APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR RENTING AND CONTROLLING OCCUPANCY OF A VEHICLE
First Claim
1. A method for renting a vehicle, comprising:
- 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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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
29 Claims
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1. A method for renting a vehicle, comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method for controlling occupancy of a vehicle, comprising:
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determining, through a sensor arranged within the vehicle, that a driver is seated in a driver'"'"'s seat within the vehicle; updating a visual indicator according to passenger availability of the vehicle, the visual indicator arranged on the vehicle and visually detectable from outside the vehicle; for a user proximal the vehicle, enabling access to a passenger seat within the vehicle in response to verification of the user as a passenger of the vehicle; determining, through a sensor arranged within the vehicle, that the user is seated in a passenger seat within the vehicle; and enabling ignition of the vehicle in response to a number of occupants within the vehicle meeting a threshold minimum number of occupants. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26)
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27. An apparatus for renting a vehicle, comprising:
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a visual indicator configured for arrangement on a vehicle to indicate availability of the vehicle for rent; an output module electrically coupled to a door locking function and an ignition function of the vehicle; an input module configured to receive a signal from a sensor arranged within the vehicle; a wireless communication module configured to communicate with a remote vehicle fleet manager; and a processor configured to receive a rental availability of the vehicle from the vehicle fleet manager via the wireless communication module, to control the visual indicator according to the rental availability of the vehicle, to control the door locking function via the output module to provide access to the vehicle for a user, to identify a seating position of the user within the vehicle according to a signal received from the sensor via the input module, and to control the ignition function of the vehicle via the output module based on the seating position of the user. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29)
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Specification