Fuel dispenser

Abstract

A method of conducting a transaction at fuel dispenser comprises the steps of providing a fuel dispenser having a fuel dispensing apparatus, control electronics operatively connected to the fuel dispensing apparatus, at least one display mounted in the housing and operatively coupled to the control electronics, a nozzle operatively coupled to the fuel dispensing apparatus, and an input device having a laser configured to display a virtual keypad, monitor the virtual keypad for user entry and a scanner for detecting user selections made on the virtual keypad, wherein the user selections are transmitted to the control electronics. The method further comprising receiving at least one piece of information from the user, displaying the virtual keypad onto a surface apart from the fuel dispenser, detecting user inputs on the keypad, and starting a transaction based on the user inputs and the at least one piece of information.

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. ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0016]In some embodiments, the method further comprises the step of auto-focusing a lens system associated with the laser and the scanner so that the virtual keyboard can be projected over varying distances. In some embodiments, the input device further comprises a card reader. In other embodiments, the method further comprises the step of scrambling the location of each key in the virtual keypad to prevent on onlooker from determining the keystrokes entered by the user.

Problems solved by technology

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.

Shoulder surfing subjects customers of fuel dispensers to theft of identifying information associated with payment accounts and PINs.

Additionally, keypads of fuel dispensers wear out over time due to continuous and repeated action of their keys by customers.

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.

However, prior art speakers are loud and omni-directional so that sound from one dispenser interferes with sound generated from another dispenser.

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