WO2006046232A2

WO2006046232A2 - Communication system and method for controlling fuel transactions, and for impeding theft of fuel

Info

Publication number: WO2006046232A2
Application number: PCT/IL2005/001106
Authority: WO
Inventors: Arie Ben Harush
Original assignee: Compearls Ltd.
Priority date: 2004-10-25
Filing date: 2005-10-23
Publication date: 2006-05-04
Also published as: WO2006046232A3; IL164835A0

Abstract

System for communication between a vehicle and a fueling service system for providing a fueling service to a driver of the vehicle using a fuel pump of a gas station, that comprises a database that includes data related at least to the identity of the vehicle, to the account number to be credited and charged, and to credit rules defined by the owner of the vehicle, the credit rules being imposed by the owner on the driver; means for obtaining the identity of the vehicle using the database, for associating the identity with at least the account number and the credit rules when a fueling service commences and optionally, while the fueling service is in progress; and means for causing the fuel pump to deliver fuel to the vehicle if the circumstances of the fueling service and the credit rules are in agreement based on the association.

Description

COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING FUEL TRANSACTIONS. AND FOR IMPEDING THEFT OF FUEL

Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a communication system and method useful in fu_el transactions. More particularly, the present invention relates to a communication system and method that allow an owner of a vehicle to defnxe, and redefine thereafter as desired, diversified credit rules, and to impose tfcie diversified credit rules upon a driver of the vehicle.

Background of the Invention

Different traditional fuel transaction systems are currently implemented. One of them includes the use of credit cards, which, over the years, have become: a major payment tool, to commence, among other things, fuel transactions.

In current technologies, a proximity transponder is installed in the vehicle, sufficiently close to the vehicle's fuel entry port. A proximity detector device that detects the presence of proximity transponder whenever the nozzle is inserted (normally by one of the personnel of the gas station) into the inlet of the vehicle's fuel tank, is incorporated into the fuel dispenser, and sufficiently close to its nozzle. During this detection period, data relating, for example, to the identity of the vehicle and some validity, or authorization, parameters, is transferred, through the detector, to the pump station. In response, the fuel pump is activated to fill the vehicle's tank if the transferred data conforms to specific stored data. By employing this technology, the driver does not have to exit the vehicle during the whole refueling service, and, depending on the application, direct use of credit card data does not necessarily have to be involved in the transaction process. However, these technologies have a major drawback: the installation of the proximity transponder in vehicles must be made by trained personnel and involves spending time and money, and, in addition, it might increase the costs involved in future maintenance of the vehicle due to probable, though rare, mutual interference between the electronic device and the electronic devices required for normal operation of the vehicle. In addition, if the driver wishes to replace his vehicle and buy another vehicle, he must either remove the transponder from the vehicle and install it in the new vehicle, for which he would have to pay twice (i.e., for the removal and for the reinstallation of the device), or he must buy and install a new transponder in the new vehicle. In this case, he will lose the first electronic device and pay for a new electronic device, as well as for its installation. Because of the above described drawbacks, such technology is rather limited to the use of organizations, which maintain a fleet of vehicles, and to companies that provide their employees with vehicles on a leasing basis.

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a rapidly emerging technology that offers numerous options. Briefly, RFID is essentially an extremely small and durable semiconductor chip which acts as a digital 'license plate' that broadcasts information about a product or a device (e.g., their location and nature) through electromagnetic waves in the radio frequency spectrum. Each chip has a unique digital code, or 'stamp', and, therefore, products and devices can be distinguished from one another using RFID chips.

Accordingly, attention has recently been focused on "ways to integrate RFID technology into fuel transaction systems. An exemplary article that refers to this issue is "The emergence of RFID technology in modern society" (by Jeremy Gragg, Oregon State University, ECE 399H: Exploratory Paper, November 12, 2003), which refers to experiments conducted by ExxonMobil, a major oil company, that make use of RFID tags to allow customers to fill their tanks without the hassle of using credit cards or cash. According to this article, ExxonMobil is also experimenting with the idea of permanently affixing RFID tags to vehicles for allowing gas pumps to immediately load customers' data when they pull up to the pump. The article also refers to a payment terminal that is used in ExxonMobil's experiments (i.e. , "VeriFone RF250 Payment Terminal). Generally, customers pay for the fuel by waving an RFID tag in front of the payment terminal, or directly in front of the fuel pump.

Other publications, which describe different use s of the RFID technology, are given hereinbelow.

US 6,710,701 discloses a dispensing system capable of arbitrating between competing tags and dispensers to ensure that a dispenser communicates with the tag most proximate to that dispenser. This is carrid out by utilizing RFID transponders to allow the determination of the location of customers relative to one another and relative to the fuel dispensers.

US 6,116,505 discloses a fuel transaction system for enabling the purchase of fuel and non-fuel items on a single authorization. According to US 6,116,505, the initial customer account information, or necessary identification, may be provided via a customer's transponder in an RFID environment.

US 6,085,805 discloses a fleet management system and a method of impeding theft of fuel. According to US 6,085,805, RFID "tag that is carried by a vessel identifies the vessel to an RFID interrogator located nearby a fuel pump, and, if the fuel nozzle is in the fuel entry port, it also notifies the RFID interrogator of that fact. Various options are offered, which- depend on the results of the communication between the RFID tag and the R-P¹ID interrogator. US 6,112,152 discloses a co-operation between RFID system and vehicle on¬ board computer. The RFID system disclosed in XJS 6,112,152 includes an RFID tag that is intended to communicate with, among other things, transponders that may be remote from the vehicle or located in the vehicle. Tlae remote transponders are generally referred to as being capable of being positioned at a gas station, toll booth, service center, parking lot, etc.

IVLobile telephones are already playing a major role in modern life, as millions units of them, in diversified shapes and functions, are used worldwide on a daily basis. Therefore, it would be advantageous to harness their capabilities for the benefit of fuel transaction systems. Further synergistic enhancement of fizel transaction systems can be obtained by combining capabilities of mobile telephones with those of the increasingly evolving RFID technology. Such synergism will render fuel transactions at gas stations simpler and quicker tttan is possible today.

It is seen therefore that none of the fuel transactions systems known in the art is fully satisfactory for operation by an average vehicle driver. In particular, ttie only restriction used with respect to a credit is fiscal, which usually purovides only poor control over one's fuel expenses.

It is also seen that none of the fuel transactions systems known in the art is fully satisfactory in terms of exploitation of both the advantages of the RFID and mobile phones technologies.

It is therefore an object of this invention to provide a fueling service system tliat is intended for use by an average vehicle driver with the utmost ease and speed. It is another object of this invention to provide a fueling service system that allows an owner of a vehicle to impose on a driver of his vehicle diversified restrictions in addition to the traditional fiscal restriction.

It is another object of this invention to provide a fuel transaction system that impedes theft of fuel.

Other purposes and advantages of the invention will appear as the description proceeds.

Summary of the Invention

This invention is directed to a communication system and method for communicating between a vehicle and a fuel management system.

The service rendered to a driver who wishes to refuel a vehicle according to this invention is hereinafter referred to as the "refueling service".

The term "RFID", as used herein and in the appended claims is to be construed as any device capable of communicating by radio frequency. For example, the term RFID should be construed as encompassing devices that transmit or receive any type of data by radio frequency, not just identification data.

By 'station computer' is meant herein a conventional computer system of a specific gas station, which controls the operation of its fuel pumps.

By 'remote supervisor' is meant herein a conventional computer system that normally communicates with a plurality of gas stations, via their respective station computers, to authorize them to refuel vehicles, based on a "confirmation/denial" message it receives from a corresponding credit card company, with which it communicates to settle the billings relating to refueling transactions.

By 'fueling management system' is meant herein a system that includes at least a remote supervisor in communication with at least one station computer that functionally coupled to at least one pump station associated with the station computer, to control thereby their fuel pump(s).

In its broadest sense, this invention is directed to a system for communication between a vehicle and a fueling service system for providing a fueling service to the vehicle's driver using a fuel pump of a gas station, that comprises: a) A database, including data relating at least to the identity of the vehicle, account number to be credited and charged, and credit rules defined by the owner of the vehicle and imposed by trim on the driver requiring the fuel service; b) Means for obtaining from the vehicle its identity and for associating the identity with at least the account number and credit rules when a fueling service commences, and, optionally, while the service is in progress; and c) Means for causing the fuel pump to deliver fuel to the vehicle if the circumstances of the fueling service and the credit rules are in agreement, based on the association.

In a preferred embodiment, this invention is directed to a system for communication between a vehicle and a fueling service system for providing a fueling service to the vehicle's driver using a fuel pump of a gas station, comprising: a) A database, including data relating to the identity of the vehicle and to the account number to be credited and charged, and with data relating to credit rules defined by the owner of the vehicle and imposed on said driver; b) A vehicle RFID tag (sometimes hereinafter Vehicle tag'), positioned in the vehicle proximate its fuel entry port and intended to communicate, over a first communication link, with an RFID interrogator associated with the fuel pump, to transmit the vehicle identity to the RFID interrogator; c) A nozzle RFID tag (sometimes hereinafter 'nozzle tag'), supported and vehicleried by the nozzle and interxded to communicate, over a second communication link, with the RFID interrogator, to transmit the identity of the nozzle to the RFID interrogator; wherein, fueling service is commenced if: (i) the identities of the vehicle and nozzle are obtained by the RFID interrogator essentially at the same time, forwarded thereby to a third party where they are verified using the content of the database, (ii) there is sufficient credit, and (iii) the circumstances of the fueling service and the defined credit rules are in agreement; and wherein, the delivery of fuel to the vehicle continues as long as the data from the vehicle tag and nozzle tag continue to be received by the RFID interrogator, and suspended when the data are not received by the RFID interrogator in full.

According to a preferred embodiment of "the invention, the data obtained by use of the nozzle tag is not in use, and fueling may commence and proceed regardless of whether the nozzle is in the fuel entry port of a vehicle. According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, both tags (i.e., the vehicle tag and the nozzle tag) are required to commence, and to bring to its normal completion, a fueling service, as described hereinbefore.

The credit rules generally refer to a set of restrictions, which may include fiscal credit. Preferably, the credit rules include, or refer to, at least the following restrictions: "time of day"; "maximal rate of fuel costs per unit of time"; "geographical location of gas stations giving the fueling service"; "'m.'- time fueling services" ('n'=l, 2, ...,), "fiscal credit", and any combination thereof. Of course, additional credit rules may be conveniently applied, ^"by simply updating the database accordingly, and the credit rules can be redefined by the owner of the vehicle as many times as desired by simply accessing the database, such as by the Internet, or via a gas station giving the service. By '"n'-times fueling services" is meant that a driver of a vehicle is allowed, according: to this restriction, to refuel his vehicle only 'n' times, after which he will be denied the service, provided that the vehicle's owner bias sufficient fiscal credit, though this is not necessary and depends on the ere <iit rules imposed on tlie driver at the time of service.

Preferably, the RFID interrogator includes means for announcing the location of the fuel pump to the third party.

In a preferred embodiment, the third party comprises a station computer tfciat is in communication with a remote supervisor. According to this embodim&nt, the vehicle and, if in use, also the nozzle data, and the announcement, are forwarded from tlie RFID interrogator, over a communication link, to the station computer, which may process them or forward them to the remote supervisor for processing. According to this embodiment, the remote supervisor communicates with a credit manager, which includes the database and forwards to the remote supervisor messages relating to credit rules stored in the database, to the vehicle and nozzle data, and to the announcement.

In another preferred embodiment, the third party comprises a cellular system and a station computer with which it communicates. The cellular system communicates over a communication link with the RFID interrogator to receive therefrom, in operation, the data relating to the identity of the vehicle and, if in use, also to the nozzle, and also the announcement of the location of the fuel pump. Then, the cellular system relays that data and announcement, over a wireless cellular channel, to a credit manager, which includes the database and forwards to a remote supervisor messages relating to credit rules stored in the database, and to the vehicle and nozzle data, and the announcement.

In one aspect of this embodiment, the communication link between the RFID interrogator and the station computer is implemented using a wired communication (e.g., RS 232 cable).

In another aspect of this embodiment, the communication link between the RFID interrogator and the station computer is implemented using a wireless communication path, preferably using the Bluetooth protocol.

Preferably, the database contains a plurality of data records, each data record consisting of: a) A set of fixed data relating to a specific customer (e.g., vehicle license plate, type of fuel), which substantially remain unchanged regardless of whether a refueling service occurs or not, the fixed data entities being compared with the vehicle and nozzle data relayed from the cellular system to the credit manager; and b) A set of changeable data (e.g., billing details, current set of credit rules) that change concurrently after each refueling is concluded and in accordance with the data relayed from the cellular system to credit manager.

Preferably, the credit manager comprises control means with dedicated software, for: a) Allowing an owner of a vehicle an access to the database, for allowing him to subscribe to the fueling service and to define and impose credit rules, or, if he has already done so, for allowing him to redefine the changeable data relating to the credit rules; b) Obtaining the data from the cellular system; c) Analyzing and processing ttie data obtained from the cellular system; and d) Forwarding to the remote supervisor messages regarding xvhether the driver is to be granted a fueling service, or denied the service, based on the comparison between the fueling circumstances (e.g., current time of day and the location of the gas station) to the defined credit rules, the remote supervisor determining, based, on whether there is sufficient or positive credit, and based also on the information received from the credit manager, whether the fueling service is to be granted or denied, and the remote supervisor forwarding to the station computer a corresponding control message to activate the fuel pump, via its pump controller, if the fueling service is to be allowed.

Preferably, the credit manager is allocated an Internet Protocol (IP) address and the owner of the vehicle subscribes to the fueling service and defines, or redefines thereafter, the credit rules, as he desires, over tlie Internet. Optionally, the owner of the vehicle subscribed to the fuel service at a gas station giving the service.

The present invention also is directed to a method for comm.unica.tion between a vehicle and a fueling service system for providing a fueling service to the vehicle's driver using a fuel pump of a gas station.

In its broadest sense, the method comprises the following steps: a) storing in a database data relating at least to the identity of the vehicle, account number to be credited and charged, and credit rules defined by the owner of the vehicle, the credit rules being imposed by the vehicle's owner on the driver requiring the fuel service; b) obtaining from the vehicle its identity and, using the database, associating the identity with at least the account number and credit rules, when a fueling service commences, and, optionally, while the service is in progress; and c) based on the association, causing the fuel pump to deliver fuel to the vehicle if the circumstances of the fueling service and the credit rules are in agreement.

In a preferred embodiment, this invention provides a method for communication between a vehicle and a fueling service system for rendering a fueling service to the vehicle's driver using a fuel pump of a gas station, comprising:

1) Loading a database and updating it with data relating to the vehicle and to the account number to be credited and charged, and with, data relating to credit rules determined by the owner of the vehicle;

2) Establishing a first communication link between a vehicle RFID tag, positioned in the vehicle proximate its fuel entry port, and RFID interrogator associated with the fuel pump, to transmit the vehicle identity to the RFID interrogator;

3) Establishing a second communication link between an RFIE) tag, supported and carried by the nozzle, and the RFID interrogator, to transmit the identity of the nozzle to the RFID interrogator;

4) Commencing fueling service if: (i) the identities of the vehicle and nozzle are obtained by tlie RFID interrogator essentially at the same time and forwarded thereby to a third party where they are verified using the content of the database, (ii) there is sufficient credit, and (iii) the circumstance of the fueling service and the credit rules, imposed on the vehicle's driver, are in agreement;

5) Continually delivering fuiel to the vehicle as long as the data fro>m the vehicle tag and nozzle tag continue to be received by the RFID interrogator; and 6) Suspending the delivery of fuel to the vehicle when the said data are not received by the RFID interrogator in full.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the data obtained by use of the nozzle tag is not in use, and fueling may commence and proceed regardless of whether the nozzle is in the fuel entry port of a vehicle.

According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, both tags (i.e., the vehicle tag and the nozzle tag) are required to commence, and to bring to its normal completion, a fueling service, as described hereinbefore.

Preferably, the credit rules include, or refer to, at least the following restrictions: "time of day"; "maximal rate of fuel costs per unit of "time"; "geographical location of gas stations giving the fueling service"; "'n-'-time fueling services" ('n'=l, 2, ...,), "fiscal credit", and any combination thereof.

According to one preferred embodiment of this invention, the third party comprises a station computer in communication with a remote supervisor. To the station computer are forwarded, from the RFID interrogator and over a communication link, the vehicle data, the nozzle data and the announcement, and the station computer forwards said vehicle data, said nozzle data arnd said announcement to the remote supervisor for processing. Then, the iremote central computer station communicates with a credit manager, which includes the database and forwards to the remote supervisor messages relating to credit rules stored in saidL database. According to another preferred embodiment of this invention, the third party comprises a cellular system and a station computer with which said cellular system communicates. Trie cellular system communicates with the HFID interrogator to receive therefrom, in operation and via a communication link, the data relating to the identity of the vehicle and nozzle, and also the announcement. Thereafter, the cellular system relays that data and announcement, over a wireless cellular communication path, to a credit manager, which includes the database and forwards to a remote supervisor messages relating to credit rules, the vehicle and nozzle data, and to the announcement.

Preferably, the communication link, between the RFID interrogator and the station computer, is implemented using a wired communication.

Preferably, the communication link is implemented using a wixeless communication path, which preferably, conforms to the Bluetooth protocol.

According to one embodiment of this invention, the credit manager comprises control means with dedicated software, for: a) Allowing an owner of the vehicle an access to the database, for allowing him to subscribe to the fueling service and to define and impose credit rules, and for redefine said credit rules; b) Obtaining the data from the station computer, or cellular system; c) Analyzing and processing said data; and d) Forwarding to the remote supervisor messages regarding whether the driver is to be granted a fueling service, or denied the service, based on the comparison between the current time of day and the location of the gas station and the current credit rules, said remote supervisor determining, based on whether there is sufficient or positive credit, and based also oaα the information received from said credit manager, whether the fueling service is to be granted or denied, and said remote supervisor forwarding to said station computer a corresponding control message to activate the fuel pump, via its pump controller, if the fueling service is to be allowed.

Preferably, the credit manager is allocated an Internet Protocol (IP) address and the owner of the vehicle accesses the credit manager via the Internet to subscribe to the fueling service and to redefine the credit rules. Optionally, the owner of the vehicle subscribes to the fuel service at a gas station grving the service, for example, by filling and signing a suitable 'service form'.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a schematic layout of an exemplary traditional fueling environment; and

Fig. 2 is a schematic layout of an exemplary fueling environment according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of Preferred Embodiments

Fig. 1 is a schematic layout of an exemplary traditional fueling environment. Traditionally, a gas station, such as gas station 101, includes a. station computer (102) and a plurality of pump stations (e.g., P₁S₁ , PS₂ ,-.., PSn ), each of which may include one or more fuel dispensers. For example, PSi includes, according to the example, fuel dispensers Dl and D2. Each of ttie pump stations normally includes a controller. For example, PS₁ is shown including controller C₁. Likewise, PS₂ includes controller C2, etc. Station computer 102 is traditionally in communication, via communication path 104, witli remote supervisor 103 "which usually consists of one or more servers forming a servers' farm, and also with each one of controllers C₁ to C_n , i.e., via communication p ath 105. Each, one of pump stations PS^ to PSn communicates with central computer 102 using its dedicated controller. This communication includes forwarding, from pump stations PS₁ to PSn to station computer 102, identification data of vehicles, or their owners/drivers, as the case may be, and the actual fuel quantities consumed, per pump and per fuel transaction. The identification details of the vehicle, its owner or driver, are forwarded to remote supervisor 103, via communication path 104, which verifies and validates ttαe vehicles' owners and their credit terms, after which, remote supervisor 103 forwards to station computer 102 a "confirmation" massage, or a "denial" message, and a fuel transaction, or service, is allowed or denied accordingly, as remote supervisor 103 controls, via station computer 102 and controllers C₁ to C_n , the operation of trie fuel dispensers associated with pump stations J³S₁ to PSn .

Regarding the identification of the vehicle, its driver or owner, there is currently in use an electronic transponder that, being installed proximate the fuel entry port of a vehicle, allows an external reader, which is normally installed on the fuel nozzle, to obtain unique data regarding the vehicle, its owner or the driver. The obtained data is then forwarded to the respective controller (C_| to C_n), for verification/validation. Usually, as most gas stations offer this option, the owner/driver of a vehicle may pay for the fuel using his credit card. In this case, a credit card receiving means, which is an integral part of the pump station, obtains the data required for the identification/validation stage. Of course, in a scenario where drivers pay for fuel by cash, the identification/validation stage is rendered irreleva_nt.

Normally, a fuel company has a plurality of gas stations, such as gas station 101, which are located in different locations, and, in such a case, remote supervisor 103, functioning as a central control station, is functionally connected to all them, to obtain from them identification and fueling data, and to distribute to them commands and other types of messages.

Fig. 2 is a schematic layout of an exemplary fueling environment according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. According to this embodiment, an RFID interrogator is added to each one of pump stations PS_] to PS_n , as demonstrated with respect of one pump station, i.e., only RFID interrogator 217 is shown, which is associated with pump station PS_n . Each one of the RFID interrogators (e.g., RFID interrogator 217) is preferably equipped with means for forwarding to cellular system 201 data relating to the specific fuel dispenser (e.g., fuel dispenser's No.) being used in a fueling service. This data may be forwarded by cellular system 201 to the station computer 102, or to remote supervisor 103, depending on the application.

Each one of pump stations PS₁ to PS_n includes an RFID interrogator receiving means (i.e., R_λ , R₂,..., Rn ), for supporting thereby the respective RFID interrogator when in "standby" mode; i.e., when no fueling service is required. For example, receiving means Rn is intended to support RFID interrogator 217, Λvhich is shown in a "pulled-out" position, ready for commencing a fueling service with respect of vehicle 2O9 and pump station PS_n .

Each RFID interrogator is in communication with central cellular controller 201. For example, tlie RFID interrogators associated with pump stations PiSi , PS₂ and PS_n are shown connected to central cellular controller 201 via communication cables 205, 206 and 207, respectively, which can be, for example, RS232. Central cellular controller 201 is hardwired to station computer 102 for allowing communication therebetween, and it also communicates by its antenna 208, via a wireless path 224 over an existing cellular infrastructure, with credit manager 203 that is allocated an Internet Protocol (IP) address for rendering it accessible by customers via the Internet infrastructure .

Cellular system 201 and credit manager 203 communicate with each other over communication channel 224. Briefly, communication channel 224 consists of an existing infrastructure of a cellular telecommunication company, linked to the infrastructure of the Internet (not shown). The latter link allows, for instance, browsing through, and exchanging data with, a remote website, such as credit manager 203, by use of a cellular system, such as cellular system 201. Technologies for allowing the latter capability currently exist, and are well known to a person skilled in the art.

Credit manager 203 includes one or more computer servers, for rendering a service, the nature of which is described hereinafter to a cxistomer of the gas station and is in communication, via communication path. 204, with remote supervisor 103. Normally, the data stored in remote supervisor 103 is inaccessible to the public, and it is a closed, well protected system, and, given that fact, no interaction is therefore allowed between the public and remote supervisor 103. Consequently, the service rendered by tlie traditional gas station to the public has a rather low degree of flexibility, for example, in terms of credit terms; i.e., credit terms traditionally refer to some credit limit, such that a service is denied whenever this limit is reached. However, utilization of the credit manager 203, in combination with the RFID interrogators, provides, according to this invention essentially unlimited credit capabilities, examples of which are described hereinafter.

RFID interrogator 217 cooperates, essentially simultaneously, with two RFID tags: vehicle tag 212 and nozzle tag 213. Tag 212 is installed proximate the fuel entry port 214 of vehicle 209, fir instance, by means of a simple sticker, to the cover 211 of entry port 214. In one embodiment of the invention, nozzle tag 213 is annular and of a size such that it can be located radially on nozzle 215, as demonstrated in Fig. 2. Alternatively, the RFID tag 213 may be mounted to, or supported by, the trigger assembly 221, at a location other than the nozzle, or may be mounted to, or supported hy, the hose 223 proximate the end 222, so as to be useful in detecting the proximity of the nozzle relative to the vehicle 209. Vehicle tag 212 and nozzle tag 213 are intended to identify the vehicle 209 and the corresponding fuel dispenser (i.e., fuel dispenser Dn), respectively, to the remote supervisor 203.

According to a first fueling scenario, both tags 212 and 213 are utilized for commencing a fueling service and while the fueling service is in progress, for impeding theft of fuel. Accordingly, interrogator 217 has to continually read the data from the two tags, to commence fueling and as long as the fueling takes place. If it is determined that nozzle 215 has been removed from the fuel entry port 214 after the remote supervisor 103 has authorized the fuel delivery, the fuel delivery is suspended. More specifically, remote supervisor 103 suspends fueling by shutting off the fuel pump associated with fuel dispenser Dn if one of the tags 212 or tag 213, or both tags, fails to forward its data to interrogator 217. Thus, if a driver or an employee of the gas station, or another person, attempts to divert fuel from the vehicle to another vehicle or container during a single fueling session, pumping of fuel will be suspended and any other action deemed appropriate may be taken (e.g\, a record of the occurrence may be made for notification to the owner of the account).

According to another fueling scenario, only the vehicle tag 212 participates in the fueling process, whereas the data from nozzle tag 213 is not used. Such a scenario may occur, for example, in situations where a single person wishes to refuel his vehicle and, immediately thereafter, he wishes to fill a reservoir tank. As far as the driver of the vehicle 209 is concerned, he simply inserts the fuel nozzle 215 into the fuel entry port 214 and fueling begins shortly thereafter. There is no need for keypads, credit card, checks, keys or cash. After fueling is complete, the remote supervisor 103 deducts the cost of the fuel that was pumped from the account associated with the account number or identification information. In a scenario where a driver uses his credit card or cash, interrogator 217 may rest, unused, in the receiving means Rn. In order to provide a fueling service to vehicle 209, one of the gas station employees (not shown), or another person, such as the driver, first inserts nozzle 215 into the fuel inlet port 214, and depresses push-button 218, or any other suitable key in a keypad (not shown) that RFID interrogator 217 may have for this purpose. In response to the suitable key being depressed, RFID interrogator 218 transmits an interrogation signal 227, causing thereby the vehicle's RFID tag 212 and the nozzle's RFID tag 213 to forward the data stored therein to RFID interrogator 217, and, therethrough, to cellular station 201.

The vehicle's tag 212, in operation, communicates with the pump station PS_n

RFID interrogator 217 to identify the vehicle 209 by transmitting the vehicle 209 identification data, and/or a related account number, to the pump station PS_n RFID interrogator 217. Alternatively, the vehicle tag 212 communicates, in operation, an account number, or both an account number and a vehicle identification data. The nozzle RFID tag 213 communicates, in operation, the identification data of the specific fuel pump being used to the RFID interrogator 217 of pump station PS_n .

As described hereinbefore, remote supervisor 103 controls controllers C₁ to Cn -via the station computer 102 to which it is coupled, and. thereby it controls multiple fuel dispensers Di (i=l, 2, ..., n), and, depending on the credit rules, as described hereinbefore, determines whether to authorized fueling service through respective dispenser. For example, upon receiving the account number or identification information of vehicle 209, cellular system 201 forwards them to station computer 102, which relays them to remote supervisor 103, which checks financial records and thereby determines whether th.e owner of the account number has a positive balance, or has sufficient credit, and authorizes the fueling if RFID tags 212 and 213 are read essentially at the same time, meaning that nozzle 215 resides in the fuel entry port of vehicle 209.

Credit manager 203 is responsible for fueling service agreements that are made between persons wishing to subscribe to the fueling service, whether they drive their vehicle(s) on their own, or other person(s) do the driving. According to this invention, fueling service agreements impose a variety of restrictions on drivers, for rendering these agreements very flexible, and the fuel transactions controllable in utmost efficient way. Tlie restrictions may be based on fuel credit, time of the day, location of gas stations, maximum rate at which fuel is allowed to be spent, or any combination thereof, or any other criterion as desired by the owner of the vehicle.

Any restrictions relating, in any way, to locations of gas stations, involves the utilization, of the location identifying means associated which the RFID interrogators (e.g., interrogator 217) and have been discxissed hereinbefore. In addition, an agreement can allow a situation where the owner of the vehicle and the person who is actually charged for the fuel is th.e same person, or not. For example, if the owner of the vehicle is not the person who drives it, the owner of the vehicle may grant the driver fueling services only at predetermined times and/or locations. For example, a driver may be allowed fueling services only between 07:00 and 20:00 o'clock, and/or only at specific predeternαined gas stations, based on location data that is communicated from the cellular system 201 to remote supervisor 203. According to another example, a specific driver may consume fuel at a rate note exceeding, e.g., 100 liters per week. Of course, the credit rules may include any combination of restrictions. According to yet another example, a driver may be allowed to refuel a vehicle only at a specific gas station(s), and only between two specified time limits. Credit rules that are imposed as described herein allow vehicles' owners a much better control of their fuel expenses.

By "imposing credit rules on a driver" is meant herein that an owner of a vehicle may, at any time and in the utmost convenience, gain, via the Internet 226, an access to the database (not shown) controlled by credit manager 203, using his personal computer 225, to subscribe to the fueling service, including defining initial credit rules, or, if he has already clone so, to redefine the existing credit rules, after which the driver of the vehicle, which can be either the owner of the car himself or another person, will ^"be granted fuel services only in accordance with the currently, or most recently^, defined credit rules.

In one embodiment, the remote supervisor 103 and tlie station computer 102 directly control, in traditional manner, the operation of the fuel pumps, whereas cellular system 201 only obtains the data from the vehicles' RFID tags (e.g., tag 212) and nozzles' RFID tags (e.g., tag 213), and forwards this data to credit manager 203, which cooperates with remote supervisor 103 to control the fuel pumps also in accordance with the set of limitations.

In another embodiment, cellular system 201 ajαd computer 102 are functionally integrated to form a single control apparatus. Likewise, remote supervisor 103 and credit manager 203 may be functionally integrated to form a single central control system. The above embodiments have been described by way of illustration only and it will be understood that the invention may be carried out with many variations, modifications and adaptations, without departing from its spirit or exceeding the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. System for communication between a vehicle and a fueling service system for providing a fueling service to a driver of said, vehicle using a fuel pump of a gas station, comprising: a) a database that includes data related at least to the identity of said vehicle, to the account number to be credited and charged, and to credit rules defined by the owner of said vehicle, said credit rules being imposed by said owner on said driver; b) means for obtaining the identity of said vehicle using said database, for associating said identity with at least said account number and said credit rules when a fueling service commences and optionally, while said fueling service is in progress; and

(c) means for causing said fuel pump to deliver fuel to said vehicle if the circumstances of said fueling service and said, credit rules are in agreement based on the association.

2. System according to claim 1, wherein the identity of the vehicle is obtained using a vehicle RFID tag, positioned in said vehicle proximate to its fuel entry port and intended to communicate, over a first communication link, with an RFID interrogator associated with, the fuel pump, to transmit the identity of said vehicle to said RFID interrogator; wherein, fueling service is commenced if: (i) the identity of said vehicle is obtained by said RFID interrogator and forwarded thereby to a third party where they are verified using the content of the database, (ii) optionally, there is sufficient fiscal credit, and (iii) the circumstances of the fueling service and the credit rules imposed on said driver are in agreement; and wherein, the delivery of fuel to said vehicle continues as long as the data from said vehicle tag continues to be received by the RFID interrogator, and suspended when said data is not received by the RFID interrogator.

3. System according to claim 2, further comprising a nozzle RFID tag, supported by said nozzle and intended to communicate, over a second communication link, with the RFID interrogator, to transmit the identity of said nozzle to said RFID interrogator; wherein, fueling service is commenced if: (i) the identities of the vehicle and said nozzle are obtained by said RFID interrogator essentially at the same time and forwarded thereby to a third party where they are verified using the content of the database, (ii) there is sufficient credit, and (iii) the circumstances of the fueling service and the credit rules imposed on said driver are in agreement; and wherein, the delivery of fuel to said vehicle continues as long as the data from said vehicle tag and said nozzle tag continue to be received by the RFID interrogator, and suspended when the data are not received by the RFID interrogator in full.

4. System according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the credit rules include, or refer to, at least one the following restrictions or any combination thereof:

- "time of day";

- "maximal rate of fuel costs per unit of time";

- "geographical location of gas stations giving the fueling service";

- "'n'-time fueling services" ('n'=l, 2, ...,);

- "fiscal credit"

5. System according to claims 2 or 3, wherein the RFID interrogator includes means for announcing the location of the fuel pump to the third party.

6. System according to claim 5, wtierein the third party comprises a station- computer in communication withi. a remote supervisor, to said station- computer are forwarded, from the RFID interrogator and over a_ communication link, the vehicle data, the nozzle data and the announcement, said station computer forwardin-g said vehicle data, nozzle data andL announcement to said remote supervisor for processing, said remote centraL computer station communicating with a credit manager, which includes the_* database and forwards to said remote supervisor messages relating to credit rules stored in said database.

7. System according to claim 5, wtierein the third party comprises a cellular system and a station computer with which it communicates, said cellularr system communicating with said RFID interrogator to receive therefrom, ira operation and via a communication, link, the data related to the identity of the vehicle and nozzle, and also the announcement, after which said cellular system concurrently relaying that data and announcement, over a wireless cellular communication path, to a credit manager, which includes the database and forwards to a remote supervisor messages relating to credrt rules, the vehicle and nozzle data, and to the announcement.

8. System according to claims S or 7, wherein the communication link:, between the RFID interrogator a_nd the station computer, is implemented using a wired communication path.

9. System according to claims 6 or 7, wherein the communication link is implemented using a wireless communication path conforming to the BlueTooth protocol.

10. System according to claims 6 or 7, wherein the credit manager comprising control means with dedicated software, for: a) allowing an owner of a vehicle an access to the database, for allowing him to subscribe to the fueling service and to define and impose credit rules or, if he has already done so, for allowing" him to define new credit rules; b) obtaining the data from the station computer, or cellular system; c) analyzing and processing said data; and d) forwarding to the remote supervisor messages regarding whether the driver is to be granted a fueling service, or denied the service, based on the comparison between the current time of day and the location of the gas station and the current credit rules, said remote supervisor determining, based on whether there is sufficient or positive credit, and based also on the information received from said credit manager, whether the fueling service is to be granted or denied, and said remote supervisor forwarding to said station computer a corresponding control .message to activate the fuel pump, via its pump controller, if the fueling service is to be allowed.

11. System according to claim 10, wherein the credit manager is allocated an Internet Protocol (IP) address and the owner of the vehicle accesses the credit manager via the Internet to subscribe to the fueling service and to define credit rules or, if he has already done so, to redefine said credit rules.

12. Method for communication between a vehicle and a fueling service system for providing a fueling service to a driver of said vehicle using a fuel pump of a gas station, comprising: a) storing in a database data relating at least to the identity of said vehicle, account number to be credited arrd charged, and credit rules defined by the owner of said vehicle, said credit rxdes being imposed on said driver requiring said fuel service; b) obtaining from said vehicle its identity and, using said database, associating said identity with at least said account number and said credit rules when said fueling service commences, and, optionally, while said service is in progress; and c) based on the association, causing said fuel pump to deliver fuel to said vehicle if the circumstances of said fuel service and said credit rules are in agreement.

13. Method according to claim 12, wherein the identity of the vehicle is obtained by establishing a first communication link between a vehicle RFID tag, positioned in said vehicle proximate its fuel entry port, and an RFID interrogator associated with the fuel pump, to transmit the identity of said vehicle to the RFID interrogator; wherein, a) fueling service is commenced if: (i) the identity of said vehicle is obtained by said RFID interrogator and forwarded thereby to a third party where it is verified using the content of the database, (ii) optionally, there is sufficient fiscal credit, and (iii) the circumstances of the fueling service and the credit rules imposed on said driver are in agreement; and b) delivering fuel to the vehicle is continued as long as the data from the vehicle tag continues to be received by said RFID interrogator; and c) the delivery of fuel to said vehicle is suspended when said data is not received by said RFID interrogator.

14. Method according to claim 13, further comprising establishing a second communication link between an RFID tag supported and carried by the nozzle and the RFID interrogator, to tra-iismit the identity of said nozzle to said RFID interrogator, and commencing fueling service if:

(i) the data relating to the identities of the vehicle and said nozzle are obtained by said RFID interrogator essentially at the same time and forwarded thereby to a third party where they are verified using the coriLtent of the database,

(ii) there is sufficient credit, and

(iii) the circumstance of tlie fueling service and the credit rules, defined- and imposed on the vehicle's dxiver, are in agreement; and continually delivering fuel to said vehicle as long as said data continue "to be received by the RFID interrogator; and suspending the delivery of fuel to said vehicle when said data are not received by the RFID interrogator in full.

15. Method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the credit rules include, or refer to, at least the following restrictions: "time of day"; "maximal rate of fuel costs per unit of time"; "geographical location of gas stations giving the fueling service"; "'n'-time fiieliag services" ('n'=l, 2, ...,); "fiscal credit", or any combination thereof.

16. Method according to claims 13 or 14, wherein the RFID interrogator includes means for announcing the location of the fuel pump to the third party.

17. Method according to claim 16, wherein the third party comprising a station computer in communication with a remote supervisor, to said station computer are forwarded, from the RFID interrogator and α^ver a communication link, the vehicle data, the nozzle data and the announcement, said station computer forwarding said vehicle data, said nozzle data and said announcement to said remote supervisor for processing, said remote central computer station communicating with a credit manager, which includes the database and forwards to said remote supervisor messages relating to credit rules stored in said database.

18. Method according to claim 16, wherein the third party comprises a cellular system and a station computer with which said cellular system communicates, said cellular system communicating with the RFID interrogator to receive therefrom, in operation and via a communication link, the data relating to the identity of the vehicle and nozzle, and also the announcement, after v^hich said cellular system concurrently relaying that data and announcement, over a wireless cellular communication path, to a credit manager, which includes the database and forwards to a remote supervisor messages relating to credit rules, the vehicle and nozzle data, and to the announcement.

19. Method according to claims 17 or 18, wherein the communication link, between the RFID interrogator and the station computer, is implemented using a wired communication.

20. Method according to claims 17 or 18, wherein the communication link is implemented using a wireless communication path conforming to the Bluetooth protocol.

21. Method according to claims 17 or 18, wherein the credit manager comprising control means with dedicated software, for: a) allowing an owner of the vehicle an access to the database, for allowing him to subscribe to the fueling service and to define and impose credit rules, and for redefine said credit rules; b) obtaining the data from the station computer, or cellular system; c) analyzing and processing said data; and d) forwarding to the re .mote supervisor messages regarding whether the driver is to be granted a fueling service, or denied the service, based on the comparison between the current time of day and the location of the gas station and the current credit rules, said remote supervisor determining, based on whether there is sufficient or positive credit, and based also on the information received from said credit manager, whether the fueling service is to be granted or denied, and said remote supervisor forwarding to said station computer a corresponding control message to activate the fuel pump, via its pump controller, if the fueling service is to be allowed.

22. Method according to claim 21, wherein the credit manager is allocated an Internet Protocol (IP) address and the owner of the vehicle accesses the credit manager via the Internet to subscribe to the fueling service and to redefine the credit rules.