WO2023235912A1 - System and method for facilitating the carriage of items - Google Patents

System and method for facilitating the carriage of items Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023235912A1
WO2023235912A1 PCT/AU2023/050001 AU2023050001W WO2023235912A1 WO 2023235912 A1 WO2023235912 A1 WO 2023235912A1 AU 2023050001 W AU2023050001 W AU 2023050001W WO 2023235912 A1 WO2023235912 A1 WO 2023235912A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
sender
passenger
item
carriage
destination
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/AU2023/050001
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Simone Azzopardi
Dean Holyman
Original Assignee
Simone Azzopardi
Dean Holyman
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from AU2022901563A external-priority patent/AU2022901563A0/en
Application filed by Simone Azzopardi, Dean Holyman filed Critical Simone Azzopardi
Publication of WO2023235912A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023235912A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
    • G06Q10/083—Shipping
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/08—Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
    • G06Q10/083—Shipping
    • G06Q10/0834—Choice of carriers
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/10—Office automation; Time management
    • G06Q10/103—Workflow collaboration or project management

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a system and method for facilitating the carriage of items and, in particular, to a computer-implemented system and method that enables senders of items to enter a request to have their items carried from a source to a destination by a passenger registered to travel with one or more transport facilities from the same or nearby source to the same or nearby destination.
  • Postal systems and logistics companies provide a standardized arrangement to transport items of limited size and weight (i.e. parcels and packages) at the request of individuals and organisations.
  • items of limited size and weight i.e. parcels and packages
  • the delivery may be carried out by land (e.g. using a bike, van, truck, etc), by air (e.g. aircraft), or by sea (e.g. carrier ship).
  • the method of delivery is also likely to influence the manner in which the item is packaged and stored during delivery. For example, where an item is delivered by sea, it will typically be stored amongst other items in a shipping container.
  • the present invention provides a computer-implemented method for facilitating the carriage of items, the method including receiving, by one or more processors, data from a sender regarding an item requiring carriage from a source to a destination, creating, by one or more processors, a sender profile based on the sender data, receiving, by one or more processors, data from a passenger regarding forthcoming travel of the passenger, the passenger data including details regarding one or more transport facilities associated with the forthcoming travel, creating, by one or more processors, a passenger profile based on the passenger data, automatically matching, by one or more processors, the sender profile with one or more passenger profiles based upon similarities between the sender profile and the one or more passenger profiles, including a match according to a pre-defined threshold between the source and destination of the item requiring carriage with a source and destination associated with the forthcoming travel of each passenger, causing, by one or more processors, a data communications device associated with the sender to display details relating to matching passenger profiles available for selection by the sender, and prompt
  • the one or more transport facilities are publicly or privately operated.
  • the method further includes causing the data communications device associated with the sender to provide a payment facility to enable the sender to provide a payment to the particular matching passenger and/or the one or more transport facilities providing transport to the passenger.
  • the payment provided by the sender is delivered to the particular matching passenger and/or the one or more transport facilities using a secure encryption technique.
  • the payment is effected using a cryptocurrency.
  • the method further includes causing the data communications device associated with the sender to confirm a collection location for the item at the source to enable the passenger to collect the item at the pick-up location, and confirm a delivery location for the item at the destination to enable the passenger to dropoff the item at the delivery location.
  • the collection location is an address of the one or more transport facilities to enable the passenger to collect the item at the source prior to boarding the mode of transport.
  • the collection location is an actual, current or preferred address specified by the sender, requiring the passenger to collect the item from the actual, current or preferred address.
  • the delivery location is an address of the one or more transport facilities, enabling the passenger to deliver the item to the destination for subsequent pick-up by a recipient of the item.
  • the sender may arrange collection from the relevant transport facility or arrange direct delivery from the transport facility to an address of the recipient.
  • the delivery location is an actual, current or preferred address specified by the recipient, requiring the passenger to deliver the item from the transport facility to the actual, current or preferred address specified by the recipient.
  • the method further includes, based upon receiving data from a sender regarding an item requiring carriage from a source to a destination, generating, by one or more processors, one or more recommendations to the sender regarding a preferred travel route from the source to the destination amongst a plurality of different travel route options.
  • the preferred travel route is determined based upon one or more of a travel cost, a number of stops, a total distance, a travel time, or a preferred time requirement of the sender.
  • the method further includes providing, by one or more processors, information to the sender regarding the basis for selecting the recommended travel route (including savings in cost, distance, time, etc, by selecting the recommended travel route), and further providing a comparison with other travel route options with the ability for the sender to select an alternative travel route from the other travel route options.
  • the one or more recommendations regarding a preferred travel route from the source to the destination are generated using one or more artificial intelligence techniques applied to data relating to arrangements between senders, passengers and the one or more transport facilities.
  • the method further includes tracking, by one or more processors, the carriage of the item from the source to the destination, and causing, by one or more processors, the data communications device associated with the sender to provide substantially real-time updates regarding the status of delivery of the item.
  • the method further includes receiving, by one or more processors, a notification from the particular passenger that they are unable to fulfill their obligation to pick up and carry the item for and on behalf of the sender to the destination, automatically seeking a new match between the sender profile and one or more passenger profiles based upon said similarities between the profiles; and based upon the sender’s approval of a request received from a new matching passenger to carry the item for and on behalf of the sender in exchange for the monetary amount informing the one or more travel facilities regarding the new matching passenger and the item proposed for carriage, and causing the monetary amount originally scheduled for payment from the sender to the particular passenger to be diverted to the new passenger.
  • the method further includes automatically monitoring for events likely to cause transport delays (e.g. extreme weather events, health events, etc), and providing notification to the sender regarding the likely transport delay.
  • the present invention provides a computer-implemented system for facilitating the carriage of items, the system including one or more processors configured to receive data from a sender regarding an item requiring carriage from a source to a destination, create a sender profile based on the sender data, receive data from a passenger regarding forthcoming travel of the passenger, the passenger data including details regarding one or more transport facilities associated with the forthcoming travel, create a passenger profile based on the passenger data, automatically match the sender profile with one or more passenger profiles based upon similarities between the sender profile and the one or more passenger profiles, including a match according to a pre-defined threshold between the source and destination of the item requiring carriage with a source and destination associated with the forthcoming travel of each passenger, cause a data communications device associated with the sender to display details relating to matching passenger profiles available for selection by the sender, and prompt the sender to, select one or more of the matching passengers, and provide, to the selected matching passenger(s), details regarding the item requiring carriage including a monetary amount offered by the send
  • the present invention provides a computer-readable medium having a plurality of instructions executable by one or more processors of a computing device to receive data from a sender regarding an item requiring carriage from a source to a destination, create a sender profile based on the sender data, receive data from a passenger regarding forthcoming travel of the passenger, the passenger data including details regarding one or more transport facilities associated with the forthcoming travel, create a passenger profile based on the passenger data, automatically match the sender profile with one or more passenger profiles based upon similarities between the sender profile and the one or more passenger profiles, including a match according to a pre-defined threshold between the source and destination of the item requiring carriage with a source and destination associated with the forthcoming travel of each passenger, cause a data communications device associated with the sender to display details relating to matching passenger profiles available for selection by the sender, and prompt the sender to select one or more of the matching passengers, and provide, to the selected matching passenger(s), details regarding the item requiring carriage including a monetary amount offered by the send
  • Figure 1 provides an overview of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention showing, in particular, the interaction between various system components
  • Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary diagram associated with the server component within the system illustrated in Figure 1 ;
  • Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a process that enables a user (sender) to download and install a software application, and subsequently access, or register to use, the software application, for interaction with the system illustrated in Figure 1 , including to upload information regarding an item requiring carriage from a source to a destination;
  • Figure 4 illustrates a diagram associated with example interfaces of the software application from a perspective of another user (passenger), enabling the passenger to upload information regarding their forthcoming travel including specifying a source and a destination;
  • Figure 5 illustrates a diagram associated with an example interface of the software application that enables information to be exchanged with a transport facility including item and passenger details;
  • Figure 6 illustrates a diagram associated with another example interface of the software application in the form of a payment interface for managing payments from senders to passengers who have agreed to carry items on behalf of senders.
  • a system and method for facilitating the carriage of items (60) allows senders (30) to rely upon passengers (65) engaged in travel with a transport facility (70) to carry such items on their behalf from a source (75) to a destination (80) location, as depicted in Figure 1 .
  • the system and method provide a platform that hosts a computer-executable software application (40), wherein the application (40) is accessible by a plurality of users, including senders (30) and passengers (65).
  • the platform enables senders (30) to receive details relating to passengers (65) travelling from the source (75) to the destination (80) locations, and to select a passenger (65) such that the selected passenger (65) is responsible for carriage of the item(s) (60) from the source (75) to the destination (80) in exchange for a monetary amount acceptable to the sender (30).
  • the platform is provided by a central server (20) which maintains one or more processors and/or databases for performing functions, including receiving details from senders (30) of items (60) and passengers (65) for the purpose of creating sender and passenger profiles.
  • the server (20) is further configured to create such profiles based upon information received, and automatically match sender profiles with passenger profiles based upon similarities between the profiles, including at least a match between the source and destination of the item (60) requiring carriage with a source and destination associated with the forthcoming travel of passengers (65).
  • a sender (30) selects a passenger (65) and approves the passenger’s request to carry the item (60) in exchange for a monetary amount, details relating to the particular matching passenger (65) and the item (60) proposed for carriage are provided to the relevant transport facility (70).
  • the platform provides a solution to existing problems associated with conventional item delivery requiring multiple different entities to ensure the delivery of items (60) and hence multiple opportunities for delays and inefficiencies to arise.
  • the platform provides senders (30) of items (60) with the ability to more closely control and manage the carriage of their items (60) from a source (75) to a destination (80) location.
  • the use of a data communications device (50) on which software application (40) is operated together with the use of server component (20) represents an advance, or at least an improved use of capacity of various technical components as compared with current technological arrangements utilized for the same purpose.
  • FIG. 1 is divided into segments which are further expanded in subsequent Figures 2 to 6.
  • segment 200 of Figure 1 shows the server component (20) with which the software application (40) operating on data communication devices (50) of individual senders (30) and passengers (65) are configured to communicate.
  • the software application (40) may be a mobile application or web application
  • the data communication devices (50) utilised by the senders (30) and passengers (65) may be mobile devices or fixed computer devices. Examples of mobile devices include mobile phones or tablets, and examples of fixed computer devices include laptops or personal computers.
  • the device (50) is a smart phone device.
  • the server component (20) is additionally detailed in Figure 2 and skilled persons will appreciate that the steps described herein, as executable by the devices (50), may be facilitated by the software application (40) operating on each device (50).
  • steps described herein as performed by the server (20) may be performed by one or more processors associated with the user devices (50) (e.g. in a distributed architecture).
  • the server is programmed to provide all of the functions described herein particularly where they cannot be provided locally on the user devices (50).
  • Segment 300 of Figure 1 depicts how the server (20) may be configured for communication with the devices (50) associated with each user (i.e. with each of the senders (30) of items and each of the passengers (65) tasked with carrying items on behalf of senders (30)).
  • the server (20) may receive data from the devices (50) for the purpose of creating a user account and profile (e.g. based upon the entry of details from both senders (30) and passengers (65)).
  • Segment 300 of Figure 1 further depicts a sender (30) downloading and installing the application (40) and subsequently accessing the application (40) to establish their account and profile, as further detailed in Figure 1.
  • Segment 400 of Figure 1 illustrates example interfaces in which a passenger (65) may enter details including in relation to forthcoming travel for the purpose of establishing their account and profile, as further detailed in Figure 4.
  • Segment 500 of Figure 1 illustrates an additional example interface for allowing the system to interface with relevant transport facilities (70), as further detailed in Figure 5.
  • Segment 600 of Figure 1 illustrates a further example interface that enables payment from a sender (30) to a passenger (65) and the subsequent delivery of an item (60), as further detailed in Figure 6.
  • Figure 2 shows in greater detail segment 200 of Figure 1 , and in particular, Figure 2 shows the server component (20) which includes infrastructure upon which the platform of the present embodiment of the invention operates.
  • the infrastructure may be local or cloud-based.
  • the central server (20) may operate one or more computer processors and maintain one or more databases to enable the following functionality and/or storage;
  • User account register (100) storing details of all users including senders (30) seeking to have an item (60) transported from a source (75) to a destination (80), and passengers (65) prepared to transport such items (60) on the basis that they are travelling from the same source (75) to the same destination (80) (e.g. name, address, contact details, and any additional detail which may be relevant for the purpose of identifying each user). Additional details which may be stored in the user account database (100) include profiles established for each user;
  • Register (1 10) storing details relating to items (60) proposed for transport, source locations (75), destination locations (80), transport facilities (70), etc, associated with current bookings, including details relating to senders (30) of the item(s) (60) and passengers (65) selected for carrying the item(s) whilst utilizing the transport facility (70).
  • Register (1 10) may further include historical data relating to previous transport instances including details relating to individual deliveries of items and dates and time associated with the pick up and drop off of items (60);
  • API Application Programming Interface
  • Verification functionality (120) for verifying details submitted and profiles created on behalf of senders (30) and passengers (65), as well as for establishing secure exchanges of information with transport facilities (70) including the provision of passenger and item information to such facilities (70).
  • verification functionality (120) may verify the identification details provided by senders (30) and passengers (65) in order to authenticate the user including performance of identification checks. Additional checks may be required to confirm that passengers (65), in particular, are of sufficient integrity and character to be considered a safe carrier of items (60);
  • Data processing (user data profile) functionality (125) for performing or assisting various functions described herein, including utilizing one or more rules or algorithms to create profiles for senders (30) and passengers (65) based upon received user data, automatically matching sender profiles with passenger profiles, causing devices (50) to present information I prompts for display including the display of matching passengers (65) with senders (30) and prompting senders (30) to select a passenger (65), ensuring item (60) and passenger (65) details are transmitted to relevant transport facilities (70), and managing pick up and drop off locations as described in greater detail below;
  • Payment gateway functionality (130) which enables monetary amounts accepted by senders (30) to be transferred from a nominated account of the senders (30) to the nominated accounts of passengers (65), including managing storage of records relating to such transactions, as well as managing any additional financial transactions required including the payment of subscription fees to a software application administrator.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates that server (20), according to the presently described embodiment, is configured to enable communication (140) with the devices (50) and, in particular, the software application (40) operating on each device (50). Such communication may occur via the internet or a similar network.
  • Figure 3 also shows in greater detail the various components depicted in segment 300 of Figure 1 and, in particular, the steps associated with a user (i.e. either one of sender (30) or passenger (65)) installing (150) the software application (40) on their devices (50), and subsequently accessing a user login and registration interface (160) associated with the application (40). Such access may be granted after the sender (30) or passenger (65) has installed the application (40) which may be achieved by downloading the application (40) from an application store.
  • Each user (30/65) may create an account and profile using the application (40) and the account/profile information may be stored in the user account database (100).
  • each sender (30) and passenger (65) may also utilise interface (160) to create and maintain a profile that will subsequently enable sender and passenger profiles to be matched according to a pre-defined threshold.
  • the profiles further enable users to view information about other users, and enables the users (30/65) to manage their profiles.
  • the user profiles may contain basic information about each user including name, age, location, etc and over time, the user profiles may include additional information such as historical data relating to items transported, preferred transport facilities, etc. In this way, each user may utilise interface (160) to submit specific data relating to themselves and/or their preferences, and the data will be sufficient to enable the matching of senders (30) with passengers (65).
  • the interface (160) may also be utilized by senders (30) for the purpose of initiating a request for an item (60) to be sent from a source location (75) to a destination location (80).
  • interface (160) may present an interactive map as shown in Figure 3, and/or enable a search for source and destination locations to be conducted manually (e.g. by prompting entry of an address associated with each location). Additional information relating to the request for carriage of an item (60) may be included by the sender (30), including an accepted monetary amount for transporting the item (60), a preferred collection date, collection or delivery instructions, a preferred delivery deadline, etc.
  • All such information may subsequently be viewed by passengers (65) eligible for carrying the item (60) from the source (75) to the destination (80) (i.e. passengers (65) who have forthcoming travel from the same source (75) to the same destination (80) and who have been automatically matched with, and subsequently selected by, the sender (30), are provided an opportunity to accept or reject the request).
  • senders (30) includes a collection location for the item (60) at the source (75) to enable a passenger (65) to pick-up the item from the collection location, and/or a delivery location for the item at the destination (80) to enable the passenger (65) to drop-off the item (60) at the precise preferred delivery location.
  • the collection location may be an address of the transport facility (70) to enable the passenger (65) to pick-up the item (60) at the source (75) prior to boarding the mode of transport.
  • the collection location is an actual, current or preferred address specified by the sender (30), requiring the passenger (65) to collect the item from the actual, current or preferred address.
  • the passenger (65) may agree to pick-up the item (60) from a specific address prior to arriving at the source location (75), and/or drop-off the item (60) at a specific address after arriving at the destination location (80).
  • the delivery location may be an address of the transport facility (70), enabling the passenger (65) to deliver the item to the destination (80) for subsequent pick-up by a recipient of the item.
  • the sender (30) may arrange for collection of the item (60) from the relevant transport facility (70) or arrange direct delivery from the transport facility to an address of the recipient.
  • the delivery location may be an actual, current or preferred address of the recipient as specified by the sender (30), requiring the passenger (65) to deliver the item from the transport facility (70) to the actual, current or preferred address of the recipient.
  • one or more recommendations may be generated and displayed to the sender (30) regarding a preferred mode of transport and/or travel route from the source (75) to the destination (80) amongst a plurality of different travel route options.
  • the preferred travel route may be determined based upon one or more of a travel cost, a number of stops, a total distance, a travel time, or a preferred time requirement of the sender.
  • the recommendations presented to senders (30) regarding a preferred mode of travel and/or travel route from the source (75) to the destination (80) may be generated using one or more artificial intelligence techniques applied to data relating to arrangements between senders (30), passengers (65), and the one or more transport facilities (70).
  • additional information may be provided to the sender (30) including the basis for a particular recommended travel route (including savings in cost, distance, time, etc, by selecting the recommended travel route), and senders (30) may also be provided with a comparison of available travel route options with the ability for the sender (30) to select an alternative travel route from the additional travel route options.
  • senders (30) have the ability to include special requests and select recommended modes of travel and/or travel routes, the actual available options may not necessarily allow senders (30) to have their requests or recommendations satisfied since their options will ultimately be limited to the availability of passengers (65) travelling from the same source (75) to the same destination (80) using a mode of transport and transport facility (70) of the passenger’s own choosing.
  • the ability for senders (30) to be provided with selection recommendations will improve the experience of the sender (30) and will likely result in transport of the item (60) in the fastest, most efficient and reliable manner.
  • the transport facilities (70) may be publicly or privately operated facilities (e.g. airlines, train operators, etc), and are likely to operate their own booking management systems which may be accessible to passengers (65) via an online website or booking platform.
  • the platform of the present invention may interface, using API integration functionality (1 15), with such online websites and booking platforms for the purpose of causing a passenger’s booking to be automatically recognized and utilized for the purpose of matching a sender (30) with a passenger (65).
  • Figure 4 shows in greater detail various components depicted in segment 400 of Figure 1 and, in particular, example interfaces (170) that may be presented to passengers (65) for the purpose of enabling passengers (65) to enter details relating to their forthcoming travel, including selecting the source (75) and destination (80) locations and the mode of transport and transport facility (70) selected, and any additional detail which the passenger (70) may prefer to convey to prospective senders (30) viewing their profiles.
  • example interfaces (170) that may be presented to passengers (65) for the purpose of enabling passengers (65) to enter details relating to their forthcoming travel, including selecting the source (75) and destination (80) locations and the mode of transport and transport facility (70) selected, and any additional detail which the passenger (70) may prefer to convey to prospective senders (30) viewing their profiles.
  • the sender (30) approves a request received from a particular matching passenger (65) to carry the item (60) for and on behalf of the sender (30) in exchange for the monetary amount
  • details may be provided to the corresponding transport facility (70) relating to the particular matching passenger (65) and the item (60) proposed for carriage so that the transport facility (70) has a record of same.
  • the transport facility (70) may also, if necessary, access the software application (40) and once they are aware of the item delivery, the transport facility (70) may attend to arrangements to ensure the transport of the item (60) is possible.
  • the software application (40) may also be utilized to initiate discussion between the respective entities, including allowing the transport facility (70) to provide feedback regarding why the requested transport of the item (60) may not be possible or allowable for any reason, or what security measure may be required in respect of particular items (60).
  • Figure 5 shows in greater detail various components depicted in segment 500 of Figure 1 and, in particular, a further interface (180) which enables the exchange of information with relevant transport facilities (70).
  • Figure 6 shows in greater detail various components depicted in segment 600 of Figure 1 and, in particular, a payment interface (190) which enables financial transactions to be initiated using software application (40).
  • a payment facility may enable senders (30) to provide payment to the particular matching passenger (65) and/or the one or more transport facilities (70), where required (e.g. where the transport facility requests additional fees beyond those requested by the passenger (65)).
  • the software application (40) may be configured to ensure that any payments provided by the sender (30) is delivered to the particular matching passenger (65) and/or the one or more transport facilities (70) using a secure encryption technique.
  • the timing of payment may be dependent upon the requirements of individual passengers (65) (e.g. some passengers (65) may request advance payment, whilst others may be prepared to receive payment upon delivery of items (60), and the payment gateway functionality (130) may accommodate these and other payment scenarios).
  • Figure 6 also depicts the delivery of item (60) to the destination (80).
  • the software application (40) may also enable carriage of the item (30) from the source (75) to the destination (80) to be monitored by the sender (30), as well as the recipient (not shown), with substantially real-time updates regarding the status of delivery of the item (60) also provided.
  • events likely to cause transport delays e.g. extreme weather events, health events, etc
  • the software application (40) may enable passengers (65) to provide a notification to relevant parties advising that they are unable to fulfill their obligation to pick up and carry the item (60) for and on behalf of the sender (30) to the destination (80). This may automatically trigger a search for a new matching passenger (65) to complete the transport task (i.e. to locate a new match between the sender profile and one or more passenger profiles based upon similarities between the profiles).
  • the relevant travel facilities (70) may be appropriately informed and any monetary amount originally scheduled for payment from the sender (30) to the first passenger (65) may be diverted to the new passenger (65).
  • server may include any processor-based or microprocessor-based system including systems using microcontrollers, reduced instruction set computers (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, and any other circuit or processor including hardware, software, or a combination thereof capable of executing the functions described herein.
  • RISC reduced instruction set computers
  • ASICs application specific integrated circuits
  • Such are exemplary only, and are thus not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of such terms.
  • the one or more processors as described herein are configured to execute a set of instructions that are stored in one or more data storage units or elements (such as one or more memories), in order to process data.
  • the one or more processors may include, or be coupled to, one or more memories.
  • the data storage units may also store data or other information as desired or needed.
  • the data storage units may be in the form of an information source or a physical memory element within a processing machine.
  • the set of instructions may include various commands that instruct the one or more processors to perform specific operations such as the methods and processes of the various embodiments of the subject matter described herein.
  • the set of instructions may be in the form of a software program.
  • the software may be in various forms such as system software or application software. Further, the software may be in the form of a collection of separate programs, a program subset within a larger program or a portion of a program.
  • the software may also include modular programming in the form of object- oriented programming.
  • the processing of input data by the processing machine may be in response to user commands, or in response to results of previous processing, or in response to a request made by another processing machine.
  • the diagrams of embodiments herein illustrate one or more control or processing units.
  • the processing or control units may represent circuits, circuitry, or portions thereof that may be implemented as hardware with associated instructions (e.g. software stored on a tangible and non-transitory computer readable storage medium, such as a computer hard drive, ROM, RAM, or the like) that perform the operations described herein.
  • the hardware may include state machine circuitry hardwired to perform the functions described herein.
  • the hardware may include electronic circuits that include and/or are connected to one or more logicbased devices, such as microprocessors, processors, controllers, or the like.
  • the one or more processors may represent processing circuitry such as one or more of a field programmable gate array (FPGA), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), microprocessor(s), and/or the like.
  • the circuits in various embodiments may be configured to execute one or more algorithms to perform functions described herein.
  • the one or more algorithms may include aspects of embodiments disclosed herein, whether or not expressly identified in the figures or a described method.

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Abstract

The present invention relates to a computer-implemented method for facilitating the carriage of items, the method including receiving, by one or more processors, data from a sender regarding an item requiring carriage from a source to a destination, creating, by one or more processors, a sender profile based on the sender data, receiving, by one or more processors, data from a passenger regarding forthcoming travel of the passenger, the passenger data including details regarding one or more transport facilities associated with the forthcoming travel, creating, by one or more processors, a passenger profile based on the passenger data, automatically matching, by one or more processors, the sender profile with one or more passenger profiles based upon similarities between the sender profile and the one or more passenger profiles, including a match according to a pre-defined threshold between the source and destination of the item requiring carriage with a source and destination associated with the forthcoming travel of each passenger, causing, by one or more processors, a data communications device associated with the sender to display details relating to matching passenger profiles available for selection by the sender, and prompt the sender to select one or more of the matching passengers, and provide, to the selected matching passenger(s), details regarding the item requiring carriage including a monetary amount offered by the sender for carriage of the item from the source to the destination, based upon the sender's approval of a request received from a particular matching passenger to carry the item for and on behalf of the sender in exchange for the monetary amount offered, providing to the one or more transport facilities, by one or more processors, details relating to the particular matching passenger and the item proposed for carriage.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING THE CARRIAGE OF ITEMS
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for facilitating the carriage of items and, in particular, to a computer-implemented system and method that enables senders of items to enter a request to have their items carried from a source to a destination by a passenger registered to travel with one or more transport facilities from the same or nearby source to the same or nearby destination.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Postal systems and logistics companies provide a standardized arrangement to transport items of limited size and weight (i.e. parcels and packages) at the request of individuals and organisations. Depending upon the nature of the item being delivered, the source and destination locations, and/or the preferences of the individual I organization requesting the delivery (i.e. the “sender”), the delivery may be carried out by land (e.g. using a bike, van, truck, etc), by air (e.g. aircraft), or by sea (e.g. carrier ship). The method of delivery is also likely to influence the manner in which the item is packaged and stored during delivery. For example, where an item is delivered by sea, it will typically be stored amongst other items in a shipping container.
[0003] There are typically multiple parties involved in the shipping of an item from a source location to a destination location, e.g. manufacturers, drivers, managers, store keepers, and end users. It is very difficult, and sometimes impossible, to maintain centralized control across all entities involved in the delivery process, and it is inevitable that during the delivery of an item, at least one party will experience circumstances that give rise to delays and/or inefficiencies. Examples of such circumstances include staff shortages, backlogged ports, container shortages, etc.
[0004] Once a delay and/or inefficiency is experienced at one stage of transport, this may be compounded during the remaining stages since most transport systems are configured to operate at their most efficient when items are received at the scheduled time. The result is that the receiver of the item will receive the item later than expected, and ultimately, this will reflect negatively upon all parties involved in the transportation of the item.
[0005] Accordingly, individuals and organisations desire convenient and novel methods by which to send and receive items, particularly during times in which the delivery of such items is slow or unreliable due to circumstances outside the control of the postal system and/or logistics company. Accordingly, there is a need to address this problem and to also provide greater control to individuals and organizations seeking the delivery of items.
[0006] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any suggestion, that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] In one aspect, the present invention provides a computer-implemented method for facilitating the carriage of items, the method including receiving, by one or more processors, data from a sender regarding an item requiring carriage from a source to a destination, creating, by one or more processors, a sender profile based on the sender data, receiving, by one or more processors, data from a passenger regarding forthcoming travel of the passenger, the passenger data including details regarding one or more transport facilities associated with the forthcoming travel, creating, by one or more processors, a passenger profile based on the passenger data, automatically matching, by one or more processors, the sender profile with one or more passenger profiles based upon similarities between the sender profile and the one or more passenger profiles, including a match according to a pre-defined threshold between the source and destination of the item requiring carriage with a source and destination associated with the forthcoming travel of each passenger, causing, by one or more processors, a data communications device associated with the sender to display details relating to matching passenger profiles available for selection by the sender, and prompt the sender to select one or more of the matching passengers, and provide, to the selected matching passenger(s), details regarding the item requiring carriage including a monetary amount offered by the sender for carriage of the item from the source to the destination, based upon the sender’s approval of a request received from a particular matching passenger to carry the item for and on behalf of the sender in exchange for the monetary amount offered, providing to the one or more transport facilities, by one or more processors, details relating to the particular matching passenger and the item proposed for carriage.
[0008] In an embodiment, the one or more transport facilities are publicly or privately operated.
[0009] In an embodiment, the method further includes causing the data communications device associated with the sender to provide a payment facility to enable the sender to provide a payment to the particular matching passenger and/or the one or more transport facilities providing transport to the passenger. [0010] In an embodiment, the payment provided by the sender is delivered to the particular matching passenger and/or the one or more transport facilities using a secure encryption technique. In an embodiment, the payment is effected using a cryptocurrency.
[0011] In an embodiment, the method further includes causing the data communications device associated with the sender to confirm a collection location for the item at the source to enable the passenger to collect the item at the pick-up location, and confirm a delivery location for the item at the destination to enable the passenger to dropoff the item at the delivery location.
[0012] In an embodiment, the collection location is an address of the one or more transport facilities to enable the passenger to collect the item at the source prior to boarding the mode of transport. In an alternative embodiment, the collection location is an actual, current or preferred address specified by the sender, requiring the passenger to collect the item from the actual, current or preferred address.
[0013] In an embodiment, the delivery location is an address of the one or more transport facilities, enabling the passenger to deliver the item to the destination for subsequent pick-up by a recipient of the item. In this regard, once the passenger arrives at the destination, the sender may arrange collection from the relevant transport facility or arrange direct delivery from the transport facility to an address of the recipient. In an alternative embodiment, the delivery location is an actual, current or preferred address specified by the recipient, requiring the passenger to deliver the item from the transport facility to the actual, current or preferred address specified by the recipient.
[0014] In an embodiment, the method further includes, based upon receiving data from a sender regarding an item requiring carriage from a source to a destination, generating, by one or more processors, one or more recommendations to the sender regarding a preferred travel route from the source to the destination amongst a plurality of different travel route options. [0015] In an embodiment, the preferred travel route is determined based upon one or more of a travel cost, a number of stops, a total distance, a travel time, or a preferred time requirement of the sender.
[0016] In an embodiment, where a particular travel route is recommended to the sender, the method further includes providing, by one or more processors, information to the sender regarding the basis for selecting the recommended travel route (including savings in cost, distance, time, etc, by selecting the recommended travel route), and further providing a comparison with other travel route options with the ability for the sender to select an alternative travel route from the other travel route options.
[0017] In an embodiment, the one or more recommendations regarding a preferred travel route from the source to the destination are generated using one or more artificial intelligence techniques applied to data relating to arrangements between senders, passengers and the one or more transport facilities.
[0018] In an embodiment, the method further includes tracking, by one or more processors, the carriage of the item from the source to the destination, and causing, by one or more processors, the data communications device associated with the sender to provide substantially real-time updates regarding the status of delivery of the item.
[0019] In an embodiment, the method further includes receiving, by one or more processors, a notification from the particular passenger that they are unable to fulfill their obligation to pick up and carry the item for and on behalf of the sender to the destination, automatically seeking a new match between the sender profile and one or more passenger profiles based upon said similarities between the profiles; and based upon the sender’s approval of a request received from a new matching passenger to carry the item for and on behalf of the sender in exchange for the monetary amount informing the one or more travel facilities regarding the new matching passenger and the item proposed for carriage, and causing the monetary amount originally scheduled for payment from the sender to the particular passenger to be diverted to the new passenger. [0020] In an embodiment, the method further includes automatically monitoring for events likely to cause transport delays (e.g. extreme weather events, health events, etc), and providing notification to the sender regarding the likely transport delay.
[0021] In another aspect, the present invention provides a computer-implemented system for facilitating the carriage of items, the system including one or more processors configured to receive data from a sender regarding an item requiring carriage from a source to a destination, create a sender profile based on the sender data, receive data from a passenger regarding forthcoming travel of the passenger, the passenger data including details regarding one or more transport facilities associated with the forthcoming travel, create a passenger profile based on the passenger data, automatically match the sender profile with one or more passenger profiles based upon similarities between the sender profile and the one or more passenger profiles, including a match according to a pre-defined threshold between the source and destination of the item requiring carriage with a source and destination associated with the forthcoming travel of each passenger, cause a data communications device associated with the sender to display details relating to matching passenger profiles available for selection by the sender, and prompt the sender to, select one or more of the matching passengers, and provide, to the selected matching passenger(s), details regarding the item requiring carriage including a monetary amount offered by the sender for carriage of the item from the source to the destination, based upon the sender’s approval of a request received from a particular matching passenger to carry the item for and on behalf of the sender in exchange for the monetary amount offered, providing, to the one or more transport facilities, details relating to the particular matching passenger and the item proposed for carriage.
[0022] In another aspect, the present invention provides a computer-readable medium having a plurality of instructions executable by one or more processors of a computing device to receive data from a sender regarding an item requiring carriage from a source to a destination, create a sender profile based on the sender data, receive data from a passenger regarding forthcoming travel of the passenger, the passenger data including details regarding one or more transport facilities associated with the forthcoming travel, create a passenger profile based on the passenger data, automatically match the sender profile with one or more passenger profiles based upon similarities between the sender profile and the one or more passenger profiles, including a match according to a pre-defined threshold between the source and destination of the item requiring carriage with a source and destination associated with the forthcoming travel of each passenger, cause a data communications device associated with the sender to display details relating to matching passenger profiles available for selection by the sender, and prompt the sender to select one or more of the matching passengers, and provide, to the selected matching passenger(s), details regarding the item requiring carriage including a monetary amount offered by the sender for carriage of the item from the source to the destination, based upon the sender’s approval of a request received from a particular matching passenger to carry the item for and on behalf of the sender in exchange for the monetary amount offered, providing, to the one or more transport facilities, details relating to the particular matching passenger and the item proposed for carriage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:
[0024] Figure 1 provides an overview of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention showing, in particular, the interaction between various system components;
[0025] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary diagram associated with the server component within the system illustrated in Figure 1 ;
[0026] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a process that enables a user (sender) to download and install a software application, and subsequently access, or register to use, the software application, for interaction with the system illustrated in Figure 1 , including to upload information regarding an item requiring carriage from a source to a destination;
[0027] Figure 4 illustrates a diagram associated with example interfaces of the software application from a perspective of another user (passenger), enabling the passenger to upload information regarding their forthcoming travel including specifying a source and a destination;
[0028] Figure 5 illustrates a diagram associated with an example interface of the software application that enables information to be exchanged with a transport facility including item and passenger details; and
[0029] Figure 6 illustrates a diagram associated with another example interface of the software application in the form of a payment interface for managing payments from senders to passengers who have agreed to carry items on behalf of senders. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION
[0030] According to an embodiment of the invention, a system and method for facilitating the carriage of items (60) allows senders (30) to rely upon passengers (65) engaged in travel with a transport facility (70) to carry such items on their behalf from a source (75) to a destination (80) location, as depicted in Figure 1 . The system and method provide a platform that hosts a computer-executable software application (40), wherein the application (40) is accessible by a plurality of users, including senders (30) and passengers (65). The platform enables senders (30) to receive details relating to passengers (65) travelling from the source (75) to the destination (80) locations, and to select a passenger (65) such that the selected passenger (65) is responsible for carriage of the item(s) (60) from the source (75) to the destination (80) in exchange for a monetary amount acceptable to the sender (30).
[0031] The platform is provided by a central server (20) which maintains one or more processors and/or databases for performing functions, including receiving details from senders (30) of items (60) and passengers (65) for the purpose of creating sender and passenger profiles. The server (20) is further configured to create such profiles based upon information received, and automatically match sender profiles with passenger profiles based upon similarities between the profiles, including at least a match between the source and destination of the item (60) requiring carriage with a source and destination associated with the forthcoming travel of passengers (65). Once a sender (30) selects a passenger (65) and approves the passenger’s request to carry the item (60) in exchange for a monetary amount, details relating to the particular matching passenger (65) and the item (60) proposed for carriage are provided to the relevant transport facility (70).
[0032] Persons skilled in the relevant field of technology will appreciate that the platform provides a solution to existing problems associated with conventional item delivery requiring multiple different entities to ensure the delivery of items (60) and hence multiple opportunities for delays and inefficiencies to arise. In turn, the platform provides senders (30) of items (60) with the ability to more closely control and manage the carriage of their items (60) from a source (75) to a destination (80) location. [0033] In view of the above practical and useful results that arise from this implementation of the present invention, the use of a data communications device (50) on which software application (40) is operated together with the use of server component (20) represents an advance, or at least an improved use of capacity of various technical components as compared with current technological arrangements utilized for the same purpose.
[0034] Figure 1 is divided into segments which are further expanded in subsequent Figures 2 to 6. In particular, segment 200 of Figure 1 shows the server component (20) with which the software application (40) operating on data communication devices (50) of individual senders (30) and passengers (65) are configured to communicate. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the relevant field of technology that the software application (40) may be a mobile application or web application, and similarly, the data communication devices (50) utilised by the senders (30) and passengers (65) may be mobile devices or fixed computer devices. Examples of mobile devices include mobile phones or tablets, and examples of fixed computer devices include laptops or personal computers. In the embodiments shown, the device (50) is a smart phone device.
[0035] The server component (20) is additionally detailed in Figure 2 and skilled persons will appreciate that the steps described herein, as executable by the devices (50), may be facilitated by the software application (40) operating on each device (50).
[0036] As an alternative, or in addition to, steps described herein as performed by the server (20), the steps may be performed by one or more processors associated with the user devices (50) (e.g. in a distributed architecture). Different arrangements are possible in this regard, but according to a particular implementation of the present invention, the server is programmed to provide all of the functions described herein particularly where they cannot be provided locally on the user devices (50).
[0037] Segment 300 of Figure 1 depicts how the server (20) may be configured for communication with the devices (50) associated with each user (i.e. with each of the senders (30) of items and each of the passengers (65) tasked with carrying items on behalf of senders (30)). In one example, the server (20) may receive data from the devices (50) for the purpose of creating a user account and profile (e.g. based upon the entry of details from both senders (30) and passengers (65)). Segment 300 of Figure 1 further depicts a sender (30) downloading and installing the application (40) and subsequently accessing the application (40) to establish their account and profile, as further detailed in Figure 1. Segment 400 of Figure 1 illustrates example interfaces in which a passenger (65) may enter details including in relation to forthcoming travel for the purpose of establishing their account and profile, as further detailed in Figure 4. Segment 500 of Figure 1 illustrates an additional example interface for allowing the system to interface with relevant transport facilities (70), as further detailed in Figure 5. Segment 600 of Figure 1 illustrates a further example interface that enables payment from a sender (30) to a passenger (65) and the subsequent delivery of an item (60), as further detailed in Figure 6.
[0038] As mentioned above, Figure 2 shows in greater detail segment 200 of Figure 1 , and in particular, Figure 2 shows the server component (20) which includes infrastructure upon which the platform of the present embodiment of the invention operates. The infrastructure may be local or cloud-based. The central server (20) may operate one or more computer processors and maintain one or more databases to enable the following functionality and/or storage;
• User account register (100) storing details of all users including senders (30) seeking to have an item (60) transported from a source (75) to a destination (80), and passengers (65) prepared to transport such items (60) on the basis that they are travelling from the same source (75) to the same destination (80) (e.g. name, address, contact details, and any additional detail which may be relevant for the purpose of identifying each user). Additional details which may be stored in the user account database (100) include profiles established for each user;
• Deliveries and Bookings Register (1 10) storing details relating to items (60) proposed for transport, source locations (75), destination locations (80), transport facilities (70), etc, associated with current bookings, including details relating to senders (30) of the item(s) (60) and passengers (65) selected for carrying the item(s) whilst utilizing the transport facility (70). Register (1 10) may further include historical data relating to previous transport instances including details relating to individual deliveries of items and dates and time associated with the pick up and drop off of items (60); • Application Programming Interface (API) functionality (1 15) to enable the platform to integrate with other platforms including, for example, existing transport booking platforms associated with facilities (70), and map platforms such as Google Earth and others capable of providing interactive maps, travel route information, etc;
• Verification functionality (120) for verifying details submitted and profiles created on behalf of senders (30) and passengers (65), as well as for establishing secure exchanges of information with transport facilities (70) including the provision of passenger and item information to such facilities (70). For example, verification functionality (120) may verify the identification details provided by senders (30) and passengers (65) in order to authenticate the user including performance of identification checks. Additional checks may be required to confirm that passengers (65), in particular, are of sufficient integrity and character to be considered a safe carrier of items (60);
• Data processing (user data profile) functionality (125) for performing or assisting various functions described herein, including utilizing one or more rules or algorithms to create profiles for senders (30) and passengers (65) based upon received user data, automatically matching sender profiles with passenger profiles, causing devices (50) to present information I prompts for display including the display of matching passengers (65) with senders (30) and prompting senders (30) to select a passenger (65), ensuring item (60) and passenger (65) details are transmitted to relevant transport facilities (70), and managing pick up and drop off locations as described in greater detail below;
• Payment gateway functionality (130) which enables monetary amounts accepted by senders (30) to be transferred from a nominated account of the senders (30) to the nominated accounts of passengers (65), including managing storage of records relating to such transactions, as well as managing any additional financial transactions required including the payment of subscription fees to a software application administrator.
[0039] Figure 3 illustrates that server (20), according to the presently described embodiment, is configured to enable communication (140) with the devices (50) and, in particular, the software application (40) operating on each device (50). Such communication may occur via the internet or a similar network.
[0040] Figure 3 also shows in greater detail the various components depicted in segment 300 of Figure 1 and, in particular, the steps associated with a user (i.e. either one of sender (30) or passenger (65)) installing (150) the software application (40) on their devices (50), and subsequently accessing a user login and registration interface (160) associated with the application (40). Such access may be granted after the sender (30) or passenger (65) has installed the application (40) which may be achieved by downloading the application (40) from an application store. Each user (30/65) may create an account and profile using the application (40) and the account/profile information may be stored in the user account database (100).
[0041] Once each sender (30) and passenger (65) has accessed the application (40), they may also utilise interface (160) to create and maintain a profile that will subsequently enable sender and passenger profiles to be matched according to a pre-defined threshold. The profiles further enable users to view information about other users, and enables the users (30/65) to manage their profiles. The user profiles may contain basic information about each user including name, age, location, etc and over time, the user profiles may include additional information such as historical data relating to items transported, preferred transport facilities, etc. In this way, each user may utilise interface (160) to submit specific data relating to themselves and/or their preferences, and the data will be sufficient to enable the matching of senders (30) with passengers (65).
[0042] The interface (160) may also be utilized by senders (30) for the purpose of initiating a request for an item (60) to be sent from a source location (75) to a destination location (80). In this regard, interface (160) may present an interactive map as shown in Figure 3, and/or enable a search for source and destination locations to be conducted manually (e.g. by prompting entry of an address associated with each location). Additional information relating to the request for carriage of an item (60) may be included by the sender (30), including an accepted monetary amount for transporting the item (60), a preferred collection date, collection or delivery instructions, a preferred delivery deadline, etc. All such information, including special preferences of senders (30), may subsequently be viewed by passengers (65) eligible for carrying the item (60) from the source (75) to the destination (80) (i.e. passengers (65) who have forthcoming travel from the same source (75) to the same destination (80) and who have been automatically matched with, and subsequently selected by, the sender (30), are provided an opportunity to accept or reject the request).
[0043] An example of additional detail that may be specified by senders (30) includes a collection location for the item (60) at the source (75) to enable a passenger (65) to pick-up the item from the collection location, and/or a delivery location for the item at the destination (80) to enable the passenger (65) to drop-off the item (60) at the precise preferred delivery location.
[0044] The collection location may be an address of the transport facility (70) to enable the passenger (65) to pick-up the item (60) at the source (75) prior to boarding the mode of transport. In an alternative embodiment, the collection location is an actual, current or preferred address specified by the sender (30), requiring the passenger (65) to collect the item from the actual, current or preferred address. For example, in addition to agreeing to transport an item (60) from a source (75) to a destination (80), which may be two or more airports or train stations, the passenger (65) may agree to pick-up the item (60) from a specific address prior to arriving at the source location (75), and/or drop-off the item (60) at a specific address after arriving at the destination location (80).
[0045] Accordingly, the delivery location may be an address of the transport facility (70), enabling the passenger (65) to deliver the item to the destination (80) for subsequent pick-up by a recipient of the item. In this regard, once the passenger arrives at the destination, the sender (30) may arrange for collection of the item (60) from the relevant transport facility (70) or arrange direct delivery from the transport facility to an address of the recipient. Alternatively, the delivery location may be an actual, current or preferred address of the recipient as specified by the sender (30), requiring the passenger (65) to deliver the item from the transport facility (70) to the actual, current or preferred address of the recipient.
[0046] Based upon receiving data from a sender (30) regarding an item (60) requiring carriage from a source (75) to a destination (80), one or more recommendations may be generated and displayed to the sender (30) regarding a preferred mode of transport and/or travel route from the source (75) to the destination (80) amongst a plurality of different travel route options. For example, the preferred travel route may be determined based upon one or more of a travel cost, a number of stops, a total distance, a travel time, or a preferred time requirement of the sender. The recommendations presented to senders (30) regarding a preferred mode of travel and/or travel route from the source (75) to the destination (80) may be generated using one or more artificial intelligence techniques applied to data relating to arrangements between senders (30), passengers (65), and the one or more transport facilities (70).
[0047] Where a particular travel route is recommended to the sender (30), additional information may be provided to the sender (30) including the basis for a particular recommended travel route (including savings in cost, distance, time, etc, by selecting the recommended travel route), and senders (30) may also be provided with a comparison of available travel route options with the ability for the sender (30) to select an alternative travel route from the additional travel route options.
[0048] Whilst senders (30) have the ability to include special requests and select recommended modes of travel and/or travel routes, the actual available options may not necessarily allow senders (30) to have their requests or recommendations satisfied since their options will ultimately be limited to the availability of passengers (65) travelling from the same source (75) to the same destination (80) using a mode of transport and transport facility (70) of the passenger’s own choosing. However, where there are multiple passengers (65) and multiple different modes of transport and travel routes available, the ability for senders (30) to be provided with selection recommendations will improve the experience of the sender (30) and will likely result in transport of the item (60) in the fastest, most efficient and reliable manner.
[0049] The transport facilities (70) may be publicly or privately operated facilities (e.g. airlines, train operators, etc), and are likely to operate their own booking management systems which may be accessible to passengers (65) via an online website or booking platform. The platform of the present invention may interface, using API integration functionality (1 15), with such online websites and booking platforms for the purpose of causing a passenger’s booking to be automatically recognized and utilized for the purpose of matching a sender (30) with a passenger (65).
[0050] The skilled addressee will appreciate that the ability to retrieve transport booking details of a passenger (65) in substantially real-time, and utilizing same for the purpose of generating transport options to senders (30), provides senders (30) with a substantially real-time source of information regarding passengers (65) available and willing to transport their items (60). Such options would otherwise be unavailable utilizing conventional delivery techniques, or where such options exist they generally give rise to significant (and often commercially infeasible) delivery fees and charges.
[0051] Figure 4 shows in greater detail various components depicted in segment 400 of Figure 1 and, in particular, example interfaces (170) that may be presented to passengers (65) for the purpose of enabling passengers (65) to enter details relating to their forthcoming travel, including selecting the source (75) and destination (80) locations and the mode of transport and transport facility (70) selected, and any additional detail which the passenger (70) may prefer to convey to prospective senders (30) viewing their profiles.
[0052] Once the sender (30) approves a request received from a particular matching passenger (65) to carry the item (60) for and on behalf of the sender (30) in exchange for the monetary amount, details may be provided to the corresponding transport facility (70) relating to the particular matching passenger (65) and the item (60) proposed for carriage so that the transport facility (70) has a record of same. In this regard, the transport facility (70) may also, if necessary, access the software application (40) and once they are aware of the item delivery, the transport facility (70) may attend to arrangements to ensure the transport of the item (60) is possible. The software application (40) may also be utilized to initiate discussion between the respective entities, including allowing the transport facility (70) to provide feedback regarding why the requested transport of the item (60) may not be possible or allowable for any reason, or what security measure may be required in respect of particular items (60). Figure 5 shows in greater detail various components depicted in segment 500 of Figure 1 and, in particular, a further interface (180) which enables the exchange of information with relevant transport facilities (70).
[0053] Figure 6 shows in greater detail various components depicted in segment 600 of Figure 1 and, in particular, a payment interface (190) which enables financial transactions to be initiated using software application (40). Such a payment facility may enable senders (30) to provide payment to the particular matching passenger (65) and/or the one or more transport facilities (70), where required (e.g. where the transport facility requests additional fees beyond those requested by the passenger (65)). The software application (40) may be configured to ensure that any payments provided by the sender (30) is delivered to the particular matching passenger (65) and/or the one or more transport facilities (70) using a secure encryption technique. The timing of payment may be dependent upon the requirements of individual passengers (65) (e.g. some passengers (65) may request advance payment, whilst others may be prepared to receive payment upon delivery of items (60), and the payment gateway functionality (130) may accommodate these and other payment scenarios).
[0054] Figure 6 also depicts the delivery of item (60) to the destination (80). The software application (40) may also enable carriage of the item (30) from the source (75) to the destination (80) to be monitored by the sender (30), as well as the recipient (not shown), with substantially real-time updates regarding the status of delivery of the item (60) also provided. In addition, events likely to cause transport delays (e.g. extreme weather events, health events, etc) may also be automatically monitored and conveyed to the relevant parties (e.g. by providing notification to the sender (30) and also the recipient(s) regarding the likely transport delay).
[0055] There may be circumstances in which a passenger (65) who has accepted a transport task is no longer able to fulfill their obligations, and the sender (30) will need to be informed regarding same. In this regard, the software application (40) may enable passengers (65) to provide a notification to relevant parties advising that they are unable to fulfill their obligation to pick up and carry the item (60) for and on behalf of the sender (30) to the destination (80). This may automatically trigger a search for a new matching passenger (65) to complete the transport task (i.e. to locate a new match between the sender profile and one or more passenger profiles based upon similarities between the profiles). Based upon the sender’s approval of a request received from a new matching passenger (65) to carry the item (60) for and on behalf of the sender (30) in exchange for a monetary amount, the relevant travel facilities (70) may be appropriately informed and any monetary amount originally scheduled for payment from the sender (30) to the first passenger (65) may be diverted to the new passenger (65).
[0056] As used herein, the term “server”, “system”, “computer”, “computing system” or the like may include any processor-based or microprocessor-based system including systems using microcontrollers, reduced instruction set computers (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, and any other circuit or processor including hardware, software, or a combination thereof capable of executing the functions described herein. Such are exemplary only, and are thus not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of such terms.
[0057] The one or more processors as described herein are configured to execute a set of instructions that are stored in one or more data storage units or elements (such as one or more memories), in order to process data. For example, the one or more processors may include, or be coupled to, one or more memories. The data storage units may also store data or other information as desired or needed. The data storage units may be in the form of an information source or a physical memory element within a processing machine.
[0058] The set of instructions may include various commands that instruct the one or more processors to perform specific operations such as the methods and processes of the various embodiments of the subject matter described herein. The set of instructions may be in the form of a software program. The software may be in various forms such as system software or application software. Further, the software may be in the form of a collection of separate programs, a program subset within a larger program or a portion of a program. The software may also include modular programming in the form of object- oriented programming. The processing of input data by the processing machine may be in response to user commands, or in response to results of previous processing, or in response to a request made by another processing machine.
[0059] The diagrams of embodiments herein illustrate one or more control or processing units. It is to be understood that the processing or control units may represent circuits, circuitry, or portions thereof that may be implemented as hardware with associated instructions (e.g. software stored on a tangible and non-transitory computer readable storage medium, such as a computer hard drive, ROM, RAM, or the like) that perform the operations described herein. The hardware may include state machine circuitry hardwired to perform the functions described herein. Optionally, the hardware may include electronic circuits that include and/or are connected to one or more logicbased devices, such as microprocessors, processors, controllers, or the like.
[0060] Optionally, the one or more processors may represent processing circuitry such as one or more of a field programmable gate array (FPGA), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), microprocessor(s), and/or the like. The circuits in various embodiments may be configured to execute one or more algorithms to perform functions described herein. The one or more algorithms may include aspects of embodiments disclosed herein, whether or not expressly identified in the figures or a described method.
[0061] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the relevant field of technology that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as detailed in the embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive.
[0062] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated feature or step, or group of features or steps, but not the exclusion of any other feature or step or group of features or steps.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:
1 . A computer-implemented method for facilitating the carriage of items, the method including: receiving, by one or more processors, data from a sender regarding an item requiring carriage from a source to a destination; creating, by one or more processors, a sender profile based on the sender data; receiving, by one or more processors, data from a passenger regarding forthcoming travel of the passenger, the passenger data including details regarding one or more transport facilities associated with the forthcoming travel; creating, by one or more processors, a passenger profile based on the passenger data; automatically matching, by one or more processors, the sender profile with one or more passenger profiles based upon similarities between the sender profile and the one or more passenger profiles, including a match according to a pre-defined threshold between the source and destination of the item requiring carriage with a source and destination associated with the forthcoming travel of each passenger; causing, by one or more processors, a data communications device associated with the sender to: display details relating to matching passenger profiles available for selection by the sender, and prompt the sender to: select one or more of the matching passengers, and provide, to the selected matching passenger(s), details regarding the item requiring carriage including a monetary amount offered by the sender for carriage of the item from the source to the destination; based upon the sender’s approval of a request received from a particular matching passenger to carry the item for and on behalf of the sender in exchange for the monetary amount offered, providing to the one or more transport facilities, by one or more processors, details relating to the particular matching passenger and the item proposed for carriage.
2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the one or more transport facilities are publicly or privately operated.
3. A method according to either claim 1 or claim 2, further including causing the data communications device associated with the sender to provide a payment facility to enable the sender to provide a payment to the particular matching passenger and/or the one or more transport facilities providing transport to the passenger.
4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the payment provided by the sender is delivered to the particular matching passenger and/or the one or more transport facilities using a secure encryption technique.
5. A method according to either claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the payment is effected using a cryptocurrency.
6. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further including causing the data communications device associated with the sender to confirm a collection location for the item at the source to enable the passenger to collect the item at the pick-up location, and confirm a drop-off location for the item at the destination to enable the passenger to drop off the item at the drop-off location.
7. A method according to claim 6, wherein the pick-up location is an address of the one or more transport facilities to enable the passenger to collect the item at the source prior to boarding the mode of transport.
8. A method according to claim 6, wherein the pick-up location is an actual, current or preferred address specified by the sender, requiring the passenger to collect the item from the actual, current or preferred address.
9. A method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the drop-off location is an address of the one or more transport facilities, enabling the passenger to deliver the item to the destination for subsequent collection by a recipient of the item.
10. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further including receiving data from a sender regarding an item requiring carriage from a source to a destination, and based upon the received data, generating, by one or more processors, one or more recommendations to the sender regarding a preferred travel route from the source to the destination amongst a plurality of different travel route options.
1 1. A method according to claim 10, wherein the preferred travel route is determined based upon one or more of a travel cost, a number of stops, a total distance, a travel time, or a preferred time requirement of the sender.
12. A method according to either claim 10 or claim 1 1 , wherein when a particular travel route is recommended to the sender, the method further includes providing, by one or more processors, information to the sender regarding the basis for selecting the recommended travel route, and further providing a comparison with other travel route options with the ability for the sender to select an alternative travel route from the other travel route options.
13. A method according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the one or more recommendations regarding a preferred travel route from the source to the destination are generated using one or more artificial intelligence techniques applied to data relating to arrangements between senders, passengers and the one or more transport facilities.
14. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further includes tracking, by one or more processors, the carriage of the item from the source to the destination, and causing, by one or more processors, the data communications device associated with the sender to provide substantially real-time updates regarding the status of delivery of the item.
15. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further includes receiving, by one or more processors, a notification from the particular passenger that they are unable to fulfill their obligation to collect and carry the item for and on behalf of the sender to the destination, automatically seeking a new match between the sender profile and one or more passenger profiles based upon said similarities between the profiles; and based upon the sender’s approval of a request received from a new matching passenger to carry the item for and on behalf of the sender in exchange for the monetary amount, informing the one or more travel facilities regarding the new matching passenger and the item proposed for carriage, and causing the monetary amount originally scheduled for payment from the sender to the particular passenger to be diverted to the new passenger.
16. A method according to any one of the preceding claims, further including automatically monitoring events likely to cause transport delays and providing notification to the sender regarding the likely transport delay.
17. A computer-implemented system for facilitating the carriage of items, the system including: one or more processors configured to: receive data from a sender regarding an item requiring carriage from a source to a destination; create a sender profile based on the sender data; receive data from a passenger regarding forthcoming travel of the passenger, the passenger data including details regarding one or more transport facilities associated with the forthcoming travel; create a passenger profile based on the passenger data; automatically match the sender profile with one or more passenger profiles based upon similarities between the sender profile and the one or more passenger profiles, including a match according to a pre-defined threshold between the source and destination of the item requiring carriage with a source and destination associated with the forthcoming travel of each passenger; cause a data communications device associated with the sender to: display details relating to matching passenger profiles available for selection by the sender, and prompt the sender to: select one or more of the matching passengers, and provide, to the selected matching passenger(s), details regarding the item requiring carriage including a monetary amount offered by the sender for carriage of the item from the source to the destination; based upon the sender’s approval of a request received from a particular matching passenger to carry the item for and on behalf of the sender in exchange for the monetary amount offered, providing, to the one or more transport facilities, details relating to the particular matching passenger and the item proposed for carriage.
18. A computer-readable medium having a plurality of instructions executable by one or more processors of a computing device to: receive data from a sender regarding an item requiring carriage from a source to a destination; create a sender profile based on the sender data; receive data from a passenger regarding forthcoming travel of the passenger, the passenger data including details regarding one or more transport facilities associated with the forthcoming travel; create a passenger profile based on the passenger data; automatically match the sender profile with one or more passenger profiles based upon similarities between the sender profile and the one or more passenger profiles, including a match according to a pre-defined threshold between the source and destination of the item requiring carriage with a source and destination associated with the forthcoming travel of each passenger; cause a data communications device associated with the sender to: display details relating to matching passenger profiles available for selection by the sender, and prompt the sender to: select one or more of the matching passengers, and provide, to the selected matching passenger(s), details regarding the item requiring carriage including a monetary amount offered by the sender for carriage of the item from the source to the destination; based upon the sender’s approval of a request received from a particular matching passenger to carry the item for and on behalf of the sender in exchange for the monetary amount offered, providing, to the one or more transport facilities, details relating to the particular matching passenger and the item proposed for carriage.
PCT/AU2023/050001 2022-06-08 2023-01-03 System and method for facilitating the carriage of items WO2023235912A1 (en)

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Citations (3)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150161563A1 (en) * 2013-12-09 2015-06-11 Crowdshipping, Inc. Systems and Methods for Crowdsourced Shipping
US20160104112A1 (en) * 2014-10-13 2016-04-14 Marc Gorlin Peer to Peer Delivery System
KR20180082941A (en) * 2017-01-11 2018-07-19 주식회사 투엔 Deliverer recommendation method through bigdata analysis

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150161563A1 (en) * 2013-12-09 2015-06-11 Crowdshipping, Inc. Systems and Methods for Crowdsourced Shipping
US20160104112A1 (en) * 2014-10-13 2016-04-14 Marc Gorlin Peer to Peer Delivery System
KR20180082941A (en) * 2017-01-11 2018-07-19 주식회사 투엔 Deliverer recommendation method through bigdata analysis

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