Fuel-fill area data port

摘要

Near field communications devices provide wireless connectivity between vehicles and fueling stations by which vehicle fuel-related information can be exchanged. The exchanged information can include the type of fuel required by the vehicle and thus reduce the likelihood of an improper fuel being introduced to the vehicle. Vehicle fuel related information also includes an amount of fuel required to fill the vehicle's fuel reservoir, an amount of fuel required for the vehicle to travel to a particular location or distance, an amount of fuel received during previous refueling sessions, the identity of the vehicle, and vehicle operator fueling preferences. It can also include the location of the vehicle relative to a fueling station or fuel pump.

主权项

1. A motor vehicle comprising:
a re-fueling compartment having a hinged door; a fuel re-fill access port inside the re-fueling compartment, the fuel re-fill access port being accessible when the hinged door is open and concealed when the hinged door is closed, the fuel re-fill access port being configured to receive a nozzle of a fueling station pump when the hinged door is open; a first near field communications device inside the compartment, the first near-field communications device being configured to transmit near field radio frequency signals to, and receive near field radio frequency signals from, a second near field communications device located inside and at a distal end of a nozzle of a fueling station pump, the transmission and reception of near field radio frequency signals occurring after the hinged door is opened and after the second near field communications device enters into the re-fueling compartment and before insertion of the nozzle into the re-fill access port, said near field signals carrying vehicle fuel information between the first near field communications device and the second near field communications device.