AU2011200806A1 - Methods and Systems Including those for Preventing Theft of Goods and Services - Google Patents

Abstract

In a preferred form shown in Figure 3 there is provided a product security system (200). The system includes a controller (208) for checking characteristics (204) against a number of previously stored characteristics (210). The product 5 security system (200) includes a security arrangement (212) adapted to permit and deny transfer of possession of one or more products (214). Fig 1

Description

P/00/011 Regulation 3.2(2) AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Application No. 2011 Lodged: 25 February 2011 Invention Title: Methods and Systems including those for Preventing Theft of Goods and Services The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to the Applicant, Wollard Management Services Pty Ltd: 2 METHODS AND SYSTEMS INCLUDING THOSE FOR PREVENTING THEFT OF GOODS AND SERVICES ASSOCIATED APPLICATIONS This application is associated with and claims priority to Australian 5 Provisional Patent Application No. 2010900832 in the name of Wollard Management Services Pty Ltd, which was filed on 26 February 2010, entitled "Methods and Systems including those for Preventing Theft of Goods and Services" and the specification thereof is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes. 10 FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to methods and systems including those for preventing theft of goods and services. Whilst the present invention is discussed with particular regard to theft of fuel from automotive service stations and fuel bowsers and the use of fingerprints 15 the present invention is to be appreciated as not being so limited but as having a wider context that includes many types of goods and services and many different biometric characteristics. In one preferred form, the invention relates to automotive service station systems for preventing or substantially reducing losses occurring through patrons 20 driving away without paying, after having refilled their automotive vehicles. In another preferred form, the invention relates to supermarket systems for preventing or substantially reducing losses at automatic checkout machines. The term automotive service station is herein defined to include automotive stations providing only fuel or fuel in addition to other goods or services. 25 BACKGROUND ART Throughout this specification the use of the word "inventor" in singular form is to be taken as reference to one (singular) inventor or more than one (plural) inventor of the present invention. It is to be appreciated that any discussion of documents, devices, acts or 30 knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the present invention. Further, the discussion throughout this specification comes about due to the realisation of the inventor and/or the identification of certain related art problems by the inventor. Moreover, any discussion of material such as 3 documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention in terms of the inventor's knowledge and experience and, accordingly, any such discussion should not be taken as an admission that any of the material forms part of the prior art base or the common general 5 knowledge in the relevant art in Australia, or elsewhere, on or before the priority date of the disclosure and claims herein. Fuel stations are often subject to "drive-offs", a term used to describe a potential customer of the service station, for want of a better expression, stoping to refill their vehicle and without paying for the fuel, driving away, and thus 10 stealing fuel from the merchant. Drive-offs can be often hard to police especially with the size of service stations continuing to increase. Primarily this occurs due to the scale of operations making it increasingly difficult to monitor all vehicles whilst they are being refuelled. 15 Without the introduction of systems for preventing or at least substantially reducing drive-offs, the frequency of "drive-offs" will continue to increase thereby placing greater pressure on merchants. At present the most common way to identify person's fuelling their vehicles is to use manual or video surveillance to keep a record of the registration plates 20 of the vehicles that are being refuelled at the fuel bowser. With video surveillance of this form, additional staff is often required. Furthermore, in either case of manual or video surveillance, errors are associated with taking and recording of vehicle registration numbers. One problem associated with the use of surveillance cameras is that 25 numerous video cameras are often required to cover all of the fuel bowsers of the automotive station. In order to get a positive identification of the person or the registration plate of the vehicle these cameras must generally be high resolutions. The cost associated with video surveillance is generally relatively high. Another problem that refuelling stations are faced with comprises people 30 using fake or stolen numberplates and driving stolen cars while performing a fuel drive off. If this occurs then it is almost impossible to track down the offender. It is against this background and the problems and difficulties associated therewith that the present invention has been developed.

4 SUMMARY OF INVENTION It is an object of the embodiments described herein to overcome or alleviate at least one of the above noted drawbacks of related art systems or to at least provide a useful alternative to related art systems. 5 In a first aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a method of preventing theft of one or more products comprising reading biometric characteristics of a customer; checking the characteristics against a number of previously stored characteristics corresponding with a number of customers; allowing transfer of possession of the one or more products to the customer if the 10 characteristics correspond with an authorised customer; and denying transfer of possession of the one or more products to the customer if the characteristics correspond with an unauthorised customer. Where used herein the term 'customer' includes the term 'customers' and is used broadly to include those who intend to take the benefit of services or the 15 goods (such as, possession of the goods) with or without payment for same. Furthermore, where used herein the term 'products' is used broadly and includes goods, services or combinations of goods and services. It will be readily apparent to the person skilled in the technology that biometric characteristics comprise any biological data that can be measured and 20 analysed, such as fingerprints, eye retinas and irises, voice patterns, facial patterns and hand and feet measurements. In a second aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a product security system comprising a biometric reader for reading biometric characteristics of a customer; a controller for checking the biometric 25 characteristics against a number of previously stored characteristics, which correspond with a number of customers; and a security arrangement adapted to permit transfer of possession of the one or more products by the customer if the characteristics correspond with an authorised customer and to deny transfer of possession of the products if the characteristics correspond with an unauthorised 30 customer. In a third aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided an automotive service station system comprising: a plurality of refilling stations having outlets for coupling to automotive vehicles for refilling, each refilling station 5 having a biometric sensor for determining one or more biometric characteristics of customers at the refilling stations; a determination system for determining whether customers are authorised customers, based on the one or more biometric characteristics; and an activation system for selectively enabling activation of the 5 outlets of the refilling stations at which the customers are located, based on the determination of the determination system. Preferably the determination system has an authoriser for automatically authorising a customer when the customer is found to be a new customer and an update unit that records a customer as being an unauthorised customer should 10 payment for refilling of the vehicle not be received after an outlet for refilling a vehicle has been used by the customer. In a fourth aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a method of operating an automotive service station having a plurality of refilling stations each having an outlet for coupling to an automotive vehicle for refilling, 15 the method comprising: reading biometric characteristics of customers at the refilling stations using biometric sensors at the refilling stations; determining whether each customer is an authorised customer based on the determined biometric characteristics; and selectively activating the corresponding outlets of the refilling stations based on whether each customer is an authorised customer. 20 Preferably the method comprises determining whether a customer is a new customer by determining whether biometric characteristics read by a biometric sensor correspond with previously stored biometric characteristics, and automatically authorising the customer if the customer is found to be a new customer. 25 In a fifth aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a automotive service station system comprising: a plurality of refilling stations having outlets for coupling to automotive vehicles for refilling, each refilling station having a finger print reader for determining finger print characteristics of a customer at the refilling station; the service station having a determination system 30 for determining whether the customer is an authorised customer based on the finger print characteristics, the determination system having an authoriser for automatically authorising the customer when the customer is found to be a new customer; and an activation system for selectively enabling activation of the outlet 6 of the refilling station at which the customer is located based on the determination of the determination unit. In a sixth aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a refilling station for an automotive service station comprising a biometric sensor for 5 determining one or more biometric characteristics of a customer, and an activation system for selectively activating the refilling station after the biometric characteristic has been determined. Preferably the refilling station comprises a petrol pump. In particularly preferred arrangements an individual's finger prints are 10 scanned and captured at the point of, or near the point of the fuel pump or its nozzle, forming part of the refilling station. Once the fingerprint capture has been done the finger print characteristics are sent back along with the number of the pump to a main database unit located inside the fuel station or at central location serving a number of service stations. 15 If a fingerprint is detected that has been previously recorded for a prior offence associated with non-payment a preferred system advantageously deems the individual as being unauthorised. This renders the pump unable to give fuel. Preferably a second print is taken as comparative, then allowing the owner or proprietor of the fuel station to take their desired course of action. 20 Preferred arrangements do not require users to "pre-pay" for fuel. This is considered advantageous as underestimations or overestimations of the actual amount of fuel do not result in the need for change or a refund to be given. In a seventh aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a taxi service system comprising: a plurality of vehicles for hire, each vehicle having 25 a biometric sensor for determining one or more biometric characteristics of customers; a determination system for determining whether customers are authorised customers, based on the one or more biometric characteristics; and an activation system for selectively enabling unlocking of the vehicle, based on the determination of the determination system. 30 In an eighth aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a method of operating a taxi service having a plurality of vehicles for hire, the method comprising: reading biometric characteristics of customers using biometric sensors associated with the vehicles; determining whether each 7 customer is an authorised customer based on the determined biometric characteristics; and selectively unlocking the vehicles based on whether each customer is an authorised customer. Preferably the method comprises determining whether a customer is a new 5 customer by determining whether biometric characteristics read by a biometric sensor correspond with previously stored biometric characteristics, and automatically authorising the customer if the customer is found to be a new customer. In a ninth aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a taxi 10 service system comprising: a plurality of vehicles for hire, each vehicle having a finger print reader for determining finger print characteristics of a customer at the vehicle; the vehicle having a determination system for determining whether the customer is an authorised customer based on the finger print characteristics, the determination system having an authoriser for automatically authorising the 15 customer when the customer is found to be a new customer; and an activation system for selectively unlocking the vehicle where the customer is located based on the determination of the finger print reader. In a tenth aspect of embodiments described herein there is provided a taxi vehicle comprising a biometric sensor for determining one or more biometric 20 characteristics of a customer and an activation system for unlocking the vehicle after the biometric characteristic has been determined. In a particularly preferred arrangement a customer's finger prints are scanned and captured external to the vehicle. Once a biometric characteristic of a customer has been captured the 25 information captured may be sent to a taxi base or monitoring station. Should a biometric characteristic be detected that has been previously recorded for a prior offence such as non-payment, assault or other misconduct a preferred system does not activate unlocking of the vehicle advantageously deems the individual as being unauthorised. This means the individual cannot 30 obtain access to the interior of the vehicle or the driver. Preferably a biometric characteristic of the customer is taken prior to the commencement and after conclusion of a trip in the vehicle. A biometric characteristic of the driver may also be captured by the system.

8 Advantages provided by preferred arrangements of the present invention comprise the following: (i) The reduction and or substantial elimination of theft of goods or services, such as fuel thefts resulting from drive-offs or evasion of 5 payment for services such as non-payment of taxi fares. (ii) The elimination of the need for numerous high resolution cameras and camera operated security systems by providing systems allowing clear identification of customers. (iii) The provision of centralised authorization systems that are able to 10 protect multiple business sites comprising taxi vehicles through the sharing of captured information regarding offenders. (iv) The provision of automatic authorisation and denial systems located at convenient locations such as at service station bowsers to identify and selectively authorise use of the bowser and stop repeat 15 offenders. (v) Providing safer working environments for goods and services providers by using the automatic authorisation and denial systems to prevent access to the goods, services or the employees who provide them, such as preventing access to taxi vehicles and their 20 drivers. (vi) The provision of systems and methods that have the overall effect of speeding up provision of services and supply of goods, such as refuelling and payment processes at service stations by identifying patrons in an advantageous manner and allowing vehicles to move 25 forward after refilling prior to payment without confusion. (vii) The provision of systems that limit the time associated with tracking down offenders using biometric characteristics, such as by the use of automatic fingerprint systems at petrol bowsers. (viii) The provision of systems that are difficult to defeat and deny 30 offender anonymity that their mere installation will deter any attempts to steal goods or services.

9 Other aspects, advantages and preferred forms of the invention are disclosed in the specification and/or defined in the appended claims, forming a part of the description of the invention. Further scope of applicability of embodiments of the present invention will 5 become apparent from the detailed description given hereinafter. However, it should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating preferred embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the disclosure herein will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed 10 description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further disclosure, objects, advantages and aspects of preferred and other embodiments of the present application may be better understood by those skilled in the relevant art by reference to the following description of embodiments 15 taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitative of the disclosure herein, and in which: Figure 1 provides a schematic view of a service station according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 provides an illustrative view of a method according to a second 20 preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 3 provides an illustrative view of a system according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to Figure 1 there is shown an automotive service station 10 25 according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. It is considered that the service station 10 provides an advantageous system in which potential offenders are prevented or deterred from driving away without paying for fuel. The service station 10 comprises a main shop 11 and a plurality of refilling 30 stations 12. The refilling stations 12 each have an outlet 14 in the form a pump and nozzle. When activated the pump draws fuel from the tank for being selectively dispensed through the nozzle. The nozzles comprise a swivel and squeezable 10 triggers adapted to be activated by a user. In the manner known in the art the outlets 14 can be coupled to automotive vehicles 16 for refilling. Figure 1 shows two automotives 16 having associated drivers 20 seeking to refill their vehicles 16. With a conventional system the automotive service 5 station 10 would be a prime target for drive-offs. With the present arrangement however the drivers 20 are dissuaded from attempting to steal fuel and are prevented from repeatedly offending. In providing these advantages, the present embodiment comprises biometric sensors 18 in the form of finger print units conveniently located 10 somewhere on or in the vicinity of each refilling station 12 such that each person 20 is able to request access. The finger print units 18 are adapted to determine one or more finger print characteristics of customers 20 at the refilling stations 12. In use a customer 20 walks up to a refilling station 12 that is not being 15 used, places his or her finger on a finger print unit 18 located on the trigger of the nozzle or otherwise in the vicinity of the refilling station 12, and if authorised is provided with the opportunity to refill his or her vehicle. For this purpose, the service station 10 comprises a determination system 22 for determining whether customers 20 are unauthorised customers in terms of 20 whether they have previously been associated with a "drive-off", are known to be trustworthy or are a new potential customer. The determination system 22 is able to access a datastore of finger print characteristics which in the present arrangement is located at a central location remote from the automotive service station 10. For example, a software 25 application may be used to identify specific points of data on the fingerprint as match points. The match points in the database are processed using an algorithm that translates that information into a numeric value. The database value is compared with the finger print characteristics input into the scanner and authorisation is either approved or refused 30 In other embodiments the datastore of finger print characteristics is located at the automotive service station 10 and is updated remotely from a central location. Advantageously, the central location collates data from a number of automotive service stations. This has the advantage of allowing service station 11 owners to manage their own lists in case of a break down between the service station and the central system. With the system, the service station 10 comprises an activation system 24 that is coupled to the determination system 22 and is provided for selectively 5 enabling activation of the outlets 14 of the refilling stations 12. The activation system 24 is electronically coupled to the determination system 22 such that activation of a respective outlet 14 for refilling is based on the determination of the determination system 22. The outlets 14 are selectively activated by allowing the pumps of the 10 outlets 14 to be energised and for fuel to subsequently flow through the hose and nozzle at the will of the customer 20. Once energised the customer 20 merely squeezes on the trigger of the nozzle of the outlet 14 to cause fuel to flow therethrough. On the other hand if the customer 20 is determined as being an unauthorised customer the activation 15 system 24 does not energise the pump and fuel does not flow, no matter how hard the user squeezes the trigger of the nozzle. In this embodiment the determination system requests that the fingerprint reader take another reading to confirm that an erroneous measurement has not been taken. 20 In other embodiments, on determination of an unauthorised customer, the determination system 22 sends a signal to the police, sounds an alarm or issues a request for payment of a fine in addition to monies owing. The determination system 22 may also activate a video surveillance capture system that records the facial character tics of the person, vehicle license 25 plate and so forth. In addition it is envisaged that the vehicle of the person may be prevented from being removed from the premises by the activation of tyre puncture means in the vicinity of the vehicle. It is to be recognised however that such systems may invoke an unwanted response in the driver. 30 Advantageously the determination system 22 comprises an authoriser 26 for automatically authorising a customer when it is determined that the customer is a new customer.

12 On detecting a new customer not previously recorded in the datastore, the authoriser 26 sends a signal through a wireless internet connection to the central server having a central database. The central server confirms that the new customer is not known and adds 5 the fingerprint details of the customer to the central database. The authoriser 26 automatically updates the local database. Should, for some reason, the data within the local database be lost, the authoriser 26 is adapted to regenerate the local database by issuing a retrieval request to the central database. In the event of the wireless internet connection 10 being disconnected the determination system 22 is still able to function. In such circumstances new customers are automatically authorised, stored in the local database and placed in a queue for being added to the central database. One advantageous option provided in the system is that the service station attendant is able to specify whether a new customer must be physically approved 15 before fuel is provided. This option allows for the customer and vehicle to be sighted before fuel is provided. In the present embodiment, the authoriser 26 comprises a transaction unit 28 that records a customer as being an unauthorised customer should payment for refilling of the customer's vehicle not be received within a predetermined 20 period of time. The transaction unit 28 comprises a finger print reader 30 located within the main shop 11 in the vicinity of a main till or payment station 32. At the payment station 32 a customer is able to place his or her finger on the finger print reader 30 following which the transaction unit displays the pump number and 25 amount payable. Use of a credit, debit or another transaction system then follows to complete the payment. If payment is not received within a predetermined period of time, the transaction unit 28 sends an update request to record the customer as being unauthorised. 30 Fingerprint characteristics of the unauthorised customer, the date, the amount owing and other details are recorded in the local database along with a service station identifier. It is envisaged that the customer will be able to attend to payment within a predetermined number of days, without being further penalised, 13 other than not being able to use the service station 10 or other service stations connected to the central database. Updates are sent from the central server to all stations on the network on a regular basis. In summary, a finger print reader 30 is located adjacent a payment station 5 32. The transaction unit 28 is able to use the finger print reader 30 to determine the refilling station 12 used by a customer 20 before payment is received. Advantageously the embodiment described does not require additional staff to monitor pumps via video or first hand and does not rely merely on high resolution cameras for numberplate identification. 10 As would be apparent the embodiment provides significant deterrent and theft prevention advantages. For example: no longer will service stations be presented with a false lead when offenders use a stolen vehicle or a vehicle with false registration plates; no longer will service stations be left with only blurry video images taken of the offender from a large distance; no longer will service 15 stations be presented with futile attempts to track offenders down; no longer will service stations be subject to drive-offs by repeat offenders. Armed with fingerprint details and the ability to deny repeat offenders, service stations now have the ability to address several long standing problems. Referring to Figure 2 there is shown a method 100 in accordance with a 20 second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Using the method 100 a vendor is able to readily identify the actual person committing a theft or a potential theft. The method 100 uses a person's fingerprints to identify him or her prior to providing access to fuel. The method 100 comprises a method of operating an automotive service 25 station having a plurality of refilling stations each having an outlet for coupling to an automotive vehicle for refilling. At block 102 the method 100 comprises reading biometric finger print characteristics 104 of a customer 106 in the vicinity of a refilling station 108. This is achieved using a finger print sensor 105 at the refilling station 108. 30 More particularly, once the method 100 has scanned and captured an individual's fingerprint/s at the point of, or near the point of the fuel pump or its nozzle, finger print information is sent back along with the number of the pump to a main database unit located inside the fuel station 14 Following this at block 110 the method 100 comprises determining whether each customer is an authorised customer based on the finger print characteristics. Thereafter at block 112 the method 100 comprises selectively activating the corresponding outlet of the refilling station 108 based on whether 5 the customer 106 is an authorised customer. The outlet comprises a pump for drawing fuel from a fuel tank. At block 114 the method 100 comprises determining whether the customer 106 is a new customer by determining whether characteristics 104 correspond with previously stored characteristics. If the customer is a new customer then the 10 customer is authorised. More particularly, once the information read is validated and found to be a sound fingerprint, the information is checked against a database to see if the individual is authorized to purchase fuel. If the person is not on the database then they are classified as authorized as a new customer, their fingerprint code is 15 stored onto the database pending payment for a time allocated by the owner or proprietor of the fuel station. A signal is then sent to the fuel pump to allow refuelling to begin. Advantageously the customer is able to request that the finger print details are deleted once payment is received. This is described in detail below. 20 Thereafter the method 100 comprises, at block 116, reading biometric characteristics of a customer after the customer has used one of the outlets to refill his or her vehicle, and determining the amount payable based on the biometric characteristics of the customer. In the example given, the customer proceeds to the fuel station's paying 25 area to make payment. Once at the payment area of the fuel station the customer is prompted again to scan their fingerprint. The fingerprint is checked again against the database. The method then identifies the pump and the person who was using it and in turn the amount of fuel purchased and money owed. Advantageously, in the embodiment the customer is subsequently 30 presented with the opportunity to delete the fingerprint code from the system as the customer has paid for the goods. This advantageously allows for the person to remain anonymous and for their privacy to be maintained should they complete the transaction.

15 If one of the customers was to scan their fingerprint, refill his or her vehicle and then decide to drive off without paying, the systems database would have the individual's fingerprint for possible later prosecution. Of the many possibilities available the service station could then keep the 5 fingerprint code on record for use at other fuel stations for later broader security. Should the system detect a fingerprint that has been previously recorded for a prior offence the system would deem the individual as unauthorized. This consequently renders the pump unable to give fuel. A second biometric characteristic, such as a second finger print could then 10 be taken as comparative, allowing the owner or proprietor of the fuel station to take their desired course of action. The second print can be used at the pay station either before the fuel has been paid for, or alternatively, after the fuel has been payed for and the attendant is satisfied that the transaction was successful. The system can be set to either delete reference to a good customer (thus 15 deleting the customer's print from the system record) or to keep all prints on record. By taking a second scan from a customer once he reaches the pay station the attendant can easily see which numbered pump the customer used at the given time and cross reference this to the money owed. This eliminates 20 customers paying for someone else's fuel. Once a customer has refuelled their vehicle they can also move their car out of the way so that the next customer can take their place and start refuelling. This helps to maximise the rate at which customers pass through the station. By virtue of method 100 as described above to identify the person rather 25 than the vehicle the method has the benefit of increasing the likelihood of the offender being identified and prevented from repeat offending. With the system installed in multiple fuel stations criminals are prevented from going from one station to the next repeatedly offending in the same manner. The system is considered to provide security, safety and identification. 30 Furthermore, the service station attendant does not have to confront the offender. The offender either drives off for a first time, having refuelled, or drives off, for a second time without refuelling, leaving a further finger print behind. In the latter case two finger prints are recorded for identification purposes.

16 By using the method 100 as described above it is no longer necessary to use methods involving video surveillance, manning lookouts, writing down registrations and prepaying for fuel. Even with these systems in place fuel stations still lose millions of dollars a year. Some of these systems such as those 5 requiring prepayment for fuel generally places honest customers at an inconvenience. Methods that focus on identifying the driver indirectly through the vehicle's registration plate are fraught with difficulties, as the person driving the car in most of the drive offs is not the owner of the vehicle or its registration plate. 10 In summary the service station system 10 and the method 100 described are considered to provide advantageous manners of identification, denial of service whilst providing employee safety that is clearly distinguished from current practices used to safeguard fuel stations. In some arrangements the customer is encouraged to allow the fingerprint code to be stored by offering benefits in 15 accordance with a benefit scheme. Additionally, processes that require human intervention are circumvented using automated electronic systems that are considered to substantially reduce the need for labour intensive practices such as using binoculars to attempt to predict which people may be thinking about stealing fuel. 20 In another embodiment there is provided a petrol pump comprising a biometric sensor for determining one or more biometric characteristic of a customer. The petrol pump comprises an activation system for selectively activating the petrol pump after the biometric characteristics has been determined and matched against a database of stored characteristics. The petrol pump is 25 adapted to be used in either the system 10 or the method 100. Advantages of preferred methods and systems that would now be clearly apparent comprise those that: (i) selectively deny of use of a bowser, so as to limit losses and thus serve to keep insurance premiums down; 30 (ii) enable customers to still enter the shop associated with a service station in which the bowser is located to exploit secondary goods sales.

17 (iii) provide client identification and denial of service whilst providing for overall safety for staff at pay counters whereby potential criminals do not remain anonymous after scanning with the system. (iv) provide cost savings in terms of a reduced number of staff needed 5 on site to monitor patrons and in which there is considered to be less inconvenience to customers overall. It will be readily apparent that the system of the present invention could be applied to one or more of several situations whereby access to goods is required. For example, the system of the present system could be used to allow or deny 10 access not only to the bowser, but to the shop or other facilities associated with the petrol station. In one embodiment of the invention the system and method could be used at the entry driveway to allow or deny access to the petrol station per se. Referring to Figure 3 there is shown a product security system 200 15 according to a further preferred embodiment of the present invention. The product security system 200 comprises a biometric reader 202 for reading biometric characteristics 204 of a person 206. The product security system 200 comprises a controller 208 for checking the read characteristics 204 against a number of previously stored characteristics 20 210 that correspond with a number of unauthorised customers. With the arrangement the previously stored characteristics correspond with a particular customer, a particular service station, and an amount owing. The product security system 200 comprises a security arrangement 212 that is adapted to permit transfer of possession of the one or more products 214 25 by the customer if the characteristics correspond with an authorised customer. The characteristics are found to correspond with an authorised customer if there are no corresponding previously stored characteristics 210. Otherwise the security arrangement is adapted to deny transfer of possession of the products if the characteristics correspond with an unauthorised customer. All the previously 30 stored characteristics 210 correspond with unauthorised customers. The product security system 200 is considered to find particular use in an automated supermarket checkout. Once a person has brought their products to the checkout the finger print of the person is scanned. Then if the person is not 18 recorded as being unauthorised the checkout is activated for scanning and sale purposes. The product security system comprises an updater for authorising the person if the read characteristics do not correspond with any one of the number 5 of persons and then to store the characteristics in a manner corresponding with that person. The updater has an option whereby a person can select whether they would like to be recorded for consumer loyalty scheme purposes. In this particular arrangement the checkout is coupled to a siren which sounds an alarm if someone walks through an exit area before a transaction is 10 completed. This is considered to assist with persons who may forget to complete their transactions. It will be readily apparent that the system of the present invention could be applied to many locations within a site where access to goods is provided. For example, the system of the present system could be used to allow or deny access 15 not only to the check-out of a store, but alternatively (or additionally) the system could be applied at the entry and/or exit door of the store to allow or deny access to certain customers. Taxi services and taxi drivers can also be subject to thefts and serious assaults from some customers. Where used herein the term 'taxi' refers to any 20 vehicle service whereby a professional driver is employed to carry passengers from one destination to another and comprises 'cab', limousine and chauffeur services. A taxi transports a passenger to a location but during or after the trip the passenger sometimes refuses to pay for the taxi service provided. The taxi driver 25 has no way of retrieving or reversing the service in order to recoup moneys owed. While many taxis are fitted with cameras in an attempt to later identify people committing offences, the photos from the cameras are often of very little value if the passenger has concealed their face - an act that takes very little effort. these photos can only be retrieved hours possibly days following an incident. Even if a 30 clear photo is taken of the passenger, the photo still requires a member of the public to accurately identify the passenger. In order to reduce or eliminate these situations, according to one embodiment of the method of the present invention the driver could request that 19 the passenger/s provide to the reader a fingerprint or identification based on some other biometric characteristic. The biometric scanner or reader could be located inside the vehicle or outside for added safety. In a preferred embodiment of the method, the reader is located on the exterior of the vehicle so that, the 5 driver could leave their Vehicle locked until a successful biometric scan was taken and the information was uploaded to the monitoring station prior to allowing the customer access to the vehicle. The system could comprise a small screen inside the vehicle whereby the driver can view the biometric scan and have the system notify them that the print is successful and legible. By this stage the customer 10 would aware that his identity is known, lessening the likelihood that they would misbehave or commit an offence. The biometric characteristic captured by the sensor such as a finger print scan, would then be transferred electronically to a taxi base or monitoring station along with the Global positioning or GPS location of the vehicle, and exact time of 15 day when the print was taken. This information can also be stored on board the vehicle as a backup measure. In a preferred embodiment, a second biometric characteristic is measured, such as a second finger print, when the passenger has reached and paid for the ride. This second scan could also take place once the passenger is outside the vehicle ensuring the safety of the driver, 20 In addition to input of the passenger's biometric characteristic such as a finger print, the system may require a personal code only known by the driver. Unless the personal code is entered to the system at the end of the trip by the driver and following the final scan by the passenger, the base station or monitoring centre would be alerted. Thus the omission of the final passenger 25 scan or the driver's personal code will flag that an adverse event may have taken place or be in progress, such as a robbery or assault. The system also has the advantage of simultaneously flagging the vehicle's exact location. Security can be further heightened by the use of a panic button that the driver can activate to send both GPS and fingerprint details to the monitoring station at any stage of the 30 trip. Because finger prints or other biometric identification of the passenger are instantaneously transferred to a monitoring station there is no possibility of anyone destroying evidence of their identity by damaging the system equipment located on board the vehicle 20 Alternatively or in addition to the driver having a personal code, a biometric characteristic of the driver may be utilised. For example, if the driver's fingerprint is also registered with the system then this can work in the same way as the personal code to keep track of the driver. This ensures increased safety of the 5 passengers because it allows the monitoring station to identify the driver and cross reference this information with the identity of the passenger/s present in the vehicle at the time a taxi service was provided. Measurement of a drive biometric characteristic at the start and end of each trip and/or each driver shift allows the taxi service provider to ensure that the correct driver is manning the vehicle.. 10 Typically there would be a small cost associated with each trip in order to send the electronic passenger information back to the monitoring station. This cost could be passed on to the customer in order to ensure the safety of all involved. In the event of a theft, assault or other offence the biometric information 15 identifying the offender could be passed onto law enforcement authorities. Furthermore, information regarding the offences could be added to the database of the system, flagging them as a problem passenger. Access to such information through the system would allow drivers to make accurate decisions in the future as to whether or not they offer their service to the offender. 20 It will be readily apparent from the foregoing that the system of the present invention could be applied to any situation whereby access to goods or services is required. While this invention has been described in connection with specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it is capable of further 25 modification(s). This application is intended to cover any variations uses or adaptations of the invention following in general, the principles of the invention and including such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice within the art to which the invention pertains and as may be applied to the essential features hereinbefore set forth. 30 As the present invention may be embodied in several forms without departing from the spirit of the essential characteristics of the invention, it should be understood that the above described embodiments are not to limit the present invention unless otherwise specified, but rather should be construed broadly 21 within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive. Various modifications and equivalent arrangements are intended to be 5 included within the spirit and scope of the invention and appended claims. Therefore, the specific embodiments are to be understood to be illustrative of the many ways in which the principles of the present invention may be practiced. In the following claims, means-plus-function clauses are intended to cover structures as performing the defined function and not only structural equivalents, but also 10 equivalent structures. For example, although a nail and a screw may not be structural equivalents in that a nail employs a cylindrical surface to secure wooden parts together, whereas a screw employs a helical surface to secure wooden parts together, in the environment of fastening wooden parts, a nail and a screw are equivalent structures. 15 It should be noted that where the terms "server", "secure server" or similar terms are used herein, a communication device is described that may be used in a communication system, unless the context otherwise requires, and should not be construed to limit the present invention to any particular communication device type. Thus, a communication device may include, without limitation, a bridge, 20 router, bridge-router (router), switch, node, or other communication device, which may or may not be secure. It should also be noted that where a flowchart is used herein to demonstrate various aspects of the invention, it should not be construed to limit the present invention to any particular logic flow or logic implementation. The 25 described logic may be partitioned into different logic blocks (e.g., programs, modules, functions, or subroutines) without changing the overall results or otherwise departing from the true scope of the invention. Often, logic elements may be added, modified, omitted, performed in a different order, or implemented using different logic constructs (e.g., logic gates, looping primitives, conditional 30 logic, and other logic constructs) without changing the overall results or otherwise departing from the true scope of the invention. Various embodiments of the invention may be embodied in many different forms, including computer program logic for use with a processor (e.g., a 22 microprocessor, microcontroller, digital signal processor, or general purpose computer), programmable logic for use with a programmable logic device (e.g., a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other PLD), discrete components, integrated circuitry (e.g., an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC)), or any 5 other means including any combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, predominantly all of the communication between users and the server is implemented as a set of computer program instructions that is converted into a computer executable form, stored as such in a computer readable medium, and executed by a microprocessor under the control of an 10 operating system. Computer program logic implementing all or part of the functionality where described herein may be embodied in various forms, including a source code form, a computer executable form, and various intermediate forms (e.g., forms generated by an assembler, compiler, linker, or locator). Source code may 15 include a series of computer program instructions implemented in any of various programming languages (e.g., an object code, an assembly language, or a high level language such as Fortran, C, C++, JAVA, or HTML) for use with various operating systems or operating environments. The source code may define and use various data structures and communication messages. The source code may 20 be in a computer executable form (e.g., via an interpreter), or the source code may be converted (e.g., via a translator, assembler, or compiler) into a computer executable form. The computer program may be fixed in any form (e.g., source code form, computer executable form, or an intermediate form) either permanently or 25 transitorily in a tangible storage medium, such as a semiconductor memory device (e.g, a RAM, ROM, PROM, EEPROM, or Flash-Programmable RAM), a magnetic memory device (e.g., a diskette or fixed disk), an optical memory device (e.g., a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM), a PC card (e.g., PCMCIA card), or other memory device. The computer program may be fixed in any form in a signal that is 30 transmittable to a computer using any of various communication technologies, including, but in no way limited to, analog technologies, digital technologies, optical technologies, wireless technologies (e.g., Bluetooth), networking technologies, and inter-networking technologies. The computer program may be 23 distributed in any form as a removable storage medium with accompanying printed or electronic documentation (e.g., shrink wrapped software), preloaded with a computer system (e.g., on system ROM or fixed disk), or distributed from a server or electronic bulletin board over the communication system (e.g., the 5 Internet or World Wide Web). Hardware logic (including programmable logic for use with a programmable logic device) implementing all or part of the functionality where described herein may be designed using traditional manual methods, or may be designed, captured, simulated, or documented electronically using various tools, such as 10 Computer Aided Design (CAD), a hardware description language (e.g., VHDL or AHDL), or a PLD programming language (e.g., PALASM, ABEL, or CUPL). Programmable logic may be fixed either permanently or transitorily in a tangible storage medium, such as a semiconductor memory device (e.g., a RAM, ROM, PROM, EEPROM, or Flash-Programmable RAM), a magnetic memory 15 device (e.g., a diskette or fixed disk), an optical memory device (e.g., a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM), or other memory device. The programmable logic may be fixed in a signal that is transmittable to a computer using any of various communication technologies, including, but in no way limited to, analog technologies, digital technologies, optical technologies, wireless technologies (e.g., Bluetooth), 20 networking technologies, and internetworking technologies. The programmable logic may be distributed as a removable storage medium with accompanying printed or electronic documentation (e.g., shrink wrapped software), preloaded with a computer system (e.g., on system ROM or fixed disk), or distributed from a server or electronic bulletin board over the communication system (e.g., the 25 Internet or World Wide Web). "Comprises/comprising" when used in this specification is taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof." Thus, unless the context clearly requires 30 otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words 'comprise', 'comprising', and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

Claims (42)

1. A method of preventing theft of one or more products comprising reading biometric characteristics of a customer; checking the characteristics against a 5 number of previously stored characteristics corresponding with a number of customers; allowing transfer of the benefit of the one or more products to the customer if the characteristics correspond with an authorised customer; and denying transfer of the benefit of the one or more products to the customer if the characteristics correspond with an unauthorised customer. 10

2. A method as claimed in claim 1 comprising authorising the customer if the characteristics do not correspond with any one of the number of customers; and storing the biometric characteristics in a manner corresponding with that customer. 15

3. A method as claimed in claim 1 or 2 comprising providing the customer with an option in which the customer is able to specify that the biometric characteristics associated with the customer are not stored. 20

4. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the one or more products comprise fuel and the method comprises an automotive service station security method.

5. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the one or more 25 products comprises consumer items and the method comprises a shop security method.

6. A method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein denying removal of the products comprises automatic physical prevention of removal of the 30 products from a location.

7. A method as claimed in claim 6 wherein denying removal of the products comprises activating tyre puncture elements. 25

8. A product security system comprising a biometric reader for reading biometric characteristics of a customer; a controller for checking the biometric characteristics against a number of previously stored characteristics, which correspond with a number of customers; and a security arrangement adapted to 5 permit transfer of the benefit of the one or more products by the customer if the characteristics correspond with an authorised customer and to deny transfer of the benefit of the products if the characteristics correspond with an unauthorised customer. 10

9. A product security system as claimed in claim 8 comprising an updater for authorising the customer if the characteristics do not correspond with any one of the number of customers and storing the characteristics in a manner corresponding with that customer. 15

10. A product security system as claimed in claim 8 or 9 wherein the updater comprises an option allowing the customer to specify that the biometric characteristics of the customer are not to be stored.

11. A product security system as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein 20 the one or more products comprise fuel and the method comprises an automotive service station security method.

12. A product security system as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 wherein the one or more products comprises consumer items and the product security 25 system comprises a shop security method.

13. A product security system as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 12 wherein the security system is adapted to deny removal of the products by physically preventing the products from being removed from their location. 30 26

14. An automotive service station system comprising: a plurality of refilling stations having outlets for coupling to automotive vehicles for refilling, each refilling station having a biometric sensor for determining one or more biometric characteristics of customers at the refilling stations; a determination system for 5 determining whether customers are authorised customers, based on the one or more biometric characteristics; and an activation system for selectively enabling activation of the outlets of the refilling stations at which the customers are located, based on the determination of the determination system. 10

15. An automotive service station system as claimed in claim 14 comprising an authoriser for automatically authorising a customer when it is determined that the customer is a new customer.

16. An automotive service station system as claimed in claim 14 or 15 15 comprising an update unit for recording a customer as being an unauthorised customer should payment for refilling of the vehicle not be received after the customer has used an outlet for refilling a vehicle.

17. An automotive service station system as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 20 16 comprising a biometric sensor located adjacent a payment terminal of the service station, the biometric sensor for determining the refilling station used by a customer before payment is received.

18. A method of operating an automotive service station having a plurality of 25 refilling stations each having an outlet for coupling to an automotive vehicle for refilling, the method comprising: reading biometric characteristics of customers at the refilling stations using biometric sensors at the refilling stations; determining whether each customer is an authorised customer based on the determined biometric characteristics; and selectively activating the corresponding outlets of 30 the refilling stations based on whether each customer is an authorised customer. 27

19. A method as claimed in claim 18 comprising determining whether a customer is a new customer by determining whether biometric characteristics read by a biometric sensor correspond with previously stored biometric characteristics, and automatically authorising the customer if the customer is 5 found to be a new customer

20. A method as claimed in claim 18 or 19 comprising reading biometric characteristics of customers after the customers have used the outlets to refill their vehicles, and determining the amounts payable based on the biometric 10 characteristics.

21. A automotive service station system comprising: a plurality of refilling stations having outlets for coupling to automotive vehicles for refilling, each refilling station having a finger print reader for determining finger print 15 characteristics of a customer at the refilling station; the service station having a determination system for determining whether the customer is an authorised customer based on the finger print characteristics, the determination system having an authoriser for automatically authorising the customer when the customer is found to be a new customer; and an activation system for selectively 20 enabling activation of the outlet of the refilling station at which the customer is located based on the determination of the determination unit.

22. A refilling station for an automotive service station comprising a biometric sensor for determining at least one biometric characteristic of a customer, and an 25 activation system for selectively activating the refilling station after the biometric characteristic has been determined.

23. A refilling station as claimed in claim 22 wherein the refilling station comprises a petrol pump. 30 28

24. A taxi service system comprising: a plurality of vehicles for hire, each vehicle having a biometric sensor for determining one or more biometric characteristics of customers; a determination system for determining whether 5 customers are authorised customers, based on the one or more biometric characteristics; and an activation system for selectively enabling unlocking of the vehicle, based on the determination of the determination system.

25. A taxi service system as claimed in claim 24 comprising an authoriser for 10 automatically authorising a customer when it is determined that the customer is a new customer.

26. A taxi service system as claimed in claim 24 or 25 comprising an update unit for recording a customer as being an unauthorised customer should payment 15 for taxi services not be received after the customer has completed a trim in a vehicle.

27. A taxi service system as claimed in any one of claims 24 to 26 comprising a biometric sensor located adjacent the exterior of the vehicle, the biometric 20 sensor for determining the vehicle used by a customer before payment is received.

28. A method of operating a taxi service having a plurality of vehicles for hire, the method comprising: reading biometric characteristics of customers using 25 biometric sensors associated with the vehicles; determining whether each customer is an authorised customer based on the determined biometric characteristics; and selectively unlocking the vehicles based on whether each customer is an authorised customer. 30 29

29. A method as claimed in claim 28 comprising determining whether a customer is a new customer by determining whether biometric characteristics read by a biometric sensor correspond with previously stored biometric characteristics, and automatically authorising the customer if the customer is 5 found to be a new customer

30. A method as claimed in claim 28 or 29 comprising reading biometric characteristics of customers after the customers have completed travel in the vehicles, and determining the amounts payable based on the biometric 10 characteristics.

31. A taxi service system comprising: a plurality of vehicles for hire, each vehicle having a finger print reader for determining finger print characteristics of a customer at the vehicle; the vehicle having a determination system for 15 determining whether the customer is an authorised customer based on the finger print characteristics, the determination system having an authoriser for automatically authorising the customer when the customer is found to be a new customer; and an activation system for selectively unlocking the vehicle where the customer is located based on the determination of the finger print reader. 20

32. A taxi vehicle comprising a biometric sensor for determining at least one biometric characteristics of a customer, and an activation system for unlocking the taxi vehicle after the biometric characteristic has been determined. 25

33. Apparatus: comprising: processor means adapted to operate in accordance with a predetermined instruction set, said apparatus, in conjunction with said instruction set, being adapted to perform a method as claimed in any one of the above method claims 30 30

34. A computer program product comprising: a computer usable medium having computer readable program code and computer readable system code embodied on said medium within a data processing system, said computer program product comprising: computer readable code within said computer 5 usable medium for performing a method as claimed in any one of the above method claims.

35. A method as claimed in claim 1, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 10

36. A method of operating an automotive service station as claimed in claim 18, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 15

37. A method of operating a taxi service as claimed in claim 28, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

38. A product security system as claimed in claim 8, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 20

39. An automotive service station system as claimed in claim 14 or 21, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

40. A refilling station as claimed in claim 22, substantially as herein described 25 with reference to the accompanying drawings.

41. A taxi service system as claimed in claim 24 or 31, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. 30

42. A taxi vehicle as claimed in claim 32, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.