Daimler-benz Ag

Mercedes-benz Aktiengesellschaft

Konrad Klein

Horst Brinkmeyer

Guenter Schwegler

Guenther Metsch

Bertolt Krueger

Thomas Krehbiehl

Brigitte Althen

Gunter Metsch

A method and a device with which data can be programmed into a vehicle component are provided. It is proposed to keep available at a central office the data which it encodes upon request with a code that is specific to the vehicle component and transmits it to the requesting location, and decoding is performed only in the vehicle component itself. In this way, a high level of protection against unauthorized attempts to acquire data during transmission of this data to be programmed into the component is ensured. Suitable devices for working the method include direct connectability of the individual vehicle component to a programming device at the requesting location for direct programming, or alternatively, intermediate connection of an intermediate storage component. In this way, for example, mobility-limiting key programming can be achieved that is highly protected against manipulation. The method and device are usable in vehicles with an anti-theft protection system and for vehicle rental systems.

Method and device for programming operating data into vehicle components

The invention provides a hire vehicle transport system of the type in which a plurality of usable vehicles are available for hire at one or more collection and return points, and a control center performs control and monitoring functions. The collection and return points are equipped with automatic collection and return machines which issue, to authorized persons, driving authorizations for the vehicles parked at the respective collection and return point in the form of associated vehicle keys and take back again the keys of the vehicles parked there at the end of the journey. The automatic collection and return machines have a data exchange link with the control center. According to the invention, the control center is configured as a disposition center which ascertains the individual availability of vehicles at the collection and return points and makes reservations for individual vehicles using the availability analysis. At the same time, the control center can carry out spontaneous vehicle hire procedures for vehicles which have not been reserved.

Hire vehicle transportation system

Growing community of inventors

Ostfildern, Germany

Konrad Klein