NZ752150B2 - Printerless fuel dispenser - Google Patents
Printerless fuel dispenser Download PDFInfo
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- NZ752150B2 NZ752150B2 NZ752150A NZ75215017A NZ752150B2 NZ 752150 B2 NZ752150 B2 NZ 752150B2 NZ 752150 A NZ752150 A NZ 752150A NZ 75215017 A NZ75215017 A NZ 75215017A NZ 752150 B2 NZ752150 B2 NZ 752150B2
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- transaction
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- record
- fuel
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- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 210
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 69
- 238000004590 computer program Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000009420 retrofitting Methods 0.000 abstract description 4
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- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 6
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- 239000002816 fuel additive Substances 0.000 description 2
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- 239000002828 fuel tank Substances 0.000 description 1
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- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
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Abstract
Fuel dispensers, systems and methods are provided for electronically transmitting data characterizing fueling transactions in a fueling environment, and in particular from a fuel dispenser. In an exemplary embodiment, a fuel dispenser is provided having a printer module that can perform operations that enable any one or more of replacing a printer, providing a user with a printed transaction record at a remote location, and/or provide the user with an electronic transaction record. The application of the printer module can facilitate providing a user with a printed and/or electronic transaction record, while minimizing, or eliminating, changes to standard communication protocol associated with components of a payment terminal that can deliver formatted transaction data to a typical printer. Minimizing or eliminating changes to standard communication protocol associated with providing users with transaction records can facilitate retrofitting the printer module to existing fuel dispensers, and/or simplify design considerations for new dispenser. hat enable any one or more of replacing a printer, providing a user with a printed transaction record at a remote location, and/or provide the user with an electronic transaction record. The application of the printer module can facilitate providing a user with a printed and/or electronic transaction record, while minimizing, or eliminating, changes to standard communication protocol associated with components of a payment terminal that can deliver formatted transaction data to a typical printer. Minimizing or eliminating changes to standard communication protocol associated with providing users with transaction records can facilitate retrofitting the printer module to existing fuel dispensers, and/or simplify design considerations for new dispenser.
Description
PRINTERLESS FUEL DISPENSER
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S.
Provisional Application No: 62/409,108, filed October 17, 2016, which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
FIELD
Methods and devices are provided for transmitting transaction data electronically in a
fuel dispensing environment.
BACKGROUND
Prior to pay-at-the-pump technology, gasoline service stations were typically
equipped with an attendant-operated terminal for manually transacting fuel purchases. This
type of terminal was ordinarily situated in a central location, normally the sales office, and
self-service customers were required to pay for gasoline at this location. So long as each fuel
dispensing pump was “enabled,” i.e., ready for pumping without attendant intervention, a
customer merely had to park his car at one of the fuel islands, pump the gasoline and then
walk to the central location to pay for the gasoline purchase.
However, the problem of “drive-offs” often required service station operators to avoid
leaving the fuel dispensers in a normally enabled state. A “drive-off” occurred whenever a
car refueling at a remote, enabled fuel dispenser drove off without paying for the gasoline.
This situation led to the installation of equipment to remotely enable the fuel dispensers from
the central location. It also led to requiring the customer to make a pre-payment for gasoline
before the attendant enabled the fuel dispenser. However, such pre-payment could only be
made at the central location, requiring the customer to park his car at one of the fuel islands
and walk to the central location to tender pre-payment by cash, debit card, credit card and the
like. After making the pre-payment, the customer would walk back to the fuel island and
dispense the gasoline. After the fuel dispensing was done, the customer would return to the
central location to complete the sales transaction by obtaining any change due, picking up a
cash receipt, signing a credit card slip or performing any similar action. The procedure was
time consuming and inconvenient to the customer and frequently resulted in lost sales to the
service station operator.
Consequently, the option for paying for fuel purchases at the pump without the need
to walk to the central location for pre-payment or post-pumping wrap-up has become
increasingly popular to the motoring public. Such a point of sale system allows for payment
using a customer credit card or cash or other known payment means, and can automatically
enable fuel dispensers directly from a fuel island. Since current regulations require that all
customers be offered the option to have a printed receipt, most fuel dispensers are equipped
with an internal printer for printing a customer receipt.
One drawback to having the printer located within the dispenser or at an outdoor
payment terminal is that the printer paper must be replaced on a regular basis. Since the
printer compartment is often located within or near the payment terminal, certain security
measures are often present and must be overcome in order to open the printer door and
replace the paper. For example, in order to service a fuel dispenser, a key is often required to
unlock the door, and for some dispensers a password may also need to be input into the
system to disarm any alarm. One service is complete, the alarm must also be reactivated and
the door locked. This can be burdensome since the printer paper often needs to be changed
on a regular basis.
Moreover, one of the biggest warranty issues with in-dispenser and outdoor payment
terminals is the receipt printer. The problem is that the elements have an even greater effect
on the printer components than other components in the outdoor payment terminal. In
addition, poor quality paper, incorrectly installed paper, and general mechanical wear cause a
much higher instance of warranty repair and replacement calls for the receipt printer.
As retailers continue to transition toward the use of electronic receipts, rather than
paper receipts, the need to provide paper receipts has diminished. However, many customers
still require receipts for expense reports or for mileage books for tax purposes. Current fuel
dispensers are not equipped to transmit payment information electronically, and there is no
comprehensive way to aggregate receipts and transaction information (i.e. gallons filled,
current odometer reading) for tax and business expense purposes in an automated fashion to
simplify the effort required for expense submittals.
As a result, there is a need for improved methods and devices for enabling such
electronic transmission of payment information in a fueling environment.
SUMMARY
[0009A] A fuel dispenser, comprising:
a pump housing having at least one fuel pump disposed therein and configured to
dispense fuel;
an electronics housing having housed therein:
a fuel controller operatively connected to a pump compartment for controlling
the dispensing of fuel from the pump compartment,
a payment terminal having a control module configured to receive transaction
data that characterizes a user transaction involving the dispensing of fuel from the pump
compartment, format the transaction data to create formatted transaction data, and to transmit
the formatted transaction data,
a printer module in electronic communication with the control module, the
printer module being configured to receive the formatted transaction data from the control
module, deliver a command to the control module to prompt a user to select a type of
transaction record, receive data from the control module characterizing a selected type of
transaction record, and to transmit record data that characterizes the formatted transaction
data to a remote server configured to use data characterizing the user transaction involving
the dispensing of fuel from the pump compartment to generate an electronic transaction
record, and
a communication module configured to facilitate electronic delivery of the
data characterizing the user transaction involving the dispensing of fuel from the pump
compartment from the printer module to the remote server.
[0009B] A device for transmitting transaction records from a fuel dispenser, comprising:
a printer module configured to
receive user information characterizing an identity of a user,
receive formatted transaction data from a control module within a payment
terminal of the fuel dispenser, the formatted transaction data characterizing a user transaction
involving dispensing of fuel from the fuel dispenser,
deliver a command to the control module to prompt the user to provide contact
information, and
transmit, via a communication module of the fuel dispenser, record data
characterizing the user transaction involving the dispensing of fuel from the fuel dispenser,
the contact information, and the user information to a remote server configured to use the
record data characterizing the user transaction involving the dispensing of fuel from the fuel
dispenser to generate an electronic transaction record.
[0009C] A method for processing a transaction at a fuel dispenser, comprising:
receiving user information that characterizes an identity of a user at a payment
terminal of a fuel dispenser;
receiving transaction data from the payment terminal, the transaction data
characterizing a user transaction involving the dispensing of fuel from the fuel dispenser;
receiving data that characterizes a type of record of the transaction as an electronic
transaction record;
formatting the transaction data to create formatted transaction data;
generating record data characterizing the user transaction involving the dispensing of
fuel from the fuel dispenser;
transmitting, from a printer module of the payment terminal, a command to a control
module of the payment terminal to prompt the user to provide contact information; and
transmitting, via a communication module of the fuel dispenser, the record data
characterizing the user transaction involving the dispensing of fuel from the fuel dispenser,
the user information, and the contact information to a remote server configured to use the
record data characterizing the user transaction involving the dispensing of fuel from the fuel
dispenser to generate the electronic transaction record.
[0009D] A non-transitory computer program product comprising computer readable
instructions, which, when executed by at least one data processor forming part of at least one
computing system, implement operations comprising:
receiving identification data that characterizes an identity of a user;
receiving transaction data from a payment terminal of a fuel dispenser, the transaction
data characterizing a user transaction involving the dispensing of fuel from the fuel dispenser,
receiving data characterizing a type of record of the transaction as an electronic
transaction record;
formatting the transaction data to create formatted transaction data;
generating record data characterizing the user transaction involving the dispensing of
fuel from the fuel dispenser;
transmitting, from a printer module of the payment terminal, a command to a control
module of the payment terminal to prompt the user to provide contact information; and
transmitting, via a communication module of the fuel dispenser, the record data
characterizing the user transaction involving the dispensing of fuel from the fuel dispenser
the identification information, and the contact information to a remote server configured to
use the record data characterizing the user transaction involving the dispensing of fuel from
the fuel dispenser to generate the electronic transaction record.
Various methods and devices are provided for processing payment at a fuel dispenser.
In one embodiment, a fuel dispenser is provided and includes a pump housing having at least
one fuel pump disposed therein and configured to dispense fuel. The fuel dispenser can also
include an electronics housing having housed therein a fuel controller operatively connected
to the pump compartment for controlling the dispensing of fuel from the pump compartment.
The electronics housing can also include a printer module configured to receive formatted
transaction data that characterizes a user transaction, and to transmit record data that
characterizes the formatted transaction data to a remote server. The electronics housing can
further include a payment terminal having a control module configured to receive transaction
data that characterizes a user transaction, format the transaction data to create the formatted
transaction data, and to deliver the formatted transaction data to the printer module. The fuel
dispenser can further include a communication module configured to facilitate electronic
communication between the printer module and the remote server.
The fuel dispenser can have a variety of configurations. In one embodiment, the fuel
dispenser can include an information module configured to receive user information that
identifies a user and transmits the user identification information to the control module.
In another embodiment, the printer module can be configured to deliver the record
data to a transaction record service on the remote server, the transaction record service being
configured to create, store, and transmit a transaction record that characterizes the record
data. In other aspects, the printer module can be configured to transmit the record data to the
remote server using an email address provided by the user.
In other embodiments, the communication module can be configured to facilitate
electronic communication between the printer module and a mobile device using near field
communication. In some embodiments, the communication module can be configured to
facilitate electronic communication between the printer module and a mobile device using
Bluetooth communication.
In another embodiment, a device for transmitting transaction records from a fuel
dispenser is provided and includes a printer module configured to receive user information
characterizing an identity of a user, receive formatted transaction data characterizing a user
transaction from a payment terminal of a fuel dispenser, and transmit record data
characterizing the formatted transaction data and the user information to a remote server.
In one embodiment, the printer module can be configured to deliver the record data to
a transaction record service on the remote server, the transaction record service being
configured to create, store, and transmit a transaction record that characterizes the record
data.
In another embodiment, printer module can be configured to transmit the record data
to a mobile device using Bluetooth communication.
In other aspects, a method for processing a transaction at a fuel dispenser is provided
and can include receiving user information that characterizes an identity of a user at a
payment terminal of a fuel dispenser, receiving transaction data from the payment terminal,
the transaction data characterizing a user transaction, receiving data that characterizes a
desired type of record of the transaction, formatting the transaction data to create formatted
transaction data, and transmitting record data based on the desired type of record of the
transaction, the record data characterizing the formatted transaction data.
In one embodiment, the method can further include displaying a prompt for the user
to enter data that characterizes the desired type of record of the transaction.
In another embodiment, at least one of the receiving, formatting, and transmitting is
performed by at least one data processor forming part of at least one computing system.
In other aspects, the record data can be transmitted to a printer at a remote location,
the printer being configured to print a receipt, thereby generating a transaction record that
characterizes a user transaction.
In another embodiment, the method can further include displaying instructions to
instruct a user to retrieve a transaction record at the remote location.
In another embodiment, the record data can be transmitted to a transaction records
service that is configured to create, store, and transmit a transaction record that characterizes
the record data.
In another embodiment, the record data can be transmitted to a mobile device using
Bluetooth communication.
In yet another embodiment, a non-transitory computer program product is provided
having computer readable instructions, which, when executed by at least one data processor
forming part of at least one computing system, implement operations which can include
receiving identification data that characterizes an identity of a user, receiving transaction data
from a payment terminal of a fuel dispenser, the transaction data characterizing a user
transaction, receiving data characterizing a desired type of record of the transaction,
formatting the transaction data to create formatted transaction data, and transmitting record
data based on the desired type of record of the transaction. The record data can characterize
the formatted transaction data.
In one embodiment, the operations can include displaying a prompt for the user to
enter data that characterizes the desired type of record of the transaction.
In another embodiment, at least one of the receiving, formatting, and transmitting can
be performed by at least one data processor forming part of at least one computing system.
In another embodiment, the record data can be transmitted to a printer at a remote
location, the printer being configured to print a receipt, thereby generating a transaction
record that characterizes a user transaction.
In other aspects, the operations can further include displaying instructions to instruct a
user to retrieve a transaction record at the remote location.
In yet another embodiment, the record data can be transmitted to a transaction records
service that is configured to create, store, and transmit a transaction record that characterizes
the record data.
In yet another embodiment, the record data can be transmitted to a mobile device
using Bluetooth communication.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
is a front view of one embodiment of a fuel dispenser;
is an enlarged view of an electronics housing of the fuel dispenser shown in
;
is a fuel dispensing system that includes the fuel dispenser shown in ;
is a flow diagram illustrating a portion of a process for providing a user with
a transaction record;
is a flow diagram illustrating another portion of the process shown in for providing a user with a transaction record;
is a diagram of one embodiment of data flow corresponding to the process
shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B;
is a flow diagram illustrating another embodiment of a process for providing a
user with a transaction record;
is a flow diagram illustrating another embodiment of a process for providing a
user with a transaction record; and
is a flow diagram illustrating yet another embodiment of a process for
providing a user with a transaction record.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Certain exemplary embodiments will now be described to provide an overall
understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the
systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these
embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will
understand that the systems, devices, and methods specifically described herein and
illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that
the scope of the present invention is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or
described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with the features
of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within
the scope of the present invention. Further, in the present disclosure, like-named components
of the embodiments generally have similar features, and thus within a particular embodiment
each feature of each like-named component is not necessarily fully elaborated upon.
Further, in the present disclosure, like-named components of the embodiments
generally have similar features, and thus within a particular embodiment each feature of each
like-named component is not necessarily fully elaborated upon. Additionally, to the extent
that linear or circular dimensions are used in the description of the disclosed systems,
devices, and methods, such dimensions are not intended to limit the types of shapes that can
be used in conjunction with such systems, devices, and methods. A person skilled in the art
will recognize that an equivalent to such linear and circular dimensions can easily be
determined for any geometric shape.
In general, various systems, devices and methods are provided for electronically
transmitting data characterizing fueling transactions in a fueling environment, and in
particular from a fuel dispenser. Current fuel dispensers utilize a paper printer in the
dispenser to provide customers with a paper receipt, as required by current regulations. As
the need for paper receipts is decreasing and consumers are move toward the use of electronic
data, there is a need for the ability to transfer electronic payment information from a fuel
dispenser. Since current dispensers are not currently equipped to transmit transaction data, or
record data characterizing a user transaction, methods and devices are provided for enabling
such transmission in a current fuel dispenser. The requirement for a paper receipt can still be
met by modifying the payment terminal to instruct a customer to proceed to a location
containing a printer, such as to a retail store located at the fueling site.
A person skilled in the art will appreciate that transaction data can include a variety of
information, such as the price per gallon, the total number of gallons dispensed, the total sale
price, an itemized list of any other items purchased (such as a car wash etc.), the date and
time of the transactions, the location of the dispenser, as well as any user information such as
an email address, a license plate number, mileage information obtain from the user, or any
other information that may be helpful. Accordingly, the term transaction data as used herein
is intended to include a variety of data that a user or master user may want to track or obtain.
A fuel dispenser can be configured to transmit electronic data using a variety of
electronic transmission techniques. In certain aspects, the data can be sent using any known
electronic means such as email, text messaging, smart phone notifications, and Bluetooth file
transfers. Accordingly, the term “electronic transmission” as used herein is intended to any
means, wired and wireless, for transmitting data electronically.
As described above, there are a number of drawbacks associated with maintaining
printers located within fuel dispensers or at outdoor payment terminals. A paperless printer
module is thus provided herein and can be configured to provide a user with a printed
transaction record at a remote location and/or provide the user with an electronic transaction
record, while minimizing, or eliminating, changes to standard communication protocols
associated with components of a payment terminal. Minimizing or eliminating changes to
standard communication protocols associated with providing users with transaction records
can allow the paperless printer module to be retrofitted to existing fuel dispensers, and/or can
simplify design considerations for new dispensers. For example, a maintenance worker can
replace an existing receipt printer with the printer module. Since the paperless printer
module does not need to print receipts, it can be more reliable since it can have fewer moving
parts. Additionally, since the printer module does not need to be accessed regularly to
replace receipt paper, cumbersome maintenance associated with replacing receipt paper can
be minimized.
FIGS. 1A and 1B illustrate one embodiment of a fuel dispenser 100, and
illustrates a fuel dispensing system 200 that includes the fuel dispenser 100. In general, the
fuel dispenser 100 includes an electronics compartment 102 and a pump compartment 104.
The pump compartment 104 houses a pump configured to pump fuel from a fuel tank or other
reservoir, as well as one or more meters that can be configured to monitor fuel flow, flow of
fuel additives, and/or flow of other components of the fuel. The pump compartment 104 can
also include other components to facilitate fuel dispensing, such as motors and valves, a
strainer/filtering system, a vapor recovery system, and the like. The pump compartment 104
is isolated from the electronics compartment 102 within the fuel dispenser 100 to facilitate
safety, security, and/or maintenance, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art.
Fuel is thus not allowed to flow from the pump compartment 104 to the electronics
compartment 102 and instead flows from the pump compartment 104 through hoses 106 to
nozzles 108 for dispensing. As will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, the nozzles
108 are each configured to dispense fuel from the fuel dispenser 100 as pumped therefrom by
the pump.
The electronics compartment 102 houses electronics for facilitating fuel selection,
payment for fuel, and providing a user with a transaction record (i.e. a receipt). For example,
the electronics compartment 102 can include a payment terminal 110 that is configured to
receive payment information and/or unique customer information, or also referred to as user
information, from a user. The user information can identify the user. The payment terminal
can also be configured to transmit data characterizing the information to a POS system 202
via a forecourt controller 204, and to receive data from the POS system 202 via the forecourt
controller 204. The electronics compartment can further include push-to-select (PTS) buttons
112a, 112b, 112c, for selecting a desired fuel mixture, and a fuel controller 118 that is
operably coupled to the PTS buttons 112a, 112b, 112c, and that is configured to control
dispensing of the fuel from the pump compartment 104. In at least some implementations,
the fuel controller 118 can include a data processor, memory, and storage forming part of at
least one computing system. In some embodiments, the electronics compartment 102 can
include a display 113 that can be operably coupled to the fuel controller 118, and that can be
configured to display information regarding a status of fueling. For example, the display 113
can show a total amount, or volume, of fuel dispensed, and a corresponding total price.
The electronics compartment 102 can also include one or more communication
modules 114, and a paperless printer module 116 that can be configured to facilitate
delivering a printed and/or electronic transaction record to the user. In at least some
implementations, the printer module 116 can include a data processor, memory, and storage
forming at least part of at least one computing system. Any receiving, transmitting,
calculating, and determining, that are referred to as being performed by the printer module
116 can be performed by the data processor of the printer module 116, and/or by one or more
additional processors. The printer module 116 is discussed in more detail below. The
communication module 114 can function to allow data to be transmitted to and from various
components within the electronics compartment 102 via wired and/or wireless
communication. For example, the communication module 114 can be configured to transmit
and receive signals that can characterize, e.g., user information and/or a transaction record,
via wired and/or wireless communications. The communication module 114 can enable
wired communication via e.g., Ethernet, and can include, e.g., a transceiver for
communicating via Bluetooth protocol, cellular protocol, WI-FI protocol, near field
communication (NFC), and/or a radio frequency identification (RFID) protocol. Wired
and/or wireless communication via the communication module 114 can be according to any
of a variety of communication protocols, e.g., TCP/IP, etc., as will be appreciated by a person
skilled in the art. Wireless cellular connectivity can be configured to provide wireless mobile
communication, such as cellular connectivity. The wireless cellular connectivity can be 4G
connectivity but other types of mobile communication standards may be used instead or in
addition. Any of a variety of types of wireless cellular connectivity hardware can be used for
the wireless cellular connectivity, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art.
Wireless AC connectivity can be configured to provide wireless communication in
accordance with the IEEE 802.11ac wireless networking standard. Connectivity according to
another wireless networking standard is possible and may be included alternatively or in
addition. The wireless AC connectivity may facilitate wireless mesh network
communication, as will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art. Any of a variety of
types of wireless AC connectivity hardware can be used for the wireless AC connectivity, as
will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art. A person skilled in the art will also
appreciate that the communication module 114 need not be located within the electronics
compartment 102, and in other embodiments can be mounted at other locations on the
dispenser.
The payment terminal 110 can include an information module 120 that, at least in
some implementations, can include a data processor, memory, and storage, forming part of at
least one computing system. The information module 120 can be configured to receive input
such as, e.g., user information and/or payment information, and deliver the information to a
control module 122 that, at least some implementations, can include a data processor,
memory, and storage, forming part of at least one computing system. For example, the
information module 120 can include a display 124 that can be operably coupled to the control
module 122 which can be used to control, dynamically rearrange, and/or update a graphical
user interface (GUI) rendered on the display 124. The display 124 can be configured to show
information (e.g., media content, fuel selection options, payment information, user
information, etc.) in the form of one or more graphical elements, or graphical objects. The
display 124 can also be configured to show promotional information such as offers for car
washes, and sales on goods that can be sold within a store. In some embodiments, the display
124 can be, or can include, a touchscreen, and can receive input (e.g., user information,
payment information, etc.) thereon. In other embodiments, the user can select various
options shown on the display 124 using buttons 125 positioned adjacent to the display 124.
As an example, the display 124 can prompt the user with various options and information
such as common fuel costs, fuel additives that are available, available payment methods, and
the like. The control module 122 is discussed in more detail below.
To facilitate payment, the information module 120 can include a card reader such as a
magnetic strip card reader 126, a barcode and/or QR code scanner 128, and/or a NFC reader
130 for receiving payment information and/or user information. As an example, the scanner
128 can scan a loyalty program card and receive a loyalty identifier that corresponds to the
user. In some embodiments, the information module 120 can include an image sensor for
automatically acquiring images of facial features of the user, vehicle features (e.g., vehicle
make, model, color, etc.), license plate number, non-facial body features, and the like, which
can be used as user information to identify the user. The information module 120 can also
include a microphone 133 to allow a user to input data using voice commands. In some
embodiments, the information module 120 can also include an input module 132 (e.g., a
keypad) that can allow the user to input alphanumeric information, symbols, confirmation
commands, and/or cancellation commands.
The user information can include user preferences (e.g., default setting for receiving a
transaction record), contact information (e.g., an email address, phone number, etc.), and/or
information regarding a device that will consume the fuel, such as vehicle make, model,
mileage, or any other information that may be helpful. As another example, the user
preferences can include instructions for the payment terminal 110 to send a transaction record
that characterizes a user transaction immediately upon receipt to a user’s email address or
send it via text message to a mobile device. In other embodiments, the user preferences can
include instructions to store the transaction records and send all transaction records associated
with that user on a regular basis, such as weekly, monthly, yearly, etc.
The control module 122 can receive payment information and/or user information
from the information module 120, and can provide data characterizing payment information
and/or user information to the forecourt controller 204 via, e.g., a serial cable. The forecourt
controller 204 can deliver the payment information and/or user information, to the POS
system 202. The POS system 202 can be connected to the internet and can be configured to
communicate with a network cloud 208, and can deliver the payment information to an
electronic payment service (EPS) 206, which can be located on a server of the network cloud
208, for authentication and pre-authorization. The POS system 202 can also deliver user
information to a loyalty service 210. As an example, a loyalty identifier can be delivered to
the loyalty service 210, which can use the loyalty identifier to determine or obtain user
information such as, e.g., contact information, user preferences, and/or a pre-set payment
method. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a pre-determined payment method can be
determined based on user information.
Once the payment information has been authenticated and pre-authorized, the POS
system 202 can deliver a signal to the fuel controller 118 via the forecourt controller 204 to
activate the fuel controller 118. The forecourt controller 204 can also deliver pricing
information characterizing a unit price, or unit value, of each of the available fuel grades
and/or additives to the fuel controller 118. Additionally, the POS system 202 can deliver a
signal to the control module 122 via the forecourt controller 204 to inform the user to begin
fueling. As an example, the control module 122 can receive the signal from the forecourt
controller 204 and can provide a signal to the display 124 to update the GUI rendered on the
display 124 to prompt the user to begin fueling. The user can select a desire fuel grade using
the PTS buttons 112a, 112b, 112c, which delivers a signal characterizing the desired fuel
grade to the fuel controller 118. The fuel controller 118 can activate a pump corresponding
to a desired fuel grade, such that the user can begin fueling. For example, the user can
remove the nozzle 108 from the dispenser and can depress a lever on the nozzle 108 to begin
dispensing fuel.
As shown in the pump compartment 104 can be coupled to a fuel supply 212
which can store the various fuel grades and additives. Each component can be stored in a
separate storage tank for delivery to the dispenser. One or more pumps within the pump
compartment 104 can draw fuel and/or additives from the fuel supply 212. During fueling,
the meters within the pump compartment 104 can measure the amount of fuel that has been
dispensed, and can provide data to fuel controller 118 characterizing said amount. The fuel
controller 118 can use the data characterizing the total amount of fuel dispensed along with
the pricing information corresponding to the selected fuel grade and/or additives to calculate
a total price of the dispensed fuel and/or additives. The fuel controller 118 can deliver data
characterizing the volume of fuel and/or additives dispensed, and the corresponding total
price, or total value, to the display 113 to show the volume and total price of dispensed fuel to
the user.
Once the user is finished delivering fuel, a signal can be transmitted to the POS
system 202 to indicate that fueling is complete. For example, the user can place the nozzle
108 back into a nozzle boot on the fuel dispenser 100 which can deliver a termination
command to the fuel controller 118. As another example moving a lever or switch or
pressing a button can indicate that fueling is complete and can deliver the termination
command to the fuel controller 118. The fuel controller 119 can deliver fueling data
characterizing a total amount of fuel and/or additives dispensed, and a corresponding total
price, to the POS system 202 via the forecourt controller 204. The POS system 202 can
transmit the fueling data and the payment information to the EPS 206 to finalize payment.
The POS system 202 can deliver a signal to the control module 122 to indicate that the
payment has been finalized. The POS system 202 can also deliver transaction data, which
can include fueling data, some payment information (e.g., payment method, last four digits of
credit card number, etc.), user information, user preferences, to the control module 122 of the
payment terminal 110. The transaction data can also include a variety of other information
such as the unit price of the fuel (price per gallon), an itemized list of any other items
purchased (such as a car wash etc.), the date and time of the transactions, taxes added to the
total fuel price, the location of the dispenser, and any other desirable information related to
the transaction.
The payment terminal 110 can prompt the user to accept or decline a receipt, or
transaction record. For example, the control module 122 can deliver a signal to the display
124 to update the GUI rendered on the display to prompt the user to accept or decline a
receipt. The user can input to accept or decline the receipt using, e.g., the buttons 125
adjacent to the display 124, the input module 132, and/or the display 124 itself. In some
embodiments, the payment terminal 110 can prompt the user to accept or decline the
transaction record prior receiving the transaction data from the POS system 202. In other
embodiments, the payment terminal 110 can prompt the user to accept or decline the
transaction record after the transaction data is received from the POS system 202. If the user
accepts the transaction record, the control module 122 can format the transaction data to
create formatted transaction data, and deliver formatted transaction data to the printer module
116, which is configured to facilitate delivering a transaction record to the user. The
formatted transaction data that is delivered to the printer module 116 can be in the same
format as transaction data that would be delivered to a typical printer of a fuel dispenser or a
payment terminal.
The printer module 116 can receive the formatted transaction data and can deliver a
command to the control module 122 to prompt the user to select whether they would like a
printed transaction record or an electronic transaction record. For example, the control
module 122 can deliver a signal to the display 124 to update the GUI to prompt the user to
select an option to receive a printed transaction record or an electronic transaction record.
The control module 122 can receive the user input characterizing the desired type of
transaction record from the information module 120. The control module 122 can deliver
data characterizing the user input to the printer module 116 to provide instructions for
delivering the transaction record.
As shown in the printer module 116 can be operably coupled to the
communication module 114. The communication module 114 can allow the printer module
116 to deliver record data characterizing formatted transaction data to a printer 214, a
transaction records service (TRS) 216, and/or a mobile device such as a smart phone, tablet,
laptop, and the like, that is in electronic communication with the printer module 116 via the
communication module 114.
The printer 214 can be in a remote location such as within a retail store on site, or a
station area at the site where the fuel dispenser 100 is located. The TRS 216 can be located
on a server of a network cloud 218. Accordingly, if the user desires a printed transaction
record, the printer module 116 can deliver the record data to the printer 214 via the
communication module 114 to print the record data, thereby creating the transaction record.
The printer module 116 can also deliver a command to the control module 122 to instruct the
user (e.g., via the display 124) to retrieve the transaction record from the printer 214, or from
another location. Although the network clouds 208, 218 are shown to be independent, the
network clouds 208, 218 can be the same network cloud, or they can be in electronic
communication with each other.
Although the communication module 114 is shown to be located within the payment
terminal 110, the communication module 114 can be located elsewhere on, within, or in the
vicinity of, the fuel dispenser 100. For example, the communication module 114 can be
mounted on top of the fuel dispenser, which can facilitate retrofitting the communication
module 114 to existing fuel dispensers and/or facilitate repair, upgrade, or other maintenance
of the communication module 114, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15/182,201
filed on June 14, 2016 and entitled “Methods and Devices for Fuel Dispenser Electronic
Communication,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
If the user desires an electronic transaction record, the printer module 116 can process
and analyze the formatted transaction data to verify that appropriate contact information (e.g.,
an email address and/or a phone number) is included. If the formatted transaction data does
not include appropriate user information such as, e.g., contact information, the printer module
116 can deliver a command to the control module 122 to prompt the user to input contact
information. For example, the control module 122 can deliver a signal to the display 124 to
update the GUI to prompt the user input contact information. The user can enter contact
information using various components of the information module 120 (e.g., the input module
132, the buttons 125, the display 124, the NFC reader 130, and/or the scanner 128). The
contact information can be delivered to the control module 122, which can subsequently
deliver the contact information to the printer module 116. The printer module 116 can
deliver record data characterizing the formatted transaction data, including the contact
information, to the TRS 216. In some embodiments, the printer module 116 can be
configured to deliver the record data to a user via text message, thereby creating the
transaction record. In other embodiments, the printer module 116 can create a portable
document format (PDF) file that includes data characterizing the record data, thereby
generating the transaction record. The printer module 116 can then deliver the transaction
record to the user directly via text message, email, NFC, Bluetooth, etc., using the
communication module 114.
The TRS 216 can be maintained on a server in the network cloud 218, and it can be
configured to receive record data, generate and store transaction record, and deliver electronic
transaction records to users. The TRS 216 can also be configured to receive record data from
multiple fuel dispensers at multiple locations, as well as to obtain and store user information.
For example, a user can register with the TRS 216 to create a user account, and the user
account can include certain user information such as a phone number, an email address,
loyalty program information (e.g., a loyalty identifier), user preferences, etc. for that user. As
an example, user preferences can include information regarding how a transaction record
should be delivered to the user. As another example, the user preferences can set a default
condition for the TRS 216 to store transaction records, but not deliver them to the user. The
TRS 216 can utilize this user information to determine how to handle data received from a
fuel dispenser (e.g., data characterizing the formatted transaction data send from printer
module 116). In other aspects, a master user can register with the TRS 216 to create a master
user account containing similar information. The TRS 216 can associate one or more
individual users with a master user. The TRS 216 can be configured to automatically
associate any user, including unregistered users, with a master user, for example based on the
domain name of both the user’s email address and the master user’s email address, a license
plate number, etc.
As described above, the printer module 116 can be configured to receive formatted
transaction data that is in the same format as transaction data that would otherwise be
delivered to a typical printer of a fuel dispenser or a payment terminal. Therefore, the
application of the printer module 116 can facilitate providing a user with a printed and/or
electronic transaction record, while minimizing, or eliminating, changes to standard
communication protocol associated with components of the payment terminal 110 (e.g., the
control module 122 or other components) that can deliver formatted transaction data to a
typical printer). Minimizing or eliminating changes to standard communication protocol
associated with providing users with transaction records can facilitate retrofitting the printer
module 116 to existing fuel dispensers, and/or simplify design considerations for new
dispenser. Since the printer module 116 does not need to print receipts, it can be more
reliable since it can have fewer moving parts. Additionally, since the printer module 116
does not need to be accessed regularly to replace receipt paper, cumbersome maintenance
associated replacing receipt paper can be minimized. The transaction records that are stored
by the TRS 216 can facilitate expense tracking. For example, users can access the stored
transaction records remotely to retrieve the transaction records for tax purposes or for
submission with an expense report to a business.
Although the fuel dispenser 100 provided in includes an in-dispenser payment
terminal, an outside payment terminal (ODP) could be used. In that case, the printer module
116 can be located at the ODP. The ODP serves the same function as the iDPT, except it is
not physically integral with the fuel dispenser, but connected electronically via a wired or
wireless connection. Therefore, the term “payment terminal” is be used to refer both an iDPT
and an ODP.
FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate an exemplary process 300 for delivering a transaction record
once fueling is complete. At step 302, the POS system 202 can deliver a signal to the
payment terminal 110 to indicate that fueling is complete. At step 304 the payment terminal
110 can prompt the user (e.g., via the display 124) to accept or decline a transaction record.
The user can then choose to accept or decline the transaction record, as shown in step 306. If
the user declined, the user session ends, as shown in step 308. If the user has accepted the
transaction record, the POS system 202 can send the transaction data to the payment terminal
110, as shown in step 310. At step 312 the payment terminal can format the transaction data
and deliver the formatted transaction data to the printer module. At step 314, the payment
terminal 110 can prompt the user to select an option to receive printed transaction record or
an option to receive electronic transaction record. At step 316, the user can input data to
select a printed transaction record and/or an electronic transaction record.
If the user selects a printed transaction record, the printer module 116 can deliver
record data characterizing the formatted transaction data to the printer 214 to create the
printed transaction record, as shown in step 318. The payment terminal 110 can also instruct
the user to retrieve the printed transaction record at the location of the printer 214. As shown
in step 320, if the user selects an electronic transaction record, the payment terminal 110 can
prompt the user to input user information (e.g., contact information such as an email address
and/or telephone number) such that the electronic transaction record can be delivered to the
user. At step 322, the payment terminal 110 can prompt the user for supplemental
information such as, e.g., an odometer reading, vehicle make, vehicle model, color, a license
plate number, etc. Data characterizing the supplemental information and the user information
can be delivered to the printer module 116 to be included with the formatted transaction data.
As shown in step 324, the printer module 116 can send record data characterizing the
formatted transaction data. In some embodiments, the record data can be transmitted
immediately to the user. For example, the record data can be delivered to the user via text
message to create the transaction record. As another example, the record data can be
delivered to a mobile device of the user via NFC or Bluetooth communication. The printer
module 116 can also initiate a service call to the TRS 216 to deliver the record data to the
TRS 216, which can generate transaction records, store transaction records, and deliver the
transaction records to the user.
The steps described above with regard to the process 300 shown in can occur
in various orders. For example, the POS system 202 can deliver transaction data to the
payment terminal 110 at step 302 along with the signal that indicates that fueling is complete.
In some embodiments, the printer module 116 can deliver record data to the TRS 216 even if
the user does not desire transaction record to be delivered. For example, the TRS 216 can
store a transaction record that the user, or a master user, can access at a later date. As another
example, the TRS 216 can generate a transaction record and deliver the transaction record to
a master user. The payment terminal 110 can also provide the user with both a printed
transaction record as well as an electronic transaction record. As another example, the
payment terminal 110 can prompt the user to accept or decline a transaction record at any
point prior do fueling, during fueling or after fueling.
At step 324, if a service call is initiated, the TRS 216 can evaluate user information
(e.g., user preferences) to determine appropriate actions for delivery of the transaction record.
At step 326, the TRS 216 can determine whether the user wants a transaction record to be
delivered. If the user has accepted delivery of a transaction record, the TRS 216 can deliver
the transaction record using the contact information provided by the user, as shown in step
328. For example, the TRS 216 can create a PDF file that includes data characterizing the
formatted transaction data, thereby creating the transaction record. In some cases, the TRS
216 can deliver the transaction record to the user via email. As another example, the TRS
216 can deliver a transaction record via text message. The TRS 216 can then determine if a
transaction record should be compiled to store the transaction record for the user, as shown at
step 330. If the user desires that a transaction record be stored, then the TRS 216 can compile
a store the transaction record, as shown at step 332. At step 334, the TRS 216 can then
determine if a transaction record should be compiled to store the transaction record for a
master user. If the master user desires that a transaction record be stored, the TRS 216 can
compile and store a transaction record for the master user, as shown at step 336. At step 338,
the service call to the TRS 216 ends. The report can be sent based on the user’s preferences
or the master user’s preferences.
shows a diagram 400 that illustrates exemplary data flow that can occur
between the information module 120 (e.g., a magnetic strip card reader 126, a barcode and/or
QR code scanner 128, and/or a NFC reader 130, the input module 132, and the microphone
133), the control module 122, the POS system 202, the printer module 116, the printer 214,
and the TRS 216. In the illustrated embodiment, the POS system 202 can deliver a signal
402 to the control module 122 to indicate that fueling is complete. The signal 402 can also
include a command for the control module 122 to prompt the user to accept or decline a
transaction record. The control module 122 can deliver data 404 to the information module
120 to prompt the user to accept or decline a transaction record. For example, the control
module 122 can deliver a signal to the display 124 to update the GUI rendered on the display
to prompt the user to accept or decline delivery of a transaction record. The information
module 120 can receive input data 406 from the user via, e.g., the buttons 125, the display
124, the input module, etc. and can send the data 406 to the control module 122. If the user
accepts delivery of the transaction record, the control module 122 can deliver data 408 to the
POS system 202 to request delivery of transaction data. The POS system 202 can deliver
data 410 characterizing transaction data to the control module 122. As described above, the
transaction data can include fueling data, payment information, user information, and/or user
preferences.
The control module 122 can receive the data 410, format the data 410 and deliver data
412 characterizing the formatted data to the printer module 116. The printer module 116 can
receive the data 412 and can deliver a signal 414 to the control module 122 to prompt the user
to select options to receive a printed transaction record and/or an electronic transaction
record. The control module 122 can deliver data 416 to the information module 120 to
prompt the user to select an option to receive a printed transaction record and/or an electronic
transaction record. For example, the control module 122 can deliver a signal to the display
124 to update the GUI to prompt the user to select an option to receive a printed transaction
record and/or an electronic transaction record.
The user can then input data 418 to identify a desired type of transaction record, and
the data 418 can be delivered to the control module 122. The control module 122 can deliver
data 420 characterizing the desired type of transaction record to the printer module 116. If
the user desires a printed transaction record, the printer module 116 can deliver record data
422 characterizing the formatted transaction data to the printer 214. The printer module 116
can deliver a signal 424 to the control module 122 to instruct the user to retrieve the printed
transaction record. The control module 122 can deliver data 426 to the display 124 of the
information module 120 to instruct the user to retrieve the printed transaction record. For
example, the display 124 can instruct the user to retrieve the receipt from a remote location
such as within a retail store on site, or a station area at the site where the fuel dispenser 100 is
located.
If the user desires an electronic transaction record, the printer module 116 can deliver
a signal 428 to the control module to prompt the user to supply contact information and/or
supplemental information. The control module 122 can deliver data 430 to the display 124 of
the information module 120 to prompt the user to enter contact information and/or
supplemental information. As an example, supplemental information scan include an
odometer reading, vehicle make, vehicle model, color, a license plate number, etc. The
control module 122 can deliver data 430 to the display 124 of the information module 120 to
instruct the user to retrieve the printed transaction record. The user can then input data 430
characterizing contact information and/or supplemental information, and the data 430 can be
delivered to the control module 122. The control module 122 can deliver data 434
characterizing the contact information and/or supplemental information to the printer module
116. The printer module 116 can receive the data 434 and can combine the contact
information and/or supplemental information with the formatted transaction data. The printer
module 116 can deliver record data 436 characterizing the formatted transaction data,
including the contact information and/or the supplemental information, to the TRS 216 such
that a transaction record can be delivered to the user.
illustrates a portion of another exemplary process 500 for delivering a
transaction record once fueling is complete. The process 500 can generally be similar to the
process 300 shown in , but in this case the payment terminal can prompt the user to
enter loyalty program information if the user desire a transaction record. As shown in
if the user selects an electronic transaction record at step 316, the payment terminal can
prompt the user to enter loyalty program information, if available, as shown at step 519. As
an example, the user can scan a loyalty program card using scanner 128 can scan a loyalty
program card to provide a loyalty identifier. The payment terminal can then use the loyalty
identifier to get loyalty program information that corresponds to the user. For example, at
step 521, the loyalty identifier can be used to obtain user information such as, e.g., contact
information, user preferences, and/or a pre-set payment method, as described above with
regard to If the user is not part of a relevant loyalty program, the payment terminal
can request contact information such as, e.g., email address and/or a phone number, as shown
at step 320. The payment terminal can prompt the user for supplemental information and
deliver record data to the TRS 216 in steps 322 and 324, as describe above with regard to
. The TRS 216 can process the data as described above with regard to the portion of
the process 300 shown in . In some embodiments, the record data can be transmitted
immediately to the user. For example, the record data can be delivered to the user via text
message to create the transaction record. As another example, the record data can be
delivered to a mobile device of the user via NFC or Bluetooth communication.
illustrates a portion of another exemplary process 600 for delivering a
transaction record. The process 600 can generally be similar to the process 300 shown in
, but in this case the payment terminal can prompt the user accept or decline
receiving a transaction record prior to fueling. As shown in the user can enter
payment information at step 602. At step 603 the payment terminal 110 can prompt the user
(e.g., via the display 124) to accept or decline receiving a transaction record. At step 604, the
user can input data to specify whether a delivery of a transaction record is desired. The user
can then dispense fuel, as shown by step 605. The payment terminal can determine if the
user desired delivery of a transaction record at step 606. If the user declines receiving a
transaction record the user session ends, as shown in step 308. If the user has accepted
receiving the transaction record, the POS system 202 can send the transaction data to the
payment terminal 110, as indicate at step 310. The process 600 can continue as described
above with regard to the processes 300, 500 shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 5.
illustrates a portion process 700 for delivering a transaction record to a user,
where record data is transmitted from a POS system rather than from a printer module of a
fuel dispenser. As shown in the user can enter payment information at step 702 at a
payment terminal of the fuel dispenser. At step 703 the payment terminal can prompt the
user (e.g., via a display such as the display 124 shown in to accept or decline
receiving a transaction record. The user can input data to accept or decline a transaction
record, as shown by step 704. The user can then dispense fuel, as shown by step 705. The
payment terminal can determine if the user desired delivery of a transaction record at step
706. If the user declines receiving a transaction record the user session ends, as shown in
step 708.
At step 714, if the user has accepted a transaction record, the payment terminal can
prompt the user to select an option to receive printed transaction record or an option to
receive electronic transaction record. At step 716, the user can input data to select a printed
transaction record and/or an electronic transaction record. The payment terminal can deliver
data characterizing the desire type of transaction record to the POS system. If the user selects
a printed transaction record, the POS system can deliver record data characterizing the
formatted transaction data to a printer that can be similar to the printer 214 shown in
to create the printed transaction record, as shown in step 718. If the user selects an electronic
transaction record at step 716, the payment terminal can prompt the user to enter loyalty
program information, if available, as shown at step 719. As an example, the user can scan a
loyalty program card using a scanner to can scan a loyalty program card to provide a loyalty
identifier. The scanner can generally be similar to the scanner 128 shown in The
payment terminal 110 can then use the loyalty identifier to get loyalty program information
that corresponds to the user. For example, at step 721, the loyalty identifier can be used to
obtain user information such as, e.g., contact information, user preferences, and/or a pre-set
payment method, as described above with regard to As shown in step 720, the
payment terminal can prompt the user to input user information (e.g., contact information
such as an email address and/or telephone number) such that the electronic transaction record
can be delivered to the user. At step 322, the payment terminal can prompt the user for
supplemental information such as, e.g., an odometer reading, vehicle make, vehicle model,
color, a license plate number, etc. Data characterizing the supplemental information and the
user information can be delivered to the POS system to be included with the transaction data.
As shown in step 724, the printer module 116 can send record data characterizing the
transaction data to a TRS. The TRS can process the data as described above with regard to
the portion of the process 300 shown in . In some embodiments, the record data can
be transmitted immediately to the user. For example, the record data can be delivered to the
user via text message to create the transaction record. As another example, the record data
can be delivered to a mobile device of the user via NFC or Bluetooth communication.
One or more aspects or features of the subject matter described herein can be realized
in digital electronic circuitry, integrated circuitry, specially designed application specific
integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) computer hardware,
firmware, software, and/or combinations thereof. These various aspects or features can
include implementation in one or more computer programs that are executable and/or
interpretable on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor,
which can be special or general purpose, coupled to receive data and instructions from, and to
transmit data and instructions to, a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one
output device. The programmable system or computing system may include clients and
servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact
through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of
computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server
relationship to each other.
These computer programs, which can also be referred to as programs, software,
software applications, applications, components, or code, include machine instructions for a
programmable processor, and can be implemented in a high-level procedural language, an
object-oriented programming language, a functional programming language, a logical
programming language, and/or in assembly/machine language. As used herein, the term
“machine-readable medium” refers to any computer program product, apparatus and/or
device, such as for example magnetic discs, optical disks, memory, and Programmable Logic
Devices (PLDs), used to provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable
processor, including a machine-readable medium that receives machine instructions as a
machine-readable signal. The term “machine-readable signal” refers to any signal used to
provide machine instructions and/or data to a programmable processor. The machine-
readable medium can store such machine instructions non-transitorily, such as for example as
would a non-transient solid-state memory or a magnetic hard drive or any equivalent storage
medium. The machine-readable medium can alternatively or additionally store such machine
instructions in a transient manner, such as for example as would a processor cache or other
random access memory associated with one or more physical processor cores.
To provide for interaction with a user, one or more aspects or features of the subject
matter described herein can be implemented on a computer having a display device, such as
for example a cathode ray tube (CRT) or a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a light emitting
diode (LED) monitor for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing
device, such as for example a mouse or a trackball, by which the user may provide input to
the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as
well. For example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, such
as for example visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the
user may be received in any form, including, but not limited to, acoustic, speech, or tactile
input. Other possible input devices include, but are not limited to, touch screens or other
touch-sensitive devices such as single or multi-point resistive or capacitive trackpads, voice
recognition hardware and software, optical scanners, optical pointers, digital image capture
devices and associated interpretation software, and the like.
Non-transitory computer program products (i.e., physically embodied computer
program products) are also described that store instructions, which when executed by one or
more data processors of one or more computing systems, causes at least one data processor to
perform operations herein. Similarly, computer systems are also described that may include
one or more data processors and memory coupled to the one or more data processors. The
memory may temporarily or permanently store instructions that cause at least one processor
to perform one or more of the operations described herein. In addition, methods can be
implemented by one or more data processors either within a single computing system or
distributed among two or more computing systems. Such computing systems can be
connected and can exchange data and/or commands or other instructions or the like via one or
more connections, including but not limited to a connection over a network (e.g. the Internet,
a wireless wide area network, a local area network, a wide area network, a wired network, or
the like), via a direct connection between one or more of the multiple computing systems, etc.
In the descriptions above and in the claims, phrases such as “at least one of” or “one
or more of” may occur followed by a conjunctive list of elements or features. The term
“and/or” may also occur in a list of two or more elements or features. Unless otherwise
implicitly or explicitly contradicted by the context in which it is used, such a phrase is
intended to mean any of the listed elements or features individually or any of the recited
elements or features in combination with any of the other recited elements or features. For
example, the phrases “at least one of A and B;” “one or more of A and B;” and “A and/or B”
are each intended to mean “A alone, B alone, or A and B together.” A similar interpretation
is also intended for lists including three or more items. For example, the phrases “at least one
of A, B, and C;” “one or more of A, B, and C;” and “A, B, and/or C” are each intended to
mean “A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A
and B and C together.” In addition, use of the term “based on,” above and in the claims is
intended to mean, “based at least in part on,” such that an unrecited feature or element is also
permissible.
The subject matter described herein can be embodied in systems, apparatus, methods,
and/or articles depending on the desired configuration. The implementations set forth in the
foregoing description do not represent all implementations consistent with the subject matter
described herein. Instead, they are merely some examples consistent with aspects related to
the described subject matter. Although a few variations have been described in detail above,
other modifications or additions are possible. In particular, further features and/or variations
can be provided in addition to those set forth herein. For example, the implementations
described above can be directed to various combinations and subcombinations of the
disclosed features and/or combinations and sub-combinations of several further features
disclosed above. In addition, the logic flows depicted in the accompanying figures and/or
described herein do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to
achieve desirable results. Other implementations may be within the scope of the following
claims.
Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context
requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and
"comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of
integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or
steps.
The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived
from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an
acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or
information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge
in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.
Claims (25)
1. A fuel dispenser, comprising: a pump housing having at least one fuel pump disposed therein and configured to dispense fuel; an electronics housing having housed therein: a fuel controller operatively connected to a pump compartment for controlling the dispensing of fuel from the pump compartment, a payment terminal having a control module configured to receive transaction data that characterizes a user transaction involving the dispensing of fuel from the pump compartment, format the transaction data to create formatted transaction data, and to transmit the formatted transaction data, a printer module in electronic communication with the control module, the printer module being configured to receive the formatted transaction data from the control module, deliver a command to the control module to prompt a user to select a type of transaction record, receive data from the control module characterizing a selected type of transaction record, and to transmit record data that characterizes the formatted transaction data to a remote server configured to use data characterizing the user transaction involving the dispensing of fuel from the pump compartment to generate an electronic transaction record, and a communication module configured to facilitate electronic delivery of the data characterizing the user transaction involving the dispensing of fuel from the pump compartment from the printer module to the remote server.
2. The fuel dispenser of claim 1, further comprising an information module configured to receive user information that identifies a user and transmits the user identification information to the control module.
3. The fuel dispenser of claim 1, wherein the printer module is configured to deliver the record data to a transaction record service on the remote server, the transaction record service being configured to create, store, and transmit a transaction record that characterizes the record data.
4. The fuel dispenser of claim 1, wherein the communication module is configured to facilitate electronic communication between the printer module and a mobile device using near field communication.
5. The fuel dispenser of claim 1, wherein the communication module is configured to facilitate electronic communication between the printer module and a mobile device using wireless communication.
6. The fuel dispenser of claim 1, wherein the printer module is configured to transmit the record data to the remote server using an email address provided by the user.
7. The fuel dispenser of claim 1, further comprising an information module disposed in the payment terminal of the fuel dispenser, the information module configured to receive a selection of a paper transaction record or the electronic transaction record characterizing the user transaction involving the dispensing of fuel from the pump compartment.
8. The fuel dispenser of claim 7, wherein when the electronic transaction record is selected via the information module disposed in the payment terminal of the fuel dispenser, the communication module is configured to facilitate the electronic delivery of data characterizing the user transaction involving the dispensing of fuel from the pump compartment from the printer module to the remote server.
9. The fuel dispenser of claim 1, wherein the communication module is further configured to facilitate electronic delivery of the data characterizing the user transaction involving the dispensing of fuel from the pump compartment from the printer module directly to a mobile device.
10. A device for transmitting transaction records from a fuel dispenser, comprising: a printer module configured to receive user information characterizing an identity of a user, receive formatted transaction data from a control module within a payment terminal of the fuel dispenser, the formatted transaction data characterizing a user transaction involving dispensing of fuel from the fuel dispenser, deliver a command to the control module to prompt the user to provide contact information, and transmit, via a communication module of the fuel dispenser, record data characterizing the user transaction involving the dispensing of fuel from the fuel dispenser, the contact information, and the user information to a remote server configured to use the record data characterizing the user transaction involving the dispensing of fuel from the fuel dispenser to generate an electronic transaction record.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein the printer module is configured to deliver the record data to a transaction record service on the remote server, the transaction record service being configured to create, store, and transmit a transaction record that characterizes the record data.
12. The device of claim 10, wherein the printer module is configured to transmit the record data to a mobile device using wireless communication.
13. A method for processing a transaction at a fuel dispenser, comprising: receiving user information that characterizes an identity of a user at a payment terminal of a fuel dispenser; receiving transaction data from the payment terminal, the transaction data characterizing a user transaction involving the dispensing of fuel from the fuel dispenser; receiving data that characterizes a type of record of the transaction as an electronic transaction record; formatting the transaction data to create formatted transaction data; generating record data characterizing the user transaction involving the dispensing of fuel from the fuel dispenser; transmitting, from a printer module of the payment terminal, a command to a control module of the payment terminal to prompt the user to provide contact information; and transmitting, via a communication module of the fuel dispenser, the record data characterizing the user transaction involving the dispensing of fuel from the fuel dispenser, the user information, and the contact information to a remote server configured to use the record data characterizing the user transaction involving the dispensing of fuel from the fuel dispenser to generate the electronic transaction record.
14. The method of claim 13, further comprising displaying a prompt for the user to enter data that characterizes the desired type of record of the transaction.
15. The method of claim 13, wherein at least one of the receiving, formatting, generating, determining, and transmitting is performed by at least one data processor forming part of at least one computing system.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein the record data is transmitted to a printer at a remote location, the printer being configured to print a receipt, thereby generating a transaction record that characterizes the user transaction.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising displaying instructions to instruct a user to retrieve the transaction record at the remote location.
18. The method of claim 13, wherein the record data is transmitted to a transaction records service that is configured to create, store, and transmit a transaction record that characterizes the record data.
19. The method of claim 13, wherein the record data is transmitted to a mobile device using wireless communication.
20. A non-transitory computer program product comprising computer readable instructions, which, when executed by at least one data processor forming part of at least one computing system, implement operations comprising: receiving identification data that characterizes an identity of a user; receiving transaction data from a payment terminal of a fuel dispenser, the transaction data characterizing a user transaction involving the dispensing of fuel from the fuel dispenser, receiving data characterizing a type of record of the transaction as an electronic transaction record; formatting the transaction data to create formatted transaction data; generating record data characterizing the user transaction involving the dispensing of fuel from the fuel dispenser; transmitting, from a printer module of the payment terminal, a command to a control module of the payment terminal to prompt the user to provide contact information; and transmitting, via a communication module of the fuel dispenser, the record data characterizing the user transaction involving the dispensing of fuel from the fuel dispenser the identification information, and the contact information to a remote server configured to use the record data characterizing the user transaction involving the dispensing of fuel from the fuel dispenser to generate the electronic transaction record.
21. The non-transitory computer program product of claim 20, the operations comprising displaying a prompt for the user to enter data that characterizes the desired type of record of the transaction.
22. The non-transitory computer program product of claim 20, wherein at least one of the receiving, formatting, and transmitting is performed by at least one data processor forming part of at least one computing system.
23. The non-transitory computer program product of claim 20, wherein the record data is transmitted to a printer at a remote location, the printer being configured to print a receipt, thereby generating a transaction record that characterizes a user transaction.
24. The non-transitory computer program product of claim 23, further comprising displaying instructions to instruct a user to retrieve a transaction record at the remote location.
25. The non-transitory computer program product of claim 20, wherein the record data is transmitted to a transaction records service that is configured to create, store, and transmit a transaction record that characterizes the record data.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201662409108P | 2016-10-17 | 2016-10-17 | |
US62/409,108 | 2016-10-17 | ||
PCT/US2017/056945 WO2018075490A1 (en) | 2016-10-17 | 2017-10-17 | Printerless fuel dispenser |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ752150A NZ752150A (en) | 2021-09-24 |
NZ752150B2 true NZ752150B2 (en) | 2022-01-06 |
Family
ID=
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