Method and apparatus for an automated fuel authorization program for fuel terminals using a camera as part of the authorization process
US9881432B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 17, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jan 30, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 1, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04W12/79
- WIPO fieldAudio-visual technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A fuel authorization system enables data to be exchanged between vehicles and a fuel vendor, to verify that the vehicle is authorized to receive fuel. Each fuel island is equipped with a camera and a short range radio (RF) component. Participating vehicles are equipped with fuel authorization component including an IR transmitter and a RF component that can establish a data link with the fuel island's RF unit. When the camera senses a vehicle in the fuel lane, an RF query is sent to the vehicle. Participating vehicles respond with an IR transmission. An RF data link is then established between the enrolled vehicle and the fuel vendor to verify that the vehicle is authorized to receive fuel. Once the verification is complete, the fuel dispenser is enabled. In some embodiments, the IR data link is not required, as the camera can distinguish between multiple fuel lanes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.