Mobile Rental Vehicle Pickup With Keyless Access Authorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current rental vehicle transaction processes are inefficient and inconvenient, particularly in the use of mobile devices for supporting rental vehicle transactions, as they lack streamlined automation and keyless access solutions.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device-based system that enables automated pickup of rental vehicles by wirelessly communicating a driver's license image, receiving authorization data, and using sensors to unlock and start the vehicle, eliminating the need for physical keys and enhancing user interaction through mobile applications and remote computer systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional rental vehicle transaction processes are used with physical keys and manual verification, then security and authorization control are maintained, but convenience and transaction efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key system with an electronic access system. The mobile device transmits electronic signals (via RFID, NFC, or other wireless communication) to electronically unlock the vehicle, eliminating the need for physical keys. This substitution dramatically improves convenience and reduces transaction time while maintaining security through electronic authorization verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service rental vehicle pickup by allowing customers to independently complete the authorization and access process using their mobile devices. The automated verification of driver's license images and reservation data, combined with electronic key delivery, allows customers to pick up vehicles without manual intervention from rental staff, significantly reducing transaction processing time.
2Productivity
If manual verification and key distribution processes are used, then security control is maintained, but automation and efficiency improve
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device serves multiple functions: it stores the driver's license image, communicates with the reservation system for authorization, and acts as an electronic key for vehicle access. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems (verification system, communication system, and key system) into a single universal device, improving efficiency without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a remote computer system as an intermediary that automatically verifies driver's license images and authorization data. This intermediary handles the complex verification processes, allowing the mobile device and vehicle access system to communicate efficiently without requiring complex direct integration between all components.
3Ease of operation
If physical keys are used for vehicle access, then simplicity and reliability are maintained, but convenience and keyless access deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device creates an electronic copy or representation of the traditional key function. Rather than using a physical metal key, the system uses electronic signals transmitted from the mobile device to unlock the vehicle. This electronic copy maintains the essential function of key access while enabling keyless convenience, and reliability is ensured through authorized electronic verification processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A number of techniques are disclosed for making it more convenient and efficient for customers to conduct various rental vehicle transactions. As an example, a technique for performing an automated pickup of a rental vehicle using a mobile device is disclosed. As another example, a technique for performing an automated return administration of a rental vehicle using a mobile device is disclosed. As another example, a technique for permitting customer to select a particular rental vehicle for a rental vehicle transaction using a mobile device is disclosed. Also disclosed is a technique for permitting a customer to keylessly start a rental vehicle using a machine-sensible item such as his/her mobile device without requiring the customer to possess a smart key.