Abstract:
A method for managing vehicle check in at an automotive service center comprising the steps of connecting a device to the diagnostic port of an unknown vehicle and, without user input to the device, automatically downloading vehicle identification data and odometer data from the vehicle, transferring the vehicle identification data and odometer data from the device to work station at the service center, wherein the work station include a database, programmatically populating the vehicle identification data and odometer data into the database, the work station retrieving information based on one or both of the vehicle identification data and the odometer; and displaying the retrieved data on one or both of a computer and a paper printout.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/435,670 filed May 5, 2009. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/435,670 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/015,114 filed Jan. 16, 2008, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/776,077 filed Jul. 11, 2007, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/077,437 filed Mar. 10, 2005, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/980,259 filed Nov. 3, 2004, which claims priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/516,931 filed Nov. 3, 2003. This application is also a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/581,423 filed Oct. 19, 2009. Each of the foregoing applications is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Modern day automotive vehicles include a diagnostic port, also known as an OBDII port. Various parameters regarding the vehicle are accessible from the diagnostic port. These parameters include odometer reading, fuel level and the like. 
         [0003]    Currently, most vehicles cannot be unlocked by utilizing the diagnostic port. Consequently, to date, it has not been possible for a central station to remotely unlock vehicles at remote locations which may be miles away from the central station. 
         [0004]    Modern vehicles also include a key fob having a mechanical button which, upon actuation, unlocks the vehicle. These key fobs, however, have only a very limited range, typically about 30 or 40 feet. Consequently, a central station cannot use the fobs to selectively unlock vehicles at more distant locations from the central station. 
         [0005]    In many situations, however, such as vehicle rental fleets, it is desirable to not only read the vehicle parameters at a central station, but also to selectively unlock the vehicles from the central station. For example, a central station may automatically read the vehicle parameters once a vehicle enters a rental return lot in order to compute the rental charges. 
         [0006]    In other situations, such as a vehicle share fleet, vehicles are parked after use in various locations. Thereafter, a user deciding to rent a vehicle contacts the base station which runs the fleet to determine the location of a nearby shared vehicle in the fleet. The base station determines the location of a nearby vehicle and conveys that information to the user. 
         [0007]    Even though the base station may transmit the location of a nearby vehicle to the user, it is still necessary for the authorized user to obtain the keys necessary to operate the vehicle. Although the base station may read and provide certain data to the vehicle through the diagnostic port, at present most vehicles may not be unlocked through the diagnostic port. 
         [0008]    Consequently, in these situations it has been necessary to provide or deliver the keys for the automotive vehicle to the authorized user or otherwise provide special access to the keys to the user. 
         [0009]    In addition, vehicle check in at an automotive service center, such as dealership, is a labor intensive, and therefore costly, routine for the service center. Typically, the vehicle identification data, or VIN, is first manually obtained from the vehicle. This VIN is typically contained on a stamped plate visible through the windshield of the vehicle. 
         [0010]    The service advisor then also obtains the odometer reading from the vehicle. Armed with both the VIN as well as the odometer reading, the service center advisor is able to obtain the recommended maintenance for the vehicle through maintenance manuals contained at the service center or, alternatively, through a manual look up on the Web. 
         [0011]    The service center may also check to see whether any warranty repairs are also required for the vehicle. This is typically accomplished by reference to a warranty folder or binder also maintained at the service center or, alternatively, through a manual look up on the Web. 
         [0012]    Since the above-described procedure for vehicle check in at an automotive service center is both labor intensive and time consuming, the vehicle check in adds significantly to the overall cost of automotive repairs performed on the vehicle. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0013]    This disclosure provides a system for managing a fleet of vehicles which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the previously known devices. 
         [0014]    In brief, an implementation comprises a control circuit which is mounted to the vehicle and electrically connected to the diagnostic or OBDII port in the automotive vehicle. This control circuit preferably includes a program processor. 
         [0015]    In an implementation a radio receiver receives radio signals from a remote base station. That receiver can have an output connected as an input signal to the control circuit. 
         [0016]    The system may further include a key fob which is associated with the automotive vehicle. The key fob includes a mechanical button which, upon activation, transmits a radio signal over a relatively short distance to unlock the vehicle associated with that fob. An electromechanical actuator is then connected to an output from the control circuit so that, upon activation of the electromechanical actuator by the control circuit, the electromechanical actuator activates the fob button to unlock the vehicle doors. 
         [0017]    In operation, essentially all vehicles come with two key fobs, each of which operate in the same fashion, but may have a means, such as an RFID tag, to distinguish between the two fobs. After a vehicle has been used, one key fob is left within the vehicle, e.g. in the glove compartment, and the vehicle is then locked. 
         [0018]    When a subsequent user desires to use a vehicle, the user contacts the base station to determine the location of a nearby vehicle. Any conventional means, such as text messaging over a cell phone, may be utilized to communicate between the user and the base station. 
         [0019]    After the user has contacted the base station to indicate a desire to rent a nearby vehicle, the base station, after verifying that the user is in fact an authorized user, determines the location of a nearby automotive vehicle. This may be done, for example, by a GPS unit on the vehicle which, upon command, transmits the location of the vehicle to the base station. That location is then transmitted to the authorized end user. 
         [0020]    After the authorized end user locates the vehicle, the authorized end user again contacts the base station that the vehicle has been located. The base station then transmits a radio signal to the radio receiver. The radio receiver, in turn, generates an output signal to the control circuit which then generates an output signal to activate the electromechanical actuator to activate the fob button and unlock the vehicle doors. The user may then locate the second key fob within the interior of the vehicle and operate the vehicle as desired. Alternatively, the vehicle may be unlocked through the diagnostic port. 
         [0021]    After the authorized user is finished using the vehicle, the authorized user locks the second fob within the vehicle and then contacts the base station to indicate that the use of the vehicle has been completed. The base station periodically acquires the vehicle information that has been monitored from the diagnostic port in order to compute the appropriate charges for the transaction. 
         [0022]    In addition, in the event that the user leaves the vehicle after the use has been completed and takes the key fob with him or her, an RFID reader generates an output signal to the control circuit. The control circuit then transmits a signal through its radio transmitter to the central station indicating that the key fob has been removed from the vehicle. The central station may then immediately contact the last authorized user, e.g. through text messaging, to have the last user return the key fob to the vehicle. 
         [0023]    In an implementation, a method is provided for managing a vehicle check in at an automotive service center. 
         [0024]    In an implementation, a handheld device is connected to the diagnostic port on the automotive vehicle. The handheld device downloads data from the diagnostic port and first identifies the proper protocol to communicate to the vehicle. Once identified, the handheld device downloads the vehicle identification number (VIN), odometer data, and diagnostic codes, if any, from the vehicle. 
         [0025]    In an implementation, the handheld device then transmits the downloaded data from the vehicle to a receiver at the service center. That receiver is coupled to a computer which is programmed to receive the data from the handheld device. Once received, the service center computer may transmit a warranty/maintenance request to a remote computer to obtain all warranty/maintenance and extended warranty contracts that are recommended for the vehicle as a function of the VIN, odometer data and diagnostic codes, if any. Once that information is obtained, the service center computer prints a report containing the recommended service and dealer-specific pricing for that service, and extended warranty contracts with pricing for that vehicle. 
         [0026]    In an implementation, the warranty/maintenance data is maintained in a database at the service center. Consequently, after receipt of the VIN, odometer data, and diagnostic codes, if any, from the vehicle, the service center computer accesses the warranty/maintenance database at the service center to obtain the recommended service or repair information for the vehicle. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0027]    A better understanding will be had upon reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawing, wherein like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which: 
           [0028]      FIG. 1  is a diagrammatic view of an embodiment; 
           [0029]      FIG. 2  is a block diagrammatic view of an embodiment; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3  is a block diagrammatic view illustrating an apparatus to carry out the method according to an embodiment; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a handheld device; and 
           [0032]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a service center computer. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0033]    With reference first to  FIG. 1 , a diagrammatic view of an implementation of a system  10  for managing a fleet of automotive vehicles  12  is illustrated diagrammatically. As depicted, the system  10  includes a central station  14  which communicates with the automotive vehicles  12  by radio through a radio antenna  16 . In an implementation, the vehicles  12 , furthermore, may be at a known location, e.g. a rental vehicle return lot, or may be at various locations remote from the central station  14 . 
         [0034]    With reference now to  FIG. 2 , a control circuit  20  may be associated with each of the vehicles  12 . In an implementation, the control circuit  20  may include a processor  22  such as a microprocessor, which electronically communicates with a diagnostic or OBDII port  24  on the vehicle through a vehicle communication interface  26 . The processor  22 , under control of a program contained in memory  28 , may access various parameters for the vehicle. In an implementation, these parameters include, for example, odometer reading, fuel tank level, and the like. 
         [0035]    In an implementation, the control circuit may include a global positioning system (GPS) circuit  30  which provides an output signal to the processor  22  indicative of the current position of the control circuit  20 . Such GPS systems  30  are conventional in construction so that a further description thereof is unnecessary. 
         [0036]    In an implementation, the control circuit  20  communicates with the central station  14  ( FIG. 1 ) through a radio transceiver  32  which may, for example, comprise a cellular telephone. The transceiver  32  provides input signals to the processor  22  under program control and, similarly, under program control transmits signals back to the base station  14 . 
         [0037]    Most automotive vehicles come with two separate key fobs  40 . One key fob  40  is mounted to the control circuit  20  at a fixed location. This key fob  40  includes a mechanical button  42  which, upon depression, unlocks the vehicle doors. The key with the second key fob  41  is used by the driver to operate the vehicle. 
         [0038]    An electromechanical actuator  44  is associated with the key fob  40  and has a movable member  46  which registers with the key fob button  42 . Consequently, upon actuation of the electromechanical actuator  44 , the member  46  extends and actuates the button  42  to unlock the vehicle. 
         [0039]    The processor  22  controls the operation of the electromechanical actuator  44  through a control  48 . Consequently, under program control by the processor  22 , the processor  22  may selectively actuate the electromechanical fob button  42  to unlock the vehicle upon receipt of the appropriate command from the central station  14 . Optionally the processor  22  may generate an enabling signal which enables normal operation of the vehicle. For example, the vehicle operation may be disrupted until receipt of the enabling signal. 
         [0040]    Many fobs include an RFID tag  50  so that the vehicle may detect the presence of the key fob  40  when the key fob  40  is relatively near the vehicle. The RFID tag  50 , however, typically differs not only between different vehicles, but also between the two fobs associated with a single vehicle. 
         [0041]    An active RFID sensor  52  detects the presence or absence of the second key fob  40  used by the driver to operate the automotive vehicle. The RFID sensor  52  provides a signal to the processor  22 . Other types of sensors, however, may alternatively be used to detect the presence or absence of the key fob  40 . For example, a key fob receptacle may be provided which detects the physical presence or absence of the key fob. 
         [0042]    In an implementation, the system manages a fleet of automotive vehicles in a rental car fleet. The rental car fleet may be maintained when not in use in a known rental fleet lot or, alternatively, the unused rental vehicles may be parked at various locations around the city waiting for the next subsequent user. In this case, the second key fob  41  with its key to operate the vehicle is locked inside of the vehicle  12 . 
         [0043]    An authorized user may then contact the central station to request the rental of a vehicle in any conventional fashion. For example, text messaging through a cellular telephone may be used to request the availability of a nearby automotive vehicle for rent. 
         [0044]    Upon receipt of the request by the central station, the central station determines the location of a nearby rental vehicle by accessing the GPS data for that vehicle. Such GPS data is preferably obtained through the transceiver by the central station  14  at the termination of an authorized use of the vehicle by an authorized user. That location is then stored at the central station  14  in an appropriate computer record. 
         [0045]    Alternatively, upon receipt of a request for an automotive vehicle from an authorized user, the central station  14  may query rental vehicles through the transceiver  32  and processor  22  of the current location of the vehicle through the GPS system  30 . In either case, the location of a nearby vehicle is determined and that information is then conveyed to the authorized user in any conventional fashion, such as through text messaging. 
         [0046]    Once the authorized user locates the vehicle, the authorized user again contacts the central station  14  to indicate that the vehicle has been found. At that time, the central station  14  transmits a radio signal to the transceiver  32 . That radio signal is processed under program control by the processor  22  which then generates an activation command to the electromechanical actuator  44  through the control  48 . Upon doing so, the electromechanical actuator  44  pushes or activates the fob button  42  to unlock the vehicle. The authorized user then finds the second or other key fob within the interior of the vehicle, e.g. in the glove compartment, and then utilizes the vehicle as desired. 
         [0047]    At the conclusion of the rental period by the authorized user, the authorized user again locks the second key fob within the interior of the car and contacts the central station  14  to indicate that rental of the vehicle is no longer required. At that time, the central station  14  communicates through the transceiver  32  with the control circuit  20  to determine the various vehicle parameters, such as odometer, fuel level, and the like, through the diagnostic port  24 . Such parameters may then be utilized by the central station to prepare the appropriate rental charges for the vehicle. 
         [0048]    In order for the system to operate smoothly, it is necessary that the authorized user lock the second fob  41  with the key in the interior of the vehicle following the rental use by that user. However, in some cases, the authorized user may forget to lock the key fob  41  with the key within the vehicle and, instead, inadvertently take the key fob  41  with him or her. 
         [0049]    In that situation, the RFID sensor  52  at the conclusion of the rental period will detect the presence or absence of the second key fob  41  by reading or attempting to read the RFID tag  50  on the second key fob  41 . In the event that the RFID sensor  52  is unable to do so, an output signal is provided to the processor  22 . The processor  22  then transmits a signal to the central station  14  through the transceiver  32  that the key fob has been removed from the vehicle at the end of the rental period. When this occurs, the central station  14  may immediately contact the last authorized user, e.g. by text messaging, to instruct that authorized user to return the key fob to the vehicle. 
         [0050]    From the foregoing, it can be seen that the disclosed system provides a simple and yet highly effective system for managing a fleet of automotive vehicles which is particularly useful for a shared automotive vehicle fleet. 
         [0051]    Now with reference to  FIG. 3 , an automotive vehicle  110  (illustrated only diagrammatically) arrives at a service center  112  for repair or maintenance. The service center  112  may comprise, for example, an automotive dealership, automotive repair center, or the like. 
         [0052]    A handheld device  114  is then electrically connected by service center personnel to the diagnostic port  116  for the vehicle. This diagnostic port  116  is generally present on all modern vehicles and is of a standard configuration. With reference now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , after insertion of the handheld device  114  into the diagnostic port  116  at step  120 , the diagnostic tool  114 , which preferably includes a processor of some sort, identifies the protocol to communicate with the vehicle at step  122 . Once the communication protocol is identified at step  122 , the handheld device  114  proceeds to step  124 . At step  124  the handheld device  114  downloads the vehicle identification number (VIN) and then proceeds to step  126  where the odometer information is downloaded from the vehicle. Step  126  then proceeds to step  128  where the diagnostic codes, if any, are downloaded by the handheld device  114  through the diagnostic port  116 . 
         [0053]    With reference now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , after the information has been downloaded into the handheld device  114 , the handheld device  114  transmits via a transmitter  130  contained in the handheld device  114  to a radio receiver  132  at the service center  112  as indicated at step  134  ( FIG. 4 ). The handheld device  114  is then disconnected from the diagnostic port  116  at step  136 . 
         [0054]    Although as described above, all of the relevant information, i.e. the VIN, odometer data, and diagnostic codes, if any, are downloaded and then transmitted by the handheld device  114  to the radio receiver  132 , alternatively, the handheld device  114  may transmit data that has already been downloaded from the vehicle  110  while simultaneously downloading further data from the vehicle  110 . Furthermore, any means of transmission, such as Wi-Fi, may be utilized to communicate wirelessly between the handheld device  114  and the receiver  132 . 
         [0055]    With reference now to  FIGS. 3 and 5 , at step  150  the receiver communicates the data received from the handheld device  114  to a computer  38  at the service center  112 . Upon receipt of the data from the receiver1  32 , the computer  138  is programmed to generate an output signal to a remote computer  140  via a communication line  142 , such as the World Wide Web, requesting any warranty/maintenance/service contract recommendations for the particular vehicle and with the particular odometer data at step  152 . The remote computer  140 , for example, may be maintained by the automotive manufacturer so that the automotive manufacturer may update any warranty information or maintenance information for access by multiple dealerships. As such, the information received by the computer  38  from the remote computer  140  would typically constitute the most up-to-date information regarding warranty or maintenance for the particular vehicle as well as repair information for any diagnostic code, if any. 
         [0056]    With reference now particularly to  FIG. 3 , alternatively, the computer  138  at the service center  112  would obtain the recommended warranty/maintenance information, as well as any repair information or any diagnostic codes received from the vehicle  10 , from a database  144  at the service center  112 . 
         [0057]    Referring again to  FIGS. 3 and 5 , after the computer  138  has received the recommended maintenance/warranty data as well as any recommended repairs as a function of the diagnostic codes, the computer  138  prints a work order on a printer  146  at step  154 . In practice, the programmed computer  138  begins the printing of the work order on the printer  146  in a very short time, typically less than one minute, after the handheld tool  114  is connected to the diagnostic port  116 . 
         [0058]    The computer  138  may also update the maintenance/repair records for the particular vehicle. 
         [0059]    A method in accordance with an implementation includes the steps of mounting an information module in a vehicle, connecting the module to the data bus of the vehicle gathering rental information from the data bus, sending rental information taken from the data bus to a remote station and calculating the rental charge for the vehicle using the rental information sent from the information module. Additionally, the system includes charging the customer for the rental and providing a receipt. 
         [0060]    Thus is provided a fully automated and inexpensive information retrieval and delivery system for rental vehicles. The system permits the elimination of check-in attendants and ensures the accuracy of the delivery of information. The speed of rental check in is increased and vehicle maintenance problems are reduced by obtaining accurate information on such things as oil level, tire pressure and contained in diagnostic trouble codes. 
         [0061]    In an implementation, an automated check-in system for a vehicle at a service facility such as a dealership or repair shop. The system includes a handheld information module which has a wire lead with a connector adapted for connection to the diagnostic port of a vehicle. The information module has a housing which holds information gathering device or processor, and wireless transmission device in similar fashion as described for the previous embodiment. As above, the processor gathers necessary information for the vehicle check in including the vehicle identification number, mileage, fuel level in the fuel tank and diagnostic data from the port. As described above, the inventors have provided a fully automated and inexpensive information retrieval and delivery system for rental vehicles. Accordingly, as such is fully automated, this provides means for electrically and automatically acquiring information from the OEM computer of a vehicle. It is to be appreciated, based on the foregoing disclosure, that such means may include a database that includes a plurality of predetermined protocols and an information collection means for electrically and automatically identifying a protocol from the predetermined protocols that handshakes with a protocol specific to the vehicle such that the information collector can automatically obtain the information without manual input. 
         [0062]    This information is relayed by the wireless transmission device to a receiving station. The receiving station has a receiver and a CPU which places the information in a file for the vehicle from which the work order to process the vehicle can be produced. The information module may also be provided with a keyboard for entry of other information such as type of service which is requested by the customer and in the case of older vehicles information which is not provided automatically through the data bus.