Patent ID: 8370268
Filing Date: 2013-02-05
Classification: G06Q,G07B,G08G

Abstract:
1. A method for renting a vehicle, the method comprising: receiving a request for reservation from a user for a rental vehicle for a desired rental time via an internet or cellular connection; automatically determining by an on-board device of the rental vehicle availability of the rental vehicle upon receiving the request, wherein the availability is determined based on vehicle information as to the condition for rental of the rental vehicle for the desired rental time; automatically communicating the availability of the rental vehicle from the on-board device of the rental vehicle to a central control station; providing the availability of the rental vehicle to the user via the internet or cellular connection; reserving the rental vehicle for the user via the internet or cellular connection based on the availability; receiving at a vehicle controller of the rental vehicle an access authorization signal from the central control station; and transmitting from the vehicle controller to the rental vehicle's electronics an entry authorization signal instructing the rental vehicle's electronics to open one or more doors of the rental vehicle permitting the user to enter the rental vehicle.