System for automatic check-in and check-out for space occupancy

• US 7,252,227 B2
• Filed: 11/12/2003
• Issued: 08/07/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 11/12/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Douglas G. Chase
• Original Assignee: Douglas G. Chase
• Inventors: Chase, Douglas G.
• Primary Examiner(s): Frech; Karl D.
• Application Number:
  US10/706,234
• Publication Number:
  US 20050098627A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,364 Days
• Field of Search: 235/380, 235/375, 235/384, 235/381, 705/5
• US Class Current: 235/384
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/02 Reservations, e.g. for tickets, services or events
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0226 Incentive systems for frequent usage, e.g. frequent flyer miles programs or point systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0237 at kiosk

Abstract

An automated check-in and check-out for a user needing rental space. Specifically, there is an electronic device configured to: provide information regarding the rental space available for rental; provide the user with a way to select desired information; and provide for entry of data needed to use the rental space. Provide automated reservation check in/out management without interaction of business personnel. The device works for rental space that is selected from the group selected from: RV Park, hotel, motel, resort cabins, property storage units, camp sites, harbor boat slips, cruise ship cabins. Additionally, the electronic device gives a list of services provided to a user at the rental space. Wherein the list of services provided to a user at the rental space is selected from the group consisting of: laundry pick-up and delivery, propane gas delivery, grocery delivery, pharmaceutical delivery, pizza delivery, and a mobile mechanic repair service.

Claims

1. A system for providing automated Recreational Vehicle check-in and check-out for a user needing rental space, comprising:

an electronic system including a kiosk, wherein the kiosk is configured to;

provide information regarding the rental space available for rental;

provide the user with a way to select desired information;

provide for entry of data needed to use the rental space;

enable the user to utilize the rental space upon satisfaction of rental requirements; and

provide the electronic system with management data;

an identification tag couplable to a recreational vehicle, the identification tag including account identifying information; and

a sensor module in communication with the kiosk, configured to read the account identifying information, and wherein the sensor detects a prearranged reservation.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the kiosk is accessible via the internet.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the kiosk provides a location map for the user to find the desired rental space.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the kiosk provides a picture of each rental space and that of related surrounding scenery.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the kiosk provides for a list of area places of interest, wherein the list of area places of interest is selected from the group consisting of:

parks, zoos, historic sites, museums, restaurants, vehicle repair, vehicle washing, grocery stores and pharmacies.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the kiosk provides for printing of selected data, wherein the selected data is selected from the group consisting essentially of access codes, access keys , door access, security gate access, restroom access, shower access, and locker access.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the kiosk provides for a list of services provided to a user at the rental space, wherein the list of services provided is selected from the group consisting essentially of:

laundry pick-up and delivery, propane gas delivery, grocery delivery, pizza delivery, a mobile mechanic repair service, and any combinations thereof.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a membership module in communication with the kiosk, the membership module including:

a) membership account data; and

b) membership preference data.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the electronic system includes a plurality of kiosks, the plurality of kiosks being disposed at differing locations and in communication via a network, and the plurality of kiosks being configured to send and receive data.

10. A method for providing automated check-in for a recreational vehicles needing rental space, comprising:

providing an electronic communication system between a user and an entity renting a rental space;

providing, through the electronic communication system, information regarding the rental space available for rental;

providing, through the electronic communication system, a picture of a rental space and a picture of a related surrounding view;

providing, through the electronic communication system, selection of information related to the rental space;

providing for printing of selected data; and

providing internet accessibility to the electronic communication system; and

providing, through the electronic communication system, an identifying tag readable by a sensor of a kiosk about the rental space for entry of data needed to enable the user to rental space, wherein the sensor identifies data associated with a prearranged reservation.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the electronic communication system provides a location map for the user to find the desired rental space.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the related surrounding view is a video image of scenery viewable from the rental space.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the electronic communication system provides for a list of area places of interest, wherein the list of area places of interest is selected from the group consisting of:

parks, zoos, historic sites, museums, restaurants, vehicle repair, vehicle washing, grocery stores and pharmacies.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein the electronic communication system device provides for a list of services provided to a user at the rental space.

15. The method of claim 10, further comprising providing a membership module in communication with the kiosk, the membership module including:

a) membership account data; and

b) membership preference data.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the prearranged reservation includes an active user membership module.

17. A system for providing automated Recreational Vehicle check-in and check-out for a user needing rental space, comprising:

an electronic system including a kiosk, wherein the kiosk is configured to;

provide information regarding the rental space available for rental;

provide the user with a way to select desired information;

provide for entry of data needed to use the rental space;

enable the user to utilize the rental space upon satisfaction of rental requirements;

provide for a list of services available to a user at the rental space;

provide for a list of area places of interest

an identification tag module coupled to a recreational vehicle, the identification tag including account identifying information;

a sensor module in communication with the kiosk, configured to read the account identifying information, and wherein the sensor recognizes a prearranged reservation and allows a user to access the rental space;

a membership module in communication with kiosk and the identification tag, and configured to send and receive membership data;

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the sensor module recognizes an active user membership module and automatically allows access to a rental space consistent with the membership data.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the membership module includes awarding member incentives selected from the group consisting essentially of:

points, gifts, discounts, free rentals, upgrades, and any combinations thereof.