JPH0324714B2 - - Google Patents

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION FIELD The present invention relates to an electronic taximeter verification method. The electronic taximeter is then equipped with a computer, a dynamic memory, a system memory, a non-erasable constant memory for tariff data, and a command keyboard. Prior Art In conventional mechanical taximeters, individual tariff adjustments are made by incorporating gears with different numbers of teeth. When a competent authority inspector or a repair shop technician tests a taximeter, they may drive the car with the meter over a test section many times, or roll the wheels on an expensive roller-type test stand. is rotated, whereby it is determined whether, at any tariff stage, a stepwise increase in the fare displayed on the toll display device takes place, corresponding to a predetermined distance traveled or a predetermined time.
In other words, it is checked whether the taximeter is indeed adjusted to the predetermined tariff value. However, testing equipment and time are required for this purpose. In the case of electronic taximeters, the above-mentioned verification process is simplified, since all of the tariff data is stored digitally in a memory and this memory can be checked for the data held therein. Therefore, in this case, a test run is not absolutely necessary. In this case, two methods are possible for accommodating the tariff data in the taximeter. One is a non-erasable constant memory for tariff data, so-called PROM.
(programmable read only memory). This memory is supplied directly from the manufacturing plant and is replaced whenever tariffs change. This type of PROM does not allow the values set in it to be erased, but additional values can be written to it. Therefore, the authorities responsible for certifying taximeters ensure that only properly qualified personnel can handle this memory in order to prevent abuse of this writing ability. In addition, the competent authorities should:
Taximeters are being tested along with their built-in PROMs. In other words, when a non-erasable tariff data memory PROM is used in a taximeter, the tariff data in the PROM must be recalled to confirm whether the newly adjusted tariff value is correct during verification by the competent authority. Therefore, like the mechanical meters mentioned above, it was essential to run the test section or use a roller-type inspection table (Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No.
48-83873). Programming the electronic taximeter
Another method for performing verification by the competent authority is to write tariff data to an erasable and programmable dynamic memory EPROM using a programming device. In this case, the data written by the programming device can be made visually clear. Therefore, during the verification by the competent authority, the verification can be simplified by calling up and checking the adjusted tariff data.
In other words, the inspector only needs to read the adjusted tariff data on the programming device, and there is no need to conduct an actual driving test.
Publication No.). The purpose of this known taximeter is to replace the conventional taximeter, which requires the hassle of opening the taximeter case, taking out the tariff memory and reprogramming it, or replacing it with a new programmed memory when the fare system changes. (Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 48-83873) was improved to allow tariff data to be changed and monitored while preventing unauthorized data input, and to do so without the need to open the taximeter casing.
The object of the present invention is to provide an electronic taximeter for calculating and displaying travel fares, which has a taximeter casing, in which a central processing unit is installed which carries out the calculation process to determine the travel fare. , a storage device for storing fare data and readable by the central processing unit, and a display unit for displaying travel fares and other fare data, and a pushbutton for operating the taximeter. In an electronic taximeter having a button, the taximeter casing is provided with a data input side and a data output side, the data input side and the data output side being connected via an input/output interface to a central computing unit and a storage device. an input unit is provided which is connected and connectable from outside the taximeter to the data input side and the data output side, the input unit monitoring the serial number and the code number and initiating the entry of fare data into the storage device; The invention has been solved by configuring the input unit to have a keyboard for inputting charge data into the storage device. However, using a programming device for electronic taximeters every time the tariff is changed means that all taximeter repair shops must be equipped with this type of programming device, which is very expensive. do. In densely populated areas, where many taximeters are in use, it makes sense to have this type of device. However, in rural areas, where the number of taxis and taximeters is extremely small, the purchase of this type of programming equipment would require significant costs. Problems to be solved by the invention When a competent authority inspects a taximeter,
Conventionally known methods have the following drawbacks. First of all, in the case of mechanical taximeters, when changing the old tariff and setting a new tariff,
The conventional gear group incorporated in the taximeter is replaced with a new gear group with a tooth ratio compatible with the new tariff. In order for the newly established tariff to be inspected by the competent authorities, it is necessary to drive the vehicle over a certain test section or to rotate the vehicle on a roller-type inspection stand. Such inspection methods require a great deal of time and effort, and roller-type inspection tables are expensive. In the case of electronic taximeters, there are two methods. The first method involves obtaining a non-erasable constant value memory PROM containing new tariff data from the taximeter manufacturer, and replacing it with the old memory built into the taximeter. Publication No. 1983-83873). However, even with this method, the same procedures as for mechanical taximeters are required when the competent authority inspects the correctness of newly established tariffs. This is because the data contents of the tariff memory cannot be visually confirmed. In the second method for electronic taximeters,
The tariff memory built into the taximeter is an erasable and programmable work memory (EPROM). When setting a new tariff, a programming device is used to write new tariff data into this memory. The newly written tariff data is displayed on the display of the programming device, so that the competent authority official can check the tariff value simply by looking at the displayed value.
The disadvantage of this method is that the programming device is extremely expensive, and it is extremely difficult to purchase the programming device in sparsely populated areas with a small number of taxis (Japanese Patent Publication No. 32836/1983). An object of the present invention is to provide a taxi meter that uses a programmable non-erasable constant value memory PROM as a tariff memory and replaces this memory when changing the tariff. The purpose is to enable officials of the competent authorities to read the newly set tariff value from the taxi meter display device. In other words, the tariff value can be verified without driving the vehicle over a test section or rotating the wheels on an inspection table, and without using an expensive programming device such as a second taximeter. Means for Solving the Problem According to the present invention, this problem is solved as follows. That is, when starting the verification of the electronic taximeter, remove the lead seal, operate the switch that switches the taximeter, which is in normal operation mode when the lead seal is set, to verification mode, and press the first key on the command keyboard. Operate to start the test program; operate the second key to recall and display the individual tariff stages one after the other; and operate the third key to recall and display the individual tariff values in each tariff stage. The taximeter was called up, displayed, and finally sealed with a lead sealing screw for tariff data to stop the detection mode and return the taximeter to normal operating mode. Function When the taximeter lead seal PK is installed, the taximeter program shown in the flowchart in Fig. 3 will proceed, and the display screen AF1, Fig. 2 will be displayed.
Mileage charges and surcharges are displayed on AF2. When the lead seal is removed, switch K5 of FIG. 1 is closed and the taximeter can be switched to the test condition. If you operate keys T1 to T3 on the command keyboard, the test program will proceed and the tariff data stored in the constant memory will be displayed on the display AZ.
will be forwarded to. In this case, if the tariff value is stored in the constant memory in decimal form, this tariff data is transferred as is to the display device. If the tariff value is stored in the constant memory as a binary code, it can be converted to a decimal number and then transferred to the display device. An official of the competent authority can check the correctness of the tariff value by looking at the value displayed on the taximeter display device. When the lead seal is screwed in and set on the taximeter again, the test condition ends and the taximeter returns to its normal operating condition. According to the invention, a test state is initiated by a first key of the command keyboard, and by a second key the individual tariff stages of the taximeter are recalled one after another from a non-erasable constant memory, while Third
keys recall the individual tariff values within each tariff stage. Using multiple keys as described above to control the test program allows specific tariff values to be recalled without having to recall all tariff values one after the other. In addition, by attaching a lead seal for tariff data to the taximeter and operating the switch connected to it,
You may interrupt the test program at any time. Therefore, it is possible to only check the target tariff value. In claim 2, tariff data is stored in a constant memory in binary encoded form, and this tariff data can be converted into a decimal value and then transferred to a display device. EXAMPLES Next, the method of the present invention will be explained in detail with reference to examples with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows a block circuit diagram of an electronic taximeter to which the method of the invention is applied. As can be seen from this figure, the taximeter according to the invention includes a computer in the form of a microprocessor MC, an erasable and programmable fixed value memory, or EPROM.
A system memory in the form of read-only memory (read-only memory) and a dynamic memory, so-called random access memory (RAM), are provided. Further, the system memory that this taximeter has is not only EPROM1, but also a second system memory EPROM2. In this case, one of the two memories is the computer MC.
It may be integrated within. The taximeter also has a non-erasable constant memory for tariff data.
TPROM (tariff programmable read-only)
memory). This memory TPROM
is a type of memory in which constants can be written and read, but the memory itself must be replaced when data is changed, for example, when charges are revised. In addition, the taximeter has a command keyboard consisting of keys T1 to T4 which act on contacts K1 to K4. These command keyboard commands are
It is transmitted via a coding matrix circuit C in the form of a diode matrix and a gate G to a data bus B1 and an address bus B2.
These two buses are MC, EPROM1, EPROM
2. All of the ROM and TPROM are interconnected. In addition, the taximeter is sealed with lead,
In particular, a lead sealed PK for tariff data is provided.
This seal PK is here constructed in the form of a screw that connects the meter housing. Switch K5 is operated by this lead seal PK for tariff data. The switch K5 is opened when the seal PK is set, and is closed when the seal is not set. During normal operation, the four keys T1 to T4 have the following functions. First, T1 is a tariff stage setting key, and when this key is operated, tariff stages are set in order from 1 to 4 (forward setting key). The effect of key T2 is opposite to that of T1. (Reverse set key). When this key is operated, for example, the previous tariff level 3 is lowered by one level to set the tariff level 2. The key T3 is an addition key, and is used, for example, to form the sum of the travel charge and the surcharge at the end of the travel. The key T4 is a premium charge key, and the value of the premium charge is input in stages each time it is operated. What has been described above is the function under normal operating conditions. Keys T1, T2, T3 perform different functions during test conditions. This function will be explained later with reference to FIG. Computer MC is connected to display device AZ via amplifier VM. The amplifier VM enables multiple display on the display device AZ. Computer MC and system memory
EPROM1 and EPROM2 are bus lines B1 and B2
control the flow of data and addresses in In this case, the dynamic memory RAM is used in order to store the average value during the travel toll detection, and also to store so-called control counter data, for example the total number of kilometers traveled, the number of paid kilometers traveled, the number of journeys, the amount of collected charges, etc. used for On the other hand, in the non-erasable constant memory TPROM for tariff data, there are the basic fare of the taxi, the subsequent fare of the taxi, the additional distance of the taxi, the subsequent price of the taxi, the additional distance of the taxi, the additional value of the taxi. Values such as time are stored. The taximeter has several tariff stages, and the data for all of these tariffs is selected in the memory TPROM. Details of the operation of the elements described above will be explained below. First, a taximeter will be explained from its appearance. Second
The figure is a front view of the meter. The taximeter has a keyboard TL, on which in this embodiment four keys T1 to T4 are arranged. These keys act on four contacts K1-K4 as described with respect to FIG. Three casing protrusions are provided below the keyboard TL. The central protrusion MV is provided for attaching a nameplate. The left and right protrusions LV and RV are provided for attaching lead seal screws PK and FK. In this case, the protruding parts LV and RV function as lead seal housing parts. That is, the sealing screws PK and FK are screwed into the holes provided in these protrusions. In this case, the sealing screw FK is provided to safely protect the equipment inside the vehicle. The sealing screw PK, on the other hand, closes off the casing and thus prevents anyone other than duly qualified inspectors from accessing the program and hence the tariff data. In special cases, instead of two sealing screws PK, FK, three
Two screws are provided. At this time, one screw is used to protect the safety of the equipment inside the car, and the second screw is used to seal the taximeter casing.
A third screw is then provided for additional protection of the tariff data. In each case, the sealing screw PK for sealing the tariff data acts on the switch K5 (see FIG. 1). At this time, switch K5 is opened when sealing screw PK is screwed in, and closed when it is unscrewed. Above the keyboard TL is a display window AF. Behind the transparent cover of the display window is the display base.
FS is located. There are two display surfaces on the base FS.
There are AF1 and AF2, in which the travel toll and the surcharge are displayed by means of an electronic display element normally, ie when the meter is activated. Normally, the amount is displayed in 5 digits on the travel charge display device AF1 and in 4 digits on the surcharge display device AF2. There are many small holes in the upper part of the display base FS, in which the control display device LED (light emitting
diode) are placed. These display devices
LED is system program memory EPROM1,
It is controlled according to EPROM 2 and displays the operating status of the taximeter. Control display for this
The LEDs are arranged in association with additional display surfaces AF3-AF5. Appropriate characters (text) can be displayed on the additional display surfaces A3 to A5. Therefore, "in operation" is displayed on the additional display screen AF3,
A "control counter" is displayed on the display surface AF4, and a "test" is displayed on the display surface AF5. In any of these three operating states, additional display surfaces AF3 to AF5
The surrounding control display LED is activated. For example, when the taximeter is operating normally, the control display device LED surrounding the additional display surface AF3 lights up. When the control counter is called on the display surface AF4, and when the control counter is called on the display surface AF5,
In a "test", when an inspection is carried out at a repair shop or competent authority for the purpose of certification, the LED display device around it lights up. FIG. 3 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of the assay method according to the present invention. This flowchart explains how a test program for certification by a competent authority is structured and executed. Verification begins by removing the lead seal and installing a new tariff constant memory TPROM in the taximeter. The constant memory TPROM is located just behind the base FS, and this memory can be replaced by simply removing the screws on the display base FS. Therefore, the taximeter itself may be built into the car even during the inspection. During verification, first the sealing screws PK and FK on the front of the casing are removed, and the constant memory TPROM behind the display base FS is replaced. Next, the display base FS is reinstalled and the tariff data sealing screw is
PK is temporarily screwed. However, since it is not screwed in very strongly, the switch K that works with this
5 remains closed. Normally, when the taximeter is connected to operating power, an additional display screen
The control display device LED surrounding AF3 lights up and the words "in operation" are displayed. In FIG. 3, this situation is illustrated by step 1. Switch K
If 5 is open, the normal taximeter program will proceed. However, in this case, switch K5 is closed, so that a signal for initializing the test program according to step 2 is supplied. With this test program, keys T1, T
2, T3 (in terms of the temporal order of operations, T3, T
1, T2 order) or contacts K1~ belonging thereto
K3 is (same time order is K3, K1,
K2) are called one after another to check whether these contacts are closed (see steps 3, 4, 5). As mentioned above, the keys T1 to T3 perform different functions in the test state than in the normal operating state. This point will be explained below. If the test program proceeds normally, key T3 is first pressed. When the key T3 is operated (step 3), the control display device LED around the additional display surface AF5 lights up.
The test program will now proceed further. key T
Once it is confirmed that 3 has been pressed, the individual tariff stages A, B and C are called up one after the other each time the key T1 is actuated, as shown in step 4. That is, first, charge A is called, then charge B, then charge C, and so on. In this case, the fact that charge A is being called means that the surcharge display screen AF
This is indicated by the letter A (sign) displayed within 2. To call up various tariff data in an individual tariff stage, such as basic fare, subsequent charges, additional distance, additional time, etc., call up the desired tariff stage with key T1 and then press key T2. (Step 5). Thereby, the individual tariff values of the desired tariff stage can be called up one after another. Finally, the verification work is completed by screwing in the sealing screw PK (step 6). The table below shows the individual tariff values for display surface AF.
2 together with the beacon signal belonging to it and the numerical string corresponding to each tariff.

【table】

[Table] By comparing the table shown above and the flowchart in Figure 3, the following is clear. That is,
The test program is started by first operating the key T3 in the test program (step 3). Next, by operating key T1, the constant memory
Individual tariff stages A, B, in TPROM
C is called up one after the other (step 4) and, by additional actuation of key T2 within the individual tariff stages, the individual tariff values are called up one after the other (step 5). The test program
The tariff value stored in the constant memory TPROM is transferred to the computer MC and system memory.
It is called by MEPROM1 and transmitted to the display device. This tariff value is therefore displayed on the travel toll display, while, as mentioned above, a corresponding sign signal appears on the surcharge display. Therefore, a factory maintenance engineer or a competent authority inspector can know to what value the tariff value is adjusted in the taximeter without using a special roller-type inspection stand. Therefore, there is no need to use expensive programming equipment or expensive roller inspection tables. This is a big advantage, especially when using taximeters in sparsely populated areas. In special cases the tariff value is not stored in the constant memory TPROM in decimal form as mentioned above;
The data is encoded in binary according to the device and then stored. In this case, the binary values are computer MC and system program memory EPROM1, EPROM
It is necessary to convert it to a decimal value using 2. During the execution of this calculation process, a special display appears on the display surface AF1 to indicate that the calculation process is carried out through a large number of step connections. This display is performed, for example, by the center line of a 7-segment display. After the taximeter completes this calculation process,
Display the calculated tariff value. When a predetermined tariff value becomes unacceptable in the test program, for example when an additional time appears at the current fare position, a sign E is displayed on the travel fare display surface AF1 instead of the tariff value. This indicator E indicates the occurrence of an error, ie the absence of such a tariff value. Comparison and Contrast between the Prior Art and the Present Invention (Regarding Actions and Effects) The subject invention technology of the present invention allows the lead seal PK to be operated only by a competent official of the competent authority, that is, the lead seal is By cutting, the following tariffs, tariff constants, i.e., the computer can be used as base constants, and as parameters, successive calculation operations can be used to determine the desired travel along with distance interval signals or time signals. This is a taximeter inspection method that makes it possible to check and inspect the tariff and tariff constants that are the basis for calculating the fare, and to convert the tariff and tariff memory into the taximeter that should be converted when changing the tariff and tariff. On the other hand, this method realizes a simplified method for inspecting taximeters by competent authorities. According to the present invention, when a taximeter is inspected by the competent authority, the switch K5 is placed in a switch device that switches the taximeter to the test state by cutting the lead seal (setting it in the non-setting state), All tariffs and tariff data set in the constant memory are inspected and checked. It overcomes the drawbacks of prior art electronic programming devices and the like. Therefore, the above-mentioned simple method can be used without the troublesome effort and effort (use of test stand, test distance travel section) of the mechanical verification method described herein and the disadvantages and disadvantages of using expensive programming equipment by electronic method. It provides method steps (which can be realized by software, etc.). Furthermore, according to the invention, by using a plurality of keys for controlling the test program, all tariffs can be sequentially retrieved if necessary by calling up only one predetermined tariff value. This has the advantage of not having to be called,
The test condition can also be interrupted at any time by setting the lead seal (and thus by actuating a switch connected to it), so that a desired check of the set tariff value can also be carried out. Next, TPROM (tariff programmable read−
only memory), EPROM (erasable
programmable read-only memory). TPROM (tariff, non-erasable constant memory for tariff data) and EPROM (system program memory) are each used to store predetermined data areas. The TPROM is used to store base data related to tariff calculations for various vehicle types. Specifically, the following data can be stored. Time sequence after the start of the test state by cutting the lead seal shown in the flowchart for explaining the present invention 1: Operation of the control display indicating the start of the test program by operating T3 2: Tariff area A in the constant memory TPROM, B,
Calling C 3: As specified in the calling of the individual tariff values in the TPROM in A, B, and C above, the TPROM contains the above tariff areas A, B, and C as well as various tariffs,
Tariff data (values) may be stored, in particular base fare, additional charges, additional distance, additional time, etc. (other tariff values are also shown in the tables herein). EPROM (system program memory) is a memory in which all data for tariffs and basic configurations of tariffs can be stored. are mandatory in each state for the operation of each licensed taximeter. In short, to put it simply, the basic calculation regulations (rules) that should be applied to the calculation of travel fares are stored in this system memory (EPROM), and the individual base data differs for each city (town). It can be. The means for carrying out the steps of the method of the present invention will be specifically explained. The procedure (step) of activating the switch that changes the taximeter from the normal taximeter operation mode to the test certification mode is the operation of cutting the lead seal (removal of the lead seal screw PK that works in conjunction with the internal switch K5) when switching the operation mode. The check instruction for the start of the test verification process that can be carried out subsequently or the procedure for successive recall of the tariff data stored in the constant memory TPROM and its transfer directly or after conversion to the display surface area can be executed in each case in various ways. With keys T1 to T3, the computer
Check instruction for the start of the test verification process which can be carried out via the constant memory or system memory, i.e. by operating the key T3 (LED
The procedure for calling the tariff areas (stages) A, B, and C in the constant memory TPROM, and the transfer of the called tariff data to the display device, is performed by keys T1 and T2 operated after the light emission). The steps carried out directly as they are or after the required conversion process are carried out via a computer, a constant memory or a system program, i.e. (explained in connection with the computer control system of FIG. 1) - the relevant key T1 or Operation of T2 → activation of the associated switch K1 or K2 → constant memory TPROM or system by computer MC using the code (control signal) generated from coding matrix circuit C via gate circuit G on bus B1 Executing the procedure for recalling tariff data from the memory EPROM or transferring the recalled tariff data to the display device AZ can be stored directly or in the constant memory TPROM as a binary value suitable for the equipment system. If the computer MC and system program EPROM after the required conversion to decimal values
1. Executed via EPROM 2 - After the completion of the required test and certification, the procedure (step) of returning the taximeter to the normal "operation" mode and ending the test and certification mode is resealed. Execute by sealing. Effects of the Invention As described above, according to the method of the present invention, the taximeter is switched to the test state by removing the lead seal, and then stored in the memory by operating the keys on the command keyboard. The calculated tariff data is recalled and displayed on the taximeter display. Therefore, a competent authority official can easily test the taximeter tariff value without driving the vehicle through a test section or rotating the wheels on a roller-type test stand. Since this method does not require expensive programming equipment, it is particularly suitable for taximeter verification in sparsely populated areas.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block circuit diagram of an electronic taximeter to which the method of the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is a front view of the taximeter of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart for explaining the method of the present invention. It is. T1~T4...key, K1~~K4...contact,
PK, FK...lead seal, K5...switch, C...
Encoding matrix circuit, G...gate, B
1, B2... Bus, EPROM... System memory, TPROM... Constant memory, RAM... Dynamic memory, MC... Computer, VM...
Amplifier, AZ...Display device, TL...Keyboard,
LV, MV, RV...Casing protrusion, AF...
Display window, AF1 to AF5...display surface, FS...display base, LED...control display device.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A method for verifying an electronic taximeter comprising a computer, a system memory, a non-erasable constant memory for tariff data, and a multi-key command keyboard with associated switches, comprising: To start, remove the lead seal (step 1), activate switch K5 that switches the taximeter, which is in normal operation mode when the lead seal is set, to verification mode (step 2), and press the first button on the command keyboard. Operate key T3,
Start the test program (step 3), operate the second key T1 to recall and display the individual tariff stages (A, B, C) one after another (step 4), operate the third key T2 to recall and display the individual tariff values during each tariff stage (step 5), and finally seal the taximeter with the tariff data lead sealing screw PK to stop the detection mode.
A method for detecting an electronic taximeter, comprising: returning the taximeter to normal operation mode (step 6). 2 The process of converting the tariff data stored in the constant memory and transferring it to the display device is performed when the tariff data is
The tariff data is stored in the constant memory TPROM in hexadecimal encoded form and is stored in the constant memory TPROM.
2. The electronic taximeter verification method according to claim 1, which is carried out by converting into a decimal value and displaying the execution of this conversion process by making a special display on the display surface AF1.