Methods, systems, and devices for secure payment and providing multimedia at fuel dispensers are provided. In general, a fuel dispenser can include a terminal configured to receive secure information and to show multimedia. The terminal can be configured to switch between a first mode and a second mode. The terminal can include a touchscreen. In the first mode, the touchscreen can have a shield enabled thereon that is configured to reduce a field of view of the touchscreen such that the touchscreen is only visible from specific angle(s). In the second mode, the shield can be disabled such that the touchscreen does not have a reduced field of view.

A system and method for a context-aware digital assets distribution platform. The platform comprises means for distributing or broadcasting digital assets to mobile devices in conjunction with an object providing dynamic sources of context information. The digital assets distribution platform incorporates one or more component architecture, a mobile device application having one or modules for dynamic context sensing, context recognition, context and information communication-transmission, and digital assets content sharing via a mobile computing network. The platform enables the distribution or broadcast of personalized information or services to mobile device users.

A campsite utility access pedestal is disclosed. The campsite utility access pedestal comprises an input port configured to receive a utility. The campsite utility access pedestal also comprises an output port configured to supply a campsite with the utility. A coupling mechanism is configured to couple the input port to the output port when the coupling mechanism is actuated. A control board is configured to actuate the coupling mechanism in response to receiving an indication of payment for the utility.

A campsite utility access pedestal is disclosed. The campsite utility access pedestal comprises an input port configured to receive a utility. The campsite utility access pedestal also comprises an output port configured to supply a campsite with the utility. A coupling mechanism is configured to couple the input port to the output port when the coupling mechanism is actuated. A control board is configured to actuate the coupling mechanism in response to receiving an indication of payment for the utility.

Systems and methods for market-based financial settlement in an electric power grid are disclosed. A settlement processor is constructed and configured for IP-based communication with at least one active grid element via at least one coordinator. The at least one active grid element is registered with the at least one coordinator to participate within the electric power grid. The at least one coordinator tracks the at least one active grid element in the electric power grid. The at least one active grid element transmits at least one IP-based settlement message to the settlement processor via the at least one coordinator. The at least one IP-based settlement message comprises at least one kilowatt packet (KWP) unit, and the at least one KWP unit is based on measurement data for a participation of the at least one active grid element in the electric power grid. The settlement processor provides a market-based financial settlement for the participation of the at least one active grid element based on the at least one KWP unit in real time or near real time.

Provided is a control method including: receiving, from first power equipment, first transaction data including, for example, transmitted power amount information indicating the amount of power transmitted to power accumulation equipment; obtaining, from the power accumulation equipment, received power information including, for example, received power amount information indicating the amount of power received from the first power equipment; verifying the first transaction data by referring to the received power information; executing a first consensus algorithm with second servers when the first transaction data is verified successfully; and recording a block including the first transaction data in a distributed ledger of a first server when the validity of the first transaction data is verified through the first consensus algorithm.

An electrical distribution center includes a plurality of electrical receptacles or ports which are activated when currency is deposited into a currency receiving mechanism that is coupled to a timer switch. Electricity is provided to the receptacles for a pre-paid period of time. Thereafter, the timer switch opens to prohibit further flow of electricity to the receptacles until additional currency is deposited or credited to the electrical distribution center. The electrical distribution center may be connected to an electrical grid or include an electricity generating source such as a solar panel and associated control circuitry.

The systems and methods described herein disclose providing compensation for data transmission during a refill event. As described here, a vehicle collects operation data sets during movement in the vehicular environment. Vehicles can then transfer one or more of the operation data sets during the refill of the collecting vehicle. Thus, operator can determine the desirability and value of trading the upload time for compensation. The systems and methods can include detecting a refill event for a collecting vehicle. A data analysis can then be received for one or more operation data sets produced by the collecting vehicle. A data value can then be determined from the data analysis, with the operator determining transfer one or more operation data sets from the collecting vehicle during the refill event. Once received, compensation can be provided to the collecting vehicle for the received operation data sets based on the data value.

A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). To allow easy and convenient access to empty portable electrical energy storage device compartments within the vehicles, if the vehicle comes within the vicinity of a collection, charging and distribution machine or other authorized external device such as a key fob or other wireless device of a user, an empty portable electrical energy storage device compartment that is closed or locked, is unlocked, unlatched or opened automatically. Also, if the portable electrical energy storage device compartment is in another desired state to have the compartment unlocked, such as having a portable electrical energy storage device in the compartment that has a charge level below a particular threshold, the compartment will likewise be unlocked, unlatched or opened automatically.

Systems, methods, and apparatus embodiments for electric power grid and network registration and management of physical and financial settlement for participation of active grid elements in supply and/or curtailment of power, wherein Internet Protocol (IP)-based messages including IP packets are generated by transforming raw data content into settlement grade content. Settlement is provided for grid elements that participate in the electric power grid following initial registration of each grid element with the system, preferably through network-based communication between the grid elements and a coordinator, either in coordination with or outside of an IP-based communications network router. Messaging related to settlement is managed through a network by a coordinator using IP messaging for communication with the grid elements, with the energy management system (EMS), and with the utilities, market participants, and/or grid operators.