Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
1. Title of Invention:
Adulteration Control Device for Retail Outlet ("ACD-R").
2. Field of Invention:
The present invention relates to adulteration control device for the retail
end,
which can be integrated with the dispatch station. The device can be used in
any
field where problem of mixing / adulteration is encountered. Particularly so
in the
field of petroleum products like mixing of non-standard products with the
standard products supplied by petroleum companies. Adulteration is a major
problem for these industries. ACD-R *addresses this problem on the retail end
very
effectively.
3. Background of the Invention:
The invention addresses the major problems of getting the information about
the
adulteration instantly i.e. on real time basis and without interference from
any
human element.
Earlier the adulteration detection was possible only by way of a lucky tip off
or by
way of reconciling historical data. The historical data can be and is
manipulated
by the interested parties and therefore the action could not be taken. Hence,
no
effective real time adulteration control system exists currently.
The invention logs all the information on the retail end and communicates it
to the
dispatch station resulting in instant information to the concerned official(s)
if there
is any adulteration material added to the storage tanks, and this it does
without any
human intervention, thus addressing the most difficult hurdles of human
manipulation, and timely information.
4. Objects of Invention:
The principle object of the present invention is to restrain and identify
cases of
adulteration and provide information to concerned officials / persons on real
time
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basis by way of continuous intelligent interaction between the retail sale
point and
the dispatch station using convergence of, instrumentation, software, hardware
telecommunication technologies to achieve the desired results and keep the
system
functional on real time basis devoid of any human intervention thus
eliminating
possibility of tampering & manipulations.
Further objects of the invention:
~ To reconcile all the receipts at the Retail end with the Dispatch Station on
real
time basis and to generate alerts for any mismatch, and send it to the
specified
recipients.
~ To log - process the sales, inventory and any other data at the retail end.
~ To deploy various methods to keep the system tamper proof and maintain the
integrity.
~ To have a pollution free environment by way of providing standard fuels to
motor vehicles.
~ To get better efficiencies for motor vehicles by way of providing standard
fuels.
~ To be a cost effective solution for adulteration control.
s To communicate the adulteration alerts on real time basis.
~ To take in following inputs: -
= Multiple Tank input to communication port via tank processing unit.
This will be protocol-based communication. Communication Unit can
pull the information based on inventory from the required tank by
sending the respective command to the tank-processing unit.
= Electronic Dispensing Unit Interface with the Communication Unit is
enabled via Volume Pulser Output.
= Inputs from sources measuring temperature, density etc. can be
captured and processed by the Communication Unit.
~ To give out following Outputs: -
= A wireless alert is to be sent to the depot whenever there is input to the
tank.
= A wired alert to follow, if the receipt of the wireless alert is not
received in a specified time.
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= The log is maintained on event basis as well as set time frequency
basis.
= The logs to be sent to the Depot Module once every 24 hours or on a
preset time frequency.
= Logging Unit will maintain log back-up for any desired number of
hours.
= Dispensing Unit readings will be sent to the control station on a preset
time frequency.
= Depot Module will generate acknowledgement for every wireless data
received.
= Power failure alert will be sent to the communication number
whenever power is restored.
5. A Summary of Invention:
The invention aims to restrain and identify cases of adulteration and provide
information to concerned officials / persons on real time basis by way of
continuous intelligent interaction between the retail sale point and the
dispatch
station using convergence of, instrumentation, software, hardware
telecommunicatiori technologies to achieve the desired results and keep the
system
functional on real time basis devoid of any human intervention thus
eliminating
possibility of tampering & manipulations.
Typically, the Gasoline/HSD/LDO / All Petroleum Product selling units are
known as Retail Outlets / Gas Stations / Petrol Pumps etc.
The adulteration occurs at these places by way of addition of non-standard
fuel to
the storage tank, which is later on dispensed through the dispensing unit to
the
vehicles, which come for refueling.
In principle the adulterant has to go through the storage tanks to be sold to
the
customer. Hence, we propose to control these tanks by way of convergence
technologies (Software, Instrumentation, Telecommunication etc.,) and by
connecting them with the Dispatch Station / Dispatch Location System on real
time basis to detect any non-standard product coming from the illegal source.
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ACD-R is used for reporting of data to Terminal / Regional Sales Office, data
such as inventory, total fuel dispensed, stock updates and any other data
required
to be collected and compared with the data at the dispatch location. Data is
logged
and transmitted to Dispatch Station modules using "ACD-R" which can use a
variety of communication channels including but not limited to GSM / CDMA /
TDMA / PSTN / Leased lines / VSAT/ RF networks etc.
6. A brief description of accompanying drawings:
Drawing No.1 shows Adulteration Control Device for Retail Outlet (ACD-R) in a
block diagram. At the Retail Outlet there are underground storage tanks
equipped
with Tank Gauging System. This system gives output in electronic standard
forms, which is carried to the ACD-R through the cable. The diagram shows the
ports for tank inputs, which is routed through volume processing unit.
Similarly there are Dispensing Units to dispense the product to customers,
from
the dispensing unit with electronic output or equipped with a device which
converts mechanical to electronic pulse, electronic output is taken by cable
to the
ACD-R to register the sales as shown in the figure, the third port for
dispensing
unit inputs which goes to the DU interfacing unit.
Any other inputs like temperature, density from the storage tanks can be taken
up
through additional input port.
The processed output from these units go to the Logic Processing Unit which in
turn is connected to data logger, real time clock, a battery back-up and
inverter
and the communication modem for various type of wireless and wired
telecommunications.
Drawing No.2 shows the Adulteration Control Device for Retail Outlet in a
construction diagram. This diagram describes the components in the
communication unit, component details and how components work together is
also explained.
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7. Detailed Description of the invention with reference to the drawings:
The Invention aims to restrain and identify cases of adulteration and provide
information to concerned officials / persons on real time basis by way of
continuous intelligent interaction between the retail sale point and the
dispatch
station using convergence of, instrumentation, software, hardware
telecommunication technologies to achieve the desired results and keep the
system
functional on real time basis devoid of any human intervention thus
eliminating
possibility of tampering / manipulations.
Typically, the Gasoline/HSD/LDO all petroleum product selling units are known
as Retail Outlets / Gas Stations / Petrol Pumps etc.
The adulteration occurs at these places by way of addition of non-standard
fuel to
the storage tank, which is later on dispensed through the Dispensing Unit to
the
vehicles, which come for refueling.
In principle, the adulterant has to go through the storage tanks to be sold to
the
customer. Hence, we propose to control these tanks by way of convergence
technologies (Software, instrumentation, telecommunication etc) and by
connecting them with the Dispatch Station / Dispatch Location System on real
time basis to detect any non-standard product coming from the illegal source.
ACD-R is used for reporting of data to Terminal / Regional Sales Office, data
such as inventory, total fuel dispensed, stock updates and any other data
required
to be collected and compared with the data at the dispatch location. Data is
logged
and transmitted to Dispatch Station modules using "ACD-R which can use a
variety of communication channels including but not limited to GSM, CDMA,
TDMA, PSTN, Leased lines, VSAT, RF networks etc.
RO Module: (Please refer drawing number I & 2)
There are three maior components of the RO Module as shown in Figure /
Drawing No. 2. There are three maior components of the RO Module.
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Tank Gauging System:
Tank gauging system, which provides digital output of inventory or other
source
of information, can be connected to "ACD-R" using intrinsically safe boxes.
The
ACD-R collects every stock in and out of tank for data logging or initiating
alerts.
Dispensing Unit Integration:
ACD-R can be interfaced directly with electronic dispensers to automatically
access metered sales information. This data is used for reconciliation of
volumes
report, like short deliveries, leak detection etc.
Adulteration Control Device for Retail end "ACD-R":
ACD-R is the heart of the system; it takes Input from tanks and multiple
Dispensing Unit as well as the Tank Gauging System and is capable of
interfacing
with any other module like POS (Point of Sale System). It is equipped with
more
than 3 types of communication ports.
Inputs: -
~ Multiple Tank input to communication port via tank processing unit, this
will
be protocol-based communication. ACD-R can pull the information based on
inventory from the required tank by sending the respective command to the
tank-processing unit.
~ Electronic Dispensing Unit Interface with the ACD-R is enabled via volume
pulse output.
~ Inputs from sources measuring Temperature, Density etc. can also be captured
and processed by the ACD-R.
Outputs: -
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~ The Communication Port is capable of transmitting wireless data / alerts to
Dispatch Station / Head Office for further processing using ACD-R which can
use a variety of communication channels including but not limited to GSM,
CDMA, TDMA, PSTN, Leased lines, VSAT, RF networks etc.
~ ACD-R communicates with dispensers, tank probes and other electronic
devices in the network. If the input data reveals a situation requiring urgent
investigation or action e.g. Inventory update, power off, pumps off-line,
possible leakage, etc., the ACD-R can automatically send alerts to the
Dispatch Station Module.
Features of ACD-R as shown in Figure / Drawing No. 1 & 2):
~ A wireless alert is to be sent to the Dispatch Station whenever there is
input to the tank.
~ A wired alert to follow, if the receipt of the wireless alert is not
received in
a specified time.
~ The log is maintained on event basis as well as set time frequency basis.
~ The logs to be sent to the Dispatch Station Module once every 24 hours or
on a preset time frequency.
~ Logging unit will maintain 24 hours sent log back up for any desired
number of hours.
~ Dispensing Unit readings will be sent to the control station on a preset
time frequency.
~ Dispatch Station Module will generate acknowledgement for every
wireless date received.
~ Power failure alert will be sent to the communication number whenever
power is restored.
Figure / Drawing No.2 shows Adulteration Control Device for Retail Outlet ACD-
R
in a block diagram.
At the Retail Outlet there are underground storage tanks equipped with Tank
Gauging
System. This system gives output in electronic standard forms, which is
carried to the
ACD-R through the cable, the diagram shows the ports for Tank Inputs, which is
routed through volume processing unit.
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Similarly, there are dispensing units to dispense the product to customers,
from the
dispensing unit with electronic output or equipped with a device which
converts
mechanical to electronic pulse, electronic output is taken by cable to the ACD-
R to
register the sales as shown in the figure, the third port for dispensing unit
inputs which
goes to the DU Interfacing Unit.
Any other inputs like temperature, density from the storage tanks can be taken
up
through additional input port.
The processed output from these units go to the logic processing unit which in
turn is
connected to data log Real Time Clock, a battery back up and inverter and the
communication modem for various type of wireless and wired telecommunications.
Figure / Drawing No. 2 shows the Adulteration Control Device for Retail Outlet
ACD-R in a construction diagram. This diagram describes the components in the
communication unit, component details and how components work together is also
explained.
The present invention of Adulteration Control Device for Retail end comprises
of
the followin components:
(a) Rectifier as shown in Figure No.1 (1). The rectifier converts alternating
current /
voltage into pulsating direct current / voltage arranged on a board within a
tamper proof box. It connects to the power system of the ACD-R.
(b) Battery Backup with Inverter as shown in Figure No. 1(2) provides power
backup of 2 (two) hours and is provided with Inverter. It connects to the
Power
System of the ACD-R with an automatic switching in case of power failure.
(c) Crystals shown in Figure No. 1(3) are connected to Logic Processing Unit
and
real time dock unit.
(d) Real Time Clock shown in Figure No. 1(4) is arranged on a board, the
DS1307
Serial Real-Time Clock is a low power, full binary-coded decimal (BCD) Clock
/ Calendar plus 56 bytes of SRAM. Address and data are transferred serially
via
a 2-wire bi-directional bus. The clock / calendar provides seconds, minutes,
hours, day, date, month, and year information. The end of the month, date is
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automatically adjusted for months with fewer than 31 days, including
corrections
for leap year. The clock operates in either the 24-hour or 12-hour format with
AM/PM indicator. The DS1307 has a built-in power sense circuit that detects
power failures and automatically switches to the battery supply.
(e) Reset Unit shown in Figure No. 1(5) resets the Communication Unit. It
provides
power-supply malfunction exception and a guaranteed power-up reset delay,
while typically consuming 1/27th the power from a +5V supply. It monitors the
power supply in Communication Unit. The device offers excellent circuit
reliability and low cost by eliminating external components and adjustments.
(f) Communication Module shown in Figure No. 1(6) arranged on a board within
a tamperproof box provides default support for available wireless network (GSM
/ CDMA / RHF / VHF / VSAT / SATPHONE etc.) with PSTN line / leased line
as backup.
(g) Logic Processing Unit (LPU) shown in Figure No. 1(7) arranged on a board
within a tamperproof box. The LPU is a low power micro-controller. By
executing powerful instructions in a single clock cycle the device optimizes
power consumption versus processing speed.
(h) Memory Unit (MU) - shown in Figure No. 1(8) arranged on a board within a
tamperproof box. The device provides electrically erasable and programmable
read only memory (EEPROM). The devices cascadable feature allows number of
devices to share a common 2-wire bus. The device is optimized to use in
circuits
like communication units, where low power and low voltage operation are
essential.
(i) Data Interfaces - shown in Figure No. 1(9) arranged on a board within a
tamperproof box. The DI is intended for RS232 or other form of input
communications interfaces, particularly applications where 12V is not
available. These parts are especially useful in battery-powered systems, since
their low power shutdown mode reduces power dissipation to less than 5 W.
(j) DU Connectors / Additional inputs shown in Figure No. 1(10) arranged on a
board within a tamperproof box RS232 / other data format input connectors are
provided for interfacing dispensing unit and add inputs like temperature
control,
densitometer, etc. can be picked up by the unit.
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(k) Probe or Volume Processing Connectors shown in Figure No. 1(11) arranged
on a board within a tamperproof box RS232 / other data format connector is
provided for interfacing volume processing unit or probes.
(1) LED indicators shown in Figure No. 1(12) arranged on a board within a
tamperproof box, showing outside, LED indicates status and processing
happening inside the communication unit.
(m) Tank Input Ports shown in Figure No. 1(13) arranged on a board within a
tamperproof box they can take the direct input from the probe with RS232 /
other data format standard or an input from the volume processing unit.
(n) Dispensing Unit Input shown in Figure No. 1(14) arranged on a board within
a
tamperproof box. This is input from dispensing unit or additional devices like
temperature control, densitometer etc.
How these components are connected?
All of the components are arranged on PCB (Printed Circuit Board) shown in
Figure
No.1 within a tamperproof box. The heart of Communication Unit is Logic
Processing Unit (LPU). Every input from the peripheral components is processed
by
LPU.
Event/Time based behavior:
The system is Event / Time based i.e., every action or processing starts as
response to
Events / Time schedule. The following are some of the events/ time schedules
which
when triggers action are taken by the Integrated Circuit.
~ Tank event: Input to the tank or Output from the tank causes this event and
as a
response event is logged or alert is sent.
~ DU event: Whenever preset time is crossed, this event is fired and as a
response
the reading are logged.
~ Timeouts: Timeouts for log sending is event that is responded by sending all
the
logs.
~ Request: Any request from remote system is event that is responded by
fulfilling
that request.
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Configuration of communication unit:
Configuration can be done locally as well as remotely. Remote system or the
site
engineer can also configure the configuration unit with the help of protocols.
Currently proposed configurable parameters are to which many other can be
added, if
required.
~ Tanks.
~ Dispensing Units.
~ Additional Inputs.
~ Log sending time.
~ Exception sending time.
~ Slab Interval for tank gauging.
~ Polling time intervals for gathering reading from Tanks / DU's / Addl.
Inputs.
~ Admin PIN.
~ User PIN.
~ Communication number of remote system.
Typically but not limiting to Communication unit sends data packets for every
~ Fuel addition.
~ Sending sales log to remote system.
~ Sending DU Log.
~ Sending Exception Log.
~ Requesting current tank reading & responding tank reading.
~ Requesting DU reading & responding DU reading.
~ Configuration Request (ADMIN ONLY).
~ Sending Backup sales log.
~ Sending backup sending DU Log.
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The data packet typically but not limited to contains:
Data Packet includes - Request
~ Header having information about the configuration request.
Data Packet includes - Response
~ Header having information about the enclosed data.
~ Response code.
~ Tanks.
~ Tank codes.
~ Dispensing Units.
~ Additional inputs.
~ Log sending time.
~ Exception sending time.
~ Slab Interval for tank gauging.
~ Polling time intervals for gathering reading form Tanks /DUs/
Addl. Inputs.
~ Admin PIN.
~ User PIN.
~ Communication number of remote system.
