SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTHORIZING COMPOUNDS ASSOCIATED WITH A VEHICLE DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to the field of authorization of purchases and, more particularly, to systems and methods for authorizing purchases associated with a vehicle, as well as for methods that refer to the operation of a fuel distribution service station. In the past, a gas station was primarily a location to buy fuel for a vehicle and occasionally to buy groceries and products associated with the operation of the vehicle. Increasingly, gas stations are being transformed into service stations, becoming one of the most important retail facilities in industrialized society. The reasons for the increasing importance of service stations as retail facilities, as well as the nature of purchases, are the result of the relative advantages of service stations that are dictated by the main purpose of service stations: provide fuel efficiently to vehicles. To succeed as a gas station, a service station usually must be located on a busy road with a large area available for high-speed entry and exit, many fuel distribution locations arranged for high-performance refueling of many vehicles that arrive continuously and that have an effective method to pay for the fuel. Increasingly, it is found that people travel on the road for extended periods of time. On the one hand, this means that people have less time to buy items at local stores and even to make a special trip for the purpose of making purchases, especially because shopping trips often include wasted time when searching for a parking lot and when walking to and from the vehicle. People have less opportunity to become familiar with local stores, so they develop little loyalty to a local store and may not even know where that store is located. The current refueling process requires a relatively long time, which must be used. As a result of the above factors, people refueling at a service station find themselves with a car parked safely at a fuel distribution location waiting for the fuel to be distributed, during which You can make purchases of various and varied items. Given the previous situation, the operator of a service station finds it convenient to increase the attractiveness of a service station of its own in relation to other service stations, to increase profits from purchases other than fuel made at the service station and to engender customer loyalty. Due to the development of sophisticated control electronics and vehicle identification devices, fuel service stations have evolved into complex electronic systems that have point-of-sale (POS) devices capable of incorporating various types of means of payment such as, for example, example, credit cards. Additionally, not only fuel is available for purchase, but also other items and services such as products from various stores. A preferred method to increase the attractiveness of a service station is through the use of automated fuel payment. A vehicle is equipped with an identification tag that stores data related to the identity of the vehicle and a payment method that can be read by a tag reader associated with an individual fuel distribution location, for example with the distribution nozzle of the vehicle. gas. When the fuel distribution nozzle is placed inside the fuel refueling port of the vehicle, a tag reader reads the data from the identification tag and transmits the data to a centralized location that issues an authorization signal to distribute fuel if the payment method is valid. Not only are such methods effective in allowing fuel distribution and payment to occur automatically and automatically, but such methods reduce the likelihood of fuel theft and assault at the gas station. The arrival of advanced service station systems has generated a need for improved operation efficiency by both customers and suppliers of goods and services served, for example, through the development of fully automated authorization and purchase systems. In fully automated authorization and purchase systems, the purchase of goods and services at service stations does not require the use of a credit card, debit card or smart card. Instead, a communication device such as, for example, identification tag, which stores data associated with the customer or vehicle such as, for example, details of the credit account, is provided to a customer or vehicle. The communication device is configured to communicate with other components of the service station systems such as, for example, fuel dispensers and cash registers. In this way, the identification device automatically transmits data associated with the customer or vehicle and the system automatically performs the financial aspects of the operation, such as the payment of the purchase of goods and services, without requiring any special action by the customer or by employee of the service station. In the art, various methods, systems and devices for refueling automatic vehicles are known. These include wireless RF servers that communicate with devices located within fuel distributors and with vehicle mounted identification devices, as described in US Patent Application No. 09 / 911,570 published as US 2003/0025600. Al, and systems for managing fuel supply operations, such as that of US Patent Application No. 10 / 425,073 published as US 2004/0215575 Al. There are also known systems for securing the location of a vehicle in connection with an automatic fixed fuel service terminal, such as that described in US Patent Application No. 10 / 298,160 published as US 2004/0095230 Al. US Patent Application No. 11 / 042,196 published as US. 2005/0184155 Al refers to a vehicle fuel supply system, where the vehicle is provided with a label RF identification tag mounted on the vehicle's windshield and where the fuel supply station includes sensors to detect the presence of the vehicle and report it to a controller subsystem. The controller subsystem communicates with a point-of-sale system to process an operation and fuel supply activation of a fuel distributor. It should be noted that this system does not include any physical interface for the fuel distributor. U.S. Patent No. 5,857,501 discloses a system for refueling a vehicle that includes an identification unit having a loop and communication circuitry for transmitting information associated with the vehicle, such as identification number, credit account information and fuel requirements. The unit is mounted on the vehicle's fuel intake pipe and communicates with a data receiver located near the fuel distribution station. To secure the unit to the vehicle's fuel intake pipe, the device requires a housing assembly that has a series of tabs and a ratchet type assembly., such that the housing assembly is tightened against the interior of the fuel inlet pipe. An alternative embodiment of the invention requires a housing assembly having a series of compression-activated expansion joints that are extended by tightening screws, such that the housing assembly is pressed against the interior of the fuel inlet pipe. . US Patent No. 6,648,032 relates to a fuel distribution system, wherein a nozzle-mounted device is provided which receives information, such as vehicle identification and fuel supply data, from a vehicle-mounted transceiver before the vehicle. discharge of fuel in the vehicle. The device communicates with an authorization subsystem located in the fuel filling facility. The vehicle-mounted transceiver is located on an interior surface of the vehicle chassis and includes an antenna for transmitting information to the nozzle-mounted device. The device also includes a transceiver power generator driven by fuel flow, operated by fuel pumped by the fuel pump passing through the fuel nozzle. US Patent No. 6,900,719 B2 discloses a theft device that provides protection for an identification device used in a vehicle fuel refueling system. The anti-theft device comprises a shutter that retains an electrical chip that has a unique identification number for the vehicle, the plug is inserted into a diameter in the body of the vehicle. The chip must be programmed and the plug must be installed in the body of the vehicle by the vehicle manufacturer. The chip is electrically connected to a portion of the system controller by an electrical connection installed in the fuel inlet of the vehicle. Removal of the identification device from the vehicle body will deactivate the controller portion of the system, such that the device provides theft protection for the vehicle identification chip. Although known systems for refueling automatic vehicles allow the identification of authorized vehicles and their subsequent refueling, the prior art systems require professional installation due to the fact that they contain complicated means for mounting the identification devices on the vehicle. . It would be highly advantageous to have a system for refueling an authorized vehicle that can overcome at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art. Preferably, such a system can include a vehicle identification device that is inexpensive to produce and simple to install in the vehicle. Such a preference system may also include an interface with the vehicle odometer, so that various data related to the operation of the vehicle and fuel consumption of the vehicle can be determined and communicated. The present invention is of systems and methods, the modalities of which address at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art in the field of authorization of purchases associated with vehicles. In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a system for authorizing purchases associated with a vehicle is provided, comprising: an identification tag associated with the vehicle for storing tag data associated with the vehicle; a data storage device associated with the vehicle for storing vehicle data and configured to transmit the vehicle data (and in the modes to function as a second identification tag); at least one tag reader configured to read and transmit the tag data; and a station relay unit configured to receive the transmitted vehicle data and the transmitted tag data and to transmit an authorization signal. In embodiments of the present invention, the identification tag is affixed to the vehicle, for example near the fuel inlet of the vehicle. In embodiments of the present invention, the identification tag is an active device configured to transmit the tag data to the tag reader. In embodiments of the present invention, the identification tag is a passive device, for example an RFID device, configured to allow reading of the tag data by the tag reader. In embodiments of the present invention, the identification tag is read-only. In embodiments of the present invention, the identification tag is rewritable. Typical data stored by the identification tag includes, but is not limited to, data such as identity of the identification tag, identity of the data storage device, a vehicle identification number, a vehicle identification user number , a serial identification number, a customer identification number, payment information, credit account information, solvency level information, off-line credit level information, vehicle details, fuel tank capacity, fuel supply policies, fraud information, and fuel details required for the vehicle.
In embodiments of the present invention, the tag data becomes illegible after the separation of the vehicle identification tag, as taught, for example, in the Applicant's PCT patent application, identified by the file number 32619. In embodiments of the present invention, the data storage device is configured to receive communication from the station relay unit, and to transmit the vehicle data after reception of the communication from the relay unit of the relay unit. station. In embodiments of the present invention, the vehicle data includes an identity of the data storage device. In the embodiments, the vehicle data includes data such as the identity of the data storage device, identity of the identification tag, a vehicle identification number, a vehicle identification number, a serial identification number. , a customer identification number, payment information, credit account information, solvency level information, off-line credit level information, vehicle details, fuel tank capacity, fuel supply policies, information of fraud, fuel details required for the vehicle, and measured data related to the operation of the vehicle by the driver, such as distance traveled, vehicle position, vehicle acceleration, vehicle speed and vehicle turning speed. In embodiments of the present invention, the vehicle data includes data related to the operation of the vehicle by the driver. In embodiments of the present invention, the vehicle data includes data related to the distance traveled by the vehicle. In the modes, the data storage device is configured to receive data related to the distance traveled by the vehicle from the vehicle odometer. In embodiments of the present invention, the vehicle data includes data related to the location of the vehicle. In embodiments of the present invention, the system includes a device for determining vehicle position associated with the vehicle, which is configured to provide data related to the position of the vehicle to the data storage device. In embodiments of the present invention, the vehicle data includes data related to vehicle acceleration. In embodiments of the present invention, the system includes an accelerometer associated with the vehicle, configured to provide data related to the acceleration of the vehicle to the data storage device. In embodiments of the present invention, the vehicle data includes data related to vehicle speed. In embodiments of the present invention, the system includes a tachometer associated with the vehicle, configured to provide data related to vehicle speed to the data storage device. In embodiments of the present invention, the vehicle data includes data related to the vehicle's turning speed. In embodiments of the present invention, the system includes a turn-speed meter (eg, a gravitational force meter) associated with the vehicle, configured to provide data related to the vehicle's turning speed to the data storage device. In embodiments of the present invention, the data storage device further comprises a passive device (e.g., an RFID device) configured to allow reading of auxiliary data stored therein. In embodiments of the present invention, the passive device is read-only. In embodiments of the present invention, the passive device is rewritable. Typical auxiliary data include, but are not limited to, at least one member of the group consisting of identity of the identification tag, identity of the data storage device, a vehicle identification number, a vehicle identification number, a vehicle identification number, serial identification, a customer identification number, payment information, credit account information, credit level information, off-line credit level information, vehicle details, fuel tank capacity, fuel supply policies fuel, fraud information, and fuel details required for the vehicle. In embodiments of the present invention, the data storage device includes an autonomous power source. In embodiments of the present invention, the data storage device includes receives energy from the vehicle. In embodiments of the present invention, the data storage device includes a continuous operation timer and is configured to record the results of the timer. In embodiments of the present invention, the tag reader is configured to read the tag data from a distance of no more than 50 cm. In embodiments of the present invention, the tag reader comprises a wireless transmitter for transmitting the tag data to the station relay unit. In embodiments of the present invention, the tag reader comprises a wireless transceiver for receiving communication from the station relay unit. In embodiments of the present invention, the tag reader is configured to transmit the tag data up to a distance of up to about 150 meters. In embodiments of the present invention, the tag reader is configured to transmit a uniquely unique tag reader identifier. In embodiments of the present invention, the tag reader is configured to receive the transmitted vehicle data and to retransmit the transmitted vehicle data. In embodiments of the present invention, the tag reader has at least two modes: a first inactive mode to reduce the energy used and a second active mode in which the tag reader is operated to read the tag data. In embodiments of the present invention, the tag reader includes a tag reader controller for toggling the tag reader between the idle mode and the active mode. In embodiments of the present invention, the tag reader is configured to periodically enter the active mode, for example, between about every 0.1 second and every 10 seconds. In embodiments of the present invention, the tag reader is associated with an output of the fuel dispenser, and the tag reader is configured to enter the active mode with the manipulation of the fuel distributor outlet. In embodiments of the present invention, the tag reader includes an autonomous power source. In embodiments of the present invention, the tag reader is configured to determine a capacity of the autonomous power source. In embodiments of the present invention, with the determination of a capacity below a predetermined minimum, the tag reader transmits a signal to the station relay unit indicating such a thing. In embodiments of the present invention, the autonomous power source is rechargeable. In embodiments of the present invention, the autonomous power source comprises a battery. In embodiments of the present invention, the tag reader is associated with a fuel dispenser. In embodiments of the present invention, the components of the tag reader are located near a fuel distribution nozzle of the fuel distributor. In embodiments of the present invention, the tag reader is configured to read the tag data when the fuel distribution nozzle engages a fuel inlet of the vehicle. In embodiments of the present invention, label reader is associated with an output of the fuel distributor and the system further comprises a fuel outlet sensor for detecting when the fuel distributor outlet couples a fuel inlet of the vehicle. In embodiments of the present invention, the tag reader includes an autonomous power source. In embodiments of the present invention, the autonomous energy source comprises a dynamo. In embodiments of the present invention the dynamo produces electric power from the fuel flow. In embodiments of the present invention the dynamo produces electrical energy from the movement of a fuel distribution nozzle. In embodiments of the present invention, the dynamo produces electrical energy from the movement of an activation device of the fuel distributor of a fuel distribution nozzle. Such power sources are taught, for example, in the co-pending PCT patent application of the Applicant, identified by proxy holder number 32619. In embodiments of the present invention, the system further comprises a portable identification tag associated with the vehicle, to store tag data associated with the vehicle. In embodiments of the present invention, the portable identification tag is read-only. In embodiments of the present invention, the portable identification tag is rewritable. In embodiments of the present invention, the portable identification tag is an active device configured to transmit the tag data. In embodiments of the present invention, the portable identification tag is a passive device (e.g., an RFID device) configured to allow reading of the tag data by the tag reader. In embodiments of the present invention, the portable identification tag is configured as a magnetic card. In embodiments of the present invention, the portable identification tag is configured as a smart card. In embodiments of the present invention, the portable identification tag is associated with a cellular telephone. In embodiments of the present invention, the second label reader is configured to read the label data of the portable identification label and transmit the label data to the station relay unit. In embodiments of the present invention, the second tag reader is further configured to receive an authorization signal and, upon receipt of the authorization signal, to authorize the purchase of goods and services. In embodiments of the present invention, the transmission by the second tag reader to the station relay unit is wireless. In embodiments of the present invention, the transmission by the second tag reader to the station relay unit is wired. In embodiments of the present invention, the system further comprises a relay to transmit communication between the tag reader and the station relay unit. In embodiments of the present invention, the system further comprises a relay to transmit communication between the data storage device and the station relay unit. In embodiments of the present invention, the station relay unit includes a computer. In embodiments of the present invention, the system further comprises a central control device in communication with the station relay unit, storage information associated with the vehicle, the central control device configured to receive and store the tag data and the data of the vehicle of the station relay unit, and based on the received tag data, the received vehicle data and the stored information, to optionally order the station relay unit to transmit the authorization signal. In embodiments of the present invention, the station relay unit is configured to transmit purchase data to the central control device and the central control device is configured to store the purchase data as part of the information associated with the vehicle. In embodiments of the present invention, the final purchase data includes data such as volume of fuel distributed, price of fuel, purchase price, date of distribution of fuel, time of distribution of fuel and purchased products other than fuel. In embodiments of the present invention, the central control device functions as a server for the system. In embodiments of the present invention, the information associated with the vehicle, stored in the central control device, includes at least one member of the group consisting of vehicle identity, required fuel details, means of payment, solvency level and other accounting information, identity of the data storage device, identity of the identification label, identity of a portable identification label, special conditions and warnings, historical use of the fuel and historical purchase patterns. In embodiments of the present invention, communication between the station relay unit and the central control device includes a TCP / IP connection. In embodiments of the present invention, the central control device is located at a remote location of the station relay unit. In embodiments of the present invention, the central control device is configured to determine a correspondence between the tag data and the vehicle data. In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a method for authorizing a purchase associated with a vehicle is also provided, comprising: a) associating a vehicle with a first identifier and a second identifier and storing the association with the first identifier and the second identifier in a record; b) when it is requested to authorize a purchase associated with the vehicle in a facility, acquire a first identifier and a second identifier of the vehicle; c) determining an association of the first identifier acquired with the second identifier acquired with reference to the registration by using a comparator; and d) if the first identifier acquired and the second identifier purchased are associated, authorize the purchase. In embodiments of the present invention, if the first identifier acquired and the second identifier purchased are not associated, the purchase is not authorized. In embodiments of the present invention, the second identifier is actively transmitted from the vehicle to the comparator. In embodiments of the present invention, the first identifier is stored in a passive device and read from the passive device by the use of a tag reader located in the facility, and transmitted subsequently to the comparator. In embodiments of the present invention, the components of the tag reader are associated with a fuel distribution nozzle and the reading of the first tag is during the refueling process of the vehicle. In embodiments of the present invention, the second identifier is actively transmitted from the vehicle, acquired by the tag reader, and transmitted subsequently to a comparator. In embodiments of the present invention, the method further comprises e) recording the driving behavior of a driver of the vehicle; f) store the recorded driving behavior; and g) base the authorization of the purchase also on the registered management information. In embodiments of the present invention, the recorded driving behavior includes at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of the location in which the vehicle was driven, a speed at which the vehicle was driven, vehicle acceleration, deceleration of the vehicle. vehicle, a turning speed, a fuel usage profile of the vehicle and a distance over which the vehicle was driven. In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, there is also provided a method for selling merchandise (i.e., products and services, including for example fuel) at a fuel distribution station, comprising: a) for each customer, i ) providing a first identification tag affixed to a vehicle; ii) provide a second identification tag; and iii) maintaining a register that associates the first identification tag, the second identification tag and a payment mechanism; and b) when a person wishes to purchase fuel for a vehicle, iv) determine the identity of a first identification tag affixed to the vehicle and a second tag presented by the person; v) when examining the registry, verify whether the first identification tag set and the second tag presented are associated; and vi) if the first identification label set and the second label presented are associated, authorize the purchase of the fuel by the person and charge in the payment mechanism. In the embodiments, c) a customer is provided with a third portable identification tag and a record is kept associating the third portable identification tag with the first identification tag set, the second identification tag and the payment mechanism; and d) when the person wishes to purchase merchandise other than fuel, vii) determine the identity of a third portable identification label presented by the person and a second label presented by the person; viii) when examining the registry, verify if the third portable label presented and the second label presented are associated; and ix) if the third label presents and the second label presented is associated, authorize the purchase of the merchandise by the person and charge in the payment mechanism. In the modalities, c) a customer is provided with a third portable identification tag and a record is kept associating the third portable identification tag with the first identification tag set, the second identification tag and the payment mechanism; and d) when the person wishes to purchase merchandise other than fuel, vii) determine the identity of a first identification tag affixed to a vehicle associated with the person, determine the identity of a third portable identification tag presented by the individual and a second identification tag presented by the person; viii) when examining the record, check whether the third portable identification tag presented, the first identification tag set and the second tag presented are associated; and ix) if the first identification label set, the third portable label presented and the second label presented are associated, authorize the purchase of the merchandise by the person and charge in the payment mechanism. In the embodiments, the first identification tags provided to the customers are fixed substantially irremovably to the vehicle, as taught, for example in the applicant's PCT patent application by the proxy holder's file number 32619. In modalities, the first identification tags provided to the customers are fixed near a fuel inlet (eg, a refueling port) of a vehicle and determining the identity of a first identification tag affixed, presented, comprises using a reader tag configured to determine the identity of a first identification tag affixed when a fuel distribution nozzle engages to distribute fuel through that fuel inlet of a vehicle. In the modalities, the components of the tag reader are associated in physical form with the fuel distribution nozzle. In the modalities, the first identification tags provided to the customers are passive devices, for example, RFID tags. In the embodiments, the second identification tags provided to the customers are configured to transmit data related to the use of a registered vehicle by means of a measuring device. In the embodiments, the second identification tags provided to the customers comprise a wireless transmitter. In the embodiments, determining the identity of a second presented identification tag occurs when the second identification tag is in the immediate vicinity of a vehicle. In the embodiments, the determination of the identity of a second identification tag presented occurs only when the vehicle is at the fuel distribution station. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The invention is described herein, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing. With specific reference now to the drawing in detail, it is emphasized that the details shown are by way of example and for illustrative discussion purposes of the preferred embodiments of the present invention only, and are presented to provide what is considered to be the most useful and easily understandable of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the invention, the description taken with the drawing makes apparent to those skilled in the art how they can be represented in practice the various forms of the invention. In the drawing: FIGURE 1 is a schematic representation of a top view of a service station equipped with a system of the present invention. The present invention is of a system and method for authorizing purchases associated with a vehicle. The principles, uses and implementations of the teachings of the present invention can be better understood with reference to the appended description and figures. With the consultation of the description and figure presented in this, someone skilled in the art can implement the teachings of the present invention without undue effort or experimentation. Before explaining in detail at least one embodiment of the invention, it will be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details set forth herein. The invention can be implemented with other modalities and can be practiced or carried out in various forms. It will also be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes and should not be considered as limiting. In general, the nomenclature used herein and the laboratory procedures used in the present invention include techniques from the fields of computer science, commerce, materials science and engineering. Such techniques are thoroughly explained in the literature. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention pertains. In addition, the descriptions, materials, methods and examples are illustrative only and are not intended to be limiting. Methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. All patent publications, patents and other references mentioned are incorporated in their entirety for reference as if they were fully set forth herein. In case of conflict, the terms will be understood as used in the specification. As used herein, it should be assumed that the terms "comprising" and "including" or grammatical variants thereof specify established characteristics, integers, steps or components, but do not prevent the addition of one or more characteristics additional, whole numbers, components or groups thereof. These terms encompass the terms "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of". It should be assumed that the phrase "consisting essentially of" or grammatical variants thereof when used herein specifies the established characteristics, integers, steps or components, but does not prevent the addition of one or more additional features, integers, stages, components or groups thereof, but only if the additional features, integers, stages, components or groups thereof do not substantially alter the basic and novel characteristics of the composition, device or method claimed. The term "method" refers to the forms, means, techniques and procedures for accomplishing a given task, including, but not limited to, forms, means, techniques and procedures either known to, or easily developed from, forms, means, techniques and procedures known to practitioners of the relevant techniques. The implementation of the methods of the present invention involves performing or completing tasks selected manually, automatically or in combination thereof. Here, the term "passive device" refers to a device that stores data (either read only or rewritable) that does not have its own power source. The term encompasses such devices as bar codes. The term also encompasses data storage devices that receive an amount of energy from a reader by induction and then use the received energy to transmit the data, such as tags and RFID circuits. Here, the term "active device" refers to a device associated with a power source that stores data (either read-only or rewritable), where the device is configured to transmit the data by using power from of the associated energy source. In the present, the term "fuel distributor" refers to a device that distributes fuel, for example to a vehicle, and usually includes a pump, at least one hose and at least one fuel distribution nozzle with a fuel distribution actuator, such as a trigger. The method of the present invention for the authorization of purchases associated with a vehicle can be applied with a variety of devices and systems. Preferably, the method of the present invention is applied by the use of a system of the present invention. For ease of explanation, one embodiment of the method of the present invention will be described herein with reference to one embodiment of the system of the present invention, shown schematically in Figure 1. A top view of a service station 10 provided with a system of the present invention is represented schematically in Figure 1, in which various components are not represented to scale. The service station 10 includes a building 12 of the station that sells non-fuel products from a store 14. The service station 10 also includes a refueling dock 16 with three fuel distribution locations 18a, 18b and 18c (fuel distributors) and a distributor 20 of products other than fuel. The service station 10 is in communication (e.g., combination of wired and wireless communication of the prior art such as telephone, Internet, cable, fiber optic and / or microwave communication) with a remote billing service organization 22. Two vehicles 24a and 24b are located on the refueling dock 16 near the fuel distributors 18a and 18b, respectively, with the fuel distribution nozzles 26a and 26b, respectively, at the respective fuel inputs. A person 28a, associated with the vehicle 24a, is observed in the building 12 of the station buying articles in the store 14. A person 28b, associated with the vehicle 24b, is observed near the distributor 20 of products other than fuel , buying items from it. In general, a person associated with a vehicle 24 buys fuel or other products or services. The system of the present invention collects data from a vehicle 24 and transmits the data to a central control device 46 located in the remote billing service organization 22 through a station relay unit 40 found in the building 12 of the station. The central control device 46 compares the received data with stored information related to the vehicle. If the results of the comparison are positive, that is to say that the data collected from the vehicle 24 corresponds to the stored information, the central control device 46 issues an authorization signal to the station relay unit 40 that allows the purchase. In general, billing and payment are performed automatically by the central control device 46 in a manner known in the art. In general, the components of a system of the present invention are of two types: associated components of the vehicle and associated components of the service station. Both the vehicle 24a and the vehicle 24b are provided with associated vehicle components of a system of the present invention: an identification tag 30, a storage device 32 and a portable identification tag 29. An identification tag 30 of a system of the present invention is associated with a vehicle 24 and stores tag data associated with that vehicle, such as vehicle identification, vehicle user identification number, serial identification number, customer identification number, payment information, credit account information and fuel details required for the vehicle. In general, an identification tag 30 is affixed to a respective vehicle 24, for example, on the windscreen, ejector tube or instrument panel. Preferably, an identification tag 30 is fixed near a fuel inlet of a vehicle 24, as shown in the art. An identification tag 30 is affixed to a vehicle 24 by the use of any suitable method, for example, by friction or the use of clamps, screws or adhesives. In embodiments of the present invention, an identification tag of a system of the present invention is activated, i.e., configured to transmit (preferably wirelessly) stored tag data. In embodiments of the present invention, as depicted in Figure 1, the identification tag 30a associated with the vehicle 24a is a passive identification tag, ie, it does not transmit tag data, but is configured to allow another device Read the tag data stored in it. For example, in the embodiments, the passive identification tag 30a is an RFID device configured to be read by an external tag reader. A suitable RFID device includes an integrated circuit, for example a Picopass memory chip from Inside Contactless (Aix en Provence, France) or an EM4094 integrated circuit from EM Microelectronic (Marin, Switzerland).
The identification tag 30a is mounted near the fuel inlet of the vehicle 24a, below the fuel inlet cover, with adhesive. To prevent theft and illegitimate use, the identification tag 30a is configured to be erased, such that the stored tag data is substantially erased with the separation of the vehicle identification tag 30a 24a. A data storage device 32 of a system of the present invention is associated with a vehicle 24 and is configured to receive and store vehicle data associated with the operation of that vehicle and preferably with the operation of the vehicle driver 24. With for this purpose, the data storage device 32 is provided with a memory (for example, flash memory of M-Systems Ltd., Kfar Saba, Israel). A data storage device 32 of a system of the present invention is further configured to transmit (preferably wirelessly) the vehicle data, as well as a substantially unique data storage device identifier. As discussed below, the transmission of vehicle data is to a station relay unit 40, either directly or through a relay, such as a tag reader (34, 36 or 38) or through a relay. 42. To this end, the data storage device 32 is provided with a transmitter or a transceiver, for example, operating with the ISM band (433 MHz). In the embodiments, the data storage device 32 includes a transceiver and transmits upon receipt of instructions from the station relay unit 40. In the embodiments, the data storage device 32 is tightly attached to or includes an identification tag 30. In the embodiments, the data storage device 32 is attached to the vehicle 24 at a remote location of the identification tag 30, for example, it is attached below the hood of the vehicle 24. As discussed below, a device 32 of Data storage provides additional security to prevent theft and abuse of a system of the present invention and also allows the monitoring of the driver's behavior. The data storage device 32 is configured to record and store vehicle information 24, from detection and measurement instruments installed in the vehicle 24, or from detection and measurement instruments installed in or associated with the storage device 32 of data. In the embodiments, a vehicle 24 is provided with an odometer that provides vehicle data related to the distance traveled by a vehicle 24 to the data storage device 32. Such an odometer can be the odometer with which each standard vehicle 24 is equipped, which transfers the data to the data storage device 32, for example, through a standard connector for data transfer, such as a CAN bus, or a dedicated odometer specially configured to provide the data to the data storage device 32. In the embodiments, the vehicle 24 and / or data storage device 32 is provided with a position determining device for providing vehicle data related to the position of the vehicle 24 to the data storage device 32. A suitable position determining device includes, for example, a GPS receiver or a device that is configured to determine the position of the vehicle from a local position network, such as based on cell phone technology. In the embodiments, the vehicle 24 and / or data storage device 32 is provided with an accelerometer to provide vehicle data related to the acceleration and deceleration speed of the vehicle 24 to the data storage device 32. Acceleration and deceleration speeds provide an understanding of the behavior and ability of the driver operating the vehicle 24.
In the embodiments, the vehicle 24 and / or data storage device 32 is provided with a tachometer to provide vehicle data related to the vehicle speed 24 to the data storage device 32. The speed with which a vehicle is driven provides an understanding of the behavior and ability of the driver operating the vehicle 24. In the modes, the vehicle 24 and / or data storage device 32 is provided with a gravitational force meter for providing vehicle data related to the vehicle turning speed of the vehicle 24 to the data storage device 32. The vehicle turning speed provides an understanding of the behavior and ability of the driver operating the vehicle 24. In the modes, the vehicle data is provided to and recorded by the data storage device 32 through some or all of the various instruments continuously. In the embodiments, the vehicle data is provided to and recorded by the data storage device 32 by some or all of the various instruments intermittently. In the embodiments, the vehicle data is provided to and recorded by the data storage device 32 by some or all of the various instruments only under certain conditions, for example, vehicle data indicative of dangerous driver behavior, such as excessive speed . In the embodiments, the data storage device 32 is attached in physical form, for example by cables, to some or all of the instruments. In such embodiments, the data storage device 32 records examples in which a cable or the like is disconnected, recording alteration events or technical problems. In the embodiments, the data storage device 32 is in wired communication with some or all of the instruments. In such embodiments, the data storage device 32 records examples in which an instrument is not in communication with the data storage device 32 to record alteration events or technical problems. In the embodiments, a data storage device 32 is provided with a continuous timer and is configured to continuously or intermittently record the timer results to record alteration events or technical problems such as power failure. In the embodiments, the data storage device 32 is provided with a stand-alone power source, for example, a battery or other autonomous power source. In the modes, the data storage device 32 receives power from the vehicle 24. In the modes, the data storage device 32 is provided with an autonomous power source that can be recharged, for example, by receiving energy from the vehicle 24. or of an associated solar energy cell. In the embodiments, the data storage device 32 is completely autonomous, that is, it is substantially a closed unit that includes a stand-alone power source and that includes autonomous detection and measurement instruments and contents preferably internally. Since such embodiments do not depend on any physical connection for ordinary operation, such modes can be mounted anywhere on the vehicle 24, for example in the passenger compartment or attached to the windscreen. In the embodiments, the data storage device 32 is deactivated by and / or records tampering attempts. In embodiments, a system of the present invention further comprises a portable identification tag 29 associated with a vehicle 24 for storing tag data associated with the vehicle 24. The tag data stored on a portable tag 29 is substantially similar or identical to the tag data stored in an associated identification tag 30. The portable identification tag 29 allows a secure and authorized purchase associated with a vehicle of goods and services other than fuel away from a fuel distributor 18, but within the limits of a service station 10, for example, in a store 14 or a distributor 20 of products other than fuel. As detailed in the above, the use of a portable identification tag 29 allows the purchase of goods and services during the time in which the vehicle 24 is refueling. As is apparent from the term, the portable identification tag 29 is portable and can be transported from the vehicle with which it is associated. In the embodiments, the portable identification tags 29 of the present invention are implemented as magnetic cards, smart cards or RFID devices, transported, for example in a wallet or purse or on a key ring. In Figure 1, a person 28a associated with the vehicle 24a holds a portable identification tag 29a while a person 28b associated with the vehicle 24b holds a portable identification tag 29b. In Figure 1, the service station 10 is provided with a number of components associated with the service station of a system of the present invention: tag readers 34 associated with fuel distribution nozzles 26 of fuel distributors 18; a secondary label reader 36 associated with the distributor 20 of non-fuel products, a secondary label reader 38 associated with the store 14, relay 42 and station relay unit 40. In general, any of the tag readers 34, 36 or 38 are configured to read tag data from an identification tag 29 or 30 and to transmit the tag data read to the station relay unit 40, as it is discussed in the following. Specifically, tag readers 34 are configured to read tag data from an identification tag 30 for the purpose of facilitating the purchase of fuel from a fuel distributor 18, while tag readers 36 and 38 are configured to read tag data from a portable identification tag 29 for the purpose of facilitating the purchase of goods and services from store 14 or distributor 20 of non-fuel products. In the embodiments, a tag reader is configured to read tag data from a short distance, i.e. a distance of no more than about 50 cm, no more than about 20 cm, no more than about 10 cm, no more than about 5 cm and even no more than about 1 cm. In the embodiments, a tag reader 34, 36 or 38 is configured to transmit read tag data to the station relay unit 40 in a non-wireless manner, i.e., through a physical connection such as a cable or the like. In the embodiments, a tag reader 34, 36 or 38 comprises a wireless transmitter for wirelessly transmitting tag data read to the station relay unit 40. In the embodiments, a tag reader comprises a wireless transceiver that allows bidirectional communication with the station relay unit 40. In the embodiments, a reader 36, 38 and especially tag 34 comprises a wireless transceiver which allows the tag reader 34 to act as a relay to receive vehicle data transmitted from the data storage device 32 and to retransmit the data from the data storage device 32. vehicle to unit 40 of station relay. Preferably, a wireless tag reader 34, 36 or 38 is configured to transmit the tag data read (or to retransmit received vehicle data) throughout the service station 10, typically up to about 150 meters. Suitable transceivers for use in implementing a tag reader of the present invention include NanoNET TRX transceivers from Nanotron Technologies (Berlin, Germany) or IA4421 from Integration Associates (Mountain View, California). In the embodiments, a tag reader 34, 36 or 38 is further configured to transmit a uniquely unique tag reader identifier to the station relay unit 40. In the modes, a tag reader has at least two modes: a first inactive mode to reduce the energy used and a second active mode in which the tag reader is operated to read the tag data and also to transmit the data of labels read to the station relay unit. In the embodiments, a tag reader includes a tag reader controller (not shown) to toggle the tag reader between the idle mode and the active mode. Suitable controllers include an H8 / 38076R from Renesas Technology Corporation (Tokyo, Japan). In the modalities, a given label reader enters periodically into an active mode, for example, between approximately every 0.1 seconds and every 10 seconds, or between every 0.5 seconds and every 5 seconds. In the modes in which the tag reader is associated with a fuel dispenser outlet, the tag reader is configured to enter the active mode with the manipulation of the fuel dispenser outlet, for example, when the dispensing nozzle of fuel is removed from a respective support. In the modalities, a label reader includes an autonomous power source. In the modalities, the autonomous power source comprises a battery. In the embodiments, a tag reader is configured to determine the remaining capacity of a stand-alone power source and, after determining that the remaining capacity is below a predetermined minimum, the tag reader transmits a signal to the tag unit. station relay that indicates such thing. In this way, a worker at the service station has enough time to replace the spent energy sources. In embodiments, a stand-alone power source can be recharged from a tag reader, for example by the use of an induction current or by an associated solar cell. As noted in the foregoing, the tag reader 34 is configured to read tag data from an identification tag 30 for the purpose of facilitating the purchase of fuel from a fuel distributor 18. In general, the tag reader 34 is associated with the fuel distributor 18. In the embodiments, the components of the label reader 34 are located near the fuel distribution nozzle 26 of the fuel distributor 18 which allows the label reader 34 to be easily configured to read the label data of the identification tag 30. positioned near a fuel inlet of the vehicle 24 when the fuel distribution nozzle 26 engages the fuel inlet. In the embodiments, the tag reader 34 is provided with a fuel inlet sensor (not shown) for detecting when the nozzle 26 of the fuel distributor engages a fuel inlet of the vehicle 24. In general, the tag reader 34 is a device that is attached to and usually fits a nozzle 26 of the fuel distributor. As a result, the label reader 34 is preferably small to avoid interference with the operation of the nozzle 26 of the fuel distributor. In addition, a tag reader 34 is typically configured so that wireless communication avoids the need for cables that are difficult to install, may interfere with the operation of the fuel distributor nozzle 26, and may represent a security risk. In the embodiments, a tag reader 34 includes a stand-alone power source (not shown). In the modalities, the autonomous power source comprises a battery. In the embodiments, a stand-alone source 34 of a label reader can be recharged, for example by the use of an induction current or by an associated solar energy cell. In embodiments, the autonomous power source of the tag reader 34 comprises a dynamo (not shown), either to recharge a battery or to power the tag reader 34. In embodiments, the dynamo is configured to produce electrical energy by the fuel flow, as is known in the art. In embodiments, the dynamo is configured to produce electric power by moving the fuel distribution nozzle 26, for example, shaking and movement when the fuel distribution nozzle 26 is removed from a respective support and engages a fuel input of the vehicle 24. In the embodiments, the dynamo is configured to produce electrical energy by moving a device (not shown) for activating the fuel distributor of a fuel distribution nozzle 26, for example, the traction of the fuel. trigger of a standard fuel distribution nozzle. In the embodiments, an authorization signal received to allow the distribution of fuel is transmitted to the fuel distributor 18 directly as is known in the art. In the embodiments, the tag reader 34 is configured to activate a fuel flow from the fuel distributor 18 and an authorization signal allowing the distribution of fuel, it is received by the label reader 34 and, upon receipt of the authorization signal, activates the fuel flow of the fuel distributor 18. As noted above, secondary tag readers 36 and 38 are configured to read tag data from a portable tag 29 for the purpose of facilitating the purchase of goods and services from a distributor 20 of products other than the tag. of fuel and store 14, respectively. In the embodiments, a tag reader 36 or 38 is configured to read tag data from an identification tag 29 and to transmit the tag data to the station relay unit 40. In the embodiments, a secondary label reader 36 or 38 is configured to receive an authorization signal and, upon receipt of the authorization signal, to authorize the purchase of goods and services. In general, secondary tag readers 36 and 38 are devices with configuration limitations that are more forgiving than those of tag readers 34. Specifically, as discussed in the foregoing, the tag readers 34 are preferably adapted to a fuel distribution nozzle so they are relatively small, relatively independent for power and preferably include a wireless transceiver while the fact that the Secondary label readers 36 and 38 are usually associated with a stationary, large electronic device, such as a cash register means there are fewer design or configuration limitations. A secondary label reader 38, as represented in Figure 1 which is located within the building 12 of the station, is optionally configured for wireless communication, but in the modes it is configured for wire communication. In addition, a secondary label reader 38, as shown in Figure 1, which is located inside the building 12 of the station, optionally comprises an autonomous power source, but in the modes receives energy from an external power source . A secondary label reader 36, as shown in Figure 1, associated with a distributor 20 of products other than fuel outside the building 12 of the station, is optionally configured for wireless communication, but in the modes it is configured for wire communication. Generally, wireless configuration is preferred since wires and cables can pose a security risk and are more difficult to adapt. For similar reasons, although a secondary label reader 36, as shown in Figure 1, associated with a distributor 20 of products other than fuel outside the building 12 of the station can be provided with an external energy source, it is preferred an autonomous energy source. For simplicity, for ease of installation and for reduced costs, it is preferred that all tag readers 34, 36 and 38 communicate wirelessly directly with the station relay unit 40. That said, in embodiments of the present invention, direct wireless communication is not convenient or is not possible, for example, due to the size of the service station 10, due to intermediate structures, such as reinforced concrete pillars, or to a desire to reduce the size or output power of a given tag reader 34, 36 or 38. In such embodiments, a system includes one or more relays 42 for transmitting communication between a tag reader and a station relay unit 40. For example, in Figure 1, the relay 42 transmits communication from the tag reader 34b to the station relay unit 40 and, if necessary, from the station relay unit 40 to the tag reader 34b. In the embodiments, a data storage device 32 is configured to communicate wirelessly directly with the station relay unit 40. In the modalities, a data storage device 32 is configured to communicate wirelessly with the station relay unit 40 via a tag reader 34, tag reader 34 which acts as a relay for communication from the storage device 32 data to the station relay unit 40 and, if necessary, from the station relay unit 40 to the data storage device 32. In embodiments, a system includes one or more relays 42 for transmitting communication between a data storage device 32 and a station relay unit 40. For example, in Figure 1, relay 42 transmits communication from data storage device 32b to station relay unit 40 and, if necessary, from station relay unit 40 to storage device 32b of data. A system of the present invention usually includes a station relay unit 40. A station relay unit 40 acts as an intermediary which receives transmissions of other components associated with the service station of the system of the present invention and which forwards the information required to receive an authorization signal from a central control device 46. A station relay unit 40 receives tag data read and transmitted by the tag readers 34, 36 and 38, directly or through a relay 42. A station relay unit 40 also receives data from the vehicle transmitted by the device 32. data storage, directly, through a tag reader 34, 36 or 38 or through a relay 42. A station relay unit 40 is also configured to receive an authorization signal from the central control device 46 and then for forwarding the authorization signal to an appropriate component of the system of the present invention. As seen in the above, for the purchase of fuel, in the modes, an authorization signal is transmitted to an appropriate tag reader 34, configured to start the fuel flow, or directly to a fuel distributor 18. As seen in the above, for the purchase of goods and services other than fuel, in the modalities, an authorization signal is transmitted to a reader 36 or 38 of appropriate label. As discussed in the following, in the embodiments a station relay unit 40 is also configured to generate an authorization signal according to certain conditions. In the embodiments, after a purchase, the station relay unit 40 is configured to transmit final purchase data to the central control device 46 for storage by the central control device 46 as part of the stored information, associated with a vehicle 24 given. Typical final purchase data transmitted and stored includes data such as a volume of fuel distributed, a price of fuel, a purchase price, a date of distribution of fuel, a time of distribution of fuel and purchased products other than fuel. A further component of the embodiments of a system of the present invention is a central control device 46, typically a computer that also functions as a server for the system of the present invention. The central control device 46 is in communication with the station relay unit 40 and is configured to store information associated with vehicles associated with the system of the present invention. The information stored by the central control device 46 is usually found in a database and includes, for each vehicle associated with the system, vehicle identity, required fuel details, means of payment, credit rating and other information. accounting, identity of any associated data storage device 32, identity of any associated identification tag 30, identity of any associated portable identification tag 29, special conditions and warnings, historical use of the fuel, historical patterns of purchase and the like. The central control device 46 is also configured to receive data from the station relay unit 40, such as a list of vehicles present at the station 10, identification identity tag 30, portable identification tag identity 29 and / or identity of the data storage device 32 and, if the identities correspond, it issues an authorization signal to the station relay unit 40 or instructs the station relay unit 40 to issue an authorization signal. In the modalities, the central control device 46 is also configured to apply a "blacklist" policy that includes identifying suspicious or illegitimate purchases or handling behavior, maintaining a "black list" and applying decisions on which policy to follow to members of the "black list". In embodiments of the present invention, the central control device 46 is local, that is, it is physically located in the service station 10. In the embodiments, the central control device 46 and the station relay unit 40 are both substantially a single device that performs the functions of both components. In the modes, the central control device 46 is located at a remote location from the service station 10 and a plurality of other service stations. The communication between the service station 10 and the central control device 46 is any suitable wired or wireless communication. In the modalities, the communication is through a TCP / IP connection. Preferably, for ease of installation, communication is through existing communication lines such as telephone, cable or Internet. As is clear to someone skilled in the art from the description query herein, the wireless communication network that is part of a system of the present invention can be implemented through the use of many technologies and devices known in the art. the technique, including radio transmission and infrared communication. Such technology is the use of the Bluetooth protocol. The Bluetooth protocol has the advantage that it can be implemented with commercially available components. That said, Bluetooth devices may have insufficient scope to implement the teachings of the present invention and the limited size of an individual Bluetooth piconet may make the implementation of the present invention difficult. Although both issues about margin and piconet size are easily overcome, for example, by the use of relay nodes, the embodiments of the present invention preferably include custom-made networks of higher margins with many members, based on large features, for example, in Bluetooth communication protocols or cellular telephone network. The method of the present invention is a method for authorizing a purchase especially suitable for purchases associated with a vehicle, such as performed at a service station, which takes into account the particular characteristics of the service stations and the purchases made in the same. Such features include the need for authorization and payment that must be carried out as quickly and efficiently as possible to save time and ensure high performance, the need to prevent theft of authorization device components and misuse of the devices. and the need to allow the purchase of goods and services other than fuel with equal ease. In addition, the method of the present invention allows the acquisition of information related to driving behavior that is indicative of bad or dangerous driving and fuel theft., and formulate and implement policies to prevent misuse, such as suspecting or misdirecting the blacklist. In accordance with the present invention, a vehicle is associated with a first identifier and a second identifier. The association is stored in a registry. When a request is made to authorize a purchase associated with the vehicle in a facility, such as a service station, a first identifier and a second identifier are acquired from the vehicle. The first identifier acquired and the second identifier acquired are then compared to the register to determine if they are associated. If the record indicates that the first identifier acquired and the second identifier purchased are associated, the purchase is authorized. If the record indicates that the first identifier purchased and the second identifier purchased are not associated, the purchase is not authorized. In the embodiments, the second identifier is actively transmitted from the vehicle to be acquired and sent to the comparator, for example a central control device 46 through a station relay unit 40, as described above. In the modalities, the first identifier is a passive identifier that is not transmitted, but that is acquired by reading it using a tag reader located in the installation, and transmitted subsequently to the comparator. In the embodiments, the second identifier is actively transmitted from the vehicle to be acquired by the tag reader and subsequently transmitted to a comparator together with the first identifier. In the modalities, the components of the tag reader are associated with a fuel distribution nozzle and the acquisition of the first identifier is achieved during a refueling process of the vehicle. In the embodiments, the second identifier is actively transmitted from the vehicle, acquired by the tag reader, and transmitted subsequently to the comparator. In the modalities, the driving behavior of the driver of the vehicle is recorded, for example, in the cases in which the vehicle was driven, the speed at which the vehicle was driven, the acceleration of the vehicle, the deceleration of the vehicle, the the vehicle's turning speed, the fuel usage profile of the vehicle and the distance over which the vehicle was driven, and is also partly stored and used to determine whether a purchase will be authorized. In a first embodiment of the method of the present invention, a data storage device 32a communicates directly with a station relay unit 40, as discussed with reference to a device of the present invention as a vehicle 24a enters the vehicle. a service station 10. A person 28a places the fuel distribution nozzle 26a inside the fuel inlet port of the vehicle 24a, pulls the trigger of the fuel distribution nozzle 26a and walks to the store 14 in the building 12 of the station. When the fuel distribution nozzle 26a couples the fuel inlet port, the tag reader 34a enters the active mode which reads the tag data from the identification tag 30a. The label reader 34a transmits a tag reader identification number and tag data of the identification tag 30a to the station relay unit 40. The station relay unit 40 transmits a search to the data storage device 32a. The data storage device 32a responds by sending a storage device identifier of stored data and data of the vehicle to the station relay unit 40. The station relay unit 40 stores a data storage device identifier in a list of data storage devices 32 currently in the service unit 10. In the modalities, the central control device 46 stores a data storage device identifier in a list of data storage devices 32 currently in the service station 10.
The station relay unit 40 transmits tag data of the identification tag 30a, the list of data storage devices 32 currently in the service station 10 which include the device identifier 32a of data storage and vehicle data received to the central control device 46. The central control device 46 stores received vehicle data in a field associated with the data storage device identifier 32a and verifies whether both the data storage device 32a and the label data of the identification tag 30a are registered as being associated with the same vehicle, and if the vehicle is authorized to receive fuel. If authorized, the central control device 46 commands the station relay unit 40 to issue an authorization signal. The station relay unit 40 receives the instruction and transmits an authorization signal to the fuel distributor 18a providing fuel to the vehicle 24a. When the fuel distribution is complete, the amount of fuel provided to the vehicle 24a, a price of the fuel distributed and a purchase price through the station relay unit 40 are transmitted to the central control device 46 for storage. During the previous process, the person 28a enters the building 12 of the station and requests to purchase items in store 14 through a process that includes presenting the portable identification tag 29a to be read by a secondary tag reader 38. The secondary label reader 38 reads the label data from the portable identification tag 29a and transmits the read tag data to the station relay unit 40. Since the data storage device 32a is already registered with the station relay unit 40, the station relay unit 40 transmits tag data of the portable identification tag 29a read by the secondary tag reader 38 and the identifier of data storage device 32a to central control device 46. The central control device 46 checks whether both the data storage device 32a and the label data of the portable identification tag 29a are registered as being associated with the same vehicle, and whether the vehicle is authorized to receive from the store 14 the goods and services requested. If authorized, the central control device 46 instructs the station relay unit 40 to issue an authorization signal to the store 14 and / or secondary label reader 38. When the requested acquisition of goods and services is complete, the price of the goods and services and a purchase price in the store 14 are transmitted through the station relay unit 40 to the central control device 46 for storage. In a second embodiment of the method of the present invention, a data storage device 32b communicates with a station relay unit 40 through a tag reader 34b, as discussed with reference to a device of the present invention, as a vehicle 24b enters a service station 10. A person 28b places the fuel distribution nozzle 26b into the fuel inlet port of the vehicle 24b, pulls the trigger of the fuel distribution nozzle 26b and walks to the distributor 20 of products other than the fuel in the dock 16 The reader 34b is configured to enter an active mode every 5 seconds and to search for a nearby identification tag 30. As a result, within five seconds that the fuel distribution nozzle 26b couples the fuel inlet port, the tag reader 34b enters the active mode that reads the tag data from the identification tag 30b. By reading the label data of the identification tag 30b, the tag reader 34b sends a search to the data storage device 32b, which responds by sending an identifier to the tag reader 34b. The tag reader 34b transmits a tag reader identification number, tag data of the tag 30b of identification and the identifier of the data storage device 32a to the station relay unit 40 through the relay 42. The unit The station relay transmits tag data from the identification tag 30b and the data storage device identifier 32b to the central control device 46. The central control device 46 checks whether both the data storage device 32b and the label data of the identification tag 30b are registered as being associated with the same vehicle, and whether the vehicle is authorized to receive fuel. If authorized, the central control device 46 commands the station relay unit 40 to issue an authorization signal and request vehicle data from the data storage device 32b. The station relay unit 40 receives the instruction and transmits an authorization signal to the fuel distributor 18b which supplies fuel to the vehicle 24b. The station relay unit 40 also transmits a request to the tag reader 34b to request stored vehicle data from the data storage device 32b. The tag reader 34b instructs the data storage device 32b to transmit stored vehicle data. As the data storage device 32b transmits the stored vehicle data, the tag reader 34b receives and transmits the vehicle data to the station relay unit 40 through the relay 42. The station relay unit 40 it receives the vehicle data from the data storage device 32b and transmits the data to the central control device 46, which stores the received vehicle data in a field associated with the data storage device identifier 32b. When the fuel distribution is complete, the amount of the fuel provided to the vehicle 24b is received, a price of the distributed fuel and a purchase price are received by the station relay unit 40 of the fuel distributor 18b and are transmitted by the unit 40 from station relay to central control device 46 for storage. During the above process, the person 28b approaches the distributor 20 of products other than fuel and selects therefrom goods and services for his purchase by a process that includes presenting the portable identification tag 29b to be read by a reader 36 of secondary label The secondary tag reader 36 reads the tag data from the portable identification tag 29b and transmits the tag data read to the station relay unit 40 through the relay 42. Since the data storage device 32b is already registered with the station relay unit 40, the station relay unit 40 transmits label data of the portable identification tag 29b read by the secondary label reader 36 and the data storage device identifier 32b to the device 46 of central control. The central control device 46 checks whether both the data storage device 32b and the label data of the portable identification tag 29b are registered as being associated with the same vehicle, and whether the vehicle is authorized to receive from the distributor 20b. of products other than fuel the goods and services requested. If authorized, the central control device 46 instructs the station relay unit 40 to issue an authorization signal to the distributor 20 of products other than fuel and / or secondary label reader 36. When the acquisition of goods and services from the distributor 20 of products other than fuel is complete, the price of the goods and services and a purchase price in the distributor 20 of products other than fuel are received by the station relay unit 40 of the distributor 20 of products other than fuel and are transmitted by the unit 40 of station relay to central control device 46 for storage. In the embodiments of the present invention discussed in the foregoing, if the central control device 46 does not match a data storage device identifier 32 with label data of an identification tag 30 or 29, the central control device 46 it simply does not order that an authorization signal be issued. In the embodiments of the present invention, it is assumed that a correspondence failure indicates theft or other misconduct and an alarm is sounded. In the embodiments of the present invention discussed in the foregoing, the central control device 46 commands that an authorization signal be issued when a data storage device identifier 32 corresponds to tag data of an identification tag 30 or 29. In the embodiments of the present invention, an authorization signal is issued that is dependent on the driving behavior that is revealed by analyzing the vehicle data recorded by the data storage device 32. Before the authorization signal is issued, the vehicle data is analyzed for evidence of measurement anomalies, alteration with the measurement (for example, suspicious spaces in recorded data), speeding, driving in prohibited areas, acceleration or indication of bad or dangerous driving, use of fuel indicative of theft or misuse and the like. In the embodiment described above, a data storage device 32 in a service station 10 transmits a data storage device identifier that is received and stored in a list of data storage devices 32 currently in the station 10. of service. When it is desired to authorize a purchase or activate a fuel distributor 18, an identification tag 29 or 30 is read and the list of data storage devices 32 is queried at the service station 10 to identify whether a storage device 32 data associated with the identification tag 29 or 30 read is located in the service station 10. In one embodiment, a data storage device 32 in a service station 10 transmits a data storage device identifier, as well as an identity of one or more identification tags 29 and 30 associated therewith, all this is stored in a list of data storage devices 10 currently in station 10. When it is desired to authorize a purchase or activate a fuel distributor 18, the stored identities of associated identification tags 29 and 30 are used as an index to simplify the query to identify whether a data storage device 32 with the identification tag 29 or 30 read is located in the service station 10. The embodiments of the present invention are additionally configured for off-line operation. Such modalities are useful, for example, when for technical reasons there are difficulties in communicating with a central control device 46 whereby an authorization signal must be generated locally by the station relay unit 40 in order not to disappoint customers, but at the same time not to facilitate fuel theft when technical difficulties occur. In the embodiments, a data storage device 32 and / or an identification tag 29 or 30 store data used by the station relay unit 40 to generate an authorization signal locally in an off-line situation. For example, in the modalities, the data storage device 32 stores payment information, credit account information, credit level information, off-line solvency level information and / or fuel supply policies, which, depending on the the mode is used together or separated by the station relay unit 40 to generate an authorization signal. For example, in the modalities the storage tag 29 or 30 stores payment information, credit account information, credit level information, off-line solvency level information and / or fuel supply policies, which, depending on the mode, it is used together or separated by the station relay unit 40 to generate an authorization signal. To increase security in off-line situations, in the modes a data storage device 32 stores and transmits an identity of one or more identification tags 29 and 30 associated with it and / or an identification tag 29 and 30 stored a measurement identifier of a data storage device 32 associated therewith. In an off-line situation, the station relay unit 40 locally determines an association between a data storage device 32 and an identification tag 20 or 30 to generate an authorization signal.
In the modes, the central control device 46 periodically transmits an updated "blacklist" to the station relay unit 40. Such a "black list" is continuously updated and includes a list of data storage devices 32 and identification labels 29 and 30 to which it is desired to limit the quantity of purchases or to prohibit purchases. If the station relay unit 40 is forced to operate off-line, any request for authorization is verified with reference to the most recent "blacklist". In the embodiments, the teachings of the present invention are used to implement a method for selling merchandise (i.e., products and services, including fuel) in a fuel distribution station. To this end, each of a group (or all) of customers is provided with a first identification tag affixed to a vehicle (such as an identification tag 30, as described above) and a second identification tag. (such as a data storage device 32, as described above). A record is kept associating the first identification tag, the second identification tag and a payment mechanism, for example in a central control device 46. A person (e.g. 28b) who wants to buy fuel for a vehicle (e.g. 24b) has a first tag (e.g. 30b) affixed to the vehicle and a second tag (e.g. 32b), where the display means that the tag (30b) or 32b) is placed to be read by a properly configured tag reader. The identity of the first tag presented and the second tag presented is determined and the records are examined. If the first label presented and the second label presented are recorded as being associated, the purchase is authorized and the price of the fuel is charged from the payment mechanism. In this way the possibility of fuel theft is reduced, for example that may result from the theft of one or both of the labels. In the embodiments, some or all of the customers are provided with a third portable identification tag (such as a tag 29 described above) and a record is kept that associates the third portable tag with the first and second tags of the tag. identification, as well as a customer payment mechanism. A person (for example 28a) who wants to buy merchandise other than fuel, has a second label (for example 32a) and a third label (for example 29a) portable. The identity of the second presented label and the third portable label presented is determined and the records are examined. If the second label presented and the third portable label presented are recorded as being associated, the purchase is authorized and the price of the fuel is charged from the payment mechanism. In the embodiments, the authorization of purchases made with a third portable label presented also requires the identification of a first label (for example 30a) affixed to a vehicle and the determination that the first label presented, the second label presented and the third tag presented are associated. In the embodiments, the determination of the identity of a second identification tag presented occurs only when the second identification tag is in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle. In the embodiments, the determination of the identity of the second identification tag presented occurs only when the vehicle is in the station (for example 10) of fuel distribution. The implementation of such modalities includes, for example, the proper placement of the reader of the second identification tag. Such modalities are exceptionally important for purchases of products other than gasoline, in which the authorization is based on determining the association of a third portable identification label and a second identification that is not necessarily fixed to a vehicle. One skilled in the art recognizes that the embodiments of the present invention have many advantages over methods known in the art. For example, in service stations, the establishment of a communication link is usually initiated by the service station that is periodically broadcast (eg once every second) to all unlinked transceivers associated with the clients. All transceivers not linked in the margin respond and the process of establishing a link with each transceiver begins. In other cases, the establishment of a communication link is initiated by a transceiver associated with a client that is not linked to a service station. Each unlinked transceiver is periodically broadcast to a service station. If a service station responds, the link establishment process begins. As is known to one skilled in the art, one problem with such methods is that resources are wasted in establishing unnecessary communication links. These methods do not have procedures to identify which transceivers are not interested in establishing a link and which transceivers are only coincidentally in the margin, for example driving over there or on a nearby road or stationed at the service station for some reason. In contrast, the embodiments of the present invention are more efficient in the use of resources, where a link establishment procedure between a service station and a non-linked transceiver (eg, a data storage device of the present invention) is initiated. ) by the service station only after the service station knows the identity of the unlinked transceiver and knows that the transceiver is interested in such a link, for example by reading an identification tag or a portable identification tag of the present invention . It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which, for clarity, are described - in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. On the other hand, various features of the invention, which, for brevity, are described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The methods and processes have been described herein as a series of steps in an order selected as the easiest to understand. It should be emphasized that such an order is not limiting, and any method or process can be performed in any reasonable order to achieve the desired result. Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is clear that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to encompass all alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein in their entirety for reference within the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated in the present for reference. In addition, the citation or identification of any reference in this application should not be construed as an admission that such a reference is available as a prior art to the present invention.