MULTIUSER VEHICLE UTILIZATION SYSTEM AND ELECTRONIC KEY THEREOF
First Claim
1. A vehicle utilization system permitting use of vehicles having respective identification codes, the system comprising:
- a key housing a memory configured to store therein a first enabling code enabling use of a first vehicle;
an enabling unit in the first vehicle configured to enable use of the first vehicle by the user in possession of the key, if the first enabling code stored in the key meets given conditions; and
a programming unit configured to generate the first enabling code as a function of the identification code of the first vehicle by processing the identification code of the first vehicle, and to store the first enabling code in the key,wherein the memory is configured to store therein at least a second enabling code, in addition to the first enabling code, for enabling use of a second, different, vehicle usable by the user by means of the key, and generated by the programming unit as a function of a respective identification code of the second vehicle;
and wherein the first vehicle has one or more respective adjustable devices, and the memory is configured to store personal data relative to personal settings of the one or more adjustable devices;
the enabling unit in the first vehicle being configured to read the personal data from the memory to activate adjustment of the one or more adjustable devices, and to store in the memory a set of last personal settings of the one or more adjustable devices, reflecting adjustments made by the user on the one or more adjustable devices, thereby automatically updating the personal data in the key without any user intervention after the user has adjusted the one or more adjustable devices.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A vehicle utilization system and method permitting use of vehicles having respective identification codes includes a key having a memory for storing enabling codes enabling use of the vehicles; and an enabling device, in each vehicle, permitting use of the vehicle by a user in possession of the key, if the enabling code stored in the key meets given conditions. The system also includes a programming device for generating the enabling codes as a function of the identification codes of the vehicles, and for storing the generated enabling codes in the key.
-
Citations
24 Claims
-
1. A vehicle utilization system permitting use of vehicles having respective identification codes, the system comprising:
-
a key housing a memory configured to store therein a first enabling code enabling use of a first vehicle; an enabling unit in the first vehicle configured to enable use of the first vehicle by the user in possession of the key, if the first enabling code stored in the key meets given conditions; and a programming unit configured to generate the first enabling code as a function of the identification code of the first vehicle by processing the identification code of the first vehicle, and to store the first enabling code in the key, wherein the memory is configured to store therein at least a second enabling code, in addition to the first enabling code, for enabling use of a second, different, vehicle usable by the user by means of the key, and generated by the programming unit as a function of a respective identification code of the second vehicle; and wherein the first vehicle has one or more respective adjustable devices, and the memory is configured to store personal data relative to personal settings of the one or more adjustable devices;
the enabling unit in the first vehicle being configured to read the personal data from the memory to activate adjustment of the one or more adjustable devices, and to store in the memory a set of last personal settings of the one or more adjustable devices, reflecting adjustments made by the user on the one or more adjustable devices, thereby automatically updating the personal data in the key without any user intervention after the user has adjusted the one or more adjustable devices. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
-
-
20. A method for vehicle utilization by a user, the method comprising the steps of:
-
(a) utilizing a portable key having a first enabling code corresponding to a first vehicle; (b) gaining access to the first vehicle after the enabling code has been verified, the user thereby entering the first vehicle; (c) adjusting settings of one or more devices in the first vehicle by the user; and (d) storing the adjusted settings in the portable key while the user is still inside the first vehicle, the storing being accomplished without the user having to perform any further intervention after the adjustment in step (c). - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24)
-
Specification