Claims:A system for online ordering and payment for fuel which consist of:
a) Mobile App, b) Loyalty system, c) Payment gateway and d) Retail Automation System.
2) The system for making ordering and making payment for fuel as claimed in claim 1 wherein the customer will have the option of selecting the petrol pump, the vehicle number, the quantity/amount of fuel required on a mobile app and digitally pay for the amount, without having to visit the petrol pump physically.
3) The system for online ordering and payment for fuel as claimed in claim 1 wherein this online transaction is digitally transferred to the selected petrol pump.
4) RFID-based Customer/vehicle recognition and display of welcome/thank you messages along with synchronized and animated depiction of the fuelling process, on LCD screen mounted on dispensing pump top.
5) A method for making payment for fuel which comprise a) Mobile Application initiated by customer, b) the Loyalty System reviews the Online Order placed through the Mobile App and applies discounts, c) Once the payment is successfully collected through the Payment gateway, the Mobile App pushed the Online Order details to the Loyalty System which in turn pushes the same to the Retail Automation System, d) once Online Order is finalized, the details are pushed to the Payment gateway for collecting the amount digitally, e) The Retail Automation System receives the Online Fuel Order details from the Loyalty System and routes it to the Local Server of the selected Petrol Pump, f) Once the vehicle reports for the fuel, the Local Server is able to identify the vehicle through RFID reader and then delivers the pre-ordered and prepaid quantity of fuel.
6) The method for making payment for fuel as claimed in claim 5 wherein this online transaction is digitally transferred to the selected petrol pump.
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a system for online ordering and payment for fuel and automated customer/vehicle recognition at the petrol pump wherein the customer will have the option of selecting the petrol pump, the vehicle number, the quantity/amount of fuel required on a mobile app and digitally pay for the amount, without having to visit the petrol pump physically. This invention also relates to a system for making ordering and making payment for fuel wherein this online transaction is digitally transferred to the selected petrol pump where the ordered quantity will be automatically dispensed to the selected vehicle based on automated vehicle/customer recognition feature through RFID tag and displayed on LCD screen mounted on top of the dispensing pumps. Furthermore, this invention also relates to a System which has the beneficial effects of having safety and reliability and has good application prospect.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION AND THE RELATED PRIOR ART

Short-range wireless communication technology is commonly used to make it fast and easy for a customer to pay for a product or service. One example of this is a contactless “smart” credit card which can make a payment simply by being waved near a card reader, without the card even being removed from the owner's purse or wallet. Another example is a key fob-style device which is programmed with credit or debit card information, and which can be waved near a gas pump to pay for fuel. These and other similar devices can provide a convenience for consumers, and speed up payment transactions, which is beneficial to merchants, while still maintaining the security of the transaction and the card account by virtue of the very short range over which the signal will travel.
The patent document US20140136329 states that a user interface for a vehicular-based mobile payment system, the vehicular-based mobile payment system comprising: a merchant system for sending and receiving information; a vehicle detection system connected to the merchant system; a vehicle comprising a mobile payment extension system, wherein the mobile payment extension system is adapted to communicate with the merchant system via the vehicle detection system; and a mobile device for sending and receiving information, wherein the mobile device is adapted to communicate with the mobile payment extension system of the vehicle, where a user communicates with the mobile device via the user interface displayed on the mobile device. Also, a method and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium related to the user interface for the vehicular-based mobile payment system.

The other document US20080208680 discloses DriveOn Pay™ is a location-based Privacy-friendly dashtop mobile payment platform (DMPP), based on mobile WiMAX IEEE 802-16e-2005. It is an all-in-one solution geared to integrate all other dashtop gadgets in view of the growing necessity of the real-time bridge syncing cyber world and real world, which is central to mobile broadband technology. The VIN-based Menu-Driven Fail-safe 5-mile-range DMPP envisions a BS and a Touchscreen On-Vehicle CPE named VIMO™, powered by the vehicle battery. It works as an Unmanned Booth-free Toll-Collection Maximizer at any vehicle speed; Transportation Hub Security Enforcer for non-linear surveillance of passengers plus non-passengers, both indoors and outdoors; ‘JIT e-Commerce on the Go’ (JITeCGO) Creator; Ticket-free Biometrics-free Remote Check-In & Admission Optimizer for ballparks, expos, parking garages, and transportation hubs. After all, it is to provide an optimal solution to metropolitan traffic surges, wherever they may happen, utilizing the Disposable Ephemeral Digital ID (DEDID) and the vehicle-to-vehicle mobile P2P.
According to the document US20070079012, two wireless repeater/controller devices which interface all types of electronic messaging and provide local inter protocol translation and routing to both distant networks and locally, to mini smart cells made up of these two units. The units are termed Primary Focal Node PFN and PS-1 (a smaller dedicated self powered version). The PS-1 micro processes specific signal from sensors, scanners readers, video- cams, audio pickups, and other connected wireless, etc. and delivers the signal conditioned, secure and encrypted to the larger version or PFN for any further processing and translation for longer range wireless communications. This technology is called the Primary Focal Node/Trusted Remote Activity Control or PFN/TRAC System, and is a movement management system designed to enhance public safety and national security through a software program call Federal Access Control Technology, The applications taught and claimed for this singular architecture in this specification are universal electronic payment, and universal translation for First Responder Radios.

The document US20080051059 describes a method for configuring a mobile communication device to perform transactions using a second communication channel that is different from a first communication channel through which the mobile communication device sends voice data. The method includes attaching a secure element to the mobile communication device. The secure element includes a memory storing an application, a processor configured to execute the application stored in the memory; and a wireless transceiver configured to send transaction data associated with the executed application through the second communication channel to a terminal that is remote from the mobile communication device.

The document US20050238149 describes the wireless payment system allows high speed operation without user intervention with the convenience that cellular phones provide. The system being described uses a wireless stored value module attached to an ordinary cellular phone or embedded in the cellphone's Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card. A Reader is installed in points of transaction that communicates with the module and deducts the balance stored in the module for effecting the payment. The transaction is sent by the Reader to a central database to update a copy of the module's balance and perform settlement functions at the end of the day. After every transaction, a SMS or text confirmation is received by the cellphone user which indicates the amount paid and remaining balance in the module. Re-loading of values in the module can be accomplished solely by sending text messages using a cellular phone from anywhere, any time.

According to the invention US6626356, a credit card system and method for configuring a vehicle specific to a user and for transacting financial transactions, the system comprising a User Preference and Information Database containing information specific to said user for configuring a specific vehicle, a credit card capable of storing financial transaction information and information to access said User Preference Database, a credit card data receptacle located in said vehicle, a global communication network, a User Transaction History Database containing information about said user's prior transactions, a display monitor located in said vehicle, and a point of sale where said credit card is used for a financial transaction.
None of these above patents, however alone or in combination, disclose the present invention. The invention consists of certain novel features and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that various changes in the details may be made without departing from the spirit, or sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a system for online ordering and payment for fuel wherein the customer will have the option of selecting the petrol pump, the vehicle number, the quantity/amount of fuel required, on a mobile app and digitally pay for the amount, without having to visit the petrol pump physically. This invention also relates to a system wherein this online transaction is digitally transferred to the selected petrol pump, where the ordered quantity will be automatically dispensed to the selected vehicle based on automated vehicle/customer recognition feature through RFID tag and displayed on LCD screen mounted on top of the dispensing pumps Furthermore, this invention also relates to a System which has the beneficial effects of having safety and reliability and has good application prospect.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION WITH ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

For the purpose of facilitating an understanding of the invention, there is illustrated in the accompanying drawing and preferred embodiment thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following description, the invention, its construction and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated. The drawing is in one sheet.

The principal object of the invention is to provide a system for online ordering and payment for fuel and RFIB-based customer/vehicle recognition at the petrol pump.
The principal object of the invention is to provide a system for making ordering and making payment for fuel which comprises

a) Mobile App,
b) loyalty system,
c) payment gate way and
d) retail automation system.

The other embodiment of the invention is to provide a method for making payment for fuel which comprise
a) module i.e., mobile application initiated by customer,

b) the Loyalty System reviews the Online Order placed through the Mobile App and applies discounts,

c) once the payment is successfully collected through the Payment gateway, the Mobile App pushes the Online Order details to the Loyalty System which in turn pushes the same to the Retail Automation System,

d) once Online Order is finalized, the details are pushed to the Payment gateway for collecting the amount digitally,

e) the Retail Automation System receives the Online Fuel Order details from the Loyalty System and routes it to the Local Server of the selected Petrol Pump,

f) once the vehicle reports for the fuel, the Local Server is able to recognize the vehicle through RFID reader, displaying the name of the customer and the quantity of fuel being dispensed through animated graphics on a LCD screen mounted on top of the dispensing pump while delivering the pre-ordered and prepaid quantity of fuel.

The other embodiment of the invention is to provide a system for making ordering and making payment for fuel wherein the customer will have the option of selecting the petrol pump, the vehicle number, the quantity/amount of fuel required on a mobile app and digitally pay for the amount, without having to visit the petrol pump physically.

The other embodiment of the invention is to provide a system for making ordering and making payment for fuel wherein this online transaction is digitally transferred to the selected petrol pump.

The other embodiment of the invention is to provide a System which has the beneficial effects of having safety and reliability and has good application prospect.

The other embodiment of the invention is to provide a system for making ordering and making payment for fuel.

The novel features that are considered characteristic of the present invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and its method of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will best be understood from the following description of certain specific embodiments, when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates the block diagram of a System according to the present invention;

Normally, in order to buy fuel for a vehicle, one needs to visit a petrol pump, indicate to the pump attendant the quantity of fuel required, get the fuel and pay for the same.

In this case, the customer will have the option of selecting the petrol pump, the vehicle number, the quantity/amount of fuel required on a mobile app and digitally pay for the amount, without having to visit the petrol pump physically. This online transaction is digitally transferred to the selected petrol pump. The customer can then send someone with the vehicle to the pump, where once the vehicle is identified, the pump with automatically dispense the quantity/amount as per concluded transaction.

This enables the customer to remotely control the fuelling and payment pertaining to his one or more vehicles in a convenient and centralized manner. Also it saves time at the pump since delays on account of ‘on-premises’ payment are eliminated.

According to the conventional process if a customer has to make a fuel purchase for his vehicle, he needs to visit the petrol pump, fill up fuel, and make payment at the pump and go. There are some limitations in this process which are as follows:

a) The entire process takes time, especially for digital payments, since the pump attendant has to key-in the amount manually into the POS. Then the customer has to enter PIN no. and then wait for the transaction to be authorized by the bank. This process takes on an average a minute to complete.

b) At times there are network problems leading to further delays in card and other digital payments.

c) At busy outlets, this process leads to delays and dissatisfaction of other customers waiting in queue.

d) For customers having more than one vehicle, who wish to pay centrally for all his vehicles, presently there is no such system, unless the customer is a large fleet operator.
But the impugned invention lies in a system for online ordering and payment for fuel and vehicle/customer recognition at the petrol pump which has the following technical advancements.
a. Customer can complete his fuel transaction from the comfort of his home, office or even if he is travelling anywhere in the world.
b. On his behalf, his driver, a family member or any other designated person can visit the petrol pump to get the fuel.
c. The Vehicle/customer is recognized at the pump through RFID tag and customer friendly welcome/thank you messages are displayed on LCD screen on top of the dispensing pump along with animated depiction of the fuelling process.
d. No ‘on-premises’ payment is required, so the process is much faster, smooth, hassle free and the waiting time for persons in the queue is reduced.
e. Possibility of collusion between driver and pump attendants is minimized.
f. Customer can centrally control and monitor the entire payment process, especially if he has multiple vehicles, with full history of transactions at his finger-tips.

There are four system components in this Online Fuel-Ordering and Payment System (OF-OPS) with multiple interconnections. These four systems and their functions as far as the OF-OPS is concerned, are listed below:
a. The MOBILE APP: The Mobile App is the customer interface through which the customer initiates the Online Fuel Order and

b. The LOYALTY SYSTEM: The Loyalty System reviews the Online Order placed through the Mobile App and applies discounts, if applicable. It also advises the Mobile App if the customer is entitled to any Points redemption through the Online Order being placed. The Net amount payable is then arrived at by netting off applicable discounts and redemption amounts (if any).

Once the payment is successfully collected through the Payment gateway, the Mobile App pushed the Online Order details to the Loyalty System, which in turn pushes the same to the Retail Automation System. Once the actual delivery of the fuel takes place at the petrol pump, the Loyalty System receives the actual transaction details from the Retail Automation System and updates the same vis-à-vis the Pre-order details.

c. The PAYMENT GATEWAY: Once the Net amount of the Online Order is finalized, the details are pushed to the Payment gateway for collecting the amount digitally. Once successfully collected, the Payment Gateway pushed back the transaction details to the Mobile App.

d. The RETAIL AUTOMATION SYSTEM: The Retail Automation System receives the Online Fuel Order details from the Loyalty System and routes it to the Local Server of the selected Petrol Pump. Then, once the vehicle reports for the fuel, the Local Server is able to identify the vehicle through RFID reader and then delivers the pre-ordered and prepaid quantity of fuel. The Retail Automation System also ensures that the LED screen mounted on top of dispensing pump displays the name of the customer/vehicle along with Customer friendly Welcome and Thank you messages as well as animated and synchronized depiction of the fuelling process.

Apart from the intended application, i.e. Pre-ordering of fuel, the invention can be applied to any purchase situation where the product is such that it cannot be home-delivered and one necessarily has to visit the outlet from where the product is sold/distributed. Examples are: Coffee shops/Tea boutiques.

Advantages:
The main advantages of the System according to the invention are as following:
1) Customer can complete his fuel transaction from the comfort of his home, office or even if he is travelling anywhere in the world.
2) On his behalf, his driver, a family member or any other designated person can visit the petrol pump to get the fuel.
3) The process is much faster, smooth, hassle free and the waiting time for persons in the queue is reduced.
4) Possibility of collusion between driver and pump attendants is minimized.
5) Customer can centrally control and monitor the entire payment process, especially if he has multiple vehicles, with full history of transactions at his finger-tips.
6) The LED screen mounted on the pump top, welcomes and greets the customer and also provides a synchronized and animated depiction of the fuelling process, assuring him that the right quantity and quality is being delivered.
Without further elaboration, the foregoing will so fully illustrate my invention that others may, by applying current of future knowledge, readily adapt the same for use under various conditions of service. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention.

In the preceding specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments thereof. It will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made thereunto without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims that follow. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense. Therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. The matter set forth in the foregoing description and accompanying drawings is offered by way of illustration only and not as a limitation. The actual scope of the invention is intended to be defined in the following claims when viewed in their proper perspective based on the prior art.