DE29803130U1 - Odometer - Google Patents

Description

Stephan Rabe 16 February 1998

13403 Berlin

RBE48.G1

Odometer

17 pages description

6 pages with 19 claims

1 page summary

5 pages of drawings

RBE48.G1

Honor

The invention relates to an odometer for a rental vehicle with a display device for the amount to be paid based on the distance travelled according to the preamble of claim 1.

Rental vehicles, especially those of the commercial taxi type, have a device for recording the distance travelled or, in the case of longer periods of standing, the time. During the journey, the customer can see the current amount to be paid on a display panel, usually located on the dashboard, which is calculated from the distance travelled so far and the time taken. At the end of the journey, the displayed amount, possibly plus an additional amount (tip), is paid in cash.

The fact that large amounts of cash and change are left in the vehicle after a long period of driving is a frequent cause of robberies. Another disadvantage of paying with cash is that, as cashless payments become more common, many customers do not carry enough cash with them for a taxi ride - especially one over a longer distance. Another disadvantage is that receipts are not printed out automatically when a purchase is made, as is the case in retail stores, but are only issued manually by the driver upon request.

The invention is therefore based on the object of specifying an odometer for a rental vehicle, which has a device for carrying out a cashless payment of the

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an amount corresponding to the distance travelled and allows for easy input.

The problem is solved, starting from an odometer for a rental vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1, by the features specified in the characterizing part of claim 1.

The invention includes the technical teaching that a device is provided for a rental vehicle which enables a debit to be made from a payment account via a secure transmission path by entering it directly in the vehicle, including the necessary security precautions, without the need to hand over money in cash. In particular, the amount determined by the odometer and timer can be corrected by the passenger by rounding up, which corresponds to a tip. In particular, the following are provided:

a holder for a check and/or credit card,

a device for storing the amount to be paid, which forms a removable data carrier, or an online device for transmitting the amount to be paid via a mobile network for the purpose of debiting it from an account after a corresponding input element has been activated,

- an input device which allows both the PIN code of the check card to be entered and an amount to be added to the amount to be paid, the input device being provided with a transmitter which transmits the entered data.

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to a receiver connected to the odometer, and

a printer for printing and issuing a receipt.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a number of functional and operating devices are integrated into a central unit.

The front panel of the central unit advantageously contains a holder for a check and/or credit card, a device for data processing, an operating device with a number of operating elements, a display device, a control device and a printer for printing and issuing a receipt. In the interior of the central unit, which is suitably surrounded by an external protective cover, there is an internal memory which is connected to an internal counter via a pulse/price converter. The central unit is preferably integrated into the dashboard of the vehicle.

In a preferred embodiment, the receiving device for the check and/or credit card consists of a card reader, which is followed by an evaluation device. The evaluation device serves to store and process the data taken from the card reader of the check and/or credit card.

In an advantageous embodiment, a control device is provided which is coupled to the evaluation device. In an advantageous variant, the control device consists of individual, differently colored control lamps. Preferably, three control lamps are provided.

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The receiving device for the check and/or credit card is coupled to a data processing device, wherein the data processing device is also connected to the memory integrated in the central unit.

In an advantageous embodiment, the device for data processing consists of a storage device, which is preferably designed to be exchangeable. In a favorable variant, a floppy disk drive is used for this purpose. The data transferred by the evaluation device regarding the bank details and the data transferred by the internal memory regarding the amount to be paid are stored on the respective floppy disk. After the driving activity has been completed, the floppy disk can be fed into a registry, where the relevant data is read into the registry and the amounts are debited from the respective accounts.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device for data processing consists of an online device for transmitting the amount to be paid via a mobile network for the purpose of direct debiting from an account.

In a particularly favorable variant, the above-mentioned online device is also designed to allow a credit check. The online device must be designed to allow this when using a credit card for payment. With this variant, the customer's account can only be debited after a corresponding authorization signal has been sent to the device via mobile phone.

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was fed in, whereby the release is signalled by a corresponding light signal in the control device.

In a favorable variant, an operating device is provided with a number of operating elements and a receiver, the receiver preferably being an infrared receiver.

In another preferred embodiment, the operating device contains an on button for activating the odometer. A switching device is also provided for switching the odometer from electronic to cash payment. Advantageously, the operating device has a confirmation button which is to be operated when the check and/or credit card is signaled to be valid by the control device or when the switching device is in the position marked "cash" and which causes the internal counter to restart. In a favorable variant, a release button is provided which, when pressed at the end of the journey, triggers the debiting of the corresponding amount to be paid from the account or the storage on the diskette as well as the printing and issuing of the receipt. An output button is provided for operating the diskette drive. Another button is used to cancel an incorrectly entered PIN code.

In a preferred embodiment, a display device is provided to which the data from the internal memory and other signals can be fed. In a favorable variant, a digital display can be used. The display device advantageously consists of five display fields

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together, with a display field for the amount to be paid, the distance travelled, the time, the date and the encrypted PIN code. The distance travelled is recorded starting from the internal counter, preferably via a pulse/distance converter connected downstream of the internal counter.

Following the debiting or storage of the amount to be paid, a payment confirmation is entered in one of the fields, preferably in the field for the amount to be paid, triggered by an impulse from the respective data processing device used. At the same time, a signal is fed to the internal counter, preferably via a flip-flop, which resets the counter reading to zero.

In a further advantageous embodiment, a printer is provided for printing and issuing a receipt, whereby the printer is linked to the internal memory and the data processing device. The receipt is printed out after the payment confirmation is given. In a favorable variant, a switch is placed in front of the printer, which, in the case of a cash payment, changes state at the same time as the release button is pressed, causing the receipt to be printed out immediately.

In an advantageous embodiment, the internal counter is connected to both a position pulse generator coupled to the chassis and a time pulse generator. Preferably, the circuit is designed in such a way that

RBE48.G1

that the pulses emitted by the position pulse generator are generally registered by the internal counter. However, if no pulse is emitted for a certain period of time in relation to a distance travelled, the time pulse generator is activated, preferably using a monostable flip-flop, and the time signals corresponding to the position pulses are fed to the counter.

In a favorable design, side recesses are provided in the outer protective cover of the central unit, which serve to attach the central unit in a mounting slot provided with corresponding slide rails. Preferably, one recess is provided on each side and the mounting slot is equipped with two slide rails.

In an advantageous embodiment, there are two openings for U-shaped brackets in the edge area, with the help of which it is possible to pull the central unit out of a mounting slot. Furthermore, two screws are provided for fastening the front panel to the central unit.

In a preferred variant, an input device is provided which enables both the PIN code of the check card and an amount to be added to the amount to be paid to be entered, whereby the input device is provided with a transmitter which serves to transmit the entered data to the receiver located on the operating device. An infrared transmitter is preferably provided. The input device advantageously has a membrane keyboard which has a ten-key function.

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ner keyboard, a key for a reset if an incorrect PIN code is entered and a function key. By pressing the function key, the input device is alternately configured as an input element for the PIN code on the one hand and for the amount to be added to the amount to be paid on the other.

When the correct PIN code is transmitted to the receiver or the evaluation device linked to the receiver, the data from the check card is transferred to the relevant device for data processing. At the same time, a light signal in the control device indicates the validity of the check card, so that the odometer can be activated after pressing the confirmation button.

In a particularly advantageous design, the membrane keyboard is illuminated from behind by a light fixture located inside the input device, whereby the keys contained in the membrane keyboard are translucent.

Other advantageous developments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims or are described in more detail below together with the description of the preferred embodiment of the invention using the figures. They show:

Figure 1 shows a central unit as part of a preferred embodiment of the odometer according to the invention in front view,

Figure la is a plan view of the central unit according to Figure 1,

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Figure Ib is a rear view of the central unit according to Figure 1,

Figure 2 shows an input device as an addition to the central unit shown in Figure 1,

Figure 3 shows the embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 and 2 in a block diagram,

The central unit 1 of the embodiment of the odometer according to the invention shown in Figure 1 has a front panel 56.

In the central area of the front panel 56 there is a disk drive 5, a control device 9 with three display lamps 6; 7; 8 of different colors arranged next to each other, a receiving device 10 for a check card 42 and a printer 11 for printing and issuing a formal receipt. The printer 11 is also provided with a cover 12, under which there is a slot for receiving the paper supply roll.

Furthermore, a control panel 13 is provided, which consists of various operating and functional elements. An infrared transmitter 14 is used to receive a pulse emitted by an input device 2. A power button 15 is provided to activate the odometer. Furthermore, a switching device 16.1 is provided, which is used to switch the odometer from electronic to cash payment. The control device also has a confirmation button 17, which is activated when the validity of the check and/or credit card 42 is signaled by the control device.

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device 9 or when the switching device 16.1 is in the position marked "cash" and causes an internal counter 40 to restart. There is also a release button 18, which, when pressed at the end of the journey, triggers the debiting of the corresponding amount to be paid from the account or the storage on the diskette as well as the printing and issuing of the receipt. An output button 19 is provided for operating the diskette drive 5. Another button 20 is used to cancel an incorrectly entered PIN CODE.

The front panel 56 also contains a digital display device 21, which is made up of five display fields, with one field each for the amount to be paid 22, the distance traveled 23, the time 24, the date 25 and the encrypted PIN code 26. The field 22 is also used to indicate a payment confirmation.

In the edge area there are two receiving openings 27 for U-shaped brackets, with the help of which it is possible to pull the central unit 1 out of a mounting slot 28 in the manner of a car radio. Two screws 29 are provided for fastening the front panel to the central unit 1.

Figure la shows a top view of the central unit 1 surrounded by an outer protective cover 53. The cover 12 of the printing device 11 is inserted into a recess in the outer protective cover 53 in such a way that the end of the cover 12 is placed at the height of the surface of the outer protective cover 53. On both sides

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There is a recess 54 which serves to secure the central unit 1 in a mounting slot equipped with the corresponding slide rails. The recesses 54 are provided along the two side surfaces, with the front panel 56 being excluded from the respective recess 54. To stabilize the central unit 1, it is advantageous to use several struts 55 inside the central unit 1, preferably below the surface of the outer protective cover 53.

Figure 1b shows a rear view of the central unit 1 surrounded by the outer protective cover 53. In the edge area, the receiving openings 27 for U-shaped brackets, already described in Figure 1, are shown. In between each of the recesses 54 is located. Furthermore, the screws 2 9 used to attach the front panel 56 to the central unit 1 are shown.

The input device 2 shown in Figure 2 is used to enter a PIN code corresponding to the check card 42 as well as an amount to be added to the amount to be paid. The input device 2 contains a membrane keyboard 3.

The membrane keyboard 3 consists of a ten-key keyboard 30, a key 31 for a restart when an incorrect PIN code is entered, and a function key 32. By pressing the function key 32, the input device 2 is alternately designed as an input element for the PIN code on the one hand and for the amount to be added to the amount to be paid on the other.

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With regard to use in the dark, a lighting fixture (not shown) is located in the interior of the input device 2, which illuminates the membrane keyboard 3 from the back. The keys 30; 31; 32 contained in the membrane keyboard 3 are designed to be translucent.

On the upper narrow side, not visible in Figure 2, there is an infrared transmitter for transmitting the entered data to the receiver 14 located on the operating device 13.

The block diagram shown in Figure 3 illustrates the information flow of the odometer when using the check card 42. The options for paying in cash and by credit card will also be discussed later.

Before starting the journey, the driver feeds the check card 42 given to him by the customer into a card reader 35. The data taken from the check card 42 by the card reader 35 is stored and processed in a downstream evaluation device 36.

The customer then enters the corresponding PIN code using the input device 2, which is then sent to the receiver 14 and the downstream evaluation device 36 via an infrared path 37. The PIN code is displayed in encrypted form in the corresponding field 26 of the display device 13. If the PIN code is entered correctly and completely, a light signal is emitted in the control device 9 by the green control lamp 7.

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At the same time, the data regarding the bank details taken from the check card 42 are transferred to a diskette drive 5.

Following the light signal from the control lamp 7, the driver presses the confirmation button 17, whereby the pulse thus emitted is fed to an AND gate 38. The signal emitted by the control device 9 is also fed to the AND gate 38 via the switching device 16.1. Before this, the switch 16.1 must be set to the position marked "Electronic". The pulse emitted at the AND gate 38 is fed to the internal counter 40 via a flip-flop 43, which is then activated. The journey can now begin.

During the journey, signals are sent to the internal counter 40 at regular intervals via an OR gate 46 connected upstream from a distance pulse generator 33 connected to the chassis. The internal counter 40 is followed by a pulse/price converter 41, which calculates the amounts corresponding to the distance traveled and supplies them to a memory 43. At the same time, the date and the current time are regularly sent to the memory 43 by a timer 47, and the distance traveled is regularly sent by a pulse/distance converter 50 connected to the internal counter 40. The memory 43 regularly supplies the above-mentioned data to a number of digital display fields, with field 22 showing the total amount to be paid at the current time, field 23 the distance traveled, field 24 the time and field 25 the date. Furthermore, starting from a device 57, data relating to the rental vehicle company is transferred to the memory 43.

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If, in the case of a longer period of immobilization of the vehicle, no pulse is output for a certain period of time regarding a distance traveled, a monoflop 44 connected downstream of the distance pulse generator 33 changes its state after a specified time and a time pulse generator 34 coupled to the timer 47 is activated. The time signals are linked at an AND gate 45 with a signal coming directly from the monoflop 44, which previously passes through an inverter 48. The output signal is fed to the internal counter 40 via the downstream OR gate 46. If driving activity is resumed, the distance pulses then emitted cause the monoflop 44 to tip back into the original switching state.

After the journey has ended, the customer has the option of using the input device 2 after pressing the function key 32 to enter an amount to be added to the amount to be paid, with the summand information being fed as a signal to the memory 43 via the infrared receiver 14. The two amounts are then added together in the memory 43.

The driver now presses a release button 18, whereby a pulse is sent to the memory 43, which causes the data in the memory 43 to be transferred to the diskette in the diskette drive 5. At the same time, the above data are transferred from the memory 43 to the printer 11.

As confirmation of the storage process, a pulse is output from the floppy disk drive 5 to the display panel 22,

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whereby the statement "Payment made" appears in field 22.

At the same time, a signal is sent from the floppy disk drive 5 to the printer 11, which causes the printout and then the issuance of a receipt. The receipt contains the data transferred from the memory 43 to the floppy disk, as well as the account number and bank code of the passenger and the information transferred from element 57 regarding the rental vehicle company.

Furthermore, a pulse is fed to the flip-flop 39 from the floppy disk drive 5, whereupon the flip-flop 39 assumes a different switching state, whereby the internal counter 40 is set to the counter value zero.

The floppy disk drive 5 is coupled to the receiving device 10, whereby the signal about the storage of the above-mentioned data on the floppy disk causes the dispensing of the check card 42 from the receiving device 10.

After the driving activity has been completed, the diskette can be fed into a registry 52, where the relevant data is read into the registry and the amounts are debited from the respective accounts.

In a manner not shown, the data processing device can be designed instead of a floppy disk drive 5 as an online device for the direct debiting of the amount to be paid, possibly plus a further amount.

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The amount to be paid is transmitted via a mobile phone network for direct debit from the account.

With regard to the use of credit cards, it is advantageous to additionally configure the online device for a credit check, whereby the credit check corresponds to the security check by entering the PIN code on the check card 42.

As explained above using the check card 42, the credit card is fed into the receiving device 10 before the journey begins, whereby the corresponding credit card data is transferred to the online device. The credit check is carried out via a mobile phone and, after the approval signal has been received, visual confirmation is given in the form of the light signal from the control lamp 7. The odometer is now activated as described. After the journey has ended, the release button 18 is pressed as explained above to transfer the data in the memory 43, whereby the amount to be paid is simultaneously debited from the customer's account.

In the case of cash payment, the driver sets the switching device 16.1 to the position marked "Cash" before starting the journey. After pressing the confirmation button 17, the journey can be started as described above. After the journey has ended, the release button 18 is pressed as usual, followed by a switch 16.2 coupled to the switching device 16.1. If the switching device 16.1 is in the position marked "Cash", pressing the button 18 causes a change in state.

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change of switch 16.2, which initiates the creation of the receipt using printer 11.

The invention is not limited in its implementation to the preferred embodiments given above. Instead, a number of variants are possible which make use of the solution presented even in fundamentally different embodiments.

Claims (18)

RBE48.G1 - 19 - Claims 1. Odometer for a rental vehicle with a display device (21) for the amount to be paid based on the distance travelled, marked by a receiving device (10) for a check (42) and/or credit card, a device (5) for storing the amount to be paid, which forms a removable data carrier or an online device for transmitting the amount to be paid via a mobile network with a "secret" connection path for the purpose of debiting an account after a corresponding input element has been activated at a remote clearing house, an external input device (2) which alternatively enables the input of a PIN code of the check (42) and/or credit card, as well as an amount to be added to the amount to be paid, the input device (2) being provided with a transmitter for transmitting the entered data to a receiver (-14) via a secret voice path, a printer (11) for printing and issuing a formal receipt. 2. Odometer according to claim 1, characterized in that the device (5) or the on-line device with the recording device (10) and the printer (11) is spatially combined in a central unit (1). RBE48.G1 - 20 - 3. Odometer according to claim 2, characterized in that an operating device (13) is provided within the central unit (1), which has a switching device (16.1), in particular in the form of a toggle switch, for switching from electronic to cash payment. 4. Odometer according to claim 1, characterized in that an internal counter (40) connected to a distance pulse generator (33) is provided, wherein the internal counter (40) is followed by a pulse/price converter (41) and the pulse/price converter (41) is coupled to the display device (21) via a subsequent memory (43). 5. Odometer according to claim 4, characterized in that the internal counter (40) is provided with a time pulse generator (34) whose output pulses are fed to the internal counter (40) in case of failure of the path pulses. 6. Odometer according to claim 5, characterized in that a monoflop (44) is provided, the monoflop (44) changing to another switching state if there are no odometer pulses for a fixed period of time, whereby a supply of output pulses from the time pulse generator (34) to the internal counter (40) can be implemented. RBE48.G1 - 21 - 7. Odometer according to claim 4, characterized in that the display device (21) has, in addition to a field for the amount to be paid (22), a field for indicating the distance travelled (23), the time (24), the date (25) and the encrypted PIN code (26). 8. Odometer according to claim 4, characterized in that the memory (43) is coupled to the device (5) or the online device, wherein after completion of the journey and after actuation of a release button (18), the data in the memory (43) relating to the amount to be paid, the distance traveled, the date and the time are fed to the device (5) or the online device. 9. Odometer according to claim 1, characterized in that after the amount to be paid has been stored or debited, a pulse is emitted by the device (5) or the on-line device which causes the internal counter (40) to be reset to the counter reading zero. 10. Odometer according to claim 9, characterized in that a flip-flop (39) is connected upstream of the internal counter (40). 11. Odometer according to claim 1, characterized in that the input device (2) is a membrane keypad. &bull;« ·<&Igr;·· &igr; RBE48.G1 - 22 - door (3), consisting of a ten-key keyboard (30), a key (31) for restarting when an incorrect PIN code is entered, and a function key (32), by the actuation of which the input device (2) is alternately designed as an input element for the PIN code on the one hand and for the amount to be added to the amount to be paid on the other hand. 12. Odometer according to claim 11, characterized in that the membrane keyboard (3) is illuminated from the back by a lighting body located in the interior of the input device (2), the keys (30; 31; 32) contained in the membrane keyboard (3) being translucent. 13. Odometer according to claim 1, characterized in that the transmitter located on the input device (2) is designed as an infrared transmitter. 14. Odometer according to claim 1, characterized in that a control device (9) is provided, wherein the control device (9) is preferably coupled to the receiving device (10) and the receiver (14) on the front panel (56) of the central unit (1). 15. Odometer according to claim 14, characterized in that the control device (9) consists of three RBE48.G1 - 23 - different colored indicator lamps (6; 7; 8) . 16. Odometer according to claim 14, characterized in that the control device (9) is connected to the internal counter (40) via the switching device (16.1) and the flip-flop (39), the internal counter (40) being activated when the check (42) and/or credit card is valid or when the switching device (16.1) is in the position marked "cash" and a confirmation key (17) is actuated at the same time. 17. Odometer according to claim 1, characterized in that a switch (16.2) coupled to the switching device (16.1) is provided on the printer (11) for the purpose of immediate receipt issuance in the case of a cash payment upon actuation of the release button (18). 18. Odometer according to claim 1, characterized in that lateral recesses (54) are provided which serve to fasten the central unit (1) in an installation shaft provided with corresponding slide rails. 1.9. Odometer according to claim 1, characterized in that two receiving openings 27 for U-shaped brackets are provided on the sides, with the aid of which it is possible to RBE4 8.G1 - 24 - Central unit 1 can be pulled out of a mounting slot 28.