Abstract: A dynamic display system on a for-hire vehicle (FHV) is provided, the display system being configured to change displayed information when it is safe and when other conditions are met. The FHV display system can determine it is safe when the FHV is in a defined location or meets other criteria that reduce a probability of violating a law or of other drivers allowing themselves to become distracted by the display change. The FHV display system can be configured to process information about the FHV, including its position and its speed to determine whether safety conditions are met. The FHV display system can include a notification system configured to alert the FHV operator that a display change is requested and to indicate proposed transition locations near the position of the FHV.

Abstract: Systems and methods for processing and transmitting on-board diagnostics (OBD) signals are provided. An electronic device includes a housing, an OBD engagement member configured to physically engage with an OBD port of an (FHV) and receive power and data communications therefrom. Computer circuitry disposed at least partially within the housing is configured to receive time, location, and/or distance information associated with a trip taken by the FHV, the information being received through the OBD port of the FHV. The computer circuitry is further configured to wirelessly communicate with one or more computing devices disposed within the FHV over a local area network when the on-board diagnostics device is connected to the OBD port.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring and regulating for-hire vehicles (FHV) are provided. A server receives information relating to authorized vehicles (often based on medallions assigned by the local government transportation agency), algorithms and parameters for FHV fare calculation, as well as information about authorized drivers and authorized dispatchers, from one or in some cases several regulatory entities. The server receives time and/or distance data associated with an FHV trip from a device (usually a mobile device like a smart phone for example) traveling with the FHV and uses such information to calculate a fare for the trip. The server is configured to receive requests for transportation services from mobile devices, and to dispatch FHVs, either directly (by automatically sending a dispatch signal to the selected FHV) or through a third-party (such as a traditional dispatch service). The collected real-time information may be used to optimize the utilization of FHV resources.

Abstract: Systems and methods for engaging a for-hire vehicle (FHV) are provided. A mobile computing device receives information from a remote server indicating FHV activity in a geographical region of interest. A user interface of the mobile computing device displays a map having one or more icons thereon indicating locations of one or more FHVs. A user provides an input indicating a desire to hail one of the one or more FHVs, and receives an acceptance of hail. Once within range of the FHV, the device links with a computing device disposed within the hailed FHV over a local area network, providing information related an FHV trip to the remote server, receiving a calculated fare, and displaying the calculated fare to the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calculating fares for-hire vehicle (FHV) trips are provided. Trip data, such as time, distance, location, or other trip-related data, is received over a network from a computing device disposed within a remotely-located FHV. The trip data is used to calculate a trip fare, which is provided to the computing device over a wide area network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for updating and managing for-hire vehicle (FHV) fare calculation algorithms and parameters are provided. Fare calculation and parameter information associated with a plurality of jurisdictions regulated by one or more regulatory entities is stored in a database. An authorized user may use a web-based software program to input updated fare calculation and parameter information for a jurisdiction. The updated fare calculation and parameter information is stored, and trip fares are calculated based at least partially on the updated fare calculation and where appropriate parameter information as well as trip distance and/or time information provided by a mobile computing device when the fare is related to an FHV trip taken within the jurisdiction.

Abstract: Transaction and communication systems and methods are disclosed for vendors and promoters. Some embodiments disclosed herein provide a deal manager system comprising transaction data associated with the promotional activities of one or more promoters, such as promoters registered with the deal manager system. The deal manager system can process the transaction data and provide compensation to promoters for their promotional activities based at least partly thereon. In certain embodiments, at least a portion of the transaction data can be provided to one or more vendors. A vendor may direct that benefits or promotional material be provided to a subset of promoters based at least in part on the received transaction data. The deal manager system may include promoter contact information, and materials provided by the vendor may be conveyed by the deal manager system to certain promoters based on the same.

Abstract: A deal manager associates a unique vehicle-offer code or identifier to each vehicle and/or advertisement to be displayed on a vehicle. The unique vehicle-offer code or identifier corresponds to an advertisement on one vehicle such that the vehicle can be uniquely identified. A brief description of the promotional offer and/or the vehicle-offer code may be displayed on the associated vehicle. A consumer may request additional information about the promotion offer through the use of the vehicle-offer code or other identifier. When the consumer receives the additional information, the consumer may have an opportunity to purchase the promotional offer, thereby creating a “conversion.” The identity of the vehicle displaying the brief description of the promotional offer and/or its location may then be determined through the use of the unique vehicle-offer code. The location of the consumer at the time of interest and at the time of conversion may also be determined.

Abstract: Sensors are deployed within a for-hire vehicle (taxi, limousine, or shuttles, for example) to measure changes in the environment of the for-hire vehicle. The sensors transmit data to a computing system that processes the data to determine the severity of the change in the environment. The aggregate of the severity of the data is used to determine if remedial action should be taken against the driver or owner/operator of the for-hire vehicle. Remedial action may include issuing a citation, fining the driver, or disabling a meter located within the for-hire vehicle. In some embodiments, venues (hotels, airports, nightclubs, or entertainment venues, for example) may restrict the ability of for-hire vehicles to pick up passengers where the aggregate of the severity of the data indicates the drivers may be engaging in careless, reckless or overly negligent driving behavior.

Abstract: For-hire vehicles, such as taxis, may operate with a for-hire vehicle meter (taximeter) and may be required to have a regulatory agency assigned medallion to accept passenger fares. The meter may determine if it is connected with its assigned medallion and may shut down if it is not connected to the proper medallion. In some embodiments, medallions may place conditions on the operation of the for-hire vehicle including, for example, time and location of passenger pick-up restrictions. Before engaging a passenger fare, the meter may check the conditions associated with the medallion and may not engage if the conditions are not satisfied. A central server may track the meters that have become disconnected from their medallions, or it may track the medallions that are not connected to a meter.

Abstract: A computer system storing parameters pertaining to the regulatory restrictions placed on a for-hire vehicle compares the parameters to a current operating environment of the for-hire vehicle. In some embodiments, the computer system acts as the meter (such as a taximeter) of the for-hire vehicle. The operating parameters may include expiration or exclusion parameters that define the scope of operation of the for-hire vehicle stemming from the for-hire vehicle's medallion or certificate of public convenience and necessity. The expiration or exclusion parameters may also correspond to a driver's permit or any general regulation enacted by the regulatory agency. If the current operating environment does not comply with the expiration or exclusion parameters, the computer system shuts down, or enters a standby mode, and may not accept additional passenger fares until the current operating environment complies with the expiration and exclusion parameters.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing for-hire-vehicle (FHV) services are disclosed. The system can include one or more kiosks in communication with a central computing system. The kiosks may be located or near transportation terminals or entertainment venues, such as airports, hotels, casinos, and entertainment attractions. A passenger may make a reservation for transportation service at a kiosk and receive a voucher that may be collected or validated by the service provider at the time of transport. The voucher may be printed at the kiosk, or it may be sent electronically to the mobile device of the passenger. The voucher can provides a unique serialized voucher number that is associated with the reservation, which may be read or scanned upon redemption of the voucher. The voucher may have promotional materials printed thereon.