INTELLIGENT FUEL DISPENSERS

Smart overview of the Invention

Intelligent fuel dispensers are designed to enhance the customer experience by identifying individual users and personalizing fueling sessions. These dispensers utilize advanced technology to recognize customer identities and preferences, aiming to streamline the fueling process while minimizing physical contact through a touchless interface.

Background and Need for Improvement

The traditional fuel dispensing process typically requires customers to interact directly with the dispenser, which can be unsanitary. Customers often need to repeatedly input their preferences for fueling, such as fuel grade or payment details, each time they visit. This repetitive nature of the process highlights the need for more efficient and hygienic fueling solutions in the retail petroleum industry.

Technical Features of Intelligent Dispensers

The intelligent fuel dispenser is equipped with an electronics module that includes an image sensor and a processor. The processor analyzes images captured by the sensor to determine safety conditions and customer identities. If safety conditions are not met, such as a customer smoking nearby, an alarm can be triggered. Additionally, the system can identify customers based on facial features or vehicle characteristics, allowing for tailored interactions.

Personalized Customer Experience

Upon recognizing a customer, the dispenser can automatically retrieve their profile, which includes fueling preferences. This feature enables the display of a pre-fueling selection screen customized with options like fuel type and payment method. The system can also highlight the appropriate fuel nozzle based on the selected fuel type, further enhancing convenience.

Touchless Interaction Capabilities

The intelligent dispenser supports touchless gestures, allowing customers to interact with the system without physical contact. By recognizing hand movements or poses, such as pointing or thumbs up, the dispenser can adjust its graphical user interface accordingly. This capability not only promotes hygiene but also provides a modernized and user-friendly experience at fuel stations.