Apparatus and methods for renting and controlling occupancy of a vehicle

Abstract

One variation of a method for renting a vehicle includes: receiving a signal from a fleet manager, the signal specifying a current availability of the vehicle for rent; updating a visual indicator arranged on the vehicle according to the signal, the visual indicator visually detectable from outside the vehicle; receiving identification information of a user proximal the vehicle; enabling access to the vehicle for the user in response to verification of the user as a driver of the vehicle; determining, through a sensor arranged within the vehicle, that the user is seated in a driver's seat within the vehicle; and enabling ignition of the vehicle for the user in response to determination that the user is seated in the driver's seat.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for indicating whether a vehicle is available for use by a prospective passenger user, comprising the steps of:
 providing, by a visual indicator visible outside of the vehicle, a visual indication that the vehicle is available for use by a passenger;   receiving, by a processor of a computing device, identification information of a prospective passenger user;   verifying the prospective passenger user as a passenger for the vehicle; and   providing access to a passenger seat in the vehicle for the prospective passenger user.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the visual indicator comprises a light source. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the step of providing a visual indication that the vehicle is available for use comprises emitting a first color of light from the light source. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising the step of, after providing access to the vehicle, changing the visual indicator so the visual indication is that the vehicle is unavailable for use. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the step of providing a visual indication that the vehicle is unavailable for use comprises emitting a second color of light from the light source. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the light source is disposed on a rearview mirror assembly in the vehicle. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the light source comprises a multi-color LED. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of receiving identification information of the user comprises receiving identification information of the user through an RFID reader. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of receiving identification information of the user comprises receiving identification information of the user through wireless communications with a mobile computing device of the prospective passenger user. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of providing access to the vehicle comprises unlocking a door of the vehicle.