A Brief Look at the Origin and Evolution of the Digital Taximeter
The digital taximeter is a device designed to determine the proper fare depending upon the distance and travel time in a taxicab. Utilizing a digital display it shows the driver and passengers the current rate and total cost of the trip. The rates are specified by the government or pre-approver and the digital taximeter uses the rates in combination with a digital signature from the vehicle to accurately track every trip.
The Origin of the Taximeter
Not surprisingly the original taximeter was not digital. The origins of taxicabs date back to Paris and London in the early 1600s when horse-drawn carriages were used to transport people around the city. The modern motorized taxicab era did not begin until the late 1890s when the first taximeter was invented by Wilhelm Bruhn. It was originally a mechanical device used to calculate fares for rides based upon both time and distance. In 1897, the first taxicab meter equipped vehicle arrived in Germany and quickly spread to Paris, London, and New York City. It was built by Gottlieb Daimler. By 1899 there were approximately 100 taxicabs operating in New York City alone.
The Evolution of the Digital Taximeter
The taximeter went digital in the second half of the 1980s. The digital electronic taximeter quickly replaced the previous analog version when it was released worldwide. The primary motivation behind developing a digital taximeter was to boost accuracy and create a more precise product. It also included an editing program inside of the machine to make it easy for taxicab owners to change their fare policies and heightened security.
In the case of one Korean digital taximeter manufacturer, a unique product was created which shows the popular “running horse” icon on the screen when it was once only possible to show simple numbers. The use of unique icons quickly became popular alternatives to the numbers-only display. Today, this company produces products that still show the running horse. The speed of the horse reflects the vehicle’s actual speed on a full-color LCD screen which has allowed the company to quickly be identified in the global marketplace. Today’s LCD screens not only include various icons, but also provide a clear designation method via VFD. They also feature a convenient menu mode with color screens.
The Digital Taximeter Has Revolutionized the Taxicab Industry
Government regulations are similar to each other across the globe in regards to what information must be displayed on a digital taximeter. As a result, most digital taximeters have maintained a constant form. Today, the device is also used in combination with various other devices which are interconnected. This allows taxicabs to send available information across multiple vehicles and to a control center. The ability to stream information has led many taxicab companies to construct and develop new products and services. At the same time, it is critical to pay close attention to the available products when choosing a digital taximeter as the market volume remains fairly level. To cope with the market volume, manufacturers remain comparatively small compared to other industries. To digital taximeter is important to not only consider price and product features, but also the manufacturer’s ability to respond quickly whenever a technical issue arises. This not only creates greater flexibility for taxicab owners but also boosts the digital taxicab meter’s reliability.
Source by Mable Hall