Abstract:
Methods and systems can automate the delivery of motor vehicle fuel while reducing the need for operator involvement and driving to a gas station. A server with access to a database and in wireless communication with computers installed in a motor vehicle can collect data from the computers including vehicle fuel level and vehicle geographic location. The data can be compared to the data to a fuel level threshold and geographic boundary. The data can be transmitted wirelessly through a wireless network to the database. A mobile fuel tanker truck can be dispatched to the vehicle&#39;s location when at least one of: fuel service is requested by a user of the vehicle or the vehicle&#39;s fuel level falls beneath the fuel level threshold. Fuel service can be requested by a user via a smartphone running an application that enables the monitoring, management, selection, and ordering of fuel service.

Description:
INVENTION PRIORITY 
       [0001]    The present invention claims priority as a continuation of Provisional Patent Application No. 61/896,273, entitled “Systems and Methods for Fueling Motor Vehicles,” which was filed on Oct. 28, 2013, and is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Embodiments of the present invention relate to fueling motor vehicles, specifically to improved systems and methods for ordering, managing, refueling vehicles when a quantity of fuel in a fuel tank has been consumed, and further, to a mobile logistics system for refueling private vehicles despite their location. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    The fueling of motor vehicles generally relies on the presence of stationary fueling sites (e.g., commercial gas stations, private fuel dispensing sites). These fueling sites typically receive and store large quantities of fuel in onsite underground tanks. Fuel is delivered to the tanks by means of established supply chains involving refineries, bulk supply terminals, and fuel tanker trucks. 
         [0004]    In a typical scenario, a motor vehicle in need of fuel must be transported to a stationary fueling site in order to refuel. The refueling process involves exiting the vehicle, processing a form of payment, and manually pumping fuel from an underground storage tank to the vehicle&#39;s fuel tank. 
         [0005]    The refueling process, moreover, is widely considered to be a disagreeable experience. It requires a vehicle operator to take time away from other activities, travel to a designated location, brave the elements, and handle frequently used equipment. Fueling stations are often dirty, tend to attract a disproportionate amount of crime, and can negatively impact the environment. Even in the commercial fleet context where private fueling sites are prevalent, the refueling process is problematic. Vehicle operators are usually “on the clock” during the refueling trip and fleet managers often experience problems of fuel theft by both employees and nonemployees. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION 
       [0006]    In response to these concerns, there is a need to transform the refueling process itself. Present solutions fail to address a central problem: the need to physically transport a motor vehicle to a stationary fueling site in order to refuel. There is thus a present need for an improved system and method for refueling motor vehicles without having to transport the vehicle to a fueling site. There is further a need for a system and method that addresses the other shortcomings of known systems, including:
       Eliminating the need for a vehicle operator to locate a stationary fueling site within an acceptable distance from a vehicle to be refueled.   Eliminating the need for the operator to locate a fueling site that is pricing fuel at an acceptable level.   Eliminating the need for the operator to take time away from other activities in order to transport the vehicle to and from the fueling site.   Eliminating the need for the operator to brave the elements and handle frequently used equipment.   Eliminating the need for the operator to expose himself or herself to a dangerous environment.   Eliminating the requirement for the operator to patronize a business that may negatively affect the environment.   Eliminating the need for a business owner to compensate an employee-operator during the refueling of a fleet vehicle.   Eliminating the need for a fleet manager to guard against theft and fraud associated with refueling.   Allowing for more flexible fuel pricing strategies (e.g., volume/time/location based pricing, spot-market and futures-market based pricing).   Allowing for fuel price hedging opportunities.       
 
         [0017]    A system in accordance with features of the present invention can take many forms. In one embodiment, a system can be provided for automating the delivery of motor vehicle fuel wherein the need for operator involvement is eliminated. Specifically, in one embodiment, a system can be provided for collecting a vehicle&#39;s fuel and location data, comparing the data to a fixed or variable geographic boundary, transmitting the data through a network to an Internet-connected database, and dispatching a mobile fuel tanker truck to the vehicle&#39;s location. 
         [0018]    In another aspect, this application can provide a system for placing one-off orders for the delivery of motor vehicle fuel. Specifically, one embodiment can utilize a telecommunication technology, such as a smartphone within and/or otherwise associated with a vehicle and a mobile software application installed on the smartphone. The application can preferably monitor the vehicle&#39;s location, alert the operator when the vehicle is within range of mobile fuel service, and provide the user with the ability to place a fuel order. 
         [0019]    Another feature of the present invention can provide a system for determining a vehicle&#39;s fuel level and transmitting the information, which can optionally be done via a short-range wireless connection, to a smartphone located in and/or near the vehicle. A mobile software application installed on the smartphone can enable the delivery of fuel by uploading the information along with location data to an Internet-connected database. 
         [0020]    Yet another feature of the present invention can provide a mobile mesh network. Specifically, there can be a system for transmitting and receiving information between multiple vehicles, stationary network nodes, and a network coordinator. 
         [0021]    In another aspect, the invention can provide a mobile geographic boundary. Specifically, there can be a system for varying a geographic boundary in connection with the location of a mobile fuel tanker truck; transmitting the changing boundary coordinates, and interacting with a vehicle or a vehicle operator based on proximity. 
         [0022]    In one feature, the present invention can relate to a system that allows for a more flexible approach to fuel pricing. In particular, the system can allow for continuous price adjustment based on situation-specific factors (e.g., volume) and real-time market factors (e.g., spot prices). 
         [0023]    In another feature of the present invention, fuel price hedging opportunities are provided. Specifically, systems and methods can allow for the purchase of fuel for future consumption, at present prices, using an online interface and a personalized fuel bank. 
         [0024]    A method in accordance with features of the present invention can incorporate some, or all, of the following steps:
       Determining a vehicle&#39;s fuel level;   Determining the vehicle&#39;s location;   Comparing the vehicle&#39;s location to a fixed or variable geographic boundary;   Transmitting the fuel level and location data to an Internet-connected database;   Analyzing the data in conjunction with other variables and generating instructions;   Transmitting the instructions to a mobile fuel tanker trunk;   Driving the fuel tanker trunk to the vehicle;   Unlocking and/or opening the vehicle&#39;s fuel door;   Dispensing a quantity of fuel in the vehicle&#39;s fuel tank; and   Relaying the quantity of fuel consumed back to the database for bill processing.       
 
         [0035]    Aspects, advantages and novel features, and further scope of applicability of the present invention will be set forth in part in the detailed description to follow, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following; or may be learned by practice of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE FIGURES 
         [0036]    The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. The drawings are only for the purpose of illustrating one or more preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. In the drawings: 
           [0037]      FIG. 1  illustrates a generalized system overview of features of the present invention; 
           [0038]      FIG. 2  illustrates a generalized partial flow chart of a feature of the present invention; 
           [0039]      FIG. 3  illustrates a generalized system overview of alternative features; 
           [0040]      FIG. 4  is a table which illustrates potential system combinations; 
           [0041]      FIG. 5  illustrates a generalized system overview of a mobile mesh network; 
           [0042]      FIG. 6  illustrates a generalized system overview of a mobile geographic boundary; 
           [0043]      FIG. 7  shows some potential inputs to a fuel pricing algorithm; and 
           [0044]      FIG. 8  shows a generalized fuel price hedging interface. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0045]      FIG. 1  shows a schematic drawing of system  2  for automating the delivery of motor vehicle fuel wherein the need for operator involvement is eliminated. Specifically, wireless appliance  3  including microcontroller  4 , GPS chipset  5 , radio frequency transceiver  6 , and serial connector  7  plugs into on-board diagnostics (“OBD-II”) port  9  of vehicle  8 . The OBD-II port  9  is a 16-pin serial interface on all light-duty vehicles manufactured after 1996 and a 6-pin serial interface on medium and heavy-duty vehicles. The port  9  is typically located underneath the steering column and provides access to the vehicle&#39;s engine control unit  10 , which monitors over one hundred vehicle parameters, including fuel level. Fuel level is typically communicated to the engine control unit  10  by means of an electric signal from the fuel level sensor (not shown). The fuel level sensor uses a variable resistor to change the voltage of the signal in response to the movement of a mechanical float located in the fuel tank. 
         [0046]    In one embodiment, wireless appliance  3  preferably solicits fuel level information from the vehicle&#39;s engine control unit  9  by determining the appropriate OBD-II communication protocol and broadcasting the appropriate parameter ID. The solicitation most preferably occurs periodically. When fuel level drops below an established threshold, GPS chipset  5  can activate and begin collecting radio frequency location data  11  from orbiting satellites  12  (in other embodiments, GPS chipset  5  continually records location data  11 ). 
         [0047]    Microcontroller  4  preferably compares the GPS data  11  to the coordinates of a fixed or variable geographic boundary  13  stored in memory. If the vehicle is within geographic boundary  13 , radio frequency transceiver  6  can begin transmitting real-time fuel level and location data  14  to nodes  15  and  16  in a mesh network (in other embodiments, transceiver  6  can broadcast data  14  more frequently or continuously). Nodes can be stationary transceivers positioned around geographic boundary  15  or mobile transceivers embedded in the wireless appliances of other vehicles participating in system  16 . Nodes  15  and  16  preferably backhaul data  14  to network coordinator  17  serving as gateway. Network coordinator  17  uploads data  14  to the Internet. The data is preferably stored in an Internet-connected database managed by a host computer  18 . Software running on the host computer  18  preferably causes the computer to analyze the data in conjunction with other variables  19  (e.g., retail/spot/futures market prices, system load, inventory level) and applies scheduling and pricing algorithms to generate instructions  20 . 
         [0048]    Instructions  20  can be transmitted to one or more mobile fuel tanker trucks  21  in communication with the host computer  18 . The instructions  20  may include, but are not limited to, driving directions, routing sequences, vehicle identity information, fuel grade information, and pricing information. An operator of tanker truck  21  preferably drives to the location of vehicle  8 , verifies the identity of vehicle  8 , and opens the fuel door and dispenses fuel into the fuel tank of vehicle  8 . Some vehicles have either electronic or mechanical fuel door locking mechanisms. In one embodiment, electronic mechanisms can optionally be unlocked by broadcasting the appropriate code from the wireless appliance  3  to the OBD-II system. Mechanical fuel doors can optionally be unlocked by means of a handheld apparatus inserted along the door&#39;s edge. After fuel is discharged, the quantity of fuel consumed is preferably recorded and relayed back to host computer  18  for bill processing. 
         [0049]    Communication between wireless appliance  3  and host computer  18  can also run in the opposite direction. Specifically, host computer  18  can optionally transmit data through the network and back to wireless appliance  3  for several purposes, including modifying the geographic boundary of the coordinates stored in memory, troubleshooting problems, and changing program settings (e.g., time delays and transmission schedules). 
         [0050]      FIG. 2  shows in more detail how fuel level and location data can optionally be processed. Specifically, the  FIG. 2  illustrates a flow chart of algorithm  30  used by the above-described system to solicit fuel level data and initiate location gathering and data transmission functions when appropriate. Steps  31  and  32  solicit vehicle fuel level information and compare the information to a pre-determined threshold. If fuel level is above the threshold, the solicitation reoccurs after a time delay. If fuel level is below the threshold, step  33  activates the GPS receiver and begins collecting location data. While it is also possible for the GPS receiver to continually collect location data, selectively activating the receiver in this way may help address end user privacy concerns. Steps  34  and  35  compare the GPS location data to the coordinates of a geographic boundary. If the vehicle is not within the boundary, the comparison reoccurs after a time delay. If the vehicle is within the boundary, step  36  broadcasts the fuel level and location data over a radio frequency. 
         [0051]      FIG. 3  shows a schematic drawing of a system  40  for placing one-off orders for the delivery of fuel. The system optionally relies on the presence of a smartphone.  41  within or near vehicle  42  and uses the smartphone&#39;s native hardware to receive and analyze GPS location data  43 . When a vehicle operator  44  drives within a fixed or variable geographic boundary  45 , a mobile software application (not shown) loaded in the operator&#39;s  44  smartphone  41  activates an alert message  46 . The alert message  46  prompts the operator  44  to visually check the vehicle&#39;s  42  fuel level  47 . If fuel level  47  is low, operator  44  can place a fuel order—optionally this can be set to occur when vehicle  42  is parked. When a fuel order is placed, smartphone&#39;s  41  cellular radio preferably transmits location data to an Internet-connected database managed by host computer  48 . As in the previous embodiment, software on host computer  48  accesses other variables  49 , then generates and transmits instructions  50  to mobile fuel tanker truck  51 . 
         [0052]    There are multiple alternatives to the system illustrated in  FIG. 3 . For example, a simpler version of the wireless appliance described above can include no GPS chipset and can replace the radio frequency transceiver with a Bluetooth radio. The appliance can optionally determine fuel level as described above, and then transmit the fuel level data via the Bluetooth radio to a smartphone located in and/or near a vehicle. A software application in the smartphone can automatically upload the fuel level data, along with location data derived from the smartphone&#39;s GPS chipset, to an Internet-connected database. The system can automate the delivery of fuel or require involvement from the vehicle operator. 
         [0053]      FIG. 4  shows a table  60  listing some method steps  61  along with potential system components  62  that can be used to accomplish steps  61 . The purpose of table  60  is to provide an overview of the various options available for piecing together a working system. 
         [0054]      FIG. 5  illustrates a schematic drawing of mesh network  70  in operation. Specifically, the drawing shows how mesh network  70  can be used to enlarge a fuel delivery service area without the need to install stationary network nodes  71  throughout the entire service area. Three zones are illustrated: a residential center  72 , an employment center  73 , and a retail center  74 . The residential center  72  and the employment center  73  are surrounded by stationary network nodes  71 , while the retail center  74  is not. Vehicle  75  is driving from the residential center  72  to the employment center  73 . Vehicle  76  is driving from the retail center  74  to the residential center  72 . Vehicle  77  is parked at the retail center  74  and is low on fuel. Vehicles  75 ,  76 ,  77  are all equipped with wireless appliances (not shown) as described above. 
         [0055]    In a traditional hub-and-spoke or star network topology, vehicle  77  would have to be within range of a network coordinator  78  in order to transmit fuel level and location data to a host computer  79 . Because the retail center is out of range of retail center  74 , vehicle  77  could not benefit from the fuel delivery system described above. However, by embedding mobile transceivers in the wireless appliances of vehicles participating in the system and by using a mesh network  70  topology, it is possible to gain awareness of the fuel level of vehicle  77  and its location data despite the fact that vehicle  77  is out of range. Specifically, the data of vehicle  77  preferably propagates through network  70  by means of other vehicles participating in the system. Data transmission can occur as follows: vehicle  77  to vehicle  76 , vehicle  76  to vehicle  75 , vehicle  75  to stationary network node  71 , stationary network node  71  to network coordinator  78 , network coordinator  78  to host computer  79 , host computer  79  to fuel tanker truck  80 . 
         [0056]    Using a mesh network  70  with mobile transceivers is advantageous for several reasons. First, the production cost of wireless appliances can be minimized (e.g., shorter-range radio frequency transceivers are much less expensive than cellular radios). Second; data transmission can occur across a wide geographic area without relying on access to expensive global system for mobile communications (“GSM”) networks and code division multiple access (“COMA”) networks (i.e., users will not have monthly data usage fees). Third, network deployment costs can be minimized by reducing the need for stationary network nodes. Fourth, network coverage reliability will continue to increase as more users participate in the system. 
         [0057]      FIG. 6  illustrates a schematic drawing of system  90  for varying geographic boundary  91  in connection with the location of mobile fuel tanker truck  92 . Specifically, mobile fuel tanker truck  92  uploads real-time location data  93  to an Internet-connected database managed by host computer  94 . Software running on the host computer  94  creates defined geographic boundary  91  around truck  92 . If boundary  91  is a circle, it may be defined by a latitude/longitude coordinate pair and a radius of a given distance. Host computer  94  transmits coordinates  95  of boundary  91  through network  96 . Depending on system architecture, boundary coordinates  95  may be transmitted to a wireless appliance (not shown) as described above and/or to a mobile application running on a user&#39;s smartphone (not shown). If the appliance or smartphone is within boundary  91 , system  90  can interact with a vehicle or vehicle operator in numerous ways, including: dispatching fuel service to a vehicle, generating an alert message on a smartphone, and sending an email to a registered user. 
         [0058]      FIG. 7  illustrates some potential inputs to fuel pricing algorithm  101 . Specifically, it illustrates situation-specific factors  102  and real-time market factors  103  that can be incorporated into the algorithm to generate a fuel price. Currently, in the context of stationary refueling sites, it is impractical to adjust fuel prices in real-time. With a fuel delivery system as described above, a host computer can make automatic and instantaneous price adjustments based on numerous factors. 
         [0059]      FIG. 8  illustrates a schematic drawing of a web-based or smartphone-based interface  111  for fuel price hedging. In rising fuel price environments, a typical vehicle operator is unable to stockpile large quantities of gasoline for future consumption. The systems and methods presented in this application allow for the purchase of a quantity of fuel, for future consumption, at present prices. Specifically, a vehicle operator can log into interface  111 , select fuel grade  112  and quantity  113 , and complete a fuel purchase at current market prices  114 . Fuel quantity  113  of purchased can be then added to an operator&#39;s individual fuel bank  115 . Future fuel deliveries to the vehicle operator will subtract from the fuel in the operator&#39;s fuel bank  115  and will be priced at the average price per gallon  116  of all fuel in the fuel bank  115 . When a host computer (not shown) receives a fuel bank purchase  117  from a vehicle operator, the computer can initiate a corresponding and instantaneous spot market purchase to “lock in” price and ensure availability. 
         [0060]    In one embodiment, the motorized vehicle does not include aircraft. In one embodiment, the motorized vehicle is a passenger vehicle. In one embodiment, the motorized vehicle is a fleet vehicle. In one embodiment, the motorized vehicle is a vehicle which is included within the Federal Highway Administration&#39;s thirteen-category classification scheme, including: motorcycles, passenger cars, pickups, panels, vans, buses, and two-to-six-axle trucks. In one embodiment, the motorized vehicle is not a land-based vehicle. In one embodiment, the motorized vehicle is a boat. In one embodiment, the vehicle is an aircraft. 
         [0061]    In one embodiment, the invention relates to a system for determining location information by sending request messages and receiving response messages. Specifically, any participant in the system (e.g., a land-based computer, cloud-based computer, wireless appliance, smartphone, fuel tanker truck appliance, or third party monitoring agent) can be configured to initiate communication with any other participant in the system in order to solicit location information. The request message can be sent at periodic intervals and the response message can optionally be programmed to include GPS coordinates. 
         [0062]    In another embodiment, a vehicle without a built-in wireless appliance can be located by tracking a vehicle operator&#39;s smartphone. Specifically, smartphone GPS coordinates can be periodically transmitted to a host computer in response to a communication received from therefrom, or as part of a smartphone-initiated transmission. Software installed on the host computer can cause the computer to use the coordinates to pinpoint the smartphone&#39;s location and analyze the change in coordinates over time to determine velocity. Significant changes in velocity can be analyzed to determine when the vehicle operator exits the vehicle (for example, the system can determine when a user is likely walking away from the vehicle because the cell phone that the user is carrying on his or her person is transmitting coordinates over time intervals that are consistent with a walking speed and not with a vehicle driving speed). Coordinates can then be “tracked back” from the continuing low-velocity path to the last known high-velocity location to identify where the vehicle is parked. 
         [0063]    In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an automated fuel delivery system. Determination and communication of a user&#39;s need for fuel and the user&#39;s vehicle location can be achieved automatically in numerous manners. The present invention thus relates to any and all manners of wirelessly transmitting a vehicle&#39;s fuel level and location information to an external computer for the purpose of determining the proximity of a mobile fuel tanker truck and dispatching the tanker truck to refuel the vehicle. 
         [0064]    In another embodiment, software running on a host computer can apply an algorithm to intelligently route a fuel tanker truck to a target vehicle&#39;s location. Specifically, the host computer can analyze the change in a target vehicle&#39;s location over time so as to determine whether the target is parked, moving, entering a service range, or exiting a service range. Multiple data points can be used to refine the algorithm, including historical travel patterns, time of day, average stationary time at known locations (e.g., shopping centers), combinations thereof, and the like. 
         [0065]    In one embodiment, the present invention can include the ability to unlock fuel doors on vehicles for purposes of adding fuel to the vehicle&#39;s fuel tank when the vehicle owner is not present to unlock or otherwise open the fuel door. In this embodiment, if a tanker truck operator arrives at an unmanned vehicle that has a locked fuel door, an electronic signal or handheld apparatus can be provided to unlock and/or open the fuel door. For vehicles which have electronic locking fuel door mechanisms, such doors can optionally be unlocked by broadcasting the appropriate code from the wireless appliance to the OBD-II system. For vehicles which have mechanical locking fuel doors, such doors can be unlocked by with a handheld apparatus inserted along the door&#39;s edge. 
         [0066]    Optionally, embodiments of the present invention can include a general or specific purpose computer or distributed system programmed with computer software implementing steps described above, which computer software may be in any appropriate computer language, including but not limited to C++, FORTRAN, BASIC, Java, assembly language, microcode, distributed programming languages, etc. The apparatus may also include a plurality of such computers/distributed systems (e.g., connected over the Internet and/or one or more intranets) in a variety of hardware implementations. For example, data processing can be performed by an appropriately programmed microprocessor, computing cloud, Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or the like, in conjunction with appropriate memory, network, and bus elements. One or more processors and/or microcontrollers can operate via instructions of the computer code and the software is preferably stored on one or more tangible non-transitive memory-storage devices. 
         [0067]    Although the invention has been described in detail with particular reference to these preferred embodiments, other embodiments can achieve the same results. Variations and modifications of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art and it is intended to cover all such modifications and equivalents. The entire disclosures of all references, applications, patents, and publications cited above and/or in the attachments, and of the corresponding application(s), are hereby incorporated by reference.