US20050261916A1 - Fuel dispensing system and method providing discounted prices to individually identified customers - Google Patents

Abstract

A system and method for providing a price-per-unit (PPU) discount on fuel to a customer who purchases at least one cross-marketed product or service. A first PPU discount is awarded to the customer based on a purchase by the customer of a first cross-marketed product or service. A customer identification is assigned to the customer, the first discount amount is stored in a discounts issued database that associates the first discount amount with the customer identification. Additional PPU discounts may be added to the first discount if the customer purchases additional cross-marketed products or services. When the customer inputs the customer identification in a subsequent transaction, the PPU discount is retrieved from the database, and is used to reduce the PPU of the fuel.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
• This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/542,178, filed Apr. 4, 2000, which was a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/255,472, filed Feb. 23, 1999, which was a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/026/634, filed Feb. 20, 1998, which claimed the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/039,007, which was filed Feb. 25, 1997, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
• This invention relates to retail fuel dispensers and more particularly, to a system utilized in conjunction with a fuel dispenser that will allow consumers to purchase fuel using monies owed to the consumer due to past purchases.
• Typically, a cash back machine can be used to return unused monies to a consumer that uses a bill accepting device or magnetic card reader to pay for fuel. However, cash back machines are costly. Furthermore, using cash back machines to return unused monies to consumers do not increase consumer loyalty.
• The present invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the limitations of systems for purchasing fuel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
• According to one aspect of the present invention, a system for dispensing fuel is provided that includes a nozzle for dispensing the fuel, a controller in communication with the nozzle for selectively causing the nozzle to dispense the fuel, a reader connected to the controller for reading data provided by a user and transferring the data to the controller, and a database for storing a record corresponding to the data that includes a monetary value. During operation, upon receipt of the data, the controller accesses the record and causes the nozzle to dispense the fuel.
• According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer implemented method for permitting a user to purchase fuel from a fuel dispenser is provided that includes receiving payment from the user, and if the payment received from the user exceeds a purchase price of the fuel, then providing the user with change in the form of a cash equivalent.
• According to another aspect of the present invention, a computer program stored in a memory device for permitting a user to purchase fuel from a fuel dispenser is provided that includes instructions for receiving payment from the user, if the payment received from the user exceeds a purchase price of the fuel, then providing the user with change in the form of a cash equivalent.
• According to another aspect of the present invention, a database stored in a memory device for use in a fuel dispensing system for permitting users to purchase fuel is provided that includes one or more records having corresponding index values, and corresponding monetary values.
• According to another aspect of the present invention, a receipt for use in a system for permitting users to purchase fuel from a fuel dispenser is provided that includes a substrate, and indicia coupled to the substrate representative of monies owed to the users.
• The present embodiments of the invention provide a system for dispensing fuel in which users may be provided change in the form of a cash equivalent. The cash equivalent may then be used by the user to purchase fuel using the system. The system further creates a database that include a plurality of records having corresponding index and monetary values. The cash equivalents may then be provided in the form of a bar coded or magnetic representation of the corresponding records. In this manner, the present embodiments of the invention provide a cost efficient and commercially valuable system for enhancing the profitability of fuel dispensing systems by improving customer loyalty.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a diagram of an embodiment of a fuel dispenser system.
• FIG. 2 is a diagram of a bar code wand used in the fuel dispenser system ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 3 is a diagram of a card reader device used in the fuel dispenser system ofFIG. 1.
• FIGS. 4aand4bare diagrams of another card reader device used in the fuel dispenser system ofFIG. 1.
• FIG. 5 is a diagram of another embodiment of a fuel dispenser system.
• FIG. 6 is an illustration of a receipt used in the fuel dispenser system ofFIG. 5.
• FIG. 7 is an diagram of a kiosk used with a conventional fuel dispenser system for implementing features of the present invention.
• FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the components that can be utilized to implement the present embodiments which integrates a customer reward system with an fuel dispenser having a dynamically adjustable price.
• FIG. 9 is an example of a record that could be used to track customer eligibility for fuel discount rewards in accordance with the present embodiments.
• FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the process implemented by the present embodiments to encourage customer loyalty by providing discounter fuel based on predefined purchase criteria.
• FIG. 11 is a diagram of an another embodiment of a fuel dispenser system.
• FIG. 12ais a flowchart of the process implemented by the present embodiments to permit a consumer to receive change in the form of a cash equivalent.
• FIG. 12bis a diagram of an excess money database including records representative of change provided to consumers in the form of a cash equivalent.
• FIG. 12cis a diagram of a receipt provided to a consumer that provides change in the form of a cash equivalent.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• InFIG. 1, thereference numeral10 designates a fuel dispenser system embodying features of one embodiment of the present invention. Thefuel dispenser system10 includes afuel dispenser12, which contains many elements of a conventional fuel dispenser such as afuel nozzle14 connected to a fuel supply (not shown). Thedispenser12 has afront side16 and aback side18. In the following description, only thefront side16 will be discussed for ease of description. However, the features described herein may also be applied on theback side18, thereby allowing the dispenser to be operated by two customers at the same time.
• Thefront side16 houses a conventional graphics displays20a,20band areader device22 embodying features of the present invention. The graphics displays20a,20beach include a large, conventional, LCD panel for showing text and numerals, such as aprice24 that corresponds to an amount of fuel dispensed, or other customer-related messages. Thereader device22 includes magnetic strip reading circuitry connected to acontroller26 through acable28 such as an RS232 serial data bus. For the sake of example, thecontroller26 controls thereader device22 as well as other functions of thedispenser12, such as a controller that includes a Customer Activated Terminal (“CAT”) computer produced by the Wayne Division of Dresser Industries. Both thecontroller26 and thecable28 are conventional devices housed inside thedispenser12. It is understood that thereader device22 andcontroller26 continue to provide conventional magnetic strip reading functions in addition to the functions and features herein described.
• Thecontroller26 is also connected to acomputing center30 through abus32. In one embodiment, thecomputing center30 is remotely located inside a store (not shown) or at an unattended site where it may be readily accessed. Thecomputing center30 includes a point-of-sale (“POS”)controller34. ThePOS controller34 includes many features of a conventional electronic cash register, such as akeyboard36, adisplay38, adatabase40, acash drawer42, and an internalcard reader device44, for use by an operator in charge of overseeing and maintaining thedispenser system10. It is understood that thedatabase40 may be remote, and is shown with thePOS34 for ease of description. Also, thePOS controller34 may be in communication with other systems or devices, such as acarwash facility46.
• Thedatabase40 contains a collection of records pertaining to its customers. For example, the store may be a member-oriented retail outlet, and a record for each customer indicates that the customer is a member and a “level” of benefits or privileges that the customer may receive. One level may indicate a first discount to the customer of the goods he purchases while another level may indicate a second discount. ThePOS controller34 can thereby receive information from thecontroller26, access thedatabase40, and return control codes which indicate, for example, membership status, level of benefits, or an “OK” signal to allow fuel dispensing.
• Referring toFIG. 2, thecontroller26 is also connected to one end of abar code detector60 with asecond cable62. Thebar code detector60 is a standard, decoded-type hand-held stationary beam bar code reader such as the Welsh Allyn model Scanteam ST6180 reader. Thebar code detector60 also includes, at the end opposite thesecond cable62, a photo detector64 and a light source66. The photo detector64 may be a photo cell, photo diode or photo transistor, while the light source66 may be a light emitting diode.
• Referring toFIG. 3, thereader device22 is surrounded by ahousing68 and ahole70 is established on aside face71 of the housing near afront face72. Thehole70 extends to aslot74 used for receiving cards such as debit/credit cards, but is separated from the slot by a small plastic or glass window (not shown). As a result, thehole70 does not interfere with any pre-existing circuitry of thereader device22. Thehole70 is also of sufficient size for viewing one bit of bar coded data at a time. Thebar code detector60 is inserted into thereader device22 through thehole70 so that the end with thecable62 hangs out of the hole. In this way, the photo detector64 is installed behind the small window and may access cards slid into and out-of theslot74.
• In operation, thereader device22 receives a bar codedcard80. As the bar codedcard80 is slid into theslot74, light from the light source66 reflects off the bar codedcard80 so that the photo detector64 can sequentially read bits of optical (bar coded)data82 stored on the card. Thebar code detector60 interprets the bar codeddata82 and coverts it into ASCII data, which it transmits to thecontroller26,FIG. 1, through thecable62. Firmware in thecontroller26 detects the presence of the ASCII data and processes it into electronic data, a method similar to that used to process magnetic strip cards. Thecontroller26 then transmits the electronic data to thePOS controller34 through thebus32. ThePOS controller34 uses the electronic data in order to secure payment in accordance with the data, such as by forwarding the electronic data to a credit card processing network (not shown) for authorization and/or charging the sale to an account associated with the electronic data. ThePOS controller34 then returns one or more control codes that direct thecontroller26 to allow fuel to dispense and potentially, to indicate any discounts to be provided.
• In another embodiment,FIGS. 1 and 2, the bar codeddata82 is processed by thePOS controller34 and a local billing file is established for billing the customer later. It is also possible for thePOS controller34 to have a local negative file of all invalid account numbers or a local positive file of all valid card numbers. In such cases the electronic data could be kept and billed locally, or forwarded in “batches” to another computer on-site or off-site for billing. The electronic data provided by thebar code detector60 can also be differentiated from electronic data conventionally read from a magnetic strip card by thereader22. This differentiation may, for example, be used for frequent shopper tracking and awards, or for providing a price discount, described in greater detail below.
• Referring toFIGS. 4aand4b, in another embodiment, areader device90 is used in place of the reader device22 (FIG. 3). Instead of having theroundish hole70 for the wand of thebar code detector60, thereader device90 includes a rectangular-shapedwindow92 for simultaneously viewing all of the bar coded data. Thewindow92 allows a scanningbar code reader94, such as Symbol model LS1220-1300A produced by Symbol Technologies, Inc., to read the bar codeddata82 on thecard80. The scanningbar code reader94 has many of the same components as thebar code detector60, but is advantageous because it moves its light source (not shown) in multiple directions, thereby increasing its ability to read bar coded data. Also, as is the case for thereader device22 ofFIG. 3, thereader device90 includes conventionalmagnetic strip circuitry95 and amagnetic strip reader96 to read conventional magnetic strip data.
• In operation, thereader device90 receives thecard80. Thecard80 has the bar codeddata82 and may also includemagnetic strip data104 stored thereon. Thereader device90 reads themagnetic strip data104 in a conventional manner with themagnetic strip reader96 and reports it to thecontroller26 through thecable28, as is done in the device22 (FIG. 3). To read the bar codeddata82, thecard80 is slid into aslot106 of thedevice90 until the bar codeddata82 is fully exposed in thewindow92. Light from the light source of the scanningbar code reader94 reflects off the bar codeddata82, thereby allowing the reader to read the data. The scanningbar code reader94 interprets the bar codeddata82 and coverts it into ASCII data, which it then transmits to thecontroller26 through thecable62. Firmware in thecontroller26 detects the presence of the ASCII data and processes it into electronic data, a method similar to that used to process magnetic strip cards and described with reference toFIG. 3, above. It is understood that different combinations of bar coded and magnetic strip data are expected, and thecard80 is meant to illustrate only some of the combinations. In typical operation, a successful product scan is acknowledged by an audiovisual signal by connection to thePOS controller26.
• A benefit of the modifiedreader devices22,90 is that their modification can be done very easily, while maintaining full functionality of the remaining components. Also, the modification can be sold as a kit to simply replace the previous, conventional magnetic-strip-only reader devices with theimproved devices22,90. Other modifications can easily be supported, such as using a single cable instead of twocables28,62, or sharing some or all of thecircuitry95 for use in bar coded and magnetic data interpretation.
• Referring toFIG. 5, thereference numeral110 refers to a fuel dispenser system embodying features of another embodiment of the present invention. Thefuel dispenser system110 contains afuel dispenser112 connected to thecomputing center30 and many components similar to those in the fuel dispenser system10 (FIG. 1), such components being similarly numbered.
• Afront side116 houses the conventional graphics displays20a,20band (optionally) a conventional magnetic-strip-only reader device118. Thefront side116 also houses a scanningbar code reader120. The magneticstrip reader device118 and scanningbar code reader120 are connected to thecontroller26 throughcables28,62 respectively. The scanningbar code reader120 is similar to the reader94 (FIGS. 4a,4b) in that it moves its light source (not shown) in multiple directions, thereby increasing its ability to read bar coded data. By being placed directly on thefront side116, the scanningbar code reader120 realizes several additional benefits discussed in greater detail, below.
• In operation, the bar codedcard80, discussed above, may simply be placed or waved in front of the scanningbar code reader120. At this time, light from the light source projected from the scanningbar code reader120 reflects off the bar codedcard80 so that a photo detector (also not shown) can read the bar codeddata82. The scanningbar code reader120 interprets the bar codeddata82 and converts it into ASCII data (or data in any other suitable format), which it transmits to thecontroller26 through thecable62. Firmware in thecontroller26 detects the presence of the data and processes it into electronic data, a method similar to that used with thebar code reader60 and described with reference toFIG. 3, above.
• Referring toFIG. 6, another benefit provided by the scanningbar code reader120 is that it can read bar coded data from items other than bar coded cards. Thereference numeral130 designates a paper receipt with bar codeddata132 printed thereon. Thereceipt130 may also be placed or waved in front of the scanningbar code reader120, as described above with reference toFIG. 5.
• Referring toFIG. 7, in another embodiment, a separate system, such as akiosk140, may be provided to interface with one or moreconventional fuel dispensers142. Thekiosk140 includes a scanningbar code reader144, adisplay screen146, and akeypad148. Thekiosk140 is in communication with thecomputing center30, discussed above, which in turn is in communication with thecontroller26 of theconventional dispenser142. By using thekiosk140, the features of the present invention may be achieved without physically modifying thefuel dispenser system142.
• Listed below are several examples of how the fuel dispenser systems described above may be used. It is understood that the functionality described below is interchangeable with the different systems, and is not meant to be an exhaustive list.
EXAMPLE AFIGS.5-6
• 1. A customer enters a store and purchases, among other things, $10 worth of gasoline.
• 2. The store gives the customer a receipt (similar to the receipt130) which includes a description of the purchases and bar coded data (similar to bar coded data132) indicating the prepaid $10 amount.
• 3. The customer places the receipt in front of the scanningbar code reader120 and then operates thefuel dispenser110 to dispense $10 worth of gas.
EXAMPLE BFIGS.5-6
• 1. A customer enters a store and purchases several items.
• 2. The store, which has a reward program that gives free gasoline, gives the customer a receipt (similar to the receipt130) having bar coded data (similar to bar coded data132) indicating a free $1 worth of gasoline.
• 3. The customer collects four more receipts over several visits to the store, each indicating a free $1 worth of gasoline.
• 4. The customer sequentially places the five receipts in front of the scanningbar code reader120, and then operates thefuel dispenser110 to dispense $5 worth of gas.
• 5. The customer also inserts a magnetic strip credit card into the magneticstrip reader device118 to allow an additional amount of gasoline to be dispensed. A charge for the additional amount is reported to a credit agency identified by the magnetic strip credit card.
EXAMPLE CFIG.7
• 1. A customer obtains a bar coded card (similar to the card80) indicating a “member” status (e.g., the customer is eligible for certain benefits).
• 2. The customer places the card near the scanningbar code reader144 of thekiosk140. The card identifies an account and an appropriate benefit (e.g., a 10¢ per gallon discount).
• 3. The customer enters on the keypad148 a number identifying thefuel dispenser142.
• 4. The customer operates thefuel dispenser142 to dispense gasoline and the account is credited for the purchase (adjusted by the 10¢ per gallon discount).
EXAMPLE DFIGS.1-3
• 1. A customer obtains a bar coded card (similar to the card80) which identifies a first account for a store and a conventional magnetic strip credit card which identifies a second account with a bank.
• 2. The customer approaches thefuel dispenser12 associated with the store and places the bar coded card into thereader22.
• 3. The customer then places the magnetic strip credit card into thereader22.
• 4. The customer operates thefuel dispenser12 to dispense gasoline and the second account is credited for the purchase.
• 5. The store records a data record in the first account of the customer's fuel purchase.
• 6. Steps2-5, above, are repeated four more times.
• 7. Thefuel dispenser12 displays on thescreen20ba message:

  BECAUSE YOU HAVE PURCHASED FUEL HERE
  FIVE TIMES IN THE LAST THIRTY DAYS, YOU
  MAY HAVE A COMPLIMENTARY CAR WASH

  
  and provides the customer with a predetermined number.
• 8. The customer drives to thenearby carwash facility46 and enters the predetermined number on an attached keypad (not shown).
• 9. Thecarwash facility46 interprets the predetermined number to identify that the customer has a complimentary carwash and performs the carwash service.
• It should be noted that thecarwash facility46 described in Example D above may also have a bar code reader connected to thecomputing center30. In this way, thecarwash facility46 may provide similar functions as those described above with thereader22. Also, thecarwash facility46 andfuel dispenser12 may be in communication so that instead of providing a predetermined number, a record associated with the bar coded card is stored indicating the complimentary carwash.
• Referring toFIG. 8, a block diagram of the components included in a preferred embodiment are shown and will now be described. A market point of sale (POS)terminal200 is shown that may be located in a retail store, or the like. For example a Wal-Mart st is one type of retail outlet that may include aPOS200 in accordance with the present invention.Reference numeral201 represents an item to be purchased by a customer in the retailstore including POS200. It is the usual case that each item will include stock keeping unit (SKU) number, as well as a Universal Purchase Code (UPC) that is provided as an opticallyscannable bar code202. When purchasing theitem201, a customer will present the item atPOS200 where it will be scanned in or otherwise entered.
• A serverdata processing system204 is shown and coupled withPOS200.Server204 may be a commercially available workstation computer from one of the various computer manufacturers, such as Compaq Computer, IBM Corporation, Hewlett Packard, or the like. Adatabase206 is linked toserver204 and includesmultiple records208 that correspond to customers purchasing items throughPOS200. It should be noted thatmany POS terminals200 are contemplated as being connected toserver204 and may be distributed remotely across more than one store.Server204 will include software that manages the transactions occurring onPOS200, as well as therecords208 indatabase206. In a preferred embodiment,database206 may be magnetic storage media, optical storage or the like.
• Upon completion of a purchase transaction atPOS200, the customer (if eligible) will be provided with a mechanism210 that will allow discounted fuel to be purchased atpump112. That is a receipt, such asreceipt130 having abar code132 thereon may be provided to the customer. Additionally, a card with a magnetic stripe may be updated byPOS200 with information authorizing a fuel discount. Further, an identification code may be provided to the customer which can then be entered on a keypad included in the pump input/output I/O device212. It will be understood that I/O device212 may also include amagnetic card reader118,bar code reader120, or the like. Pump112 also includescontroller26 that is electrically coupled toserver204 andprinter214.Controller26 includes a microcontroller that processes and controls the various activity atpump112. Peripheral interface board (PIB)216 or other device is included in a preferred embodiment to provide an interface betweenserver204 andcontroller26.PIB216 allows the control signal output byserver204 to be interpreted bycontroller26. That is,PIB216 receives the control signal fromserver204 with the authorization code and the unit price discount offered to the customer.Interface board216 will then issue an command tocontroller26 to map the discount amount to each of the fueling point product select positions, i.e. regular, premium, etc. In one example, the discount value range may be encoded as an eight bit value to give 256 different discount amounts. In this manner, theserver204 will be able to authorize a price discount,PIB216 will then issue a command compatible withcontroller26 to causepump112 to dispense fuel at the discounted unit price.
• It should be noted that while a single retail store and corresponding fuel dispensing facility have been shown inFIG. 8 and described above, the present invention contemplates the situation where an entire chain of stores or related stores may be interconnected such that any one of their POS terminals can be connected to a server through a network. Further, numerous fuel stations can also be coupled to a server to allow discounted fuel in response to customer purchases at one of the associated stores. For example, Wal-Mart and Starbucks may form an alliance such that purchases from one or the other (or both) stores can cause fuel discounts to be made available. A POS terminal in either store can be coupled to a server that maintains customer records. Also, fuel companies can also form alliances such that Texaco and Mobil can have their pump controllers connected to the same server. In this manner a customer may be entitled to fuel at a reduced unit cost based on purchases made at any Wal-Mart or Starbucks store nationwide, and be able to redeem that discount at any Texaco or Mobil station independent of geographic location. Further, it can be seen that with the Internet it is possible to connect virtually any retailer wishing to offer discounted fuel based on predefined purchase criteria with virtually any fuel station without geographic boundary. Discounts may also be offered for purchase of items other than fuel, such as in the case of aPOS30, discussed above, located at a convenience store or other retailer.
• FIG. 9 is a more detailed view of the fields that may be included inrecord208 corresponding to a particular customer, e.g. A. Smith. As shown infield300 ofFIG. 9, the customer name is provided along with an identification number. For new customers, or when the system of the present invention is first installed, a record will be created when the first item is purchased atPOS200.
• The date of purchase when at least one item was purchased atPOS200 of an associated retailer is provided infield302. The dollar value of the purchases is listed infield304. Retailers may often designate various items to trigger discounts related to competing or related items. The quantity of these designated, or trigger items, that were purchased on each date (if any) are provided infield306. As an example of a trigger item, a certain brand of baby formula may be purchased which will cause a coupon to be generated for a competing baby formula. Also, complementary items may be used as trigger items. That is, the purchase of cereal may trigger a coupon for a discount on milk.
• Field308 is the total quantity of items purchased by a certain customer on a specific date. This field, along withfield304 can be used as a criteria for determining customer loyalty.Field310 will include data representing the availability of a fuel discount. The record will be updated infield312 when a discount is actually used by a customer and the discount amount is provided infield314.Fields316,318 and320 provide totals for the dollar value fields304, designated items purchased306 andtotal quantity308, respectively.
• As an example, when A. Smith purchases $20 of merchandise on Jan. 5, 1999,record208 is created byserver204 and stored indatabase206. At that time three (3) designated items were purchased out of a total quantity of five (5) items. These purchases did not meet the established criteria that would cause a discount on fuel to be made available.
• Then, on Jan. 17, 1999, A. Smith purchased five designated items, 10 total items for $15.00. This purchase will cause the total designated item purchase by this customer to exceed five and cause a fuel discount to be offered. Thus,field310 will indicate that a fuel discount was offered to A. Smith on Jan. 17, 1999. The discount amount is noted as $0.10 per gallon infield314. As noted above, the mechanism by which the discount is offered may be a receipt with a bar code, updated magnetic card, alphanumeric authorization code, or the like.
• Further,record208 shows that this customer took advantage of the discount and used it to purchase fuel on Jan. 20, 1999. It will be understood that this data can then be analyzed to determine the success of the discount program. That is, the predefined purchase criteria can be adjusted as needed to provide the discount for different items, different quantities of the items or a different discount amount.
• Returning to the current example, A. Smith returns to the associated store and purchases additional items on Jan. 28, 1999, totaling $45.00. However, at this time A. Smith has not reached the next purchasing criteria threshold that will cause discounted fuel to be offered.
• On Feb. 4, 1999, A. Smith once again purchases items from this, or another participating store. This purchase causes the total purchases to exceed $100.00. Also, A. Smith purchased three total items that caused the total quantity of merchandise purchased at this store to be greater than 20 items. In this example, exceeding both of these criteria will trigger a fuel discount. That is, purchasing greater than 20 items within a month will cause a $0.10 fuel discount to be offered and exceeding $100.00 in total purchase price will cause a $0.15 fuel discount. Those skilled in the art will understand that the fuel discount system of the present invention can be designed to offer the highest discount of the two, e.g. $0.15 per gallon, the lowest discount $0.10, an average of the two, or add the discounts and offer a $0.25 per gallon discount to the customer. In any event, it can be seen that information provided in arecord208 can be used to monitor a customers status relative to being offered discounted fuel and to determine when such offer is to be made to the customer.
• Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that many other types of data may be used in addition to, or instead of the various information discussed as an example with regard toFIG. 9. And, it should be understood that the scope of the present invention contemplates such additional information.
• FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the process implemented by the present embodiments to cause fuel discounts to be made available to eligible customers.
• Atstep400 the process is started and the customer purchases items atstep401 where the identification code for the purchased items is entered atPOS200. The customer identity is also entered by using a member club card, personal identification number (PIN), or the like, such that an associated record can be created or updated. The data relating to the purchased items is then provided byPOS200 toserver204, atstep402.Server204 then analyzes the customer record (step403). That is,server204 will create a record for a new customer or maintain an existing record by updating it with current purchases for customers already having a record.
• At step404 a determination is made as to whether the current purchases will cause a fuel discount to be offered. As noted above this step may include determining if the customer has purchased certain designated items that will trigger a discount, whether a total dollar value spent exceeds a predefined threshold and/or if a total quantity of items exceeds a threshold.
• If atstep404 it is determined that the customer has not yet earned a fuel discount, then the method proceeds to step413 and ends. However, if atstep404 it is determined that a fuel discount is available, then atstep405 the server authorizes the discount and sends a signal to themarket POS termination200. Atstep406, a bar coded discount coupon, alphanumeric authorization code, updated magnetic card or other mechanism is provided to the customer. Atstep407,server204 sends an authorization signal toPIB216, which then provides corresponding commands tocontroller26 inpump112. The signal fromserver204 will include an authorization code and a discount amount. The customer then inputs the fuel discount authorization code fromPOS200 atpump112 instep408. More particularly, the customer may swipe a magnetic card, scan in a bar code from a receipt of key in an alphanumeric code at I/O212 ofpump112. After the customer authorization code is entered the process then compares (step408a) the authorization code fromserver204 with the code from the customer and if a match exists then proceeds to step409 and adjusts the price of the fuel to be dispensed for this transaction. However, if a match does not occur at step408a, then an error has occurred or an unauthorized customer is attempting to obtain discounted fuel. When no match occurs the process continues to step413 and ends without allowing discounted fuel to be dispensed. Of course, those skilled in the art will understand that it is possible to send a notification signal toserver204,gas station POS34 or another terminal when a match does not occur to indicate a potentially fraudulent user may be attempting to obtain discounted fuel.
• Atstep410,pump controller26 notifiesgas station POS34 of the adjusted fuel price such that the fuel sales records will be in order and to ensure that the customer is correctly charged the discounted fuel price. Next, atstep411pump controller26 notifiesserver204 of completion of the transaction for discounted fuel and readjusts the fuel price to its normal level by mapping the discount amount to zero.Server204 then updates thecustomer record208 indatabase206 to reflect that the discount was used. Subsequent to step412, the process of the present embodiment continues to step413 and ends.
• Of course, many other configurations are contemplated by the present embodiment. For example,gas station POS34 can also be a source of discounted gas. That is,POS34 may be in a convenience store that also desires to develop customer loyalty by providing fuel discounts. In this scenario, a customer may purchase a certain volume of gas or other items such as candy bars and coffee which triggers a discount in the price of fuel. Authorization can then be provided directly toPIB216 fromPOS34 to adjust the unit price of fuel dispensed frompump112. Additionally, the authorization could be sent toserver204 to update or createcustomer record208.
• Further, the purchase of fuel at full price could also be used to trigger discounts on items in the retailstore having POS200. For example, when a customer purchases fuel a signal can be sent fromcontroller26 toPIB216 toserver204 which then updates and analyzes the customer's record (or creates a record if none exists). If the customer has purchased fuel in excess of a predetermined value (dollar) or quantity (gallons) threshold, then a signal can be sent fromserver204 back tocontroller26 viaPIB216, to authorize a discount for this customer on merchandise to be purchased at a participating store. More particularly, a bar coded receipt can be printed byprinter214 that the customer can then take to the participating store and redeem for a discount on one or more items purchased asPOS200. When purchased a signal will be sent toserver204 and the customer record will be updated accordingly.
• Other arrangements are also contemplated to implement discounts at the fuel dispensing system or associated store. For example, the mechanism210 may not be needed if other means are provided to identify the customer at either themarket POS200 or thePOS30. In one example, a customer card or number used at themarket POS200 may similarly be used at thegas station POS30 such that the customer's discount can be automatically applied at thePOS30. Identification may also be accomplished by an initial registration procedure whereby a customer card/number may be matched with the credit or debit account of the customer that the customer utilizes to make purchases at thePOS30. In one example, transponder technology may be utilized at one or both of themarket POS200 orgas station POS30 to properly identify the customer. Furthermore, the barcode may have some form of embedded security identification information for authenticating the purchase. In other configurations, the peripheral interface board may not be required. Pertaining to the discounts, a variety of arrangements are contemplated. Some examples entail the funding of the discount or reward by third parties other than the supplier of petroleum. Other discounts are offered in the form of a club discount or volume discount. The controller utilized may be any type of hardware device with software programming to implement the intended functions.
• Referring toFIG. 11, thereference numeral510 refers to a fuel dispenser system embodying features of another embodiment of the present invention. Thefuel dispenser system510 includes afuel dispenser512 connected to thecomputing center30 and many components similar to those in thefuel dispenser systems10 and110 (FIGS. 1 and 5), such components being similarly numbered.
• Afront side514 of the fuel dispenser houses the conventional graphics displays,20aand20b, (optionally) the conventional magnetic-strip-only reader device118, and the scanningbar code reader120. Thefront side514 further houses a conventional currency accepting and change providingdevice516 operably coupled to theCAT26 by aconventional communications interface518. As will be recognized by persons having ordinary skill in the art, the currency accepting and change providingdevice516 permits a customer to purchase a product by inserting paper and/or coin currency into one or more openings in the device. Any change owed to the consumer is then provided by the currency accepting and change providingdevice516 in the form of paper and/or coin currency. The design and operation of currency accepting and change providingdevices516 is considered well known.
• In operation, a consumer may purchase fuel using currency, a magnetic strip credit or debit card, a bar coded card (similar to the bar coded card80), or a bar coded receipt (similar to the receipt130). Regardless of the mode of payment used by the consumer, the consumer can overpay for the dispensed fuel and request currency (or the functional equivalent) as change or request that the system credit their credit or debit card account. In particular, referring toFIGS. 12a-12c, thesystem510 may implement apurchase process600 in which the consumer may pay for the purchased fuel instep602. If the consumer overpays for the purchased fuel instep602, then the consumer may request that thesystem510 credit their credit/debit card account, provide change in the form of currency, or provide change in the form of a currency equivalent in the form of a bar coded receipt insteps604 and606. If the consumer requests change in the form of a currency equivalent instep606, then thesystem510 generates arecord710 in anexcess money database712 that includes arecord index714, themonetary value716 assigned to the record index, thedate718 the record was created, and apredetermined expiration date720 for the record instep608. Thesystem510 then prints out and provides the consumer with a bar codedreceipt722 that includes a bar codedrepresentation724 of therecord index714 instep610. The consumer may then use the bar codedreceipt722 to purchase fuel using thesystem510 prior to theexpiration date720 of thecorresponding record710. If the consumer does not request change in the form of a currency equivalent instep606, then thesystem510 provides change in the form of currency or credits the account of the corresponding credit or debit card instep612. In this manner, thesystem510 increases the number of purchases of fuel by the consumer since the cash equivalent must be used on a compatible system. As a result, consumer loyalty is enhanced thereby increasing profits for the operator of thefuel dispensing system510.
• More generally, the teachings of thesystem510 may be utilized in a general fashion in any retail or wholesale business in order to permit consumers to overpay for goods and services and receive cash-equivalents as change. The cash-equivalents may then be used by the consumers to purchase goods and services at retail and wholesale establishments having compatible purchasing systems.
• Furthermore, the cash-equivalent could be a bar coded receipt or a magnetic strip card that includes one or more index values714 encoded onto the magnetic strip. The index values714 encoded onto the magnetic strip can then be accessed in a random or sequential pattern to permit purchases of goods and services.
• The present embodiments of the invention provide a number of advantages. For example, the present embodiments provide a system for dispensing fuel in which users may be provided change in the form of a cash equivalent. The cash equivalent may then be used by the user to purchase fuel using the system. The system further creates a database that include a plurality of records having corresponding index and monetary values. The cash equivalents may then be provided in the form of a bar coded or magnetic representation of the corresponding records. In this manner, the present embodiments of the invention provide a cost efficient and commercially valuable system for enhancing the profitability of fuel dispensing systems by improving customer loyalty.
• Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, a wide range of modification, changes and substitution is contemplated in the foregoing disclosure. In some instances, some features of the present invention may be employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.

Claims (14)

1-25. (canceled)

26. A method by which a fuel retailer can maintain a posted street price for fuel while offering to identified customers, prices that are different from the posted street price, said method comprising the steps of:

posting the street price on a fuel dispenser;

inputting customer identification information through an input device;

associating with the customer identification information, a price-per-unit (PPU) difference from the posted street price of the fuel; and

applying the associated PPU difference to the posted street price to arrive at a discounted PPU for the customer.

27. The method ofclaim 26 wherein the step of inputting customer identification information includes inputting customer identification information through an input device selected from the group consisting of:

a magnetic card reader;

a bar code reader;

a personal identification number (PIN) entry pad; and

a radio frequency identification (RFID) device.

28. The method ofclaim 26 wherein the step of associating a PPU difference with the customer identification information includes associating a PPU difference earned through a customer loyalty program.

29. The method ofclaim 26 wherein the step of associating a PPU difference with the customer identification information includes associating a PPU difference earned through a membership in a particular organization.

30. The method ofclaim 26 wherein the step of associating the PPU difference with the customer identification information includes associating a unique PPU difference for each individual customer.

31-32. (canceled)

33. The method ofclaim 26 wherein the step of associating with the customer identification information, a price-per-unit (PPU) difference from the posted street price of the fuel includes associating a different PPU difference for each grade of fuel.

34. A system for maintaining a posted street price for fuel by a fuel retailer while offering to an identified customer, prices that are different from the posted street price, said system comprising:

a fuel dispenser having a display for posting the street price;

an input device for inputting customer identification information;

a database that stores a plurality of predetermined prices-per-unit (PPUs) for the fuel; and

a processor that associates with the customer identification information, one of the predetermined PPUs from the database, and applies the associated predetermined PPU to a fuel sales transaction with the customer.

35. The system ofclaim 34 wherein the processor also controls the display on the fuel dispenser to display a street price equal to the associated predetermined PPU during the fuel sales transaction with the customer.

36-39. (canceled)

40. A method of providing a discount on a desired product or service to a customer who purchases at least one cross-marketed product or service, said method comprising the steps of:

awarding a first discount amount on the desired product to the customer based on a purchase by the customer of a first cross-marketed product or service;

assigning a customer identification to the customer;

storing the first discount amount in a discounts issued database that associates the first discount amount with the customer identification;

inputting by the customer in a subsequent transaction, the customer identification;

retrieving the first discount amount from the discounts issued database; and

reducing the price of the desired product or service by the first discount amount.

41. (canceled)

42. The method of providing a discount on a desired product or service ofclaim 40 wherein the desired product or service is gasoline, and the first discount amount is a discount on the price-per-unit-volume of gasoline.

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