System for electronic recording and accounting of motor vehicle mileage

• US 5,579,242 A
• Filed: 08/24/1994
• Issued: 11/26/1996
• Est. Priority Date: 08/24/1994
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Janice V. Fisher
• Original Assignee: Janice V. Fisher
• Inventors: Fisher, Janice V.
• Primary Examiner(s): Trammell, James P.
• Application Number:
  US08/294,909
• Time in Patent Office: 825 Days
• Field of Search: 364/550, 364/424.03, 364/424.04, 364/561, 364/442, 364/467, 364/424.05, 364/431.12, 364/401-407, 340/439, 340/441, 340/436, 235/380
• US Class Current: 702/165
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 5/0883 wherein the data carrier is removable

Abstract

A system which enables the user to accurately determine the business and personal usage of a motor vehicle by converting mileage information received from the odometer of the vehicle into an electronic format that is transferable to magnetic disk and compatible with personal computer accounting and database software. The system contains a device for receiving input from the user comprised of an alphanumeric keypad and magnetic disk drive. The system displays information to the user through a liquid crystal or light emitting diode display. A microprocessor correlates information received from the user with information received from the motor vehicle to compute mileage and assign usage of the motor vehicle to an account provided by the user. The microprocessor records the mileage and account information onto a magnetic disk which can be used with personal computer software to determine the total distance traveled, and the costs and expenses associated with the usage of the vehicle.

Claims

1. A system for electronically recording and accounting for mileage of a motor vehicle comprising:

a first input means for receiving input data from a user of the system;

a display means connected to said first input means for displaying output data to the user;

a processing means directly connected to said first input means and said display means for manipulating said input data received from the user and mileage data received from an odometer connected to the motor vehicle;

a generation means for generating an electrical pulse to said processing means for each revolution of a cable, wherein said cable is connected to said odometer;

a second input means connected directly to said processing means for receiving model number data and transmission data for the motor vehicle wherein said second input means comprises a series of dipswitches, said dipswitches having at least two positions;

an output means connected to said processing means for storing said output data;

a power means for providing electrical power to the system.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said first input means is comprised of an alphanumeric keypad and function keys.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said first input means is further comprised of a magnetic disk drive and said magnetic disk drive is compatible with 3.5" or 5.25" magnetic disks.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein said output means consists of a magnetic disk compatible with 3.5" or 5.25" magnetic disks.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein said display means is comprised of a liquid crystal or light emitting diode display and a display driving circuit.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein said processing means is comprised of an electrically programmable memory, said processing means having the capability to read from and write to said memory.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein said generation means is comprised of a magnetic pulse generator located between said cable and said odometer, whereby said pulse generator generates at least one electrical pulse for each revolution of said cable.

8. The system of claim 1, wherein said power means is connected to the motor vehicle and receives electrical power from the motor vehicle.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein said power means is not connected to the motor vehicle and receives electrical power from a battery source.

10. A system for electronically recording and accounting for mileage of a motor vehicle comprising:

a first input means for receiving input data;

said input data including tolls, parking expenses, and a client account code;

a display means connected to said first input means for displaying data;

a processing means directly connected to said first input means and said display means for correlating said input data and mileage data received from an odometer connected to the motor vehicle to said client code;

a generation means for generating an electrical pulse to said processing means for each revolution of a cable, wherein said cable is connected to said odometer;

a second input means connected directly to said processing means for receiving model number data and transmission data for the motor vehicle;

a third input means consisting of a magnetic disk drive connected to said processing means for input of stored client account codes;

an output means connected to said processing means for long term storage of said output data, said output means being said magnetic disk drive;

a power means for providing electrical power to the system.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein said processing means is further connected to a lock-out thereby preventing movement of the motor vehicle if said client code is not entered.

12. The device of claim 10 wherein said electrical pulse from said generation means is transmitted to said processing means by a radio signal.