WO2009065191A1

WO2009065191A1 - An authorisation system

Info

Publication number: WO2009065191A1
Application number: PCT/AU2008/001739
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian Crosse
Original assignee: Crossecom Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2007-11-23
Filing date: 2008-11-24
Publication date: 2009-05-28
Also published as: AU2008328538B2; AU2008328538A1

Abstract

An authorisation system (2) for a dispenser (4) is described comprising a first ID device (18), a reading device (10) configured for detachably coupling or association with the dispenser (4), and a controller (8) for controlling the dispenser. The device (10) comprises an ID device reader (12), a wireless communication system (14) for communicating with the controller and a rechargeable power supply (16) for providing power to at least the ID device reader and the communication system. The device (10) is configured to read and communicate identification data held by the first ID device (18) to the controller (8) when the device (10) and the first ID device (18) are within a reading range of each other. The controller (8) makes a determination regarding authorisation to dispense product from the dispenser (4).

Description

AN AUTHORISATION SYSTEM

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an authorisation system and in particular, although not solely, to an authorisation system for a fuel bowser or a refuelling facility.

Background of the Invention

It is known to provide a credit card payment facility on a bowser to enable payment for fuel without the need to present in person to a cashier in a service station. However the control of the bowser to dispense the fuel still remains with the cashier or other on site staff who operate a console to activate the bowser. The embodiments of the present invention arises from consideration of an alternate system to dispense fuel. However it is to be understood that alternate embodiments of the invention may be applied in relation to the dispensing or other provision of other goods .

It will be clearly understood that, although prior art use and publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these form a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or in any other country.

Summary of the invention

In the statement of invention and description of the invention which follow, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" is used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

According to one aspect of the invention there is provided an authorisation system for a dispenser comprising: a first ID device containing identification data; a reading device configured for detachably coupling or association with the dispenser,- a controller for controlling said dispenser, the controller being remote from the device; the reading device configured to read the identification data when the first ID device and the reading device are within a reading range of each other, and to wirelessly transmit the identification data to the controller; and, wherein the controller is configured to make a determination regarding authorisation to dispense product from the dispenser on the basis of the identification data.

The controller maybe configured to enable the dispenser to continue to dispense product upon an initial granting of authoristaion to dispense.

Alternatively the controller may be configured to enable the dispenser to continue to dispense product upon an initial granting of authorization to dispense and while the first ID device and the reading device are maintained in the reading range of each other, wherein in the event of the first ID device and the reading device being moved to be outside of the reading range, the controller disables the dispenser from dispensing product.

The reading device maybe configured to notify the controller when first ID device and the reading device are within the reading range .

More particularly the reading device may notify the controller that first ID device and the reading device are within the reading range by continually reading and sending the identification data to the controller when the first ID device and the reading device are within the reading range.

The first ID device may comprise: an antenna coupled to a circuit device containing the identification data, and wherein the circuit device is coupled to an object with greater strength that the antenna is coupled to the circuit device.

The reading device may comprise a rechargeable power supply .

The rechargeable power supply maybe inductively coupled to a recharger.

The recharger may be coupled to the dispenser.

The authorization system may comprise a second ID device associated with said dispenser, wherein the second ID device contains second identification data and wherein the reading device is configured to read the second identification data when the second ID device and the reading device are within a reading range of each other, and to wirelessly transmit the second identification data to the controller.

The second identification data may identify the dispenser; or, product dispensed, or to be dispended by, the dispenser.

The second ID device may releasably engage the reading device.

The reading device may comprise a power saving device to minimize power use when the dispenser is not in use dispensing, or, not being used during an authentication request to commence dispensing, product.

The power saving device may comprise a motion sensor for sensing motion of the reading device.

The motion sensor may comprises an accelerometer .

The reading device maybe located on said dispenser or a portion thereof.

The dispenser may be a fuel bowser having a nozzle assembly, the reading device may be configured to fit about or on the nozzle assembly.

A second aspect of the invention provides a method of authorizing the dispensing of product from a product dispenser, the method comprising: associating a first ID device containing identification data with a recipient of the product; providing a reading device on or near the dispenser; providing a controller configured to control the dispenser at a location remote from the dispenser; reading the identification data when the first ID device is within a reading range of the reading device and wirelessly sending the identification data to the controller; and, configuring the controller to determine whether or not to authorize dispensing of the product on the basis of the identification data.

The method may comprise: associating a second ID device with the dispenser, wherein the second ID device contains second identification data identifying the dispenser or product to be dispensed by the dispenser.

The controller may be configured to enable the dispenser to continue to dispense product upon an initial granting of authorization to dispense.

Alternatively the controller may be configured to enable the dispenser to continue to dispense product upon an initial granting of authorization to dispense and while the first ID device and the reading device are maintained in the reading range of each other, wherein in the event of the first ID device and the reading device being moved to be outside of the reading range, the controller disables the dispenser from dispensing product. The dispenser may be a fuel bowser and the product is fuel. - G -

The recipient may be a person. However the recipient may be a vehicle.

A third aspect of the invention provides a fuel station comprising: a plurality of fuel bowsers, each bowser having one or more nozzle assemblies, at least one reading device configured for detachably coupling or association with each bowser; a controller for controlling said plurality of bowsers, the controller being remote from the reading devices ; and wherein potential recipients of- fuel from the fuel station are provided with first ID devices, each first ID device provided with identification data; each reading device configured to read the identification data when one of the first ID device and that reading device are within a reading range of each other, and to wirelessly transmit the identification data to the controller; and, wherein the controller is configured to make a determination regarding authorisation to dispense fuel from the bowser on the basis of the identification data.

A fourth aspect of the invention provides an authorisation system for a dispenser comprising: a first ID device configured for attaching to a vehicle; a device configured for detachably coupling or association with the dispenser; a controller for controlling said dispenser, the controller being remote from the device, the device comprising,

(i) an ID device reader; (ii) a wireless communication system for communicating with the controller;

(iii) a rechargeable power supply for providing power to at least the reader and communication system,- said device configured to communicate acknowledgement of the ID device to the controller when the device and the ID device are within a range proximal each other, wherein the controller makes a determination regarding authorisation to dispense product from the dispenser while said ID device and said device remain proximal each other.

In a fifth aspect, there is provided an identification device comprising: an antenna coupled to a circuit device containing the identification data, and wherein the circuit device is coupled to an object with greater strength that the antenna is coupled to the circuit device. an antenna in communication with a circuit, the circuit being fixable to a surface; the device configured so that communication between the antennae and the circuit is disabled in the event of tampering when the device is installed on the surface.

With respect to all embodiments of the present invention described herein, the reading range between the reading device and the first ID devices may be up to about 10 cm.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now the described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic flow diagram of one embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 shows one embodiment of the present invention as applied to the dispensing portion of a fuel pump; Figure 3 shows the dispensing portion of the fuel pump engaged with the refuelling of inlet of a vehicle;

Figure 4 shows a schematic flow diagram of a further embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 5a shows a schematic perspective view of a further aspect of the present invention; '

Figure 5b shows a schematic section view of the embodiment of the current invention shown in Figure 5a;

Figure 6 shows a diagram of yet a further aspect of the present invention with a plurality of dispenser units .

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an authorisation system 2 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention for authorising dispensing of a product such as, for example, fuel. The authorisation system 2 comprises a controller 8 configured to control and/or authorise dispensing from the dispenser which, in this embodiment, is a fuel bowser 4 having a dispenser portion in the form of a nozzle assembly 6. The system 2 further comprises a reading device 10 comprising an ID device reader 12 to read a first ID device such as a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag 18, a wireless communication system such as a radio transceiver 14 for communicating with the controller 8. - S -

The reading device 10 is configured to communicate identification data from the tag 18 to the controller 8 when the device 10 and the tag 18 come within a pre- specified reading range of each other. The controller 8 is configured to then make a determination as to whether or not a user or holder of the tag 18 is authorised to dispense product from the bowser 4.

A request for authorisation is initiated by the tag 18 being moved into the reading range of the reading device

10 by a user. Once within a the reading range, the reading device 10 and more particularly the ID device reader 12 powers up the tag 18, which in response sends identification data to the device 10. The device 10 may be configured to make a determination as to whether the tag 18 is a valid tag for the system 2. However determination as to whether to allow dispensing from the bowser 4 is made by the controller 8 which analyses the identification data communicated from the tag 18 via the device 10.

The data read by the ID device reader 12 is transmitted by the radio transceiver ("radio") 14 to the controller 8, via communication channel 20. The controller 8 receives and processes the identification data to determine whether or not authorisation can be given for dispensing a product to the user from the bowser 4 to enable the dispensing. The controller may also, on the basis of the identification data determine the type and/or the amount of product to be dispensed. If the outcome of the determination process is favourable, the controller 8 sends appropriate control signals to the bowser 4 to enable the dispensing of the product via communication channel 22. The control signals may enable the bowser 4 to dispense fuel or to enable the user to operate the bowser 4 to dispense fuel. The communication channel 22 may either be hard-wired or wireless .

The controller 8 may comprise a memory or look-up table storing identification data of receipients authorised to receive product from the dispenser together with associated financial data facilitate automatic payment or credit control in relation to the dispensed product. In this embodiment, any and all product dispensed after the tag 18 is initially read by the ID device reader 12 of the device 10 is attributed (and thus charged) to the recipient identified by the tag 18. The recipient may be a person or a vehicle. If the recipient is a person then the person may use the ID device to fuel any vehicle. However if the recipient is one or more vehicles then any person may only refuel the or each vehicle .

In this embodiment the system 2 is configured to enable continued dispensing of fuel upon an initial granting of authorisation to dispense. Thus if the tag 18 is moved out of the reading range the dispensing will continue until terminated by the recipient or by the controller determining that a maximum amount or value of fuel has been dispensed.

In a second embodiment of the system 2 the controller 8 is arranged to send control signals to the dispenser 4 to dispense the product only when tag 18 is maintained in reading range of the device 10. As soon as this range is exceeded so that the device 10 is unable to detect the presence of the tag 18, the device 10 notifies this via - li lts radio 14 to the controller 8 which controls the bowser 4 to stop dispensing fuel.

In this embodiment the device 10 may be configured to notify that it and the tag 18 are within the reading range by continually reading and sending identification data to the controller 8, so that if the controller does not receive the identification data after initially authorising the dispensing of fuel, it disables the bowser 4 from dispensing fuel. In a variation to this, the device 10 may send a second signal (e.g. an "acknowledge signal") to the controller while tag 18 and device 10 are within the reading range, with the controller 8 configured to disable the bowser 4 when the second signal is lost.

In one physical realisation of the above described embodiments of the system 2 shown in Figures 2 and 3 , the tag 18 is permanently fixed adjacent a fuel inlet 26 of a vehicle 28 and the device 10 is configured to fit over the nozzle 32 of the nozzle assembly 6. When the nozzle 32 is inserted into the fuel inlet 26 of vehicle 28 (shown in Figure 3) , the device 10 reads the tag 18 and sends its identification data to the controller 8. The controller 8 determines whether or not authorisation can be given and, if favourable, communicates same to the bowser 4 allowing dispensing of the fuel to the vehicle 28. Dispensing instructions to the bowser 4 will continue until the required amount of fuel has been dispensed, after which the nozzle 32 will be holstered within the bowser 4 by the user. If at any time during the dispensing process the nozzle 32 is moved to a position where the device 10 and the tag 18 are separate by a distance greater than the reading range, the fuel delivery will cease. In the present embodiment, the range may be pre-configured to be sufficiently small so that the tag 18 and the device 10, will only be within the reading range when the nozzle 32 is inserted into the refuelling inlet 26 of the vehicle. This system may however be configured to enable this range may be adjustable.

A further embodiment of the authorisation system 2 is shown in Figure 4. In this embodiment, a second ID device 30 is incorporated within the authorisation system 2. The second ID device 30 may also comprise an RFID tag and is coded to identify a particular bowser 4 and/or a particular nozzle assembly 6. This embodiment of the system 2 lends itself to the situation where the device 10 is portable may be replaced with other like portable devices 10 for charging and general maintenance purposes. The second tag 30 may be physically located (either fixed or releasably engaged) to a respective nozzle assembly 6, within the reading range of the device 10 fitted to that nozzle assembly, and thus identify a and/or associates nozzle assembly 6.

Indeed in one arrangement the device 10 and the second tag 30 may both be configured so as to be releasably engageable with each other. Also the identification data in the second tag 30 may be programmed by the controller to enable changing of the identification data by way of a software program.

In operation, the device 10, when within the reading range of the tag 30, transmits identification data of the tag 30 to the controller 8. The controller 8 upon receiving this identification data is able to access a memory device to equate the tag 30 with a specific (i.e., unique) bowser 4 and/or nozzle assembly 6. Upon successful authorisation, the controller 8 instructs the corresponding bowser 4 to permit dispensing of fuel, (assuming of course that the tag 18 is also read, acknowledged and authenticated by the controller 8) . This embodiment demonstrates the interchangeability of the device (s) 10 when there exists multiple bowsers (or other dispensers) 4. The portable device 10 effectively acts as a conduit through which authorisation is requested by a user to the controller 8. Identification of the bowser used to dispense fuel is established through the presence of the second tag 30, while authorisation to dispense fuel from that bowser 4 is established by interaction between the first tag 18, the device 10 and the controller 8.

The system 2 may be further arranged so that the controller 8 inhibits the bowser 4 from dispensing fuel if at any time after commencement of dispensing the tag 30 is moved outside of the reading range of the reading device 10 in the same manner as described before in relation to the tag 18.

In one example of the application of tag 30 consider a fuel bowser 4 having: a regular unleaded petrol nozzle, a high octane nozzle and a diesel nozzle. Respective second tags 30 may be configured to be mountable on each nozzle. Each nozzle may also have mounted on it its own device 10, or there may be a single device 10 for the bowser where a user simply slips the unit 10 onto the nozzle to select the required fuel. The tag 30 on that nozzle will in effect identify the type of fuel being dispensed. A further embodiment of the tag 18 ' is shown in Figures 5a and 5b. This embodiment of the tag 18 is configured so as to be permanently affixed to a a vehicle 28. The tag 18' comprises a body portion 36 housing an antenna 38 at a distal region 42 and a circuit 40 located at a proximal region 44 of the body portion 36. The antenna 38 and the circuit 40 are connected by at least two wires 46a and 46b (hereinafter "wires 46") . The body portion 36 is affixed to the vehicle 28 in such a way that the circuit is held fast so that tampering of the body portion 36 will result in at least one of the wires 46 breaking thus destroying contact between the circuit 40 and the antenna 38. In such instances, the unit is disabled and not repairable and must be replaced, i.e., sacrificial. The circuit which is encoded with identification data remains affixed to the vehicle 28, thus rendering the tag 18' unusable if stolen. In one embodiment, the circuit 40 is glued on a surface 34 of the vehicle 28 with say a stronger glue than the body portion 36 so that if one tries to pull the tag 18' off, the body portion 36 may detach, but the wires will break, leaving the circuit 40 on the surface 28.

With regard to all the embodiments of the present invention described herein, the controller 8 may be located: on site; or, at a remote location from the dispensing facility or inside the bowsers 4. The controller 8 may comprise a central processing unit and a communication systems to enable communication with at least one device 10 and at least one bowser 4. Accordingly, the controller 8 may be located in another country. The communication system of the controller may also enable remote access to the controller 8, for example via the internet to allow interrogation of the system 2. The use of encryption technology such as, for example, the use of a maximal length stream cypher (LFSR) , may be incorporated to make secure any of the communication pathways utilised with any of the embodiments of the present invention described herein. Use of encryption technology enhances the security of the system so that it cannot be compromised by interception of any of the communication channels. It will be readily appreciated by one skilled in the art that any secure form or method of communication encryption and authorisation may be incorporated within the present invention.

In one embodiment, the system 2 may be configured so that all tags, 18, 30, 18' within 10 cm of the ID device reader

12 of the device 10 are readable. It will be appreciated that the range may be deliberately reduced so as to ensure that the maximum operational range is when the device 10 is inserted into the refuelling inlet 26 of the vehicle 28. As previously mentioned however this range may be altered so as to suit particular applications .

The device 10 may be configured with appropriate status indicators to indicate the status of the device during an authorisation request and the subsequent dispensing cycle. For example, LED indicators may be incorporated within the device 10 to indicate instances where, for example, a request for authorisation is made or where dispensing is currently occurring, that sufficient proximity between the device 10 and the first or second tags 18, 30 has been established or that the device 10 is on standby mode or is fully charged or is powered up. Other instances of operation may also be displayed for the user's convenience . It may be appreciated that other status indicators such as LCD displays and the like may be incorporated into device 10 to indicate to a user the current status of the system as instructed by the controller 8 via the communication channel 20. The controller 8 may instruct such displays to indicate other characteristics, such as, but not limited to, the user identification, the user's vehicle, vehicle identification, real time measure of the amount and/or cost of product being dispensed etc.

The device 10 may further comprise an onboard processor for processing and/or managing communications from the ID device reader 12 and the controller 8. The processor may perform and/or manage the necessary operations to communicate the appropriate acknowledgements of respective ID devices (18/30) to the wireless communication system 14 for communication to the controller 8.

The device 10 includes a rechargeable power source in the form of a battery 16 to provide operational power and enable portability of the device 10. The battery 16 may be inductively recharged, thereby avoiding the need for metal contacts and thus eliminating the risk of sparks which in an area where volatile products are dispensed is hazardous. For charging, the device 10 may be transferred to a base unit or cradle where inductive charging can be performed. Alternatively, portable inductive charging means may be transferred to the portable device (s) 10 when said device (s) are fixed or attached to respective dispensers 4, i.e., on-site recharging. In a further variation, an inductive charger may be configured to be part of the bowser 4 so as to allow inductive charging to commence as soon as the nozzle assembly 6 is holstered after dispensing fuel .

The device 10 may further comprise a power saving device or circuit to minimise power consumption when the dispenser is not in use or an action requesting the use of the dispenser is not being made. The power saving device or circuit may comprise: a movement sensor such as, for example, an accelerometer; or, a position sensor such as a mercury, or, ball bearing, switch. Output from such a power saving circuit may be acted upon directly by the device 10, or communicated to the controller 8 to determine whether or not the status of the device 10 may be changed, such as, for example, between "power up" mode and a "power down" (or "sleep") mode.

In a further embodiment shown in Figure 6, the authorisation system 2 may be used to authorise the dispensing of fuel from a plurality of fuel bowsers at a refuelling facility 48. The refuelling facility 48 may comprise any number of bowsers 4 , each having one or more nozzle assemblies 6. Each bowser 4 remains in communication with the controller 8. The authorisation system 2 is configured to permit the dispensing of fuel to a recipient granted authorisation by controller 8. In this embodiment, the tag 18 may comprise an RFID device in the form of, for example, a swipe card carried by a person. The device 10 may be affixed or located upon the bowser 4 in accordance with any of the previous embodiments. The user swipes the tag 18 in close proximity to device 10 to initiate the appropriate request from the controller 8. The controller 8 may be programmed so that one positive acknowledgement of the ID device 18 allows a pre-specified or pre-agreed quantity of fuel to be dispensed from the bowser 4 or repeatedly monitors the presence of the ID device 18 within the reading range of the device 10 to instruct the bowser 4 to dispense fuel. Alternatively, the device 10 may be located on a remote structure conveniently located for the user/driver to access, for example, a post may be located near the driver's door. In another embodiment, access to the facility itself may be granted based upon the authorisation granted by the controller 8, where the device 10 is located at the entrance (behind a secure fence or the like) to the refuelling facility 48. The user swipes the ID device 18 past the device 10, allowing the result of the acknowledgement to be sent to the controller 8 which, in turn, determines authorisation and allows entry and the subsequent dispensing of fuel. It will be appreciated that identification of the appropriate bowser 4 is effected by the embodiment shown in Figure 4 where the second tag 30 is associated with a respective bowser 4 nozzle assembly 6.

Numerous variations and modifications will suggest themselves to persons skilled in the relevant art, in addition to those already described, without departing from the basic inventive concepts. All such variations and modifications are to be considered within the scope of the present invention, the nature of which is to be determined from the foregoing description. In particular while embodiments of the present invention are described in relation to the dispensing of fuel, embodiments may be applied to the dispensing of other goods . Further these goods need not be limited to liquids and may include for example particulate solids such as grains (eg wheat, rice, barley) and minerals .

Claims

Claims :

1. An authorisation system for a dispenser comprising: a first ID device containing identification data; a reading device configured for detachably coupling or association with the dispenser; a controller for controlling said dispenser, the controller being remote from the device; the reading device configured to read the identification data when the first ID device and the reading device are within a reading range of each other, and to wirelessly transmit the identification data to the controller; and, wherein the controller is configured to make a determination regarding authorisation to dispense product from the dispenser on the basis of the identification data.

2. The authorization system according to claim 1 wherein the controller is configured to enable the dispenser to continue to dispense product upon an initial granting of authoristaion to dispense.

3. The authorization system according to claim 1 wherein the controller is configured to enable the dispenser to continue to dispense product upon an initial granting of authorization to dispense and while the first ID device and the reading device are maintained in the reading range of each other, wherein in the event of the first ID device and the reading device being moved to be outside of the reading range, the controller disables the dispenser from dispensing product.

4. The authorization system according to 3 wherein the reading device is configured to notify the controller when first ID device and the reading device are within the reading range .

5. The authorization system according to 4 wherein the reading device notifies the controller that first ID device and the reading device within the reading range by continually reading and sending the identification data to the controller when the first ID .device and the reading device within the reading range.

6. The authorization system according to any one of claims 1-5 wherein the first ID device comprises: an antenna coupled to a circuit device containing the identification data, and wherein the circuit device is coupled to an object with greater strength that the antenna is coupled to the circuit device .

7. The authorization system according to any one of claims 1-6 wherein the reading device comprises a rechargeable power supply.

8. The authorization system according to claim 7 wherein the rechargeable power supply is inductively coupled to a recharger.

9. The authorization system according to claim 8 wherein the recharger is coupled to the dispenser.

10. The authorization system according to any one of claims 1-9 comprising a second ID device associated with said dispenser, wherein the second ID device contains second identification data and wherein the reading device is configured to read the second identification data when the second ID device and the reading device are within a reading range of each other, and to wirelessly transmit the second identification data to the controller.

11. The authorization system according to claim 10, wherein the second identification data identifies the dispenser or product dispensed to be dispended by the dispenser.

12. The authorization system according to any one of claims 1-11 wherein the second ID device releasably engages the reading device .

13. The authorization system according to any one of claims 1-12 wherein the reading device comprises a power saving device to minimize power use when the dispenser is not in use to dispensing, or, not being used during an authentication request to commence dispensing, product.

14. The authorization system according to claim 13 wherein the power saving device comprises a motion sensor for sensing motion of the reading device.

15. The authorization system according to claim 14 wherein said motion sensor comprises an accelerometer .

16. The authorization system according to any one of claims 1-15 wherein said reading device is located on said dispenser or a portion thereof.

17. The authorization system according to any one of claims 1-16 wherein when the dispenser is a fuel bowser having a nozzle assembly, the reading device is configured to fit about or on the nozzle assembly.

18. A method of authorizing the dispensing of product from a product dispenser, the method comprising: associating a first ID device containing identification data with a recipient of the product; providing a reading device on or near the dispenser; providing a controller configured to control the dispenser at a location remote from the dispenser; reading the identification data when the first ID device is within a reading range of the reading device and wirelessly sending the identification data to the controller; and, configuring the controller to determine whether or not to authorize dispensing of the product on the basis of the identification data.

19. The method according to claim 18, comprising: associating a second ID device with the dispenser, wherein the second ID device contains second identification data identifying the dispenser or product to be dispensed by the dispenser.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19 wherein the controller is configured to enable the dispenser to continue to dispense product upon an initial granting of authorization to dispense.

21. The method according to claim 18 or 19 wherein the controller is configured to enable the dispenser to continue to dispense product upon an initial granting of authorization to dispense and while the first ID device and the reading device are maintained in the reading range of each other, wherein in the event of the first ID device and the reading device being moved to be outside of the reading range, the controller disables the dispenser from dispensing product.

22. The method according to any one of claims 18-21 wherein the dispenser is a fuel bowser and the product is fuel .

23. The method according to any one of claims 18-22 wherein the recipient is a person.

24. The method according to any one of claims 18-22 wherein the recipient is a vehicle.

25. A fuel station comprising: a plurality of fuel bowsers, each bowser having one or more nozzle assemblies, at least one reading device configured for detachably coupling or association with each bowser; a controller for controlling said plurality of bowsers, the controller being remote from the reading devices; and wherein potential recipients of fuel from the fuel station are provided with first ID devices, each first ID device provided with identification data; each reading device configured to read the identification data when one of the first ID device and that reading device are within a reading range of each other, and to wirelessly transmit the identification data to the controller; and, wherein the controller is configured to make a determination regarding authorisation to dispense fuel from the bowser on the basis of the identification data.

26. An authorisation system for a dispenser comprising: a first ID device configured for attaching to a vehicle; a device configured for detachably coupling or association with the dispenser; a controller for controlling said dispenser, the controller being remote from the device, the device comprising,

(i) an ID device reader;

(ii) a wireless communication system for communicating with the controller;

(iii) a rechargeable power supply for providing power to at least the reader and communication system; said device configured to communicate acknowledgement of the ID device to the controller when the device and the ID device are within a range proximal each other, wherein the controller makes a determination regarding authorisation to dispense product from the dispenser while said ID device and said device remain proximal each other.