When the external machine 170 receives the signal indicating the completion of refueling, it transmits a signal requesting pump lock to the SSC function 171 via the LAN 210 (step B10). The SSC function 171 transmits a signal indicating pump lock to the weighing machine 180 (step B11). Meter 180 receives a signal indicating pump lock via LAN 210, communication converter 120, and SS-LAN 220. When the meter 180 receives information indicating pump lock, it disables the fuel pump. With the fuel pump in the operation prohibited state, the metering machine 180 returns to the refueling disabled state.

In this embodiment, when a failure of the POS terminal 110 used as a fixed SSC is recognized, the repeater 130 stops the wireless output of the WAP 140 if none of the portable SSCs 150 are fixed in the store 200, Refueling permission using portable SSC150 is prohibited. When one of the portable SSCs 150 is fixed in the store 200, the relay machine 130 enables the wireless output of the WAP 140 and enables refueling permission using the portable SSCs 150. In the gas station system 100 according to the present embodiment, even if the POS terminal 110 used as a fixed SSC breaks down, one of the portable SSCs 150 is fixed in the store 200, so that the remaining portable SSCs 150 can be used for refueling. Permission is possible.

In this embodiment, if the fixed SSC, which is an essential installed equipment for self-operation of the SS, breaks down, the portable SSC 150 fixed in the store 200 can be used as a substitute for the fixed SSC, making it possible to continue the store operation. It is. In this embodiment, the portable SSC 150 fixed in the store can be used as a fixed SSC, so there is no need to provide a backup device in the store in case the fixed SSC fails. The present embodiment can reduce the number of SSCs that are fixedly installed in a store, and can suppress the operation cost of self-operating the SS.

In the above embodiment, an example in which the refueling permission control device is incorporated in the relay machine 130 has been described. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The function of the refueling permission control device does not necessarily need to be incorporated into the relay machine 130, and may be incorporated into other equipment. Alternatively, the refueling permission control device may be an independent device.

In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the POS terminal 110 has the SSC function 111 and is used as a fixed SSC. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In the gas station system 100, the POS terminal 110 does not need to also serve as a fixed SSC. The gas station system 100 may include a device that is used as a fixed SSC in addition to the POS terminal 110.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail above, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and changes and modifications may be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. are also included in this disclosure.

For example, some or all of the above embodiments may be described as in the following additional notes, but are not limited to the following.

[Additional note 1]
a fixed refueling permission device installed in a gas station store and configured to be able to transmit a permission signal indicating refueling permission to a weighing machine installed in a refueling area;
a plurality of portable terminal devices used by workers at the gas station;
a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication with the plurality of portable terminal devices;
and a refueling permission control device that controls refueling permission using the portable terminal device,
The refueling permission control device is
recognition means for recognizing a failure of the fixed refueling permission device;
When a worker inputs refueling permission using one of the plurality of portable terminal devices, a permission signal indicating refueling permission is received from the portable terminal device via the wireless communication device, and the received permission is received. a transfer means for transmitting a signal to the weighing machine;
determining means for determining whether at least one of the plurality of portable terminal devices is fixed within the store;
A control means for controlling whether or not the permission signal can be transmitted from the plurality of portable terminal devices to the weighing machine based on the recognition result of the recognition means and the determination result of the determination means, the recognition result being indicates that the fixed refueling permit device is not malfunctioning, and the recognition result indicates that the fixed refueling permit device is malfunctioning, and the determination result indicates that the plurality of portable terminal devices If at least one of them indicates that the fixed refueling permit device is fixed in the store, the transmission of the permit signal is permitted, and the recognition result indicates that the fixed refueling permit device is malfunctioning, and the determination result is and a control means configured to prohibit transmission of the permission signal when indicating that none of the plurality of portable terminal devices is fixed in the store.

[Additional note 2]
The gas station system according to supplementary note 1, wherein the determining means determines that the portable terminal device is fixed in the store when the portable terminal device is wired to a communication network in the store.

[Additional note 3]
further comprising an external machine installed in the refueling area,
The fueling station system according to supplementary note 1 or 2, wherein the recognition means transfers a part of the function provided by the fixed fueling permission device to the external machine when a failure of the fixed fueling permission device is recognized.

[Additional note 4]
The functions provided by the fixed refueling permission device include a function of controlling the weighing machine, and a function of receiving input of refueling permission from the worker,
The gas station system according to supplementary note 3, wherein the recognition means transfers a function of controlling the weighing machine to the external machine.

[Additional note 5]
further comprising an accounting device for recording fuel sales;
The fueling station system according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 4, wherein the accounting device also serves as the fixed fueling permission device.

[Additional note 6]
A cradle connected by wire to a communication network in the store is arranged in the store,
The determining means determines that the portable terminal device is fixed in the store when the terminal of the portable terminal device is physically in contact with the terminal of the cradle. Gas station system described in.

[Additional note 7]
The fueling station according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6, wherein the control means controls whether or not the permission signal can be transmitted by controlling wireless communication between the wireless communication device and the portable terminal device. system.

[Additional note 8]
When the recognition result indicates that the fixed refueling permission device is out of order and the determination result indicates that the portable terminal device is not fixed in the store, the control means The filling station system according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, wherein transmission of the permission signal is prohibited by stopping wireless output of the communication device.

[Additional note 9]
Recognition means for recognizing a failure of a fixed refueling permission device installed in a gas station store and configured to be able to transmit a permission signal indicating refueling permission to a weighing machine installed in a refueling area;
When the worker inputs refueling permission using one of a plurality of portable terminal devices used by the worker at the gas station, a permission signal indicating refueling permission is sent from the portable terminal device via a wireless communication device. and transmitting means for transmitting the received permission signal to the weighing machine;
determining means for determining whether at least one of the plurality of portable terminal devices is fixed within the store;
A control means for controlling whether or not the permission signal can be transmitted from the plurality of portable terminal devices to the weighing machine based on the recognition result of the recognition means and the determination result of the determination means, the recognition result being indicates that the fixed refueling permit device is not malfunctioning, and the recognition result indicates that the fixed refueling permit device is malfunctioning, and the determination result indicates that the plurality of portable terminal devices If at least one of them indicates that the fixed refueling permit device is fixed in the store, the transmission of the permit signal is permitted, and the recognition result indicates that the fixed refueling permit device is malfunctioning, and the determination result is and a control means configured to prohibit transmission of the permission signal when indicating that none of the plurality of portable terminal devices is fixed in the store.

[Additional note 10]
The refueling permission control device according to appendix 9, wherein the determination means determines that the portable terminal device is fixed in the store when the portable terminal device is connected by wire to a communication network in the store.

[Additional note 11]
A cradle connected by wire to a communication network in the store is arranged in the store,
Refueling according to appendix 9 or 10, wherein the determination means determines that the portable terminal device is fixed in the store when the terminal of the portable terminal device is physically in contact with the terminal of the cradle. Authorization control device.

[Additional note 12]
The refueling permission according to any one of Supplementary Notes 9 to 11, wherein the control means controls wireless communication between the wireless communication device and the portable terminal device to control whether or not the permission signal can be transmitted. Control device.

[Additional note 13]
When the recognition result indicates that the fixed refueling permission device is out of order and the determination result indicates that the portable terminal device is not fixed in the store, the control means The refueling permission control device according to any one of appendices 9 to 12, which prohibits transmission of the permission signal by stopping wireless output of the communication device.

[Additional note 14]
Supplementary notes 9 to 13, when the recognition means recognizes a failure of the fixed refueling permission device, transfers a part of the function provided by the fixed refueling permission device to an external machine installed in the refueling area. The refueling permission control device according to any one of the above.

[Additional note 15]
The functions provided by the fixed refueling permission device include a function of controlling the weighing machine, and a function of receiving input of refueling permission from the worker,
The refueling permission control device according to supplementary note 14, wherein the recognition means transfers a function of controlling the weighing machine to the external machine.

[Additional note 16]
Recognizing whether a fixed refueling permission device installed in a gas station store and configured to be able to transmit a permission signal indicating refueling permission to a weighing machine installed in a refueling area is malfunctioning;
Determining whether at least one of a plurality of portable terminal devices used by a worker at the gas station is fixed in the store;
If a failure of the fixed refueling permission device is not recognized, or if a failure of the fixed refueling permission device is recognized, and at least one of the plurality of portable terminal devices is inside the store, If determined to be fixed, a permission signal indicating refueling permission input by the worker is received from the portable terminal device via a wireless communication device, and the received permission signal is transmitted to the weighing machine. ,
If a failure of the fixed refueling permission device is recognized and it is determined that none of the plurality of portable terminal devices is fixed in the store, the weighing machine of the permission signal Refueling permission control method that prohibits transmission to.

[Additional note 17]
Recognizing whether a fixed refueling permission device installed in a gas station store and configured to be able to transmit a permission signal indicating refueling permission to a weighing machine installed in a refueling area is malfunctioning;
Determining whether at least one of a plurality of portable terminal devices used by a worker at the gas station is fixed in the store;
If a failure of the fixed refueling permission device is not recognized, or if a failure of the fixed refueling permission device is recognized, and at least one of the plurality of portable terminal devices is inside the store, If determined to be fixed, a permission signal indicating refueling permission input by the worker is received from the portable terminal device via a wireless communication device, and the received permission signal is transmitted to the weighing machine. ,
If a failure of the fixed refueling permission device is recognized and it is determined that none of the plurality of portable terminal devices is fixed in the store, the weighing machine of the permission signal A program that causes the processor to perform processing that prohibits transmission to.

10: Refueling station system 20: Refueling permission control device 21: Detection means 22: Transfer means 23: Determination means 24: Control means 30: Fixed refueling permission device 40: Weighing machine 50: Wireless communication device 60: Portable terminal device 100 : Gas station system 110: POS terminal 111: SSC function 120: Communication converter 130: Relay machine 131 detection section 132: Transfer section 133: Judgment section 134: Control section 140: WAP
150: Portable SSC
160: Cradle 170: External machine 171: SSC function 180: Weighing machine 190: Camera

Claims (10)

a fixed refueling permission device installed in a gas station store and configured to be able to transmit a permission signal indicating refueling permission to a weighing machine installed in a refueling area;
a plurality of portable terminal devices used by workers at the gas station;
a wireless communication device that performs wireless communication with the plurality of portable terminal devices;
and a refueling permission control device that controls refueling permission using the portable terminal device,
The refueling permission control device is
recognition means for recognizing a failure of the fixed refueling permission device;
When a worker inputs refueling permission using one of the plurality of portable terminal devices, a permission signal indicating refueling permission is received from the portable terminal device via the wireless communication device, and the received permission is received. a transfer means for transmitting a signal to the weighing machine;
determining means for determining whether at least one of the plurality of portable terminal devices is fixed within the store;
A control means for controlling whether or not the permission signal can be transmitted from the plurality of portable terminal devices to the weighing machine based on the recognition result of the recognition means and the determination result of the determination means, the recognition result being indicates that the fixed refueling permit device is not malfunctioning, and the recognition result indicates that the fixed refueling permit device is malfunctioning, and the determination result indicates that the plurality of portable terminal devices If at least one of them indicates that the fixed refueling permit device is fixed in the store, the transmission of the permit signal is permitted, and the recognition result indicates that the fixed refueling permit device is malfunctioning, and the determination result is and a control means configured to prohibit transmission of the permission signal when indicating that none of the plurality of portable terminal devices is fixed in the store. The gas station system according to claim 1, wherein the determining means determines that the portable terminal device is fixed in the store when the portable terminal device is connected by wire to a communication network in the store. further comprising an external machine installed in the refueling area,
The fueling station system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the recognition means, when recognizing a failure of the fixed fueling permitting device, transfers a part of the function provided by the fixed fueling permitting device to the external machine. . further comprising an accounting device for recording fuel sales;
The gas station system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the accounting device also serves as the fixed gas fueling permission device. A cradle connected by wire to a communication network in the store is arranged in the store,
5. The determining means determines that the portable terminal device is fixed in the store when the terminal of the portable terminal device is physically in contact with the terminal of the cradle. Gas station system as described in Section. The refueling system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control means controls whether or not the permission signal can be transmitted by controlling wireless communication between the wireless communication device and the portable terminal device. place system. When the recognition result indicates that the fixed refueling permission device is out of order and the determination result indicates that the portable terminal device is not fixed in the store, the control means The filling station system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein transmission of the permission signal is prohibited by stopping wireless output of a communication device. Recognition means for recognizing a failure of a fixed refueling permission device installed in a gas station store and configured to be able to transmit a permission signal indicating refueling permission to a weighing machine installed in a refueling area;
When the worker inputs refueling permission using one of a plurality of portable terminal devices used by the worker at the gas station, a permission signal indicating refueling permission is sent from the portable terminal device via a wireless communication device. and transmitting means for transmitting the received permission signal to the weighing machine;
determining means for determining whether at least one of the plurality of portable terminal devices is fixed within the store;
A control means for controlling whether or not the permission signal can be transmitted from the plurality of portable terminal devices to the weighing machine based on the recognition result of the recognition means and the determination result of the determination means, the recognition result being indicates that the fixed refueling permit device is not malfunctioning, and the recognition result indicates that the fixed refueling permit device is malfunctioning, and the determination result indicates that the plurality of portable terminal devices If at least one of them indicates that the fixed refueling permit device is fixed in the store, the transmission of the permit signal is permitted, and the recognition result indicates that the fixed refueling permit device is malfunctioning, and the determination result is and a control means configured to prohibit transmission of the permission signal when indicating that none of the plurality of portable terminal devices is fixed in the store. Recognizing whether a fixed refueling permission device installed in a gas station store and configured to be able to transmit a permission signal indicating refueling permission to a weighing machine installed in a refueling area is malfunctioning;
Determining whether at least one of a plurality of portable terminal devices used by a worker at the gas station is fixed in the store;
If a failure of the fixed refueling permission device is not recognized, or if a failure of the fixed refueling permission device is recognized, and at least one of the plurality of portable terminal devices is inside the store, If determined to be fixed, a permission signal indicating refueling permission input by the worker is received from the portable terminal device via a wireless communication device, and the received permission signal is transmitted to the weighing machine. ,
If a failure of the fixed refueling permission device is recognized and it is determined that none of the plurality of portable terminal devices is fixed in the store, the weighing machine of the permission signal Refueling permission control method that prohibits transmission to. Recognizing whether a fixed refueling permission device installed in a gas station store and configured to be able to transmit a permission signal indicating refueling permission to a weighing machine installed in a refueling area is malfunctioning;
Determining whether at least one of a plurality of portable terminal devices used by a worker at the gas station is fixed in the store;
If a failure of the fixed refueling permission device is not recognized, or if a failure of the fixed refueling permission device is recognized, and at least one of the plurality of portable terminal devices is inside the store, If determined to be fixed, a permission signal indicating refueling permission input by the worker is received from the portable terminal device via a wireless communication device, and the received permission signal is transmitted to the weighing machine. ,
If a failure of the fixed refueling permission device is recognized and it is determined that none of the plurality of portable terminal devices is fixed in the store, the weighing machine of the permission signal A program that causes the processor to perform processing that prohibits transmission to.

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