Method and a system for controlling and monitoring operation of a device

• US 20100179709A1
• Filed: 01/14/2010
• Published: 07/15/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 01/15/2009
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ahern Rentals Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Ahern Rentals Incorporated
• Inventors: Abshire, Daniel Joseph
• Granted Patent: US 11,155,236 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 701/2
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 25/00 Fittings or systems for preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of vehicles locks for vehicles E05B77/00-E05B85/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/206 comprising security or operator identification provisions, e.g. password entry
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/29 the pass containing active electronic elements, e.g. smartcards
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/32 in combination with an identity check
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/0057 for the hiring or rent of vehicles, e.g. cars, bicycles or wheelchairs car rental G07B15/00
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/205 Indicating the location of the monitored vehicles as destination, e.g. accidents, stolen, rental

Abstract

A method of controlling and monitoring operation of a device is disclosed. The method includes communicating an authorization code via a management source to a processor having a memory. The processor is configured for regulating operation of the device, and is operatively connected to a keyless start arrangement configured to activate the device. The method additionally includes receiving the authorization code by the processor and storing the authorization code within the controller memory. Furthermore, the method includes entering an access code via a selective input, receiving the access code by the processor, and authorizing operation of the device if the access code matches the authorization code.

Claims

1. A method of controlling and monitoring operation of a device, the method comprising:

communicating an authorization code via a management source to a processor having a memory, wherein the processor is configured for regulating operation of the device, and is operatively connected to a keyless start arrangement configured to activate the device;

receiving the authorization code by the processor;

storing the authorization code within the processor memory;

entering an access code via a selective input;

receiving the access code by the processor; and

authorizing operation of the device if the access code matches the authorization code.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said communicating an authorization code is accomplished remotely relative to the device, and the management source is one of a host computer and a cellular telephone.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein said communicating an authorization code is accomplished via a cell modem.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein said authorizing operation of the device is for a predetermined timeframe.

5. The method of claim 4, further comprising detecting unauthorized operation of the device when operation of the device occurs outside the predetermined timeframe.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising communicating said detection of unauthorized operation to the host computer via the cell modem.

7. The method of claim 6, further comprising remotely shutting down the operation of the device when operation of the device occurs outside the predetermined timeframe.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said entering the access code is accomplished via one of a keypad and a cellular telephone.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the device is one of a vehicle and a construction machine.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the keyless start arrangement is a keyless ignition system of one of the vehicle and the construction machine.

11. A system of controlling and monitoring operation of a device, the system comprising:

a keyless start arrangement configured to activate the device;

a processor having a memory and operatively connected to the keyless start arrangement; and

a management source configured to communicate an authorization code to the processor;

wherein the processor is adapted for;

regulating operation of the device;

receiving the authorization code;

storing the authorization code within the memory;

receiving an access code entered via a selective input; and

authorizing operation of the device if the access code matches the authorization code.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the management source is one of a host computer and a cellular telephone configured to communicate the authorization code remotely relative to the device.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the authorization code is communicated via a cell modem.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein operation of the device is authorized for a predetermined timeframe.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the processor is further adapted to detect unauthorized operation of the device when operation of the device occurs outside the predetermined timeframe.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the processor is further adapted to communicate a signal indicative of the detected unauthorized operation to the host computer via the cell modem.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the host computer is further adapted to remotely shut down the operation of the device when unauthorized operation is detected.

18. The system of claim 11, further comprising a keypad, wherein the access code is entered via the keypad.

19. The system of claim 11, wherein the access code is entered via a cellular telephone.

20. The system of claim 11, wherein the device is one of a vehicle and a construction machine, and the keyless start arrangement is a keyless ignition system of one of the vehicle and the construction machine.