Patent ID: 9442888
Filing Date: 2016-09-13
CPC Classification: B60N,B60Q,E05B,F02N,G06F,G08G

Claim Text:
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: receiving, by a processor of a computing device in the vehicle, an indication signal from a fleet manager server, the indication signal specifying the vehicle is available for reservation; providing, by a visual indicator arranged on the vehicle such that the visual indicator is visible to the user outside of the vehicle, a visual indication that the vehicle is available for use based on the indication signal such that the user outside of the vehicle can ascertain the availability of the vehicle; receiving, by the processor, identification information of a user proximal the vehicle; verifying the user as a driver of the vehicle; receiving, by the processor, from the fleet manager server, a command to enable access to the vehicle for the user in response to the verification of the user as the driver of the vehicle; enabling, by the processor, in response to the command received from the fleet manager server, access to the vehicle for the user; and after enabling access to the vehicle, changing, by the processor, the visual indicator such that the visual indication is that the vehicle is unavailable for use.