IL97336A - Electronic taximeter - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic taximeter with an arrangement of a clock (real time clock) having a calendar function, via which it is possible to control the influencing of a predetermined tariff. The passage of time is hierarchically subdivided into times of day, times of week and times of year, the times thus defined each marking a beginning (B) and an end (E) of times zones (Z1, Z2) at the various time intervals of a day, a week and a year. The zones (Z1, Z2) marked in the various time intervals are represented by meter parameters in three meters (21, 22, 23) corresponding with the time intervals, the actual contents of the meters (21, 22, 23) being mutually combinable on the basis of the allocated time zones (Z1, Z2). <IMAGE>

Description

ELECTRONIC TA IMETER >:η*ιορ¾* nam ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An electronic taximeter with an arrangement of a clock (real time clock) with calendar function, by means of which an influencing of a tariff standard can be controlled. This is achieved by means of predetermining a hierarchical division of the time flow into day time points, week time points and year time points, wherein the time points defined in this way mark a beginning (B) and an end (E) of the time zones in the different time intervals of a day, week and year. The time zones marked in the different time intervals are represented by counting parameters in three counters corresponding to the time intervals, wherein the current contents of the counters, with respect to the assigned time zones, can be combined with one another.

The invention is directed to an electronic taximeter incorporating a clock (rtc = real time clock) with calendar function, by means of which the influencing of a tariff standard can be controlled.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Automatically controllable tariff switching devices which switch to a higher tariff, e.g. as a function of the accomplishment of a determined driving job when a predetermined driving distance, driving time or fare is exceeded, are known in general. Such a method is disadvantageous because it depends exclusively on the completion of a preceding job. It is always only effective when the predetermined extent of a driving job is reached or exceeded in a driving assignment. This known tariff switching, which is controllable as a function of the performed job, also does not eliminate the problem of designing the tariff adjustment so as to be variable in such a way that there is a special incentive to be available for duty at unusual work times e.g. the night shift or driving duty on Sundays and holidays.

A tariff control which allows the driver, at certain times of the day or during night driving operation, to manually set a generally higher tariff provided especially for these times is disadvantageous because it depends solely on the honesty of each driver. The handling of the tariff selection when the tariff standard can only be set manually cannot always be supervised or monitored by the passenger and consequently allows manipulation already during the selection of the valid tariff level. There is no arrangement for an adjustment of the valid tariff which is secured independently of manual actuation.

A taximeter device with controllable, multiple-level tariff switching is known from DE-B 2 037 048. This device additionally comprises a switching device which can be actuated by a program switching mechanism or by a radio signal for switching to a special tariff (e.g. night, weekend and holiday tariff). The program switching mechanism substantially comprises a program switching clock which is driven by an electric motor and drives a camshaft over the cycle of 24 hours and is correspondingly coupled with the switching shaft of the taximeter for controlled switching to the tariff levels valid for that time of day. The device allows a switching from day to night tariff or to weekend tariff only within a very limited scope and generally comprises a maximum of approximately four rate levels which are predetermined in a fixed manner and switchable by means of the mechanical switching shaft in the taximeter. No additional changes in the rate level can be introduced beyond the access to the switching of one of the four predetermined available rate levels, which access is controlled as a function of the time of day and day of the week; this amounts to a restriction which is unsatisfactory for a proper remuneration of service performed at unusual times.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is the chief object of the invention to provide an electronic taximeter comprising an arrangement of a clock (real time clock) with calendar function in such a way that an extensive flexibility in the arrangement of the tariff levels and their switchability as a function of predeterminable time periods is made possible individually for each taximeter device, and, in addition, functional multiple overlapping of tariff parameters can be implemented, e.g. "night tariff" on "weekends" in "winter" with "additional charge for night shift" after 23.00 hours.

In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a novel taximeter construction is provided characterized by a hierarchical division of the time flow into day time points, week time points, and year time points predetermined in such a way that the time points defined in this way mark a beginning (B) and an end (E) of time zones (Z1, Z2) in the different time intervals of a day, a week and a year.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the time zones (Z1 , Z2) marked in the different time intervals are represented by counting parameters in three counters corresponding to the time intervals, the current contents of the counters with respect to the assigned zones (Z1 , Z2), being combinable with one another.

In accordance with a further aspect of the invention, active zones (Z1 , Z2) of identical and different hierarchies can be superimposed in overlapping regions in such a way that an active zone (e.g., Z2) superimposes its defined action over another active zone (e.g., Z1) and its results are changed in a way which cannot be achieved by individual active zones.

In accordance with still a further aspect of the invention, tariffs associated with particular time zones are integer indexed. An advantage is that the selection of a starting rate level will be automatically updated by the integer value when one or more time zones become active.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described the preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a block wiring diagram for forming the clock/calendar function in a taximeter according to the invention; Figure 2 is a schematic view of the clock/calendar functions through various time zone definitions to illustrate the operation of a taximeter according to the invention; Figure 3 is a table of rate levels which can be switched on as a function of the time zone based on a switching to the rate T1 or T1 and T4 in the operation of a taximeter according to the invention; Figure 4 shows a status graph or state diagram of the general switchability of rate levels based on the effective time zones according to the example in Figure 2; Figure 5 shows a status graph or state diagram for the switchability of rate levels based on effective time zones during weekend driving; Figure 6 is a block schematic diagram of one form of taximeter according to the invention; ( Figure 7 is a flow chart of one form of program for implementing the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS It will be understood that the taximeter can be a standard electronic taximeter, as for example, described in US Patents No. 4 576 760 and 740 900 The only difference is the addition of .a standard real time clock and programmable counters for keeping track of the current day and time of day (in 0..1439 min.), the current day of the week (0..6), and the current day of the year (0..365). The outputs from these counters are monitored in accordance with any appropriate software program controlling a conventional microprocessor, and the latter in turn is connected to the various meter mechanisms for selecting the appropriate tariff to be applied in calculating the proper passenger fares. The counter output, singly or jointly, thus determines the applicable tariff.

Fig. 6 is a block schematic diagram of a typical electronic taximeter comprising the usual keys, a display, the microprocessor or other typical calculator which is appropriately programmed to automatically change the applicable tariffs during the fare calculations. It will be clear to those skilled in this art from the detailed description that follows how to provide an appropriate program to carry out the functions detailed.

The block wiring diagram, according to Figure 1, shows a schematic construction of a clock with calendar function, comprising three counters 21, 22, 23. A one-minute carry-over from a time base 20 to the counter 21 is used as the smallest time unit which can be evaluated for the representation of the minutes of the day from 0 to 1439 (60 min. X 24 hrs.). A hierarchical division of a time flow is based on the regions of a day (from 0 to 1439 minutes), of a week (from 0 to 6 weekdays) and of a year (from 0 to 365 days) as different time intervals. In a corresponding manner, the clock with calendar function is realized by means of a counter chain comprising the three counters 21 , 22, 23 which represent the minutes of the day, days of the week and days of the year (date) in a corresponding manner. For example, the beginning B of a particular time zone is defined by means of fixing or marking a time point in a time interval; the end E of a time zone is defined by marking another time point. Two independent time zones Z1 , Z2 can also be defined by indicating the time of day, day of the week and day of the year for each. A parameterized target rate level index is increased in the region of a time zone Z1 by a number defined in the database. The same, as described for the time zone Z1 , applies in a corresponding manner in the region of a time zone Z2. If the two time zones Z1 and Z2 overlap, the increase in the target rate level index acts in an additive manner, i.e. the numbers defined in the database are added. An increase in the target rate level index is effective until the time point at which a manual or automatic rate level switching is effected. A zone beginning B or a zone end E has no effect on the rate level valid or effective at that time unless a rate level switching is triggered subsequently.

For the definition of a particular time zone Z1, Z2, the counters 21, 22, 23 are combined, depending on the hierarchy, and compared with an identically formatted reference in such a way that, when a query is made as to greater than/equal to, a mark or other indication is influenced as soon as the value of the clock counters 21 , 22, 23 is greater than/equal to the reference. The counters 21 , 22, 23 are combined and compared with an identical format (from the pool data) in order to form the selectable hierarchy levels.

The formats are: Day time points: counter 21 ► xxx (hexadecimal) Week time points: counters 21, 22 ► yxxx (hexadecimal) Year time points: counters 21 , 23 ► zzzxxx (hexadecimal) The reference used is represented by a tariff parameter which also effects the corresponding function assignment.

The above-designated mark or indication shows in the usual display of the taximeter (not shown in more detail) when a time zone Z1 or Z2 is active or passive. The mark is set when the beginning time point, or time point B, is exceeded. This mark is canceled or deleted when the end time point E is exceeded. A mark signifying the current status is assigned to every zone Z1 , Z2 and function. More than two time zones can also be provide when desired.

If time zones Z1 , Z2 are defined which go beyond the respective counter area, the action of the time zones can be inverted in such a way that the desired action occurs when a zone mark is NOT set.

The function assignment by means of rate level selection is explained below with a practical embodiment example. First, it is assumed that the rate level assignment in a device with rate levels 1 to 7 and with the level "payment" for operation without active time zones Z1 , Z2 is as follows: switch on rate level ► rate 1 , continued switching ► rate 4, payment rate level ► payment (8).

The rate levels 1 to 7 will contain a complete tariff definition with fare parameter, distance arid time parameters and extra charge parameter in each instance. The rate level 8 (payment) is to be parameterized in such a way that no increase in the rate level index is effected by means of active zones Z1, Z2. The payment rate level typically takes over the tariff parameter (fare, extra charge, distances, times, etc.) of the rate level used last.

The embodiment example explained up to this point will now be changed by a definition of two time zones. In conformity to the example explained in more detail below, two time zones are to be defined as follows: Zone 1 ► defined by time of day points, Zone 2 ► defined by time of week points.

It is determined in this instance that: An active Zone 1 increases the used rate level index by 1.

An active Zone 2 increases the. used rate level index by 2.

The increase is freely definable in principle within the framework of the given possibilities in such a way that a superposition via a simple addition of the rate level indices, as in the example, does not exceed the supply of possible rate levels in the device.

A segment of a time period which extends, according to a plotted time scale 24, from Friday 00:00 hours to the following Wednesday 12:00 hours is shown in the embodiment example according to Figure 2. In this time period, a possible division of two different time zones Z1 and Z2 is provided for the definition of a day/night time zone Z1 as repetitive zone for each day from 18:00 hours to 08:00 hours, and the definition of a weekend zone Z2, designated in this way, with a running time from Friday 20:00 hours to Monday 06:00 hours with intermediate transition times (E ► B) between these two time zones.

The switchability of the rate levels as a function of the time of day or day of the week is realized in such a way, e.g., that two rate levels are provided for a particular passenger trip, wherein a rate level TT is to be used for the start of the trip and a rate level T4 is to be used for the tariff limit.

A conversion of the correspondingly selected rate level to a desired effective rate level T1 , 2, 3, 4 for the beginning phase of a trip and to rate levels T4, 5, 6, 7 for the phase above a tariff limit, which accordingly become effective, is effected as a function of the current time/day in such a way that an integer number (offset number), which is a function of the current time/day and the day, is added to the rate level index 1 , 2, 3, 4. Then, e.g., instead of a switching from "FREE" to "RATE 1", there is an automatic switching from "FREE" to "RATE 3" when, according to the example, the day /time-dependent number (offset number) takes on the value "2"; applied to the example according to Figures 2 and 3, this is the case when the taximeter is switched between time points d and e during a weekend from "FREE" to "RATE 1". The same is true for the tariff limit when using or switching to "RATE 4" instead of "RATE 1", wherein the increase number "2" from time zone Z2 is again effective between the time points d and e and the selected rate level T4 is effectively increased to rate level T6 (see Figures 2 and 3). The table in Fig. 3 shows the effective rate levels corresponding to the lettered time points in Fig. 2.

The time/day-dependent value (increase number, see Figure 2) for increasing the rate level index is taken into account only when switching to or switching on a rate level T. As a result, a tariff can maintain its validity even when a time zone Z1 or Z2 is exceeded, provided that no switching into another rate level T is effected after leaving or entering a time zone Z1 , Z2.

Figure 2 shows an example of the clock time/calendar function in which two time zones Z1 , Z2 are arranged in the time period from Friday to Wednesday shown in the drawing, wherein the time zone Z1 marks a daily recurring zone with beginning B = 18:00 hours and end E = 08:00 hours marks a night-time tariff in the practical sense. The zone Z2 in the scalar illustration extends in time from a Friday 20:00 hours continuously until a Monday, 06:00 hours, and comprehends a weekend tariff designated in this way. In the example according to Figure 2, an increase number (offset number) 1 is provided for the time zone Z1 , the selected rate level being increased by this number. An increase number (offset number) 2 is predetermined for the zone Z2 which comprises the weekend time period from Friday 20:00 hours to Monday 06:00 hours, the rate level selection being increased by this increase number (offset number) 2. There are phases in time periods, e.g. over the weekend, in which the time zones Z1 and Z2 overlap, i.e. the increase numbers of Z1 plus Z2 are added functionally, so that the increase number "3" is effective in the overlapping area covering nighttime during a weekend. A level diagram 25 arranged under the time scale 24 in Figure 2 under the same times symbolizes the increases in the selected rate level T1 which are effective on the basis of the time zones Z1 and Z2. The possible increase numbers by which the selected rate level T1 is increased according to the example are indicated in the ordinates. This means that when the rate T1 is selected proceeding from the function position "FREE" at the taximeter device at the start of a driving assignment, the device is automatically set to the rate level T2 based on zone Z1 which is in effect at that time. If the start of the trip lies in the time period of Friday between 08:00 hours and 18:00 hours and the rate T1 is selected, the rate level T1 is also set because no time zone is effective in this time region from a to b. The time zones Z1 and Z2 overlap in the time region from c to d. Based on the additive increase number "3", the rate level T4 is set automatically when rate T1 is selected. The rate T1 in the time segment from c to d is thus equal to the selected rate T4 in a time segment from a to b in the embodiment example.

When rate T4 is selected after reaching the tariff limit in rate T1, rate level T4 forms the base from which the rate levels T5, 6, 7 are adjusted on the basis of effective time zones Z1 , Z2 via corresponding increase numbers from "1" to "3" (see the table according to the switching of rate T1 »> rate T4 according to Figure 3).

The generally available switchability from rate levels T1 to T7, according to the embodiment example, is shown in a status graph or state diagram of the taximeter in Figure 4. The function position "FREE" 26 is the starting basis for switchability to a rate level. By means of a one-time actuation of a push button on the taximeter, not shown in more detail, it is possible to switch directly into and activate the rate level T1 over a switching distance 15, provided that the switching process takes place in a time region in which no time zone Z1 or Z2 is effective. Based on the definition of time zones Z1 and Z2, as shown according to Figure 2, the following is true: When switching from "FREE" to rate T1 , the rate level T2 is activated automatically, via a switching, between the time points Friday 18:01 Friday 20:00 hours Monday 06:01 Monday 08:00 hours Tuesday ... Friday 08:01 08:00 hours based on the time zone Z1 with the increase number " + which time zone Z1 is effective in these time regions.

When switching FREE ► RATE T1 between the time points 08:01 hours 18:00 hours on week days Saturday and Sunday the rate level T3 is correspondingly activated via switching distance 17, since the zone Z2 with the increase number " + 2" is effective in these time regions.

Finally, for a switching from "FREE" to RATE T1 between the time points Friday 20:01 to Saturday 08:00 hours Saturday 18:01 to Sunday 08:00 hours Sunday 18:01 to Monday 06:00 hours there is an automatic activation of rate level T4 directly via a switching distance 18, since the time zones Z1 plus Z2 with corresponding increase number "1 + 2 = 3" are effective in these time regions. With each of the current rate levels T1 to T3, one can find oneself in a new time zone in the event of a switching to the tariff limit, so that + 1 , + 2, +3 offset numbers can be effective.

For example, when reaching the tariff limit of the original switching on of rate T1 , a switching to a higher rate level, i.e. the switching from rate T1 to rate T4, can be carried out proceeding from the current rate levels T1 to T4. The current time zones Z1, Z2 or Z1 + Z2 at the time point of the switching are then effective and execute an automatic activation of the rate levels T4 (0), T5 (+ 1), T6 (+ 2), T7 (+3) based on the possible increase numbers "0", "1", "2", "3". This means that switching into the higher tariff can be effected practically in every time region between the time points; further, this means that each of the rate levels T4 to T7 can be controlled automatically from every current tariff T1 to T4 as a function of a correspondingly effective time zone. Rate levels T4 to T7 can be activated from each tariff T1 to T4 via switching (after special rate T4) plus increase number (0 to +3).

In a corresponding manner, rate level T5 can be activated via switching distances 1, 5, 9 based on the switchability into time regions between the time points Monday 18:01 .... Friday 20:00 hours Monday 06:01 .... Monday 08:00 hours Tuesday ... Friday 18:01 .... 08:00 hours, where the time zone Z1 is effective. The rate level T5 results from switching into the increased special rate level T4 plus a simultaneously effective time zone Z1 with the increase number "1".

The switching distances 2, 6, 10 mark a switchability into rate level T6 in the time regions between the time points Saturday 08:01 .... Saturday 18:00 hours and Sunday 08:01 .... Sunday 18:00 hours, where an increase number + 2 is effective through an active time zone Z2, the rate level T6 being activated when switching into special rate level T4 by means of the increase number +2.

A tariff T7 can be switched on via switching distances 3, 7, 1 when switching into the increased special rate level T4, since the time zones Z1 + Z3 are active in the time region between the time points Friday 20:01 .... Saturday 08:00 hours Saturday 18:01 .... Sunday 08:00 hours Sunday 18:01 .... Monday 06:00 hours in the embodiment example and are added as increase number "3" to the special tariff T4 selected in this instance of switching and mark, in practice, a weekend night tariff with T7.

Finally, switching can also be effected via switching distances 4, 8, 12 by means of which the rate level T4 is automatically activated when selecting the increased special rate T4 in the time region of the working days between the time points Monday to Friday 08:01 to 18:00 hours, this means that no time zones are defined in these time regions and accordingly no increase number can be effective.

The "PAYMENT" function position 19 can be switched to from rate levels T4 to T7 via a switching distance 13. Time zones Z1 or Z2 remain active for this switching process without making allowances for this.

Finally, after the conclusion of the driving assignment on the taximeter device, a switching back into the "FREE" function position 26 can be triggered by means of an operating process via a switching distance 14, so that the device is in the operation-ready state for the start of a new fare calculation process.

The status graph or state diagram according to Figure 5 shows the tariff level control flow of a simpler example for a trip on the weekend while taking into account a switchability of the current rate level, according to the embodiment example of Figure 2, which switchability can be controlled via active time zones. A passenger boards a taxi, e.g. on a Friday at 17:45 hours. The driving assignment starts by switching on the taximeter from the "FREE" ready position 26 into rate level T1. After reaching the tariff limit (e.g. location or distance limit), e.g. at 1*S: 10 hours, the driver switches into a rate level for a higher fare (e.g. to T4) because the tariff zone has been exceeded. The switching is effected after 18:01 hours and accordingly into an active time zone "1", but still before the beginning of time zone "2" (at 20:00 hours). Along with the switching process, rate level T5 is switched on automatically. Due to the switching as a result of exceeding the tariff zone, the tariff index is first increased to T4 and, since time zone Z1 is active, the tariff index "4" is increased by the offset number "1", resulting in a switching of the tariff level T5. Further switching is not effected, so that the trip is continued without change at rate level T5, possibly also after the beginning of time zone Z2 at 20:00 hours.

In addition to the devices described in the embodiment examples for the time-dependent control of the tariff level switching regions, a series of additional, tariff-related functions or operating processes can also be influenced in principle accompanied by the use of defined time zones. Thus, for example, it is possible to assign an additional charge or reduction to the base amount of a tariff in a percentile or additive order of magnitude.

Similarly, an additional charge or reduction can be combined with a forward switching amount of a respective selected rate level through the formation of time zones.

A controlled influencing of a distance parameter and/or time parameter as base variable for a price calculation is also possible with the introduction of time zones, represented by counter parameters in the counters 21, 22, 23.

A calculation of extra charges can also be influenced as a function of time zones in such a way that a limiting value or an allowable maximum value is changed when inputting.

Finally, a fixing of a percentage rate by which an extra charge is calculated from the fare can be determined via the control by means of time zones.

Fig. 7 depicts one form of flow chart for a simple program to implement the invention. The processor will continuously loop through the program testing the current counter values against, say, a look-up table containing the time zones and their associated tariffs or offset number and activate the taximeter mechanisms or electronics to apply the appropriate tariffs or their summation as required.

While the invention has been described in connection with preferred embodiments, it will be understood that modifications thereof within the principles outlined above will be evident to those skilled in the art and thus the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments but is intended to encompass such modifications.

Claims (8)

97336/2 CLAIMS :

1. Electronic taximeter including several tax ranges of tariff and comprising a clock (rtc) with calendar function adapted to select a tax rangem the hierachical division of the time flow being effected substantially by counters (21,22,23), which starting from a time basis (20) as smallest counter unit are arranged in a chain and which in cyclical continuation do count three different time units, particularly minutes of a day, days of the week and calendar days characterised thereby that a) in every counter marks (B,E) are determinable for the indication of time zones (Z^ l^) within the time unit indicated by the counter, b) each marked time zone is associated with an index which together with one of the said tax ranges (T1 - Tg) does co-relate the tariff, and c) at hierarchical overlapping of time zones (Zj, total of indications associated with respective time zones does determine the applicable tax range of tariff.

2. Electronic taximeter according to claim 1, characterized thereby that the time zones determined by marks (B,E) at a repetitive passage of the time counting cycle on the time unit do re-adjust themselves.

3. Electronic taximeter according to claims 1 or 2, characterised thereby that at every time zone (Zj, l^) only one specific tax range may be joined. 9.7336/2

4. Electronic tgximeter according to any of foregoing claims characterized in that means are provided such that the function of an active zone is defined in such a way that a change in fare predetermined by the tariff in the form of an extra charge or reduction can be switched on in the region of the active zone at determinable rate level s.

5. Electronic taximeter according to claim 4 characterized in that the actuation of an extra charge standard can be nfluenced with the action of an active time zone in such a way that an operating block is cancelled or set up.

6. Electronic taximeter according to claim 5 characterized in that incremental values are associated with each time zone and a change in the incremental value is triggered with the beginning of an active zone when the extra charge standard is actuated.

7. Electronic taximeter according to claim 5, characterized in that a change in the maximum value which can be input is adjustable when actuating the extra charge standard at the start of an active zone.

8. Electronic taximeter according to all or any of foregoing claims characterized thereby that within one of time zones (Z^, l^) the travel way parameters and/or time parameters effective relative to fixation of a payable charge are subject to being influenceable. - COH/ 2EDEK*RAPAPORT Ρ· <¾έ0χ 33 † 16, ΤβΠ Aviv * '