U.S. patent application number 10/348647 was filed with the patent office on 2003-06-12 for fuel dispensing system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Dresser, Inc.. Invention is credited to Embertson, Dave, McCall, Don C., Mixon, Stephen R., Zahajko, Mike.
Application Number | 20030106934 10/348647 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24162663 |
Filed Date | 2003-06-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030106934 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
McCall, Don C. ; et
al. |
June 12, 2003 |
Fuel dispensing system
Abstract
A fuel dispensing system that permits consumers to purchase fuel
using a cash equivalent that is representative of monies owed to
the consumers due to past overpayments for fuel.
Inventors: |
McCall, Don C.; (Cedar Park,
TX) ; Embertson, Dave; (Austin, TX) ; Zahajko,
Mike; (Maple Valley, WA) ; Mixon, Stephen R.;
(Round Rock, TX) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JENKENS & GILCHRIST, PC
1445 ROSS AVENUE
SUITE 3200
DALLAS
TX
75202
US
|
Assignee: |
Dresser, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
24162663 |
Appl. No.: |
10/348647 |
Filed: |
January 21, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10348647 |
Jan 21, 2003 |
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09746392 |
Dec 21, 2000 |
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09746392 |
Dec 21, 2000 |
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09542178 |
Apr 4, 2000 |
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09542178 |
Apr 4, 2000 |
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09255472 |
Feb 23, 1999 |
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6321984 |
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09255472 |
Feb 23, 1999 |
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09026634 |
Feb 20, 1998 |
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6112981 |
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60039007 |
Feb 25, 1997 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
235/375 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G07G 1/0045 20130101;
G06Q 20/28 20130101; G06Q 30/02 20130101; G06K 7/10782 20130101;
G07F 13/025 20130101; G06Q 30/0235 20130101; G06Q 30/0236 20130101;
G06Q 30/0239 20130101; G06Q 20/342 20130101; G06Q 30/0234 20130101;
G06K 7/0004 20130101; G06Q 20/204 20130101; G06Q 20/06 20130101;
G06Q 30/0225 20130101; G06Q 40/025 20130101; G06Q 30/0601 20130101;
B67D 7/14 20130101; G06Q 30/0238 20130101; G06Q 20/20 20130101;
G07F 7/025 20130101; B67D 7/308 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
235/375 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/00 |
Claims
1. A system for dispensing fuel, comprising: a nozzle for
dispensing the fuel; a controller in communication with the nozzle
for selectively causing the nozzle to dispense the fuel; a reader
connected to the controller for reading data provided by a user and
transferring the data to the controller; and a database for storing
a record corresponding to the data that includes a monetary value;
wherein, upon receipt of the data, the controller accesses the
record and causes the nozzle to dispense. the fuel.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the data is dependent upon
purchases made by the user.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein the data comprises optical
data.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein the optical data comprises a bar
code included on a receipt provided to the user.
5. The system of claim 1, wherein the data comprises magnetic
data.
6. The system of claim 5, wherein the magnetic data comprises a
magnetic strip included on a card.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the record includes: an index
value corresponding to the data; a date of creation of the record;
and a date of expiration of the record.
8. A computer implemented method for permitting a user to purchase
fuel from a fuel dispenser, comprising: receiving payment from the
user; if the payment received from the user exceeds a purchase
price of the fuel, then providing the user with change in the form
of a cash equivalent.
9. The method of claim 8, further including: creating a record in a
database that includes an index value and a monetary value.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the record further includes a
date of creation and a date of expiration for the record.
11. The method of claim 8, further including: permitting the user
to purchase fuel from the fuel dispenser using the cash
equivalent.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein the cash equivalent comprises a
bar coded representation of the change.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein the cash equivalent comprises a
magnetic representation of the change.
14. A computer program stored in a memory device for permitting a
user to purchase fuel from a fuel dispenser, comprising
instructions for: receiving payment from the user; if the payment
received from the user exceeds a purchase price of the fuel, then
providing the user with change in the form of a cash
equivalent.
15. The computer program of claim 14, further including
instructions for: creating a record in a database that includes an
index value and a monetary value.
16. The computer program of claim 15, wherein the record further
includes a date of creation and a date of expiration for the
record.
17. The computer program of claim 14, further including
instructions for: permitting the user to purchase fuel from the
fuel dispenser using the cash equivalent.
18. The computer program of claim 14, wherein the cash equivalent
comprises a bar coded representation of the change.
19. The computer program of claim 14, wherein the cash equivalent
comprises a magnetic representation of the change.
20. A database stored in a memory device for use in a fuel
dispensing system for permitting users to purchase fuel,
comprising: one or more records having: corresponding index values;
and corresponding monetary values.
21. The database of claim 20, wherein the records further include:
dates of creation; and dates of expiration.
22. The database of claim 20, wherein the monetary values
correspond to monies owed to the users due to prior purchases of
fuel by the users.
23. A receipt for use in a system for permitting users to purchase
fuel from a fuel dispenser, comprising: a substrate; and indicia
coupled to the substrate representative of monies owed to the
users.
24. The receipt of claim 23, wherein the indicia includes a bar
coded representation of the monies owed to the users.
25. The receipt of claim 23, wherein the indicia includes a
magnetic representation of the monies owed to the users.
Description
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/542,178, filed Apr. 4, 2000, which was a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/255,472, filed
Feb. 23, 1999, which was a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/026/634, filed Feb. 20, 1998, which claimed
the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application
Serial No. 60/039,007, which was filed Feb. 25, 1997, the
disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to retail fuel dispensers and more
particularly, to a system utilized in conjunction with a fuel
dispenser that will allow consumers to purchase fuel using monies
owed to the consumer due to past purchases.
[0003] Typically, a cash back machine can be used to return unused
monies to a consumer that uses a bill accepting device or magnetic
card reader to pay for fuel. However, cash back machines are
costly. Furthermore, using cash back machines to return unused
monies to consumers do not increase consumer loyalty.
[0004] The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more
of the limitations of systems for purchasing fuel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, a system
for dispensing fuel is provided that includes a nozzle for
dispensing the fuel, a controller in communication with the nozzle
for selectively causing the nozzle to dispense the fuel, a reader
connected to the controller for reading data provided by a user and
transferring the data to the controller, and a database for storing
a record corresponding to the data that includes a monetary value.
During operation, upon receipt of the data, the controller accesses
the record and causes the nozzle to dispense the fuel.
[0006] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
computer implemented method for permitting a user to purchase fuel
from a fuel dispenser is provided that includes receiving payment
from the user, and if the payment received from the user exceeds a
purchase price of the fuel, then providing the user with change in
the form of a cash equivalent.
[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
computer program stored in a memory device for permitting a user to
purchase fuel from a fuel dispenser is provided that includes
instructions for receiving payment from the user, if the payment
received from the user exceeds a purchase price of the fuel, then
providing the user with change in the form of a cash
equivalent.
[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
database stored in a memory device for use in a fuel dispensing
system for permitting users to purchase fuel is provided that
includes one or more records having corresponding index values, and
corresponding monetary values.
[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
receipt for use in a system for permitting users to purchase fuel
from a fuel dispenser is provided that includes a substrate, and
indicia coupled to the substrate representative of monies owed to
the users.
[0010] The present embodiments of the invention provide a system
for dispensing fuel in which users may be provided change in the
form of a cash equivalent. The cash equivalent may then be used by
the user to purchase fuel using the system. The system further
creates a database that include a plurality of records having
corresponding index and monetary values. The cash equivalents may
then be provided in the form of a bar coded or magnetic
representation of the corresponding records. In this manner, the
present embodiments of the invention provide a cost efficient and
commercially valuable system for enhancing the profitability of
fuel dispensing systems by improving customer loyalty.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of a fuel dispenser
system.
[0012] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a bar code wand used in the fuel
dispenser system of FIG. 1.
[0013] FIG. 3 is a diagram of a card reader device used in the fuel
dispenser system of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIGS. 4a and 4b are diagrams of another card reader device
used in the fuel dispenser system of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 5 is a diagram of another embodiment of a fuel
dispenser system.
[0016] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a receipt used in the fuel
dispenser system of FIG. 5.
[0017] FIG. 7 is an diagram of a kiosk used with a conventional
fuel dispenser system for implementing features of the present
invention.
[0018] FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the components that can be
utilized to implement the present embodiments which integrates a
customer reward system with an fuel dispenser having a dynamically
adjustable price.
[0019] FIG. 9 is an example of a record that could be used to track
customer eligibility for fuel discount rewards in accordance with
the present embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the process implemented by the
present embodiments to encourage customer loyalty by providing
discounter fuel based on predefined purchase criteria.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a diagram of an another embodiment of a fuel
dispenser system.
[0022] FIG. 12a is a flowchart of the process implemented by the
present embodiments to permit a consumer to receive change in the
form of a cash equivalent.
[0023] FIG. 12b is a diagram of an excess money database including
records representative of change provided to consumers in the form
of a cash equivalent.
[0024] FIG. 12c is a diagram of a receipt provided to a consumer
that provides change in the form of a cash equivalent.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] In FIG. 1, the reference numeral 10 designates a fuel
dispenser system embodying features of one embodiment of the
present invention. The fuel dispenser system 10 includes a fuel
dispenser 12, which contains many elements of a conventional fuel
dispenser such as a fuel nozzle 14 connected to a fuel supply (not
shown). The dispenser 12 has a front side 16 and a back side 18. In
the following description, only the front side 16 will be discussed
for ease of description. However, the features described herein may
also be applied on the back side 18, thereby allowing the dispenser
to be operated by two customers at the same time.
[0026] The front side 16 houses a conventional graphics displays
20a, 20b and a reader device 22 embodying features of the present
invention. The graphics displays 20a, 20b each include a large,
conventional, LCD panel for showing text and numerals, such as a
price 24 that corresponds to an amount of fuel dispensed, or other
customer-related messages. The reader device 22 includes magnetic
strip reading circuitry connected to a controller 26 through a
cable 28 such as an RS232 serial data bus. For the sake of example,
the controller 26 controls the reader device 22 as well as other
functions of the dispenser 12, such as a controller that includes a
Customer Activated Terminal ("CAT") computer produced by the Wayne
Division of Dresser Industries. Both the controller 26 and the
cable 28 are conventional devices housed inside the dispenser 12.
It is understood that the reader device 22 and controller 26
continue to provide conventional magnetic strip reading functions
in addition to the functions and features herein described.
[0027] The controller 26 is also connected to a computing center 30
through a bus 32. In one embodiment, the computing center 30 is
remotely located inside a store (not shown) or at an unattended
site where it may be readily accessed. The computing center 30
includes a point-of-sale ("POS") controller 34. The POS controller
34 includes many features of a conventional electronic cash
register, such as a keyboard 36, a display 38, a database 40, a
cash drawer 42, and an internal card reader device 44, for use by
an operator in charge of overseeing and maintaining the dispenser
system 10. It is understood that the database 40 may be remote, and
is shown with the POS 34 for ease of description. Also, the POS
controller 34 may be in communication with other systems or
devices, such as a carwash facility 46.
[0028] The database 40 contains a collection of records pertaining
to its customers. For example, the store may be a member-oriented
retail outlet, and a record for each customer indicates that the
customer is a member and a "level" of benefits or privileges that
the customer may receive. One level may indicate a first discount
to the customer of the goods he purchases while another level may
indicate a second discount. The POS controller 34 can thereby
receive information from the controller 26, access the database 40,
and return control codes which indicate, for example, membership
status, level of benefits, or an "OK" signal to allow fuel
dispensing.
[0029] Referring to FIG. 2, the controller 26 is also connected to
one end of a bar code detector 60 with a second cable 62. The bar
code detector 60 is a standard, decoded-type hand-held stationary
beam bar code reader such as the Welsh Allyn model Scanteam ST6180
reader. The bar code detector 60 also includes, at the end opposite
the second cable 62, a photo detector 64 and a light source 66. The
photo detector 64 may be a photo cell, photo diode or photo
transistor, while the light source 66 may be a light emitting
diode.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 3, the reader device 22 is surrounded by a
housing 68 and a hole 70 is established on a side face 71 of the
housing near a front face 72. The hole 70 extends to a slot 74 used
for receiving cards such as debit/credit cards, but is separated
from the slot by a small plastic or glass window (not shown). As a
result, the hole 70 does not interfere with any pre-existing
circuitry of the reader device 22. The hole 70 is also of
sufficient size for viewing one bit of bar coded data at a time.
The bar code detector 60 is inserted into the reader device 22
through the hole 70 so that the end with the cable 62 hangs out of
the hole. In this way, the photo detector 64 is installed behind
the small window and may access cards slid into and out-of the slot
74.
[0031] In operation, the reader device 22 receives a bar coded card
80. As the bar coded card 80 is slid into the slot 74, light from
the light source 66 reflects off the bar coded card 80 so that the
photo detector 64 can sequentially read bits of optical (bar coded)
data 82 stored on the card. The bar code detector 60 interprets the
bar coded data 82 and coverts it into ASCII data, which it
transmits to the controller 26, FIG. 1, through the cable 62.
Firmware in the controller 26 detects the presence of the ASCII
data and processes it into electronic data, a method similar to
that used to process magnetic strip cards. The controller 26 then
transmits the electronic data to the POS controller 34 through the
bus 32. The POS controller 34 uses the electronic data in order to
secure payment in accordance with the data, such as by forwarding
the electronic data to a credit card processing network (not shown)
for authorization and/or charging the sale to an account associated
with the electronic data. The POS controller 34 then returns one or
more control codes that direct the controller 26 to allow fuel to
dispense and potentially, to indicate any discounts to be
provided.
[0032] In another embodiment, FIGS. 1 and 2, the bar coded data 82
is processed by the POS controller 34 and a local billing file is
established for billing the customer later. It is also possible for
the POS controller 34 to have a local negative file of all invalid
account numbers or a local positive file of all valid card numbers.
In such cases the electronic data could be kept and billed locally,
or forwarded in "batches" to another computer on-site or off-site
for billing. The electronic data provided by the bar code detector
60 can also be differentiated from electronic data conventionally
read from a magnetic strip card by the reader 22. This
differentiation may, for example, be used for frequent shopper
tracking and awards, or for providing a price discount, described
in greater detail below.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 4a and 4b, in another embodiment, a
reader device 90 is used in place of the reader device 22 (FIG. 3).
Instead of having the roundish hole 70 for the wand of the bar code
detector 60, the reader device 90 includes a rectangular-shaped
window 92 for simultaneously viewing all of the bar coded data. The
window 92 allows a scanning bar code reader 94, such as Symbol
model LS1220-1300A produced by Symbol Technologies, Inc., to read
the bar coded data 82 on the card 80. The scanning bar code reader
94 has many of the same components as the bar code detector 60, but
is advantageous because it moves its light source (not shown) in
multiple directions, thereby increasing its ability to read bar
coded data. Also, as is the case for the reader device 22 of FIG.
3, the reader device 90 includes conventional magnetic strip
circuitry 95 and a magnetic strip reader 96 to read conventional
magnetic strip data.
[0034] In operation, the reader device 90 receives the card 80. The
card 80 has the bar coded data 82 and may also include magnetic
strip data 104 stored thereon. The reader device 90 reads the
magnetic strip data 104 in a conventional manner with the magnetic
strip reader 96 and reports it to the controller 26 through the
cable 28, as is done in the device 22 (FIG. 3). To read the bar
coded data 82, the card 80 is slid into a slot 106 of the device 90
until the bar coded data 82 is fully exposed in the window 92.
Light from the light source of the scanning bar code reader 94
reflects off the bar coded data 82, thereby allowing the reader to
read the data. The scanning bar code reader 94 interprets the bar
coded data 82 and coverts it into ASCII data, which it then
transmits to the controller 26 through the cable 62. Firmware in
the controller 26 detects the presence of the ASCII data and
processes it into electronic data, a method similar to that used to
process magnetic strip cards and described with reference to FIG.
3, above. It is understood that different combinations of bar coded
and magnetic strip data are expected, and the card 80 is meant to
illustrate only some of the combinations. In typical operation, a
successful product scan is acknowledged by an audiovisual signal by
connection to the POS controller 26.
[0035] A benefit of the modified reader devices 22, 90 is that
their modification can be done very easily, while maintaining full
functionality of the remaining components. Also, the modification
can be sold as a kit to simply replace the previous, conventional
magnetic-strip-only reader devices with the improved devices 22,
90. Other modifications can easily be supported, such as using a
single cable instead of two cables 28, 62, or sharing some or all
of the circuitry 95 for use in bar coded and magnetic data
interpretation.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 5, the reference numeral 110 refers to a
fuel dispenser system embodying features of another embodiment of
the present invention. The fuel dispenser system 110 contains a
fuel dispenser 112 connected to the computing center 30 and many
components similar to those in the fuel dispenser system 10 (FIG.
1), such components being similarly numbered.
[0037] A front side 116 houses the conventional graphics displays
20a, 20b and (optionally) a conventional magnetic-strip-only reader
device 118. The front side 116 also houses a scanning bar code
reader 120. The magnetic strip reader device 118 and scanning bar
code reader 120 are connected to the controller 26 through cables
28, 62 respectively. The scanning bar code reader 120 is similar to
the reader 94 (FIGS. 4a, 4b) in that it moves its light source (not
shown) in multiple directions, thereby increasing its ability to
read bar coded data. By being placed directly on the front side
116, the scanning bar code reader 120 realizes several additional
benefits discussed in greater detail, below.
[0038] In operation, the bar coded card 80, discussed above, may
simply be placed or waved in front of the scanning bar code reader
120. At this time, light from the light source projected from the
scanning bar code reader 120 reflects off the bar coded card 80 so
that a photo detector (also not shown) can read the bar coded data
82. The scanning bar code reader 120 interprets the bar coded data
82 and converts it into ASCII data (or data in any other suitable
format), which it transmits to the controller 26 through the cable
62. Firmware in the controller 26 detects the presence of the data
and processes it into electronic data, a method similar to that
used with the bar code reader 60 and described with reference to
FIG. 3, above.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 6, another benefit provided by the
scanning bar code reader 120 is that it can read bar coded data
from items other than bar coded cards. The reference numeral 130
designates a paper receipt with bar coded data 132 printed thereon.
The receipt 130 may also be placed or waved in front of the
scanning bar code reader 120, as described above with reference to
FIG. 5.
[0040] Referring to FIG. 7, in another embodiment, a separate
system, such as a kiosk 140, may be provided to interface with one
or more conventional fuel dispensers 142. The kiosk 140 includes a
scanning bar code reader 144, a display screen 146, and a keypad
148. The kiosk 140 is in communication with the computing center
30, discussed above, which in turn is in communication with the
controller 26 of the conventional dispenser 142. By using the kiosk
140, the features of the present invention may be achieved without
physically modifying the fuel dispenser system 142.
[0041] Listed below are several examples of how the fuel dispenser
systems described above may be used. It is understood that the
functionality described below is interchangeable with the different
systems, and is not meant to be an exhaustive list.
EXAMPLE A (FIGS. 5-6)
[0042] 1. A customer enters a store and purchases, among other
things, $10 worth of gasoline.
[0043] 2. The store gives the customer a receipt (similar to the
receipt 130) which includes a description of the purchases and bar
coded data (similar to bar coded data 132) indicating the prepaid
$10 amount.
[0044] 3. The customer places the receipt in front of the scanning
bar code reader 120 and then operates the fuel dispenser 110 to
dispense $10 worth of gas.
EXAMPLE B (FIGS. 5-6)
[0045] 1. A customer enters a store and purchases several
items.
[0046] 2. The store, which has a reward program that gives free
gasoline, gives the customer a receipt (similar to the receipt 130)
having bar coded data (similar to bar coded data 132) indicating a
free $1 worth of gasoline.
[0047] 3. The customer collects four more receipts over several
visits to the store, each indicating a free $1 worth of
gasoline.
[0048] 4. The customer sequentially places the five receipts in
front of the scanning bar code reader 120, and then operates the
fuel dispenser 110 to dispense $5 worth of gas.
[0049] 5. The customer also inserts a magnetic strip credit card
into the magnetic strip reader device 118 to allow an additional
amount of gasoline to be dispensed. A charge for the additional
amount is reported to a credit agency identified by the magnetic
strip credit card.
EXAMPLE C (FIG. 7)
[0050] 1. A customer obtains a bar coded card (similar to the card
80) indicating a "member" status (e.g., the customer is eligible
for certain benefits).
[0051] 2. The customer places the card near the scanning bar code
reader 144 of the kiosk 140. The card identifies an account and an
appropriate benefit (e.g., a 10.cent. per gallon discount).
[0052] 3. The customer enters on the keypad 148 a number
identifying the fuel dispenser 142.
[0053] 4. The customer operates the fuel dispenser 142 to dispense
gasoline and the account is credited for the purchase (adjusted by
the 10.cent. per gallon discount).
EXAMPLE D (FIGS. 1-3)
[0054] 1. A customer obtains a bar coded card (similar to the card
80) which identifies a first account for a store and a conventional
magnetic strip credit card which identifies a second account with a
bank.
[0055] 2. The customer approaches the fuel dispenser 12 associated
with the store and places the bar coded card into the reader
22.
[0056] 3. The customer then places the magnetic strip credit card
into the reader 22.
[0057] 4. The customer operates the fuel dispenser 12 to dispense
gasoline and the second account is credited for the purchase.
[0058] 5. The store records a data record in the first account of
the customer's fuel purchase.
[0059] 6. Steps 2-5, above, are repeated four more times.
[0060] 7. The fuel dispenser 12 displays on the screen 20b a
message: 1
[0061] and provides the customer with a predetermined number.
[0062] 8. The customer drives to the nearby carwash facility 46 and
enters the predetermined number on an attached keypad (not
shown).
[0063] 9. The carwash facility 46 interprets the predetermined
number to identify that the customer has a complimentary carwash
and performs the carwash service.
[0064] It should be noted that the carwash facility 46 described in
Example D above may also have a bar code reader connected to the
computing center 30. In this way, the carwash facility 46 may
provide similar functions as those described above with the reader
22. Also, the carwash facility 46 and fuel dispenser 12 may be in
communication so that instead of providing a predetermined number,
a record associated with the bar coded card is stored indicating
the complimentary carwash.
[0065] Referring to FIG. 8, a block diagram of the components
included in a preferred embodiment are shown and will now be
described. A market point of sale (POS) terminal 200 is shown that
may be located in a retail store, or the like. For example a
Wal-Mart store is one type of retail outlet that may include a POS
200 in accordance with the present invention. Reference numeral 201
represents an item to be purchased by a customer in the retail
store including POS 200. It is the usual case that each item will
include stock keeping unit (SKU) number, as well as a Universal
Purchase Code (UPC) that is provided as an optically scannable bar
code 202. When purchasing the item 201, a customer will present the
item at POS 200 where it will be scanned in or otherwise
entered.
[0066] A server data processing system 204 is shown and coupled
with POS 200. Server 204 may be a commercially available
workstation computer from one of the various computer
manufacturers, such as Compaq Computer, IBM Corporation, Hewlett
Packard, or the like. A database 206 is linked to server 204 and
includes multiple records 208 that correspond to customers
purchasing items through POS 200. It should be noted that many POS
terminals 200 are contemplated as being connected to server 204 and
may be distributed remotely across more than one store. Server 204
will include software that manages the transactions occurring on
POS 200, as well as the records 208 in database 206. In a preferred
embodiment, database 206 may be magnetic storage media, optical
storage or the like.
[0067] Upon completion of a purchase transaction at POS 200, the
customer (if eligible) will be provided with a mechanism 210 that
will allow discounted fuel to be purchased at pump 112. That is a
receipt, such as receipt 130 having a bar code 132 thereon may be
provided to the customer. Additionally, a card with a magnetic
stripe may be updated by POS 200 with information authorizing a
fuel discount. Further, an identification code may be provided to
the customer which can then be entered on a keypad included in the
pump input/output I/O device 212. It will be understood that I/O
device 212 may also include a magnetic card reader 118, bar code
reader 120, or the like. Pump 112 also includes controller 26 that
is electrically coupled to server 204 and printer 214. Controller
26 includes a microcontroller that processes and controls the
various activity at pump 112. Peripheral interface board (PIB) 216
or other device is included in a preferred embodiment to provide an
interface between server 204 and controller 26. PIB 216 allows the
control signal output by server 204 to be interpreted by controller
26. That is, PIB 216 receives the control signal from server 204
with the authorization code and the unit price discount offered to
the customer. Interface board 216 will then issue an command to
controller 26 to map the discount amount to each of the fueling
point product select positions, i.e. regular, premium, etc. In one
example, the discount value range may be encoded as an eight bit
value to give 256 different discount amounts. In this manner, the
server 204 will be able to authorize a price discount, PIB 216 will
then issue a command compatible with controller 26 to cause pump
112 to dispense fuel at the discounted unit price.
[0068] It should be noted that while a single retail store and
corresponding fuel dispensing facility have been shown in FIG. 8
and described above, the present invention contemplates the
situation where an entire chain of stores or related stores may be
interconnected such that any one of their POS terminals can be
connected to a server through a network. Further, numerous fuel
stations can also be coupled to a server to allow discounted fuel
in response to customer purchases at one of the associated stores.
For example, Wal-Mart and Starbucks may form an alliance such that
purchases from one or the other (or both) stores can cause fuel
discounts to be made available. A POS terminal in either store can
be coupled to a server that maintains customer records. Also, fuel
companies can also form alliances such that Texaco and Mobil can
have their pump controllers connected to the same server. In this
manner a customer may be entitled to fuel at a reduced unit cost
based on purchases made at any Wal-Mart or Starbucks store
nationwide, and be able to redeem that discount at any Texaco or
Mobil station independent of geographic location. Further, it can
be seen that with the Internet it is possible to connect virtually
any retailer wishing to offer discounted fuel based on predefined
purchase criteria with virtually any fuel station without
geographic boundary. Discounts may also be offered for purchase of
items other than fuel, such as in the case of a POS 30, discussed
above, located at a convenience store or other retailer.
[0069] FIG. 9 is a more detailed view of the fields that may be
included in record 208 corresponding to a particular customer, e.g.
A. Smith. As shown in field 300 of FIG. 9, the customer name is
provided along with an identification number. For new customers, or
when the system of the present invention is first installed, a
record will be created when the first item is purchased at POS
200.
[0070] The date of purchase when at least one item was purchased at
POS 200 of an associated retailer is provided in field 302. The
dollar value of the purchases is listed in field 304. Retailers may
often designate various items to trigger discounts related to
competing or related items. The quantity of these designated, or
trigger items, that were purchased on each date (if any) are
provided in field 306. As an example of a trigger item, a certain
brand of baby formula may be purchased which will cause a coupon to
be generated for a competing baby formula. Also, complementary
items may be used as trigger items. That is, the purchase of cereal
may trigger a coupon for a discount on milk.
[0071] Field 308 is the total quantity of items purchased by a
certain customer on a specific date. This field, along with field
304 can be used as a criteria for determining customer loyalty.
Field 310 will include data representing the availability of a fuel
discount. The record will be updated in field 312 when a discount
is actually used by a customer and the discount amount is provided
in field 314. Fields 316, 318 and 320 provide totals for the dollar
value fields 304, designated items purchased 306 and total quantity
308, respectively.
[0072] As an example, when A. Smith purchases $20 of merchandise on
Jan. 5, 1999, record 208 is created by server 204 and stored in
database 206. At that time three (3) designated items were
purchased out of a total quantity of five (5) items. These
purchases did not meet the established criteria that would cause a
discount on fuel to be made available.
[0073] Then, on Jan. 17, 1999, A. Smith purchased five designated
items, 10 total items for $15.00. This purchase will cause the
total designated item purchase by this customer to exceed five and
cause a fuel discount to be offered. Thus, field 310 will indicate
that a fuel discount was offered to A. Smith on Jan. 17, 1999. The
discount amount is noted as $0.10 per gallon in field 314. As noted
above, the mechanism by which the discount is offered may be a
receipt with a bar code, updated magnetic card, alphanumeric
authorization code, or the like.
[0074] Further, record 208 shows that this customer took advantage
of the discount and used it to purchase fuel on Jan. 20, 1999. It
will be understood that this data can then be analyzed to determine
the success of the discount program. That is, the predefined
purchase criteria can be adjusted as needed to provide the discount
for different items, different quantities of the items or a
different discount amount.
[0075] Returning to the current example A. Smith returns to the
associated store and purchases additional items on Jan. 28, 1999,
totaling $45.00. However, at this time A. Smith has not reached the
next purchasing criteria threshold that will cause discounted fuel
to be offered.
[0076] On Feb. 4, 1999, A. Smith once again purchases items from
this, or another participating store. This purchase causes the
total purchases to exceed $100.00. Also, A. Smith purchased three
total items that caused the total quantity of merchandise purchased
at this store to be greater than 20 items. In this example,
exceeding both of these criteria will trigger a fuel discount. That
is, purchasing greater than 20 items within a month will cause a
$0.10 fuel discount to be offered and exceeding $100.00 in total
purchase price will cause a $0.15 fuel discount. Those skilled in
the art will understand that the fuel discount system of the
present invention can be designed to offer the highest discount of
the two, e.g. $0.15 per gallon, the lowest discount $0.10, an
average of the two, or add the discounts and offer a $0.25 per
gallon discount to the customer. In any event, it can be seen that
information provided in a record 208 can be used to monitor a
customers status relative to being offered discounted fuel and to
determine when such offer is to be made to the customer.
[0077] Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that
many other types of data may be used in addition to, or instead of
the various information discussed as an example with regard to FIG.
9. And, it should be understood that the scope of the present
invention contemplates such additional information.
[0078] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the process implemented by
the present embodiments to cause fuel discounts to be made
available to eligible customers.
[0079] At step 400 the process is started and the customer
purchases items at step 401 where the identification code for the
purchased items is entered at POS 200. The customer identity is
also entered by using a member club card, personal identification
number (PIN), or the like, such that an associated record can be
created or updated. The data relating to the purchased items is
then provided by POS 200 to server 204, at step 402. Server 204
then analyzes the customer record (step 403). That is, server 204
will create a record for a new customer or maintain an existing
record by updating it with current purchases for customers already
having a record.
[0080] At step 404 a determination is made as to whether the
current purchases will cause a fuel discount to be offered. As
noted above this step may include determining if the customer has
purchased certain designated items that will trigger a discount,
whether a total dollar value spent exceeds a predefined threshold
and/or if a total quantity of items exceeds a threshold.
[0081] If at step 404 it is determined that the customer has not
yet earned a fuel discount, then the method proceeds to step 413
and ends. However, if at step 404 it is determined that a fuel
discount is available, then at step 405 the server authorizes the
discount and sends a signal to the market POS termination 200. At
step 406, a bar coded discount coupon, alphanumeric authorization
code, updated magnetic card or other mechanism is provided to the
customer. At step 407, server 204 sends an authorization signal to
PIB 216, which then provides corresponding commands to controller
26 in pump 112. The signal from server 204 will include an
authorization code and a discount amount. The customer then inputs
the fuel discount authorization code from POS 200 at pump 112 in
step 408. More particularly, the customer may swipe a magnetic
card, scan in a bar code from a receipt of key in an alphanumeric
code at I/O 212 of pump 112. After the customer authorization code
is entered the process then compares (step 408a) the authorization
code from server 204 with the code from the customer and if a match
exists then proceeds to step 409 and adjusts the price of the fuel
to be dispensed for this transaction. However, if a match does not
occur at step 408a, then an error has occurred or an unauthorized
customer is attempting to obtain discounted fuel. When no match
occurs the process continues to step 413 and ends without allowing
discounted fuel to be dispensed. Of course, those skilled in the
art will understand that it is possible to send a notification
signal to server 204, gas station POS 34 or another terminal when a
match does not occur to indicate a potentially fraudulent user may
be attempting to obtain discounted fuel.
[0082] At step 410, pump controller 26 notifies gas station POS 34
of the adjusted fuel price such that the fuel sales records will be
in order and to ensure that the customer is correctly charged the
discounted fuel price. Next, at step 411 pump controller 26
notifies server 204 of completion of the transaction for discounted
fuel and readjusts the fuel price to its normal level by mapping
the discount amount to zero. Server 204 then updates the customer
record 208 in database 206 to reflect that the discount was used.
Subsequent to step 412, the process of the present embodiment
continues to step 413 and ends.
[0083] Of course, many other configurations are contemplated by the
present embodiment. For example, gas station POS 34 can also be a
source of discounted gas. That is, POS 34 may be in a convenience
store that also desires to develop customer loyalty by providing
fuel discounts. In this scenario, a customer may purchase a certain
volume of gas or other items such as candy bars and coffee which
triggers a discount in the price of fuel. Authorization can then be
provided directly to PIB 216 from POS 34 to adjust the unit price
of fuel dispensed from pump 112. Additionally, the authorization
could be sent to server 204 to update or create customer record
208.
[0084] Further, the purchase of fuel at full price could also be
used to trigger discounts on items in the retail store having POS
200. For example, when a customer purchases fuel a signal can be
sent from controller 26 to PIB 216 to server 204 which then updates
and analyzes the customer's record (or creates a record if none
exists). If the customer has purchased fuel in excess of a
predetermined value (dollar) or quantity (gallons) threshold, then
a signal can be sent from server 204 back to controller 26 via PIB
216, to authorize a discount for this customer on merchandise to be
purchased at a participating store. More particularly, a bar coded
receipt can be printed by printer 214 that the customer can then
take to the participating store and redeem for a discount on one or
more items purchased as POS 200. When purchased a signal will be
sent to server 204 and the customer record will be updated
accordingly.
[0085] Other arrangements are also contemplated to implement
discounts at the fuel dispensing system or associated store. For
example, the mechanism 210 may not be needed if other means are
provided to identify the customer at either the market POS 200 or
the POS 30. In one example, a customer card or number used at the
market POS 200 may similarly be used at the gas station POS 30 such
that the customer's discount can be automatically applied at the
POS 30. Identification may also be accomplished by an initial
registration procedure whereby a customer card/number may be
matched with the credit or debit account of the customer that the
customer utilizes to make purchases at the POS 30. In one example,
transponder technology may be utilized at one or both of the market
POS 200 or gas station POS 30 to properly identify the customer.
Furthermore, the barcode may have some form of embedded security
identification information for authenticating the purchase. In
other configurations, the peripheral interface board may not be
required. Pertaining to the discounts, a variety of arrangements
are contemplated. Some examples entail the funding of the discount
or reward by third parties other than the supplier of petroleum.
Other discounts are offered in the form of a club discount or
volume discount. The controller utilized may be any type of
hardware device with software programming to implement the intended
functions.
[0086] Referring to FIG. 11, the reference numeral 510 refers to a
fuel dispenser system embodying features of another embodiment of
the present invention. The fuel dispenser system 510 includes a
fuel dispenser 512 connected to the computing center 30 and many
components similar to those in the fuel dispenser systems 10 and
110 (FIGS. 1 and 5), such components being similarly numbered.
[0087] A front side 514 of the fuel dispenser houses the
conventional graphics displays, 20a and 20b, (optionally) the
conventional magnetic-strip-only reader device 118, and the
scanning bar code reader 120. The front side 514 further houses a
conventional currency accepting and change providing device 516
operably coupled to the CAT 26 by a conventional communications
interface 518. As will be recognized by persons having ordinary
skill in the art, the currency accepting and change providing
device 516 permits a customer to purchase a product by inserting
paper and/or coin currency into one or more openings in the device.
Any change owed to the consumer is then provided by the currency
accepting and change providing device 516 in the form of paper
and/or coin currency. The design and operation of currency
accepting and change providing devices 516 is considered well
known.
[0088] In operation, a consumer may purchase fuel using currency, a
magnetic strip credit or debit card, a bar coded card (similar to
the bar coded card 80), or a bar coded receipt (similar to the
receipt 130). Regardless of the mode of payment used by the
consumer, the consumer can overpay for the dispensed fuel and
request currency (or the functional equivalent) as change or
request that the system credit their credit or debit card account.
In particular, referring to FIGS. 12a-12c, the system 510 may
implement a purchase process 600 in which the consumer may pay for
the purchased fuel in step 602. If the consumer overpays for the
purchased fuel in step 602, then the consumer may request that the
system 510 credit their credit/debit card account, provide change
in the form of currency, or provide change in the form of a
currency equivalent in the form of a bar coded receipt in steps 604
and 606. If the consumer requests change in the form of a currency
equivalent in step 606, then the system 510 generates a record 710
in an excess money database 712 that includes a record index 714,
the monetary value 716 assigned to the record index, the date 718
the record was created, and a predetermined expiration date 720 for
the record in step 608. The system 510 then prints out and provides
the consumer with a bar coded receipt 722 that includes a bar coded
representation 724 of the record index 714 in step 610. The
consumer may then use the bar coded receipt 722 to purchase fuel
using the system 510 prior to the expiration date 720 of the
corresponding record 710. If the consumer does not request change
in the form of a currency equivalent in step 606, then the system
510 provides change in the form of currency or credits the account
of the corresponding credit or debit card in step 612. In this
manner, the system 510 increases the number of purchases of fuel by
the consumer since the cash equivalent must be used on a compatible
system. As a result, consumer loyalty is enhanced thereby
increasing profits for the operator of the fuel dispensing system
510.
[0089] More generally, the teachings of the system 510 may be
utilized in a general fashion in any retail or wholesale business
in order to permit consumers to overpay for goods and services and
receive cash-equivalents as change. The cash-equivalents may then
be used by the consumers to purchase goods and services at retail
and wholesale establishments having compatible purchasing
systems.
[0090] Furthermore, the cash-equivalent could be a bar coded
receipt or a magnetic strip card that includes one or more index
values 714 encoded onto the magnetic strip. The index values 714
encoded onto the magnetic strip can then be accessed in a random or
sequential pattern to permit purchases of goods and services.
[0091] The present embodiments of the invention provide a number of
advantages. For example, the present embodiments provide a system
for dispensing fuel in which users may be provided change in the
form of a cash equivalent. The cash equivalent may then be used by
the user to purchase fuel using the system. The system further
creates a database that include a plurality of records having
corresponding index and monetary values. The cash equivalents may
then be provided in the form of a bar coded or magnetic
representation of the corresponding records. In this manner, the
present embodiments of the invention provide a cost efficient and
commercially valuable system for enhancing the profitability of
fuel dispensing systems by improving customer loyalty.
[0092] Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been
shown and described, a wide range of modification, changes and
substitution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure. In some
instances, some features of the present invention may be employed
without a corresponding use of the other features. Accordingly, it
is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in
a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.
* * * * *