Methods and systems for communication between a fuel dispenser and a mobile device

Abstract

Various methods and systems for communication between a fuel dispenser and a mobile device are provided. In one embodiment, a method of operating a fuel dispenser to communicate with a mobile device is provided that includes detecting the mobile device in proximity to the fuel dispenser, and communicating with the mobile device to receive input from and/or send information to the mobile device. The communication can use Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE).

1 - 34 . (canceled) 
     
     
         35 . A method, comprising:
 detecting a mobile user device in proximity to a dispenser using a signal emitted by the dispenser, wherein detecting the mobile user device comprises establishing a secure two-way connection with the mobile user device that allows secure communication between the mobile user device and the dispenser using a communication protocol, the communication protocol being one of near-field communication (NFC), Wi-Fi, and ZigBee; and   the dispenser communicating with the mobile user device using the secure two-way connection such that the dispenser receives input from the mobile user device relating to controlling operation of the dispenser to dispense a product therefrom.   
     
     
         36 . The method of  claim 35 , further comprising the dispenser transmitting data to the user device using the secure two-way connection;
 wherein the data is transmitted automatically in response to the secure two-way connection being established.   
     
     
         37 . The method of  claim 36 , wherein the data comprises information relating to controlling operation of the dispenser to dispense the product; and
 the dispenser receives the input after transmitting the information.   
     
     
         38 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the detection of the mobile user device in proximity the dispenser automatically causes a graphical user interface (GUI) to be displayed on the mobile user device prior to the secure two-way connection being established. 
     
     
         39 . The method of  claim 35 , further comprising, in response to establishing the secure two-way connection, automatically identifying a user associated with the mobile user device. 
     
     
         40 . The method of  claim 39 , further comprising the dispenser communicating with the mobile user device using the secure two-way connection such that the dispenser transmits information to the mobile user device during a time when the dispenser is dispensing the product;
 wherein the information is selected based on the identified user.   
     
     
         41 . The method of  claim 40 , wherein the dispenser is a fuel dispenser, and the product is fuel. 
     
     
         42 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the mobile user device is one of a mobile phone, a tablet computer, and a laptop computer. 
     
     
         43 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the mobile user device is located in a vehicle. 
     
     
         44 . The method of  claim 43 , further comprising the dispenser communicating with the mobile user device using the secure two-way connection such that the dispenser transmits information to the mobile user device during a time when the dispenser is dispensing the product; and
 the dispenser is a fuel dispenser, and the product is fuel.   
     
     
         45 . The method of  claim 35 , wherein the dispenser is a fuel dispenser, and the product is fuel. 
     
     
         46 . A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform a method comprising:
 detecting a mobile user device in proximity to a dispenser using a signal emitted by the dispenser, wherein detecting the mobile user device comprises establishing a secure two-way connection with the mobile user device that allows secure communication between the mobile user device and the dispenser using a communication protocol, the communication protocol being one of near-field communication (NFC), Wi-Fi, and ZigBee; and   the dispenser communicating with the mobile user device using the secure two-way connection such that the dispenser receives input from the mobile user device relating to controlling operation of the dispenser to dispense a product therefrom.   
     
     
         47 . A method, comprising:
 a mobile user device simultaneously detecting a signal emitted from each of a plurality of dispensers, each of the plurality of dispensers being configured to dispense a product therefrom;   in response to detecting the signals, causing a graphical user interface (GUI) to be displayed on the mobile user device, the GUI allowing a user to select one of the plurality of dispensers;   after the GUI is displayed, receiving a user input to the mobile user device indicating a selection of one of the plurality of dispenser; and   after the user input is received, establishing a secure two-way connection with the mobile user device that allows secure communication between the mobile user device and the dispenser using a communication protocol.   
     
     
         48 . The method of  claim 47 , further comprising the mobile user device communicating with the selected one of the plurality of dispensers using the secure two-way connection. 
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 47 , further comprising the mobile user device communicating to the selected one of the plurality of dispensers, using the secure two-way connection, information controlling operation of the selected one of the plurality of dispensers to dispense the product therefrom. 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein the dispenser is a fuel dispenser, and the product is fuel. 
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 47 , wherein the communication protocol is one of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), near-field communication (NFC), Wi-Fi, and ZigBee. 
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 47 , wherein the mobile user device is one of a mobile phone, a tablet computer, and a laptop computer. 
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 47 , wherein the mobile user device is located in a vehicle. 
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 47 , wherein the dispenser is a fuel dispenser, and the product is fuel.