Multistage ordering system for a fueling and retail environment

(54) MULTISTAGE ORDERING SYSTEM FOR A FUELING AND RETAIL ENVIRONMENT

(75) Inventor: Timothy E. Dickson, Greensboro, NC (US)

(73) Assignee: Gilbarco Inc., Greensboro, NC (US)

( * ) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term ol this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.

This patent is subject to a terminal disclaimer.

(21) Appl. No.: 09/034,969

(22) Filed: Mar. 4, 1998

Related U.S. Application Data

(60) Provisional application No. 60/060,066, filed on Sep. 26, 1997.

(51) Int. CI.7 G06F 17/00

(52) U.S. CI 700/241; 700/231; 700/232;

700/236; 700/244

(58) Field of Search 700/231, 232,

700/236, 241, 244

(56) References Cited

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The present invention is to provide a multistage ordering system for a lueling environment. The system may include a fuel dispenser having an order entry interface and associated first remote communications electronics adapted to communicate with a remote communications unit associated with the customer. An order receipt position apart from the fuel dispenser is provided and includes a second remote communications electronics adapted to communicate with a remote communications unit, a receipt position output indicating the customer who placed the order is at the order receipt location, and an intermediate location output indicating the customer is proximate said intermediate locating position. An intermediate locating position located along the path of travel between the fuel dispenser and the order receipt position is also provided. The intermediate locating position has a third remote communication electronics adapted to communicate with the remote communications unit. The control system is associated with each of the communications electronics. The control system is preferably adapted to communicate with the remote communications unit through the first communications electronics when the remote communications unit is proximate a fuel dispenser, associated customer order placed at the order entry interface, and communicate with the remote communications unit through the third remote communications electronics when the remote communications unit is proximate the intermediate locating position. When the customer is proximate the intermediate locating position, the control system provides an intermediate location output in order to determine the location of the customer between the dispenser and order receipt location. The control system will again communicate with the remote communications unit at the order receipt location when the customer arrives to pick up the order. The control system will identify the order at the receipt location for the particular customer who placed the order at the order entry interface of the fuel dispenser.

33 Claims, 45 Drawing Sheets

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS

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