Integrated taximeter/gps position tracking system

Abstract

A taximeter system includes a taximeter or trip meter for a truck integrated with an integral GPS receive/computer for providing GPS position and time information. The odometer input pulses to the taximeter are accurately calibrated by using GPS position, velocity, and time information to generate corrected odometer pulses which are provided to the odometer input terminal of the taximeter. The GPS system is integrated into the taximeter for calibrating and cross checking of input odometer pulses to provide reliable, consistent distance measurements by the taximeter. The integrated taximeter and GPS system provided according to the invention uses GPS position, velocity, and time information to produce incontrovertibly accurate corrected, odometer input pulses and GPS time signals for the taximeter to precisely compute elapsed time and distance traveled. Dead reckoning operation of the system is available when the GPS receiver has service outages. A calibrated mileage meter for trucks also includes an integral GPS receive/computer for providing accurately calibrated odometer pulses to the mileage meter. Certain locations can be tagged and a printer and recorder are recorded for documentation of trip information such as when a vehicle enters or leaves a state, proof of a path followed by a vehicle, delivery of good at a certain site, operation within speed limits, certification of operation within a certain geographic area.