WO2020127599A1

WO2020127599A1 - System and method for transport

Info

Publication number: WO2020127599A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/086117
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alex SABBAG
Original assignee: Lymo Sa
Priority date: 2018-12-21
Filing date: 2019-12-18
Publication date: 2020-06-25

Abstract

A system and method for matching drivers and users in need of transportation services, through a marketplace model. The marketplace model enables drivers to set their prices, and for users to select through various transportation services offered by the drivers, at different prices and with different characteristics. The system features a plurality of user computational devices, a plurality of driver computational devices, a plurality of servers, and a computer network that allows both the user computational device and the driver computational device to communicate with the server, where the server facilitates the matching of drivers and users through its logistics engine.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSPORT

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] The present invention pertains to a system and method for connecting a user in need of transport services and a driver based upon an agreed rate for transportation service, and in particular, to such a system and method that provides a connecting marketplace for matching drivers and users in need of transport.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The transportation marketplace, particularly with regard to ride hailing services but also for transportation of goods, has been up-ended by new entrants such as Uber and Lyft. The ride-hailing market is expected to grow from $36bn today to $285bn by 2030. This will be exacerbated by autonomous cars and anti-congestion city regulations.

[0003] Current ride-hailing models (Uber and alike) need a radical transformation as: (i) they are vulnerable to labor and anti-cartel regulations, (ii) their business is commoditizing with pressure on rates and margins, (iii) new players (such as tech companies and car manufacturers) will fragment the market and reduce network scale and efficiency, and (iv) drivers, authorities and users are all unhappy with the current market dynamics (surge,“Uberisation” of workers, proliferation of cars).

[0004] Various solutions have been proposed to make ride-hailing more efficient but none of them address the underlying problems with the current ride-hailing models.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] According to at least some embodiments, the present invention provides a system and method for matching drivers and users in need of transportation services, through a marketplace model. The marketplace model enables drivers to set their prices, and for users to select through various transportation services offered by the drivers, at different prices and with different characteristics. For example and without limitation, the user may choose a more rapid service at a higher cost. Granularity may be offered in terms of the vehicle used to provide the transportation service, the type of driver (professional limo drivers, taxi drivers, or other professional licensed drivers) and so forth.

[0006] Preferably the marketplace model places some restriction on price, for example according to legal requirements (as for taxi rates for example) but also preferably to avoid rapid changes in the bottom and/or top rates being offered in the marketplace, to provide some stability.

[0007] In some implementation, the system features a plurality of user computational devices and a plurality of driver computational devices that are in communicate with one or more servers through a computer network, such as the internet. Each user computational device features a user interface, a user input device, a user display, an electronic storage, a processor, and a Global Positioning System (GPS).

[0008] The user computational device allows users to request a driver based on the user- selected criteria. The criteria is mainly based on price, travel speed, and other criteria, such as car category (e.g., type of vehicle - bus, limo, taxi, professional drivers, non-professional drivers; vehicle characteristics - passenger capacity, leather interior; and driver rating).

[0009] Each driver computational device features a driver interface, a driver input device, a driver display, an electronic storage, a processor, and a Global Positioning System (GPS). The driver computational device allows drivers to indicate whether they are available for a ride and to set their desired rate, for example.

[0010] Each server features an electronic storage, one or more processor(s), a server interface, and logistics engine. The server communicates with the user computational device and the driver computational device and connects user and driver according to various characteristics as described herein.

[0011] Implementation of the method and system of the present invention involves performing or completing certain selected tasks or steps manually, automatically, or a combination thereof. Moreover, according to actual instrumentation and equipment of preferred embodiments of the method and system of the present invention, several selected steps could be implemented by hardware or by software on any operating system of any firmware or a combination thereof. For example, as hardware, selected steps of the invention could be implemented as a chip or a circuit. As software, selected steps of the invention could be implemented as a plurality of software instructions being executed by a computer using any suitable operating system. In any case, selected steps of the method and system of the invention could be described as being performed by a data processor, such as a computing platform for executing a plurality of instructions.

[0012] For example, any instruction or function as described herein could be described as being executed according to an instruction selected from a predefined native instruction set of codes, wherein the machine codes are stored on the memory associated with a computational device performing such an instruction, and executed by the computational device’s processor. Any instruction or function as described herein may be associated with a computational device and hence to be executed by that device’s processor.

[0013] Although the present invention is described with regard to a“computing device”, a "computer", or“mobile device”, it should be noted that optionally any device featuring a data processor and the ability to execute one or more instructions may be described as a computer, including but not limited to any type of personal computer (PC), a server, a distributed server, a virtual server, a cloud computing platform, a cellular telephone, an IP telephone, a smartphone, or a PDA (personal digital assistant). Any two or more of such devices in communication with each other may optionally comprise a "network" or a "computer network".

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:

Figure 1 illustrates a system configured for supporting a marketplace of transportation services, to connect drivers and users, in accordance with one or more implementations of the present invention;

Figure IB illustrates a method for dispatching drivers based on the drivers indicated availability;

Figure 2 illustrates a method for automatic bidding, in accordance with one or more implementations of the present invention;

Figure 3 illustrates the method for calculating the market rate anchor, in accordance with one or more implementations of the present invention;

Figure 4 illustrates the method for locating drivers, in accordance with one or more implementations of the present invention;

Figure 5 illustrates the method for calculating earnings performance for drivers, in accordance with one or more implementations of the present invention;

Figure 6 illustrates method of a user requesting a ride, in accordance with one or more implementations of the present invention;

Figure 7A illustrates the method of determining location before price, in accordance with one or more implementation of the present invention;

Figure 7B illustrates the method of a user selecting a driver based on location, price, or combination of both, in accordance with one or more implementations of the present invention; Figures 8A to 8C illustrate a user using the app operating on the user computational device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The system and method preferably operate a marketplace between independent drivers and users, eliminating the middle man and its margin on fares. The system preferably supports the optimal matching between supply and demand for drivers and users. It should be noted that although reference is made herein to“riders” or“passengers”, the transportation of objects is also included within the present invention.

[0016] Drivers will set their rate, preferably through an auto-bid system, and users will choose their preferred vehicle or mode of transportation. The system and method preferably operate as a matchmaker and rather than as a supplier of rides or other transportation services.

[0017] Optionally, for ride hailing, the users may select their desired vehicle in a two part request. In the first part, various characteristics such as standard vs premium may be selected, along with the number of passengers to be transported, any associated objects (such as luggage), whether a wheelchair or child car seat is required, and so forth. In a second part, the user may indicate whether a professional or lay driver is acceptable, whether price is more important than speed, and optionally such features as the year, make and/or model of vehicle.

[0018] Figure 1 illustrates a system 100 configured for supporting a marketplace of transportation services, to connect drivers and users, in accordance with one or more implementations of the present invention.

[0019] In some implementation, the system 100 may include a user computational device 102, a server 118, and a driver computational device 114. Both the user computational device 102 and the driver computational device 114 communicate with the server 118 through a computer network 120, such as the internet. Although not shown for simplicity, system 100 contains a plurality of user computational devices, a plurality of driver computational devices, and a plurality of servers.

[0020] The user computational device 102 features a user interface 104, a user input device 106A, a user display 108 A, an electronic storage (not shown), a processor 110A, and a Global Positioning System (GPS) 112A. The user computational device 102 may optionally comprise one or more of a desktop computer, laptop, PC, mobile device, cellular telephone, and the like.

[0021] The user interface 104 allows a user to interact with the user computational device 102 through the user input device 106 A. Non-limiting examples of the user input device 106 A are a keyboard, mouse, other pointing device, touchscreen, and the like. [0022] As used herein, a "user interface" 104 generally includes a plurality of interface devices and/or software that allow a customer to input commands and data to direct the processing device to execute instructions. For example, the user interface may include a graphical user interface (GUI) or an interface to input computer-executable instructions that direct the processor to carry out specific functions. The user interface employs certain input and output devices to input data received from a user or output data to a user. These input and output devices may include a display, mouse, keyboard, button, touchpad, touch screen, microphone, speaker, LED, light, joystick, switch, buzzer, bell, and/or other customer input/output device for communicating with one or more users.

[0023] Information is displayed to the user through a display 108 A. Non-limiting examples of the user display 108 A are computer monitor, touchscreen, and the like.

[0024] If implemented as a touch screen for example, in which case display 108 A is optionally combined with a user input device 106A. User input device may also additional and alternatively comprise one or more further input devices, including but not limited to a keyboard, a mouse, or other pointing device, and the like.

[0025] The electronic storage may comprise non-transitory storage media that electronically stores information. The electronic storage media of electronic storage may include one or both of system storage that is provided integrally (i.e., substantially non removable) with a respective component of system 100 and/or removable storage that is removably connected to a respective component of system 100 via, for example, a port (e.g., a USB port, a fireware part, etc.) or a drive (e.g., a disk drive, etc.). The electronic storage may include one or more of optically readable storage media (e.g., optical discs, etc.), magnetically readable storage medium (e.g., flash drive, etc.), and/or other electronically readable storage medium. The electronic storage 108 may include one or more virtual storage resources (e.g., cloud storage, a virtual private network, and/or other virtual storage resources). The electronic storage may store software algorithms, information determine by processor, and/or other information that enables components of a system 100 to function as described herein.

[0026] The processor 110A refers to a device or combination of devices having circuity used for implementing the communication and/or logic functions of a particular system. For example, a processor may include a digital signal processor device, a microprocessor device, and various analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters, and other support circuits and/or combinations of the foregoing. Control and signal processing functions of the system are allocated between these processing devices according to their respective capabilities. The processor may further include functionality to operate one or more software programs based on computer-executable program code thereof, which may be stored in a memory. As the phrase is used herein, the processor may be "configured to" perform a certain function in a variety of ways, including, for example, by having one or more general-purpose circuits perform the function by executing particular computer-executable program code embodied in computer- readable medium, and/or by having one or more application-specific circuits perform the function.

[0027] The process 110A is configured to execute readable instructions. The computer readable instructions include a user interface 104, GPS 112A, and/or other components.

[0028] The user interface 104 provides a user interface presented via the user computational device 102. The user interface 104 may be a graphical user interface (GUI). The user interface may provide information to the user. In some implementations, the user interface may present information associated with one or more transactions. The user interface may receive information from the user. In some implementations, the user interface may receive user instructions to perform a transaction. The user instructions may include a selection of a transaction, a command to perform a transaction, and/or information associated with a transaction.

[0029] The GPS 112A uses a cloud-based maps platform to determine the location of the user. Non-limiting examples of cloud-based maps platforms are Google Maps, Microsoft Bing Maps, and MapQuest. The GPS 112A connects to the cloud-based maps platform using a web advance programming interfaces (API) and receives information that is used to provide the user with information about the user physical location.

[0030] Referring now to the driver computational device 114 depicted in Figure 1, the driver computational device 114 features a driver interface 116, a driver input device 106B, a driver display 108B, an electronic storage (not shown), a processor 110B, and a Global Positioning GPS 112B. The driver computational device 114 may optionally comprise one or more of a desktop computer, laptop, PC, mobile device, cellular telephone, and the like.

[0031] The driver interface 116 allows a driver to interact with the driver computational device 114 through the driver input device 106B. Non-limiting examples of the driver input device 106B are a keyboard, mouse, other pointing device, touchscreen, and the like.

[0032] The driver display 108B displays information to the driver. Non-limiting examples of the driver display 108B are computer monitor, touchscreen, and the like.

[0033] The driver input device 106B and driver display 108B may optionally be combined to a touchscreen, for example. [0034] The electronic storage may comprise non-transitory storage media that electronically stores information. The electronic storage media of electronic storage may include one or both of system storage that is provided integrally (i.e., substantially non removable) with a respective component of system 100 and/or removable storage that is removably connected to a respective component of system 100 via, for example, a port (e.g., a USB port, a fireware part, etc.) or a drive (e.g., a disk drive, etc.). The electronic storage may include one or more of optically readable storage media (e.g., optical discs, etc.), magnetically readable storage medium (e.g., flash drive, etc.), and/or other electronically readable storage medium. The electronic storage 108 may include one or more virtual storage resources (e.g., cloud storage, a virtual private network, and/or other virtual storage resources). The electronic storage may store software algorithms, information determine by processor, and/or other information that enables components of a system 100 to function as described herein.

[0035] The processor 110B refers to a device or combination of devices having circuity used for implementing the communication and/or logic functions of a particular system. For example, a processor may include a digital signal processor device, a microprocessor device, and various analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters, and other support circuits and/or combinations of the foregoing. Control and signal processing functions of the system are allocated between these processing devices according to their respective capabilities. The processor may further include functionality to operate one or more software programs based on computer-executable program code thereof, which may be stored in a memory. As the phrase is used herein, the processor may be "configured to" perform a certain function in a variety of ways, including, for example, by having one or more general-purpose circuits perform the function by executing particular computer-executable program code embodied in computer- readable medium, and/or by having one or more application-specific circuits perform the function.

[0036] The process 110B is configured to execute readable instructions. The computer readable instructions include a driver interface 116, GPS 112B, and/or other components.

[0037] The driver interface 104 provides a driver interface presented via the driver computational device 102. The driver interface 104 may be a graphical driver interface (GUI). The driver interface may provide information to the driver. In some implementations, the driver interface may present information associated with one or more transactions. The driver interface may receive information from the driver. In some implementations, the driver interface may receive driver instructions to perform a transaction. The driver instructions may include a selection of a transaction, a command to perform a transaction, and/or information associated with a transaction.

[0038] The GPS 112B uses a cloud-based maps platform, preferably Google Maps API, to determine the location of the driver. The GPS 112A connects to the cloud-based maps platform using a web advance programming interface (API) and receives information that is used to provide the driver with information about the driver’s physical location.

[0039] Referring now to server 118 depicted in Figure 1, the server 118 communicates with the user computational device 102 and the driver computational device 114. The server 118 facilitates the transfer of information to and from the user and the driver.

[0040] The server 118 features an electronic storage (not shown), one or more processor(s) (not shown), server interface 122, logistics engine 124, and/or other components. The server 118 may include a plurality of hardware, software, and/or firmware components operating together to provide the functionality attributed herein to server 118.

[0041] The electronic storage may comprise non-transitory storage media that electronically stores information. The electronic storage media of electronic storage may include one or both of system storage that is provided integrally (i.e., substantially non removable) with a respective component of system 100 and/or removable storage that is removably connected to a respective component of system 100 via, for example, a port (e.g., a USB port, a fireware part, etc.) or a drive (e.g., a disk drive, etc.). The electronic storage may include one or more of optically readable storage media (e.g., optical discs, etc.), magnetically readable storage medium (e.g., flash drive, etc.), and/or other electronically readable storage medium. The electronic storage may include one or more virtual storage resources (e.g., cloud storage, a virtual private network, and/or other virtual storage resources). The electronic storage may store software algorithms, information determine by processor, and/or other information that enables components of a system 100 to function as described herein.

[0042] The processor may be configured to provide information processing capabilities in server 118. As such, the processor may include a device or combination of devices having circuity used for implementing the communication and/or logic functions of a particular system. For example, a processor may include a digital signal processor device, a microprocessor device, and various analog-to-digital converters, digital-to-analog converters, and other support circuits and/or combinations of the foregoing. Control and signal processing functions of the system are allocated between these processing devices according to their respective capabilities. The processor may further include functionality to operate one or more software programs based on computer-executable program code thereof, which may be stored in a memory. As the phrase is used herein, the processor may be "configured to" perform a certain function in a variety of ways, including, for example, by having one or more general-purpose circuits perform the function by executing particular computer-executable program code embodied in computer-readable medium, and/or by having one or more application-specific circuits perform the function.

[0043] The processor is configured to execute machine-readable instructions. The machine- readable instructions include a server interface 122, logistics engine 124, and/or other components.

[0044] The server interface 122 allows the user computational device 102 and the driver computational device 114 to transmit and receive information from the server 122.

[0045] The logistics engine 124 provides logistics support in connecting drivers and riders. The logistics engine 124 also calculates the market rate, floor rate, and ceiling rate. Both the floor rate and ceiling rate may be calculated as a percentage of the market rate.

[0046] Figure IB illustrates a method 150 for dispatching drivers based on the drivers indicated availability. Starting with Step 152, a driver indicates the driver’ s availability through the driver computational device 120 by being online in the app. The driver computational device 120 displays the market rate, which the driver can use when deciding the driver’s rate to charge. Next, in Step 154, the driver inputs the driver’s rate.

[0047] In another embodiment, the driver determines the driver’s rate by selecting a bid type relative to the calculated market rate, which is calculated by the logistics engine 124. The driver is able to select among the following options of bid type: a percentage of the calculated market rate; a band relative to the calculated market rate; and a level relative to the market rate. The options of bid types are not limited to the above list.

[0048] Then, in Step 156, the GPS 112B determines the driver location. Next, the driver computational device 114 communicates the driver’s rate and driver location, along with additional information, to the server 118 through the server interface 122.

[0049] In Step 158, the user activates app to request a ride using the user computational device 102. The user may input certain criteria pertaining to the required ride. For example, the user may indicate that the user wishes to manually select a driver based upon the displayed choices, or the user may ask the system to make the selection. The user may also indicate preferences in regard to the type of driver to be selected, such as for example a professionally licensed driver as opposed to a lay licensed driver; whether wheelchair access is required; the type of transportation (passenger car, truck, bus, van, and so forth); the year, make and model of vehicle; and so forth. The user may also indicate a preference for price over speed, in that the user may prefer to arrive more quickly, regardless of price. Alternatively, the user may be price sensitive and may prefer a lower price as opposed to a faster ride.

[0050] Next, the user location is determined by the GPS 112A in Step 160. The user computational device communicates the user ride request, the user criteria, and user location to the server 118 through the server interface 122.

[0051] The information collected from the user computational device 102 and the driver computational device 120 is processed by the logistics engine 124 operating on the server 118. The logistics engine 124 determines the location of drivers in an area relative to the user location in Step 162. Using drivers’ locations and the user criteria, the logistics engine 124 determines available drivers in Step 164. As noted previously, optionally the user may make all selection choices up to the specific vehicle; alternatively, the user may set various parameters and then allow the system to select the vehicle.

[0052] The server 118 then communicates the available drivers to the user computational device 102. In Step 170A, the computational device 102 then displays the prices and the distance drivers are located from the user’s location through the user display 108 A. Using the displayed information, the user then selects a driver in Step 172A. The user computational device then communicates the user’s driver selection to the server 118. As a result, in Step 174, the server 118 transmits a dispatched order to the driver computational device of the selected driver.

[0053] Alternatively, in Step 172B, the logistics engine 124 then selects a driver from the available drivers. The server 118 transmits a dispatched order to the driver computational device of the selected driver. The server 118 also transmits information to the user computational device that a driver has been selected.

[0054] Figure 2 illustrates a method 200 for automatic bidding. The app operating on the driver computational device displays the market rate anchor to the driver in Step 202. Optionally, the app displays the floor and ceiling of the market rate to the driver in Step 204. The floor and ceiling of the market rate are calculated as a percentage of the market rate.

[0055] In Step 206, the driver selects either manual or automatic calculation for the desired driver’s rate. For an automatic calculation, the driver’s rate is set to the marketplace rate, which is calculated as described in greater detail below. If the driver selects manual, then driver display 108B displays the rate choice in Step 208, preferably in relation to the marketplace rate. Next, in Step 210, the driver selects the relative band or percentage of the marketplace rate, which may be higher or lower than the marketplace rate, although preferably with limitations as to how much higher or lower the rate is. Afterwards, the driver display 108B displays the driver rate in relation to the market rate in Step 212. Finally, the driver confirms the rate in Step 214.

[0056] Figure 3 illustrates the method 300 for calculating the market rate anchor. In Step 302, the requirements for the floor and ceiling are inputted into the system 100. The logistics engine 124 determines the rates for the drivers within a specific radius or window in Step 304. Next, the logistics engine 124 then determines the average of the rates in Step 306. Using the requirements, the logistics engine 124 adjusts the rate in Step 308. Finally, in Step 310, the logistics engine 124 outputs the market anchor rate.

[0057] Figure 4 illustrates the method 400 for locating drivers. In Step 402, the logistics engine 124 determines the initial radius heuristic based on numerous factors, such as size of the city or town, infrastructure for the roads, and the population of the city or town. Optionally, the logistics engine 124 monitors the market rate and then adjusts for current market conditions. Next, in Step 406, the logistics engine 124 determines the driver characteristics, such as the driver’s rating, the driver’s friendliness, and cleanliness.

[0058] The logistics engine 124 then determines whether it has sufficient amount of drivers for the current request from users in Step 408. If the logistics engine 124 determines that it does not have sufficient amount of drivers for the current request, the logistics engine 124 sends an alert that the system has insufficient amount of drivers to service the current request. Optionally, the alert may provide a recommended radius value that would service the current request. The system provides for manual input of the radius value to expand the radius in Step 410. Additionally, the manual input allows for radius reduction.

[0059] In another embodiment, the logistics engine 124 determines that it does not have sufficient amount of drivers for the current request, the logistics engine 124 then expands radius for the specific area to include additional drivers to satisfy the current request. Conversely, if the logistics engine 124 determines that it has too many drivers for the current request, the logistic engine 124 would narrow the radius for the specific area to reduce the number of drivers.

[0060] Then, the logistics engine 124 calculates the cost/speed of drivers in Step 412. Speed may be defined as time to pick up and/or time to arrival. Optionally, the logistics engine 124 calculates the cost/speed based on further criteria in Step 414. Next, the logistics engine 124 enables the driver selection in Step 416.

[0061] Figure 5 illustrates the method 500 for earnings performance for drivers, which may optionally be performed with the system as described herein. Reference numbers refer to previous figures; the method may optionally be implemented according to the system of these figure(s) or according any other suitable implementation. In Step 502, the driver sets the time period for the earnings performance calculation through the driver computational device 114. The driver computational device 114 calculates the time and distance traveled by the driver in Step 504. Using the calculated time and distance, the driver computational device 114 calculates the earnings in Step 506 and then compares calculated earnings to the market average (Step 508), market maximum (Step 510), and theoretical maximum (Step 512). The market average and market maximum is obtained from the server 118. In addition, the calculated earnings are compared to the previous driver’s performance (step 514).

[0062] Earnings performance is one of several performance indicators that the driver computational device 114 displays. Another performance indicator is an efficiency index. The efficiency index is the amount of time a driver spends driving a user to the amount of time the driver is available online via the app. The efficiency index allows a driver to see how efficiently the driver operates.

[0063] Figure 6 illustrates a method 600 of a user requesting a ride. In Step 602, the user activates the app operating on the user computational device 102 to request a ride, optionally with specific criteria (i.e., price, car category (such as standard or premium for example), driver type and so forth, or a combination thereof, as non-limiting examples). Optionally destination is also provided by the user. The GPS 112A determines the user location in Step 604. Next, the user computational device 102 submits the user’s ride request, along with the user’s location, to the server 118. The server 118 searches for drivers based on the user criteria and location (Step 606) and then confirms the driver’s availability (Step 608).

[0064] Next, the server 118 communicates with and provides the user computational device 102 a list of available drivers based on the user’s criteria in Step 610. Optionally, the user indicates certain criteria after being provided the list of drivers on the app. From the list, the user selects a driver in Step 612. The user computational device 102 then communicates the user’s selection and ride request with the server 118 in Step 614. The server 118 then communicates with the driver computational device 114 the user’s ride request. The driver has the option of either accepting or declining the user’s ride request in Step 618. If the driver accepts the user’s ride request, the user is notified of the driver’s acceptance in Step 620 through the same communication means among the driver computational device 114, the server 118, and the user computational device 102. If the driver declines the user’s ride request, the user is also notified of the decline in Step 622. The user is able to select another driver from the list of available drivers. [0065] The steps in method 600 may occur in different order. For example, as illustrated in Figures 8A to 8C, the user inputs the destination address prior to selecting a car based on price or speed.

[0066] Figure 7A illustrates the method 700 of determining location before price. In Step 702, the user activates the app operating on the user computational device 102 to request a ride with specific criteria (i.e., price). The GPS 112A determines the user location in Step 704. Next, the user computational device 102 submits the user’s ride request, along with the user’s location, to the server 118. The server 118 searches for drivers and determines the location of the number of closets drivers in Step 706. The server 118 then confirms the drivers’ availability (Step 708) and calculates the price for each driver with confirmed availability (Step 710).

[0067] Next, the server 118 communicates to the user computational device 102 with the prices and distance information of the drivers. The user computational device 102 displays the pricing and distance information of the drivers on the user display 108A in Step 712. The user then selects the driver in Step 714. The user computational device 102 communicates the user’s driver selection to the server 118. Then, the server 118 dispatches the driver in Step 716.

[0068] Figure 7B illustrates the method 720 of a user selecting a driver based on location or price. The user can rank drivers according to either price or location. In Step 722, the user activates the app operating on the user computational device 102 to request a ride. The GPS 112A determines the user location in Step 724. The user interface 104 displays a question asking the user for distance or price.

[0069] In another embodiment, the user may select a driver based on location, price, or combination of both. The combination of both allows a user to optimize the location and price selection.

[0070] After the user inputs information about the distance and price, the user computational device 102 submits a request the server 118, communicating the price and location information. The logistics engine 124 operating on the server 118 then selects drivers according to the user request in Step 728.

[0071] The server 118 then confirms the drivers’ availability (Step 732) and calculates the price for each driver with confirmed availability (Step 734).

[0072] Next, the server 118 communicates to the user computational device 102 with the prices and distance information of the drivers. The user computational device 102 displays the pricing and distance information of the drivers on the user display 108A in Step 736. The user then selects the driver in Step 738. The user computational device 102 communicates the user’s driver selection to the server 118. Then, the server 118 dispatches the driver in Step 740. [0073] Figures 8A to 8C illustrate a user using the app operating on the user computational device 102. In Figure 8A, the user launches the app. The user then inputs the destination address into the app. Next, the user selects a car category (e.g. standard or premium) for the user’s ride request. Optionally, the user may provide information about special needs (e.g., van, baby seat, number of passengers). Based on the user’s inputs, the app returns options matching the user’s ride request.

[0074] Figure 8B illustrates the information provided by the app to the user for selecting the user’s ride request. The app provides the user with vehicle information (car model, year, color), driver rating, price, and speed. The user may rank or sort drivers based on price (i.e., cheapest) or speed (i.e., fastest). In addition, the app provides the user with guaranteed price ranges and compares those price ranges. The app also allows the user to select from different types of driver (professional limo drivers, taxi drivers, or other professional licensed drivers). To assist with the user selecting a driver, the app highlights different types of driver, for example taxis are labeled with the word“taxi”. Taxis may also be highlighted in yellow (not shown).

[0075] Figure 8C illustrates the two different means of selecting a vehicle. The user is able to manually select a vehicle by clicking on the vehicle (i.e., car). Or, the user can click on the “auto-pick” button to automatically select a vehicle. By using this button, the app selects the vehicle based on the user inputs as provided in Figure 8A.

[0076] While certain exemplary embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that such embodiments are merely illustrative of, and not restrictive on, the broad invention, and that this invention not be limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other changes, combinations, omissions, modifications and substitutions, in addition to those set forth in the above paragraphs, are possible. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that various adaptations and modifications of the just described embodiments can be configured without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

[0077] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention, which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. [0078] Although the invention has been described in conjunction with specific embodiments thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and broad scope of the appended claims. All publications, patents and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated in their entirety by reference into the specification, to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated herein by reference. In addition, citation or identification of any reference in this application shall not be construed as an admission that such reference is available as prior art to the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A system for matching drivers and users in need of transportation services through a marketplace model, the system comprising:

a. a plurality of user computational devices, each user computational device comprising a user app interface for interacting with users and for allowing users to select drivers according to price or speed, or a combination;

b. a plurality of driver computational devices, each driver computational device comprising a driver app interface for interacting with drivers;

c. a server, comprising a server app interface and a logistics engine;

d. a computer network for connecting the user computational device and the server and for connecting the driver computational device and the server;

e. wherein the user computational device communicates with the server for transmitting information; and

f. wherein the driver computational device communicates with the server for transmitting information and for being assigned a user for the marketplace.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the user computational device further comprises an electronic storage, a user input device, a user display device, a global positioning system (GPS), and at least one processor.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the driver computational device further comprises an electronic storage, a driver input device, a driver display device, a GPS, and at least one processor.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the server further comprises electronic storage.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the logistics engine processes information and facilitates matching users and drivers.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the computer network is the internet, which is the global system of interconnected computer networks that use the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to link devices worldwide.

7. A method for dispatching drivers based on driver availability, the method comprises

a. indicating driver availability by appearing online through the driver app interface operating on the driver computational device by a driver;

b. inputting the driver rate through the driver input device;

c. determining driver location by the GPS, where the GPS operates on the driver computational device; d. transmitting the driver location and driver rates by the driver computational device to the server through the computer network;

e. determining a user location by the GPS, where GPS operates on the user computational device;

f. inputting user criteria into the user computational device by the user;

g. inputting the user criteria for selecting a driver by a user;

h. selecting drivers based on user criteria by the logistics engine and returning a list of drivers matching user criteria to the user computational device through the server; i. selecting a driver from list of drivers from user computational device by the user; and j . transmitting the user selection to the server by the user computational device, which the user computational device then transmits the user selection along with the user’s location to the driver computational device, which then notifies driver of user’s ride request.

8. The method of claim 7, the method further comprises accepting the user’s ride request by the driver; receiving the user’s location from the driver computational device by the driver; and transmitting the driver acceptance to the server by the driver computational device, where the server then transmits the driver acceptance to the user computational device, which notifies the user of the driver acceptance.

9. A method for automatic bidding, the method comprises

a. displaying market rate anchor to the driver by the driver computational device;

b. selecting either manual or automatic calculation for the desired driver’s rate by the driver;

c. selecting the relative band or percentage of the marketplace rate by the driver;

d. displaying the driver rate in relation to the market rate by the driver display device; and e. confirming the driver’ s rate by the driver.

10. The method of claim 9, displaying the floor and ceiling of the market rate to the driver by the driver computational device, where the floor and ceiling of the market rate are calculated as a percentage of the market rate.

11. A method for calculating a market rate anchor, the method comprises

a. inputting requirements for the floor and ceiling rates into the system;

b. determining the rates for drivers within a specific radius by the logistics engine;

c. determining the average of the rates for drivers by the logistics engine;

d. adjusting the market anchor rate using the requirements for the floor and ceiling rates by the logistics engine; and e. outputting the market anchor rate by the logistics engine.

12. A method for locating drivers, the method comprises

a. determining the initial radius heuristic based on numerous factors by the logistics engine, where examples of numerous factors are size of the city or town, infrastructure for roads, and the population of the city or town;

b. determining the driver characteristics by the logistics engine, where examples of driver characteristics are driver’s rating, friendliness, and cleanliness;

c. determining whether it has sufficient amount of drivers for the current request from users by the logistics engine; and

d. using the initial radius by the logistics engine if the amount of drivers is sufficient or alerting the system that the radius requires manual updating of the radius to service current request from users by the logistics engine if amount of drivers is not sufficient.

13. The method of claim 12, alerting the system with a recommended radius by the logistics engine.

14. A method for calculating the earnings performance of a driver, the method comprises

a. setting the time period through the driver computational device by a drivers, b. calculating time and distance traveled by the driver by the driver computational device; c. calculating the earnings using the time and distance traveled calculated value by the driver computational device; and

d. calculating the earnings and comparing calculated earnings to market average, market maximum, and theoretical maximum earnings value obtained from the server by the driver computational device.

15. A method for a user to request a ride from a driver, the method comprises

a. activating the app on operating on the user computational device to request a ride with specific criteria by an user;

b. determining the user location by the GPS;

c. transmitting the user ride request and user location to the server by the user computational device;

d. transmitting the user ride request and user locations to driver computational devices by the server; and

e. displaying to driver the option to accept or decline user’s ride request by the driver computational device.

16. A method for determining location before price for a user hailing a ride, the method comprises a. activating the app on operating on the user computational device to request a ride with specific criteria by a user;

b. determining the user location by the GPS;

d. searching for drivers, determining the relative location of the drivers to the user, and confirming driver availability by the server;

e. calculating the price for each driver with confirmed availability by the server;

f. transmitting to the user computational device the price and distance information of drivers with confirmed availability by the server;

g. displaying the price and distance information of drivers with an option to select a specific driver on the user display by the user computational device;

h. selecting a driver on the user display by the user;

i. transmitting the user selection to the server by the user computational device; and j . dispatching the driver by the server.

17. The method of claim 16, where the user activating the app is provided with the option to rank drivers according to either price or location.

18. The method of claim 17, where the user activating the app is provided with the option of selecting a driver based on price, location, or a combination of both.