REMOTE VEHICLE RENTAL SYSTEMS AND METHODS
First Claim
1. A vehicle access communicator (“
- VAC”
) comprising;
a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving wireless data and for communicating with a portable electronic device, the portable electronic device providing one or more of cellular, internet, and location services to the VAC;
a first vehicle connector for connecting to a diagnostic port on the vehicle; and
a processor for determining that the portable electronic device is associated with an authorized user and initiating an unlock command to the vehicle.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system for renting vehicles is disclosed. The system can comprise a vehicle access communicator (“VAC”) capable of interfacing with one or more functions of a rental vehicle and a user provided portable electronic device. The VAC can control various functions of the vehicle including, but not limited to, the door locks and/or enabling/disabling the vehicle. The VAC can also monitor various functions of the vehicle including, but not limited to, the fuel level and/or the odometer readings. The VAC can connect to the portable electronic device using a suitable connection method to access additional functionality such as, for example and not limitation, locations services, cellular, and/or internet access. The VAC and the portable electronic device can be used to provide a rental system with reduced infrastructure and operating costs. The system can enable the use of “Green Zones” to provide permanent or temporary vehicle rental areas.
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Citations
37 Claims
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1. A vehicle access communicator (“
- VAC”
) comprising;a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving wireless data and for communicating with a portable electronic device, the portable electronic device providing one or more of cellular, internet, and location services to the VAC; a first vehicle connector for connecting to a diagnostic port on the vehicle; and a processor for determining that the portable electronic device is associated with an authorized user and initiating an unlock command to the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
- VAC”
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8. A system for renting vehicles comprising:
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a central control for monitoring the location and status of a plurality of rental vehicles; and a vehicle access communicator (“
VAC”
) for controlling access to a first vehicle of the plurality of vehicles, monitoring one or more vehicle parameters, and interfacing with a portable electronic device to provide the VAC with data services;wherein the VAC provides access to the first vehicle upon receiving a correct password from a user via the portable electronic device. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A system for renting vehicles comprising:
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a central control for maintaining a database comprising the location and status of a plurality of rental vehicles; and a vehicle access communicator (“
VAC”
) for controlling access to a vehicle of the plurality of vehicles, monitoring one or more vehicle parameters, interfacing with a portable electronic device, and disabling the vehicle until receiving authorization, the VAC comprising;a wireless transceiver for sending and receiving wireless data and for connecting to a portable electronic device to provide the VAC with one or more of cellular, internet and location services; and a first vehicle connector for connecting to a diagnostic port on the vehicle. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37)
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Specification