DE3423355A1 - DATA PROCESSING DEVICE FOR TRANSPORTATION - Google Patents

Description

PROF. DR. DR. J ". REltSTÖtTER DR. WERNER KINZEBACH

rsKÖKTER. KlNZEBACH ft PARTNER "PATENTANWÄLTE

ITPACH 780. D-8OOO MUNICH 43 APPROVED REPRESENTATIVES AT

EUROPEAN PATENT OFFICE EUROPEAN PATENT ATTORNEYS

TELEPHONE: (O89) Z 7t 60 83 CABLES: PATMONDIAL MUNICH

TELEXt 052152O8 ISAR D TELEKOP: (Ο89) 271 βθ 83 (GR. II + III) BAUERSTRASSE 22, D-BOOO MUNICH

Munich, June 25, 1984

OUR FILES:

OURREF: _M / ₂ 5 134

M / 25 138

Data processing device for transport

The invention relates to a data processing device for transport, in particular for passenger transport, according to the preamble of claim 1.

Increasingly, passenger transportation companies require greater efficiency, greater flexibility and versatility of the special data processing devices, be it the vehicle, a taxi, a minibus or a bus is. On the other hand, there is a need for faster service times and among passengers cheap, but above all fair fares.

It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a data processing device according to the preamble of claim 1 create that can eliminate at least some of the known disadvantages or at least a cheap offer represents.

This task is made possible by the distinguishing features of the

POSTAL ADDRESS; D-8OOO MUNICH 43. POST BOX 78Ο

Claim 1 solved. Advantageous further developments result from the subclaims.

According to the invention, it is particularly advantageous if in a data processing device comprising a processing unit, a non-volatile memory, data transmission devices and display devices, the data processing unit the transmission of Can control data. This applies in an advantageous manner to the permanently stored as well as to the ongoing changing data and in particular for data transmission between the data transmission devices, the storage device and the display device.

It is also particularly advantageous here if the data processing unit also includes the costs of the selected Trip are calculated and if the processing unit at the same time also the transmission direction of the accruing Data controls.

Further details, features and advantages of the invention are based on the description of several exemplary embodiments the invention explained in more detail with reference to the drawing.

Show it:

Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of a preferred one Embodiment of the data processing device according to the invention for the transport sector,

Fig. 2 is a block diagram comparable to FIG. 1 with a second microprocessor with which some Measuring functions can be carried out,

3 is a block diagram according to FIGS. 1 and 2, the The display and the control board are designed as a remotely located unit,

4 shows a schematic view of the mobile installation including a taximeter and the associated one Peripheral components;

Figures 5, 6 & 7 show a display board for use in conjunction with the data processing device according to the invention in different operating modes ; and

Fig. 8 is a block diagram showing a Hall effect

-Sensor for use with an embodiment of the invention.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention Data processing device for purposes related to transports or the one according to the invention The fare meter is a processing unit, an interface, a non-volatile memory and a display device is provided. The processing unit processes and controls data sent to and of peripheral units, such as printers, credit card readers, radio links for the Data transmission, control center computers, storage devices and display devices, all of which are known per se are. The processing device also performs all calculations that the sales or transactions and concern the calculation of the fare. The storage device holds both fixed and variable data stored. Fixed dates concern information that is changed relatively infrequently, such as for example fare tariff data or the like and which are designed for optimal flexibility can. Variable data relates to the data related to the operation of the vehicle, such as the distance traveled or other data based on the respective journey. The display device has a fare display and a display that is used for displaying information

is suitable, for example in the data storage device can be stored or received by other peripheral units can, such as information about transport, the status of the zone or the one currently being used Zone, via the type of credit card, via the status of the fare meter or via tariffs.

The interface is preferably in the form of a plurality of serial communication inputs or outputs or ports formed through which operating instructions, data and / or information or messages to the desired peripheral modules or can be passed to the processing unit. This flow of information is preferably controlled via the processing unit.

A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to a taximeter or a fare indicator, which is directly connected to Peripheral units are in data exchange connection; however, the invention is also applicable as an on that Vehicle-mounted processing device, which controls peripheral units in a separate housing, such as it was explained above, with an additional control / display board for the driver and for displaying the fare of the taxi is provided. According to the invention, a division into a plurality of modules can also be carried out including constructions

3Q which the peripheral units in a single housing are added together with the central unit or are attached to the central unit.

So much for the data processing device according to the invention can be used in a mass transport system such as a bus or a parcel system it may not be practical or undesirable to display the costs when they are incurred. Under

In such circumstances, the individual transaction can be recorded and the payment either automatically, by passing a creditable or debited or prepaid card through a card reading peripheral unit at the start of the journey and again when disembarking, ie at the end of the journey will be charged or billed. Tickets and receipts can also be issued automatically.
10

When calculating a chargeable fare, a data processing device for transport uses For example, a taximeter, a basic distance covered and the waiting time. The waiting time is normally only calculated if the speed of the vehicle is less than is a predetermined limit. The information about the distance is provided by the speedometer drive system detected and generated by means of a suitable converter. In the case of electronic speedometers - as Alternative - the information about the distance covered directly from the data lines of the vehicle can be removed. The fare meter uses the distance and timing circuitry to calculate the fare to be calculated in accordance with the applicable tariff structure for the transport service concerned. This tariff structure can be stored in the fixed data memory, or - in the case of special Tariff forms - it can be transmitted from a control center computer to the taximeter via a radio link will. Under normal circumstances, however, the respective tariff form is read out from the fixed data memory and used to calculate the fare. The choice of tariff form, d. i.e. the tariff number can be set manually or automatically in accordance with, for example, the time of day, the type of fare, with the area or with the zone, can be selected. This choice and / or application of additional loads can be of

managed by the control center via a radio link will. Similarly, if the tariff changes during a journey as a result of entering a should change the new zone, or when a time of day begins for which different tariffs apply, the selection will be carried out automatically. Furthermore, the tariff structure can be improved in order also for a plurality of passengers to determine a fare, the individual passengers sharing a taxi and travel at fares that are cheaper than individual fares. This can be done by dividing each tariff amount can be reached in a number of sub-amounts, each sub-amount relating to the number of passengers who will share the taxi at the time. Thus, through the combination of fixed data storage and data communication with a control center computer, the control and / or change option the tariff form varied despite simple operation.

In Fig. 1, a taximeter is shown, which has a microprocessor 1, a programmable read-only memory (PROM) 2, a random access memory (RAM) 3, and connecting devices such as an input / output controller (IOC) 4. The microprocessor 1 carries out the necessary calculations of the Taximeters controlled by the program contained in the PROM 2. RAM 3 is a non-volatile memory, which stores both the fixed and the variable data. This memory can be in the form of a electrically changeable read-only memory, i.e. an EAROM, a battery-backed CMOS memory or other equivalent devices. The input / output control module 4 creates one Data exchange possibility between the peripheral units, for example those mentioned above, and creates in particular an input / output port, e.g. B. a serial port through which the fare is routed or, for example, via a radio link to the

Data transfer can be controlled. This radio connection for data transmission can use an existing radio telephone connection with a base computer or control center computer.
5

The information about the distance is picked up from the speedometer shaft 5 by means of a Hall effect sensor 6, which detects the rotating magnetic field of a small ring magnet 7, which is attached to the speedometer shaft 5 is attached. The Hall effect sensor preferably passes a signal to an amplifier 37 and then to a Schmitt trigger module 8 in order to generate the required digital pulse for the microprocessor 1 to create. The fare to be paid is displayed on a display board 9, in its simplest form may consist of a number of seven-segment display units, but in one preferred according to the invention Form where it is desired to also display messages or information on the display board 9, comprises a dot matrix display. This display can be in the form of a liquid crystal or LCD display unit or an alphanumeric light-emitting diode or LED display unit / with suitable decoders / Driver modules 10 can be provided.

In addition to displaying the fare, this display board 9 can also display accumulated trip-related data Display messages to show the display parameters, the operating mode of the fare meter or the tariff status to identify. Counter names and information relating to fares and passengers can also be viewed.

Taxi transportation information and information about Queues in the zones (zone queuing) can also be displayed on the display board 9.

The operation can be effected by four key switches 11 shown in FIG. 1, which in the figures 5 to 7 are denoted by 11a, 11b, 11c and 11d. the Function of the switches 11a to 11d depends on the operating mode of the fare meter. That means, when the taxi is occupied, the switches can use the functions for example each of a switching function "tariff", "extra", "fare" and "receipt" can be assigned. If that Taxi is free, the service can refer to the order processing (job dispatching) and the Switches can have the switching functions "Operating mode", "Acceptance", "Rejection" and "Total" and in a search -Operating mode, the switches can use the functions "Operating mode", "Queue", "Zone" and "Tariff" can be assigned.

Capacitance is provided to drive the indicator light circuit 12 which is outside the fare -Measuring device is arranged and depends on the local requirements. This includes, for example, "Occupied", "Free", "Stopped", "Tariff", "Number of Passengers", "Penalty Tariffs" and "Free Ride Lamp" (Courtesy light).

To enable automatic tariff changes at night and during holiday periods, and also to provide dated receipts To generate a real-time control device such as a clock 13 can be provided which is run by the microprocessor 1 is controlled and is preferably supplied with voltage by an auxiliary battery. The further functional blocks which are shown in the schematic block diagram in FIG. 1 belong a voltage supply 14 and an address memory or a latch 15 - if this is necessary is.

The signals that are input into the input / output control module 4 include, for example, measurements

machine data, such as engine speed, Fuel consumption, temperature and failure parameters. The programs can be used to process these Parameters are made to provide information about the operating status and generate the power of the vehicle.

As the legal provisions concerning taximeters differ from country to country and the special ones Function of the system depends to a large extent more on the software than on the hardware described above, the programs are preferably written in a high level programming language so that they can be easily changed can be made to suit any requirement. The following is an arbitrarily chosen taxi ride to explain the operation of the mobile system.

If the taxi is initially empty and the driver is looking for an order or for passengers, can

aO the driver interrogates the taxi queues in his area via the control board, as shown in Fig. 5, in order to find out data relating to the various zones or taxi stands that are displayed on the display board via the radio link 16 (Fig. 2) which establishes a connection with the control center computer can be displayed.

If the taximeter is initially "free" at 17 and the zone selected at 18 by pressing button 11b is displayed, information is stored in the control center computer that this taxi in question is freely available and also in which zone the taxi is located.

If a willing passenger or a load is assigned to this taxi, the address is displayed as it is shown at 20 in Fig. 6, and the driver can

accept or reject the order by submitting the appropriate Press button 11b or 11c, as shown in Fig. 6 is displayed. It is assumed that the driver accepts the order and drives to the desired address. If the passenger now gets on, the operating mode button 11a is pressed to select the operating mode for measurement of the fare and the fare is started at the appropriate tariff, as shown in FIG. 7 at 21 is indicated. The tariff can be set manually or automatically using information which is present in the fare meter, i.e. which is stored in the RAM 3, or the tariff can can be set automatically by means of information received from the control center computer via the radio link 16 was received.

At certain points there are special categories of passengers, e.g. for the elderly or the disabled, discounted fares available. Under these circumstances, the magnetically encoded in a suitable manner Card, which is taught by the passengers, is inserted into the card reader 23 and the transaction is adjusted and recorded accordingly. The card reader 23 can be made to accept standard credit cards, and also credit cards that are suitable for this taxi operation. Of course, it is also possible to use in Perform a validation check in real time. if manual operation is required, the start of counting of the taximeter is started by pressing the fare button 11c in FIG. 7 is actuated and the fare as it is due is displayed at 24. Extras or additional Services can be added to the fare by using the button 11b, so that the Extras are shown in the already known type as indicated at 25. At the end of the journey it can Paying fare can be debited to an account by means of a card in the credit card reader 23 or with

χ to be paid in cash. A receipt can be sent from the Receipt printer 25 are output and can, for example, date, time, trip reference number, paid fare etc. reproduce. After deleting the fare from the fare meter, another order can be requested or information about the situation of the queues can be requested, like it was explained above.

For efficient management of taxi fleets, drivers can use specially encoded magnetic cards to to display their entry or exit to a taxi. The control center then knows how at all times many and which taxis are in action and who is ever the driver. The fare measurement can be switched off; this is then achieved, for example, if necessary, in that the operation of the measuring device is switched off until the driver switches on the card reader 23 with a magnetic card. A confirmation from the control center to the radio telephone connection 16 signals the start of the driver's shift, and the meter is activated accordingly and automatically begins in "Free" mode. The driver can in Similarly, shutdown or end their shift, and shutdown can be used to stop a Printout of current sales for this shift conduct. These total sales can be transmitted to the control center and it would also be possible to have this information for example to use the wages

go to calculate the driver.

If desired, a prepaid card system can also be used, with the fare being paid automatically from the credit of the passenger by means of the control center oc computer via the transmitted via the radio link 16 Information is debited.

A rendering of the fare on the display and / or the printer could be prompted by pressing a corresponding key 11a to 11d. Dadurcn the fare would be read out from the permanent memory 3 and displayed in a suitable form. Where the Fare tariff requires it from time to time in accordance with, for example, local regulations To be kept up to date, the new fare tariff data can be accessed from the control center via the radio link 16 to the taxis, for example either individually or together in a suitably coded Way to be transferred to the data stored in the fixed data memory 3 to the latest status bring. Alternatively, this could be done through the rear connector or a serial interface directed data can be influenced with a programming unit. In addition to the total sales of a shift non-erasable ongoing total sales can be entered and displayed or printed out.

'.

Data transmitted by the control center computer and the radio link 16 from the taxi control center can be used to control the taximeter so that the fare calculation is started and is stopped, that the tariffs are changed, that additional extra costs are added, that special Tariffs are realized that the operating data are queried and that a fare is deleted. Further Such data can be used to disable the metering function or to enable the fare to discount the taxis, to accept valid credit cards, the current total or the other in the Fahrpr.e is measuring device to record stored data, to bring the fare tariff data up to date and to change or synchronize the time of the day clock 13.

In the construction shown in Fig. 2, the main processor 1 is freed from the measuring tasks in that that a second microcomputer or microprocessor 30 is used in the form of a special control unit which is connected to the main processor 1 via the input / output control module 4.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, this is Display and control board 9 is provided in a remotely located unit 31, which is connected to the measuring device the serial input / output control module 4 is connected.

In Fig. 4 is shown in detail how the different peripheral units with the fare meter or taximeters are interconnected.

An integrated data processing device is thus obtained in the preferred embodiment of the invention for applications in the transport sector, data communication between a control center and mobile. Manufactures units that are mounted on a vehicle and a taximeter or a fare meter, a credit card reader or the like and a printer with the control center computer via a radio link associate. It is particularly advantageous that the device according to the invention is efficient with computers that can be easily tailored to the needs of any carrier can. The measuring device according to the invention can easily be programmed, preferably at a higher level Programming language to allow adaptation to almost any express transport system, and a To form an interface with peripheral units that form a transport control system. Serves according to the invention the measuring device at the same time as an interface unit, as a display board and as a fare calculator.

Claims (13)

PROF. DR. DR. J. REiTSTOTTER DR. WERNER KINZEBACH DR. ING, WOLFRAM BUNTE (, _9ae -, _B70 ) 3423355 REITSTÖTTER. KINZEBACH β PARTNER POST BOX 78Ο. D-8OOO MUNICH 43 PATENT LAWYERS APPROVED REPRESENTATIVES AT THE EUROPEAN PATENT OFFICE EUROPEAN PATENT ATTORNEYS REFERENCE: RE TELEPHONE: (Ο89) 2 71 63 83 CABLES: PATMONDIAL MUNICH TELEX: O52I3ZOB ISAR D TELEKOP: (Ο89) 271 6O 63 (GR. Il + 111) BAUERSTRASSE 22. D-BOOO MUNICH 4O Munich June 25, 1984 OUR FILE: M / 25 134 OURREF: ^ ₅ Claims Data processing device for transport, especially for passenger transport, with a processing unit, with a storage device non-volatile memory, with data transmission devices and with a display device, thereby characterized in that the processing unit (1) is arranged to initiate the transmission of data "to." to which fixed and variable data belong, between the data transmission devices (4,6,12,31; 16,23, 25), the storage device (2,3), and the display device (9) - including the calculation of the resulting Cost - manages and controls and that the processing unit (1) the direction of the required Data stream to the data transmission devices (4,6,12,31; 16, 23, 25) and / or to the display device (9) controls appropriately. 2. Data processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the data processing device has a taximeter. 3. Data processing device according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the data processing device the transfer of data, too which also include text messages controls. 5 4. Data processing device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the data transmission devices (4,6,12,31; 16,23,25) a connecting device (4), via which peripheral modules (16, 23, 25; 31) are connected to the processing unit (1). 5. Data processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that one of the peripheral modules or several card readers (23), a data transmission radio link (16) and / or a printer-X25) belongs and that the functioning of the data processing device by incoming data from the card reader (23) and / or the data transmission radio link (16) can be controlled or influenced. 6. Data processing device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the display device (9) Data and other information including cost and transport information, which have been received via the data transmission devices (4,6,12,31; 16,23,25). 7. Data processing device according to claim 6, characterized characterized in that it is received in a housing and that one or more peripheral components (16,23, 25; 31) are received in the housing or on are attached to the housing. 8. Data processing device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the display device (9) a dot matrix display unit, with which the fare and transportation related Data and text can be displayed. 9. Data processing device according to one of claims 1 to 6 and 8, characterized in that the display device (9) is arranged at a distance from the processing unit (1) and via the data transmission devices (4, 6, 12, 31; 16, 23, 25) with the processing unit (1) is connected. 10. Data processing device according to one of the claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the display device has a control area or a control board with a plurality of switches (11a to 11d) located there, these switches as a function of on the operating mode of the data processing device, which is in particular designed as a measuring device has various functions. 11. Data processing device according to claim 10, characterized in that the control board of the processing unit (1) is located remotely. 12. Data processing device according to one of the claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the data transmission devices (4, 6, 12, 31; 16, 23, 25) of a data transmission radio link (16) is assigned to enable the processing unit (1) To receive data in order to update the fare tariff stored in the storage device (2,3) To bring stand. 13. Data processing device according to one of the claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the data transmission devices (4,6,12; 31,23,25) motor data receives, so that with the processing unit (1) information about the vehicle operating state and the functioning of the vehicle can be generated.