Transaction display on video/graphics in fuel dispensers

15 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

1 2

TRANSACTION DISPLAY ON VIDEO/ signals at once have almost invariably entailed the digitiza

GRAPHICS IN FUEL DISPENSERS tion of the video signal, requiring large amounts of memories and very high speed electronics, thus adding greatly to

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION the cost. For a ^ production, low cost item, the imple

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent 5 mentation of such expensive technologies is undesirable,

application Ser. No. 07/960,512 filed Oct. 13,1992 entitled That invention, though, was best suited for side-by-side

'Multimedia Video/Graphics in Fuel Dispensers" of Leath- displays of the advertising message on the video screen and

erman et al, now abandoned in favor of File Wrapper conventional transaction information, (such as the price per

Continuation application Ser. No. 08/539,505, filed Oct. 6, gallon sold, the number of gallons and the transaction cost)

1995 entitled "Multimedia Video/Graphics in Fuel Dispens- 10 on conventional LED or LCD displays. With the advent of

ers". larger active matrix displays, it would be advantageous to

The present invention relates to an improved multimedia combine the transaction information and the promotional

display for raster-scannable displays, and the provision of message on one display, multimedia displays in gasoline dispensers.

Gasoline dispensers have evolved over the years from having mechanical dial readouts to LED displays to more The present invention provides an apparatus for dispensrecent liquid crystal displays. They have also evolved by ing fuel at a retail site including a fuel dispenser having a having enhanced internal controller technology, including raster-scannable display of information to a customer, a first recent advances by Glibarco, Inc. in the marketing of its 2Q circuit to generate graphics information concerning fueling THE ADVANTAGETM line of fuel dispensers. These dis- data for display on the raster-scannable display, a second pensers include card readers to enable credit cards to be read circuit to generate user prompts for display on the rasterby the gas dispenser, with communications back to the credit scannable display, a video signal source supplying video card issuer to ascertain if the credit card is valid. However, signals to the fuel dispenser to be displayed on the rastersome customers have difficulty using the technology s scannable display, and a third circuit to direct fueling data because of lack of familiarity with the procedures required. from the first circuit, user prompts from the second circuit Accordingly, it would be helpful to users of that sort to have and video signals from the video signal source selectively to assistance to direct them in the use of the self-service the raster-scannable display.

dispenser. Also, for all users, the option of advertising Typically, the video signals are analog signals as directed

additional products or services for sale would be desirable to 3Q to the raster-scannable display. Preferably, the fuel dispenser

the service station operator. One way to do mis is with a has a user-actuable portion to permit responses to the

video screen display in the dispenser to provide information prompts to be communicated to the second circuit. Also

to the customer preferably, the dispenser has a fuel meter communicating

A prior effort to provide a video screen prompt of this sort data about fuel dispensed to the first and second circuits, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,027,282 to Hollidge. The 35 The second circuit may be associated with a reader for Hollidge approach is designed to control all display func- cards having magnetic stripes and may have a communications of the entire dispenser by a video disk player, which tions link to an external card-verifying authority, outputs video images to the screen, with some interactivity ^ ^ & ^ ^ ^ between the user and the disk being made possible. ^ ^ a OTn^mcations ^ to me

The invention disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. 40 ~» ... . . , .. , .. t . ,

XT r.. . „ ^ ,nfvf j .... ... ,. w The third circuit may selectively direct graphics lnforma

No. 07/960,512 filed Oct 13, 1992 entitled "Multimedia * .. 1 . t J. ■ ■ ^ c _

... , . . „ . ,, ,. ... „ , tion concerning fueling data, graphics information of user

Video/Graphics in Fuel Dispensers of Leatherman et al or ^ ^ Qr a^ombination of them to the

permits advertisements or o&er programming to be played ^ste7scaIinable as ms1ructed by signals provided

to the customer during the fueling operation. In fact, that . ^ cjta^t

invention, by being tied in with other service station 45 m

operation, permits overall enhancement of the marketing of .J** ^ arcult TM?^ synchronization signals in the

service station capabilities. sl^s t0 establlsh graphics information signals syn

., *u * • 1 i_ A ^ *l • J- chronized with the video signals.

Also, that invention has advantages over the prior dis- 6

plays which displayed only single line instructions or data to ^ ttdrd clrcuit ^ provide signals to determine the

a customer. Instead, instructions are given in a Video format, 50 Placement of information concerning fueling data

with which there is widespread familiarity, rather man a on ^ raster-scannable display with video information and

display using technologies such as LCD's or LED's. Cus- use signals Provided by the second circuit to determine the

tomer ease-of-use is enhanced, not to mention the very much placement of graphics information concerning transactions

increased versatility of the types of displays capable on a on raster-scannable display with video information. The

raster-scannable display. Even for simple word messages, 55 circuit *** convert either me vkleo or 8n**ics

fonts can be customized, logos can be included, and the like. to be compatible with the other, such as both RGB,

The invention of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/960, both ComP°site OT both S-Vide0

512 filed Oct 13,1992 entitled "Multimedia Video/Graphics Desirably, each of the first second and third circuits

in Fuel Dispensers" of Leatherman et al. contemplates a includes a microprocessor. The raster-scannable display is

multimedia type display, including both video display of 60 Preferably a liquid crystal display,

prerecorded or live video programming, as well as graphics- Preferably, the system includes a plurality of the fuel

generated display pertinent to assist the customer in the dispensers and the video signal source supplies the same

stages of a fueling transaction or otherwise to interface with video signal to all of the plurality of fuel dispensers,

the customer, such as to present advertising. The display of The invention also provides a method of dispensing fuel

both of these types of information on a single screen entails 65 at a retail site including providing a fuel dispenser having a

displaying both analog video signals as well as digital raster-scannable display of information, generating graphics

computer signals. Prior efforts to display both types of information concerning fueling transactions for display on 3 4

the raster-scannable display, generating graphics informa- 16 is preferably the G-Site system controller sold by tion concerning user prompts for display on the raster- GDbarco, Inc. of Greensboro, N.C. The controller 16 serves scannable display, supplying video signals to the fuel dis- as an overall system controller for the multiplicity of fuel penser to be displayed on the raster-scannable display, and dispensers 12. It has a link to a remote credit- or debitselectively directing graphics information concerning fuel- 5 card-validating computer 18, such as a telephone link. The ing transactions, user prompts or video signals or a combi- computer 18 may be hundreds or thousands of miles away nation of them to the raster-scannable display. ?om tbs service station, at the site of a card-issuing author

The supplying step typically includes supplying the video &, ^' . . tj- J- *_-i. ^ %.

• i • i The relationships of the dispensers 12, distribution box

signals as analog signals. M controller 16 ^ computer ig are conventional as

Preferably, the fuel dispenser has a user-actuable portion regards the card-validating function. The controller 16

and the method includes communicating responses through serves as a point-of-sale device somewhat like a cash

the portion to affect the graphics information. register manned by an attendant, typically located in a store

Typically, the invention includes communicating data facility,

about fuel dispensed from a fuel meter to affect the graphics 5 Each of the dispensers 12 is supplied with a video signal

information concerning fueling transactions. from a video source 135 through a distribution amplifier 20.

The method may include reading information on cards 11 should be appreciated that each of the dispensers 12 is

having magnetic stripes and processing the magnetic stripe supplied with exactly the same signal, decreasing the invest

information to affect the graphics information concerning ment required in video sources 135. Alternatively, of course,

user prompts. If so, the method may also include commu- 2o multiPle video sources could be provided if desired,

nicating magnetic stripe information to an external card- However, an important advantage of the invention is that it

verifying authority. makes possible the use of only a single source. The source

The method may include detecting beginnings of video ^ ^ TM* conventional source of video signals such as a

programs in the video signals and starting to direct video v»deo toPe a vldeo d*,l^ 311 ovf"

signals to the raster-scannable display only at detected 25 ^^ot^^me^^l^.Ttay^m^bt

program beginnings. It may also include identifying syn- *5Bred format such as RGB< Composite video or

chronization signals in the video signals and establishing a-viaeo.

graphics information signals synchronized with the video Turning now to FIG. 2 which shows an elevational view

signals. °f one °^ ^ dispensers 12, the dispenser includes a con

T r , ... . x. . „. . , . . ^ an ventional nozzle 36 connected through a hose 34 to the

In a preferred embodiment the invention includes deter- 30 .. . . c ,. . T. „. , , .

mining fte relative placement of graphics information con- h°T£ fa gasoline or other fuel m a

• * i- ji , » t conventional fashion. The fuel is supplied from an under

cerning fueling transactions and the placement of graphics , . , . TM[ . -. ,

. c e.. B . r 1.1 ground reservoir through a conduit 28 to the hose 34 under

information concerning user prompts on the raster-scannable rf . „ _ , & . , , .. n

. ... .. .? X j ~ , . . the influence of a submerged pump 27, shown schematically

display with video information and effecting placement of . „„ _ . . . s. K \-' it_ ... „i

... i ^ ■ c ,. . » Js. • c « m FIG. 3. A metering device 30 from (he conduit 28

the information concerning fueling data and the information 35 . . . _ % - . . ,. . , .. . ..

. . ... ... ., „, ascertains the volume of fuel delivered through the conduit

concerning user prompts in relation to the video on the .„ , • » » j ., ,■ -X^

t.1 J- i u • c u J » • »■ 28 and communicates that data over a line 32 to micropro

raster-scannable display on the basis of such determination. -.-» T*. I * J

r J cessor 40 in the dispenser 12. The volume is, of course, used

Desirably, the method also includes converting one of the to compUte ^ display the transaction data,

video or graphics signals to be compatible with me ofter one ^ ^ f ^ a ^ stri ^

of the video or graphics signals, such as both RGB, both reader ^ , cash ^ ^ and a recd 26 ^ rf

Composite video or both S-Video. any ...

Typically, the supplying step includes supplying a plural- Referring to FIG. 2, the video screen 125 can be seen

ity of the fuel dispensers with the same video signal. displaying in a portion of the screen 126 information con

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 45 ... * .^sh^saction which can be elected by a

customer in combination with a fueling transaction. The

The invention will be better understood after a reading of screen 125 may be any suitable raster-scannable display, but

the Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments and preferably is a liquid crystal display. Associated with the

a review of the drawings in which: video display portion 126 is a keypad 130 similar to those

FIG. lis a block diagram of a service station illustrating 50 conventionally used with bank automatic teller machine

major components of a preferred embodiment according to displays. That is, a plurality of keys 130 are aligned with the

the present invention as linked together; portion 126 of raster-scannable display 125 so that the effect

TM-, „ . , ^ , ■ ^ c , *irx-. of pressing one or more of the keys 130 is explained to a user

FIG. 2 is an elevational view of a fuel dispenser of FIG. . *\. , _^ A, f ,

1 artiall broken away ^ display on the portion 126. Other keypads 130 on

*" y y' 55 other sides of the display 125 may be provided. Additional

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of various components of the keypads 42,44 are provided for further transaction entry data

electronics used in a dispenser according to one embodi- t0 ^ GRIND microprocessor 140, in conventional fashion,

ment; and "CRIND" is an acronym for "Card Reader in Dispenser," a

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of various components of the style of fuel dispenser sold by Glibarco, Inc. of Greensboro,

electronics used in a dispenser according to an alternate ^ N.C. Other fuel dispenser manufacturers make similar units,

embodiment Usage of the term GRIND in this application means fuel

dispensers having card reader capabilities, which typically

» ESCRJPTION OFTHE include the capability of communication of card information

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS to a station controUer. If desired, the apparatus could be

As seen in FIG. 1, a service station 10 has on site a 65 configured for data input through a touch screen,

plurality of fuel dispensers 12 connected through a single The screen 125 has a further portion 127 which depicts

distribution box 14 to a site controller 16. The site controller video images as transmitted as from the station video signal 5 6

source 135. The screen 125 further has a portion 128 on is provided with a CRTND microprocessor 140 and a display

which is depicted the transaction details for a fueling trans- microprocessor 240 as well as the peripherals 22.24.26.42.

action. The fueling transaction information shown in the 44 and 125.

portion 128 includes the total currency amount for a fueling Those of ordinary skill in the art will be able to work with transaction, the volume dispensed, usually gallons or liters, 5 their existing knowledge of fuel dispensers, the disclosure and the cost per volume. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07/960,512 and the specifics The information depicted in the portion 127 can be any discussed herein to write suitable software and to configure desired information, typically of video origin. Thus, hardware details to assemble various embodiments accordadvertisements, promotions of community activities or ing to the invention.

simply, aesthetically attractive scenes can be depicted in a 10 Those 0f ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the

portion 127. invention as disclosed herein may be implemented in numer

In FIG. 2, the portions 126 and 127 are shown side by side ous embodiments which differ from the specific disclosure

above the portion 128, but any other suitable arrangement of hereof. All such embodiments which fall within the scope of

the three portions can be used. However, since the portion the appended claims are deemed to be within the scope of

126 typically depicts user prompts for responses such as 15 the patent

through the keypad 130, it is desirable to locate portion 126 What is claimed is:

adjacent to keypad 130. Of course, keypad 130 can be 1. A system for dispensing fuel at a retail site comprising

configured other than as shown in FIG. 2. The location of the a fuei dispenser having a raster-scannable display of

three portions 126,127,128 can change over time under the information to a customer

control of toe electronics of display microprocessor 240 20 ft fot tQ ^ Wcs Momation conceraing

supplying the signals to the screen 125. ^ fgf display on ^ raster.scannable

Referring now to FIG. 3, the video display to the screen display

125 is conn-oiled^by a display microprocessor 240 which ... ^ to fe usef for ^ Qn

receives input of fueling infoMonfrom dispenser micro- 2J ^ raster.scann*ble ^ ^

processor 40, user prompts from CRIND microprocessor"

140, and video signals from the station video signal source a source TMH>IJTMg video si8nals to said fuel

135. These three signals can be mixed and controlled for dispenser to be displayed on said raster-scannable

location on the screen using the techniques described in U.S. display, and

patent application Ser. No. 07/960,512 filed Oct. 13, 1992, a third circuit to direct fueling data from said first circuit, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by 30 user prompts from said second circuit and video signals reference. Microprocessor 240 may be programmed to con- from said video signal source selectively to said rastervert either the video or the graphics signals to be compatible scannable display as instructed by a circuit other than with the other, such as both RGB, both Composite video or said third circuit,

bom S-Video. 35 said video signal source supplying the same video signals

Input to the display microprocessor 240 from the dis- to at least one other similarly equipped dispenser,

penser microprocessor 40 will be data concerning fuel 2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said video

pumped, which is delivered to the dispenser microprocessor signals are analog signals as directed to said raster-scannable

40 from a conventional pulser 30. The dispenser micropro- display.

cessor 40 receives commands to dispense fuel from the ^ 3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said fuel

CRIND microprocessor 140 in conventional fashion, thus, dispenser has a user-actuable portion to permit responses to

activating the pump 27. The CRIND microprocessor 140 the prompts to be communicated to said second circuit

receives inputs from the keypads 42, 44, cash acceptor 24, 4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said

card reader 22, dispenser microprocessor 40, and station dispenser has a fuel meter communicating data about fuel

transaction signal sources 16 in conventional fashion. The 45 dispensed to said first and second circuits.

CRIND microprocessor 140 outputs transaction data to the 5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said second

display microprocessor 240 for combination with the other circuit is associated with a reader for cards having magnetic

signals to be displayed on video screen 125. The CRTND stripes.

microprocessor 140 can output to printer 26 to print a receipt 6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein said second at the end of a transaction. The operation of the CRIND 50 circuit has a communications link to an external cardmicroprocessor 140 with the dispenser microprocessor 40, verifying authority.

card reader 22, printer 26, cash acceptor 24, keypads 42,44, 7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 further comprising

and station transaction signal source 16 is conventional and a printer and wherein said second circuit has a communi

needs no further elaboration here. cations link to said printer.

FIG. 4 depicts a system similar to FIG. 3 except mat the 55 8- apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein each of said dispenser microprocessor 40 solely outputs data to the second and third circuits includes a microprocessor. CRIND microprocessor 140, rather than the display micro- 9- A" apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said third processor 240. In this embodiment, of the CRTND micro- circuit converts either the video or the graphics signals to be processor 140 handles the data concerning the volume of compatible with the other, such as both RGB, both Cornliquid dispensed from the dispenser microprocessor 140, and «> Posite video or both S-Video.

calculates the current dollar value of the amount dispensed 10- A" apparatus for dispensing fuel at a retail site

and outputs the same, together with the volume dispensed comprising

through the display microprocessor 240, which properly a fuel dispenser having a raster-scannable display of

locates them on the video screen 125, along with user information to a customer.

prompts as in the embodiment of FIG. 3. 65 a first circuit to generate graphics information concerning

Typically, for a dispenser 12 having two dispensing sides, fueling data for display on said raster-scannable

only one dispenser microprocessor 40 is provided. Each side display.