Automated vehicle dispatch and payment honoring system5973619Abstract An automated vehicle dispatch and payment honoring system which is comprised of a computerized system with specialized software which enables a user to select a particular Taxi or vehicular transport company from a menu, along with the desired destination and number of passengers traveling. The software provides multi-lingual, user-friendly menu driven choices, which might include advertising for restaurants, hotels, etc. The system then displays the approximate fare and provides alternative forms of payment which are honored by that particular transport company. This system might include individualized computerized stands or wall unit strategically positioned in such crowded places as airports, hotels, and banks. Such stands could electronically receive and scan credit or debit cards. The software system might also be accessed via computer or telephonic link. The finalized request for service is relayed to a dispatcher via telecommunication, satellite, or computer link. The dispatcher can then route the appropriate vehicle to the requesters location whereby a pre-printed credit voucher, as verified and generated by the system could be exchanged for the transportation services rendered. Claims I claim: Description FIELD OF THE INVENTION
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FLOW CHART DESCRIPTION:
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STEP:
100 Displays an animated graphic screen saver, with
solicitation and instruction messages and an
active START button.
200 Selection of Language screen exhibits all
foreign language options for instruction.
300 Presents all authorized taxi companies, rotating
advertisements and instructions.
400 Instructs user to enter the number of passengers
travelling.
500 Displays all advertised Destination options in
their respective category which will illuminate
when active.
600 Additional information on destination and change
pick option.
700 Form of Payment screen exhibits an approximate
fare, instructions and all payment options
honored by the system.
800 The Conformation screen exhibits and accepts any
change to previous selections along with
playing
a prerecorded video message.
900 Dispatch of Service, places a dispatch call and
displays approximate arrival time of taxicab or
other requested vehicle.
910 Displays exit message.
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As per FIG. 1A and step 100, a customer would touch the active START button on the screen to begin the Taxilink program. The first option 200 will allow the user to select the instructions in the language desired from a menu of language. On the following screen, all authorized taxi companies would appear along with other information and/or advertisements. On the following screen, all authorized and/or advertisements. Here the user will "Select a Company" 300 which will service the request. The next screen 400 allows the user to enter the "Number of Passengers" travelling. This feature will enable the contacted dispatcher to send the correct vehicle to properly service the request. On the next screen 500, a map of "Destinations" appears along with the main category types (i.e.: Attractions, Restaurants, Hotels, Neighborhoods, etc.) All advertised destinations will appear under the category selected. Here the customer can select a desired destination, request Additional Information or change the user's pick. If "Additional Information" is selected, the next screen 600 will offer more details on scheduled events, type of facility or any other advertisement which will serve to better inform the customer. After the destination is entered the following screen 700 will display the approximate fare along with all forms of payment honored by the system. A "Confirmation" screen 800 will appear next displaying all the prior selections along with a prerecorded video message "Thank you for using Taxilink. Please review your selections before continuing. The customer can make changes to any prior selection, if he or she desires. The system will then make a "Dispatch of Service" call to the respective dispatcher via telecommunication or satellite link. The dispatcher will receive a voice or display message from the Taxilink system stating all the information entered along with a request for response time. This response time will then appear on the screen 900 while a print of the entire transaction is produced. A final exit message 910 will confirm the end. Referring now to FIG. 1B, an example of a Taxilink card is shown for automatic debit of a transport fare. After entering the Taxilink card into an appropriate slow or reader, the system will expedite the process by displaying the "Destinations" screen 500, screen 600; then the "Confirmation" screen 800; followed by "Dispatch of service" screen 900; final exit screen 910. The Taxilink card offers corporate customers a direct billing option for payment of services rendered within a billing cycle. Referring now to FIG. 2, an example hardware configuration is shown for dispatch stand unit and payment honoring system. The Operational System Monitor 1000 displays to the user all service options, instructions, and advertisements. The control unit 1100 allows for the input of a selection. This information is then processed by the computer 1200 using the TAXILINK software program 1210. Card Reader 1300 is provided to process credit or debit card accounts depending on the type of payment desired. This system will transmit the information to a dispatcher via telecommunication lines 1500. A modem 1220 to contained to expedite additional bidirectional communication. A printer 1400 will produce a receipt for the entire transaction. All of these component parts are embodied in a Fixture Unit 1600 along with provisions for Advertisement 1700 and Security Camera 1800 system. A Power Connection 1900 supplies the unit and Display light 2000 with electricity. Referring now to FIG. 3, 3A, and 3B, possible distribution embodiments for the system are shown. The Automated Vehicle Dispatch And Payment Honoring System in accordance with the present invention is distributed to serve numerous locations and users. Request for services can be processed via several different types of remote units. The fixture Unit 2000A, as shown in FIG. 3A, is designed as a standing unit to compliment the surroundings which it occupies. This unit's design implements the same types of finishes which may exist in the intended area (i.e. lobbies, banks, theme parks, restaurants, stadiums, etc.). FIG. 3 additionally shows a Wall Mounted Unit 2000B can offer service to areas where space is limited. Another type of embodiment is a Bank Unit System 2000C, as shown in FIG. 3B, which is designed to provide more service to high volume areas (i.e.: airports, convention centers, theme parks, sporting facilities, etc.). In the event there is already an Existing Host Unit 2000D, the TAXILINK program can process requests for service from the same unit via incorporation of the Taxilink software and telecommunication connection. Another type of host system, the Interactive Television System 2000E, can reach more customers by offering the service to their homes. The ability to prearrange a request for service from another city, state or country can be offered through the internet via the On-Line 2000F, which will extend the system's use worldwide. The benefits of the invention, include but are not limited to the following: Provides for a more informed customer Displays all permitted Taxi companies at a glance Provides additional information on prospective destination. Displays an Approximate fare Improves driver safety Improves traffic congestion Increases customer safety Promotes taxi industry Promotes commerce Improves services to foreign customers Allows taxi companies to better target their advertisement to their prospective customers Enables taxi companies to secure corporate/personal service accounts Give local merchants another means to prospective customers Provides for more Civic Directories Increase parking revenue by reinstating metered parking stalls Reduces the parking demand at a facility Reduces the risk of taxi fare pirating Increases dispatcher's efficiency While the above described embodiments disclose a taxi stand unit and related software program, the invention could readily be used to summons any other type of transportation service, including but not limited to shuttlebuses, limousines, private cars for hire, city buses and other types of vehicles for hire. This would involve yet another menu choice of the type of service desired. The dispatcher would then route the appropriate vehicle to the requester, or the appropriate vehicle might directly respond via receiving equipment on-board the vehicle. Also, as mentioned above, this automated vehicular requesting service could be used worldwide via on-line connection to the internet or some other board-coverage transmission medium. The user might maintain On-Line 2000F interface software and use it to send an appropriate request to a corresponding dispatching service. Alternatively, the user could access the interface software via an internet or telephonic connection whereby the user is cued for information and an appropriate request for a vehicle is processed. This would allow the user to place a request from half-way across the world for a specific date and time, thereby alleviating this extra worry and hassle from the rigors of travel. Moreover, while private cars might be hailed by this system, the user is able to choose from a reputable transport company without being accosted by unscrupulous private car operators which are illegal in some areas. Foreign travelers are often targets for overcharging and inefficient routing by some transport operators. By specifically being able to request a vehicle from a chosen company, the user can ignore solicitations from other drivers with the security of knowing that his chosen vehicle will arrive as requested. Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein are set forth, by way of illustration and example, certain embodiments of this invention. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and feature thereof.
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