Patent Application
20150106196
The present invention relates generally to service stations at which fuel is dispensed. More particularly, the present invention relates to interaction between a fuel dispenser and a customer's mobile phone or other portable mobile device to provide improvements in the customer's user experience at the service station.
Transaction processing within a retail fueling environment conventionally includes interaction between a customer and a fuel dispenser. The customer typically presses certain keys on a user interface provided on the fuel dispenser to provide input for a transaction. Output is provided to the customer in response by the user interface (typically via a visual display). The customer obtains payment authorization for the transaction by swiping a credit card at the fuel dispenser (also referred to as “pay at the pump”) or communicating with an employee situated at a point of sale (POS) terminal. After authorization is received, the customer dispenses fuel and interacts with the user interface of the fuel dispenser to complete the transaction. An example of such a fuel dispenser interface is the card reader in dispenser (CRIND®) equipped fuel dispenser manufactured by Gilbarco Inc.
There have been efforts to effect payment for various goods and services via mobile devices such as cell phones. Because initial technology was based on proprietary messaging through cell phone networks, “payment roaming” was not possible. Alternative techniques, like that described in U.S. Pub. App. No. 2004/0050648 (incorporated herein in its entirety by reference for all purposes), describe Internet-based payment using a mobile phone able to connect to the internet and a vending machine (“VM”) also connected to the internet. In this regard, at least one action is first taken by the customer to identify the vending machine. For example, the '648 application discloses the concept of a “unique VM identification number,” which the customer keys in on the phone. A central server, connected to both the phone and the VM, acts as clearinghouse and establishes a “virtual connection” between the phone and the VM.
With such a system, the VM identification number needs to be visible on the VM, either in the form of a physical placard or an image dynamically displayed on a digital display that is integrated on the VM. In the latter case, the code can be changed for each transaction, thus providing a unique coupling between customer and device to make the transaction more secure. An alternative way to transfer the VM identification number to a phone is via a bar code (such as a QR code) that also could be dynamically generated and rendered on the VM's display. The bar code would be imaged via a camera integrated into the customer's phone.
Both the manual input of a numeric code and the QR snapshot have certain limitations. In the first case, the number must be short enough to make a manual input reasonable, but this tends to reduce security and number of devices on the network. In the case of QR code with photo camera, the lighting conditions and the actual visibility of the QR code might make an effective, reliable application problematic.
The present invention recognizes and addresses the foregoing considerations, and others, of prior art construction and methods. In this regard, certain exemplary and nonlimiting aspects of the present invention will now be described. These aspects are intended to provide some context for certain principles associated with the present invention, but are not intended to be defining of the full scope of the present invention.
Certain aspects of the present invention are directed to a system for providing an enhanced user experience for a customer at a fuel dispenser, vending machine or other payment terminal. Examples of retail fueling environments, fuel dispensers, and user interfaces for fuel dispensers are provided in U.S. Pat. No. 6,435,204 (entitled “Fuel Dispensing System”), U.S. Pat. No. 5,956,259 (entitled “Intelligent Fueling”), U.S. Pat. No. 5,734,851 (entitled “Multimedia Video/Graphics in Fuel Dispensers”), U.S. Pat. No. 6,052,629 (entitled “Internet Capable Browser Dispenser Architecture”), U.S. Pat. No. 5,689,071 (entitled “Wide Range, High Accuracy Flow Meter”), U.S. Pat. No. 6,935,191 (entitled “Fuel Dispenser Fuel Flow Meter Device, System and Method”), U.S. Pat. No. 7,289,877 (entitled “Fuel Dispensing System for Cash Customers”) and U.S. Pat. No. 7,774,231 (entitled “Electronic Payment Methods for a Mobile Device”) and U.S. published patent application nos. 20090048710 (entitled “Fuel Dispenser”), 20100268612 (entitled “Payment Processing System for Use in a Retail Environment Having Segmented Architecture”), and 20110185319 (entitled “Virtual PIN Pad for Fuel Payment Systems”). The entire disclosure of each of the foregoing patents and applications is hereby incorporated by reference as if set forth verbatim herein for all purposes.
The present invention provides elements and method steps that facilitate or enhance a fueling transaction. In accordance with one aspect, a customer initiates a fueling transaction by tapping a suitably-equipped mobile device (e.g., smart phone) with an NFC tag attached to or near the fuel dispenser. For example, the NFC tag may comprise an adhesive-backed sticker attached to the fuel dispenser's housing. The tag contains information instructing the mobile device to open an app installed thereon (or, if not installed, directing to the mobile device to an internet location from which the app can be obtained). With the app thus running, the customer may authorize the transaction. After the transaction is completed, it can be settled to a default credit card, or chosen by the customer at the time of the transaction. Use of the app can also ensures that loyalty discounts are applied automatically to the transaction, or that the customer automatically receives loyalty credit. In addition, any fueling preferences (such as a transaction limit or fuel grade) may also be applied without further action by the user.
Some aspects of the present invention contemplate retrofitting existing fuel dispensers to utilize mobile payment transactions. For example, an active sniffer may be installed between the pump electronics and existing forecourt controller to intercept messages flowing therebetween. The sniffer may also communicate with a remote (e.g., internet-based) server using suitable internet connectivity (e.g., over legacy cable connectivity). Once a mobile device having mobile payment capability is detected in proximity to the dispenser, a transaction can be initiated. The sniffer receives pump control messages from the remote server and provides them to the pump electronics in the appropriate format. After the transaction is complete, the sniffer may provide transaction information to the local point of sale system for logging and reconciliation purposes.
Different systems and methods of the present invention utilize various combinations of the disclosed elements and method steps as supported by the overall disclosure herein. Thus, combinations of elements other than those discussed above may be claimed. Moreover, the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.
A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended drawings, in which:
Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention.
Reference will now be made in detail to presently preferred embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit thereof. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used on another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.
Each of the fuel dispensers 10 may preferably be equipped with one or more NFC tags 18. For example, the NFC tags may be similar to common RFID tags used for inventory control purposes in retail stores. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, such tags may be embodied as simple stickers having an embedded passive-response antenna. Such antennae use the energy imparted to them by an electromagnetic interrogation to produce a response. The stickers may have the service station's logo imprinted thereon, as well as appropriate verbiage such as “Tap phone here.” As will be explained more fully below, tags 18 will simplify the customer's interaction with the fuel dispenser in a manner that enhances the customer's overall experience during the fueling transaction. The use of a passive-response antenna eliminates the need to provide a separate power source as is generally required at NFC terminals.
The customer's cell phone 20 (also referred to as the “client”) is used to initiate a fueling transaction. Typically, cell phone 20 may be a “smart phone” capable of running multiple and/or downloadable apps, such as those sold by Apple, Motorola, Samsung, HTC and others. Moreover, while a cell phone is one example of a wireless communication (mobile) device that may be used with embodiments of the present invention, other types of mobile devices may also be used for this purpose. For example, certain embodiments of the present invention may utilize various tablet computers.
In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, detection of a tag 18 by phone 20 initiates the fuel dispensing transaction. As will be explained more fully below, an interface is preferably generated on the display of phone 20 with which the customer can interact. For example, the customer may choose a method of payment (rather than swiping a credit card at the dispenser) and indicate any limits on the transaction (such as $20). The interface may also be used to make other selections related to the transaction, such as fuel grade to be dispensed. Preferably, these preferences (e.g., fuel grade) may be stored as defaults so the customer does not need to choose them manually in subsequent transactions, unless a change is desired. If the customer is enrolled in a loyalty program, loyalty points may be accrued automatically without the need to swipe or scan a separate loyalty card. In addition, a receipt can be automatically sent to phone 20 at the conclusion of the transaction.
Referring again to
Referring now to
Collectively grouped under the heading “services” are resources that may be used to effect the fueling transaction, or enhance the customer's experience in various ways. For example, a media partner 30 that has a business relationship with the service station (or third party operator of cloud server 22) may provide media content to phone 20 (or to the display on fuel dispenser 10) during the fueling transaction. A loyalty server 32 may validate the customer's loyalty status, and keep track of any rewards that are due. For example, customers with higher levels of rewards may be entitled to an immediate fuel discount.
Promotions, such as coupons or advertisements, may be provided during the fueling transaction (either to phone 20 or the display of fuel dispenser 10) by ad server 34. For example, the ads may be inserted into commercial breaks or banners in the media from partner 20. In addition to ads promoting products or services of the service station, third party ads may also be provided. In the case of third party ads, it may be appropriate to provide the service station operator with a portion of the revenue generated by placement of the ads. In some implementations, the customer may be enticed to watch the ad by an instantaneous discount on the price of fuel. For example, a price per unit (PPU) discount (e.g., 31T per gallon) may be offered in exchange for an agreement to view one or more ads during the fueling transaction. If the customers “accepts” the discount (such as by clicking a “button” on the smart phone screen), the per unit price of the fuel might immediately change. Fueling will proceed at the new price assuming the ad is allowed to play on the customer's phone. Preferably, the app on the phone may be able to detect if the ad was closed before completion, in which case the PPU of the fuel may revert to its original value. Alternatively, the transaction can simply stop when the ad is prematurely closed.
Payment is authorized and completed via the payment network 36. In addition, detailed information about transactions occurring across multiple service stations can be collected and processed by analytics server 38. This information may be useful to tailor products and/or services to better suit customer buying preferences or sales patterns, or to facilitate maintenance. It will be appreciated that the entity which collects and analyzes this data may charge a service fee to the service station operators for access to it.
In particular, the response from tag 18 preferably causes an app to be launched on phone 20 which serves as an interface for the transaction. In other words, as shown in
Referring now to
Assuming the app was previously installed on phone 30, the customer may be prompted by the app to enter a PIN code into the phone. If the PIN code is authentic, the app may prompt the user to select a desired method of payment, unless the system is configured to use only a default method of payment. Payment information for the transaction is then provided, as indicated at 50. The payment information may often comprise the actual payment card account number, or information sufficient to identify a previously-stored account number. The cell phone app may display real time transaction information as the transaction is in progress (as indicated at 52). For example, the phone may show the monetary and/or volume total on a real-time basis as fuel is being dispensed. During the transaction, coupons or promotional messages may be received at the phone 20 (as indicated at 54).
As noted above, the customer may be directed to a site from which the app can be obtained if it is not already installed on phone 20. Assuming the customer wants to install the app, it can then be downloaded to phone 20, as indicated at 56. Typically, as indicated at 58, the customer will then be prompted to automatically enroll in the service station's loyalty program. This process may involve granting permissions to the loyalty provider or service for personal information such as email address, name, cell phone number, and/or payment methods that may already be available on the mobile device. Alternatively, the customer may promoted to manually enter all of this information, although automatic permissions and information transfer will often be the preferred default method. The process then continues as previously described, and ends at the conclusion of the transaction (as indicated at 59).
Referring now to
NFC tags such as tag 18 or other proximity indicia may be used in conjunction with a mobile device to effect various additional functions of a fuel dispenser. For example, current fuel dispensers include multiple buttons by which a customer selects the fuel grade and/or type to be dispensed. In this regard, a typical gasoline dispenser may allow the customer to select 87, 89, or 93 octane. In accordance with the present invention, stickers comprising a passive-response antenna may be applied to the surface of each such button. Thus, as an alternative to pressing the fuel grade button, the customer may simply bring phone 20 into proximity with the grade button. In fact, if suitably equipped smart phones are sufficiently ubiquitous, the buttons themselves could be eliminated in view respective tags. This is illustrated in
NFC tags as described above may be used in other ways to enhance the customer's transaction experience. For example, if the customer is inside a convenience store (or other retail location) and wishes to pay a cashier, an NFC tag at the cashier terminal may be tapped in order to automatically generate an optical code (e.g., QR code) on the display of the smart screen. The optical code can be scanned by the store's POS system in order to extract the payment information. The code can also contain loyalty and/or coupon information, allowing the customer to receive an immediate discount for the purchase (or at least to accrue loyalty credits more easily). NFC tags corresponding to various products may be located at the shelf where the respective products are displayed. As the customer removes product from the shelf, the corresponding NFC tag can be tapped with the customer's smart phone. This allows the phone to keep a running tally of the products being purchased to facilitate check-out and payment at the register.
Referring now to
The app used to receive and verify the signal from beacon 100 will typically be downloaded to phone 20 from a website accessed by the phone's web browser. In this regard, tags 18 may be located on each side of the dispenser to facilitate download of the app. In particular, if the customer does not already have the app, the respective tag 18 is simply tapped with phone 20 to immediately bring up the correct website on the phone's display.
Depending on the embodiment, beacons 100 may be unidirectional or bidirectional. A unidirectional beacon will typically broadcast dispenser identification (ID) and perhaps other information or commands that can be used to facilitate a transaction. In this case, communication with the cloud server will typically occur via the digital phone network. On the other hand, if the beacon is capable of bidirectional communication and dispenser 10 is internet-enabled, phone 20 may send information to the cloud server through dispenser 10. This may be advantageous in areas where cell phone service is lacking or inconsistent.
Thousands of existing fuel dispensers utilize traditional two-wire protocol to exchange transaction information with the forecourt controller and point-of-sale (POS) system located in the convenience store. Two-wire communication is suitable for many purposes, but its low frequency limits the speed of data transfer. Thus, efforts have recently been made to utilize legacy wiring to provide high bandwidth communications, such as video advertising, to the forecourt dispensers. One such system is disclosed in U.S. Pub. App. No. 2013/0121428 (“the '428 application”), incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
In this regard, aspects of the present invention may be incorporated into new dispensers at the time of manufacture, or may be added to existing dispensers as a retrofit. In the case of a retrofit, certain modifications may be necessary or desirable in order to provide a satisfactory level of functionality. Referring now to
In accordance with the present invention, the existing dispenser may be modified to provide additional functionality to enhance a customer's transaction experience. Toward this end, the bottom diagram in
Referring now to
To achieve desirable levels of functionality, sniffer 110 (and thus existing dispenser 10) is preferably adapted to access cloud server 22 over an internet connection. This may be accomplished by various techniques, such as wifi or running an Ethernet cable out to the dispenser under the services station's forecourt. In many cases, however, it will be desirable to provide the internet connection using legacy cable 108, such as using DSL or HomePlug techniques. In this regard, a first over legacy cable (OLC) modem 114 may be connected to a suitable port of sniffer 110. A second OLC modem 116 is located away from fuel dispenser 10, such as inside the convenience store. As indicated at 118, high bandwidth network communications are transmitted on cable 108 along with the lower frequency two-wire signals transmitted to and from forecourt controller 106. Modem 116 is connected to a suitable router or gateway that provides communication with cloud server 22.
In the illustrated embodiment, one or more beacons 100 are also connected to sniffer 100 via suitable ports. For example, the beacons may be configured as Bluetooth BLE dongles attached to USB ports on sniffer 110. As a result, the customer is able to conduct a fueling transaction using either the dispenser's existing user interface (card reader, PIN pad, etc.) or the mobile payment functionality provided by the retrofit arrangement. Of course, it will be appreciated that sniffer 110 and its associated components may be incorporated directly in pump electronics 104 in fuel dispensers to be built. In this alternative, OLC modem 114 would allow the future dispenser to replace an existing dispenser without the arduous task of replacing the legacy two-wire cable already in place under the service station's forecourt with new Ethernet cable.
As a further alternative, it may not be necessary in attended markets to equip the dispenser with OLC modem 114. Instead, the attendant's handheld can be configured as a mobile “hotspot” which communicates with the fuel dispenser via bidirectional beacon 100, wifi, or the like. In this case, the dispenser will rely on the handheld's internet connection to provide the desired functionality to the dispenser.
Referring again to
After dispensing is completed, pump electronics 104 provide information regarding the volume and monetary amount of the fuel that was dispensed. This signal is intercepted by sniffer 110, and the requisite information is provided to cloud server 22 in order to finalize the transaction. Assuming forecourt controller 106 and POS 112 have been suitably programmed, sniffer 110 may send a signal after the transaction is finalized which allows POS 112 to log the transaction (e.g., “Delivered 12.4 Gallons by Mobile Payment. Transaction ID is 42BH0124.”). If the existing site equipment is not equipped to understand this message, the service station operator can obtain the same information manually by logging in to cloud server 22. Of course, the manual log-in may be less desirable because it would likely make inventory reconciliation more difficult.
The internet connection of sniffer 110 can provide existing dispenser 10 with additional new functionality unrelated to payment. This new functionality is diagrammatically represented in
One skilled in the art will appreciate that various methodologies described in U.S. Pub. No. 2013/0246171 (“the '171 application”) may be practiced according to the techniques discussed herein. Accordingly, the '171 application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
While one or more preferred embodiments of the invention have been described above, it should be understood that any and all equivalent realizations of the present invention are included within the scope and spirit thereof. While much of the discussion above has involved fuel as the exemplary product being dispensed, one skilled in the art will recognize that aspects of the present invention are applicable to a wide variety of different goods and services. Thus, the embodiments depicted are presented by way of example only and are not intended as limitations upon the present invention. For example, many aspects of the present invention are described above in the exemplary context of a retail fueling environment. It should be understood by those of ordinary skill in this art, however, that the present invention is not limited to these embodiments because other commercial environments are contemplated and modifications can be made. For example, an optically-read indicia (such as a QR code) may be used instead of an NFC tag in accordance with some embodiments. Or, the information otherwise provided by tag 18 may be sent to the smart phone via Bluetooth, Zigbee, or the like. Therefore, it is contemplated that any and all such embodiments are included in the present invention as may fall within the scope and spirit thereof.
This application is based upon and claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/889,431, filed Oct. 10, 2013, which is incorporated fully herein for all purposes.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61889431 | Oct 2013 | US |
