Vehicle Access Communicator for Remote Rental Infrastructure Reduction
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle rental systems require significant infrastructure investments for remote access, tracking, and communication, limiting competition and increasing costs due to the need for built-in cellular or wireless infrastructure, GPS, and ground-based communications systems.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing existing cellular, internet, and GPS functionality from users' portable electronic devices to provide secure access to rental vehicles, tracking, and monitoring, with a vehicle access communicator (VAC) that connects to vehicles via diagnostic ports and uses Bluetooth or USB connections for data exchange, enabling secure access and control without the need for extensive onboard infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rental systems use built-in cellular or wireless infrastructure, GPS, and ground-based communications systems for remote access and tracking, then vehicle security and tracking capability are improved, but infrastructure complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the user's existing portable electronic device (smartphone, tablet, or laptop) to perform authentication and vehicle access functions. The vehicle access communicator leverages the communication capabilities already present in the user's device, eliminating the need for separate built-in cellular or wireless infrastructure in the vehicle. This self-service approach reduces infrastructure complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable electronic device serves multiple functions: it acts as both the user interface for the rental system and the communication device for vehicle access. By using a universal device that the user already possesses, the system eliminates the need for dedicated vehicle-mounted communication systems, thereby reducing infrastructure complexity while maintaining reliable vehicle security and tracking.
2Productivity
If conventional rental systems implement automated vehicle access and tracking systems, then operational efficiency is improved, but capital investment and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages the user's existing portable electronic device and its built-in communication capabilities to handle authentication and vehicle access. This eliminates the need for expensive dedicated hardware installations in vehicles and reduces capital investment while maintaining automated operational efficiency. The user's device effectively serves as the authentication and communication tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle access communicator acts as an intermediary that bridges the rental system and the vehicle without requiring expensive built-in infrastructure. It uses the user's portable electronic device as a mediator for communication and authentication, reducing capital investment while maintaining automated operational efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If conventional systems require check-in at rental counters with clerks or automated kiosks, then vehicle access control is improved, but labor costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to access vehicles autonomously using their portable electronic devices for authentication. The vehicle access communicator automatically verifies credentials and grants access without requiring interaction with clerks or automated kiosks. This eliminates the need for physical rental counters and associated operational complexity while maintaining secure vehicle access control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts the authentication and access control functions from physical rental counters and relocates them to the user's portable electronic device. This removes the need for clerks and complex kiosk systems, simplifying operations while maintaining secure vehicle access control.
Data Source
AI summary
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.