U.S. patent application number 11/019749 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-19 for fully automated vehicle rental system.
Invention is credited to Ehrman, Kenneth S., Ehrman, Michael, Jagid, Jeffrey M., Loosmore, Natthan H..
Application Number | 20050108089 11/019749 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23222764 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-19 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050108089 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ehrman, Kenneth S. ; et
al. |
May 19, 2005 |
Fully automated vehicle rental system
Abstract
An automated vehicle rental system with individual vehicle
transmitting sensors for keeping track of vehicle mileage, fill
state of vehicle fuel tank, and localized position status in a
rental lot. Sensors are linked to the vehicle odometer reading and
to the vehicle fuel tank float sensor with compensation for types
of driving and fuel fill-ups which affect float level readings. The
sensors are integrated with or are linked with communicating tags
operable in a defined site for ultimate communication of stored
vehicle related sensor data, vehicle location and type to a central
data base for automatically completely effecting check out, charges
and state of vehicle readiness for renewed rental. The transmitting
sensors are adapted to avoid interference between sensors of other
vehicles during multiple transmissions. Also included is an
in-vehicle check out and payment device operatively linkable to the
transmitting sensor of the vehicle.
Inventors: |
Ehrman, Kenneth S.; (New
York, NY) ; Jagid, Jeffrey M.; (Closter, NJ) ;
Loosmore, Natthan H.; (Seattle, WA) ; Ehrman,
Michael; (New York, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JENKENS & GILCHRIST, PC
1445 ROSS AVENUE
SUITE 3200
DALLAS
TX
75202
US
|
Family ID: |
23222764 |
Appl. No.: |
11/019749 |
Filed: |
December 21, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11019749 |
Dec 21, 2004 |
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09804909 |
Mar 13, 2001 |
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09804909 |
Mar 13, 2001 |
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09315071 |
May 19, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/13 ;
340/425.5; 340/539.13; 340/933; 705/400 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/025 20130101;
G06Q 10/087 20130101; G06Q 30/0283 20130101; G07B 15/00 20130101;
G06Q 20/10 20130101; G06Q 10/02 20130101; G08G 1/20 20130101; G06Q
30/0645 20130101; G06Q 20/102 20130101; G08G 1/127 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/013 ;
705/400; 340/425.5; 340/539.13; 340/933 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/60 |
Claims
1-15. (canceled)
16. A method for managing a plurality of rental vehicles located
within a rental vehicle lot having a plurality of stations
including a parking station and a return station, comprising:
monitoring by each rental vehicle of vehicle movement into one of
the plurality of stations; remotely communicating vehicle
information to a processing unit in response to initial entry into
the station; recording by the processing unit of vehicle presence
in the station in response to the remote communication from the
vehicle.
17. The method of claim 16 further including: acknowledging by the
processing unit to the rental vehicle of receipt of the remote
communication transmitted vehicle information; and inhibiting by
the rental vehicle of further transmission of the vehicle
information following central rental node acknowledgment until such
time as the rental vehicle moves into a different station.
18. The method of claim 16 wherein the vehicle information includes
monitored fuel state and distance traveled information for the
rental vehicle, the method further comprising: calculating charges
for use of the rental vehicle based on the transmitted monitored
fuel state and distance traveled information.
19. The method of claim 16 further including graphically presenting
information concerning vehicle location within the rental vehicle
lot based at least in part on the recorded vehicle presence within
one of the plurality of stations.
20. The method of claim 19 further including graphically
presenting, along with vehicle location, vehicle status information
based at least in part on the remotely communicated vehicle
information.
21. The method of claim 16 wherein the plurality of stations
includes an exit security station, and wherein remotely
communicating includes transmitting rental transaction details
including driver identification linked to an identification of a
selected rental vehicle from the selected rental vehicle to the
processing unit as the selected rental vehicle enters the exit
security station, the method further including: making the
transmitted rental transaction details available to security
personnel at the exit security station.
22. The method of claim 21 further including printing a copy of a
rental agreement for the selected rental vehicle at the exit
security station.
23. The method of claim 21 further including resetting a fuel and
distance measurement device located within the selected rental
vehicle.
24. The method of claim 23 further including monitoring fuel state
and distance traveled using the fuel and distance measurement
device.
25. The method of claim 24 further including transmitting the
monitored fuel state and distance traveled information from the
selected rental vehicle to a central rental node when the selected
rental vehicle returns to the return station.
26. The method of claim 25 further including calculating charges
for use of the selected rental vehicle based on the transmitted
monitored fuel state and distance traveled information.
27. The method of claim 21 further including additionally
transmitting the rental transaction details to the exit security
station of the rental vehicle lot in a manner that does not pass
through the selected rental vehicle and its memory.
28. The method of claim 21 wherein the rental transaction details
include credit card data for a renter of the vehicle.
29. The method of claim 28 wherein the renter of the vehicle is the
driver.
30. The method of claim 21 wherein the rental transaction details
include an identification of a type of rental agreement for the
selected rental vehicle.
31. The method of claim 21 further including confirming responsive
to selected rental vehicle approach to the exit security station
that a rental record exists with respect to the selected rental
vehicle.
32. The method of claim 16 further including: transmitting rental
transaction details from a selected rental vehicle to a database
when the selected rental vehicle returns to the return station.
33. The method of claim 32 further including calculating charges
for use of the selected rental vehicle based on the transmitted
rental transaction details.
34. The method of claim 33 wherein the calculating includes not
charging for fuel fill up if the current fuel level is inadequate
but the vehicle distance traveled since a last fill up is less than
a threshold.
35. The method of claim 32 wherein the rental transaction details
include driver identification linked to an identification of the
selected rental vehicle.
36. The method of claim 32 wherein the transmitting includes:
detecting by the selected rental vehicle itself of a return to the
return station; and responsive to such a detection, initiating a
remote communication transmission of the rental information from
the selected rental vehicle to a central rental node.
37. The method of claim 36 further including: acknowledging by the
central rental node to the selected rental vehicle of receipt of
the remote communication transmitted rental vehicle information;
and inhibiting by the selected rental vehicle of further
transmission of the rental information following central rental
node acknowledgment.
38. The method of claim 21 further including deleting the link
between the driver identification and the selected rental vehicle
in response to the selected rental vehicle return to the return
station.
39. A method for renting a rental vehicle, comprising: storing
rental information in a rental vehicle, the rental information
including current vehicle fuel level and vehicle distance traveled
while rented; detecting by the rental vehicle itself of a return to
a rental vehicle lot; responsive to such a detection, initiating a
remote communication transmission of the stored rental information
from the rental vehicle to a central rental node; acknowledging by
the central rental node to the rental vehicle of receipt of the
remote communication transmitted rental vehicle information;
inhibiting by the rental vehicle of further transmission of the
stored rental information following central rental node
acknowledgment; and calculating by the central rental node based on
the transmitted rental vehicle information of a charge incurred for
use of the rental vehicle.
40. The method of claim 39 wherein the stored rental information
further includes rental transaction details including driver
identification linked to the rental vehicle.
41. The method of claim 40 further including deleting the link
between driver identification and rental vehicle in response to
rental vehicle return to the rental vehicle lot.
42. The method of claim 39 wherein calculating includes not
charging for fuel fill up if the current fuel level is inadequate
but the vehicle distance traveled since a last fill up is less than
a threshold.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation in part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/315,071
filed May 19, 1999.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to vehicle handling and automobile
rental systems and the like and particularly to systems used for
effecting initial vehicle rental transactions and return of
vehicles, with calculations for mileage and fuel charges and for
keeping track of vehicles location and readiness at a rental
site.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In the current state of the art, vehicle, and in particular
automobile or car rentals require an initial check-in or rental
procedure wherein the lessee provides personal and financial
payment information (usually a credit card number and charge
authorization) to the rental agency at a check-in counter. The
information is then linked by computerized record to an available
vehicle, using identification such as the vehicle license plate
number, Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and the like. Before
each new rental the vehicle is inspected for current odometer
reading and fuel level (with such information being entered in the
computer database or its having already been previously entered
with a prior return). This information is entered on a rental
agreement and given to the customer and payment is effected, which,
for individuals, is almost always with the tendering of a credit
card.
[0004] The identified vehicle is located in the lot by the customer
and then removed from the rental agency lot with a gate security
check at a check-out gate, as assurance that the driver is in fact
the authorized lessee or is otherwise authorized to remove the
vehicle from the lot. Usually this is effected by comparison of
driver identification with a rental agreement or just with the
rental agreement information.
[0005] Thereafter the vehicle is driven and eventually returned to
a rental agency lot (the origination lot or another lot of the same
rental agency in a different location when such type of return is
authorized) and the lessee advises the agency of such return.
[0006] Prior to completion of the check-out, an employee of the
rental agency is dispatched to physically inspect the vehicle and
to check the mileage (many rental agreements are dependent on
mileage) and fuel level (the usual agreement specifies that returns
are to have a full tank, and if not, an additional fuel charge is
applied). In some instances the results are entered into a hand
held computerized recordation device for entry into the agency
computer database for calculation of the final rental charge
(either while the lessee waits or as a supplement to the original
charge on the initially tendered credit card).
[0007] In other instances the information is collected from the
vehicle and is manually entered into a computer database for
calculation of the final charges.
[0008] The present system has several shortcomings, foremost of
which is the need for a physical inspection of each returning
vehicle for recordation of mileage and fuel level, by a rental
agency employee (at peak return periods, check-out times can be
lengthy). In addition, recordation of fuel level is inexact and may
vary from vehicle to vehicle since a fuel level gauge is only a
rough indication of fuel level and actual level may vary by as much
as a gallon or two and a customer is not charged or credited with
the appropriate fuel usage charges. Other shortcomings include
wasted time by both the customer and rental agent employees in
either or both of the rental and return procedures. In addition,
there is only a rudimentary estimate regarding readiness of
vehicles and vehicle types available for rental. An additional
shortcoming is the errors introduced by humans who read the fuel
gauge (different viewing angles can provide different readings) and
odometer (mid-point readings may be erroneously interpreted) as
well as errors during manual data entry into a hand-held
computer.
[0009] There is also currently no viable method other than a manual
one for determining location of specific vehicles in a rental
location or the states of readiness of such vehicles for rental.
Furthermore, security of vehicles with correlation between specific
vehicle and authorized user is subject to break-down with current
methods of security.
[0010] An example of a typical prior art system is one disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,058,044 which discloses a system for returns of
rental vehicles. The described system relies on a physical
annunciation of the arrival of the return car somewhat akin to
activating a trip wire in order to initiate operation of the system
at every location. However, because of the necessity of an
annunciator for operation there are numerous limitations: In the
described system, a returned car must proceed to a specific return
area modified with the annunciator and local computerized system.
Because of such limitations, returns take longer to be processed
and the system requires a local processor to close out a
transaction. In addition the system has no effective way of
preventing RF interference between simultaneous returns.
[0011] Another representative patent in the field is U.S. Pat. No.
5,289,369 which discloses a central control designed primarily to
provide a roving fleet of rental cars throughout a city, with
location and constant monitoring by central site being key
elements. This system requires key access by mag card to enter a
vehicle as well as individual on-board computers in each
vehicle.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,148 discloses an automated vehicle
return system, wherein vehicles are provided with monitoring
circuitry for monitoring parameters such as fuel level in a rental
automobile. In addition the automobile is provided with a
transmitter to transmit data regarding the vehicle and its rental
to a base station within a vehicle return zone and thereafter the
data is transmitted to a host computer. However, the system
disclosed therein makes no provision for the operative function of
multiple vehicles transmitting simultaneously to the same base
station or host computer, with interference and false or missed
readings engendered thereby. In addition, while absolute values of
fuel tank contents are obtainable, factors, such as fuel float
sensor position which often contribute to false readings are not
always compensated for. Finally this patent is representative of
patents in the field wherein only rudimentary information regarding
automobile condition is monitored and transmitted. There are no
provisions for security correlation, vehicle location within a
rental site, or state of readiness of a vehicle for rental as well
as automation of the rental process.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0013] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a fully automated vehicle rental and return system (both
check-in and check-out) which system includes, in every rental
vehicle, a medium range (generally up to about 500 feet radius,
sufficient to entirely encompass the area of a rental lot and even
an arrival area outside the lot) transmitter/receiver device with
memory storage means for receiving and transmitting information
regarding the car rental and sensors for accurate and continuous
measurement and storage of odometer reading and fuel tank levels
and is able to remotely provide such information to a central
billing data base without interfering with transmission from other
vehicles or being interfered with by transmissions from other
vehicles.
[0014] It is a further object of the present invention to provide
rental lot fixed location node sensors whereby location of a
vehicle (and concomitant state of renewed rental readiness) in the
lot is constantly updated at a central tracking and billing data
base.
[0015] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
the sensors and transmitter/receiver device with vehicle and driver
(renter) identification (and initial mileage and fuel level) to
effect high level security on removal and return of the vehicle to
the lot. In addition, it is an object to accurately calculate final
rental charges and to personalize messages to the vehicle renter
upon leaving and returning to the lot on a visible display, wherein
fuel fill-ups are correlated with vehicle speed, deviations of the
vehicle from horizontal (which affects fuel float readings),
vehicle fill-ups and vehicle mpg values to provide fuel condition
values independent of any fuel float or its position. The system
can log the fuel level on checkout (rental) for comparison with
check-in for use in fairly calculating the customers' charges.
[0016] Generally the present invention comprises a vehicle rental
system wherein each vehicle comprises a unique vehicle identifier,
and wherein the vehicle is provided with remote communication
transmitter/receiver means capable of communicating with one
another as well as with a central data base, with said vehicle
identifier being initially stored in memory means linked to the
communication transmitter/receiver means and with memory storage of
transmitted information specific to the rental (driver
identification, and optionally credit card information, term of the
agreement, etc.). The vehicle further comprises odometer reading
sensor means linked to an odometer of the vehicle and to the
communication transmitter/receiver means and memory means (RAM) for
the continuous storage of odometer readings of the vehicle mileage
and for the remote transmission thereof to a data collection or
central billing data base when the vehicle is returned. As used
herein the term "central data base" or "data base" refers to a
central storage of rental profiles, rental information and prints
receipts. Because the VAC (vehicle computer) stores all of the
critical parameters of the rental agreement, the VAC data can be
used to close out rental transactions when the system is down. The
vehicle further comprises fuel sensor means linked to the vehicle's
float sensor normally used for gauging fuel level in a vehicle's
fuel tank. In order to check validity of float sensor reading (a
float sensor is subject to vagaries of non-level road, fuel tank
filling, etc.) fuel sensor means further comprises analysis means
for interpreting factors relevant to the meaning of a particular
float level at a particular time and usage. Float sensor data are
also transmitted to and stored in the RAM memory means for later
transmission retrieval. In a preferred embodiment the fuel sensor
means and the odometer reading sensor are linked with operational
software to provide vehicle mileage (mpg) history and history of
mileage since last fill-up for use in automatically determining
whether the customer filled up and to provide a buffer of free fuel
for which the customer will not be charged (e.g., no charge for
fuel if customer filled up within 20 miles of the rental return
site). In accordance with the present invention the various tags
attached to the vehicles and fixed position nodes situated
throughout the lot communicate with each other in identifying
vehicles and salient rental, vehicle and driver information over
the transmission range, without intermediate need for a central
computer except as an ultimate billing information repository.
Because of their interaction and intercommunication the tags permit
only single vehicle communication at a time, thereby preventing
cross talk and possibly incorrect information being transmitted for
a particular vehicle. In addition, messages between tags are
prioritized by type such that a check-in message is more important
than a location movement message. In addition, devices in the
individual cars can communicate via other devices in other cars if
necessary if there is undue RF interference and message
blocking.
[0017] Other connections from the transceiver/receiver device to
car functions (unrelated to direct billing information) may be
effected such as with oil pressure and water temperature sensors
and actuators such as door locks and ignition. For an overall
function control, the transmitter/receiver device of the present
invention may be also be operationally connected to the computer
bus system of the vehicle, whereby inquiries may be directly made
to the on-board vehicle computer regarding fuel, odometer and the
like readings. For connection to bus systems which differ from
vehicle to vehicle and manufacturer to manufacturer, software must
be provided to the devices to determine the particular "language"
it is to be speaking. Ultimately the device may be provided with or
linked to impact sensors to help report on damage while with a
particular driver.
[0018] The above and other objects features and advantages of the
present invention will become more evident from the following
discussion and drawings in which:
SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] FIG. 1 is a see-through view of a typical rental automobile
showing placement of odometer and float sensors and communication
transmitter/receiver, in accordance with the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a typical auto rental car lot
with various location stations and showing the transmitted location
of a specific car (or car type) in real time and with marked off
positions of typical fixed node locations;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a welcoming sign arrangement
with information for a specific driver relating to check-in;
and
[0022] FIG. 4 is an interior view of a further embodiment of the
automobile of FIG. 1, equipped with on-board rental and check in
devices operatively associated with the communication
transmitter/receiver.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0023] In accordance with the present invention, and in a preferred
embodiment, the unique vehicle VIN is used to identify an
automobile, its make, model and type and is preferably used as a
key identifier thereof. The VIN is programmed into the memory chip
associated with an RF transmitter/receiver device placed within the
vehicle (since radio frequency is used for transmission the device
can be operably hidden anywhere in the car out of sight and reach
of the driver). Useful transmitter and receiver devices with
related memory storage are embodied in the tag and lode system
described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,682,142, by the inventors herein, the
disclosure therein is incorporated herein by reference thereto. The
transmitter/receiver devices are smart devices with inquiry
functions and communication with each other and with fixed position
nodes (FPN) whereby they do not interfere with each other in
simultaneous transmission of data such as with return of several
vehicles at one time. The devices comprise, as described in said
patent, microprocessors, combined into one integrated circuit which
are available and specifically include the Neuron RTM 3150
integrated circuit, manufactured by Motorola and Toshiba, which is
preferred for use in each tag node and FPN. In these integrated
circuits, a first microprocessor handles a media access algorithm
(predictive p-persistent CSMA). A second microprocessor handles the
application code. A final microprocessor handles network variable
processing and network management.
[0024] The devices are readily removed and placed into other
vehicles with reprogramming of new vehicle type (in preferred
embodiments, the devices have overall vehicle information in RAM or
NVRAM (non-volatile battery backed RAM) and a simple vehicle
identification recalls it for immediate use). The system described
therein operates with a network of stationary nodes and
non-stationary communication tags attached to items, to provide a
decision making communication network without a central processing
computer (any computer used functions to tap into the
communications) for functions such as constant location of any of
the tagged items when within communication range (direct and
relayed).
[0025] In addition to the transmitter/receiver with associated
memory, at least two sensors are integrated into each rental
vehicle, the first being a direct monitoring sensor of odometer
reading which is preferably coupled with a timer and/or the vehicle
speedometer to maintain continuous readings of vehicle speed. The
second sensor is linked to the float used to monitor fuel levels
and either (depending on the vehicle) directly stores digital
output data of fuel level or effects an analog to digital
conversions with the use of imbedded translation table software
(unique to the particular vehicle as determined from the VIN) to
provide actual units of fuel level. The fuel level sensor is
programmed to recognize fill up conditions of float level change
(i.e. float level rising at vehicle idle without vehicle movement)
as well as up or downhill travel (with concomitant displacement of
float level) as correlated with vehicle speed and calculated
mileage. This contrasts with prior systems which simply determine
float position without evaluation of actual car usage, fill-ups,
and deviations from level such as on uphill ramps in a vehicle
return garage which, if uncompensated for, provide incorrect fuel
level readings.
[0026] With the system of the present invention, car check in and
check out are automatically effected by direct communication
between the car and the central rental agency data base. Thus, in a
typical rental transaction, a prospective customer (in person, by
phone or by Internet access, etc.) specifies the type of car
desired. When a reservation is confirmed, such as when a renter
arrives at a facility, this is entered into the data base which
makes inquiry to various stationary nodes located in the rental lot
and tags (transmitter/receivers with memory) in each of the
vehicles to receive appropriate vehicle information of which
vehicles of the type desired are in condition for rental at the
desired rental time. This information is automatically communicated
from the automobiles to the data base for advising the customer
regarding rental options.
[0027] During a rental transaction, details of the driver and other
possible authorized users, such as licensing information and
optionally including credit card information, as well as type of
rental agreement, are remotely transmitted to the vehicle to link
the VIN with the driver et al. and parameters to be monitored. The
transmitter/receiver with associated memory, appropriately starts
the digital registers of starting odometer reading and exact fuel
level and transmits information to a security gate relating to the
driver-automobile linkage (the data base may initially provide such
transmitted information to the security gate). Preferably as the
vehicle approaches the security gate it communicates with a
terminal therein of the approach and the identity of an authorized
driver. A simple visual correlation between actual identification
and the screen information serves to clear a driver and vehicle for
exit from the lot. In addition, the system checks for an open
rental for the specific vehicle thereby preventing the stealing of
vehicles with false paperwork, which is the only item currently
checked, for permitting a vehicle to leave the lot.
[0028] During the rental period, car functions (odometer, mileage,
fuel consumption, etc.) are constantly monitored with the
appropriate sensors, and stored for retrieval as described
above.
[0029] When the vehicle is returned to a rental lot (even one from
which it did not originate but in which the central data base
therein is operationally linked to the original data base
computer-i.e. with pre-arranged remote vehicle drop-off) and comes
within transmission range from outside of the rental lot, the
transmitter/receiver within the vehicle transmits the stored
information of odometer reading, fuel level, the correlation
identification of car and driver and the exact time of return. No
annunciator type devices, as in the prior art are used or are even
necessary. Optionally, a personalized "Welcome Back" is activated
to greet the driver by name and a rental agency employee (e.g.,
concierge), inspects the vehicle for damage and hands over a
completed final receipt (with all charges and credits), which is
calculated and printed while the driver approaches the lot. There
is no manual log in and the vehicle actually checks itself in. The
central data base, with all available billing and identification
information, processes the charges and transmits advice to the
transmitter/receiver to remove (or archives for possible future
charges resulting from later detected misuse) the correlation
between driver and vehicle. The receipt for the vehicle rental
charges is automatically printed upon return of the vehicle (and
prior to the driver exiting from the vehicle) whereupon the driver
is given the receipt by a concierge to complete the entire rental
transaction. The driver simply leaves the vehicle wits the keys and
walks or is transported away to a desired destination. Aside from
the hanging of the various nodes and modules, no construction or
modification is required of the existing rental facility such as
special lanes and the like.
[0030] With the close of the transaction, the vehicle is then
moved, during the ordinary course of processing to various stations
in the lot, such as from return area to car wash to parking lot to
ready-for-rental site (also shop and fueling if necessary),
determine staffing requirements, etc. with the central data base
being constantly advised of real time location and thus readiness
of the vehicle for re-rental (i.e. automated inventory control).
The VIN of a vehicle is correlated to vehicle type, whereby
vehicles can be located, using the VIN parameters, in the lot, both
en masse and individually, with a variety of parameters. If desired
a graphic display of the lot and real-time location and status is
available at the rental data base with, for example, color coding
(and detailed information) of vehicles such as mid-size, compacts,
sedan, four door, manufacturer model, etc.). Knowledge of vehicle
status enables the rental agency to prioritize handling to increase
rental yield and to optimize lot efficiencies, e.g., evaluating how
long a car stays in the car wash area before being put into the
ready line, etc.
[0031] With the above system there is also provision for anomalies
and the keeping track thereof of vehicles leaving the lot but
involving non-rental transaction, such as permitted (or even
non-permitted) employee use of vehicles (this is readily detected
as being a situation when a driver is not linked to a VIN and the
vehicle is removed from the lot). Alternatively, this can provide a
security warning of unauthorized vehicle use and possible theft or
simply an early warning that a vehicle in a ready area is not in
fact ready, i.e., without a full gas tank in a preferred totally
automated embodiment, in addition to the elimination of a check out
counter, the function of a check-in counter is also eliminated by
providing each vehicle with fully contained check-in and check-out
means. In such embodiment, a keyboard (and associated screen)
linked to the transmitter/receiver and a credit card reader is
located within each vehicle. The customer enters a selected
vehicle, punches in the prompted rental (e.g., rental duration,
fuel option, insurance coverage option, return option, etc.) and
identification information and, when instructed, swipes a credit
card through the reader to activate the system, with transmission
of all the information to the central billing and maintenance data
base which transmits details to the checkout gate, where a rental
agreement is printed out, when the vehicle arrives at the gate. In
lieu of a keyboard with manual entry, where applicable and
available, identification information may be scanned in such as
with OCR hardware and software or with scanning means such as bar
code readers (if the identification is bar encoded).
[0032] In accordance with the present invention, in a preferred
embodiment there is a backup battery scheme which stores the
fuel/odometer translation tables (information used in calculating
fuel level and vehicle travelling operation for specific vehicles),
odometer reading (ongoing), critical car information, rate
information, driver information etc. As a result of use of
translation tables (wherein data is stored for a variety of vehicle
operation parameters), the device can be moved from car to car,
eliminating the need for unique versions. All that is needed is a
reprogramming of the device to reconfigure itself with stored
parameters to the specific vehicle to which it is being transferred
or attached.
[0033] In order to reduce costs (and make it effective for
widespread deployment), the present invention utilizes a low cost,
intelligent tag to calculate fuel level accurately, over time,
without need for central processing data bases. This allows for
decisions, such as open gate, to be made without a central
processing data base and eliminates need for a local computer for
such purposes.
[0034] The specific transmitter/receiver devices and fixed position
nodes are smart enough to know when to transmit, thereby reducing
the amount of transmissions in the air and the resulting
infrastructure costs such as the annunciators used in the prior
art. Preferably all links are made directly to the sensors,
enabling installation/removal time to be no more than about 15
minutes for change between vehicles.
[0035] As a result of RF transmissions being utilized for
communication, there is no necessity for direct sight line for
communication (such as with transmitters as used in toll activation
devices requiring windshield placement). The devices can be mounted
anywhere in the vehicle, thereby reducing installation/removal time
and increasing security. The devices are of a small size
(4.times.4.times.2") allowing for ease in hidden placement in the
vehicle.
[0036] In preferred embodiments the devices are installed to
directly tap insignificant amounts of power from the vehicle
battery, thereby eliminating need for separate battery powering of
the device, thereby increasing reliability, lowering bulk, reducing
cost and reducing the need for changing dead batteries.
[0037] In accordance with the present invention the
transmitter/receivers also communicate between vehicles if
necessary to ensure communication (e.g. cars can act as repeaters
to reach an interrogator) and to prevent erroneous communication
overlap from different vehicles entering a lot at the same
time.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS AND THE PREFERRED
EMBODIMENT
[0038] With reference to the drawings, in FIG. 1, rental vehicle 1
contains monitoring sensors 30 and 31 operatively linked to the
vehicle odometer 32 and fuel tank float 33 and which sensors are
respectively linked to the device 14 for use in transmission of
monitored and stored information to a central data base and for
resetting of digital registers to initial usage conditions of
mileage and extent of fuel capacity. During rental use, the
sensors, as programmed, monitor odometer readings, mileage and fuel
usage (as described above) and the data is entered and stored in
the memory associated with transmitter/receiver 14.
[0039] In FIG. 2, a vehicle rental lot is shown with real time
location of vehicles 1a-f therein which are individually tracked
and monitored by a device 14 contained in each of the vehicles. A
customer views the screen 50 (depicting the lot) or is assisted in
selecting a desired vehicle 10 which is ready for rental and its
location within the lot 100.
[0040] In FIG. 4, rental vehicle 10 is shown situated in vehicle
rental lot 100 in rental ready area A. The vehicle 10 includes a
data entry keyboard 11 and screen 11a for direct entry by a
customer of identification and rental information options, whereby
the customer simply locates the vehicle and effects check-in
directly within the vehicle. After data entry (the information
typically required in filling out a rental agreement-optionally all
such data may be contained in a preprogrammed card for simple swipe
entry in a reader such as for frequent users), the customer swipes
a credit card through reader 12 for activation of the rental
process including activation of the vehicle starting key 13 (left
in the vehicle but which cannot start the vehicle unless an
interlock is activated). Device 14 transmits the customer-entered
information, including credit card information, to a central
billing and control data base. The device 14, further transmits
pre-entered vehicle identification information (such as VIN 20
contained on a dashboard 21 for visual identification), for direct
correlation with the customer entered information for use as a
security key and for subsequent billing and vehicle inventory
control. It is device 14 which further functions as a vehicle
locator and tracker within lot 100 by means of communication with
fixed position nodes 14a dispersed within the lot. The central data
base and/or device 14 transmits a valid activation with vehicle and
customer information to a check-out gate where identification is
checked on a terminal to ensure that an authorized user is removing
the vehicle from the vehicle lot. Device 14 transmits an approach
message which triggers a printer at a check-out gate to print out a
rental agreement for the driver with the previously entered
information and selected options. It is possible to utilize
separate devices 14 for the separate purposes of driver and vehicle
identification and function monitoring, with the former device
being removable for transfer to another vehicle once valid
identification has been established, such as at a check-out
gate.
[0041] When the vehicle is returned to lot 100 (or other computer
linked lot) a personalized welcome back sign 200 (FIG. 3) is
activated, device 14 transmits the memory stored information
relating to fuel fill status (as well as mileage and other usage
information) to the billing data base, which calculates the final
bill, charges the previously activated credit card charge, and
prints out a receipt for the payment with itemized charges at the
check in gate. The customer takes the receipt (or is handed the
receipt by a concierge) and simply leaves the vehicle in drop-off
section B of lot 100. Device 14 immediately transmits this location
information to the central data base for inventory control and
processing for re-rental with device 14 maintaining location
communication with the central data base during car washing (area
C) and ready area D, etc. Device 14 is powered by the vehicle
battery and maintains sufficient power for such constant location
communication.
[0042] It is understood that the above Example and discussion are
exemplary of the present invention and that changes in operative
procedure and components and the like are possible without
departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the
following claims.
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