Meter system

Abstract

 A meter system is disclosed. The meter system includes clock means, a processor and a receiver. The processor is operative to receive updated tariff data via the receiver. The updated tariff data includes a start date. Upon the clock means reaching the start date, the processor is operative to apply the received updated tariff data to the meter system.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a meter system having a controlled tariff update function that is particularly applicable for use in taxis.

Background to the Invention

[0002] Currently taximeter tariffs are changed by "injecting" the new fares information via an infra red communication device, not dissimilar to a TV remote control device. In order to ensure that false tariff's are not subsequently downloaded to the meter extra measures are taken in certain areas of the country, notably London, where a seal is placed over the "injecting window" (and incidentally a second seal is placed over the means of removing the meter from the cab).

[0003] In order to affect a tariff change it is currently necessary to recall all cabs to a central location over a period of a few days, where the seal is removed the new tariff is injected and a new seal fitted.

[0004] Clearly this is inconvenient to Taxi drivers, cab operators, service providers and the public.

[0005] As well as the inconvenience and cost of having taxis off the road and simultaneously queuing up for the updated tariffs, this system also introduces a disparity where one taxi may be operating on the new tariff and another on the previous tariff.

[0006] In order to permit independent checking of this process, each time the tariff is changed a different coloured seal or tariff door is used. Inspectors are employed to ensure cabs have the correct tariff by observing the colour of the seal. Obviously this can be tampered with or forged and can also be problematic if the seal is accidentally removed or is knocked due to wear and tear.

Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention seeks to provide a taximeter in which tariffs can be easily updated and the use of out of date tariffs detected.

[0008] According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a meter system including a clock means, a processor and a receiver, the processor being operative to receive updated tariff data via the receiver, the updated tariff data including a start date, wherein upon the clock means reaching the start date, the processor is operative to apply the received updated tariff data to the meter system.

[0009] Preferably, the meter system includes a memory means for storing a plurality of tariffs, the memory means also storing at least a start date for each tariff.

[0010] Preferably, the receiver includes a memory card reader such as a Security Access Module (SAM) reader, accessible by the driver.

[0011] Some time before a new tariff is to be implemented, it is encoded and a start date is added. This data is written to a SAM card and posted to the driver.

[0012] Upon receipt, the driver replaces his existing SAM card anytime prior to the start date. Once inserted into the meter the SAM could be electronically "locked" in place. The meter may be arranged to not function unless a valid SAM card is in place. Preferably, the SAM card is either pre-encoded with data unique to the meter or alternatively, unique data is written to the card upon first insertion so that it cannot be used in another meter.

[0013] On the start date, the new tariff automatically comes into force.

[0014] In one embodiment, in order to make possible an independent monitoring process, using inspectors, each meter includes a multicoloured Light Emitting Diode, or multiple Light Emitting Diodes, the appropriate diode would illuminate with a predetermined colour for the tariff in force. This may be arranged so as to show the Light Emitting Diode colour through a translucent tariff door.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015] Examples of the present invention will now be described in detail, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a front view of a meter system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a rear view of the meter system of Figure 1;

Detailed Description

[0016] Figure 1 is a front view of a meter system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is a rear view of the meter system of Figure 1.

[0017] As in known meter systems, the meter 10 includes a display 20 and various buttons 30 for control and data input. In addition, the meter 10 includes a Secure Access Module (SAM) memory card reader accessed via slot 40 and an LED indicator 60 or possibly a translucent cover over what is currently the tariff door 50.

[0018] Some time before a new tariff comes into effect the taxi driver is posted a new SAM card 70 containing the new tariff along with a start date upon which the tariff is due to come into effect.

[0019] The driver inserts the new SAM card into the meter anytime prior to, or after, the effectiveness date.

[0020] If the SAM is encoded with valid tariffs these would be stored into a memory within the meter. The appropriate tariff will be used by the meter after the effectiveness date has been reached.

[0021] Optionally the meter is programmed so as not to function without the SAM in place.

[0022] The SAM cannot be used in another meter as each meter will have a unique electronic serial number which will be written to the SAM either when issuing the cards or in the meter when the SAM is first inserted, locking the card to that meter.

[0023] On the appropriate date the new tariff would automatically come into force. The meter will keep two or more tariff sets in memory. A processor within the meter selects the appropriate tariff depending on the date and time and the date associated with the stored tariffs.

[0024] Once inserted into the meter the SAM could be electronically "locked" in place. This could be achieved by disabling an eject function for the card until and appropriate code is input. The code could be supplied with the next SAM card with updated tariffs.

[0025] In order to make possible an independent monitoring process, using inspectors, as currently, each meter includes either a multicoloured Light Emitting Diode 60 or multiple single colour LEDs. The tariff data on the SAM card includes control data for the LED or LEDs 60 so that the appropriate diode is illuminated with the colour appropriate for the tariff in force.

[0026] Although the present invention has concentrated on an implementation using SAM cards, it will be appreciated that any removable memory, or memory card, format could be used. In addition, other mechanisms for receiving the data could be used such as via Radio Frequency (such as over a wireless network link, a specific radio transmission or even piggybacked onto a radio transmission or digital audio broadcasting transmission). Another alternative would be to use an RFID tag in addition or in place of the SAM card/card reader. In this manner, RFID tag writers could be positioned at various points and the validity of the tariff carried by the meter could be queried without the presence of an inspector. In this situation, new tariff data could also be propagated over the RFID tag writer link.

Claims

1. A meter system including clock means, a processor and a receiver, the processor being operative to receive updated tariff data via the receiver, the updated tariff data including a start date, wherein upon the clock means reaching the start date, the processor is operative to apply the received updated tariff data to the meter system.

2. A meter system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising memory means for storing a plurality of tariffs, the memory means also storing at least a start date for each tariff.

3. A meter system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the receiver includes a memory card reader, updated tariff data being encoded on a memory card.

4. A meter system as claimed in claim 3, wherein the meter system is arranged to be operative only when a valid memory card is present in the memory card reader.

5. A meter system as claimed in claim 4, wherein each memory card includes data unique to a respective meter system, a memory card being valid if the memory card includes data unique to the respective meter system.

6. A meter system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the data unique to the respective meter system is written to the memory card upon first insertion into the card reader.

7. A meter system as claimed in claim 3, 4 or 5, wherein the memory card reader comprises a Security Access Module, SAM, reader and the memory card comprises a Security Access Module.

8. A meter system as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a plurality of tariff indication means, wherein the updated tariff data designates one of the plurality of tariff indication means, the processor being operative to activate the designated tariff indication means when applying the updated tariff data to the meter system.

9. A taxi meter including a meter system as claimed in any preceding claim.

Drawing