504results about "Taximeters" patented technology

A hybrid of grid-based and graph-based search computations, together with provision of a sparse search technique effectively limited to high-probability candidate nodes provides accommodation of path constraints in an optimization search problem in substantially real-time with limited computational resources and memory. A grid of best cost (BC) values are computed from a grid of map cost (MC) values and used to evaluate nodes included in the search. Minimum segment / vector length, maximum turn angle, and maximum path length along a search path are used to limit the number of search vectors generated in the sparse search. A min-heap is preferably used as a comparison engine to compare cost values of a plurality of nodes to accumulate candidate nodes for expansion and determine which node at the terminus of a partial search path provides the greatest likelihood of being included in a near-optimal complete solution, allowing the search to effectively jump between branches to carry out further expansion of a node without retracing portions of the search path. Capacity of the comparison engine can be limited in the interest of expediting of processing and values may be excluded or discarded therefrom. Other constraints such as approach trajectory are accommodated by altering MC and BC values in a pattern or in accordance with a function of a parameter such as altitude or by testing of the search path previously traversed.

A system and method for charging for vehicle parking is provided. The parking system includes a plurality of mobile parking units, each of the mobile parking units having an unique identification for installation in a vehicle and a parking control center for communicating with each of the mobile parking units. Each of the mobile parking units checks its location whenever the vehicle is not moving and if the location coincides with a known parking area, a charge for parking is activated until the vehicle resumes traveling.

A system and method for monitoring, measuring, and / or usage metering of a vehicle involving tracking continuous movement and position of the vehicle for priced parking spots, priced roads, and / or pay-as-you-drive insurance. The system comprises a vehicle-mounted apparatus incorporating positioning signal reception, filtering, compression, storage and wireless transmission, while a central processing system collects these position-logs for matching with digital maps and parking, road use, and insurance fee application schedules. Sufficient accuracy and precision enables billing of vehicle owners unambiguously, generating timely congestion and traffic maps, and providing real time data feeds to signal control and navigation systems. This invention may be used to meter parking, road use, or insurance, either alone or concurrently in combination.

A system and method for automated location of transportation vehicle passengers enables a passenger to request a transportation vehicle by activating a transceiver. The transceiver transmits a request signal upon activation to a transportation server. The transportation server sends a location request to a location system. The location system then transmits an interrogation signal from the location system to the transceiver. The transceiver responds by transmitting a response signal back to the location system. The location system then processes said response signal to determine the physical location of the transceiver and sends a pick-up signal to a transportation vehicle to pick up the passenger at the determined physical location.

A method for dynamically personalizing transportation in a vehicle comprises the steps of providing a vehicle including a messaging device for displaying messages, providing a central dispatch system for managing passenger allocation to the vehicle, receiving passenger specific information at the dispatch system, providing data relating to the passenger specific information from the dispatch system to the messaging device, and selecting and displaying a message based on the data for display. Further, a method is disclosed in which messages depending on passenger specific information, and messages independent form passenger specific information are selected and displayed. The messaging device is in communication with a video display unit or with a printing device for displaying messages received.

A system and method for fleet-based processing of toll transactions comprises: a toll processing service provider (140); toll agencies (160) providing toll transaction data (152, 154) to the toll processing service provider (140); fleet vehicle owners (120) providing fleet vehicle information (132) to the toll processing service provider (140), whereby a match between the toll transaction data (152, 154) provided by toll authorities (160) and the vehicle information (132) provided by fleet vehicle owners (120) results in payment(s) (158) made to the toll agencies (160) by the toll processing service provider (140) on behalf of the fleet vehicle owners (120). Disclosed features and specifications may be variously controlled, adapted or otherwise optionally modified to improve fleet-based collection of tolls for any application or operating environment. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention generally provide for the elimination or reduction of toll violation processing.

An apparatus configured for transit application and methods for utilizing the apparatus for transit application is disclosed. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a mobile communication device comprising a processor, a computer readable medium coupled to the processor, wherein the computer readable medium comprises code for receiving a first transit location, code for displaying options to select a second transit location, code for receiving a selection for a second transit location, and code for sending an authorization request message to an issuer associated with the mobile communication device.

Each taxi detects, by a GPS terminal mounted thereon, its present location using information sent from a GPS satellite and sends to a center equipment the present location and information on a destination specified by a customer. The center equipment finds an optimal route, a charge for the route, and the like, according to the information on the present location and the destination, received via the Internet. The equipment then transmits the optimal route, charge, and the like to the taxi. The center equipment which controls taxis in a centralized manner has a function to calculate an optimal route from the present location to the destination. This minimizes the cost for a taxi company and simplifies administration of taxis.

A system and method for managing a permit-based parking environment governed by a parking program. The permit-based parking environment includes a number of parking permits each including a unique RFID tag and tag number. One or more RFID readers are used to scan the vehicles parked in the parking environment to determine if a RFID tag is associated with the parked vehicle. The results of the scan along with information related to the parked vehicle are provided to a permit management system to determine if the vehicle is parked within the scope of privileges pre-defined for that vehicle, pursuant to the parking program governing the parking environment. The permit management system stores, manages, and monitors data related to the permits controlled under the parking program.

A method for logging and reporting driver activity and vehicle operation includes identifying a driver of a vehicle, recording operating data with an on-board recorder that is hard-wired to an engine control module, coupled to a mileage sensing system, and linked to a global navigation satellite system, and recording duty status of the driver. An hours of service log and a fuel tax log are created from the operating data. The method includes comparing the driver's hours of service log to an applicable requirement, indicating to the driver whether the driver is in-compliance or out-of-compliance with the applicable requirement, automatically uploading the logs to a receiver external to the vehicle using a wireless telecommunications network, and emitting a compliance signal representative of whether the driver is in-compliance or out-of-compliance with the applicable requirement to a second receiver external to the vehicle and under control of authorities.

The system for processing transportation information using a communication network comprises a customer communication means for performing a direct call connection to a transportation vehicle by the operation of a customer who wants to use a transportation service through the transportation vehicle; a plurality of communication means for transportation vehicles provided with the transportation vehicle for providing a transportation service for performing a direct call connection with the customer communication means; an information database means for storing subscriber information on the plurality of transportation vehicles and communication means of transportation vehicles, connection history information of the communication means of each transportation vehicle and information on a charge as a cost for service of the customer communication means; a host server means in which is operated such that the customer communication means makes a direct call connection to the communication means of the transportation vehicles sequentially according to the predetermined order based on the subscriber information and the connection history information in the information database means; and a data relay means for performing a direct call connection to the customer communication means.

A transactional tax settlement system for use with a personal communication device is provided. The system has particular usefulness in determining a taxing authority and calculating a tax rate imposed by the taxing authority in a communication network environment. The system may be used to determine a tax authority and corresponding tax rate for a buyer / seller transaction over a network, e.g., the Internet. The system may also be used to determine a tax authority and corresponding tax rate in a mobile telecommunications network, e.g., a cellular phone. The system includes a tax information system for determining the taxing authorities and corresponding tax rates by evaluating factors pertaining to the transaction such as, location, tax status, and transaction description. In addition, the tax information system may validate a payment modality, collect taxes, and account for the transaction.

An on board system for a taxicab having a wireless modem that allows a passenger to charge his fare by use of a credit card to a remotely located institution responsible for the charge account. The system also provides bilateral communication to allow messages to be successfully exchanged in order to successfully conduct the business of carrying passengers in the taxicab.

A method, computer usable program product or system for providing an estimated taxi fare to a passenger including providing a user interface (UI) for identifying a route and the estimated taxi fare for travelling the route in a taxi from a point of origin to a destination meeting a set of criteria, and responsive to the passenger utilizing the UI with the point of origin and identifying the destination, accessing a set of databases with a set of real-time information including traveling related information and pricing information, identifying the route and the estimated taxi fare for the route based upon the point of origin, the destination, the set of criteria, and the set of real-time information, and presenting the estimated taxi fare to the passenger.

Provided is a taxi management apparatus, including a taximeter that is installed in a taxi and a driver-side device that is electrically connected to the taximeter. The taximeter generates real-time positioning data and charging data of the taxi. The driver-side device generates dynamic data of a geographic region where the taxi is located and passenger information. A taxi management system is also provided that includes a management platform electrically connected to the driver-side device. The management platform generates vehicle dynamic records and passengers' historical records of the taxi. Fast and convenient taxi management techniques are thus provided through real-time information and statistics, and the passenger efficiency of the taxi and the service quality are improved.

A transport system having commuters with identification and / or vehicles with identification (“identifiers”) authorising them to take part in the transport system, at least one vehicle park in which authorised commuters may park vehicles and / or take on board authorised commuters who may or may not have parked vehicles and transport them to a specified destination and / or for set down near the specified destination, a hub at which vehicles of authorised commuters or others may take on board authorised commuters and transport them to the or a said vehicle park, optionally near the specified destination, at least one pickup point from which authorised commuters may be transported back to the hub, and a benefit sharing system involving the use of the identifiers at the vehicle park(s) and / or said hub whereby an authorised commuter, when a driver of authorised commuter(s) leaving and / or returning to or arriving at the vehicle park(s) and / or hub, benefits at some detriment to each carried commuter.

A taxi fare system for a vehicle includes a meter, a wireless access point carried on the vehicle, a first mobile computing device a wireless, a second mobile computing device, a display and a credit card reader. The meter is configured to receive data from the vehicle indicating distance travelled, to measure waiting time, and to calculate an amount of a passenger fare based at least on the distance travelled and the waiting time. The first mobile computing device is positioned in a driver section of the vehicle and receives data from the meter. The second mobile computing device is positioned in a passenger section of the vehicle and receive card information from the card reader. The first and second mobile computing devices are configured to wirelessly connect to the wireless access point.

A predetermined amount, which may, in general, be zero, less than, the same as, or greater than a (yet-to-be-determined) final transaction amount, is charged upon first presentation of a payment device to a merchant. A final transaction amount is calculated, preferably at a central server, subsequent to the first presentation. A variable adjustment value is calculated, preferably at the central server, by comparing the predetermined amount already charged with the final transaction amount. A new predetermined amount charged, upon a subsequent presentation of the payment device, is modified by the variable adjustment value.

A taxi sign device, which can display various details is provided; the taxi sign device utilizes the unit which is installed today on the taxi's roof (the yellow hat with the writing “TAXI”) and comprises a keypad or buttons for entering the driver's commands, a control unit controlling the display on the taxi's roof according to commands entered a fixed display which is not changeable for identification, an internal display which allow the driver to see status reports or to see an image of what is shown in the display on the roof; it is possible to also display distress signs and calling for help initiated by the driver.

Techniques to provide on demand rental of electric vehicles are disclosed. In various embodiments, data representing one or more of a location and an availability state of each of a plurality of electric vehicles comprising a fleet of electric vehicles made available for use on demand is received. The received location and availability state data is used to determine a set of vehicles currently available to be used. Data is provided to each of a plurality of user, the data provided to each user indicating the respective locations of one or more vehicles currently available for use by the user within an area of interest associated with the user.

A system that allows a claim by a registrant as to the number of occupants traveling in a vehicle over a section of highway with a high occupancy vehicle incentive program in place to be transmitted. The registrant is identified by a registrant identifier. The claim about occupancy is optionally visually displayed as the vehicle traverses the highway. The identification of the registrant making the claim is captured by a plurality of reading devices along the highway and transferred to a central processing system. That system determines if a qualified ride-sharing event has occurred, and if so it will then provide for distribution of the program incentives to the registered individual(s).

A method for logging and reporting driver activity and vehicle operation includes identifying a driver of a vehicle, recording operating data with an on-board recorder that is hard-wired to an engine control module, coupled to a mileage sensing system, and linked to a global navigation satellite system, and recording duty status of the driver. An hours of service log and a fuel tax log are created from the operating data. The method includes comparing the driver's hours of service log to an applicable requirement, indicating to the driver whether the driver is in-compliance or out-of-compliance with the applicable requirement, automatically uploading the logs to a receiver external to the vehicle using a wireless telecommunications network, and emitting a compliance signal representative of whether the driver is in-compliance or out-of-compliance with the applicable requirement to a second receiver external to the vehicle and under control of authorities.

The invention provides a carpooling taxi and a carpooling method thereof, which belong to the field of taxi carpooling. According to the carpooling taxi, a display screen is additionally arranged on the roof of the taxi and used for displaying the current position of the taxi, main places through which the taxi drives, a destination and the quantity of passengers in the taxi or the quantity of passengers who can still carpool in the taxi, and a passenger can freely select an appropriate taxi for carpooling in accordance with the information and personal situation. The carpooling method is flexible and accurate. According to the carpooling taxi and the carpooling method, the information of a driving route selected by a taxi driver is sent to a server of a taxi company, the taxi company can supervise whether the taxi driver drives in accordance with a preset route, and the taxi driver is prevented from violating regulations, for example, the driver deliberately selects a long route. In addition, a reasonable proportion for charging is selected in the process of carpooling in accordance with the driving distance and the on-off order of the passengers, the passengers save fares, and the taxi driver earns more fares.

The related passenger E-management system for train or coach comprises: an electronic ticket checker, a passenger display device, a server, a steward host, and a ticket read-write device. Wherein, with database and management software, using computer network to connect former checker, display device and host to form a system. This invention overcomes the asymmetry between current advanced tool and backward management mode, and improves opposite management and service level further.

The invention provides a method and a system for sharing vehicle control rights, and belongs to the technical field of the Internet of things. The method and the system are used for solving the vehicle security problem caused by the loss of a handover password in the case of electronic authorization handover. The technical points are as follows: a user mobile phone APP receives authorization information, a user can set WIFI login information and send the WIFI login information to a vehicular device; vehicle control is executed under WIFI, when borrowing a vehicle, the WIFI is connected by the login information, an authorization verification request is sent, and when login and verification are successful, the user has the vehicle control rights. The method and the system are used for effectively reducing the vehicle management cost in the car rental industry and can also be realizing the aspiration of conveniently sharing vehicles among friends and families in life.

Import / export transactions whereby an item is to be transported from one country to another are automated. An invoice containing a list of one or more part numbers is entered in at a web site and loaded to a server containing a database. A database is of part numbers and their corresponding tariff classification numbers. The uploaded invoice will be compared to the database to output a data record whereby the one or more part numbers uploaded in the invoice now have tariff classification numbers and daily calculation associated therewith. This data record can then be accessed over the Internet at another web site by a customs broker for use in transmitting a report to a customs entity.

A system for hiring a taxi is comprised of a handy terminal (1), a receiver equipped in a taxi (2), and a calculator, characterized in that the handy terminal (1) has functions of detecting a current position of itself through GPS (Global Positioning System), and transmitting a request to the receiver of a taxi (2) located in the vicinity of the handy terminal (1) that the taxi (2) comes to the handy terminal (1), and the calculator calculates an arrival time at which the taxi (2) is expected to arrive at the handy terminal (1), based on the current position of the handy terminal (1) and a current position of the taxi (2).