U.S. patent application number 12/190773 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-19 for fuel dispenser.
Invention is credited to Jonathan E. DeLine.
Application Number | 20090048708 12/190773 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40351158 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090048708 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
DeLine; Jonathan E. |
February 19, 2009 |
FUEL DISPENSER
Abstract
A fuel dispenser comprising a housing having at least one
display, a fuel dispensing apparatus mounted within the housing,
the fuel dispensing apparatus having control electronics, and at
least one directional speaker operatively coupled to the fuel
dispensing apparatus control electronics and configured to project
a directed cone of sound over a limited area proximate the fuel
dispenser housing to prevent users of adjacent fuel dispensers from
hearing communications projected over the at least one directional
speaker.
Inventors: |
DeLine; Jonathan E.; (Oak
Ridge, NC) |
Correspondence
Address: |
NELSON MULLINS RILEY & SCARBOROUGH, LLP
1320 MAIN STREET, 17TH FLOOR
COLUMBIA
SC
29201
US
|
Family ID: |
40351158 |
Appl. No.: |
12/190773 |
Filed: |
August 13, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60956072 |
Aug 15, 2007 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
700/232 ;
345/173; 348/135 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 20/10 20130101;
G07F 9/0235 20200501; G07F 9/026 20130101; B67D 7/346 20130101;
B67D 7/145 20130101; B67D 7/08 20130101; B67D 7/14 20130101; G07F
13/025 20130101; G07G 3/00 20130101; G06Q 50/06 20130101; G07F
7/1041 20130101; B67D 7/348 20130101; G06Q 30/0601 20130101; G06Q
20/20 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/232 ;
345/173; 348/135 |
International
Class: |
B67D 5/08 20060101
B67D005/08; B67D 5/10 20060101 B67D005/10; H04N 7/18 20060101
H04N007/18 |
Claims
1. A fuel dispenser comprising: a. a housing having at least one
display; b. a fuel dispensing apparatus mounted within said
housing, said fuel dispensing apparatus having control electronics;
c. at least one directional speaker operatively coupled to said
fuel dispensing apparatus control electronics and configured to
project a directed cone of sound over a limited area proximate said
fuel dispenser housing to prevent users of adjacent fuel dispensers
from hearing communications projected over said at least one
directional speaker.
2. The fuel dispenser of claim 1, said fuel dispenser further
comprising a detector for detecting an approximate location of a
user operating said fuel dispenser.
3. The fuel dispenser of claim 2, wherein said detector is a
camera.
4. The fuel dispenser of claim 2, wherein said detector comprises
an infrared motion detector.
5. The fuel dispenser of claim 2, said detector comprising said at
least one display, said at least one display having touch
electronics, said at least one touch display being configured to
detect an approximate location of said user.
6. The fuel dispenser of claim 5, said detector further comprising
at least one camera.
7. The fuel dispenser of claim 7, said detector further comprising
at least one proximity sensor.
8. The fuel dispenser of claim 2, wherein said at least one
directional speaker directed cone moves in relation to movement of
the user.
9. The fuel dispenser of claim 8, further comprising at least one
servo motor coupled to said at least one directional speaker for
moving said at least one directional speaker in correlation with
movement of the user.
10. The fuel dispenser of claim 1, wherein said at least one
directional speaker is mounted in said fuel dispenser housing.
11. The fuel dispenser of claim 1, wherein said at least one
directional speaker is mounted above said fuel dispenser housing
and projects said directed cone of sound toward the ground.
12. A fuel dispenser comprising: a. a housing; b. a fuel dispensing
apparatus mounted within said housing, said fuel dispensing
apparatus having control electronics; c. a touch display mounted in
said housing and operatively coupled to said control electronics,
said touch display configured to detect the presence and general
location of a user of said fuel dispenser; and d. a directional
speaker operatively coupled to said fuel dispensing apparatus
control electronics and configured to project sound over a limited
area proximate said fuel dispenser to prevent adjacent users from
eavesdropping on audio communications projected from said dispenser
directional speaker.
13. The fuel dispenser of claim 12, wherein said directional
speaker is mounted on a moveable bracket that allows said speaker
to move in response to movement by the user so that said limited
area generally tracks the movement of the user.
14. The fuel dispenser of claim 12, wherein said directional
speaker is operatively coupled to a site controller located apart
from said fuel dispenser.
15. The fuel dispenser of claim 14, wherein said site controller
allows an operator to direct audio messages over said directional
speaker.
16. The fuel dispenser of claim 12, said fuel dispenser further
comprising a detector for detecting the approximate location of a
user operating said fuel dispenser.
17. The fuel dispenser of claim 16, wherein said detector is a
camera.
18. The fuel dispenser of claim 16, wherein said detector comprises
an infrared motion detector.
19. The fuel dispenser of claim 12, said fuel dispenser further
comprising a second display.
20. The fuel dispenser of claim 12, said fuel dispenser further
comprising a printer capable of printing on letter sized paper.
Description
[0001] The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 60/956,072, filed Aug. 15, 2007,
entitled FUEL DISPENSER, the entire disclosure of which is
incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to dispensers and, more
particularly, to fueling stations having advanced dispenser
systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In recent years, traditional fuel dispensers have evolved
into elaborate point-of-sale (PoS) devices having sophisticated
control electronics and user interfaces with larger displays and
easier-to-use user interfaces. The fuel dispensers may include
various types of payment means, such as card readers and cash
acceptors, to expedite and further enhance fueling transactions.
Further, customers are not limited to the purchase of fuel at these
dispensers. Newer dispensers allow the customer to purchase
services, such as car washes, and goods, such as fast food or
convenience store products. Once purchased, the customer needs only
pick up the goods and services at the station store or the outlet
of a vending machine.
[0004] In addition to local transactions, various types of
information services are being provided at the fuel dispenser. In
particular, Internet-related services are now being provided at the
fuel dispenser. These services range from allowing customers to
view various web pages to obtain desired information to supplying
predefined advertising information to the customer via local or
remote content servers. Unfortunately, the vast majority of fuel
dispensers already in existence include displays and associated
input devices that are insufficient for supporting web-based
interaction. Further, many of the fuel dispensers fail to include
the necessary control electronics to readily support such
interaction.
[0005] Retail sales systems must also provide convenience for the
customer and efficiency for the retailer. Credit and debit cards
provide retailers with one mechanism for increasing the efficiency
of retail sales systems, while providing a level of convenience to
consumers. Indeed, credit card and debit card transactions are
ubiquitous, with a variety of retail equipment providing such
capability. A given retailer or merchant is effectively obligated
to provide credit transaction capability because it is so widely
expected. A growing number of customers own cellular telephones
and, in particular, own digital cellular telephones. Digital
cellular telephones are distinguished from their earlier generation
analog counterparts in a number of ways. One significant
distinction of the newer digital cellular phones is their intrinsic
communications security. As such, these digital cellular phones are
suitable for use in transaction processing, wherein a customer may
transmit certain information, including their PIN, to effect a
given retail transaction. Further, using a customer's digital
cellular telephone as an integral part of a retail transaction
system is consistent with the desire to provide customers with ever
more convenient retail transactions.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need to provide retail systems
capable of communicating certain transaction information to a
cellular network for the purpose of obtaining transaction
authorization, with such information sent through a customer
cellular telephone.
[0007] Retail environments, such as gas stations and convenience
stores, use fuel dispensers for completing transactions associated
with purchases of goods and services. These fuel dispensers include
user interfaces that allow customers to interact with the fuel
dispensers. User interfaces at fuel dispensers typically include a
display that provides a customer with information associated with a
purchase transaction. This information can include an itemized
listing of the products or services purchased and a total amount
for the sale. The information presented can also include a prompt
to the user for payment information. The prompt for payment
information can include a request for account or other information
required to complete the purchase transaction.
[0008] A customer interacts with the fuel terminal to initiate a
transaction and to respond to information prompts using an input
device, such as a touch screen, keypad, or pointing device. The
input device provides the fuel dispenser with information from the
customer that allows the fuel dispenser to process the transaction.
This information is typically in the form of payment information,
such as account information and personal identification numbers
(PINs). Account number readers, such as card readers and
interrogators, are used to retrieve some of the processing
information, but PINs are usually entered manually by a user to
ensure that the user is authorized to use the account information
that is presented for payment.
[0009] However, fuel dispensers are typically open to view by
bystanders. "Shoulder surfing" is a term that identifies a
bystander that purposefully attempts to view the information on a
display of a fuel dispenser or attempts to view a PIN entered on an
input device by a customer of a fuel dispenser. Shoulder surfers
can memorize the location of input keys and can easily interpret
keystrokes at a fuel dispenser from a short distance without
electronic equipment. Shoulder surfing has also become more
advanced as perpetrators use binoculars and cameras in an attempt
to obtain information about a customer's account without detection
from more remote locations. By use of advanced surveillance
equipment, shoulder surfers can obtain private information about
customers of fuel dispensers virtually without detection. Shoulder
surfing subjects customers of fuel dispensers to theft of
identifying information associated with payment accounts and
PINs.
[0010] Additionally, keypads of fuel dispensers wear out over time
due to continuous and repeated action of their keys by customers.
Conventional keypads are mechanical in nature. With use, the
contacts within a keypad may also corrode and lose their
conductivity. As such, fuel dispensers are plagued with a costly
replacement schedule for user interface keypads. Accordingly, an
approach for prevention of fraud at fuel dispensers is needed.
Additionally, reduction in maintenance costs for user interface
keypads of fuel dispensers is also needed.
[0011] Finally, prior art fuel dispensers include speakers that
allow the user to hear advertisements and that also allow the
attendant in the convenience store to speak to a customer. However,
prior art speakers are loud and omni-directional so that sound from
one dispenser interferes with sound generated from another
dispenser. Therefore, a need exists for a dispenser that has a
directional speaker that does not interfere with other customers at
adjacent dispensers, and that also allows private communications to
occur without others listening.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention recognizes and addresses disadvantages
of prior art constructions and methods, and it is an object of the
present invention to provide a fuel dispenser comprising a housing
having at least one display, a fuel dispensing apparatus mounted
within the housing, the fuel dispensing apparatus having control
electronics, and at least one directional speaker operatively
coupled to the fuel dispensing apparatus control electronics and
configured to project a directed cone of sound over a limited area
proximate the fuel dispenser housing to prevent users of adjacent
fuel dispensers from hearing communications projected over the at
least one directional speaker.
[0013] In one embodiment, the fuel dispenser may have a detector
for detecting an approximate location of a user operating the fuel
dispenser. The detector may be a camera, an infrared motion
detector, a proximity sensor, the at least one display having touch
electronics configured to detect an approximate location of the
user or any combination of these devices.
[0014] In other embodiments, the directional speaker directed cone
of sound may move in relation to movement of the user around the
fuel dispenser. A servo motor may be coupled to the at least one
directional speaker to move the speaker in correlation with
movement of the user.
[0015] In some embodiments, the directional speaker may be mounted
in the fuel dispenser. In other embodiments, the directional
speaker may be mounted above the fuel dispenser so that the
directed cone of sound is pointed toward the ground.
[0016] In yet another embodiment a fuel dispenser comprises a
housing, a fuel dispensing apparatus mounted within the housing,
the fuel dispensing apparatus having control electronics, a touch
display mounted in the housing and operatively coupled to the
control electronics, the touch display configured to detect the
presence and general location of a user of the fuel dispenser, and
a directional speaker operatively coupled to the fuel dispensing
apparatus control electronics and configured to project sound over
a limited area proximate the fuel dispenser to prevent adjacent
users from eavesdropping on audio communications projected from the
dispenser directional speaker.
[0017] The directional speaker may be mounted on a moveable bracket
that allows the speaker to move in response to movement by the user
so that the limited area generally tracks movement of the user.
[0018] In some embodiments, the directional speaker may be
operatively coupled to a site controller located apart from the
fuel dispenser. The site controller allows an operator to direct
audio messages over the directional speaker. In other embodiments,
the fuel dispenser may further comprise a detector where the
detector is either a camera or an infrared motion detector. In yet
other embodiments, the fuel dispenser may comprise a second
display. Moreover, the fuel dispenser may also have a printer
capable of printing on letter sized paper.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] 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:
[0020] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a fuel dispenser for use in
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 2 is a front view of the fuel dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 3 is a side view of the fuel dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0023] FIG. 4 is a schematic view of an embodiment of video
electronics for use in the dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0024] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a controller for use in the
dispenser of FIG. 1 connected to other peripheral devices;
[0025] FIG. 6 is a representation of suitable graphics for one
embodiment of the present invention for display by the dispenser of
FIG. 1;
[0026] FIG. 7 is an illustration of displayed information for the
dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 8 is an illustration of displayed information for the
dispenser of FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 9 is a plan view of a fueling station in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0029] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a nozzle in accordance with
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0030] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a dispenser in accordance
with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0031] FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a fueling station in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a virtual input device for
use in an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0033] FIG. 14 is a schematic view of the virtual input device of
FIG. 13.
[0034] Repeat use of reference characters in the present
specification and drawings is intended to represent same or
analogous features or elements of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0035] 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. Additional aspects and
advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the
description which follows and, in part, will be obvious from the
description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a fuel dispenser 10 is shown having
a generally rectangular body, a fuel supply line 12 and a fuel
nozzle 14 received by a holder on the dispenser body and connected
to fuel supply line 12. Fuel nozzle 14 may also be representative
of multiple fuel nozzles all connected to the fuel dispenser.
Dispenser 10 has a front side and a back side each being a
duplicate of the other. In the following description of one
preferred embodiment, only the front side will be discussed for
ease of description. However, the features of the present invention
may also be applied on the back side, thereby allowing the
dispenser to be operated by two customers at the same time. It
should also be understood that dispenser 10 may only have displays
and hoses on a single side, where multiple dispensers are placed
together to form a filling position. Thus, the following
description is presented as one example and should not be
interpreted as limiting the invention to a single embodiment.
[0037] The front side of dispenser 10 contains first and second
display screens 16 and 18, which are configured to present
information to the user of the system. First and second display
screens 16 and 18 may be conventional liquid crystal displays
("LCD") and may include an associated key pad or soft buttons
positioned adjacent to the displays. However, in one preferred
embodiment, the screens will generally include an integrated touch
interface. A reader 20 may be mounted below second screen 18 along
with a full size printer 22. A camera 24 is positioned toward the
top of dispenser 10 along with a speaker 26.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 4, a schematic for a basic control system
and touch screen display has a controller 32 coupled to memory 34,
a video mixer and driver electronics 36, touch screen electronics
38, back-lighting control electronics 40, graphics generator 42 and
a video source 44. Graphics generator 42 provides graphics for
display on touch screen displays 16 and 18, and video source 44
provides running audio and/or video for displays 16 and 18. The
video source may include, but is not limited to, laser disks,
DVD's, television, cable TV, satellite TV, the Internet and video
cameras. Touch screen electronics 38 typically provide signals to
controller 20 indicative of where displays 16 and 18 have been
touched in order to differentiate customer inputs and selections.
Touch interfaces are well known, and manufactures of suitable touch
displays include TouchSystems Corporation of Hutto, Tex. and
CyberTouch of Newbury Park, Calif. It should be understood that the
schematic shown in FIG. 4 is for illustrative purposes only and
that other electronic layouts are contemplated by the present
invention for carrying out the described functionality.
[0039] Displays 16 and 18 and touch screen electronics 38 may be
configured to operate in a highly sensitive mode where the display
and touch screen electronics are able to sense changes in a field
emitted from displays 16 and 20 without requiring an actual
touching of the display. Preferably, this field will extend up to
several feet in front of the display over a respective fueling
position in front of dispenser 10. In one preferred embodiment,
displays 16 and 18 are capacitive touch screen displays capable of
operating at various frequencies to provide various sensitivity
levels, where increased frequencies typically provide higher
sensitivity. An exemplary capacitive touch screen display is
manufactured by Microtouch.TM. and can sense a customer coming
within four (4) feet of the displays. Thus, in one preferred
embodiment, controller 32 could increase the frequency and,
therefore, the display's sensitivity between fueling operations in
order to sense the approach and/or presence of a customer at the
beginning of a new fueling operation. It should be understood that
other suitable types of touch screen technology may be used for
displays 16 and 18.
[0040] Controller 32 may be adapted to control display
back-lighting 46 through back-lighting control electronics 40.
Depending on the application, the back-lighting may be decreased
from a nominal operating level or turned completely off between
fueling operations, to reduce heat and conserve energy. Preferably,
once a customer is detected within a relative proximity to the fuel
dispenser, the back-lighting is increased or turned on to the
normal operating level in order to make the display's content
readily visible to the customer as well as draw the customer's
attention to the displays.
[0041] One problem associated with touch screens at the dispenser
occurs when the customer uses fueling nozzle 14 to make their
selections on screen 16 and 18 by touching the tip of the nozzle to
the touch screen. In order to prevent the customer from touching
the screen with the fueling nozzle, displays 16 and 18, back light
control electronics 40 or touch electronics 38 may be coupled to a
sensor that detects the presence of a tag or associated electronics
contained in nozzle 14. That is, when nozzle 14 is brought into
close proximity to one of touch displays 16 and 18, controller 32
may cause the displays to go blank to discourage the customer from
touching the screen with the nozzle. Other methods may be used to
detect when a customer is bringing the nozzle into close proximity
with one of the touch screens. For example, dispenser 10 may
include an RFID reader and nozzle 14 may include an RFID tag.
Whichever method is used, the end result should be to blank out one
or both of displays 16 and 18 to dissuade the customer from
touching the displays with the nozzle. In addition to, or instead
of blanking out the screen, dispenser 10 may be programmed to play
an audible alarm when nozzle 14 is brought into close proximity to
displays 16 and 18.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 5, controller 32 may read data from reader
20, which may include one or more of a magnetic strip reader, an
RFID tag reader, a finger print reader, a retina scanner or any
other suitable data entry device, and communicate the information
to a service-station-based controller, such as a G-site controller
(not shown in the figure) sold by Gilbarco, Inc. of Greensboro,
N.C. The service station based controller generally communicates
with a remote credit card or other information verification
authority to ascertain whether a transaction may be authorized. In
one embodiment, controller 32 is comparable to the microprocessor
based control systems used in CRIND (card reader in the dispenser)
and TRIND (tag or transponder reader in the dispenser) type units
sold by Gilbarco, Inc. under the trademark THE ADVANTAGE. However,
it should be understood that controller 32 may be any type of
controller suitable to carry out the functionality as described
herein.
[0043] Controller 32 is also coupled to printer 22, which may be
configured to print transaction information, unrelated fuel
purchase information, map data, driving directions, and other
information obtained by the user during the fueling process.
Printer 22 may be a full sized laser printer, inkjet printer or
other suitable black and white or color printer. The printer is
positioned in dispenser 10 so that the output of the printer exits
from the front side of the dispenser. Printer 22 may also be
configured to print on various sized papers depending on the
subject matter being printed, which may be sheet fed or roller
fed.
[0044] Controller 32 may also be coupled to camera 24 located above
displays 16 and 18 and speaker 26. Camera 24 may be used to detect
the presences and identity of a customer, and may be used instead
of, or in addition to, displays 16 and 18 and proximity sensor 48
for sensing the proximity of a user. Notably, when displays 16 and
18, camera 24 and a proximity sensor 48 are used, controller 32 may
be configured to monitor the relative proximity of a customer
measured by each of these components to determine the relative
location of the customer with respect to the dispenser. This
information may be used to control the viewing angle on displays 16
and 18 and/or to change fonts or text sizes accordingly to enhance
visibility. In particular, the control system can determine when a
customer was more proximate to the right of the displays and adjust
the viewing angle of the display to better allow the customer to
view the displays by changing font size, font type, brightness,
polarization of the screen or by any other known methods of
adjusting viewing angle of a display. Likewise, these components
may be used to determine the height and other characteristics of
the customer so that the vertical viewing angle of the display may
be adjusted in accordance with the detected characteristics.
[0045] Each display may include its own control system or operate
in conjunction with a single control system adapted to operate both
displays on a single side of the dispenser. Additionally, the
control system may also be configured to operate the displays
associated with each side of the dispenser. In a preferred
configuration, each dispenser 10 acts as client capable of
interacting with a network of servers. Controller 32 and associated
user interfaces are preferably designed to minimize the hardware
commitment necessary at each dispenser, while having sufficient
capability to establish interactivity with the user. Most computer
intensive functions are provided as services from various local 104
and remote servers 112 (FIG. 12).
[0046] Although certain functions and services may be run at the
dispenser, most functions dealing with customer transactions,
information dissemination and advertising or merchandising are
preferably performed as services performed remotely and accessed by
dispenser 10. The browser software for each client has the ability
to request services either locally or remotely, via the Internet or
similar network. Certain services may be automatically requested by
the browser at each dispenser, while others await responses by a
customer. One example of a distributed fuel dispenser system is
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,052,629 entitled "Internet Capable
Browser Dispenser Architecture" assigned to Gilbarco Inc., the
entire disclosure hereby being incorporated by reference herein,
which describes an interactive fuel dispenser system having a
graphical interface through which a customer interacts with the
dispenser. Because the dispenser is Internet capable, the majority
of the computing power is centralized and the dispenser need only
connect to the remote severs where the information is stored and
processed.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 6, fuel dispenser 10 uses one or more of
touch display screens 16 and 18, camera 24 and proximity sensor 48
to detect the presence of a customer at the dispenser. At step 45,
the process begins by controller 32 causing control light circuit
40 to reduce the backlighting of displays 16 and 20 when a customer
is not detected. At step 48, once the presence of a customer is
detected, controller 32 monitors the dispenser input devices to
determine if a customer engages the dispenser at step 49. If a
customer engages the dispenser, controller 32 causes control light
circuit 40 to turn on the display backlighting at step 51 and
camera 24 to capture a picture of the customer, at step 50. At step
52, controller 32 activates a video recognition program stored in
memory 34 to process the customer's image data captured by camera
24 to determine certain characteristics of the customer. If the
customer meets certain characteristics, for example is greater than
five feet tall, then controller 32 configures displays 16 and 18,
at step 54, as shown in FIG. 7. Otherwise, displays 16 and 18 are
configured, at step 56, as shown in FIG. 8.
[0048] A video recognition software program uses images captured by
camera 24 of the customer and analyzes the images using
conventional digital imaging techniques to determine certain
characteristics of the customer, for example the height of the
person standing proximate to dispenser 10. Captured images may also
be used by facial recognition software to determine the identity of
the customer for authorizing a transaction. One example of suitable
facial recognition software is FaceIntellect manufactured by ITV
Group of New York, N.Y. However, it should be understood that many
other suitable facial recognition software programs may be used to
identify customers and associate customer preferences and customer
specific information with their identities.
[0049] Referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, display screens 16 and 18 are
illustrated showing exemplary subject matter that may be displayed
to the customer. Referring specifically to FIG. 7, displays 16 and
18 are configured to display information to, for example, a person
over the height of five feet tall. That is, the details of the
particular transaction are displayed at 58, a touch keypad at 60
and the product selector keys 62 and 64 are all displayed on top
display 16 at a height suitable for a customer over five feet tall.
In addition to the transaction details, a loyalty screen 66 and
advertisements 68 and 70 are displayed in accordance with either
the customer's preferences or with products that are available at
the station. It should be understood that the advertising can also
contain subject matter related to advertising by third party
vendors not affiliated with the service station.
[0050] In addition to transaction information and advertising, the
display may also be configured to display reminder information 72
relevant to the customer, for example a spouse's birthday as well
as reminders to make a hotel reservation for the event. Finally, a
central shopping and information window 74 may be displayed that
allows the customer to choose particular grocery items and general
information. Display 18 may be configured to display a television
channel 76 based on predefined customer preferences. In addition, a
media center bar 80 may be positioned at the bottom of the screen
to allow the customer to quickly switch between channels of
interest. At 78, information about the customer's lifestyle, for
example travel plans may be displayed. Finally, at 82, a closed
circuit television may display the fueling area so that the
customer may focus their attention on displays 16 and 18 and not on
their surroundings.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 8, if dispenser 10 detects the presence of
a customer under a predetermined height, for example five feet
tall, the dispenser automatically reconfigures the information
displayed on displays 16 and 18 to place interactive information in
a position that is easily reachable for customers of smaller
stature or wheel chair bound. Thus, as shown in the figure, touch
pad 60 and product selection panels 62 and 64 are moved to the
bottom of display 16 so that these panels are easily reachable by
the customer. Once the customer enters the necessary information to
authorize a transaction and a product is selected, the system can
dynamically reconfigure the information back to that shown in FIG.
7. In the alternative, the system may be set up to allow the user
to touch a portion of the screen to cause the information to
reconfigure itself back to that shown in FIG. 8. Because
information is displayed on two touch screens, using software the
information can be displayed in a variety of layouts and
configurations where certain information is placed in an easily
accessible location when it requires immediate input.
[0052] Still referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, a customer's preference
may be used to populate the information on displays 16 and 18. In
particular, there are multiple patents describing dispensers that
incorporate customer preference and loyalty programs in the
presentment of information at a dispenser. For example, U.S. Pat.
Nos. 6,098,879 and 6,422,464 both entitled "Fuel Dispensing System
Providing Customer Preferences" and both assigned to Gilbarco Inc.,
the entire disclosures hereby being incorporated by reference
herein, describe a fuel dispenser that automatically provides
predefined customer preferences during fueling based on information
contained on a transponder. Preferences are typically selected by a
customer and associated with the transponder assigned to the
customer. In yet another example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,813,609 entitled
"Loyalty Rewards for Cash Customers at a Fuel Dispensing System"
assigned to Gilbarco Inc., the entire disclosure hereby being
incorporated by reference herein, describes a system for providing
loyalty rewards for cash customers by providing a transponder that
associates predefined preferences with a cash customer.
[0053] Each of the above Gilbarco, Inc. patents describes systems
that allow customer preferences to be recognized by a fuel
dispenser. It should be understood to those of skill in the art
that user preference can also be predefined and tied to a
customer's credit card number, customer loyalty number or any other
user identification that can be read or accepted by fuel dispenser
10. For example, if reader 20 includes a fingerprint or retina
scanner, user preference can be tied to these identifiers such that
when a customer identity is determined by a fingerprint scan, the
user's preferences are downloaded by fuel dispenser 10 and used to
populate the information presented on displays 16 and 18. In other
embodiments for example, a customer may have an identification
code, an electronic device such as a BLUETOOTH enabled phone or
other device that allows the identity of the customer to be
obtained so that the fueling experience is tailored to that
specific customer.
[0054] In addition to using the customer's height information to
adjust the presentation of information on displays 16 and 18,
controller 32 may also adjust the viewing angle of the displays 16
and 18 by monitoring the video image of the customer and
calculating the relative customer location based on the received
image. Once the customer's general location is detected or
determined with respect to the dispenser, controller 32 may change
the video/graphic display, change back-lighting levels, and
preferably adjust the viewing angle based on customer location. In
addition to the methods described above for changing the viewing
angles of the displays, the viewing angle may be mechanically
adjusted by mounting small servo motors to the back of displays 16
and 18 that move the displays accordingly to optimize the viewing
angle. Controller 32 may continue to monitor the customer's
location throughout the fueling operation, and if a change in
location is detected, controller 32 will determine whether the
fueling operation is at an end. The end of a fueling operation may
be determined by sensing the nozzle handle being pulled down
(through the use of accelerometers located in the nozzle as
explained below), detecting the placement of the nozzle back into
the dispenser, or sensing the end of fuel delivery. When the end of
a fueling operation is detected a different video message may be
displayed alone or in conjunction with audio messages.
[0055] In another embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.
9, speaker 26 may consist of one or more highly directional
speakers. Highly directional speakers are ideal in audio
applications that require focused, high quality sound over long
distances, as for example in a fueling environment where ambient
noise can interfere with the customer's ability to hear messages
presented by the dispenser. Additionally, in prior art systems,
cross talk between dispensers either interfered with adjacent
dispensers or allowed other customers to hear customer specific
information provided over the speaker to another customer. Thus,
the use of highly directional speakers reduces sound interference
between adjacent dispensers and allows sound to be directed over a
narrow cone 80 to the specific customer operating dispenser 10.
Examples of suitable highly directional speakers are SOUND SHOWER
and AUDIO ELEMENTS speakers manufactured by Panphonics Oy of Espoo,
Finland. For example, the Panphonics AUDIO ELEMENT is a flat plane
wave type speaker that is designed to be used as an integrated
component of dispenser 10. In addition to an integrated speaker,
the SOUND SHOWER speakers are adapted to be mounted above the
dispenser on a structure of the fueling bay.
[0056] In some embodiments, camera 24, as described above, may be
used to determine the proximate location of the customer with
respect to dispenser 10. By using this information, the direction
of sound from speaker 26 may be adjusted. In particular, speaker 26
may be mounted on one or more servo motors that are configured to
adjust the direction of speaker 26 by angling the speaker in the
direction of the customer. Thus, as the customer moves around
dispenser 10, controller 32 determines the approximate location of
the customer and adjusts the direction of speaker 26 accordingly.
In other embodiments, a SOUND SHOWER speaker system 82 may be
mounted above dispenser 10 either in conjunction with, or instead
of, the AUDIO ELEMENTS speakers so that the sound is directed over
a narrow span 84 directly in front of dispenser 10. In this
configuration, it would not be necessary to move the speaker as the
customer moves around the dispenser.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 10, nozzle 14 has a first end 86
configured to fit into the fuel opening of an automobile and a
second end configured to attach to fuel delivery line 12. A
fingerprint reader 30 may be positioned on a handle 90 to allow the
customer to be identified without having to enter data on dispenser
touch screens 16 and 18. It should be understood that fingerprint
reader 30 may be replaced with any suitable input device that
allows the customer to enter data linking the customer to an
account for payment or authorization of the transaction. In
addition to authorizing the transaction, the information may also
link certain preferences or data to be displayed on displays 16 and
18. In addition to reader 30, a fueling button 28 may be positioned
on handle 90 in an ergonomic position to allow the customer to
easily cause fuel to be dispensed. Fueling button 28 may be a clear
button that illuminates red or green to indicate to the user that
the dispenser is ready for fueling. In the alternative, other light
indicators may be mounted in nozzle 14 to indicate the status of
the dispenser. Additionally, the lighted button may flash when the
nozzle senses that the car's tank is almost full. Sensing that the
tank is full may be carried out in many ways. For example, nozzle
14 may include sensors to detect the fuel level in the tank or
dispenser 10 may receive a signal from the car's electronics that
indicates the fuel tank size and/or the amount of gas necessary to
fill the tank. In the alternative, nozzle 14 may be equipped with a
barcode reader or RFID reader that obtains information from a
barcode or RFID tag located proximate to the fueling opening for
obtaining fueling information for the specific car.
[0058] As mentioned above, nozzle 14 may include a position sensor
to determine movement of the nozzle with respect to a reference
point or plane. One such sensor includes an internal position,
attitude or orientation sensor that can sense the position,
attitude and/or orientation of the controller relative to the
earth's gravitational force. Such a sensor may for example comprise
a 3-axis accelerometer that can sense orientation (or changes in
orientation) of nozzle 14 relative to the direction of earth's
gravitational pull. Examples of accelerometers may be of the type
available from Analog Devices, Inc. or STMicroelectronics N.V.
Preferably, the accelerometer is an electrostatic capacitance or
capacitance-coupling type that is based on silicon micro-machined
MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) technology. However, any
other suitable accelerometer technology (e.g., piezoelectric type
or piezoresistance type) now existing or later developed may be
used.
[0059] Referring to FIG. 11, the output of the accelerometer may be
received by controller 32 and used for example as an input device
for dispenser 10. For example, when a customer first pulls up to
dispenser 10, one of displays 16 and 18 may include graphics
representative of a keyboard or input buttons and the other of the
displays may provide instructions telling the customer to point the
nozzle toward the screen and to move the nozzle similar to a
pointer toward the buttons without touching the screen. In making
these movements, dispenser controller 32 can read output signals
from the accelerometer to determine the relative position of nozzle
14 with respect to the input keys. Software algorithms of
conventional design can be used with output signals from the
accelerometer(s) to provide rough (x, y, z) position information in
three dimensions of the nozzle. Such relative position information
(or signals from which it can be derived) can be communicated to
dispenser 10 and used to control input requested on displays 16 and
18. Thus, customer input may be detected though movement of nozzle
14 so that a transaction can be carried out without the customer
ever having to touch the screens. Furthermore, once fuel has
started to be dispensed, controller 32 can ignore output from the
accelerometer with respect to the displays and monitor the
accelerometer output for a quick change in nozzle position or
orientation, alone or in combination with other signals, indicative
of the end of the fueling process.
[0060] Information obtained from nozzle 14, through reader 30, fuel
button 28, the position sensor (accelerometer), etc. may be
communicated to controller 32 either by hard wire through fuel
supply line 12, radio waves, electromagnetic waves, BLUETOOTH
technology or any other suitable wireless technology. That is,
nozzle 14 may have a transmitter, receiver or transceiver mounted
within the nozzle that transmits information to dispenser 10. In
the case of a wireless connection, dispenser 10 would be equipped
with one or more of a transmitter 94, receiver 96 or transceiver
for transmitting and receiving information to and from nozzle 14.
The communication link between the nozzle and the dispenser should
allow for bi-directional data transmission and reception.
[0061] Nozzle 14 may also contain a suitable power source 92 with
or without a battery for powering the various sensors, transmitter,
receiver, transceiver, etc. contained in the nozzle. Nozzle 14 may
also include recharging circuitry and optional energy coupling
electronics to aid in recharging the power source, i.e. battery.
Energy may be electromagnetically coupled to nozzle 14 from a
transformer 98 located at or near the fuel dispenser. Preferably,
recharging using the electromagnetically-coupled energy occurs when
the nozzle is mounted in the dispenser. The power supply 70 may
also be associated with an energy coupling system 82 adapted to
provide remote power to the nozzle, if necessary, in order to power
the electronics or recharge batteries. The coupling may be a direct
electrical connection or an electromagnetic or optical connection
as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,184,308 and 5,365,984, both to
Simpson et al., the entire disclosures of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
[0062] Nozzle 14 may also contain an ant-bacterial or
anti-microbial coating on handle 90 to prevent or eliminate the
growth of bacteria or microorganisms that can be transmitted from
one customer to another. For example, handle 90 may include an
antimicrobial component in the form of an antimicrobial material
integrally formed with or coated on the handle. The material
forming handle 90 may be an antimicrobial material itself, or it
may be a structural material impregnated or blended with an
antimicrobial material. The antimicrobial material may also be
chemically bound to the structural material, such as, for example,
a polymer matrix having an antimicrobial material bound or
complexed thereon.
[0063] In the form of coating, the coating may be connected to
handle 90 by a number of means, such as, for example, interference
fit, snap fit, mechanically fastened, or overlaid onto the handle.
Coatings may applied by numerous techniques, including chemical
vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, dip coating,
electrochemical deposition, sputtering, mechanical methods of
coating, or the like.
[0064] In other embodiments, the antimicrobial component may
comprise an active oxygen releasing material, active ozone, UV
light, Halide gas, silver ion, or Halide ion releasing material, an
antimicrobial fluid, or a photoactive material that exhibits
antimicrobial properties when exposed to a light source. Materials
may include a nonmetal halide; a nonmetal oxide, such as I2O5; a
ceramic composite and a halide; water insoluble peroxide; or water
insoluble superoxide, such as CuO, AgO, MgO2, sulfonated silver
polymers, and combinations thereof. Other embodiments are
contemplated wherein the antimicrobial material comprises an active
ozone releasing material, a UV light releasing material, a Halide
gas releasing material, a silver ion releasing material, a Halide
ion releasing material, or any other material, compound or
combination thereof capable of releasing an antimicrobial agent or
exhibiting antimicrobial properties. The light source 34 may be
separate from, or integrated with handle 90. In one embodiment, the
light source may be in the form of an LED integrated into handle 90
such that, when the LED is illuminated, antimicrobial properties
are imparted to the handle 32 by the photosensitive material being
exposed to the light from the LED.
[0065] In other embodiments, an antimicrobial handle 90 may be
provided wherein the antimicrobial component includes an ion
generator in the form of an ionic conducting arrangement in
communication with handle 90. In this arrangement, antimicrobial
properties are imparted to handle 90 via generation of ions through
ionic conduction, wherein ions concentrate on a surface of handle
90. Ionic conducting materials suitable for this arrangement may
include Ag4PbI5, AgI--Al2O3 composite, PbI2 chloride conductive
compounds, iodine conductive compounds, fluoride conductive
compounds, or any other material, compound or combination of
materials or compounds capable of ionic conduction. Ionic
conduction is facilitated by a source potential that is preferably
integrated into handle 90. The source potential may also be a
component separate from handle 90 and in communication therewith.
Other forms of ion generators known in the art can be implemented
as well in accordance with the principles of the present invention
to facilitate generation of ions to impart antimicrobial properties
to the handle 90.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 12, the fueling and retail environment is
shown constructed according to one embodiment of the present
invention where customers are provided the opportunity to purchase
fuel for their vehicles as well as other goods and services, such
as fast food and car washes. The fueling and retail environment may
include one or more of a forecourt 101, where fuel dispensers 10
are located, a convenience or fuel station store 106, one or more
quick-serve restaurants (QSR) 108 and a car wash 110. Dispensers 10
are used in conjunction with a main service station store 100
operably connected to each dispenser 10 and fueling position 102 in
addition to a local station server and control system 104. Server
and control system 104 are operationally associated with POS
systems and/or transaction systems for convenience store 106 and
one or more quick service restaurants 108 and car wash 110 or other
service provider. In one preferred embodiment, a customer at any of
fueling positions 102 of any of dispensers 10 may access local
station server 104 or any number of remote servers 112, which are
located outside of the fuel station environment, via the Internet
or similar network 114. Dispenser 10 may have a direct Internet
connection and/or a direct interactive connection to local server
104.
[0067] With regard to remote services, customers may be given the
opportunity to order goods or services unavailable at the local
station store, such as movie tickets, air line tickets, rental
cars, hotel information and other informational items. This is
particularly useful for dispensers equipped with printers that can
print the movie ticket or other printed information. Furthermore,
the customer may download information, such as the weather, traffic
conditions, news reports or local maps that can be printed or
downloaded to mobile devices such as a cell phone, iPod or MP3
player. Having access to remote services also allows the station
owner to run remote advertising campaigns at each fueling position.
For example, the browser at each client may automatically access
one of the remote servers or preferably, the dispenser may be
configured to automatically access local server 104, which provides
a link to the desired remote services. Accessing local server 104
and linking to remote services minimizes the amount of
customization required at each dispenser and fueling position.
[0068] Convenience store 106 typically includes an inventory of a
wide assortment of products, ranging from beverages and foods to
household goods. The convenience store includes a transaction
terminal or register where a customer may purchase convenience
store products, fuel, car washes or QSR food. QSR 108 generally
includes an order pick-up area having a QSR transaction terminal or
register located within the convenience store and a drive-through
terminal and window. Depending on the application, the QSR
transaction terminal and drive-through terminal may be separated or
integrated in any fashion. Usually, customers are able to place
orders at the QSR transaction terminal in the store as well as pick
up orders in conventional drive-through style at drive-through
terminal 36.
[0069] In order to make purchasing items in convenience store 106
and QSR 108 more convenient for the customer, dispenser 10 may be
configured to provide a real-time view of the convenience store or
QSR on one or more of dispenser displays 16 and/or 18. In
particular, referring again to FIG. 7, menu 74 may allow the
customer to place dispenser 10 into a real-time shopping mode where
the customer can navigate down the isles of convenience store 106
to select and purchase products while fueling their automobile. In
particular, cameras can be mounted throughout the convenience store
and configured so that their video feed is received by local
station server and control electronics 104. Thus, by using touch
screens 16 and 18, the customer can navigate through the
convenience store, make selections and pay for the items at the
dispenser.
[0070] In one embodiment, predefined hand gestures can be
programmed and loaded on local station server and controller 104 or
on dispenser 10. For example, a gesture dictionary may take the
form of a dedicated computer application that identifies a chord
(e.g., a combination of fingers, thumbs, and/or other hand parts)
presented to multi-touch displays 16 and 18 by the customer. Thus,
for example, the movement of the customer's thumb and pointer
finger toward each other may cause the displayed image to zoom out,
or the movement of the thumb and pointer finger away from each
other may cause the image to zoom in. Additionally, running the
customer's pointer finger from right to left may cause the image to
scan to the left or vis-a-vis. If the user wants to scroll around
to look at the shelves behind them, the user may rotate their
pointer finger on the screen in a counterclockwise direction to
cause the image to rotate as if the customer was standing in the
store and turning around. Examples of such gesturing as input on a
touch screen is taught and disclosed in the following patents,
patent applications and published patent applications: U.S.
Published Application No. 2007/0177803 entitled "Multi-Touch
Gesture Dictionary," published Aug. 7, 2007, U.S. Pat. No.
6,323,846, titled "Method and Apparatus for Integrating Manual
Input," issued Nov. 27, 2001; U.S. patent application Ser. No.
10/840,862, titled "Multipoint Touchscreen," filed May 6, 2004;
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/903,964, titled "Gestures for
Touch Sensitive Input Devices," filed Jul. 30, 2004; U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/038,590, titled "Mode-Based Graphical User
Interfaces for Touch Sensitive Input Devices," filed Jan. 18, 2005;
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/367,749, titled
"Multi-Functional Hand-Held Device," filed Mar. 3, 2006; and U.S.
Pat. No. 7,030,861, titled "System and Method for Packing
Multi-Touch Gestures onto a Hand," issued Apr. 18, 2006. U.S.
published application Ser. No. 2007/0177804, titled "Multi-Touch
Gesture Dictionary," published Aug. 2, 2007, the entire disclosure
of each of these patents, patent applications and published patent
applications hereby being incorporated by reference herein.
[0071] Once the customer completes their fuel purchase and purchase
from the convenience store or QSR, the customer may either enter
the store to pick up their items, pick up their purchased items at
a drive through window or have their purchase delivered by an
employee of the convenience store or QSR to the dispenser location.
It should be understood that the dispenser system may be tied into
the inventory system for the convenience store and CSR so that
sales can be tracked and inventory reordered as sold.
[0072] In other embodiments, the fueling stations local server can
be tied into a remote system that detects the presence of an
automobile entering the service station forecourt. Upon detection
of the automobile, the system can interact with the automobile's
electronic systems to take control of the automobile so as to bring
the car to an available dispenser location. New automobiles with a
drive-by-wire system would allow for remote operation and steering
of the car without input from the customer. For example, the
parallel parking system in the Lexus LS460 is one example of a
drive by wire system where the car's electronic system takes over
operation of the car to automatically parallel-park the car in a
vacant spot. In a similar fashion, wireless electronics can be
configured to communicate with the car's computer so that a smart
service station can orchestrate the movement of cars through the
forecourt to increase the safety of its customers walking through
the forecourt.
[0073] In addition to the remote operation of cars entering and
exiting the service station through the use of the car's
drive-by-wire system, the dispenser may also be configured to
interact with the automobile's electronic system so that a touch
screen mounted in the car can serve as a touch sensitive input
display for the dispenser. For example, through RF communications,
a BLUETOOTH connection or any other suitable wireless connection,
information from the dispenser may be transmitted and displayed by
the car's electronic system so that the customer may make all
selections from the comfort of their automobile. In addition to
displaying the transaction detail and information, advertising and
other services may also be transmitted and displayed on the car's
touch screen system. In other embodiments, the fuel dispenser may
contain a robotic arm that is controllable using the car's touch
screen so that the total fueling process can be controlled from
inside the automobile. Thus, nozzle 14 may further include a camera
integrated into the nozzle that allows the customer to view the
fueling port in the car as the nozzle is directed toward the
fueling port. Once the nozzle is inserted into the fueling port,
the dispenser can switch modes and transmit advertising or other
information to the car's touch screen for interaction with the
customer. The use of a robotic arm can also be integrated into an
automated service station where the car is remotely moved into a
dispenser bay. In that way, the service station can properly orient
the car with respect to the dispenser so that predefined fueling
port locations for individual automobiles would allow the fueling
arm to automatically engage the nozzle with the fueling port on in
the car.
[0074] In other embodiments, a virtual display system may be
implemented in dispenser 10. Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, virtual
display systems project a keyboard or other input device into the
air or onto another surface and then monitor the virtual keyboard
for a user's touch of the virtual keys to detect the customer's
desired input. For example, a laser system may be used that is
capable of both scanning and projecting laser light onto a surface
that is secure with respect to viewing angle. Based on initial
input provided by the customer either directly into dispenser 10 by
reader 20 or indirectly by a wireless connection, the laser system
and software would dynamically present the required virtual key
layout based on the type of transaction, user preferences, ease of
use, or other pre-defined parameters. The laser would be capable of
projecting and auto focusing so that it can simultaneously project
on a number of surfaces with varying levels of distance, content,
and required resolution, for example on the car window, door panel
or any other surface capable of receiving the projected laser
light.
[0075] In one example, when a debit card is presented, the card
reader recognizes the need for pin pad verification and sends a
signal to the laser device. The laser device, through software,
projects an appropriate keyboard for the user to input data such as
a pin number. The location and distance of the projection surface
may be at a fixed distance so that the laser projector does not
require focusing or may be presented at any distance within a
reasonable range over which a focusing mechanism can focus the
laser output. If the surface that receives the projected light is
polarized, then it may limit viewing of the projected input device
at certain angles to provide a secure input terminal with respect
to customers at adjacent dispensers. If however, the surface
receiving the projected keyboard is not polarized, the system can
be configured to randomly change the layout of the projected input
device to provide further security to those who may be passing
by.
[0076] In addition to projecting a keypad for data entry for
payment information, the laser system can also project options to
begin or initiate the transaction (such as pay outside/inside
/Credit/Debit/Withdrawal/Deposit), etc. In the example of a fuel
dispenser, the laser system could project the grade selection
buttons for selection by the customer. The pump stop, handicap,
call attendant, programmable pump preset button, etc. could then be
presented essentially acting as a substitute for all existing
keypads and/or touch screen menus. The use of a virtual keyboard or
input device reduces or eliminates the need for the customer to
have to physically touch the dispenser screens or keypads.
[0077] Examples of virtual input devices are disclosed in U.S. Pat.
No. 7,084,857 to Lieberman et al., entitled "Virtual Data Entry
Device and Method for Input of Alphanumeric and Other Data," U.S.
Pat. No. 6,690,357 to Dunton et al., entitled "Input Device Using
Scanning Sensors," U.S. Pat. No. 6,614,422 to Rafii et al.,
entitled "Method and Apparatus for Entering Data Using a Virtual
Input Device," the entire disclosures of which are hereby
incorporated by reference herein. Additionally, suitable virtual
input devices also include virtual input devices manufactured by
Virtual Devices, Inc. of Allison Park, Pa. and Lumio, Inc. of Menlo
Park, Calif.
[0078] 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. The embodiments depicted are
presented by way of example only and are not intended as
limitations upon the present invention. Thus, it should be
understood by those of ordinary skill in this art that the present
invention is not limited to these embodiments since modifications
can be made. 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.
* * * * *