Abstract: A method and device for avoiding fraud on a Taximeter or Tachograph, by connecting an auxiliary generator between the censor and the Taximeter or Tachograph. The signal which is applied to the Taximeter or Tachograph is analyzed by sampling, in an anti-fraud action is triggered off if this analysis shows that this signal has undergone a regular amplitude modulation.

Abstract: A taximeter penalty device includes a cabin temperature sensor connected to a micro-controller of a taximeter through a time delay. When the cabin temperature of the taxi is within a preset range, the fare is based on a normal rate. When the temperature is outside the range, such as when the cabin is too hot or cold, a lower rate is used. An alternative fare calculation method includes subtracting a penalty from the normal rate. A grace period is provided by the time delay, so that the taxi driver can adjust the temperature to avoid the penalty. The taximeter penalty device thus induces the taxi driver to provide better service.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for interfacing a mobile telephone and a meter device for use in a vehicle includes a mobile telephone and a metering device. The mobile telephone, such as a digital, cellular radio, or satellite telephone, and the meter device, such as a taxicab meter, are connected to a mobile interface. The mobile interface allows an individual riding in the vehicle to place or receive a call while riding in the vehicle, and to be charged for the use of the mobile telephone call and the fare on the taxicab meter in a single consolidated bill.

Abstract: A taximeter is disclosed which comprises a housing having a front side, an electronic computer, data memories, a buffer battery, a display arrangement, one of pushbuttons and keys for providing functional control and for calling up contents of at least one of the data memories which is assigned to the display arrangement, and a parametric and diagnostic contacting arrangement. The parametric and diagnostic contacting arrangement is accessible from the front side of the housing. The parametric and diagnostic contacting arrangement and the buffer battery are accessible through an aperture which is coverable by one of a lead-sealed lid and a cover and is provided at the front side of the housing.

Abstract: An electronic device, placed in an impregnable envelope and electrically connected between an electronic sensor and a taximeter or chronotachograph, tests at least one of the internal characteristics of the active dipole present between two output wires of the sensor or electrical characteristics of a signal present at its terminals. The test values are then compared with one or several reference values. An electronic anti-fraud action is triggered in the event of non-conformity between the test values and the reference values. One anti-fraud action includes preventing the functioning of the taximeter or chronotachograph.

Abstract: An assembly-optimized arrangement of the functional elements of a taximeter is disclosed which comprises a two-part housing which further comprises a front housing component and a rear housing component. The arrangement further comprises a printed circuit board carrying the electronic computer and the data and memory of the taximeter, a liquid crystal display, one of an optical fiber and an optical light guide allocated to the rear side of said liquid crystal display, a glass pane, control keys, a receiving means and an aligning means. The receiving means and the aligning means are designed at the front housing component which enable, during assembly of the taximeter, a loose retention of at least one of the glass pane, the liquid crystal display and the optical fiber at the front of the housing component by one of insertion and mounting. An attachment of functional elements occurs indirectly by fastening the printed circuit board to the front housing component.

Abstract: An improved taxi meter construction is constructed of the following features: (1) an extrusion piece sideways reciprocal movement mount for the electrical and mechanical connection and disconnection without damage to the connection elements, (2) a detachable receipt paper cutter plate for ready access, maintenance and repair of the paper supply means, and (3) an extrusion piece hinged door for access to the receipt paper supply means for replenishment of the paper supply. The improved construction results from each of these features, as well as in the combination of these features. The taxi meter housing is of low cost extruded aluminum components. The taxi meter housing encases the operating elements in a tamper-proof housing, while permitting ready access to the mechanical features such as the fare receipt paper supply means, the fare printer and the receipt paper cutter plate.

Abstract: A method of verification, in a taximeter or a travel distance counter, of tariff defining points in time which are dependent upon a real time clock, includes accelerating to a maximum relevant chronological continuous switching of the taximeter or the travel distance counter by executing a maintenance program in such a way that a chronological work cycle or timing of an evaluating program is effected in a time compressed form for triggering of tariff defining functions. The apparatus includes means for effecting the method.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for increasing a fare to a rounded-off amount, in which the fare is determined by an electronic taximeter and prior to the preparation of a voucher in an assigned voucher printout mechanism the amount payable is rounded-off by an increase of the fare amount manually preselectable in predetermined steps, based on an actuation of operating keys. A stepwise or discretely adjustable rounding-off is selectable for printout in the voucher printer in such a way that the voucher shows the sum, formed from the fare+surcharge+additional amount selected by the passenger.

Abstract: In order to introduce data, and in particular charging data, into the memory of a taximeter, the taximeter is connected to an adaptor which is in turn connected to the I/O connector of a local terminal which is connected to a central computer over a telecommunications network. The adaptor includes a microprocessor which is programmed to recognize the nature of the packets of data received from the central computer, to transcode the data, and to transfer the data into the taximeter memory.

Abstract: A vehicle information apparatus for recording, computation and display of data ascertainable from the driving performance of a motor vehicle. The apparatus includes a transmitter module for providing data concerning a trip, a central unit with internal program and data memories and a display device. The vehicle information apparatus is coupled with the operating mechanism of a radio cassette set for playback of data information stored on an audio data carrier. The transmitted data are separated in a signal input and output stage of the apparatus, stored and displayed. The audio data carrier is repeatedly loaded with topical information and serves particularly for the distribution of instructions prior to the start of a driver's shift in a taxi or transportation vehicle fleet.

Abstract: A fare computer for a taxi, a freight carrier, or other use calculates the fare, display the fare as it accrues and displays visual representations of each charge contributing to the accrued fare. The fare computer is particularly suited for use in those localitites in which the taxi fare is based upon zones of travel, in accordance with a zone tariff schedule, rather than on total distance travelled. In a first mode, or ZONE TARIFF MODE, the fare computer calculates the fare from primary charge data, derived from the number of zones traversed in travelling from the origin of the trip to the destination, and secondary charge data, derived from such events as the handling of luggage or pets, extra stops, extra passengers or responding to a telephone request for passenger pick up. A display presents visual representations of the origin and destination zones and of each secondary charge contributing to the accrued fare, along with display of the total accrued fare.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electronic multidigit display device illuminatable by means of light sources intended for a taximeter for indication of a trip price, of a possibly occurring surcharge as well as for superposition of stored data. The display device (3) is composed of a transflecting liquid crystal display (37) (LCD), a frame (38) as a common receptacle of the liquid crystal display (37) and a light conducting plate (43) and contact elements (39) for electrically connecting the liquid crystal display (37) with actuation lines (40) on a printed circuit board (2) and a hood (42) surrounding the frame (38) and provided with detent elements (41). By means of the hood (42) the complete display device (3) can be plugged into the printed circuit board and detented with same in a correct position with simultaneous completion of all line connections. The display device (3) is designed as a component intended specifically for the printed circuit board and for application in a taximeter device.

Abstract: A device for installation in a motor vehicle for recording distances traveled on business or non-business journeys comprises an input from the vehicle indicative of the distance traveled by the vehicle and manually operable keys for inputting into the device the purpose of the journey. The distance traveled and the purpose can be recorded for later printing on a paper supply contained within the device. A clock also records the time and date of the journey. Gas purchases can be recorded. A decimal keyboard can be used to require the introduction of an identification code before the device can be operated.

Abstract: An arrangement is described for the selection of a tariff level "n" by repeated actuation of a key T1 or T2, which can be actuated in series, whereby the desired tariff level is adjustable by forward switching or reverse switching. Each selected tariff level is displayed immediately after detecting the key actuation by an allocation sentinel (27) in a display (10), and the start of a waiting time, which can be preset, can be triggered in each tariff selection. After the expiration of the waiting time, a parameter assigned to the last selected tariff level appears in the fare display field (26) and, accordingly, signals the acceptance of the last selected tariff level including the activation of all of the rest of the parameters assignable to the selected tariff level. It is possible, thereby, to select a tariff level by skipping over undesired tariff levels without the fare display being changed during the selection process.

Abstract: An electronic measuring and recording apparatus for use in wheeled vehicles and comprising a clock (1) for generation of time pulses and a signal generating device (3) for generation of pulses corresponding to a distance travelled by said vehicle and a memory (5) for storage of data related to the drive of said vehicle. A proportional converter (4) of said apparatus converts distance pulses into standard distance pulses which are supplied to said memory which in turn is connected to a data transmitter (9) for transfer of data to external data recording or data processing equipment. The time pulses and the standard distance pulses are converted into time fare pulses and distance fare pulses, respectively, in said proportional converter (4) controlled by a fare program (6), a distance program (7), a program (8) for automatic change of fare, and a functional program (10).

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for the permanent protection of data in volatile write-read memories (RAM) such as the type used for the storage of tariff data and variable control counter data in a taximeter. The inventive circuit arrangement provides a signal line between the microcomputer system and a volatile write-read memory (RAM) via a control circuit. By means of this arrangement, in the sealed state of the taximeter, a permanently effective suppression of write instructions can be set. Thus, the data stored there can no longer be affected by any interference signals from the microcomputer system. The supply of operating voltage of the RAM is secured by means of a circuit which includes a buffer battery and a buffer capacitor.

Abstract: An arrangement for the control of the quantity of the functions to be called in an electronic taximeter. In order to be able to adapt the device to the most multipurpose of demands, a greater or fewer number of recesses with keys A1 to A8 or with corresponding fill-in pieces can be provided in a key strip in a taximeter housing. A switch K1 through K8 is assigned to each key A1 through A8; the key information is supplied to the electronics and releases different key interrogation programs according to the number of keys present. With a smaller quantity of keys, several functions are assigned to the keys partially; with a larger quantity of keys, each key preferably releases only one function.

Abstract: A taximeter assembly including an electronic calculating module with data memory, an operating keyboard, as well as a data indicating device, consists of two flat housing panels which are joined by detent devices and which are secured together by a lead-sealable screw connection. An electronic taximeter circuit wired on a single printed circuit board is installed between the housing panels and feed-in of all electrical transmitter lines and supply lines is effected, as desired, from the rear or from below, wherein the latter are guided directly to connectors on the printed circuit board. The rear wall of the rear housing panel is constructed, at the same time, as a mounting plate for installation in a vehicle. A compact, extremely flat taximeter device having its circuitry in a single printed circuit board system enables arrangement of the device in an optimal installation position within or on the outside of the dashboard of a vehicle.

Abstract: A device for installation in a motor vehicle for recording distances traveled on business or non-business journeys comprises an input from the vehicle indicative of the distance traveled by the vehicle and manually operable keys for inputting into the device the purpose of the journey. The distance traveled and the purpose can be recorded for later printing on a paper supply contained within the device. A clock also records the time and data of the journey. Gas purchases can be recorded. A decimal keyboard can be used to require the introduction of an identification code before the device can be operated.

Abstract: In the taximeter disclosed, a microprocessor responds to a first set of pulses representing time and a second set of pulses representing distance and receives data representing a tariff from a constant store. The microprocessor calculates fares and advances the fares continuously on the basis of new calculations, while entering the results in a display for the driver and passenger. The constant store is in the form of a non-volatile memory for receiving programming data from an external source through a connector.

Abstract: There is disclosed a new and useful taximeter which allows simple changes in tariff display conditions in various operating modes without any change or modification in circuit construction. The taximeter using a memory device removable from the taximeter body and containing lamp enabling and disabling information is capable of optionally setting tariff display conditions in respective ones of operating modes without reconstructing the circuit arrangement of the taximeter body.

Abstract: Electronic taximeter comprising a clock, a distance pick-up, a counter registering the number n1 of clock pulses delivered between two distance pulses, three registers R2, R3, R4 in which are recorded constant numbers n2, p2 and p1, a multiplier circuit, a selector circuit, a totalizing counter and a luminous display unit.Each taxi run is split into successive portions of equal length, and the fixed unit price p2 and the price n1.p1 variable with the speed are worked out for each portion, after what the highest of the two is selected and a total fare is displayed by adding up the partial prices.

Abstract: This anti-fraud system includes a process and devices for avoiding fraud on the price indicated by an electronic taximeter. The taximeter apparatus, which includes a luminous display unit and a computing unit, is supplied with d.c. voltage V by the vehicle battery. One particular fraud, made more difficult by this system, involves voluntary cut-off of the voltage supply to the meter. To execute this fraudulent maneuver the cabdriver firstly starts the meter, and records a price on the fare meter, with no passenger in the taxi. Secondly, before a customer is picked up, the operator cuts off the current supply to the meter, which extinguishes the fare display. Thus, as the customer enters the cab, it is not apparent that the meter has already been run-up to a non-zero value. To preclude this maneuver, the anti-fraud system has a first comparator which compares the voltage V with a reference voltage Vr and emits a constant voltage Vc if V<Vr and a zero voltage if V>Vr.

Abstract: Unoccupied passenger seats in a vehicle are sensed and a totalizing recorder such as an odometer is controlled in response to this sensing to provide an indication of the extent of vehicle use which is weighted according to the degree of occupancy of the vehicle. An external signal may be used to indicate whether a desired degree of occupancy is achieved.

Abstract: The housing of an electronic taximeter has a first fixed section including the rear and bottom walls which are fixedly secured to and sealed to the chassis of a taxicab, and a removable second section which may include the front, top and side walls of the housing and has grooves engaging portions of the bottom wall. The entire second section removable to enable adjustment or repair of the basic taximeter apparatus which is mounted on the first section. The second section is formed as a modular element which contains many of the operating elements of the taximeter, including actuating elements such as push-buttons or the like, all of which may be simply removed as a one-piece unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dedicated microprocessor for an electronic taximeter, and a taximeter including the microprocessor. The microprocessor includes, (a) a main memory for storing data at a plurality of storage locations therein; (b) a data memory for receiving input data at a plurality of storage locations therein; (c) a combiner for combining the data storage locations of the main memory with the input data of respective storage locations of the data memory for updating the main memory; (d) a program memory for controlling the operation of the data memory, and comprising a plurality of storage locations therein; (e) a counter for sequentially selecting the storage locations of the main memory and the program memory; and (f) clock means for driving the counter means through its cycle. The main memory means is preferably a random access memory (RAM), and the data memory means and the program memory means can comprise, respectively, first and second read only memory (ROM) means.

Abstract: A charge indicating device especially in the form of a taximeter is provided which makes use of micoprocessor techniques for carrying out the required computations and which is provided with storage means for storing the details on which the computation is based. In a preferred form a taximeter is constructed using L.S.I. semiconductor techniques.

Abstract: An indicating device is provided, especially in the form of a taximeter which comprises counter means which is clocked by time pulses applied to it and which is reset by distance pulses applied to it and when it reaches a predetermined count, the counter means being arranged to afford an output each time it is reset and means being provided operable on the distance pulse immediately following the counter means having assumed said predetermined count for producing an output in dependence upon the residual count of said counter means on the application thereto of the said distance pulse for affording a correction pulse that is effectively subtracted from the output afforded by the counter means to afford a corrected pulse train that is used to compute a fare to be charged.

Abstract: A taximeter housing is securable to a vehicle part in such a manner that only two seals are required to prevent unauthorized tampering with the input connections, the interior components of the taximeter and the taximeter mount, and that only a single seal need be broken when it is necessary to gain access to the interior components to readjust the taximeter for a tariff change.

Abstract: An electronic taximeter of the type including fare computing circuitry for developing a sequence of pulses at a rate representative of a fare accrual rate computed according to a particular tariff, and a tariff selecting circuit operable for selecting tariff control signals representative of the tariff at which the fare is being computed. A master-remote slave display pair displays both the accrued fare as it continually accrues, and a tariff at which the accruing fare is being computed. Both of the displays include a plurality of counters which continually count the sequence of pulses for developing a cumulative pulse count continually representative of the accrued fare. Both of the displays also include display elements for displaying numerals representative of the fare, and respective decoders for receiving the cumulative pulse count within the respective counting circuits and decoding the same to drive respective display elements.

Abstract: A digital taximeter provides a visual read out of a first and a second multi-digit number. Instead of a plurality of discrete one-digit illuminated-digit display units arranged together to be capable of displaying multi-digit numbers, use is made of a single multi-digit illuminated-digit display unit having a row of equal-size digit zones. One or more of the middle ones of the digit zones are blocked from view to form a first and a second group of digit zones respectively adapted for the display of the first and the second multi-digit numbers and located to either side of the digit zones which are blocked from view. Although the digit zones are actually all of the same size, those of the first group are made to appear larger than those of the second group, in correspondence to the greater importance of the fare indication compared to the extra-charge indication.

Abstract: Disclosed is a taximeter for calculating a taxi fare based upon predetermined distance and time factors. An oscillator produces a time base pulse train and a transducer produces a distance pulse train. A modifier is controlled by the distance pulse train and modifies the time base pulse train when the distance pulse train exceeds a predetermined level. A counting device adds the modified time base pulse trains and provides a signal to a display device for indicating the taxi fare.

Abstract: A mounting and demounting arrangement for an electric taximeter permits a mechanical-to-electrical converter to be slidably received into electrical contact with a socket provided in the taximeter housing or, at the option of a user, the mechanical-to-electrical converter is mounted at a location remote from the housing in order to protect a flexible shaft mechanically coupled to the converter from severe flexing.

Abstract: The modification is effective for use in an electronic taximeter through its ability to electrically compensate for variations in distance traveled per a predetermined number of degrees of revolutions of wheels of a vehicle in accordance with different makes and models of the vehicle. In one of the preferred forms wherein the taximeter electronics comprises means for producing only one set of electric pulses corresponding to distance traveled for the purpose of performing tariff calculations, the modification scheme provides respective one of binary-coded compensation signals dependent upon unique distance traveled per a predetermined number of degrees of the wheel revolutions of the vehicle on which the taximeter is installed, during calculation. In another form wherein the electronics comprising two sets of electric pulses corresponding to distance traveled and time of hire, although the distance pulses are subject to distance compensation, the compensation procedure is inhibited on the time pulses.

Abstract: A testing switch is activated manually by the taxi driver or automatically at the end of a trip. When the testing switch is activated, a preselected plurality of pulses is applied to the computing means of the electronic taximeter. If the taximeter is in proper working order, the indicating means of the taximeter will successively and in unison display the numerals from 0 to 9 at the rate or about one per second. If the numerals do not appear in the proper sequence, or if the driver perceives that they appear at a rate markedly different from one per second, or if some or all do not appear whatsoever, he knows that the electronic taximeter is not in proper working order.

Abstract: An electronic taximeter having a fare computing unit, a selector circuit and an operation switching unit. The fare computing unit computes a fare at a rate determined by logic signals developed by the selector circuit, which is responsive to signals applied thereto. The operation switching unit is operable to develop selected operating signals to determine the logic signals developed by the selector circuit. The selector circuit remains in an operating state determined by the last operating signal applied thereto, even after the last operating signal is removed, until a new operating signal is applied to change the logic signal output of the selector circuit.

Abstract: Taxi vehicle fare measuring apparatus where impulses proportional to a waiting time and/or distance are supplied to a binary multiplier whose multiplication factor is selected by the driver at the time the taxi is hired. Several banks of binary switches are provided to calibrate the meter after its installation in accordance with a corresponding number of different established fare rate schedules. The preadjustment of the binary switches allows for accurate calibration of the meter taking into consideration such factors as speedometer gear ratios and tire wear, and the number of banks of binary switches allow for rate schedules to take in such variable factors as number of passengers, waiting time, or special fare rates for various geographical locations or time of day. The output pulses from the multiplier are supplied to a binary counter which controls an indicating device for producing a display of the fare.

Abstract: There is provided an electronic taxi fare meter wherein the tariff travel distance and the tariff travel time of a taxi are converted into pulse signals representing digital quantities, and these pulse signals are increased by a premium fare computing circuit comprising a combination of counters. The premium fare mechanism is thus reduced in size and weight as compared with the conventional mechanisms of the mechanical type, and accurate computation of the fares at premium rates can also be effected for both the tariff travel distance and the tariff travel time of a taxi. Further, the use of the digital techniques makes the apparatus less susceptible to supply voltage variations and ambient temperature changes, makes the designing of the apparatus with integrated circuits possible, and ensures a higher degree of reliability in the operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A single taxi is provided with an electronic taximeter which includes fare computing circuitry operative for separately computing the fares of a plurality of passengers whose respective trips overlap. A fare display device is operative for displaying the computed fares associated with the respective passengers. A coordinating arrangement is activatable for initiating computation of the fare associated with a respective passenger when such passenger enters the taxi and is furthermore activatable for terminating the computation of the respective fare when the respective passenger leaves the taxi.

Abstract: A taximeter in which taxi speed is represented by an analogue signal, the analogue signal controlling the frequency of a variable frequency oscillator and an indicated taxi fare read out being obtained by counting pulses from the oscillator to display a fare charge the rate of advancement of which is thus dependent upon the magnitude of the analogue signal.

Abstract: The taxi meter receives a sequence of pulses each representing a determined distance travelled by the taxi. The repetition rate of the input pulses is to be reduced by a ratio T so that each pulse having the reduced repetition rate signifies a determined fare increment. An adder or counter has a determined capacity and furnishes a carry signal whenever the sum signal created therein exceeds that capacity. An addend equal to K/T where K is the capacity of the adder is applied to the input of the adder for addition therein in response to each of the input pulses. The carry signals furnished by the adder constitute the desired signals each signifying the correct fare increment. The repetition rate of pulses each signifying a unit of waiting time can be similarly reduced and the resulting carry pulse sequences be applied to a selection circuit which selects the one having the highest repetition rate to constitute the tariff signal, namely the signals for advancing the taxi meter by one fare increment.

Abstract: An electronic taximeter for fare computation is supplemented in such manner as to be able to add any additional charges or surcharges to the normal fare upon actuation of a predetermined input means the result of such addition being indicated as a sum on the electronic indicating means. Upon release of the input means or upon actuation of other input means this sum is decomposed by subtraction to the original amounts of the normal fare and the surcharges. The input means may be the key provided for switching off the waiting time charge at the end of a trip or it may be a special key for this purpose.