US6006148A — Automated vehicle return system

Claim 1

Independent Claim 135 words

An automated vehicle return system, comprising: a vehicle including vehicle monitoring circuitry for monitoring parameters relating to the status of the vehicle; a wireless transmitter which may be coupled to the vehicle, the transmitter operative to transmit data relating to the status of the vehicle; and at least one base station positioned within a geographic region representing a vehicle return zone, the at least one base station including a receiver for receiving the data transmitted by the vehicle when the vehicle enters the vehicle return zone, the at least one base station transmitting a polling signal within the vehicle return zone to trigger the vehicle monitoring circuitry to transmit the vehicle status data; wherein the at least one base station forwards the received data to a host computer which is operative to process the data.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 135 words

An automated vehicle return system, comprising: a vehicle including vehicle monitoring circuitry for monitoring parameters relating to the status of the vehicle; a wireless transmitter which may be coupled to the vehicle, the transmitter operative to transmit data relating to the status of the vehicle; and at least one base station positioned within a geographic region representing a vehicle return zone, the at least one base station including a receiver for receiving the data transmitted by the vehicle when the vehicle enters the vehicle return zone, the at least one base station transmitting a polling signal within the vehicle return zone to trigger the vehicle monitoring circuitry to transmit the vehicle status data; wherein the at least one base station forwards the received data to a host computer which is operative to process the data.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 32 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle further includes voice circuitry for audibly communicating at least a portion of the data relating to the status of the vehicle.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 15 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 1, wherein the data includes vehicle mileage data.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 15 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 1, wherein the data includes vehicle fuel data.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 22 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 1, wherein the data includes time data relating to the time the vehicle was returned.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 37 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 1, wherein the vehicle monitoring circuitry is tied to components within the vehicle, the monitoring circuitry being operative to collect the data relating to the vehicle from the respective components.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 27 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 6, wherein the components within the vehicle include at least one of a fuel gauge, an odometer, and a speedometer.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 45 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 3, wherein the vehicle includes a vehicle mileage assembly operative to measure vehicle mileage, the vehicle monitoring circuitry being tied to the vehicle mileage assembly, the vehicle monitoring circuitry being operative to collect data relating to vehicle mileage.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 47 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 4, wherein the vehicle includes a fuel gauge assembly operative to measure vehicle fuel level, the vehicle monitoring circuitry being tied to the fuel gauge assembly, the vehicle monitoring circuitry being operative to collect data relating to vehicle fuel level.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 25 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 1, wherein the host computer polls the vehicle via the at least one base station at predetermined intervals.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 77 words

A vehicle monitoring circuit, comprising: a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; an RF circuit coupled to the processor, the RF circuit including a transceiver for transmitting and receiving wireless communication; wherein the vehicle monitoring circuit is coupled to vehicle components, the vehicle monitoring circuit operative to collect vehicle data via the vehicle components and wirelessly transmit the vehicle data to a destination device upon being polled by the destination device within a vehicle return zone.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 77 words

A vehicle monitoring circuit, comprising: a processor; a memory coupled to the processor; an RF circuit coupled to the processor, the RF circuit including a transceiver for transmitting and receiving wireless communication; wherein the vehicle monitoring circuit is coupled to vehicle components, the vehicle monitoring circuit operative to collect vehicle data via the vehicle components and wirelessly transmit the vehicle data to a destination device upon being polled by the destination device within a vehicle return zone.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 38 words

The vehicle monitoring circuit of claim 11, wherein the monitoring circuit is tied to a speed sensor assembly of the vehicle, the monitoring circuit being operative to collect data from the speed sensor assembly relating to vehicle speed.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 38 words

The vehicle monitoring circuit of claim 11, wherein the monitoring circuit is tied to a vehicle mileage assembly of the vehicle, the monitoring circuit being operative to collect data from the vehicle mileage assembly relating to vehicle mileage.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 41 words

The vehicle monitoring circuit of claim 11, wherein the monitoring circuit is tied to a vehicle fuel level assembly of the vehicle, the monitoring circuit being operative to collect data from the vehicle fuel level assembly relating to vehicle fuel level.

Claim 17

Independent Claim 82 words

A method of returning a rented vehicle, comprising the steps of: driving the vehicle to a predetermined location; using vehicle monitoring circuitry engaged with the vehicle to assimilate data relating to the vehicle; using a base station to operatively poll the vehicle monitoring circuitry upon entry into a vehicle return zone; using the vehicle monitoring circuitry to wirelessly transmit the data relating to the vehicle to the base station; forwarding the vehicle data to a host computer; and processing the vehicle data.

Claim 18

Independent Claim 82 words

A method of returning a rented vehicle, comprising the steps of: driving the vehicle to a predetermined location; using vehicle monitoring circuitry engaged with the vehicle to assimilate data relating to the vehicle; using a base station to operatively poll the vehicle monitoring circuitry upon entry into a vehicle return zone; using the vehicle monitoring circuitry to wirelessly transmit the data relating to the vehicle to the base station; forwarding the vehicle data to a host computer; and processing the vehicle data.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 23 words

The method of claim 15, further including the step of determining a rental charge for the vehicle based on the processed vehicle data.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 32 words

The method of claim 15, wherein the step of using the vehicle monitoring circuitry engaged with the vehicle to assimilate data relating to the vehicle includes assimilating data relating to vehicle mileage.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 33 words

The method of claim 15, wherein the step of using the vehicle monitoring circuitry engaged with the vehicle to assimilate data relating to the vehicle includes assimilating data relating to vehicle fuel level.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 32 words

The method of claim 15, wherein the step of using the vehicle monitoring circuitry engaged with the vehicle to assimilate data relating to the vehicle includes assimilating data relating to vehicle speed.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 124 words

An automated vehicle return system, comprising: a vehicle including a system for monitoring operating parameters of the vehicle; a wireless transmitter which may be coupled to the vehicle, the transmitter operative to transmit data relating to the status of the vehicle; and at least one host computer positioned within a geographic region representing a vehicle return zone, the at least one host computer including a receiver for receiving the data transmitted by the vehicle when the vehicle enters the vehicle return zone; wherein the at least one host computer is operative to poll the monitoring system when the vehicle enters the vehicle return zone to prompt the monitoring system to transmit the vehicle status data, the host computer further operative to process the data.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 124 words

An automated vehicle return system, comprising: a vehicle including a system for monitoring operating parameters of the vehicle; a wireless transmitter which may be coupled to the vehicle, the transmitter operative to transmit data relating to the status of the vehicle; and at least one host computer positioned within a geographic region representing a vehicle return zone, the at least one host computer including a receiver for receiving the data transmitted by the vehicle when the vehicle enters the vehicle return zone; wherein the at least one host computer is operative to poll the monitoring system when the vehicle enters the vehicle return zone to prompt the monitoring system to transmit the vehicle status data, the host computer further operative to process the data.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 32 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 20, wherein the vehicle further includes voice circuitry for audibly communicating at least a portion of the data relating to the status of the vehicle.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 26 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 20, wherein the vehicle further includes speed monitoring circuitry for monitoring the speeds at which the vehicle was driven.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 44 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 22, wherein the vehicle includes a vehicle mileage assembly operative to measure vehicle mileage, the vehicle monitoring system being tied to the vehicle mileage assembly, the monitoring system being operative to collect data relating to vehicle mileage.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 15 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 20, wherein the data includes vehicle fuel data.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 22 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 20, wherein the data includes time data relating to the time the vehicle was returned.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 27 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 25, wherein the components within the vehicle include at least one of a fuel gauge, an odometer, and a speedometer.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 36 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 20, wherein the monitoring system is tied to components within the vehicle, the monitoring system being operative to collect the data relating to the vehicle from the respective components.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 46 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 23, wherein the vehicle includes a fuel gauge assembly operative to measure vehicle fuel level, the vehicle monitoring system being tied to the fuel gauge assembly, the monitoring system being operative to collect data relating to vehicle fuel level.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 26 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 20, wherein the host computer polls the vehicle monitoring system via at least one base station at predetermined intervals.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 126 words

An automated vehicle return system, comprising: a vehicle including vehicle monitoring circuitry for monitoring the status of the vehicle; a first transmitter coupled to the vehicle, the first transmitter operative to wirelessly transmit data relating to the status of the vehicle; and at least one base station positioned within a geographical region representing a vehicle return zone, the at least one base station operative to poll the vehicle to prompt the vehicle monitoring circuitry to transmit the data, and the at least one base station operative to receive the data transmitted by the first transmitter when the vehicle is within the vehicle return zone; wherein the at least one base station is coupled to a vehicle return processing device which is operative to process the data.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 126 words

An automated vehicle return system, comprising: a vehicle including vehicle monitoring circuitry for monitoring the status of the vehicle; a first transmitter coupled to the vehicle, the first transmitter operative to wirelessly transmit data relating to the status of the vehicle; and at least one base station positioned within a geographical region representing a vehicle return zone, the at least one base station operative to poll the vehicle to prompt the vehicle monitoring circuitry to transmit the data, and the at least one base station operative to receive the data transmitted by the first transmitter when the vehicle is within the vehicle return zone; wherein the at least one base station is coupled to a vehicle return processing device which is operative to process the data.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 18 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 30 wherein the vehicle return processing device is a host computer.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 20 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 30 wherein the vehicle return processing device is included within a second vehicle.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 16 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 32 wherein the second vehicle is a shuttle bus.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 25 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 33 wherein the vehicle return processing device is capable of printing a receipt based on the data processed.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 23 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 30 wherein the data relating to the status of the vehicle includes data relating to mileage.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 25 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 35 wherein the data relating to the status of the vehicle further includes data relating to fuel level.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 24 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 30 wherein the data relating to the status of the vehicle includes data relating to fuel level.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 17 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 30 wherein the vehicle further includes a wireless vehicle receiver.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 41 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 38 wherein the first transmitter transmits the data relating to the status of the vehicle upon the vehicle receiver receiving a status update request signal while the vehicle is within the vehicle return zone.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 64 words

A vehicle return system, comprising: a vehicle, comprising: means for monitoring the status of a vehicle; means for detecting when the vehicle has entered a vehicle return zone; means for analyzing data relating to the status of the vehicle; means for determining a fee to charge a user based on the status of the vehicle; and means for printing a bill for the fee.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 64 words

A vehicle return system, comprising: a vehicle, comprising: means for monitoring the status of a vehicle; means for detecting when the vehicle has entered a vehicle return zone; means for analyzing data relating to the status of the vehicle; means for determining a fee to charge a user based on the status of the vehicle; and means for printing a bill for the fee.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 14 words

The vehicle return system of claim 40 further including means for receiving wireless communications.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 21 words

The vehicle return system of claim 40 further comprising means for audibly communicating information related to the status of the vehicle.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 58 words

An automated vehicle return system, comprising: a vehicle including vehicle monitoring circuitry for monitoring the status of the vehicle; a base station for transmitting a prompting signal within a vehicle return zone; wherein the vehicle monitoring circuit receives the prompting signal upon entering the vehicle return zone and generates a vehicle rental charge based on the vehicle status.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 58 words

An automated vehicle return system, comprising: a vehicle including vehicle monitoring circuitry for monitoring the status of the vehicle; a base station for transmitting a prompting signal within a vehicle return zone; wherein the vehicle monitoring circuit receives the prompting signal upon entering the vehicle return zone and generates a vehicle rental charge based on the vehicle status.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 24 words

The automated return system of claim 43 wherein the vehicle monitoring circuit processes status information relating to the vehicle upon receiving the prompting signal.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 27 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 44 wherein the vehicle monitoring circuit is coupled to a printer which prints the charge for rental of the vehicle.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 29 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 45 wherein the vehicle monitoring circuit charges a customer charge card number based on the determined charge for rental of the vehicle.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 42 words

The automated vehicle return system of claim 44 further including an on-board computer in the vehicle, the on-board computer being coupled to the vehicle monitoring circuit, the on-board computer being operative to provide the vehicle status information to the vehicle monitoring circuit.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2002-12-20	2003-06-21	2003-12-21	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2006-12-20	2007-06-21	2007-12-21	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2010-12-20	2011-06-21	2011-12-21	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Automated vehicle return system

Abstract

Inventors

Bibliographic Details

Claims Analysis

References Cited (Backward Citations)

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Assigned Categories & Tags

Assign Category Tag