Method and apparatus for an automated fuel authorization program for fuel terminals using a camera as part of the authorization process

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 9881432
SERIAL NO

14217285

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Abstract

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A fuel authorization system enables data to be exchanged between vehicles and a fuel vendor, to verify that the vehicle is authorized to receive fuel. Each fuel island is equipped with a camera and a short range radio (RF) component. Participating vehicles are equipped with fuel authorization component including an IR transmitter and a RF component that can establish a data link with the fuel island's RF unit. When the camera senses a vehicle in the fuel lane, an RF query is sent to the vehicle. Participating vehicles respond with an IR transmission. An RF data link is then established between the enrolled vehicle and the fuel vendor to verify that the vehicle is authorized to receive fuel. Once the verification is complete, the fuel dispenser is enabled. In some embodiments, the IR data link is not required, as the camera can distinguish between multiple fuel lanes.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
ZONAR SYSTEMS18200 CASCADE AVE S SEATTLE WA 98188

International Classification(s)

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Fadler, Rick Newcastle, US 16 242
McQuade, Charles Michael Issaquah, US 99 3169

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