Importance

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Abstract

A system and method for determining a route of travel and associated mileage of a vehicle is disclosed. The system records a vehicle's identification number, location, and odometer mileage transmitted via satellite to a fixed station. The location data is provided to a processor which determines an estimated route of travel by said vehicle using a routing program. The estimated route is comprised of a plurality of position segments, each position segment having a corresponding mileage and average expected speed. The route of travel may be checked for accuracy by comparing the estimated route mileage to the odometer mileage. If a significant difference is found, a diagnostic procedure is performed which attempts to correct the mismatch by evaluating alternate routes of travel. If the alternative route mileage agrees with the actual odometer miles within a predetermined threshold, the new route and associated mileage is used as the 'true' route taken by the vehicle. The diagnostic procedure can also identify position segments where the vehicle appeared to be traveling much slower or faster than the average speed for that position segment. The mileage difference can then be allocated proportionally to each identified suspect position segment to provide an accurate estimate of the miles driven within the predetermined jurisdiction. Once the route of travel has been verified, the mileage traveled by the vehicle can be accurately determined and used for various computations. For example, state fuel-taxes may be accurately calculated from the mileage information.

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First Claim