Vehicles And Cloud Systems For Sharing E-Keys To Access And Use Vehicles

What is this patent about?

’245 is related to the field of vehicle access control systems , specifically those that use electronic keys (e-keys) managed through a cloud-based system. The background involves the increasing use of wireless technology in vehicles and the need for more flexible and secure methods of granting access, especially in shared vehicle scenarios or when providing temporary access to service personnel or family members.

The underlying idea behind ’245 is to enable a vehicle to receive and validate a unique access code from a mobile device, where that code is associated with specific privileges and restrictions defined by the vehicle's administrator. This is achieved by using a cloud server to generate and manage the access codes , ensuring that the vehicle only grants access according to the pre-defined rules. A key aspect is the use of a camera to record activity during the access period, adding a layer of accountability.

The claims of ’245 focus on a vehicle equipped with an on-board computer, systems for unlocking and starting the vehicle, and communications circuitry. The communications circuitry is programmed to receive coded data from a mobile device, which includes a unique access code obtained from a server. This access code is tied to privileges set by the vehicle's administrator, reflecting a restriction on the allowed use of the vehicle. The claims also cover the use of a camera to record video during the active period of the access code, and the access code functions as an e-key managed through a graphical user interface on the mobile device.

In practice, the invention allows a vehicle owner to grant temporary or restricted access to their vehicle via a mobile app. The owner can set parameters like speed limits, geographic boundaries, or time restrictions. When a user with an e-key accesses the vehicle, the system records their actions via the camera, providing a record of how the vehicle was used. This is particularly useful for fleet management, car sharing services, or when lending a vehicle to a less experienced driver.

This approach differs from traditional key-based systems by providing a more granular level of control and accountability. Unlike physical keys, e-keys can be instantly revoked or modified remotely. The integration of video recording adds an extra layer of security and helps to ensure that the vehicle is used responsibly and within the defined restrictions. The cloud-based management also allows for easier tracking and auditing of vehicle usage.