Method and apparatus to signal rental asset use completion
OwnerThomas Doyleinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An apparatus and method to provide rental status indication includes a user interface to allow a user to input that the rental asset is no longer in use. On indication from a user that the rental status is no longer in use, a sensor determines if the asset is in fact not in use based on predetermined criteria. If the asset is not in use, a signal is sent to the rental agency indicating the same.
Claims25
A method of providing a rental status indication relating to a rental asset, comprising:
- providing an operator initiated rental asset completion signal to a processor associated with the rental asset;
- on receiving the rental asset completion signal at the processor, determining whether the rental asset is not in use;
- if it is determined the rental asset is not in use, generating a rental status signal;
- and
- transmitting the rental status signal.
An apparatus to provide an operator of a rental asset a mechanism to alert a rental agency that the use of the rental asset is finished, comprising:
- a processor;
- a switch coupled to the process to provide an operator initiated indication that the use of the rental asset is complete;
- a sensor coupled to the processor to monitor at least one operating characteristic of the rental asset to provide confirmation that the use of the rental asset is complete;
- and
- a transmitter coupled to the processor to transmit a rental status signal to the rental agency indicating the use of the rental asset is complete, whereby when an operator uses the switch to indicate the use of the rental asset is complete, the processor confirms that the monitored at least one operating characteristic indicates use of the rental asset is complete and based on the confirmation, causes the transmitter to transmit the rental status signal indicating the use of the rental asset is complete.
An apparatus to provide an operator of a rental asset a mechanism to alert a rental agency that a status of the rental asset has changed, comprising:
- a processor;
- a user interface coupled to the processor, the user interface having an input and a display;
- to provide an operator initiated indication that the use of the rental asset is complete;
- a sensor coupled to the processor, the sensor monitors at least one operating characteristic of the rental asset to provide confirmation that the use of the rental asset is complete;
- and
- a transmitter coupled to the processor to transmit a rental status signal to the rental agency indicating the use of the rental asset is complete, whereby
- an operator can input that use of the rental asset is complete, the processor confirms the monitored at least one operating characteristic indicates use of the rental asset is complete and based on the confirmation, causes the transmitter to transmit the rental status signal indicating the use of the rental asset is complete.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.