Vehicle security device
First Claim
1. A method of remotely controlling vehicle use in an energy exchange system including a plurality of fixed service ports, each vehicle having a connectivity device for coupling to any of the fixed service ports with coupling controlled by a controller, the method comprising the steps of:
- coupling the connectivity device to the fixed service port;
determining a vehicle authorization status; and
securing the connectivity device to lock the vehicle to the fixed service port in response to a predetermined vehicle authorization status.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An energy exchange system includes a plurality of service ports, each receptive to a connectivity device. The connectivity device physically connects a vehicle to the energy exchange system for exchanging energy services. Each vehicle using the energy exchange system is known to the system. Consequently, a vehicle may be secured to the service port to prevent theft in the case of home or parking lot service ports and to retain vehicles reported stolen in the case of other service locations, such as fast-fill stations. Associated with the energy exchange process is a clamping of the connectivity device. Disabling of the clamp release in response to a vehicle stolen or unauthorized use status, prevents the vehicle from being removed from the service port. Additional measures such as disabling the vehicle drive train or fuel system may be used to further ensure that the vehicle is retained.
26 Citations
37 Claims
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1. A method of remotely controlling vehicle use in an energy exchange system including a plurality of fixed service ports, each vehicle having a connectivity device for coupling to any of the fixed service ports with coupling controlled by a controller, the method comprising the steps of:
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coupling the connectivity device to the fixed service port;
determining a vehicle authorization status; and
securing the connectivity device to lock the vehicle to the fixed service port in response to a predetermined vehicle authorization status. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A system for remotely controlling vehicle use comprising:
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an energy exchange system including a plurality of fixed service ports;
a vehicle having a connectivity device for coupling to any one of the fixed service ports;
a controller associated with one of the vehicle and any one of the fixed service ports for controlling coupling to the vehicle and determining a vehicle authorization status for the vehicle, the controller including a module for securing the connectivity device to the fixed service port, determining the vehicle authorization status and withholding release of the connectivity device to lock the vehicle to the fixed service port in response to a predetermined vehicle authorization status. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A method of remotely controlling vehicle use in an energy exchange system including a plurality of fixed service ports, each fixed service port having a connectivity device for coupling to any of a plurality of vehicles with coupling controlled by a controller, the method comprising the steps of:
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coupling the connectivity device to the vehicle;
determining a vehicle authorization status; and
securing the connectivity device to lock the vehicle to the fixed service port in response to a predetermined vehicle authorization status. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A system for remotely controlling vehicle use comprising:
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an energy exchange system including a plurality of fixed service ports, each having a connectivity device;
a vehicle for coupling to the connectivity device of any one of the fixed service ports;
a controller associated with one of the vehicle and any one of the fixed service ports for controlling coupling to and determining a vehicle authorization status for the vehicle, the controller including a module for securing the connectivity device to the vehicle, determining the vehicle authorization status and withholding release of the connectivity device to lock the vehicle to the fixed service port in response to a predetermined vehicle authorization status. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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31. A system for remotely controlling vehicle use comprising:
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a fixed port for coupling to a vehicle having a cooperating member and for establishing a communications path therewith; and
a port controller for identifying the vehicle via the communications path and acquiring a corresponding vehicle authorization status for controlling the port by one of locking and uncoupling the identified vehicle in dependence upon a predetermined vehicle authorization status.
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32. A method of remotely controlling vehicle use comprising the steps of:
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coupling a fixed port to a vehicle having a cooperating member;
establishing a communications path therewith;
identifying the vehicle via the communications path;
acquiring a corresponding vehicle authorization status; and
controlling the port by one of locking and uncoupling the identified vehicle in dependence upon a predetermined vehicle authorization status.
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33. A method of remotely controlling vehicle use comprising the steps of:
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subscribing to a security service for a predetermined fee, including establishing a vehicle user profile;
coupling a fixed port to a vehicle having a cooperating member;
establishing a communications path therewith;
identifying the vehicle via the communications path;
acquiring a corresponding vehicle authorization status; and
controlling the port by one of locking and uncoupling the identified vehicle in dependence upon a predetermined vehicle authorization status.
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34. A method of remotely controlling vehicle use comprising the steps of:
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establishing a vehicle user profile;
coupling a fixed port to a vehicle having a cooperating member;
establishing a communications path therewith;
identifying the vehicle via the communications path;
acquiring a corresponding vehicle authorization status; and
responding to receipt of a transaction fee, controlling the port by one of locking and uncoupling the identified vehicle in dependence upon a predetermined vehicle authorization status. - View Dependent Claims (35, 36, 37)
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Specification