REMOTE VEHICLE RENTAL SYSTEMS AND METHODS

摘要

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.

主权项

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.