Saving Dollars with Self Service Gasoline Using the ARK Embedded Computer

Project
Self service gasoline pumps are gaining popularity in certain countries where gasoline prices are on the rise. Many drivers opt to save money by refueling their cars themselves, since self-service pumps, void of attendants, offer discounted prices. Our customer is one of the biggest gas station chains in Taiwan. Some time ago, they purchased our IPCs for use in point of sale systems (POS). Later, they became interested in exploring the benefits of applying IPCs to self-service pumps.
 

The self-service pump is a machine that combines a fuel dispenser with a payment mechanism. At the core of this particular application is our fanless embedded IPC ARK-3360, which features low power consumption and rich I/O, all at an effective price. The fanless design of this IPC is especially suited for use in gas stations, as the IPC does not draw in oil vapor, which can result in deterioration of the PCB.

Requirements
‧Fanless and rugged
‧Rich I/O with 3 parallel ports + 6 COM ports + 1 VGA port
‧Wide Power DC input, 12V to 24V
‧Wide temperature range of -20°C to 60°C
‧1.66 GHz Intel® Atom™ processor D510

System
The self service pump is a “pay at the pump” machine that combines the functions of a gas dispenser and a kiosk. Like attendant-operated pumps, the self service pumps are usually placed on concrete plinths in the forecourt of a filling station. A driver pulls up to the self-service pump, swipes his or her credit card to initiate validation, picks up thenozzle for the octane rating wanted, and dispenses the gasoline. Once refueling is finished, they press the “ENTER” button on the machine panel and get a printed receipt and a completed credit card invoice—all from the same machine. (The machine is often equipped with several nozzles of different colors, each indicating a different octane rating.)

Controlling the kiosk in this case is the Advantech ARK-3360, which provides 3 LPT ports: one connects to a thermal printer for printing out credit card invoices, one to a machine that prints out receipts, and one to a hardware key. It also has 6 COM ports for connecting with other peripherals, such as the credit card reader and the user touch panel. A VGA port is also provided for displaying the details of dealings. Though the ARK-3360 provides comprehensive I/O which allows for further expansion of applications, its price is rather cost-effective. It is also power-efficient, with only 40% the power consumption of the previous generation product.

Conclusion
Though many consumers prefer the “full service” provided by gas station attendants, there is a growing portion of consumers who opt for self-service gas at a discounted price. In Taiwan, many gas filling stations now offer consumers both service options. From the stance of the gas-station owners, self-service pumps help reduce labor costs. This is appealing to them, especially in countries where wage levels are higher, or when a night-time labor force is not so available.

Suggested Application Implementation

ARK-3360 Fanless, Compact Embedded IPC with 1.66 GHz Intel® Atom™ Processor N450/D510