Abstract:
A vehicle key system and method which reduces problems with key management, distribution, and collection. The system includes a computer for completing a vehicle rental transaction involving one of a plurality of different vehicles, for determining an encrypted code associated with a vehicle security system of the one vehicle, and for storing the encrypted code in a reusable programmable key to limit use of the key to operating the one vehicle during a rental period defined by the vehicle rental transaction.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
       [0001]    At present, vehicle rental companies and their customers are challenged with key management, distribution, and collection. Each vehicle has its own unique key, which may include a conventional metal key, a metal key with a built-in security chip, or a wireless key. 
         [0002]    Therefore, it would be desirable to provide an improved vehicle key system and method which simplifies key management, distribution, and collection. It would also be desirable to provide an improved vehicle key system and method which facilitates key distribution via multiple types of service channels, including, for example, assisted service, self-service, and mobile channels. 
       SUMMARY  
       [0003]    A vehicle key system and method is provided. 
         [0004]    The system includes a computer for completing a vehicle rental transaction involving one of a plurality of different vehicles, for determining an encrypted code associated with a vehicle security system of the one vehicle, and for storing the encrypted code in a reusable programmable key to limit use of the key to operating the one vehicle during a rental period defined by the vehicle rental transaction. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
         [0005]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram including an example vehicle key system. 
           [0006]      FIG. 2  is a flow diagram illustrating a first example key distribution method. 
           [0007]      FIG. 3  is a flow diagram illustrating a second example key distribution method. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0008]    With reference to  FIG. 1 , example system  10  primarily includes computer  12 . 
         [0009]    Computer  12  executes transaction software  14  for completing a vehicle rental transaction involving an automobile or other motor vehicle  44 . Transaction software  14  additionally programs vehicle key  20  for use with vehicle security system  40  so that a rental customer may operate vehicle  44 . Transaction software  14  may additionally offer upgrades to more expensive vehicles that are available. Since keys  20  are programmable, there is no need to organize or search for keys. Transaction software  14  obtains an encrypted code associated with vehicle security system  40  from host computer  30  and stores the encrypted code within key  20 . 
         [0010]    Computer  12  includes a processor, memory, display, input device, and peripherals for completing vehicle rental transactions. The display and input device may be combined as a touch screen. An example peripheral includes a card reader for reading credit and other payment cards and code reader/writer  16  for reading and programming key  20 . 
         [0011]    Code reader/writer  16  may include a wired or wireless device. An example wireless device includes a near field communication (NFC) reader/writer. Code reader/writer  16  may be connected to computer  12  through a wired connection, such as a universal serial bus (USB) connection. Code reader/writer  16  may alternatively be integrated within computer  12 . 
         [0012]    Computer  12  may include many different types of computing devices. For example, computer  12  may include an assisted-service transaction terminal, typically located in a vehicle rental office. Alternatively, computer  12  may include a self-service transaction terminal or kiosk, which may also be located in a vehicle rental office. As yet another alternative, computer  12  may include a portable computing device, which gives vehicle rental employees the freedom to complete assisted-service vehicle rental transactions anywhere within vehicle rental locations. 
         [0013]    As yet another alternative, computer  12  may include one or more computers at the same or different locations. For example, computer  12  may include a web server capable of completing an on-line transaction through an Internet or other network connection with a remote computer  18 , and an in-store computer for programming key  20 . 
         [0014]    As another example, computer  12  may include a self-service computer, such as a kiosk, in an airport for completing a transaction, and a portable computer at a vehicle location for programming key  20 . 
         [0015]    Key  20  may be a card, key fob, token, or other tangible portable device. Key  20  communicates with vehicle security system  40  to lock and unlock vehicle doors, to start an engine or motor of vehicle  44 , to lock and unlock vehicle steering columns, and to lock and unlock interior storage bins, such as glove boxes. Other uses are also envisioned. 
         [0016]    Key  20  includes communication and control circuitry  22  and memory  24 . Communication and control circuitry  22  receives an encrypted code from computer  12  and stores the encrypted code in memory  24 . Communication and control circuitry  22  may also send the encrypted code to computer  12 . Transaction software  14  may then request that host computer  30  verify that the code stored in memory  24  is the correct code for vehicle security system  40 . 
         [0017]    Key  20  may be a wired or wireless device. For example, key  20  may include NFC capability. Key  20  may derive power from code reader/writers  16  and  42  or optionally a battery  26 . Key  20  may be a passive device. 
         [0018]    Memory  24  may include static or dynamic rewritable memory. A rewritable memory offers the advantage of eliminating a permanent association between a particular key  20  and vehicle security system  40 . Any key  20  not involved in a current vehicle rental transaction may be cleared of its encrypted code or reprogrammed with another encrypted code associated with another vehicle security system  40 . Following the rental period agreed upon in the rental transaction, which may be construed as the return of vehicle  44  and key  20 , key  20  may be stored in a bin with other keys  20  until it is selected for use in a subsequent vehicle rental transaction. 
         [0019]    Host computer  30  may be located on or off site from a vehicle rental location. Host computer  30  executes code management software  32  for storing, retrieving, and encrypting unique codes associated with vehicle security systems  40 . Computer  12  may be coupled to host computer  30  via wired or wireless network connections, or a combination of the both. The functions of computer  12  and host computer  30  may be combined into one computer. 
         [0020]    In one example embodiment, customers obtain keys  20  from vehicle rental locations. During an assisted-service transaction, a customer may obtain a programmed key  20  from an employee. During a self-service transaction, a customer may obtain an available unprogrammed key  20  from an employee or an adjacent bin and program it using self-service transaction terminal  20 . During a transaction with a roaming employee, a customer may obtain a programmed key  20  from the roaming employee. Following an on-line transaction, transaction software  14  may issue the customer with credentials for obtaining key  20  upon arrival at the vehicle rental location. The customer may obtain a programmed key  20  using any of the methods identified in this paragraph. 
         [0021]    In another example embodiment, some customers, such as loyalty customers, may go straight to their assigned vehicles and find programmed keys  20  there. 
         [0022]    In yet another example embodiment, some customers, such as loyalty customers, may retain keys  20 . Transaction software  14  reprograms such keys  20  during each vehicle rental transaction. 
         [0023]    Vehicle security system  40  controls one or more functions related to the security of a vehicle, which may include controlling electronic ignition, electric door locks, transmission position, and alarms. Vehicle security system  40  obtains an encrypted code from key  20 , decrypts the code using an encryption key, which may include a sequence of numbers used to encrypt or decrypt vehicle codes, and compares it a reference code stored within a memory of vehicle computer system  40 . If the codes match, vehicle computer system  40  disables alarms, releases door locks, permits starting of the vehicle, and permits placing the transmission in gear. If the codes do not match, then a security violation has occurred. A legitimate customer whose key  20  has a code that does not match must reprogram key  20 , have it reprogrammed, or obtain a new key  20 . 
         [0024]    Vehicle security system  40  uses code reader/writer  42  to communicate with key  20 . Code reader/writer  42  may include a wired or wireless device. For example, code reader/writer  42  may include an NFC reader/writer. Code reader/writer  42  may be connected to vehicle security system  40  through a wired connection, such as a universal serial bus (USB) connection. Code reader/writer  42  may alternatively be integrated within vehicle security system  40 . 
         [0025]    Vehicle security system  40  may also communicate directly with host computer  30 . In one example embodiment, vehicle security system  40  may communicate with host computer  30  over a cellular connection to security information within vehicle security system, such as encryption key updates. For this purpose, host computer  30  and vehicle security system  40  would include cellular communication circuitry. 
         [0026]    With reference to  FIG. 2 , an example method of operation is illustrated. This method involves a customer who is located at a vehicle rental facility and completes either an assisted-service or self-service transaction. 
         [0027]    In step  50 , transaction software  14  provides a start screen. The start screen may include a web page. A customer or employee chooses an option to begin a new transaction. 
         [0028]    In step  52 , transaction software  14  displays a screen for entering customer information. 
         [0029]    In step  54 , transaction software  14  records customer information, including customer name, address, and travel itinerary. Customers may provide loyalty or club membership information during this step. 
         [0030]    In step  56 , transaction software  14  displays a screen containing choices of available vehicles and prices. 
         [0031]    In step  58 , transaction software  14  records a choice for a vehicle. 
         [0032]    In step  60 , transaction software  14  optionally displays an upgrade offer and records a customer acceptance or rejection of the upgrade offer. 
         [0033]    In step  62 , transaction software  14  displays a payment screen with payment options, including insurance options. 
         [0034]    In step  64 , transaction software  14  records customer payment. 
         [0035]    In step  66 , transaction software  14  obtains an encrypted code associated with the chosen vehicle from host computer  30 . 
         [0036]    In step  68 , transaction software  14  displays a screen containing instructions for programming key  20 . 
         [0037]    In step  70 , transaction software  14  causes code reader/writer  16  to program key  20  with the encrypted code. 
         [0038]    In step  72 , transaction software  14  displays a final screen indicating that the transaction is complete. 
         [0039]    With reference to  FIG. 3 , another example method of operation is illustrated involving an on-line customer. 
         [0040]    In step  80 , transaction software  14  displays a start screen. The customer connects to the vehicle rental facility web site and begins a vehicle rental transaction. 
         [0041]    In step  82 , transaction software  14  displays a screen for entering customer information. 
         [0042]    In step  84 , transaction software  14  records customer information, including customer name, address, and travel itinerary. 
         [0043]    In step  86 , transaction software  14  displays a screen containing choices of available vehicles and prices. 
         [0044]    In step  88 , transaction software  14  records a choice for a vehicle. 
         [0045]    In step  90 , transaction software  14  optionally displays an upgrade offer and records a customer acceptance or rejection of the upgrade offer. 
         [0046]    In step  92 , transaction software  14  displays a payment screen with payment options, including insurance options. 
         [0047]    In step  94 , transaction software  14  records customer payment. 
         [0048]    In step  96 , transaction software  14  issues the customer a confirmation number or other credentials indicating that the customer has completed a vehicle rental transaction. 
         [0049]    The customer completes the remainder of steps during a subsequent visit to a vehicle rental facility using an assisted-service or full-service computer  12 . 
         [0050]    In step  98 , transaction software  14  provides a start screen. 
         [0051]    In step  100 , transaction software  14  displays a screen for entering customer information. 
         [0052]    In step  102 , transaction software  14  records customer information, including the confirmation number. 
         [0053]    In step  104 , transaction software  14  looks up the reservation information associated with the confirmation number. 
         [0054]    In step  106 , transaction software  14  obtains an encrypted code associated with the chosen vehicle from host computer  30 . 
         [0055]    In step  108 , transaction software  14  displays a screen containing instructions for programming key  20 . 
         [0056]    In step  110 , transaction software  14  causes code reader/writer  16  to program key  20  with the encrypted code. 
         [0057]    In step  112 , transaction software  14  displays a final screen indicating that the transaction is complete. 
         [0058]    Although particular reference has been made to certain embodiments, variations and modifications are also envisioned within the spirit and scope of the following claims.