APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR RENTING AND CONTROLLING OCCUPANCY OF A VEHICLE
First Claim
1. A method for indicating whether a vehicle is available for use by a user and permitting use of the vehicle by the user, the method comprising the steps of:
- providing, by a visual indicator visible to the user outside of the vehicle, a visual indication that the vehicle is available for use;
receiving, by a processor of a computing device in the vehicle, identification information of a user proximal the vehicle;
verifying the user as a driver of the vehicle;
providing, by the processor, access to the vehicle for the user; and
after providing access to the vehicle, changing the visual indicator so the visual indication is that the vehicle is unavailable for use.
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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
20 Claims
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1. A method for indicating whether a vehicle is available for use by a user and permitting use of the vehicle by the user, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing, by a visual indicator visible to the user outside of the vehicle, a visual indication that the vehicle is available for use; receiving, by a processor of a computing device in the vehicle, identification information of a user proximal the vehicle; verifying the user as a driver of the vehicle; providing, by the processor, access to the vehicle for the user; and after providing access to the vehicle, changing the visual indicator so the visual indication is that the vehicle is unavailable for use. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. An apparatus incorporated in a vehicle to ascertaining whether the vehicle for use, comprising:
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a visual indicator disposed on or in the vehicle such that the visual indicator is visible to a user outside the vehicle, and providing an indication that the vehicle is available or unavailable for use; a processor and a memory storing instructions, that when executed by the processor, cause the processor to; provide, by the visual indicator, a visual indication that the vehicle is available for use; provide access to the vehicle for the user by unlocking a door of the vehicle, and change the visual indicator such that the visual indication is that the vehicle is unavailable for use. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification