US Patent:
20070273763, Nov 29, 2007
Inventors:
Mathias Smith - Albion IN, US
Assignee:
TOKHEIM HOLDINGS, B.V. - Ad Bladel
International Classification:
H04N 7/00
Abstract:
A fuel dispenser includes a surveillance system having a video camera-recorder combination such as a camcorder. The camcorder is configured to collect and record images relating to the refueling customer and/or customer vehicle. The point-of-sale (POS) terminal directs activation of the recording operation following authorization of a transaction in which the customer has selected a post-fueling payment option. If the customer leaves without paying, this drive-off event is recorded by generating a video-based delinquency report that includes a video segment corresponding to the video images recorded by the camcorder during the current transaction session. The recorded images and/or delinquency report may be furnished to a remote facility such as an Internet resource by configuring the refueling environment for connection to a communications network.