WO2006041274A1

WO2006041274A1 - Computerised system for ordering taxi services and for monitoring the operation of a taxicab

Info

Publication number: WO2006041274A1
Application number: PCT/MD2005/000029
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anatoli Berechelea
Original assignee: Anatoli Berechelea
Priority date: 2004-06-21
Filing date: 2005-06-20
Publication date: 2006-04-20
Also published as: EP1770651A4; MD20040153A; UA89637C2; EP1770651A1; MD3405B2; EA200700282A1; EA010642B1

Abstract

The invention relates to computerised control systems using communications means, in particular to taxi service providers. The inventive system receives information on a taxicab location in a computer central office (1) and records said information in a computer memory (3). When the order of a taxi client is received, the location thereof is defined and a direct voice communication is established between the client and a taxi driver. The computer central office (1) comprises a base radio station (13), a computer (3) consisting of modems (4), an answering machine (5), an automatic caller identification display (6), an electronic telephone dialler (7), an audio signal recording device (8) and a switching device (14). The communication module (2) of a taxicab consists of a mobile radio station (15) connected to a microcomputer (16) by means of a modem (18), wherein said microcomputer is provided with a display (17) and a travelled distance sensor (19) connected thereto.

Description

AUTOMATED SYSTEM

ORDER TAXOMOTOR SERVICES AND OPERATION CONTROL

TAXOMOTOR

The invention relates to automated control systems using communication tools.

Existing level

The modern organization of the work of dispatching centers providing taxi services is as follows. Operators dispatch centers produce orders for taxi services through telephone communication channels. Radio stations with a dedicated radio frequency channel are used to search for free taxis and transfer orders for execution. In some cities, the operator of the dispatching center with the driver uses GSM mobile phones to negotiate, and the GPS system to determine the location of the taxi. The description of the work of dispatching centers for the provision of taxi services is presented in many scientific and educational publications [1], [2].

There is a patent for a communication system with a mobile object, in which a GPS satellite communication system is used to locate a taxi.

[3].

Patent [4] discloses a method of connecting a customer with a taxi, in which a taxi customer contacts the central office, receives information about a free taxi and connects with it via mobile communication.

There is a patent for the management system for controlling the transport of passengers by taxi. In this system, the GPS satellite communication system is used to determine the location of the taxi; they are recorded in the computer of the control center. When a taxi order is received, the operator from the keyboard enters information about the order into the computer, which gives information about several taxis ready to accept the order, the operator selects one of the options, communicates with the driver by radio and sends him the order for execution. If the taxi is busy, the operator repeatedly asks for information to the computer. After transferring the order to the taxi driver, the operator contacts the taxi customer and informs the taxi number and time of arrival [5].

The existing system has various disadvantages. Taxi drivers cannot perfectly memorize the names of all the streets and lanes, the layout of the neighborhood passages of the village. Considerable time is spent on the use of geographic maps and schemes. Transmission of information through the operator dispatching center often leads to cases of distortion of information and submission of a taxi to an unspecified location, which leads to failure of orders or repeated additional negotiations between the operator, driver and customer, which reduces the quality of the services provided. To ensure the work of the control center requires a significant number of staff. It should be noted that the existing system has an impact on road safety, since, while transporting on an accepted order, the driver is forced to turn on the loudspeaker of the radio transmitter in order to listen to the information and receive a new order for execution, which distracts his attention from driving and mutes other audible signals warning about danger. In addition, loud-speaking communication in the cabin of a taxi reduces the quality of passenger service. The use of headphones and microphone does not improve the situation.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

The task that this invention solves is the creation of a technological process of automating the receipt of orders for taxi services and excluding the operator from participation in the process, reducing the time for the call procedure, automated recording of the location of taxis and the amount of work done by them, improving the working conditions of drivers. The problem is solved in a way in which the computer receives and stores messages from taxi drivers about their whereabouts and readiness to fulfill an order for taxi services, in a subsequent message, the data of the amount of work collected in the taxi microcomputer are transferred. When a call signal is received via a communication channel from a customer of taxi services, the computer establishes communication with the taxi nearest to it and switches the audio communication channels of the taxi customer and taxi driver. Direct speech exchange of information between the driver and the customer reduces the time for receiving and transferring the order, eliminates the possibility of distortion of information.

^: To solve the task, a computer containing a base unit and a mobile radio station was introduced, which included the devices of the call signal receiving unit, the automatic number identifier, the answering machine, the dialer, and the recording of sound signals. A minicomputer is introduced into the taxi module communication module, on the display of which an electronic map with a visually identified location of the customer is displayed, to illustrate the driver of the exact location of the taxi when sharing voice information with the taxi customer. During passenger service, the minicomputer switches to the mode of a taximeter to determine the amount of payment for transportation. Also in the minicomputer database provides background information necessary for quality passenger service (addresses of organizations, enterprises, medical institutions, public transport timetables). The use of a GSM mobile phone allows the driver to take an order outside the taxi cabin, which greatly facilitates his working conditions. Record in memory of the computer of speech negotiations between the customer of a taxi and the driver of a taxi at transfer of the order, will allow to establish the truth in case of conflict situations. In the present invention, the customer is given the right to choose a taxi according to various parameters: according to the class of the taxi, according to the knowledge of a certain language by the driver, and other parameters - by pressing the corresponding digit of the telephone set.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention is illustrated by drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system comprising a computer center device 1 and a communication module 2 of a taxi. FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the software algorithm illustrating the operation of the system.

Detailed Description of the Invention

FIG. 1 illustrates the structure and interaction of the component nodes of the computer center 1 and the communication module 2 of the taxi.

The computer center device 1 consists of a computer 3, which includes the following devices: modem 4, answering machine 5, automatic number identifier 6, electronic dialer 7, device for recording audio signals 8 that are connected to interface 9 and via trunk 10 to processor 11. A telephone line 12 is connected to the input of modem 4, the subscriber number of which receives calls from a subscriber of the telephone network wishing to use taxi services. The modem 4 performs the functions of a call signal receiving unit, establishes communication with the telephone network subscriber and starts the control program of the computer 3, and also transmits sound signals to the telephone line 12 from external sources and back. The answering machine 5 is connected to the telephone communication channel 12 by the management program. After the program establishes communication with the telephone network subscriber, the program activates the functions of the automatic number identification 6. This service is provided by the telephone network operator, the so-called “Caller-ID” service or “clip”. To the input port of the computer 3 is connected to the base station 13, which can be used as a mobile phone of the GSM system. The base station 13 is used to provide radio communication with the mobile subscriber. The electronic dialer 7 serves for automatic dialing. In the GSM mobile phones of the GSM system, the functions of the dialer are performed by the operator’s base station devices. For electrical transmission and approval audio signals between the base station 13 and the telephone line 12, in order to ensure voice communication between the customer taxi and ¹ taxi driver, is a switching device 14, to the inputs and outputs of which are connected, the inputs and outputs of the sound signals of the modem 4 and the base station 13. Possible the transmission of speech signals between the communication lines by means of the control program of the computer 3. The audio signal recording device 8 serves to record the negotiations between the customer of the taxi and the taxi driver.

The communication module 2 of the taxi consists of a mobile radio station 15, which is used as a mobile phone of a GSM system or a radio station with a built-in microprocessor and a numeric keypad, a minicomputer 16 equipped with a liquid crystal display 17 and a block of button-like keyboard. The minicomputer database 16 contains an electronic map program of the region served, which, when receiving a text message with the customer’s subscriber number of taxi services, transmits the map to the display and visually highlights the customer’s location and the shortest route on the screen. The e-map program has the function of zooming from a plan within the city’s boundaries, to a plan for a separate entrance to the building with intra-driveways, street names and building numbers. The minicomputer 16 is equipped with the control programs of the mode of transmitting information to the computer center I ₃ operating modes as a taximeter, a mode for obtaining reference information necessary for the provision of services to passengers. Mobile radio station 15 is connected via modem 18 to the minicomputer 16 using a cable with a plug connector. To the entrance. The minicomputer 16 is connected to a pulse distance sensor 19, which launches the control program of the minicomputer 16 into the operation mode of the taximeter and serves as a distance meter by the taxi. During the transportation of passengers on the display screen displays the distance traveled by a taxi, time in motion and simple, the cost of services. The power supply 20 provides power to all devices of the communication module 2. Repeaters 21 are used for stable radio communications in the service area.

The operation of the device is as follows. A taxi driver who wishes to accept an order for taxi services sends a text message to the computer center containing a code for the location of the taxi. Variants of typical messages are stored in the database of the minicomputer 16 or in the memory of the mobile radio station 15. The base radio station 13 receives the message, reads the subscriber number of the mobile radio station 11 and transmits them to computer 3 at the command of a control program. The manager Computer 3 program enters the message code into the database in the table of the common queue of taxis waiting for an order and generates a reverse text message containing the sequence number of the message with the same location code and the number of messages with other tax location codes. The driver analyzes the message and by his own decision can send a message with another location code in order to receive the order as soon as possible. To cancel a message of readiness to take an order for transportation, the taxi driver sends a text message with a cancellation code. In this case, computer 3 excludes it from the database table.

The mode of operation of the device when receiving a call from the customer of taxi services is as follows. The customer dials the subscriber number of the communication channel 12 of computer center 1, the call signal via modem 4 enters computer 3, the control program is started, at the command of which communication with the customer is “lifted”, the subscriber telephone number of the customer is determined, the answering machine is connected to the telephone line 12 5, which broadcasts voice information, prompting the customer to select a taxi parameter by pressing the corresponding digit of the telephone set, reads the received digital signal, then by subscriber number. The taxi customer’s omer number in the database reference table specifies the taxi customer’s location code, the taxi customer’s location code and the taxi parameter selected parameter reads the subscriber number of the taxi waiting for the order from the corresponding table. The parameter code of the taxi in the table is assigned by the program automatically with the subscriber number. Then the read subscriber number of the taxi is transmitted to the dialer 7, which dials the number. After receiving the call, the mobile radio station 15 establishes a connection between the radio base station 13 and the mobile 15, voice signals are transmitted between the customer’s taxi channels and the radio base station 13 via the matching switching device 14. The control program connects the recording device 8 through the modem 4 from the telephone line 12 and stores them in computer memory 3.

After the receipt of a clear-back signal from the communication channel, the control program of the computer 3. returns to the initial state, to the waiting mode of the call signal.

The work of computer center 1 is carried out in multichannel mode in the local computer network. Receiving messages of mobile subscribers is made on a separate radio station connected to a computer in a computer network. As a separate communication channel that accepts calls from customers of taxi services, a GSM mobile phone can be used. All information, Arrived at computer 3, is stored in a database and is used to record and monitor the work of taxis.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the functions performed by the computer system.

At step 22, the process of accounting for taxis intending to accept the order starts from the signal received by the message from the mobile radio station 15. At step 23, the text message code and subscriber number of the mobile radio station 15 are read, and at step 24 it is decided if the code is a taxation exception code from the table waiting order, in step 25 the record is deleted from the table, the process ends, return to the original state, if the message contains the code of the location of the taxi, the process goes to step 26, where the decision is made if ab The license number of the mobile radio station 15 in the database of the computer 3 is not registered, at step 27 the message is reset, it is returned to its original state, if the subscriber number is in the database, the program goes to step 28, the subscriber number database of the mobile radio station is written 15, the location code and the parameter code of the taxi is automatically entered. Then, the program proceeds to step 29, generates a text message to the subscriber of the mobile radio station, containing the codes of the location of taxis and the number of messages with such codes, which implies the number of taxis waiting for the order, a message is transmitted at 30, after which the program returns to its original state.

Another control program receives calls from customers of taxis and establishes communication with the subscriber of the mobile radio station 11.

The process begins at step 31. A taxi call from a customer, received via a communication line, launches a control program that commands communication with a taxi customer. At step 32, the answering machine 5 is connected to the communication line, at step 33 the tax code of the parameter is read, the absence of the parameter is ignored in the future. At step 34, the phone number of the taxi customer is read, a decision is made at step 35; if the phone number is determined, the program goes to step 36 and decides when the phone number is in the database reference table, goes to step 37, reads the taxi customer’s location code and go to step 38, if the customer’s subscriber number is not determined, or the customer’s location code is not in the database, the program goes to step 39, assigns the location code on its own and proceeds to step 38, where it accepts tsya decision on the basis of the received code for the location of the customer and his chosen code Taxi parameter. If in the database, in the table of taxis waiting for an order, the subscriber number of the mobile the radio station 15, with the corresponding codes not found, goes to step 40, replaces the location code, returns to step 38. At step 41, the subscriber number of the mobile radio station 15 is read, then at step 42 a message containing the phone number of the taxi customer is transmitted, Radio station 15 is transmitted to the minicomputer 16 and the program of the electronic card is launched. At step 43, a connection is established with the mobile radio station 15. At step 44, the audio signal lines of the customer’s taxi line 12 and the base radio station 13 are switched. At step 45, the device for recording audio signals 8 from the communication line 12 is turned on. the work of the program and puts it in its original state, in the waiting mode of the call signal.

Software and hardware are obvious to a person skilled in the art and a more detailed description is not required.

Bibliographic data

1. Jon-Terier Becken, Institute of Transport Economics, “Market Taxi Services in Europe”, Oslo, “Institute of Transport Economics), 2003.

2. E.E. Mun, “Passenger Tank Transportation Organization”, Moscow, Transport, 1986, pp. 100-112

3. Rule: JPl 1046164, 1999-02-16, H04B7 / 26, “Mobile Support System”

4. Rotept: WO02103934, (KR), 2002-12-27, “Method previdip autotisc soppestiopervise forspachis usipg sottistiopi pant”

5. Patent: RU2253897 C2, 2005.06.10, G07C5 / 00, “Management System for Controlling the Transport of Passengers in Tacis”

Claims

CLAIM

1. A method of an automated system for ordering taxi services and monitoring taxi operation, comprising a radio communication process between a base and a mobile radio station, characterized in that a text message is sent from the taxi communication module to the computer center indicating that it is ready to accept an order for taxi services containing its location code , simultaneously identify the subscriber number of the mobile phone and record them in the computer’s memory, by a call signal of the customer taxi services from the communication line, connected to the computer, the customer’s telephone number is read, the location code is found in the reference table of the computer database, a search is made for the customer’s location to match the location of the taxi in the computer database table, the telephone number of the taxi is read, a call signal is generated after receiving the call signal and establishing a radio connection between the base station and the mobile subscriber transmit voice messages between the communication line of the customer taxi servants and the base radio station.

2. The method according to p. 1, characterized in that during the process of establishing communication with the customer, an answering machine is connected to the communication line, information messages are received and the response code signals of the taxi parameters are received, while the process of establishing communication with the mobile subscriber is transmitted to the customer’s location code, visually displaying it location on the display of the communication module of the taxi include a device for recording voice messages after switching customer communication lines and the base radio station.

3. The method according to p. 1, characterized in that during the operation of the taxi, they accumulate data on the distance traveled and the income received in the memory of the taxi's microcomputer, which, when transmitting an order waiting signal, are automatically transferred to the memory of the base computer, where they are processed and used in software visual view.

4. The method according to p. 1, characterized in that to cancel the signal of readiness to accept an order for taxi services, send a code message from the communication module of the taxi to the computer center.

5. The device of an automated system for ordering taxi services and monitoring taxi operation, containing a radio base station connected by a radio channel to a taxi radio mobile station, characterized in that a computer is included in the computer center, which includes a modem that performs the functions of receiving call signals from a telephone line and broadcasting sound signals from external devices into it, a telephone network subscriber number automatic identification device, an answering machine, an audio signal recorder, a dialer, the inputs and outputs of which are connected to a computer interface, a switching device, the inputs and outputs of which are connected to the audio inputs and outputs of a radio base station and modem, a line is connected to the modem input a taxi customer’s communication, a mobile phone with an individual number is used as a mobile radio station.

6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that a microcomputer with a display is inserted into the communication module of the taxi through a modem to which a mobile phone is connected, a distance sensor, the output of which is connected to the input of the microcomputer, and a power supply.