Apparatus and methods for renting and controlling occupancy of a vehicle
First Claim
1. A method for indicating whether a vehicle is available for use by a user and permitting use of the vehicle by the user, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing, by a visual indicator visible to a user outside of the vehicle, a visual indication that the vehicle is available for use;
receiving, by a processor of a computing device in the vehicle, identification information of a first user proximal the vehicle;
verifying the first user as a driver of the vehicle;
providing, by the processor, access to the vehicle for the first user;
after providing access to the vehicle, changing the visual indication so the visual indication is that the vehicle is available for passenger use;
receiving, by the processor of the computing device in the vehicle, identification information of a second user proximal the vehicle;
providing, by the processor, access to the vehicle for the second user;
determining that the first user is seated in a driver'"'"'s seat within the vehicle; and
enabling ignition of the vehicle upon determining that the first user is seated in the driver'"'"'s seat.
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Accused Products
Abstract
One variation of a method for renting a vehicle includes: receiving a signal from a fleet manager, the signal specifying a current availability of the vehicle for rent; updating a visual indicator arranged on the vehicle according to the signal, the visual indicator visually detectable from outside the vehicle; receiving identification information of a user proximal the vehicle; enabling access to the vehicle for the user in response to verification of the user as a driver of the vehicle; determining, through a sensor arranged within the vehicle, that the user is seated in a driver'"'"'s seat within the vehicle; and enabling ignition of the vehicle for the user in response to determination that the user is seated in the driver'"'"'s seat.
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Citations
15 Claims
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1. A method for indicating whether a vehicle is available for use by a user and permitting use of the vehicle by the user, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing, by a visual indicator visible to a user outside of the vehicle, a visual indication that the vehicle is available for use; receiving, by a processor of a computing device in the vehicle, identification information of a first user proximal the vehicle; verifying the first user as a driver of the vehicle; providing, by the processor, access to the vehicle for the first user; after providing access to the vehicle, changing the visual indication so the visual indication is that the vehicle is available for passenger use; receiving, by the processor of the computing device in the vehicle, identification information of a second user proximal the vehicle; providing, by the processor, access to the vehicle for the second user; determining that the first user is seated in a driver'"'"'s seat within the vehicle; and enabling ignition of the vehicle upon determining that the first user is seated in the driver'"'"'s seat. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An apparatus incorporated in a vehicle to ascertaining whether the vehicle for use, comprising:
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a visual indicator disposed on or in the vehicle such that the visual indicator is visible to a user outside the vehicle; a processor and a memory storing instructions, that when executed by the processor, cause the processor to; provide, by the visual indicator, a visual indication that the vehicle is available for use; receive identification information of a first user proximal the vehicle; verify the first user as a driver of the vehicle; provide access to the vehicle for the first user by unlocking a door of the vehicle, after providing access to the vehicle for the first user, change the visual indication such that the visual indication is that the vehicle is available for passenger use; receive identification information of a second user proximal the vehicle; provide access to the vehicle for the second user; determine that the first user is seated in a driver'"'"'s seat within the vehicle; and enable ignition of the vehicle upon determining that the first user is seated in the driver'"'"'s seat. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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Specification