WO2017163136A1

WO2017163136A1 - A device, a system and a method for vehicle rental and/or fleet management

Info

Publication number: WO2017163136A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/050857
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kevin Lester OLINSKY
Original assignee: Olinsky Kevin Lester
Priority date: 2016-03-23
Filing date: 2017-02-16
Publication date: 2017-09-28

Abstract

The invention provides for a device for the management of rental and/or fleet vehicles, said device including: a control unit connected to an electronic system of the vehicle; a tag to identifying the user and a tag reader, configured to interface with the control unit; and wherein the device may facilitate a user's access to the vehicle and facilitate the monitoring and control of said access within an operator's designated parameters. The invention also provides for a system According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for vehicle rental and/or fleet management, the system including a device for vehicle rental and/or fleet management, wherein the device includes; a control unit connected to an electronic system of the vehicle, a tag for identifying the user and a tag reader, configured to interface with the control unit; wherein the device facilitates a user's access to the vehicle and facilitates the monitoring and control of said access within an operator's designated parameters; means for registering the user on a database; means for authorising the user access to a vehicle; means for communicating between a user interface and the device; thereby facilitating the user's access to the vehicle once authorised, for a designated period of time.

Description

A device, a system and a method for vehicle rental and/or fleet management

Field of the invention

The invention is in the field of vehicle rental, vehicle leasing and fleet management.

Background to the invention

Automated car rental systems and fleet management systems are known in the art. Such systems incorporate a combination of hardware and/or software which facilitate car rental process, and/or the fleet management process.

A wide variety of users, including but not limited to vehicle rental agencies and companies, vehicle fleet owners, public and private businesses, leasing companies, logistics companies, municipalities, and parastatals, use systems to facilitate access to and the use of vehicles under their control, or owned by them.

Typically, access and use of the vehicles is facilitated by conventional devices.

Traditionally, registration, identification, payment, key dispensing and returning takes place manually at a rental agency or office where the car is collected and or returned. This process takes place over a counter, or in an office and involves human interaction between a rental agency employee, a key or stock controller, a manager, or supervisor and the customer, driver or user of the vehicle. The issuer of the key can use a computerised system to capture certain information in respect of the customer or user, vehicle, use and or rental or lease agreement.

The same is done with fleet management, however, there may not be interaction between an employee of the agency and a customer, and instead the driver of a designated vehicle may interact with another designated employee. A computerised system can also be used to capture certain information and manage a vehicle that is part of a fleet.

Existing automated ways which serve to aid vehicle rental include devices and systems which facilitate user registration, identification, pay, vehicle choice, obtain a key and return a key. These devices, systems and methods typically include a kiosk or device that provides a user interface to input information required and make any payments necessary, this same device then dispenses a key, which can again be returned to the device once use of the vehicle has ended.

There are many drawbacks associated with the available methods, devices and systems. These difficulties are experienced by the vehicle owners or controllers and/or fleet owners or controllers. Furthermore, substantial risks are carried by these owners and/or controllers. Some of these difficulties encountered in the industry include, process abuse and manipulation, unauthorised access and use, theft, fraud, time consuming and costly manual methods and steps to be taken, human error, inefficient and inconsistent customer service, additional expenses, asset abuse, capturing time delay, lack of integration of devices, systems and methods, difficulty in processing, storing information, as well as not enabling vehicle management in a real time environment.

The inventor believes that his invention addresses any problems currently experienced in the industry.

Summary of the invention

Definitions for the purposes of interpreting the specification:

Tag - identification means containing electronically stored information including but not limited to a radio frequency devices, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology, bar code, QR code and/or other code technology, Near Field Communication (N FC) technology and the like.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a device for the management of rental and/or fleet vehicles, said device including: a control unit connected to an electronic system of the vehicle;

a tag to identifying the user and a tag reader, configured to interface with the control unit;

and wherein the device may facilitate a user's access to the vehicle and facilitate the monitoring and control of said access within an operator's designated parameters.

The user may be the driver of the vehicle, a user renting a vehicle and / or a user facilitating fleet management.

The control unit may be configured to communicate with the operator by suitable communication means.

The control unit may facilitate the control and operation of the device such that access to the vehicle is permitted, monitored and controlled, thereby facilitating vehicle rental and/or fleet management.

The control unit may include any one or more of the group including a Subscriber Identity Module (SI M) card; a means for providing Wi-Fi connectivity in the vehicle; a G PS antenna port for receiving an antenna to assist in determining and tracking the vehicle's location; a GSM antenna port for communication with a cellular network and the like.

The GPS antenna may facilitate geo-fencing of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle's movement may be restricted to designated geographical boundaries, and wherein such restrictions may be adjustable.

The control unit and communication means may facilitate the geo-fencing of the vehicle, thereby restricting the vehicle's movement to designate geographical boundaries.

A GSM antenna may be connected to the GSM antenna port of the control unit.

The control unit may include an auxiliary port, communication port, amongst other ports.

The tag may include, but may not be limited to, an RFI D card, N FC card, barcode, QR code, alpha-numerical code, alphabetical code, numerical code, a photograph and / or other image, a separate device, a mobile device and the like.

In an embodiment of the invention, the tag may be in the form of a SI M card inserted into a mobile device, wherein the user is identified, and access to and use of the vehicle is facilitated once a designated number is dialled and/or a designated code is sent via an SMS, web and/or mobile application, USSD platform or the like.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the tag may be attached to a remote device, wherein the tag enables the user to be identified, and access to the vehicle may be authorised, and use of the vehicle facilitated.

The tag may be a temporary tag.

The tag may be a permanent tag that may be associated to a user for multiple usages.

The tag may be transmitted to a mobile device.

The tag may be scanned and read within 10 cm from the reader.

The RFID card may facilitate geo-fencing of the vehicle, wherein the vehicle's movement may be restricted to within designated geographical boundaries, and wherein such restrictions may be adjusted.

The tag reader may include a RFI D card reader, barcode scanner, code input device and/or other means configured to read the tag and interface with the control unit, the reader either being connected to the control unit and / or the operator and / or remote the control unit.

The reader may include a facial and/or image and / or biometrics recognition system, wherein a photograph tag and/or other image tag; biometrics ie retina, facial features and the like, may be recognised.

The reader may be installed in the vehicle or remote the vehicle. The RFI D card reader may be positioned in the vehicle such that the RFI D card may be swiped at least 10 cm from the RFI D card reader.

The control unit may decrypt the RFID serial number and may determine whether the swiped RFID card is the correct RFI D card associated with the correct vehicle, thereby authenticating access to and use of the vehicle.

Authentication may unlock the vehicle and the vehicle ignition may be placed into a primed to start status.

The user may facilitate starting the vehicle by utilising an installed and/or factory fitted start and stop button.

A designated time period may be allocated to the user to start the vehicle, specifically the vehicle may be started within at least 90 seconds of authentication, failing which the vehicle will turn off.

In an embodiment of the invention, the device for vehicle rental and/or fleet management may include a user interface.

The user interface may be in the form of a self-service kiosk.

The user interface may include a system in the form of a computer system comprising a user database and/or a vehicle database.

The kiosk may include an identification means, including but not limited to a barcode scanner, an iris scanner and / or a fingerprint scanner.

The kiosk may include additional features including but not limited to a printer; a card dispenser; data transmitting capabilities, including but not limited to 3g communications, Wi-Fi, and / or a LAN connection; a signature pad; an uninterruptable power supply (UPS) and the like.

The UPS may have at least 4 hours backup power generation.

The kiosk may produce the tag in the form of a card, printed sheet of paper, a screen display, a version of a tag transmitted to a mobile device and he like.

The user interface may be a mobile application and / or web application accessible on a mobile device or electronic device.

The user may register on a system through the user interface.

The user interface may be in the form of software configured to be used on a personal computer and/or other electronic device, wherein vehicle fleet management is facilitated.

A specified vehicle of a fleet may be monitored and the progress and movement thereof tracked and monitored by an operator and/or owner of the specified vehicle, whilst the user interface may provide for communication with the driver of the vehicle.

The user may be prompted to provide information upon registering through the user interface, said information including personal information, including but not limited to full names, ID number, residential address, postal address, reference contact, at least one email address, cell phone number, work address, work phone number, residential phone number.

The user's identification may be verified using biometric verification image and/or optical character recognition with the use of a driver's license, I D document or passport, wherein a photograph may be taken, may be used for biometric verification purposes.

The user's identification may be verified by scanning the barcode of a user's driver's license; I D and / or passport; answering at least one verification question and / or facial recognition by utilising the ID photograph, passport photograph and / driver's license photograph and the like. The user interface may be configured to transmit data to a server for verifying facial recognition.

User identification information may be captured by any means including scanning of the ID, passport, driver's license and the like, and stored on a user database.

The device for vehicle rental and/or fleet management may include a starting means and a stopping means which act as a user interface to facilitate the starting and stopping of the vehicle, respectively. The starting and stopping means may be the same button, may be installed in the vehicle and may be connected to the vehicle ignition.

The starting means may be connected to the control unit.

In an embodiment of the invention, the starting and stopping means may include a voice command system which is connected to the vehicle ignition.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the starting and stopping means may be incorporated into a user interface installed and/or factory fitted in the vehicle, wherein the user interface is connected to the vehicle ignition.

The vehicle may be turned off by pressing the start and/or stop button. .

The vehicle may be locked by re-swiping the RFI D card and/or device over the RFID card reader.

Security features may be activated when the vehicle is locked.

The RFI D card may be deactivated after a designated period of time.

The user may be warned of impending time expiration, wherein a notification is transmitted to the user's vehicle and/or mobile device and the user may be given the option of extending the designated period of time.

The user may be required to return the RFI D card to the self service kiosk.

The user may retain the RFI D card for future allocation to another or the same vehicle.

The RFI D card may be deactivated upon return to the self service kiosk.

The RFI D card may be deactivated by scanning it on a designated return reader.

The RFID card may be deactivated by the user when following instructions provided through the mobile and/or web application, SMS, USSD and or the like thereof.

The device for vehicle rental and / or fleet management may include a bypass module, wherein the vehicle's key, vehicle's transponder, copied transponder chip or the like, may be connected to the bypass module, and wherein a signal is relayed to the vehicle's ignition once authorisation has taken place.

The bypass module may be connected to the control unit.

The bypass module may be powered by the control unit.

The bypass module may include an antenna which may be connected to a transponder reader installed in the vehicle, wherein the bypass module may act as an amplifier to transmit transponder information to the transponder reader.

The device for vehicle rental and / or fleet management may include a shock sensor for sensing any shock to the vehicle, wherein any information captured by the shock sensor may be transmitted to the control unit.

The sensitivity of the shock sensor may be adjusted. The device for vehicle rental and / or fleet management may include a light which acts as a visual indicator of the condition in which the vehicle may be in, wherein the user may identify when the vehicle is a locked condition and/or unlocked condition, amongst others.

The light may include a light emitting diode (LED).

The device may include a sound indicator which may notify the user when the vehicle is a certain condition, wherein a sound may indicate to the user when the vehicle has been activated and/or deactivated and access may be authorised and/or not yet authorised.

The sound indicator may include a horn.

The sound indicator may serve as a security measure, wherein the sound indicator may be activated when there is unauthorised access to the vehicle.

The device for vehicle rental and / or fleet management may include an ignition harness for positioning the vehicle in a desired ignition condition.

The ignition harness may be connected to the control unit.

The ignition harness may be used in addition to the vehicles existing ignition harness.

The ignition modes may include ACC, ON I, ON2, ignition, and/or other ignition modes based on the layout of the vehicle.

The device for vehicle rental and / or fleet management may include a second harness for sensing conditions of the vehicle and/or invoking a particular condition of the vehicle which may be connected to the control unit.

The device for vehicle rental and / or fleet management may include a connector for connecting the control unit to a part of the vehicle, wherein the connector facilitates the sensing of conditions of the vehicle and/or invoking a particular condition of the vehicle, and wherein the connector transmits and receives commands and information to and from the vehicle.

The connector may include a cable, specifically an on board diagnostics I I (OBDI I) cable, wherein the OBDI I cable is received in the OBDI I port of the vehicle.

The device may include a reset switch for resetting, programming the control unit, and/or transmitting emergency commands.

The reset switch may be positioned internally or externally on the vehicle and be in the form of a button.

The device for vehicle rental and / or fleet management may provide a means for remotely managing a vehicle.

The means may be a mobile application, web application, remote device or similar means.

The device may facilitate self-service car rental and / or vehicle management.

The device may facilitate automated driver management of a fleet vehicle.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a system for vehicle rental and/or fleet management, the system including:

a device for vehicle rental and/or fleet management, wherein the device includes;

a control unit connected to an electronic system of the vehicle,;

a tag for identifying the user and a tag reader, configured to interface with the control unit; wherein the device facilitates a user's access to the vehicle and facilitates the monitoring and control of said access within an operator's designated parameters; ; means for registering the user on a database;

means for authorising the user access to a vehicle;

means for communicating between a user interface and the device;

thereby facilitating the user's access to the vehicle once authorised, for a designated period of time.

The device may be a device as described and referred to earlier in the specification.

The means for registering the user on a database may include a front-end and back-end.

The front-end may include the user interface of the device.

The back-end may include a server, wherein data is accessed, processed, transmitted, received and/or stored.

The front-end and back-end may include software configured to facilitate communication between the front- end and the back-end and thereby facilitating the registration of the user on the database of the system.

The means for authorising the user may include a tag of the device and a reader which reads the tag and allows for facilitation of the authorisation f the user's access to the vehicle.

The means for communicating between the user interface and the device may assist in communicating information and / or data from the user interface to the server, including information in registration of a user and furthermore, information in authorising use and access to a vehicle.

The system may facilitate the identification and notification of a designated person of illegal usage after the designated period of time has expired.

The system may facilitate automated control of traffic fine management by allocating traffic fines to the user and / or their employer.

The system may facilitate the management and / or tracking and / or rental of specified vehicles and / or specified cargo by a vehicle owner interface including a website, mobile and/or web application, USSD and the like.

The system may be configured to record and store details of any defects of the vehicle; license registrations and renewal reminders; conduct driver license checks and the rental company and / or fleet owner may be notified accordingly.

The system may facilitate the management of the vehicle remotely.

The system may facilitate the making of bookings and/or reservations in advance for rental or use of vehicles.

The system may facilitate payment in advance for the booking and/or reservation of a vehicle, specifically via the user interface.

The user interface may allow for payment to be made after rental has terminated, wherein variables such as e- tolls, traffic fines, additional kilometres, excesses, claim admin fees, one way fees, towing fees, amongst others, have been calculated.

In the event that payment is made in advance for the booking and / or reservation it may require that the user check-in at a further user interface, which may include a kiosk, wherein the user may be supplied with a tag.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for renting a vehicle using a system for vehicle rental, the method including:

registering a user on a user interface of a device for vehicle rental, said device including a control unit;

a tag and a reader, wherein the device is configured to facilitate access to and use of a vehicle for a designated period of time;

paying for the rental/access to the vehicle on the user interface; authorising the use of the vehicle by means of the tag for the device;

authenticating the use of the vehicle by the reader recognising the tag of the user of the vehicle; and terminating the use of the vehicle after the designated period of time.

The system may be a system as described and referred to earlier in the specification, wherein the system may be configured to facilitate the rental of the vehicle.

Registering the user on the user interface may include the step of the user inputting information into the kiosk and / or into an electronic device, wherein the electronic device has access to a website, mobile and/or web application, and/or USSD which facilitates the user's registration on the system.

Registering the user on the user interface may include prompting the user to:

select a vehicle on the user interface, wherein the user may select a preferred vehicle;

select a return date and time of the vehicle;

select that more than one driver may drive the vehicle;

read and accept terms and conditions, wherein the terms and conditions of a rental agreement may be accepted by a user signing a signature pad, such signature may be recorded electronically;

scan at least one of their fingerprints, iris and/or provide other biometric information which may be used to sign and accept the terms and conditions;

The user may receive a one-time pin (OTP) from the system upon signature, the OTP being transmitted to a user's email address, cell phone number and/or mobile device via the mobile or web application, depending on which preferred method of receipt of the OTP is chosen by the user.

Registering the user on the user interface may include prompting the user to make payment for the rental which may include inserting cash into the kiosk, partial or whole payment being made by one or more of the following methods, including by not limited to electronic fund transfer (E FT), snapscan™, internet banking, credit card payment, debit card payment, virtual currency, redemption of a voucher, coupon and/or loyalty points, and the like.

Registering the user on the user interface may include prompting the user to elect whether or not the user wishes to inspect the vehicle selected.

A parking bay location may be displayed on a screen of the user interface and/or printed by the kiosk.

The user may change vehicles to another vehicle should the user not be satisfied with their original selection .

The user may elect to have a damages report printed from the kiosk and/or displayed on the kiosk screen or mobile device which relates to the vehicle to be rented.

The starting of the vehicle may activate the rental agreement.

Termination of the use of the vehicle may be automatic and / or manual.

Termination may be by way of manual termination using a device, the kiosk, by an operator of the system and/or static RFID scanners in a termination area.

Upon termination of the use of the vehicle, the user may be prompted to extend the designated period of time. The user may be notified that the termination point is impending.

The termination point may be adjusted at any point during the designated rental and/or use period.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for managing a fleet of vehicles using a system for fleet management, the method including:

registering a fleet of vehicles via a user interface of a device, wherein the device is configured to facilitate access to a vehicle of the fleet; registering a user of each vehicle on a database in virtual communication with the user interface;

providing a tag to the registered user to facilitate authorising the use of the vehicle ;

a reader of the device for reading the tag and recognising the user to authenticate the user of the vehicle.

The system may be a system as described and referred to earlier in the specification, wherein the system is configured to facilitate fleet management.

Registering the fleet of vehicles on the user interface may include the step of a designated official and/or fleet vehicle owner inputting the fleet and / or user information into the system through the user interface.

Registering the user on the user interface may include prompting the designated official and/or fleet vehicle owner to elect that more than one driver may drive the fleet vehicle.

Registering the user on the user interface may include prompting the user to read and accept terms and conditions, wherein the terms and conditions govern the use of the fleet vehicle by the user, and wherein the terms and conditions may be accepted by the user by signing a signature pad, such signature may be recorded electronically.

Detailed example

The invention will now be described by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the following flow charts, wherein;

Figure 1 is a flow chart showing the interaction of the system hardware and software;

Figure 2 is a flow chart of the fleet registration process;

Figure 3 is a flow chart of a registration process facilitating the registration of a rental vehicle user;

Figure 4 is a further flow chart of the registration process and payment process;

Figure 5 is a continuation of an aspect of the flow chart in Figure 4;

Figure 6 is a continuation of an aspect of the flow chart in Figure 4; and

Figure 7 is a flow chart of the termination of the use of the vehicle.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A device for the management of rental and/or fleet vehicles, said device including:

a control unit connected to an electronic system of the vehicle;

a tag for identifying the user and a tag reader, configured to interface with the control unit and wherein the device facilitates a user's access to the vehicle and facilitates the monitoring and control of said access within an operator's designated parameters.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to communicate with the operator by suitable communication means.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the control unit and communications means facilitate the geo- fencing of the vehicle, thereby restricting the vehicle's movement to designated geographical boundaries.

4. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tag includes, any one or more of the group including an RFI D card, N FC card, SIM card, barcode, QR code, alpha-numerical code, alphabetical code, numerical code, a photograph and / or other image, a separate device, a mobile device and the like.

5. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reader includes a RFID card reader, barcode scanner, code input device and/or other means configured to read the tag and interface with the control unit, the reader either being connected to the control unit and / or the operator.

6. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the reader includes any one or more of a facial and/or image and/or biometrics recognition system.

7. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device includes a user interface including but not limited to a self-service kiosk, a computer system comprising a user database and/or vehicle database and/or a mobile application and/or web application accessible on a mobile device or electronic device, which a user utilises to register on a system by inputting identification information for verification.

8. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a specified vehicle of a fleet is monitored and tracked by the operator whilst the user interface provides for communication with the vehicle and/or with the driver of the vehicle.

9. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device is configured to start or stop the engine of vehicle.

10. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein various security restrictions are implemented on the deactivation of the tag.

11. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device includes a bypass module connected to the control unit, wherein the vehicle's key, vehicle's transponder, copied transponder chip or the like, are connected to the bypass module, and wherein a signal is relayed to the vehicle's ignition once authorisation has taken place.

12. A device for vehicle rental and / or fleet management as claimed in claim 11, wherein the bypass module includes an antenna which is connected to a transponder reader installed in the vehicle, wherein the bypass module acts as an amplifier to transmit transponder information to the transponder reader.

13. A device for vehicle rental and / or fleet management includes a connector for connecting the control unit to a part of the vehicle, wherein the connector facilitates the sensing of various conditions, the transmission of information and receipt of commands to and from the vehicle, wherein the connector is an on board diagnostics I I (OBDI I) cable, receivable by an OBDII port of the vehicle.

14. A system for the management of rental and/or fleet vehicles, said system including:

a device for the management of rental and/or fleet vehicles, said device including:

a control unit connected to an electronic system of the vehicle;;

a tag for identifying the user and a tag reader, configured to interface with the control unit; wherein the device facilitates a user's access to the vehicle and facilitates the monitoring and control of said access within an operator's designated parameters;

means for registering the user on a database and authorising the user's access to a vehicle;

means for communicating between a user interface and the device;

thereby facilitating the user's has access to the vehicle once authorised, for a designated period of time.

15. A system as claimed in claim 14, wherein the device is as described and referred to earlier in the specification.

16. A system as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 15, wherein the means for registering the user on a database includes the user interface and a server whereby information or a user is registered and such information accessed, processed, transmitted and / or stored by means of software facilitating the communication between the user interface and the server.

17. The system as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein information is stored and communicated, said information including users usage time limits, traffic fine management; the tracking of specified vehicles and / or cargo; vehicle booking; vehicle defects; license registrations and the like.

18. A method for renting a vehicle using a system for vehicle rental, the method including:

registering a user on a user interface of a device for vehicle rental, said device including a control unit; a tag and a reader, wherein the device is configured to facilitate access to and use of a vehicle for a designated period of time;

paying for the rental/access to the vehicle on the user interface;

authorising the use of the vehicle by means of the tag for the device;

19. A method for managing a fleet of vehicles using a system for fleet management, the method including: registering a fleet of vehicles via a user interface of a device, wherein the device is configured to facilitate access to a vehicle of the fleet;

registering a user of each vehicle on a database in virtual communication with the user interface; providing a tag to the registered user to facilitate authorising the use of the vehicle ;

20. A method for fleet management as claimed in claim 19, wherein the system is a system as described and referred to in claims 14 to 29, wherein the system is configured to facilitate fleet management.