Patent Abstract:
A system and computer-implemented method of providing an incentive for a customer to purchase non-fuel products or services at a store that sells the products or services and fuel. The system detects that the customer purchased a number of non-fuel products or services in a first visit to the store, and provides the customer with a first reward entitling the customer to a first amount of free fuel. The system then detects that the customer purchased a number of non-fuel products or services in a second visit to the store, and provides the customer with a second reward entitling the customer to a second amount of free fuel. The customer is identified during a subsequent fueling transaction, and the system dispenses an amount of free fuel to the customer equal to the total of the first and second amounts of free fuel.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/679,860, filed Oct. 6, 2003, now abandoned which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/746,392, filed on Dec. 21, 2000 now abandoned, which was a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/542,178, filed Apr. 4, 2000, now abandoned, which was a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/255,472, filed Feb. 23, 1999, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,321,984, which was a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/026,634, filed Feb. 20, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,112,981, which claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/039,007, filed Feb. 25, 1997, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to automated retail systems and, more particularly, to a system and method for providing an incentive for a customer to purchase non-fuel products or services at a store that sells the products or services and fuel. 
     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 
     In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a computer-implemented method of providing an incentive for a customer to purchase non-fuel products or services at a store that sells the products or services and fuel. The method includes the steps of detecting that the customer purchased a number of non-fuel products or services in a first visit to the store; providing the customer with a first reward entitling the customer to a first amount of free fuel in exchange for purchasing the non-fuel products or services in the first visit; detecting that the customer purchased a number of non-fuel products or services in a second visit to the store; and providing the customer with a second reward entitling the customer to a second amount of free fuel in exchange for purchasing the non-fuel products or services in the second visit. The method also includes identifying the customer during a subsequent fueling transaction; and dispensing an amount of free fuel to the customer equal to the total of the first and second amounts of free fuel. 
     In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a system for providing an incentive for a customer to purchase non-fuel products or services at a store that sells the products or services and fuel. The system includes means for detecting that the customer purchased a number of non-fuel products or services in a first visit to the store, and that the customer purchased a number of non-fuel products or services in a second visit to the store; and means for providing the customer with a first reward entitling the customer to a first amount of free fuel in exchange for purchasing the non-fuel products or services in the first visit, and for providing the customer with a second reward entitling the customer to a second amount of free fuel in exchange for purchasing the non-fuel products or services in the second visit. The system also includes means for identifying the customer during a subsequent fueling transaction; and means for dispensing an amount of free fuel to the customer equal to the total of the first and second amounts of free fuel. 
     In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a computer-implemented method of providing an incentive for a customer to purchase non-fuel products or services at a retail store. The method includes the steps of detecting that the customer purchased a number of non-fuel products or services in a first visit to the store; providing the customer with a first reward entitling the customer to a first amount of free fuel in exchange for purchasing the non-fuel products or services in the first visit; detecting that the customer purchased a number of non-fuel products or services in a second visit to the store; and providing the customer with a second reward entitling the customer to a second amount of free fuel in exchange for purchasing the non-fuel products or services in the second visit. The method also includes identifying the customer during a subsequent fueling transaction at a fueling station having a cross-marketing agreement with the retail store; and dispensing by the fueling station, an amount of free fuel to the customer equal to the total of the first and second amounts of free fuel. 
     In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a computer-implemented method of providing an incentive for a customer to purchase non-fuel products or services at a plurality of retail stores. The method includes the steps of detecting that the customer purchased a number of non-fuel products or services in a visit to a first retail store; providing the customer with a first reward entitling the customer to a first amount of free fuel in exchange for purchasing the non-fuel products or services in the visit to the first retail store; detecting that the customer purchased a number of non-fuel products or services in a visit to a second retail store; and providing the customer with a second reward entitling the customer to a second amount of free fuel in exchange for purchasing the non-fuel products or services in the visit to the second retail store. The method also includes storing the first and second rewards in a rewards database; identifying the customer during a subsequent fueling transaction at a fueling station having a cross-marketing agreement with the first and second retail stores; retrieving the first and second rewards from the rewards database; and dispensing by the fueling station, an amount of free fuel to the customer equal to the total of the first and second amounts of free fuel. 
    
    
     
       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 of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a diagram of a card reader device used in the fuel dispenser system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b  are diagrams of another card reader device used in the fuel dispenser system of  FIG. 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 of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is a 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 another embodiment of a fuel dispenser system. 
         FIG. 12   a  is 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. 12   b  is a diagram of an excess money database including records representative of change provided to consumers in the form of a cash equivalent. 
         FIG. 12   c  is a diagram of a receipt provided to a consumer that provides change in the form of a cash equivalent. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In  FIG. 1 , the reference numeral  10  designates a fuel dispenser system embodying features of one embodiment of the present invention. The fuel dispenser system  10  includes a fuel dispenser  12 , which contains many elements of a conventional fuel dispenser such as a fuel nozzle  14  connected to a fuel supply (not shown). The dispenser  12  has a front side  16  and a back side  18 . In the following description, only the front side  16  will be discussed for ease of description. However, the features described herein may also be applied on the back side  18 , thereby allowing the dispenser to be operated by two customers at the same time. 
     The front side  16  houses conventional graphics displays  20   a ,  20   b  and a reader device  22  embodying features of the present invention. The graphics displays  20   a ,  20   b  each include a large, conventional, LCD panel for showing text and numerals, such as a price  24  that corresponds to an amount of fuel dispensed, or other customer-related messages. The reader device  22  includes magnetic strip reading circuitry connected to a controller  26  through a cable  28  such as an RS232 serial data bus. For the sake of example, the controller  26  controls the reader device  22  as well as other functions of the dispenser  12 , such as a controller that includes a Customer Activated Terminal (“CAT”) computer produced by the Wayne Division of Dresser Industries. Both the controller  26  and the cable  28  are conventional devices housed inside the dispenser  12 . It is understood that the reader device  22  and controller  26  continue to provide conventional magnetic strip reading functions in addition to the functions and features herein described. 
     The controller  26  is also connected to a computing center  30  through a bus  32 . In one embodiment, the computing center  30  is remotely located inside a store (not shown) or at an unattended site where it may be readily accessed. The computing center  30  includes a point-of-sale (“POS”) controller  34 . The POS controller  34  includes many features of a conventional electronic cash register, such as a keyboard  36 , a display  38 , a database  40 , a cash drawer  42 , and an internal card reader device  44 , for use by an operator in charge of overseeing and maintaining the dispenser system  10 . It is understood that the database  40  may be remote, and is shown with the POS  34  for ease of description. Also, the POS controller  34  may be in communication with other systems or devices, such as a carwash facility  46 . 
     The database  40  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. The POS controller  34  can thereby receive information from the controller  26 , access the database  40 , and return control codes which indicate, for example, membership status, level of benefits, or an “OK” signal to allow fuel dispensing. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , the controller  26  is also connected to one end of a bar code detector  60  with a second cable  62 . The bar code detector  60  is a standard, decoded-type hand-held stationary beam bar code reader such as the Welsh Allyn model Scanteam ST6180 reader. The bar code detector  60  also includes, at the end opposite the second cable  62 , a photo detector  64  and a light source  66 . The photo detector  64  may be a photo cell, photo diode or photo transistor, while the light source  66  may be a light emitting diode. 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , the reader device  22  is surrounded by a housing  68  and a hole  70  is established on a side face  71  of the housing near a front face  72 . The hole  70  extends to a slot  74  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, the hole  70  does not interfere with any pre-existing circuitry of the reader device  22 . The hole  70  is also of sufficient size for viewing one bit of bar coded data at a time. The bar code detector  60  is inserted into the reader device  22  through the hole  70  so that the end with the cable  62  hangs out of the hole. In this way, the photo detector  64  is installed behind the small window and may access cards slid into and out-of the slot  74 . 
     In operation, the reader device  22  receives a bar coded card  80 . As the bar coded card  80  is slid into the slot  74 , light from the light source  66  reflects off the bar coded card  80  so that the photo detector  64  can sequentially read bits of optical (bar coded) data  82  stored on the card. The bar code detector  60  interprets the bar coded data  82  and coverts it into ASCII data, which it transmits to the controller  26 ,  FIG. 1 , through the cable  62 . Firmware in the controller  26  detects the presence of the ASCII data and processes it into electronic data, a method similar to that used to process magnetic strip cards. The controller  26  then transmits the electronic data to the POS controller  34  through the bus  32 . The POS controller  34  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. The POS controller  34  then returns one or more control codes that direct the controller  26  to allow fuel to dispense and potentially, to indicate any discounts to be provided. 
     In another embodiment,  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the bar coded data  82  is processed by the POS controller  34  and a local billing file is established for billing the customer later. It is also possible for the POS controller  34  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 the bar code detector  60  can also be differentiated from electronic data conventionally read from a magnetic strip card by the reader  22 . 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 to  FIGS. 4   a  and  4   b , in another embodiment, a reader device  90  is used in place of the reader device  22  ( FIG. 3 ). Instead of having the roundish hole  70  for the wand of the bar code detector  60 , the reader device  90  includes a rectangular-shaped window  92  for simultaneously viewing all of the bar coded data. The window  92  allows a scanning bar code reader  94 , such as Symbol model LS1220-1300A produced by Symbol Technologies, Inc., to read the bar coded data  82  on the card  80 . The scanning bar code reader  94  has many of the same components as the bar code detector  60 , 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 the reader device  22  of  FIG. 3 , the reader device  90  includes conventional magnetic strip circuitry  95  and a magnetic strip reader  96  to read conventional magnetic strip data. 
     In operation, the reader device  90  receives the card  80 . The card  80  has the bar coded data  82  and may also include magnetic strip data  104  stored thereon. The reader device  90  reads the magnetic strip data  104  in a conventional manner with the magnetic strip reader  96  and reports it to the controller  26  through the cable  28 , as is done in the device  22  ( FIG. 3 ). To read the bar coded data  82 , the card  80  is slid into a slot  106  of the device  90  until the bar coded data  82  is fully exposed in the window  92 . Light from the light source of the scanning bar code reader  94  reflects off the bar coded data  82 , thereby allowing the reader to read the data. The scanning bar code reader  94  interprets the bar coded data  82  and coverts it into ASCII data, which it then transmits to the controller  26  through the cable  62 . Firmware in the controller  26  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 to  FIG. 3 , above. It is understood that different combinations of bar coded and magnetic strip data are expected, and the card  80  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 the POS controller  26 . 
     A benefit of the modified reader devices  22 ,  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 the improved devices  22 ,  90 . Other modifications can easily be supported, such as using a single cable instead of two cables  28 ,  62 , or sharing some or all of the circuitry  95  for use in bar coded and magnetic data interpretation. 
     Referring to  FIG. 5 , the reference numeral  110  refers to a fuel dispenser system embodying features of another embodiment of the present invention. The fuel dispenser system  110  contains a fuel dispenser  112  connected to the computing center  30  and many components similar to those in the fuel dispenser system  10  ( FIG. 1 ), such components being similarly numbered. 
     A front side  116  houses the conventional graphics displays  20   a ,  20   b  and (optionally) a conventional magnetic-strip-only reader device  118 . The front side  116  also houses a scanning bar code reader  120 . The magnetic strip reader device  118  and scanning bar code reader  120  are connected to the controller  26  through cables  28 ,  62  respectively. The scanning bar code reader  120  is similar to the reader  94  ( FIGS. 4   a ,  4   b ) 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 the front side  116 , the scanning bar code reader  120  realizes several additional benefits discussed in greater detail, below. 
     In operation, the bar coded card  80 , discussed above, may simply be placed or waved in front of the scanning bar code reader  120 . At this time, light from the light source projected from the scanning bar code reader  120  reflects off the bar coded card  80  so that a photo detector (also not shown) can read the bar coded data  82 . The scanning bar code reader  120  interprets the bar coded data  82  and converts it into ASCII data (or data in any other suitable format), which it transmits to the controller  26  through the cable  62 . Firmware in the controller  26  detects the presence of the data and processes it into electronic data, a method similar to that used with the bar code reader  60  and described with reference to  FIG. 3 , above. 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , another benefit provided by the scanning bar code reader  120  is that it can read bar coded data from items other than bar coded cards. The reference numeral  130  designates a paper receipt with bar coded data  132  printed thereon. The receipt  130  may also be placed or waved in front of the scanning bar code reader  120 , as described above with reference to  FIG. 5 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 7 , in another embodiment, a separate system, such as a kiosk  140 , may be provided to interface with one or more conventional fuel dispensers  142 . The kiosk  140  includes a scanning bar code reader  144 , a display screen  146 , and a keypad  148 . The kiosk  140  is in communication with the computing center  30 , discussed above, which in turn is in communication with the controller  26  of the conventional dispenser  142 . By using the kiosk  140 , the features of the present invention may be achieved without physically modifying the fuel dispenser system  142 . 
     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 A (FIGS.  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 receipt  130 ) which includes a description of the purchases and bar coded data (similar to bar coded data  132 ) indicating the prepaid $10 amount. 
     3. The customer places the receipt in front of the scanning bar code reader  120  and then operates the fuel dispenser  110  to dispense $10 worth of gas. 
     EXAMPLE B (FIGS.  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 receipt  130 ) having bar coded data (similar to bar coded data  132 ) 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 scanning bar code reader  120 , and then operates the fuel dispenser  110  to dispense $5 worth of gas. 
     5. The customer also inserts a magnetic strip credit card into the magnetic strip reader device  118  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 C (FIG.  7 ) 
     1. A customer obtains a bar coded card (similar to the card  80 ) indicating a “member” status (e.g., the customer is eligible for certain benefits). 
     2. The customer places the card near the scanning bar code reader  144  of the kiosk  140 . The card identifies an account and an appropriate benefit (e.g., a 10.cent. per gallon discount). 
     3. The customer enters on the keypad  148  a number identifying the fuel dispenser  142 . 
     4. The customer operates the fuel dispenser  142  to dispense gasoline and the account is credited for the purchase (adjusted by the 10.cent. per gallon discount). 
     EXAMPLE D (FIGS.  1 - 3 ) 
     1. A customer obtains a bar coded card (similar to the card  80 ) 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 the fuel dispenser  12  associated with the store and places the bar coded card into the reader  22 . 
     3. The customer then places the magnetic strip credit card into the reader  22 . 
     4. The customer operates the fuel dispenser  12  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&#39;s fuel purchase. 
     6. Steps 2-5, above, are repeated four more times. 
     7. The fuel dispenser  12  displays on the screen  20   b  a 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 the nearby carwash facility  46  and enters the predetermined number on an attached keypad (not shown). 
     9. The carwash facility  46  interprets the predetermined number to identify that the customer has a complimentary carwash and performs the carwash service. 
     It should be noted that the carwash facility  46  described in Example D above may also have a bar code reader connected to the computing center  30 . In this way, the carwash facility  46  may provide similar functions as those described above with the reader  22 . Also, the carwash facility  46  and fuel dispenser  12  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 to  FIG. 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) terminal  200  is shown that may be located in a retail store, or the like. For example a Wal-Mart store is one type of retail outlet that may include a POS  200  in accordance with the present invention. Reference numeral  201  represents an item to be purchased by a customer in the retail store including POS  200 . 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 optically scannable bar code  202 . When purchasing the item  201 , a customer will present the item at POS  200  where it will be scanned in or otherwise entered. 
     A server data processing system  204  is shown and coupled with POS  200 . Server  204  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. A database  206  is linked to server  204  and includes multiple records  208  that correspond to customers purchasing items through POS  200 . It should be noted that many POS terminals  200  are contemplated as being connected to server  204  and may be distributed remotely across more than one store. Server  204  will include software that manages the transactions occurring on POS  200 , as well as the records  208  in database  206 . In a preferred embodiment, database  206  may be magnetic storage media, optical storage or the like. 
     Upon completion of a purchase transaction at POS  200 , the customer (if eligible) will be provided with a mechanism  210  that will allow discounted fuel to be purchased at pump  112 . That is a receipt, such as receipt  130  having a bar code  132  thereon may be provided to the customer. Additionally, a card with a magnetic stripe may be updated by POS  200  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 device  212 . It will be understood that I/O device  212  may also include a magnetic card reader  118 , bar code reader  120 , or the like. Pump  112  also includes controller  26  that is electrically coupled to server  204  and printer  214 . Controller  26  includes a microcontroller that processes and controls the various activity at pump  112 . Peripheral interface board (PIB)  216  or other device is included in a preferred embodiment to provide an interface between server  204  and controller  26 . PIB  216  allows the control signal output by server  204  to be interpreted by controller  26 . That is, PIB  216  receives the control signal from server  204  with the authorization code and the unit price discount offered to the customer. Interface board  216  will then issue an command to controller  26  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, the server  204  will be able to authorize a price discount, PIB  216  will then issue a command compatible with controller  26  to cause pump  112  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 in  FIG. 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 a POS  30 , discussed above, located at a convenience store or other retailer. 
       FIG. 9  is a more detailed view of the fields that may be included in record  208  corresponding to a particular customer, e.g. A. Smith. As shown in field  300  of  FIG. 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 at POS  200 . 
     The date of purchase when at least one item was purchased at POS  200  of an associated retailer is provided in field  302 . The dollar value of the purchases is listed in field  304 . 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 in field  306 . 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. 
     Field  308  is the total quantity of items purchased by a certain customer on a specific date. This field, along with field  304  can be used as a criterion for determining customer loyalty. Field  310  will include data representing the availability of a fuel discount. The record will be updated in field  312  when a discount is actually used by a customer and the discount amount is provided in field  314 . Fields  316 ,  318  and  320  provide totals for the dollar value fields  304 , designated items purchased  306  and total quantity  308 , respectively. 
     As an example, when A. Smith purchases $20 of merchandise on Jan. 5, 1999, record  208  is created by server  204  and stored in database  206 . 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, field  310  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 in field  314 . 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, record  208  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 a record  208  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 to  FIG. 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. 
     At step  400  the process is started and the customer purchases items at step  401  where the identification code for the purchased items is entered at POS  200 . 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 by POS  200  to server  204 , at step  402 . Server  204  then analyzes the customer record (step  403 ). That is, server  204  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 step  404  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 at step  404  it is determined that the customer has not yet earned a fuel discount, then the method proceeds to step  413  and ends. However, if at step  404  it is determined that a fuel discount is available, then at step  405  the server authorizes the discount and sends a signal to the market POS termination  200 . At step  406 , a bar coded discount coupon, alphanumeric authorization code, updated magnetic card or other mechanism is provided to the customer. At step  407 , server  204  sends an authorization signal to PIB  216 , which then provides corresponding commands to controller  26  in pump  112 . The signal from server  204  will include an authorization code and a discount amount. The customer then inputs the fuel discount authorization code from POS  200  at pump  112  in step  408 . 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/O  212  of pump  112 . After the customer authorization code is entered the process then compares (step  408   a ) the authorization code from server  204  with the code from the customer and if a match exists then proceeds to step  409  and adjusts the price of the fuel to be dispensed for this transaction. However, if a match does not occur at step  408   a , then an error has occurred or an unauthorized customer is attempting to obtain discounted fuel. When no match occurs the process continues to step  413  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 to server  204 , gas station POS  34  or another terminal when a match does not occur to indicate a potentially fraudulent user may be attempting to obtain discounted fuel. 
     At step  410 , pump controller  26  notifies gas station POS  34  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, at step  411  pump controller  26  notifies server  204  of completion of the transaction for discounted fuel and readjusts the fuel price to its normal level by mapping the discount amount to zero. Server  204  then updates the customer record  208  in database  206  to reflect that the discount was used. Subsequent to step  412 , the process of the present embodiment continues to step  413  and ends. 
     Of course, many other configurations are contemplated by the present embodiment. For example, gas station POS  34  can also be a source of discounted gas. That is, POS  34  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 to PIB  216  from POS  34  to adjust the unit price of fuel dispensed from pump  112 . Additionally, the authorization could be sent to server  204  to update or create customer record  208 . 
     Further, the purchase of fuel at full price could also be used to trigger discounts on items in the retail store having POS  200 . For example, when a customer purchases fuel a signal can be sent from controller  26  to PIB  216  to server  204  which then updates and analyzes the customer&#39;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 from server  204  back to controller  26  via PIB  216 , 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 by printer  214  that the customer can then take to the participating store and redeem for a discount on one or more items purchased as POS  200 . When purchased a signal will be sent to server  204  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 mechanism  210  may not be needed if other means are provided to identify the customer at either the market POS  200  or the POS  30 . In one example, a customer card or number used at the market POS  200  may similarly be used at the gas station POS  30  such that the customer&#39;s discount can be automatically applied at the POS  30 . 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 the POS  30 . In one example, transponder technology may be utilized at one or both of the market POS  200  or gas station POS  30  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 to  FIG. 11 , the reference numeral  510  refers to a fuel dispenser system embodying features of another embodiment of the present invention. The fuel dispenser system  510  includes a fuel dispenser  512  connected to the computing center  30  and many components similar to those in the fuel dispenser systems  10  and  110  ( FIGS. 1 and 5 ), such components being similarly numbered. 
     A front side  514  of the fuel dispenser houses the conventional graphics displays,  20   a  and  20   b , (optionally) the conventional magnetic-strip-only reader device  118 , and the scanning bar code reader  120 . The front side  514  further houses a conventional currency accepting and change providing device  516  operably coupled to the CAT  26  by a conventional communications interface  518 . As will be recognized by persons having ordinary skill in the art, the currency accepting and change providing device  516  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 providing device  516  in the form of paper and/or coin currency. The design and operation of currency accepting and change providing devices  516  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 card  80 ), or a bar coded receipt (similar to the receipt  130 ). 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 to  FIGS. 12   a - 12   c , the system  510  may implement a purchase process  600  in which the consumer may pay for the purchased fuel in step  602 . If the consumer overpays for the purchased fuel in step  602 , then the consumer may request that the system  510  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 in steps  604  and  606 . If the consumer requests change in the form of a currency equivalent in step  606 , then the system  510  generates a record  710  in an excess money database  712  that includes a record index  714 , the monetary value  716  assigned to the record index, the date  718  the record was created, and a predetermined expiration date  720  for the record in step  608 . The system  510  then prints out and provides the consumer with a bar coded receipt  722  that includes a bar coded representation  724  of the record index  714  in step  610 . The consumer may then use the bar coded receipt  722  to purchase fuel using the system  510  prior to the expiration date  720  of the corresponding record  710 . If the consumer does not request change in the form of a currency equivalent in step  606 , then the system  510  provides change in the form of currency or credits the account of the corresponding credit or debit card in step  612 . In this manner, the system  510  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 the fuel dispensing system  510 . 
     More generally, the teachings of the system  510  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 values  714  encoded onto the magnetic strip. The index values  714  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 includes 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.

Technology Classification (CPC): 6