Patent ID: 7042333
Filing Date: 2006-05-09
Classification: B60R,G06Q,G07C

Abstract:
1. An access control system for a fleet of vehicles comprising: a plurality of vehicle keys having an embedded communication circuit, each communication circuit being programmable for a vehicle operator; an access control workstation including a central computer having means for inputting information to the central computer and means for outputting information from the central computer; and a read and write mechanism coupled to the central computer, wherein the central computer is operable to electronically communicate with the embedded communication circuit of each of the plurality of vehicle keys and to program each of a plurality of operator's keys with at least a first digital signal, and further wherein the central computer is operable to enable at least two of the plurality of operator's keys to gain access to an operating system of at least one work vehicle of the fleet of vehicles, wherein the workstation is operable to electronically receive and record digital data indicative of characteristics of the at least one work vehicle from a first vehicle master key, and to subsequently enroll the at least one work vehicle into the fleet.