Fueling Station Non-Fuel Item Display, Purchase, and Payment Systems

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

0001This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application Ser. No. 62/020,500, entitled “Fueling Station Non-Fuel Item Display, Purchase, and Payment Systems,” filed on Jul. 3, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

0002The present invention relates to hardware and software solution that allows for non-fuel item selection, ordering, payment processing, and/or other transactions at the fuel dispensers of fueling stations. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for use at a fuel dispenser located at a fueling station with an associated store or other facility to facilitate a customer's convenient selection and payment for convenience store items at a fuel dispenser while fueling.

BACKGROUND AND DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

0003Beginning in 1986, American motorists increasingly have had the ability to pay for fuel purchases right at the fuel dispenser. This payment technology has made the fuel purchase experience more convenient and efficient for both the fuel customer and the fueling station, and therefore has attained wide availability and popularity. As of 2014, almost 70% of all fuel customers use this payment technology.

0004Another advancement that has created convenience and efficiency at fueling stations has been the creation of on-site restaurants, stores, and other facilities. A refueling stop may provide a driver or a passenger an opportunity for a meal, a snack, a drink, or the purchase of any of a variety of useful items that may be for sale within a store associated with the fueling station.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

0005Although more convenient than seeking a different store, for some motorists walking inside a store located at a fueling station is not feasible or desirable. Uncertainty as to what products may be available in the store may dissuade motorists from making a purchase beyond fuel to avoid a futile trip into a store seeking an item that may not be available. Occasionally, a customer may choose to pay for a fuel purchase at the dispenser, only to subsequently enter the convenience store to discover that the desired snack, drink, or other item is not available. The experience may leave the customer with ill-will towards the fueling station possibly dissuade the customer from returning. Many customers may prefer to purchase a desired snack, beverage, or other materials from a store without having to enter the store or restaurant, but that ability has previously been lacking Other transactions, such as transactions not involving the fueling station and any associated store, could not be completed at a fuel dispenser without using equipment (such as a mobile phone) provided by the customer.

0006In some examples, the present invention provides systems and methods that permit the selection and purchase of items from a store associated with a fueling station while a motorist is refueling. A “store” may be any type of convenience store, restaurant, rental facility, or other retail establishment. The present invention may comprise a ruggedized, touch-enabled tablet PC or similar computing device, referred to as a “tablet” herein, that operates software to present information describing items available for purchase during the time a motorist is refueling. A tablet used in conjunction with the present invention may be UL certified or otherwise approved for use in the environment of a fuel dispenser at a fueling station. A motorist may obtain additional information and/or select items for purchase by touching the screen to indicate items of possible interest. An associated payment mechanism may receive a payment for the purchased items via credit card, debit card, Near Field Communication (“NFC”), infrared scanning, barcode readers, QR readers, and/or other means. The tablet, with or without an associated payment mechanism, may be constructed to withstand the rigors of the outdoors and the fuel dispensing environment.

0007In some examples of the present invention, once a customer has completed selections from the tablet, the selected materials may be gathered or prepared within the store by a station employee or automated means and may then be made available for subsequent pickup by a customer. For example, a customer may be able to pick up his or her purchase at a drive-through window or at a pickup counter conveniently located within the store. In another example, purchased items may be delivered to the customer at the fuel dispenser or other appropriate location, whether by staff or through a mechanical conveyance. By way of a further example, a customer may purchase or otherwise obtain a non-tangible non-fuel item, which may be delivered to the customer via the tablet itself or through other digital means to a customer or the customer's personal computing device. Accordingly, a motorist is provided an opportunity to make selections and purchases during the time they would have otherwise spent waiting for refueling to be complete. In this manner, systems and methods in accordance with the present invention provide beneficial sales to a fueling station while enhancing the convenience and overall experience of both fuel and non-fuel customers.

0008Systems and methods in accordance with the present invention may be used to facilitate a number of transactions. One particularly useful and convenient type of transaction described in examples herein involves the purchase of non-fuel items while a motorist is refueling. However, other transactions may be implemented or facilitated using systems and methods in accordance with the present invention. For example, customers may enroll in or manage a loyalty program associated with the fueling station, purchase non-physical items such as gift codes or lottery entries, or otherwise interact with the station and associated endeavors. By way of a further example, fuel customers may play games or otherwise entertain themselves by selecting videos or other types of media to enjoy (for free or for a fee) using systems and methods in accordance with the present invention.

0009As a yet further example of systems and methods in accordance with the present invention, sales, offers, loyalty programs, and other interactions facilitated by a tablet deployed at a fuel dispenser in accordance with the present invention may involve third parties and third party organizations, such as charities or businesses. For example, a tablet may be used to facilitate donations to charitable organizations in conjunction with a fuel purchase. In other examples, a tablet may present to a fuel customer the option to purchase goods or services from third parties while fueling his or her vehicle. Such goods or services may be located within a short drive from the fuel station, but need not be. The tablet may display information describing the charity, good, or service while the customer dispenses fuel, and may thereafter facilitate the donation or purchase. There is no limit to the types or varieties of donations that may be made in such a fashion. Similarly, the types of goods or services that may be sold are numerous and varied. For example, a customer might opt to pre-purchase an oil change for his or her vehicle, or schedule a take-out food order, or purchase flowers, or make any other purchase of goods or services while fueling, whether those goods and/or services are related to the customer's vehicle or not.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

0010Examples of systems and methods in accordance with the present invention are described in conjunction with the attached drawings, wherein:

0011<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> schematically illustrates an example of a system in accordance with the present invention;

0012<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> illustrates an example of a fuel dispenser, a tablet computing device, and a fueling station store in accordance with the present invention;

0013<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> illustrates an example of a customer facing selection touch-enabled display in accordance with the present invention;

0014<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> illustrates an example of an internal component mounting system in accordance with the present invention;

0015<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> illustrates an example of a rear cover that affixes to a fuel dispenser mounting bracket in accordance with the present invention;

0016<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> illustrates a further example of a fuel dispenser mounting bracket in accordance with the present invention;

0017<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref> schematically illustrates an example tablet computing device coupled with a fuel dispenser;

0018<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref> schematically illustrates an example of a tablet computing device that may be used in accordance with the present invention; and

0019<figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref> illustrates an example of a method for facilitating non-fuel transactions at a fuel dispenser in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

0020Systems and methods in accordance with the present invention provide a convenient opportunity for a customer purchasing fuel to select and purchase products from a store associated with the fueling station, to conduct other transactions, or to be entertained without leaving the fuel dispenser. The present invention may utilize a tablet computing device to present information describing products available for purchase or acquisition to a customer, to inform the customer of various offers from third parties available to a fuel customer and to facilitate those transactions, and to otherwise interact with a customer. Products may comprise food and beverage items, convenience items, entertainment items, games, affinity programs, loyalty programs, or any other tangible or intangible item or status.

0021Systems and methods in accordance with the present invention may utilize a tablet computing device retrofitted to an existing fuel dispenser, but may comprise an entirely new fuel dispenser system. Because of the fueling station environment and the potentially hazardous materials that could come into contact with a tablet computing device at or near a fuel dispenser, a tablet computing device in accordance with the present invention may be protected from environmental hazards such as corrosive and/or flammable gases and liquids. Further, a tablet computing device in accordance with the present invention may be electrically coupled to a power source in a fashion that prevents shorting. Similarly, internal electrical connections within the tablet computing device and its optional associated components, such as cooling fans and communications interfaces, may be secured to prevent discharge or shorting. For example, mechanical fasteners may be used in conjunction with epoxies or other adhesives to both electrically connect components in accordance with the present invention and to prevent the accidental or intentional (particularly due to tampering) shorting or severing of the electrical connection. While a tablet computing device and the associated components may work using alternating current or direct current of various voltages, one example of a tablet in accordance with the present invention may use a 110 volt alternating current electrical connection to power a 12 volt direct current power supply that powers the tablet computing device and its constituent components.

0022A tablet computing device may be protected with a variety of physical enclosures in accordance with the present invention. In one example, 16 gauge aluminum with a folded metal welded construction may enclose a tablet computing device. Other types of metal and/or other thicknesses of metal may by used in accordance with the present invention. Seams in such an exemplary enclosure may be sealed with weatherproof gaskets. The screen of a tablet computing device, which may often be an LCD display with an LED backlight, may be protected by a sheet of protective material, such as a 1/16-⅛ inch thick plastic sheet, tempered glass, or polycarbonate sheet, although other thicknesses and other types of materials may be used to protect the screen of a tablet computing device at a fuel dispenser in accordance with the present invention.

0023An example of a system <b>100</b> in accordance with the present invention is illustrated schematically in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>. A customer <b>110</b> may comprise any individual purchasing fuel from a fuel dispenser <b>120</b>, or an individual in the company of a person purchasing fuel. Customer <b>110</b> may elect to use a payment system <b>122</b> associated in communication <b>121</b> with dispenser <b>120</b> to pay for purchased fuel, often known as a “pay-at-the-pump” system. The payment system <b>122</b> may interface <b>123</b> with a payment processing system <b>124</b>. Payment processing system <b>124</b> may comprise a banking system, a credit card processor, or any other equipment/entity that may process payments made via the payment system <b>122</b> to transfer an appropriate amount of funds to cover the fuel purchase made by customer <b>110</b>. The interface <b>123</b> between payment system <b>122</b> and payment processing <b>124</b> may be via any kind of communication mechanism or media and may use any kind of protocol, such as a telephone connection, a data connection, a wireless link, or other type of communication network.

0024As can be seen in the example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, a tablet <b>140</b> affixed on or near the dispenser <b>120</b> may be used to display information regarding items available for purchase by customer <b>110</b> and/or to permit a customer <b>110</b> to browse and optionally select transactions for commercial, charitable, and/or entertainment purposes. In many examples in accordance with the present invention, a tablet <b>140</b> may be affixed to an associated dispenser <b>120</b> to provide tablet <b>140</b> with a mounting location and power source.

0025Customer <b>110</b> may use tablet <b>140</b> to select items for purchase or to obtain additional information regarding items available for purchase, or to conduct a variety of other commercial, charitable, and/or entertainment transactions. As described in further detail herein, tablet <b>140</b> may comprise a general purpose or specially provided computing device. Tablet <b>140</b> may have a touch-enabled display able to display information describing available products, services, and/or other transaction, and may also receive touch-based inputs from customer <b>110</b> to indicate customer selections. Optionally, one or more audio output device, such as one or more speaker or headphone jack, may by provided by tablet <b>140</b> or as part of dispenser <b>120</b> under the control of tablet <b>140</b>. Also optionally, one or more additional input device instead of or in addition to the touch sensitive screen of tablet <b>140</b> may be provided as part of tablet <b>140</b> and/or as part of dispenser <b>120</b> connected to tablet, such that the one or more additional input device may be optionally used by a customer <b>110</b> to indicate selections and to generally interact with tablet <b>140</b>. Examples of such additional input devices include, but are not limited to, buttons, switches, motion detectors, keypads, a computer mouse, a track pad, a pedal, a lever, or any other type of device that may be used to register a selection or an input by a customer <b>110</b>.

0026One or more computer processor(s) in tablet <b>140</b> may interface with memory and/or storage provided as part of tablet <b>140</b> or accessible to tablet <b>140</b> in order to access data and/or machine readable code retained in a non-transitory medium or media to cause the computer processor integral to and/or remote from tablet <b>140</b> to execute methods in accordance with the present invention and to operate as part of a system in accordance with the present invention. Tablet <b>140</b> may interface with other computing devices, such as servers, other tablets, other PCs, and/or embedded computing devices, all or some of which may be executing machine readable code to operate in conjunction with the present invention. Such other computing devices may be on-site and/or off-site computer servers accessed via secure communication lines to execute customer initiated commands. Systems and methods in accordance with the present invention may retain relevant databases or other data storage systems to provide information for display or other use by tablet <b>140</b>, for the maintenance of sales or transaction records, for diagnostic or operational purposes, or for any other reason. For example, product information, such as available products, available services, product pricing, service pricing, games or entertainment media, charitable campaigns, loyalty programs, discounts or other promotions available, informational content, and other information or data, may be stored in computer memory on tablet <b>140</b> and/or otherwise accessible to tablet <b>140</b> as needed.

0027Tablet <b>140</b> may interface <b>141</b> with a payment system <b>142</b> to receive a payment from customer <b>110</b> for any transactions requiring a payment initiated by customer <b>110</b> using tablet <b>140</b>. For example, customer may select items for purchase via tablet <b>140</b>. Tablet <b>140</b> may interface <b>143</b> with a payment processing system <b>144</b> to process payments made for items selected and purchased using tablet <b>140</b>. Payment processing system <b>144</b> may be the same payment processing system <b>124</b> used for processing payments for fuel obtained from dispenser <b>120</b>, but may be a different system or service. Payment system <b>142</b> may read credit cards (or other magnetic strips), use Near Field Communication (NFC), read barcodes or QR codes (for example, using a laser scanner or other techniques), receive cash in the form of bills and/or coins, or operate to receive any other form/type payment from a fuel customer.

0028In many examples, tablet <b>140</b> may facilitate the purchase of tangible items from a store <b>130</b> associated with the fuel station managing and providing dispenser <b>120</b>, but store <b>130</b> may be any entity providing an available transaction, commercial or non-commercial, to customer <b>110</b> via tablet <b>140</b> while customer fuels from dispenser <b>120</b>. Store <b>130</b> may include a variety of products,/services such as a first product <b>151</b>, a second product <b>152</b>, and so on through an nth product <b>159</b>. While generally described as a store <b>130</b>, store may comprise a convenience store, a restaurant, movie or other media rental facility, or any other type of commercial establishment, in all or in part. In some examples, a store <b>130</b> may comprise a third party business or charity that receives donations via tablet <b>140</b> or sells its goods and/or services via tablet <b>140</b>.

0029Systems and methods in accordance with the present invention need not be limited to a single store. For example, in addition to a first store <b>130</b>, a second store <b>180</b>, a third store <b>182</b>, and any number of additional stores may offer transactions via tablet <b>140</b> to a customer <b>110</b> fueling at dispenser <b>120</b>. While generally described as a “store” herein, any or all of first store <b>130</b>, second store <b>180</b>, third store <b>182</b>, and/or additional stores may provide customer <b>110</b> the opportunity to engage in transactions that are not entirely or even partially commercial in nature. For example, a store may provide customer <b>110</b> an opportunity to donate or otherwise support a charity. One or more store may alternatively/additionally offer the opportunity to join or update a loyalty program, to purchase goods or services associated with a station, to purchase good or services located near the station, and/or to purchase goods or services located a great distance from the (such as would require tangible products purchased to be provided to customer <b>110</b> by a package delivery). In other examples in accordance with the present invention, a store may provide intangible items for purchase or a non-purchase acquisition by customer <b>110</b>. Examples of non-tangible items a customer <b>110</b> may purchase may be music files, video files, games, entries into sweepstakes or lotteries, etc. Non-tangible items purchased or otherwise acquired by customer <b>110</b> may be transitorily provided to customer via tablet <b>140</b> while customer <b>110</b> is fueling, but may be electronically provided to customer <b>110</b> (or a computing device operated by customer <b>110</b>) via any electronic delivery mechanism. For example, a purchased or otherwise acquired non-tangible item may be available for download from an identified Internet address (or through other network resource location system) with an associated passcode. In other examples, a purchased non-tangible item may be transferred to a device associated with customer <b>110</b> via a data connection or a wireless protocol while customer <b>110</b> fuels from dispenser <b>120</b>.

0030Typically, a store <b>130</b> may have a payment processing system <b>132</b> with an interface <b>133</b> to a payment processor <b>134</b>. Payment processor <b>134</b> may be the same or different than the payment processor <b>124</b> associated with purchases made at dispenser <b>120</b> and/or the payment processor <b>144</b> associated with tablet <b>140</b> for items selected and purchased via tablet <b>140</b>. Network connections may extend between one or more computing device within store <b>130</b>, dispenser <b>120</b>, and/or tablet <b>140</b>. Network connections <b>125</b>, <b>145</b>, may be used to exchange information relevant to or recording purchases made, products to be made available for or to be delivered to customer <b>110</b>, issues regarding payment processing, and/or for any other purpose.

0031Further, a network <b>160</b>, which may comprise the Internet or any other computer network, may be available to any or all of store <b>130</b>, tablet <b>140</b>, and dispenser <b>120</b>. In the example illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, an Internet connection <b>137</b> permits computing devices located within store <b>130</b> to access Internet <b>160</b> and, ultimately, establish a link <b>167</b> to a remote server <b>170</b>. Similarly, an Internet connection <b>147</b> permits tablet <b>140</b> to access Internet <b>160</b> and ultimately establish a connection <b>167</b> to server <b>170</b>. Server <b>170</b> may comprise a single computing device, but may also comprise one or more computing device. Server <b>170</b> may comprise a single server, multiple servers, a peer-to-peer computer network, a distributed computing network, a multitude of potentially redundant servers, a cloud facility, or other type of computing system to provide information, such as available products/services/promotions, to control or facilitate the operations of tablet <b>140</b> or computing devices within store <b>130</b>.

0032Connection to Internet <b>160</b> may take any form, such as any wired or wireless technology. In many instances, an Internet <b>160</b> connection may be obtained through a wired connection to an Internet Service Provider, but in other examples a wireless Internet connection to an Internet Service Provider may provide an Internet connection to one or more tablet <b>140</b> over 3G, 4G, LTE, WIMAX, or other cellular networking technologies. While each tablet at a station may access the Internet directly, in some examples a single tablet <b>140</b> at a fueling station having multiple dispensers and tablets may be equipped with one or more additional pieces of equipment (sometimes referred to as an antenna or “dongle”) to enable that tablet <b>140</b> to connect to the Internet <b>160</b> via 3G, 4G, or another wireless technology and to serve as a base station to share that Internet <b>160</b> connection with the other tablets via a second wireless or wired networking technology such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, or other networking protocol and/or medium.

0033In operation, a customer <b>110</b> may place his/her automobile at dispenser <b>120</b> for fueling. While at dispenser <b>120</b>, customer <b>110</b> may initiate a purchase either of fuel via dispenser <b>120</b> or of other transactions, such as the purchase of retail items from store <b>130</b>, via tablet <b>140</b>. For example, customer <b>110</b> may begin a fuel purchase from dispenser <b>120</b> using payment mechanism <b>122</b>. While fueling, customer <b>110</b> may examine information displayed on tablet <b>140</b>. Tablet <b>140</b> may display information regarding instructions for its use, products available for purchase from store <b>130</b>, sales or other promotional opportunities, third party sales of goods and/or services, charitable donation opportunities, entertainment options, and the like. Tablet <b>140</b> may additionally/alternatively replace the internal display of a fuel dispenser <b>120</b> and operate as the main payment interface at the dispenser. Customer <b>110</b> may interface with tablet <b>140</b> by touching the touch-enabled interface of tablet <b>140</b>, for example by touching images, links or other depictions of a product of interest. Tablet <b>140</b> may permit customer <b>110</b> to select a number, type, or other parameter of items for purchase.

0034By way of example as to how tablet <b>140</b> may be used to make a non-fuel purchase, tablet <b>140</b> may offer customer <b>110</b> sandwiches for purchase, which may be made to order in a restaurant within store <b>130</b>. Tablet <b>140</b> may therefore present customer <b>110</b> with a variety of options such as various breads, meats, cheeses, toppings, condiments, sizes, side orders, beverages, etc. for purchase in conjunction with a sandwich. After making a selection or selections by touching as indicated on tablet <b>140</b>, customer <b>110</b> may use a payment mechanism <b>142</b> to pay for the items selected while refueling using dispenser <b>120</b>. The purchased products may be prepared and made available for easy pickup within store <b>130</b>, may be provided for pickup at a drive-through window associated with or adjacent to store <b>130</b>, or may be delivered to customer <b>110</b> at dispenser <b>120</b>. In this fashion, customer <b>110</b> has made an efficient acquisition of desired items during refueling downtime, which will be advantageous to both customer <b>110</b> and store <b>130</b>.

0035System <b>100</b> may provide customer <b>110</b> with access to stores beyond store <b>130</b>. For example, a connection <b>181</b> via Internet <b>160</b> to a first additional store <b>180</b> and/or a connection <b>183</b> via Internet <b>160</b> to a second additional store <b>182</b> may permit customer to purchase, acquire, donate, subscribe, or otherwise interact with first additional store <b>180</b> and/or second additional store <b>182</b>. Any number of additional stores beyond first additional store <b>180</b> and second additional store <b>182</b> may be accessible in accordance with the present invention. Additional stores may be businesses or charities or other types of entities, and may be physically located near the fueling station implementing system <b>100</b>, may be remotely located from fueling station, and/or may be entirely virtual entities. In some examples, an additional store may be any service accessible via Internet <b>160</b>. In yet other examples, an additional store may be a social media platform that may permit a customer <b>110</b> to access his or her personal account or that may provide an account specific to the fueling station or even the individual dispenser <b>120</b>; for example, a tablet <b>140</b> may permit a customer <b>110</b> to microblog his or her experience or thoughts while fueling, an experience that may be fun for the customer <b>110</b> while useful as a promotion for the fueling station.

0036Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, a further example of a system in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. A customer <b>110</b> may fuel an automobile <b>210</b> from fuel dispenser <b>120</b>. Fuel dispenser <b>120</b> may have a payment mechanism <b>122</b>, which may comprise any type of “pay-at-the-pump” system. Meanwhile, a tablet <b>140</b> may be affixed to dispenser <b>120</b> for ready availability to customer <b>110</b>, convenience of mounting tablet <b>140</b>, and to provide a readily available power source for tablet <b>140</b>, although tablet <b>140</b> may alternatively be affixed at a location sufficiently near to dispenser <b>120</b> for convenient access by customer <b>110</b> during refueling. A payment mechanism <b>142</b> may be associated with tablet <b>140</b> for a convenient payment for items purchased using tablet <b>140</b>. Payment mechanism <b>142</b> may be, for example, a magnetic card reader that is integral to or physically associated with tablet <b>140</b>, but may comprise any other type of payment system, such as an NFC system, a barcode reader, a QR code reader, and/or a payment by cash, credit card, debit card, etc. if/when the selected physical items are picked up or delivered. Meanwhile, a store <b>130</b> may provide to customer <b>110</b> the any products selected and purchased via tablet <b>140</b>. Store <b>130</b> may provide any of a variety of items, and may involve a restaurant for other retail service therein.

0037A tablet such as used and described herein may comprise any type of touch-enabled computing device capable of displaying information and receiving touch-based inputs indicating items of interest or selections for purchase. The display and A tablet used in conjunction with the present invention may be a general purpose tablet computer or a tablet specifically created for use in systems and methods in accordance with the present invention. Further, a tablet as used in conjunction with the present invention need not be entirely contained within a tablet form or size, but rather may comprise a touch-enabled screen affixed at a desired location with other components, such as a computer processor, memory, and storage, operably connected to the touch-enabled display to output the appropriate information and to receive inputs. A tablet may operate using any type of operating system, such as any of the various versions of the Android operating system, the Linux operating system, iOS, Microsoft Windows operating systems, or other computer operating systems that permit the graphical display of information and the receipt of touch-based inputs.

0038A touch-enabled display and/or a computer having a touch-enabled display used in conjunction with systems and methods in accordance with the present invention are not limited to any particular dimensions or technical specifications. One example of appropriate parameters for a touch-enabled display in accordance with the present invention is a 10.4 inch (measured diagonally) liquid crystal display backlit by an array of LED lights. Due to the wide range of illumination environments in which the invention may be practiced, the display may have a brightness rating of 800 or more nits. Touch-based inputs may be registered using a projective capacitive, surface capacitive, or resistive touch display. A touch-enabled display may be protected by a cover, such as an approximately 0.125 inch thick, anti-reflective pane of chemically strengthened glass, heat-tempered glass polycarbonate sheet, or other protective material. A touch controller, LED and/or LCD controller, and an industrial single board computer may control the operation of the touch-sensitive display. A cooling fan may also be provided to maintain a safe operating temperature. A tablet may be operated using a 12-volt direct current power supply, which may be electrically connected to a 110 volt alternating current power supply through the dispenser <b>120</b>. Computer memory may be, for example, at least 1 GB of memory, and solid state storage may be, for example, at least 4 GB, although more or less than these amounts may be provided. Speakers may be provided to facilitate playing audio. A magnetic card reader, barcode scanner, QR code scanner, NFC interface, and/or other payment mechanism(s) may be provided to facilitate payments. Network connectivity may be provided in a variety of ways, such as using Ethernet cable, a wireless protocol (such as 802.11a/b/g/n), or any other wired or wireless technology or protocol.

0039A tablet used in conjunction with the present invention may be designed and manufactured to withstand the harsh environment anticipated when the tablet is affixed to or near a fuel dispenser. For example, a protective frontal frame, rear cover, and mounting bracket may be made of an appropriate metal or plastic to protect the tablet and/or payment device from weather, impact or other physical contact. Gaskets or other structures may be used as part of the frame to seal the tablet and/or payment device from any liquids such as rain, customer beverages, and/or fuel. One or more gaskets may also serve to protect the interior of a dispenser on which a tablet is mounted from moisture, dust, debris, or other damage due to the mounting of a tablet on dispenser. Mounting brackets or other mechanisms may be used to affix the tablet at the desired position with sufficient strength to withstand the rigors of use and to counter theft. To provide a desired level of safety for use in conjunction with fuel dispensing, the materials used in a protective frame and mounting mechanism may possess electrical properties and chemical resiliency as appropriate and required by various regulations, such as Underwriters Laboratories. Further, electrical connections may be mechanically reinforced, for example by using attachment mechanism and/or adhesives such as epoxies, to secure an electrical connection and to prevent sparking even if a powered tablet is physically demounted from a dispenser.

0040An example of a touch-enabled display located within a mounted tablet is illustrated in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>. In <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> the touch-enabled display <b>320</b> is contained within a protective frame <b>310</b>. Protective frame <b>310</b> may be constructed of aluminum, plastic or other appropriate material. In many examples, frame <b>310</b> and other components of a tablet mounting structure may be constructed of 14 gauge, 16 gauge, 18 gauge, or other thickness aluminum or other metal with a folded metal welded construction. Protective frame <b>310</b> has a front side <b>312</b> and a back side <b>313</b>. Touch-sensitive screen <b>320</b> is oriented towards the front <b>312</b> of frame <b>310</b> in order to provide visibility and access to a customer, while various electrical connections, communication interfaces, ventilation, an attachment mechanisms may be provided at the back <b>313</b> to protect those components from exposure to the elements or contact by a customer or other individual at a dispenser. One or more gaskets may be used to establish a secure and liquid impermeable seal between components of the protective frame <b>310</b> and the touch-sensitive screen <b>320</b>, as well as between different components of frame and/or between frame <b>310</b> and dispenser. Gaskets may be of silicone, foam, rubber, and/or other materials.

0041The frame <b>310</b> may comprise a plurality of pieces assembled to effectively seal touch-sensitive screen <b>320</b> securely therein to provide protection from shock, theft, or other damage. A variety of connections <b>330</b> may hold the frame together, while a variety of connection mechanisms <b>340</b> may permit the frame <b>310</b> to be mounted upon a bracket or other retention mechanisms to retain the frame <b>310</b> to the dispenser or near the dispenser. The precise number and type of components used to form frame <b>310</b> and other mounting mechanisms and/or to join those components may vary from the examples depicted in the drawings and described herein.

0042Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, a plate <b>410</b> that may be used to mount or otherwise retain internal components. As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref>, a variety of holes may be provided to receive screws to retain plate <b>410</b> at a desired location. Plate <b>410</b> may provide a stand-off for desired orientation of the touch-sensitive screen and for appropriate ventilation of the various computing components. Plate <b>410</b> may be affixed to frame <b>310</b> and other components of a mounting system using connection mechanisms such as screws, For example, a first hole <b>420</b> may receive a first screw, a second hole <b>422</b> may receive a second screw, a third hole <b>424</b> may receive a third screw, and a fourth hole <b>426</b> may receive a fourth screw. Meanwhile, further holes <b>430</b> may receive further screws to retain the frame and touchscreen device to bracket <b>410</b>.

0043Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref>, a mounting adaptor <b>510</b> is illustrated. Mounting adaptor <b>510</b> may be formed of a metal, plastic or other suitable material. In many examples, mounting adaptor <b>510</b> may be formed from a metal such as 14, 16, or 18 gauge aluminum or other metal. A hole <b>530</b> may receive a fan or blower to circulate air to cool the components of a tablet computing system in accordance with the present invention. Hole <b>530</b> may additionally, alternatively be used to receive power and communication connectors to interface with a tablet and to provide electrical power and data connectivity in order to permit or enhance the operation of systems and methods in accordance with the present invention.

0044Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, a cover <b>610</b> that may be affixed over mounting adaptor <b>310</b> is illustrated. Cover <b>610</b> may be constructed of metal, plastic or other suitable material. In many examples, cover <b>610</b> may be formed from a metal such as 14, 16 or 18 gauge aluminum or other metal. As can be seen in <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref>, a plurality of ventilation holes <b>650</b> may permit air to pass into the area of ventilation plate <b>510</b> to permit circulation around the electrical components of a tablet and to prevent overheating. A lip <b>640</b> may extend around ventilation cover <b>610</b> to permit ventilation cover <b>610</b> to be fitted securely onto plate <b>310</b> and to effectively in case and protect the rear portion of the tablet.

0045In assembling a frame <b>310</b>, a component mounting plate <b>410</b>, a cover <b>610</b>, a touch-sensitive screen <b>320</b>, and the various other components, various gaskets and/or sealants may be used to form a liquid-tight seal between the various components themselves, between the various components and the touch-enabled display <b>320</b>, and between the various components and the fuel dispenser.

0046Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref>, an example schematic of a system <b>700</b> in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. A dispenser <b>710</b> may be any type of fuel dispenser on which a tablet <b>740</b> is to be mounted. A power connection <b>705</b> may be a 110 volt alternating current connection that powers the operations of dispenser in dispensing fuel to customers, keeping records of transactions, supporting payment processing, etc. Dispenser <b>710</b> may also have appropriate data connections for payment processing (if dispenser provides a ‘pay-at-the-pump’ system) and may provide connections to dispense fuel from one or more fuel reservoir to the tank of customer's vehicle. An access bay <b>720</b> may be provided within dispenser <b>710</b> to receive, retain, and/or connect to a tablet <b>740</b>. Access bay <b>720</b> may be provided with a removable panel to cover bay <b>720</b> if tablet <b>740</b> is not installed in accordance with the present invention.

0047A 12 volt direct current power source <b>722</b> may receive 110 volt alternating current electrical power either directly or indirectly from AC power source <b>705</b> and provide 12 volt DC power to tablet <b>740</b>. Of course, in some examples in accordance with the present invention a tablet <b>740</b> may utilize a different direct current voltage or may utilize alternating current of any voltage. A fan <b>745</b> may optionally circulate air to cool tablet <b>740</b> and the computing components located within tablet, as well as power supply <b>722</b>. In some examples, fan <b>745</b> may require a power supply such as 12 volt DC power supply <b>722</b>, but in other examples fan <b>745</b> may be able to receive electrical power directly or indirectly from power source <b>705</b> of dispenser <b>710</b>.

0048At least one antenna <b>747</b> may exchange wireless signals <b>748</b> between tablet <b>740</b> and at least one other wireless-enabled computing device. Wireless signals <b>748</b> may be used to access the Internet or other computing network via a wireless router, a cellular network data tower, or other devices. Additionally/alternatively, wireless signals <b>748</b> may be used to exchange data communications with other tablets operating at a fueling station, potentially to share a data connection with those other tablets. In the event of a shared data connection, the tablet serving as a “hub” to share an Internet connection may use two (or more) antennas, for example one antenna to communicate with a cellular data network according to an appropriate protocol and a second antenna to exchange communications with other tablets.

0049A protective enclosure <b>760</b> may secure tablet <b>740</b> within access bay <b>720</b> of dispenser <b>710</b>. Protective enclosure <b>760</b> may be formed of any type of material, such as, but not limited to, aluminum. Protective enclosure <b>760</b> may protect tablet <b>740</b> as well as the interior of dispenser <b>710</b> from tampering and from environmental conditions. One or more gasket <b>750</b> may provide a seal with the exterior of dispenser <b>710</b> around access bay <b>720</b>, as well as optionally between components of protective cover <b>760</b> and/or between protective cover <b>760</b> and tablet <b>740</b>.

0050Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, exemplary computing components of a tablet <b>800</b> that may be used in systems and methods in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. One or more computer processor <b>810</b> may execute computer-readable code to perform operations such as those described herein. One or more data bus <b>850</b> may operably connect processor to computer memory <b>820</b>, computer storage <b>830</b>, communication component <b>840</b>, output component <b>860</b>, input component <b>870</b>, and/or payment component <b>880</b>. Processor <b>810</b> may execute code maintained in a non-transitory form in memory <b>820</b>, in storage <b>830</b>, and/or at a remote computing device accessible via communication component <b>840</b>. Processor <b>810</b> may similarly maintain records of the operation of tablet <b>800</b> in storage <b>830</b> and/or at a remote computing device accessible via communication component <b>840</b>.

0051Communication component <b>840</b> may implement one or more protocol to exchange data communications, such as may use any protocol and/or medium, to exchange data over wired or wireless connections. In the example of <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 8</figref>, communication component <b>840</b> interfaces with an antenna <b>847</b> that exchanges wireless communications <b>848</b> with other computing devices (not shown), but other types of communications (whether wired or wireless) may be used instead of or in addition to wireless communications <b>848</b> within the scope of the present invention. One or more output component <b>860</b> may control the output of information as directed by processor <b>810</b>. One or more output component <b>860</b> may control or include a display screen, audio speaker(s), a printer, and/or any other type of device(s) that may operate under the direction of processor <b>810</b> to render information into a form perceptible to a customer. One or more input component <b>870</b> may control or include a touch screen, button, or any other type of device(s) that may operate under the direction of processor to receive inputs from a customer. Processor <b>810</b> may interact with a customer in accordance with the present invention by coordinating the information output to a customer via output component <b>860</b> with the inputs (indicating selections, etc.) of customer via input component <b>870</b>. A payment component <b>880</b> may optionally be integral to tablet <b>800</b> (although payment component may additionally/alternatively be a discreet component operably connected to tablet <b>800</b> in any manner, such as through a communication component <b>840</b>.

0052Referring now to <figref idref="DRAWINGS">FIG. 9</figref>, an example of a method <b>900</b> in accordance with the present invention for facilitating non-fuel transactions at a fuel dispenser is illustrated. A tablet computing device to may be provided in step <b>910</b>. Step <b>910</b> may provide a tablet computing device having a touch-sensitive screen, a processor, network connection(s), memory, and/or storage. Memory and/or storage, whether integral to tablet computing device or accessed via a network, may retain computer executable code in a non-transitory form to cause the processor to operate in accordance with the methods of the present invention.

0053Protective frame for tablet computing device may be provided in step <b>920</b>. The protective frame provided in step <b>920</b> may be formed of one or more materials, such as aluminum and a polycarbonate sheet permitting a non-fuel customer to see and touch-activate the touch-sensitive screen of the tablet computing device. One example of an appropriate protective frame is described herein, but other types and varieties of protective frames may be used in accordance with the present invention.

0054The tablet computing device may be connected to a data network, such as the Internet, in step <b>930</b>. Step <b>930</b> may network tablet computing device using any wired or wireless medium and/or protocol. Step <b>930</b> may direct the tablet computing device directly to the Internet, or may connect the tablet computing device to the Internet through a router or other local network device. Step <b>930</b> may also provide a firewall and/or other network security functions.

0055The tablet computing device may be affixed to a fuel dispenser within the protective frame in step <b>940</b>. Step <b>940</b> may involve connecting the tablet computing device to a power source and/or providing a fan or other cooling system to power the tablet computing device and to maintain an appropriate operating temperature for the tablet computing device.

0056In step <b>950</b> the tablet computing device may access at least one database of available non-fuel transactions available to the fuel customer. The database accessed in step <b>950</b> may be an inventory of locally available items within a store associated with the fuel dispenser, may involve non-local transactions, and/or may involve non-sale or non-commercial transactions. The database(s) accessed in step <b>950</b> may be maintained in the tablet computing device, in a store affiliated with the fuel dispenser, and/or may be located remotely from the dispenser and accessed over a data network.

0057In step <b>960</b> the touch-sensitive screen of the tablet computing device may used to display information regarding available non-fuel transactions to the fuel customer. Some examples of non-fuel transactions that may be available to a fuel customer are described herein. In some examples of methods in accordance with the present invention, step <b>960</b> may operate iteratively with step <b>970</b> (described below) to display a category and/or range of non-fuel transactions available and to permit a fuel customer to access one or more of a large number of available non-fuel transactions by indicating the type of transaction the customer is interested in conducting. For example, a fuel customer may be presented with entertainment options, food options, loyalty club options, charitable options, business partner options, etc., and then may explore each of those categories further to select individual non-fuel transaction(s) of interest to the fuel customer.

0058The fuel customer may indicate a selection of a non-fuel transaction by touching the touch-sensitive screen in step <b>970</b>. Step <b>970</b> may receive touch inputs from the fuel customer selecting at least one non-fuel transaction. Step <b>970</b> may involve selecting an individual non-fuel transaction, selecting a category of non-fuel transactions, requesting additional information regarding a transaction, etc. Step <b>970</b> may operate iteratively in conjunction with step <b>960</b> of displaying information describing a non-fuel transaction(s).

0059If a payment is required from the customer for the selected non-fuel transaction, a payment may be received in step <b>980</b>. Step <b>980</b> may receive a payment for the non-fuel transaction(s) from fuel customer through any type of payment mechanism, such as a credit card reader, an NFC system, a barcode scanner, a QR code scanner, a cash payment, etc.

0060Method <b>900</b> may conclude in step <b>990</b> by completing the non-fuel transaction. Step <b>990</b> may involve delivering or making available for pick-up any items purchased, providing a validation code, enrolling the fuel customer in a loyalty program, transferring a donation from the fuel customer to a selected charity, providing media files to the fuel customer, etc.

0061Systems and methods in accordance with the present invention are not limited to the specific materials, dimensions, operating systems, communication protocols, and technical parameters given in the examples herein. Nor is the present invention limited to the exemplary types of items available for sale, rent, access, donation, acquisition, or otherwise described in examples herein. Commercial and non-commercial transactions beyond the purchasing of non-fuel items may be implemented using systems and methods in accordance with the present invention. Various types of computing devices, operating systems, networks, and network technologies may be used in accordance with the present invention.