GPSi, Applus+’s digital answer to the traditional taximeter verification methods
Applus+ strives to respond to its clients’ needs and anticipate new challenges in industrial safety, with solutions that are unique in the market, and the most comprehensive services in their field. One of them is GPSi, a taximeter verification system created by Applus+’s Automotive Division. The usual method for this task is a rolling-road system that simulates a real route. While being quick and easy, this approach has some evident limitations that Applus+’s solution overcomes.
GPS technology to inspect taximeters and avoid the problems associated to the rolling-road system
The Automotive Division has developed a verification system based on GPS technology to inspect taximeters that uses measurement equipment based on satellite navigation (GNSS). The hardware consists of a portable device, such as a tablet, where the verification software is installed and executed, with the data being received via an external high-frequency GPS antenna. The quality of the signal is constantly monitored and, if it is inadequate, the test comes to an end.
One of the problems associated to the rolling-road system is wheel deformation, which this innovative method overcomes, as well the vehicle electronics’ errors that arise from time to time with the traditional method. Other additional problems resolved by GPSi are size/weight limitations, the taximeter sensors being placed out of the driven axle and the difficult amortization of the initial investment.
A unique, universal and precise solution
GPSi is a universal system that works on any vehicle and provides highly precise 3D measurements (precision > 1/3 required by Order ITC/3709/2006) regardless of the gradient, without need of a correction factor. As a whole, it is a unique product for its usability, calibration accuracy and low cost. It is physically callibrated with traceability to international patterns. Its software is specifically adapted for taximeter verification, which automatically calculates checkpoints, and it includes a hidden mode to avoid false verifications.
This digital solution exceeds the metrological requirements applicable to statutory-vehicle inspections on taximeters at stations and enables governments at all levels to conduct field-tests with taxis, including unannounced inspections, due to its portable nature. In 2012, the Spanish Metrology Centre CEM verified the calibration of this Applus+ innovation and the whole process is been accredited by ENAC.
GPSi is commercially available and in operation in several Spanish regions. It presents the same software arrangement that the rolling-road system, it simulates the work of a taximeter and enables blind tests and time and distance independent verification, with one click check thanks to the automatically calculated checkpoints.
This cutting-edge digital solution is just an example of the digitalisation the company has been implementing over the last years, which reinforces our position as a global leader in the testing, inspection and certification field with a passion for improvement.