System for managing a fleet of automotive vehicles

Abstract

A system for managing a fleet of automotive vehicles having a program control circuit. A radio receiver receives radio signals from a remote station and that receiver has an output connected as an input signal to the digital circuit. A key fob having a mechanical button transmits the radio signal to unlock the vehicle associated with the fob. An electromechanical actuator is connected to an output from the control circuit and, upon activation, actuates the fob button to unlock the vehicle. This allows the central station to selectively unlock vehicles at remote locations.

1 . A system for managing a fleet of automotive vehicles comprising:
 a programmed control circuit,   a radio receiver which receives radio signals, said receiver having an output connected as an input signal to said control circuit,   a key fob having a mechanical button whiich, upon actuation, transmits a radio signal to unlock the vehicle associated with said fob,   an electromechanical actuator connected to an output from said control circuit which, upon activation, actuates said fob button,   said control circuit programmed to generate an output signal to activate said electromechanical actuator upon receipt of a preset radio signal by said receiver.   
   
   
       2 . The invention as defined in  claim 1  wherein each vehicle has a diagnostic port which provides access to data regarding a plurality of vehicle parameters, wherein said control circuit is electrically connected to the diagnostic port on its associated vehicle, said control circuit programmed to read the vehicle parameters from the diagnostic port, said control circuit comprising a radio transmitter which transmits said vehicle parameters to said remote station. 
   
   
       3 . The invention as defined in  claim 2  comprising a GPS receiver having its location output signal connected as an input signal to said control circuit, said control circuit programmed to transmit said location output signal by said radio transmitter. 
   
   
       4 . The invention as defined in  claim 2  wherein said control circuit comprises an RFID receiver which provides an output signal to said control circuit indicative of the absence or presence of a preset RFID tag, said control circuit selectively activates said radio transmitter to transmit a signal to the remote station. 
   
   
       5 . The invention as defined in  claim 1  wherein said control circuit comprises a processor. 
   
   
       6 . The system as defined in  claim 1  wherein said control circuit generates an enabling signal upon receipt of said preset radio signal to allow normal operation of the vehicle. 
   
   
       7 . A system for managing a fleet of automotive vehicles comprising
 a programmed control circuit,   a radio receiver which receives radio signals, said receiver having an output connected as input signal to said control circuit,   wherein each vehicle has a diagnostic port which provides access to data regarding a plurality of vehicle parameters, wherein said control circuit is electrically connected to the diagnostic port on its associated vehicle said control circuit programmed to read the vehicle parameters from the diagnostic port, said control circuit comprising a radio transmitter which transmits said vehicle parameters,   a sensor which provides an output signal to said control circuit indicative of the absence or presence of vehicle keys in the vehicle, said control circuit selectively activating said radio transmitter to transmit a signal.   
   
   
       8 . The system as defined in  claim 7  wherein said sensor is an RFID receiver.