WO2021152357A1 - A system and method for remotely monitoring a fuel tank - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and a method for remotely monitoring a fuel tank is provided. The system includes a fuel level sensor operatively coupled to a fuel tank of a vehicle, wherein the fuel level sensor is configured to sense level of fuel available in the fuel tank. A processor operatively coupled to the fuel level sensor, wherein the processor receives sensed data representative of level of the fuel available in the fuel tank from the fuel level sensor; and identify the level of the fuel available in the fuel tank by comparing the sensed data with at least one of predefined level of fuel and previous sensed time with current sensed time. A notification module generates and transmits a notification to an individual based on compared data. A fuel cap is remotely operated by the individual based on the notification received by the individual.

Description

A SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOTELY MONITORING A FUEL

TANK

This International Application claims priority from a complete patent application filed in India having patent application number 202041004427, filed on January 31, 2020 and titled “SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOTELY MONITORING A FUEL TANK”.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to monitoring systems, and more particularly to, a system and a method for remotely monitoring a fuel tank.

BACKGROUND

Vehicles, such as automobiles and trucks, require fuel to operate, such fuel as electric power, propane, hydrogen, gasoline, diesel fuel, liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and the like. Fuel must be stored in a fuel container such as, by way of example, one or more fuel tanks or batteries.

Further, if fuel leaks from a fuel tank, it could be dangerous as it could ignite into a fire or even explode, with obvious implications of danger to surroundings, including people in the vicinity. Fuel losses may occur in other ways as well, such as by theft.

Hence, there is a requirement of a system that can identify and confirm a fuel loss from a vehicle, whether the fuel loss is the result of leakage, inappropriate engine operating conditions, or theft, so that appropriate measures may be taken to prevent same from continuing and/or occurring in the future.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, a system for remotely monitoring a fuel tank is provided. The system includes a fuel level sensor operatively coupled to a fuel tank of a vehicle, wherein the fuel level sensor is configured to sense level of fuel available in the fuel tank.

The system also includes a processor operatively coupled to the fuel level sensor, wherein the processor is configured to receive sensed data representative of level of the fuel available in the fuel tank from the fuel level sensor; and identify the level of the fuel available in the fuel tank by comparing the sensed data with at least one of predefined level of fuel and previous sensed time with current sensed time;

The system also includes a notification module operatively coupled to the processor, wherein the notification module is configured to generate and transmit at least one notification to at least one individual based on compared data.

The system also includes a fuel cap operatively coupled to the processor, wherein the fuel cap is remotely operated by the at least one individual based on the at least one notification received by the at least one individual.

In a further embodiment of the disclosed system, the system also includes analysis module configured to generate data to manage fuel expenses based on at least one of the sensed data and the compared data.

In a further embodiment of the disclosed system, the system also includes a fire detector configured to detect fire in and around the vehicle.

In accordance with another embodiment of the disclosure, a method for remotely monitoring a fuel tank is provided. The method includes sensing, by a fuel sensor, a level of fuel available in the fuel tank.

The method also includes receiving, by a processor, sensed data representative of level of the fuel available in the fuel tank from the fuel level sensor.

The method also includes identifying, by the processor, level of the fuel available in the fuel tank by comparing the sensed data with at least one of predefined level of fuel and previous sensed time with current sensed time.

The method also includes generating, by a notification module, at least one notification based on compared data; and transmitting, by the notification module, the at least one notification to at least one individual over a communication network.

The method also includes remotely operating, via the processor, a fuel cap by the at least one individual based on the at least one notification received by the at least one individual. In a further embodiment of the disclosed method, the method also includes additional steps of generating, by an analysis module, data to manage fuel expenses based on at least one of the sensed data and the compared data.

In a further embodiment of the disclosed method, the method also includes additional steps of detecting, by a fire detector, fire in and around the vehicle.

To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which: FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system for remotely monitoring a fuel tank in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram representation of processing subsystem located on a remote server in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart representing steps involved in a method for FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.

The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method (400) that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a system (100) for remotely monitoring a fuel tank (FIG. 2, 208) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The system (100) includes a fuel level sensor (102), a processor (FIG. 3, 306), a notification module (106) and a fuel cap (104).

The fuel level sensor (102) is operatively coupled to a fuel tank (208) of a vehicle (FIG. 2, 206). The fuel level sensor (102) is configured to sense level of fuel available in the fuel tank (208). In one embodiment, the fuel level sensor (102) is configured to sense the level of fuel available in the fuel tank (208) in either real-time or a predefined time duration. In one embodiment, the sensed data is stored in a database (FIG. 2, 204) hosted in a server (FIG. 2, 202).

The processor (306) is operatively coupled to the fuel level sensor (102). The processor (306) is configured to receive sensed data representative of level of the fuel available in the fuel tank (208) from the fuel level sensor (102). Upon receiving the sensed data, the processor (306) is configured to compare the sensed data with a predefined level of fuel and previous sensed time to identify the level of the fuel available in the fuel tank (208). In one embodiment, the predefined level of fuel is stored in the database.

In one embodiment, the processor (306) is configured to identify the level of fuel available in the fuel tank (208) by comparing the sensed data with the predefined level of fuel to be available in the fuel tank (208) and previous sensed time with a current sensed time. The previous sensed time is stored in the database (204) along with corresponding sensed data. Upon comparing the sensed data with the predefined level of fuel to be available in the fuel tank (208) and previous sensed time with the current sensed time, the processor (306) initiates the notification module (106) to generate at least one notification and transmit at least one generated notification to an individual who is associated to the vehicle (206) over a communication network.

In another embodiment, based on the comparison, that is, if the fuel level in the fuel tank (208) is lower than the predefined level of the fuel, the notification module (106) is configured to generate at least one notification and transmit at least one generated notification to an individual who is associated to the vehicle (206) over the communication network. In one embodiment, the at least one notification may be, including but not limited to, a text, a call and an email. As used herein, the term “communication network” may be defined as a collection of terminal nodes in which links are connected so as to enable telecommunication between the terminals. The transmission links connect the nodes together. The nodes use circuit switching, message switching or packet switching to pass the signal through the correct links and nodes to reach the correct destination terminal. Examples of the communication network are, including but not limited to, computer networks, internet, telephone network.

Upon notifying the individual, the individual is enabled to remotely operate the fuel cap (104), wherein the individual is enabled to either lock or unlock the fuel cap (104).

Further, the system (100) also includes an analysis module (FIG. 2, 210) operatively coupled to the processor (306), wherein the analysis module (210) is configured to analyse the sensed data and the compared data and generate data to manage fuel expenses based on the usage of the vehicle (206). In one embodiment, the sensed data, the compared data and the generated data is stored in the database. In one embodiment, the generated data may be accessed by the individual over the communication network.

Further, the system (100) also includes a fire detector (not shown in figures) operatively coupled to the processor (306), wherein the fire sensor is configured to detect fire in and around the vehicle (206).

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

For example, fuel tank (208) capacity is 5 litres, and the fuel level sensor (102) is configured to sense the level of the fuel available in the fuel tank (208) every 5 minutes. The sensed data is stored in the database. Say the sensed data represents the fuel level in the fuel tank (208) at time 8:00pm. The sensed data is received by the processor (306), which identifies the fuel level in the fuel tank (208) to be full by comparing the sensed data with the predefined level of the fuel and previous sensed time, wherein the predefined level of the fuel to be available in the fuel tank (208) is 2 litres. Around 8:10pm, the fuel level sensor (102) senses the level of fuel available in the fuel tank (208), wherein sensed data is received by the processor (306), which identifies the fuel level in the fuel tank (208) to be less than 2 litres, which is the predefined level of the fuel available in the fuel tank (208) by comparing the sensed data with the predefined level of the fuel. The processor (306) also compares the previous sensed time- 8:00pm with the current sensed time- 8:10pm. The processor (306) determines that under 10 minutes, the fuel level has rapidly decreased to 2 litres from 5 litres, the processor (306) initiates the notification module (106), as the processor (306) determines that 3 litres has been lost within a span of 10 minutes, which is not a regular practise while the vehicle (206) is in a running mode or stationary mode. The notification module (106) is configured to generate at least one notification and transmit the at least one notification to an individual. The individual, upon receiving the at least one notification, remotely closes the fuel cap (104).

In another example, fuel tank (208) capacity is 5 litres, and the fuel level sensor (102) is configured to sense the level of the fuel available in the fuel tank (208) every 5 minutes. Say the sensed data represents the fuel level in the fuel tank (208) at time 8:00pm. The sensed data is received by the processor (306), which identifies the fuel level in the fuel tank (208) to be full by comparing the sensed data with the predefined level of the fuel, wherein the predefined level of the fuel to be available in the fuel tank (208) is 2 litres. Around 8:10pm, the fuel level sensor (102) senses the level of fuel available in the fuel tank (208) , wherein sensed data is received by the processor (306), which identifies the fuel level in the fuel tank (208) to be less than 2 litres, which is the predefined level of the fuel available in the fuel tank (208) by comparing the sensed data with the predefined level of the fuel. As the fuel level has decreased to 2 litres from 5 litres, the processor (306) initiates the notification module (106). The notification module (106) is configured to generate at least one notification and transmit the at least one notification to an individual. The individual, upon receiving the at least one notification, remotely closes the fuel cap (104).

Further, if the reduction in the fuel level continues over a few days, detected by the analysis module (210), then the analysis module (210) generates a report stating that there might be fuel leakage issue.

FIG. 3 illustrates a block diagram representation of processing subsystem located on a remote server (202) in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The system includes processor(s) (306), bus (302) and memory (302) coupled to the processor(s) (306) via the bus (302), and a database (204) hosted in a server (202). The processor(s) (306), as used herein, means any type of computational circuit, such as, but not limited to, a microprocessor (306), a microcontroller, a complex instruction set computing microprocessor (306), a reduced instruction set computing microprocessor (306), a very long instruction word microprocessor (306), an explicitly parallel instruction computing microprocessor (306), a digital signal processor (306), or any other type of processing circuit, or a combination thereof.

The bus (302), as used herein, is a communication system that transfers data between components (204) inside a computer, or between computers.

The memory (302) includes a plurality of modules stored in the form of executable program which instructs the processor (306) to perform the method (400) steps illustrated in FIG. 1. The memory (302) has following modules: the notification module (106) and the analysis module (210).

Computer memory (302) elements may include any suitable memory (302) device for storing data and executable program, such as read only memory (302), random access memory (302), erasable programmable read only memory (302), electrically erasable programmable read only memory (302), hard drive, removable media drive for handling memory (302) cards and the like. Embodiments of the present subject matter may be implemented in conjunction with program modules, including functions, procedures, data structures, and application programs, for performing tasks, or defining abstract data types or low-level hardware contexts. Executable program stored on any of the above-mentioned storage media may be executable by the processor (s) (306).

The notification module (106) is configured to generate and transmit at least one notification to at least one individual based on compared data.

The analysis module (210) is configured to generate data to manage fuel expenses based on the compared data.

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart representing steps involved in a method (400) (400) thereof of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

The method (400) includes sensing a level of fuel, in step 402. The method (400) includes sensing, by a fuel sensor (102), the level of fuel available in the fuel tank (208) of a vehicle (206). The method (400) also includes storing sensed data in the database (204) hosted on a server (202).

The method (400) includes receiving sensed data representative of level of the fuel available, in step 404. The method (400) includes receiving, by a processor (306), the sensed data representative of level of the fuel available in the fuel tank (208) from the fuel level sensor (102).

The method (400) includes identifying level of the fuel available in the fuel tank (208), in step 406. The method (400) includes identifying, by the processor (306), the level of the fuel available in the fuel tank (208) by comparing the sensed data with at least one of predefined level of fuel and previous sensed time. The method (400) also includes extracting the predefined level of fuel and the previous sensed time from the database.

The method (400) includes generating at least one notification, in step 408. The method (400) includes generating, by a notification module (106), the at least one notification based on compared data. If the compared data is representative of the sensed data being lower than the predefined level of the fuel to be available in the tank, then the notification module (106) is initiated by the processor (306) to generate the at least one notification.

The method (400) includes transmitting, by the notification module (106), the at least one notification to at least one individual over a communication network, in step 410.

The method (400) includes remotely operating a fuel cap (104) by the at least one individual, in step 412. The method (400) incudes remotely operating, via the processor (306), the fuel cap (104) by the at least one individual based on the at least one notification received by the at least one individual, wherein the fuel cap (104) is remotely locked or unlocked by the individual.

Further, the method (400) also includes generating, by an analysis module (210), data to manage fuel expenses based on at least one of the sensed data and the compared data.

Further, the method (400) also includes detecting, by a fire detector, fire in and around the vehicle (206). The present disclosure provides various advantages, including but not limited to, detecting fuel level in the fuel tank (208) of the vehicle (206), real time monitoring of the level of the fuel in the fuel tank (208), in case of rapid reduction in fuel, the individual associated with the vehicle (206) is alerted, wherein the individual is enabled to remotely lock or unlock the fuel cap (104), if the fuel is being stolen or leaking.

While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependant on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.

Claims

I/WE CLAIM:

1. A system (100) for remotely monitoring a fuel tank (208) comprising: a fuel level sensor (102) operatively coupled to a fuel tank (208) of a vehicle (206), wherein the fuel level sensor (102) is configured to sense level of fuel available in the fuel tank (208); a processor (306) operatively coupled to the fuel level sensor (102), wherein the processor (306) is configured to: receive sensed data representative of level of the fuel available in the fuel tank (208) from the fuel level sensor (102); identify the level of the fuel available in the fuel tank (208) by comparing the sensed data with at least one of predefined level of fuel and previous sensed time with current sensed time; a notification module (106) operatively coupled to the processor (306), wherein the notification module (106) is configured to generate and transmit at least one notification to at least one individual based on compared data; and a fuel cap (104) operatively coupled to the processor (306), wherein the fuel cap (104) is remotely operated by the at least one individual based on the at least one notification received by the at least one individual.

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predefined level of fuel is stored in a database (204) hosted in a server (202).

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the previous sensed time is stored in the database (204) along with corresponding sensed data.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one notification comprises a text, a call and an email.

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel cap (104) is remotely operated by the at least one individual to unlock or lock the fuel cap (104).

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising analysis module (210) configured to generate data to manage fuel expenses based on at least one of the sensed data and the compared data.

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a fire detector configured to detect fire in and around the vehicle (206).

8. A method (400) for remotely monitoring a fuel tank (208) comprising: sensing, by a fuel sensor (102), a level of fuel available in the fuel tank (208); receiving, by a processor (306), sensed data representative of level of the fuel available in the fuel tank (208) from the fuel level sensor (102); identifying, by the processor (306), level of the fuel available in the fuel tank

(208) by comparing the sensed data with at least one of predefined level of fuel and previous sensed time with current sensed time; generating, by a notification module (106), at least one notification based on compared data; transmitting, by the notification module (106), the at least one notification to at least one individual over a communication network; and remotely operating, via the processor (306), a fuel cap (104) by the at least one individual based on the at least one notification received by the at least one individual. 9. The method (400) as claimed in claim 8, further comprising generating, by an analysis module (210), data to manage fuel expenses based on at least one of the sensed data and the compared data.

10. The method (400) as claimed in claim 8, father comprising detecting, by a fire detector, fire in and around the vehicle (206).