Fueling environment wireless architecture

Abstract

A method and system for transmitting data between devices within a fueling environment comprising a wireless mesh network wherein the devices are configured to communicate via the wireless mesh network. A wireless communication device is connected to each device, and a middleware executed by the wireless communication device handles communications between the devices and the wireless mesh network.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A handheld device for use in a retail fueling environment, said handheld device comprising:
 a housing;   a touchscreen display;   circuitry located within said housing, said circuitry including a processor implementing a graphical user interface on said touchscreen display; and   said circuitry further including wireless communication circuitry implementing a middleware program such that said handheld device functions as a node in a wireless mesh network in said retail fueling environment.   
     
     
         2 . A handheld device as set forth in  claim 1 , wherein said processor allows said handheld device to control operation of at least one fuel dispenser in said retail fueling environment via said wireless mesh network. 
     
     
         3 . A handheld device as set forth in  claim 2 , further comprising an RFID reader for reading an RFID associated with said at least one fuel dispenser. 
     
     
         4 . A handheld device as set forth in  claim 2 , wherein real-time fueling information is shown on said touchscreen display during a fueling transaction at said fuel dispenser.