System for communication with a vehicle in close proximity to a fixed service port

• Main Authors: Li, Edward Wing Ping, Christensen, Henrik Thorning, Jenner, Bruce Stephen, Mufford, William Edward, Robin, Curtis Michael
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 23.11.2004

The present invention relates to a system for communication and coupling with a vehicle in proximity to fixed service port. A method and apparatus for the purpose of ensuring positioning between a fixed automatic fueling service terminal and a vehicle, such that the vehicle is identified within a close range and authorized to dock at an identified service terminal to exchange services. This is accomplished by wirelessly determining the proximity of a couplable vehicle, with respect to a docking location at the service terminal. When a vehicle is within a specified distance of an automatic fueling service terminal, known as the zone of proximity detection, the vehicle identification code and service terminal identification code are both continuously determined and passed to a multi-port station controller, for authentication of service transactions and secure service processes, including automatically fueling the vehicle.