INTELLIGENT FUEL DISPENSERS

Smart overview of the Invention

Intelligent fuel dispensers are designed to enhance the customer experience by identifying individual users and customizing fueling sessions accordingly. These dispensers utilize advanced technology, including image sensors and processors, to recognize customer identities and characteristics, allowing for a more personalized service. A key feature is a touchless interface that minimizes physical contact, addressing hygiene concerns associated with traditional fuel dispensers.

Challenges in Traditional Fuel Dispensing

The retail petroleum industry currently faces several challenges with conventional fuel dispensers. Customers often need to physically interact with potentially dirty interfaces to initiate fueling sessions, which can expose them to germs and toxins. Additionally, repeat customers must re-enter their fueling preferences each time, leading to inefficiencies and a frustrating experience.

Functionality of Intelligent Dispensers

An intelligent fuel dispenser includes a housing with fuel dispensing components and an electronics module containing an image sensor. The processor analyzes images to determine safety conditions around the dispenser and can trigger alarms if necessary. It can also identify customers through facial recognition or other non-facial features, allowing the dispenser to retrieve their preferences automatically, streamlining the fueling process.

Personalization Features

These dispensers can adjust their graphical user interface (GUI) based on customer characteristics, such as age or gender, enhancing usability for different users. The system can identify vehicles through license plates or other features, enabling it to present tailored options like preferred fuel types or payment methods. This capability not only improves convenience but also fosters customer loyalty through personalized greetings and offers.

Touchless Interaction Capabilities

A significant innovation in these dispensers is the ability to recognize touchless gestures from customers. By interpreting hand motions or poses, the dispenser can modify GUI elements without physical contact, further promoting hygiene. This feature allows customers to control the dispensing process seamlessly while ensuring safety and efficiency in their fueling experience.