AU2017250014A1

AU2017250014A1 - System and method for monitoring delivery of orders amongst parties through use of a positioning or location system

Info

Publication number: AU2017250014A1
Application number: AU2017250014A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Donald Jeffrey MEIJ
Original assignee: Dominos Pizza Enterprises Ltd
Current assignee: Dominos Pizza Enterprises Ltd
Priority date: 2016-04-13
Filing date: 2017-04-13
Publication date: 2018-11-29
Also published as: EP3443532A1; JP2019514133A; WO2017177274A1; EP3443532A4

Abstract

A system for monitoring the delivery of orders amongst parties through use of a location system and particularly to monitor the delivery time and enable the production and delivery of an apology voucher of the delivery is not within a predetermined period.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING DELIVERY OF ORDERS AMONGST PARTIES THROUGH USE OF A POSITIONING OR LOCATION SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for monitoring the delivery of orders amongst parties through use of a location system and particularly to monitor the delivery time and enable the production and delivery of an apology voucher of the delivery is not within a predetermined period.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Online food ordering is a process of ordering food from a local restaurant or food cooperative through a web page or app. Much like ordering consumer goods online, many of these allow customers to keep accounts with them in order to make frequent ordering convenient. A customer will search for a favourite restaurant, usually filtered via type of cuisine and choose from available items, and choose delivery or pick-up. Payment can be amongst others either by credit card or cash, with the restaurant returning a percentage to the online food company.

[0003] The food and beverage industry is extremely competitive and a wide variety of offers or guarantees have been made in the past to entice a customer to order from a particular food provider.

[0004] When a customer chooses to have the food delivered to them, food providers in the past have offered a time guarantee wherein the food provider guarantees delivery within a particular period of time. If the delivery is not made within the particular period of time, the customer will typically receive a consolatory voucher or token. The consolatory voucher or token may include any type of offer usually entitling the customer to a discount or similar the next time they place an order with that food provider or alternative incentives such as a refund, free items or anything that the customer may find appealing in order to incentivise ordering from the food provider again.

[0005] A technical difficulty exists in the measurement of the particular period of time as different measures may be used by the customer and the food provider potentially leading to discontent on the part of either of them or both. It would therefore be a significant contribution to the art to provide a system for unbiased measurement of the particular period of time and communication of that period to all parties concerned as well as an automated response upon completion of the delivery or non-compliance with the deadline.

[0006] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] The present invention is directed to a system for monitoring the delivery of orders amongst parties through use of a location system, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0008] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a tracking system for monitoring the delivery of ordered goods amongst parties through use of an electronic real-time location system, the tracking system including a vehicle mounted device associated with each delivery vehicle, and a central server processing system, the vehicle mounted device including i. at least one location receiver to obtain location data indicative of a location of the vehicle in real time or near real time, ii. a wireless communication module to transfer information relating to the location data and iii. at least one power supply system to power the vehicle mounted device; iv. at least one identification tool associated with the vehicle mounted device to uniquely identify the vehicle mounted device within the system, a central server processing system to receive the location data from each vehicle mounted device and based on the location data, to track the real time or near real time location of each vehicle and accordingly track the location of the ordered goods being delivered by each delivery vehicle; the central server processing system also receiving an electronic order for one or more ordered goods to be delivered to a delivery location, the electronic order placed by a customer via a customer personal computing device operating compliant software for sending information to the central server processing system wherein submission of the electronic order by a customer via the customer personal computing device operating compliant software triggers initialisation of a timer to time the period between the submission of the electronic order to the central server processing system and the arrival of the ordered goods at the location of the delivery location as ascertained utilising the real time or near real time location of the delivery vehicle tasked with delivery of the ordered goods.

[0009] In another aspect, the present invention resides in a central server processing system for monitoring the delivery of ordered goods amongst parties through use of an electronic realtime location system, the central server processing system to receive location data from at least one vehicle mounted device mounted to at least one delivery vehicle and based on the location data, to track the real time or near real time location of each delivery vehicle and accordingly track the location of the ordered goods being delivered by each delivery vehicle; the central server processing system also receiving an electronic order for one or more ordered goods to be delivered to a delivery location, the electronic order placed by a customer via a customer personal computing device operating compliant software for sending information to the central server processing system wherein submission of the electronic order by a customer via the customer personal computing device operating compliant software triggers initialisation of a timer to time the period between the submission of the electronic order to the central server processing system and the arrival of the ordered goods at the location of the delivery location as ascertained utilising the real time or near real time location of the delivery vehicle tasked with delivery of the ordered goods.

[0010] Typically, the vehicle mounted device associated with each delivery vehicle, and a central server processing system, the vehicle mounted device including i. at least one location receiver to obtain location data indicative of a location of the vehicle in real time or near real time, ii. a wireless communication module to transfer information relating to the location data and iii. at least one power supply system to power the vehicle mounted device; iv. at least one identification tool associated with the vehicle mounted device to uniquely identify the vehicle mounted device within the system.

[0011] In yet another form, the present invention resides in a customer personal computing device operating compliant software for sending information to a central server processing system, the customer submitting an electronic order for one or more ordered goods to be delivered to a delivery location, submission of the electronic order by a customer via the customer personal computing device operating compliant software triggering initialisation of a timer to time the period between the submission of the electronic order to the central server processing system and the arrival of the ordered goods at the location of the delivery location as ascertained utilising real time or near real time location of a delivery vehicle tasked with delivery of the ordered goods based on the central server processing system receiving location data from at least one vehicle mounted device mounted to at least one delivery vehicle and based on the location data, to track the real time or near real time location of each delivery vehicle and the time being displayed to the customer on the customer personal computing device by the compliant software.

[0012] Typically, the vehicle mounted device associated with each delivery vehicle, and a central server processing system, the vehicle mounted device including v. at least one location receiver to obtain location data indicative of a location of the vehicle in real time or near real time, vi. a wireless communication module to transfer information relating to the location data and vii. at least one power supply system to power the vehicle mounted device; viii. at least one identification tool associated with the vehicle mounted device to uniquely identify the vehicle mounted device within the system.

[0013] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a technical solution to the issue of monitoring the delivery time, generally starting from the submission of the order to the system, to provide the customer who has placed the order with real time feedback as to the elapsed time and to enable the production and delivery of an apology voucher of the delivery is not within a predetermined period.

[0014] The tracking system of the present invention is directed toward tracking a food delivery vehicle with an order on board, using a location system to determine when the delivery vehicle has arrived at the delivery location. Once the delivery vehicle reaches the delivery location as determined by the real-time tracking of the vehicle location and for example, determined by a comparison of the delivery vehicle location with the delivery location, the timer will normally be stopped. At this time, a comparison of the time taken from submission of the order to delivery can be compared with the predetermined time allowed for the delivery and action taken based on the results of the comparison.

[0015] For example, if the time taken is greater than the predetermined time allowed, then the system will determine that there has been non-compliance with the deadline and an apology voucher for example can be produced and delivered electronically, preferably automatically to the customer’s personal computing device, for their later use. In this way, if the time taken for the delivery is greater than the predetermined time allowed, then the customer will be incentivised to remain loyal to the food delivery company through the production and electronic delivery, preferably automatically of the apology voucher.

[0016] If the time taken from the submission of the order to delivery is less than the predetermined time allowed, then this will typically be confirmed with the customer and there will normally be no production and delivery of an apology voucher.

[0017] The operation of the present invention is preferably triggered by a customer opting in to receive their ordered goods within a particular predetermined time referred to herein as a guaranteed delivery time. Typically, the customer will opt into the operation of the present invention prior to submission of their order. Normally, the customer will provide or enter salient details about the desired delivery location and the desired goods and provided that the delivery location, the order and other basic parameters are met, then the system of the present invention will produce and display on a personal computing device of the customer, and offer interface offering the customer the ability to opt in to the guaranteed delivery time.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment, the operation of the present invention is only available for delivery of ordered goods to satisfy basic parameters. The basic parameters will typically include any one or more of the following: • the distance of the delivery (the separation distance between the delivery location and the dispatch store location, usually a road distance rather than a straight line distance); • the size of the order (for example, large orders may not be able to be filled within the particular guaranteed delivery time and therefore a maximum order size may be provided as a basic parameter, in the context of a pizza delivery for example, the size of the order will typically be fewer than 10 pizzas for example and a minimum order size may be required in order to make the delivery cost feasible); • order placed online using an online ordering system; • the order is placed for a delivery to take place as soon as possible; • the store filling the order has opted into the system; • that delivery staff and vehicles are available; and • the current level of activity in the store filling the order (providing a guaranteed delivery time at peak times is less likely to be satisfied then at lull times).

[0019] The system of the present invention is typically associated with an online ordering system. The advantage of integrating with an online ordering system is that information can be provided from the online ordering system electronically into the tracking system. This will allow information, for example, the delivery address, to be easily and quickly transfer between the systems electronically. Preferably, the tracking system of the present invention is provided in the same server environment as the online ordering system, and preferably, the central server processing system of the present invention will operate all aspects of the system including the tracking system, the online ordering system and delivery management system.

[0020] The system of the present invention will typically receive input data from the customer’s order information entered (prior to submission of the order) and calculate a delivery estimate in real time. The delivery estimate will typically include the preparation time, the cooking time and an estimated delivery time. The system of the present invention may access traffic data format data from a traffic or map data provider in order to ascertain an estimated delivery time.

[0021] Generally, if the calculated estimated delivery time is less than the predetermined time, then the system may produce an offer interface and display the offer interface on the personal computing device of the customer allowing the customer the ability to request the guaranteed delivery within the guaranteed delivery time. In the calculation of the estimated delivery time, one or more of the basic parameters identified above may be taken into account as an adjustment to the calculated estimated delivery time.

[0022] The central server processing system of the present invention will typically receive an electronic order which is produced and submitted by a customer, using a personal computing device operating compliant software in order to create and submit an order for goods to the central server processing system. The central server processing system will typically analyse the order for information within the order in order to compare the information provided within the order to the basic qualifying parameters. The central server processing system will then typically calculate an estimated delivery time in order to compare to the predetermined time period. The central server processing system will therefore typically electronically recognise the salient information from the electronic order submitted by the customer for comparison to the qualifying parameters and for use in the calculation of the estimated delivery time.

[0023] As mentioned above, utilisation or integration with an online ordering system will mean that the information provided in the order will typically always be entered in the same manner making recognition of the information far simpler for the central server processing system.

[0024] The central server processing system will typically establish an order submission time. The order submission time may be different to the particular time at which the customer submits the order but preferably, there will be substantially no difference between the time that the customer submits the order electronically using their personal computing device and the order submission time established by the central server processing system. Where the central server processing system order submission time differs from the particular moment of submission by the customer, the order submission time will be the time that the central server processing system ascribes to each order.

[0025] The order submission time, once established by the central server processing system will typically be confirmed to the customer electronically by the central server processing system utilising communication pathways to communicate your order submission time to the compliant software operating on the customer’s personal computing device. Normally, the central server processing system will cause a confirmation interface to be generated and displayed on the customer’s personal computing device so that the customer can see that the timer has been initialised.

[0026] Initialisation of the timer according to the present invention will preferably generate and display a timer interface with a clock for example showing the time remaining or the elapsed time on the customer’s personal computing device. For clarity, the confirmation interface may be or include or be separate to the timer interface. The timer may keep time according to an onboard clock present on the customer’s personal computing device, but preferably, the timer will keep time according to a central clock maintained electronically on the central server processing system with instructions and updates transmitted to the customer personal computing device in order to update the time and displayed on the interface on the customer’s personal computing device.

[0027] The predetermined period of time will typically be set by system administrator. Any length of time can be used for example 30 minutes, 20 minutes, 15 minutes and the like. Normally, the predetermined period of time will be set according to the location in which the dispatch store is located. For example, a dispatch store location in an urban area will normally be more congested with traffic and therefore the predetermined period of time may be a little longer then in a more remote or rural area where the predetermined period of time can be shorter.

[0028] Preferably, the time will operate in minutes and seconds, and preferably down to 1/100 second increments. Normally, the increments will be shown on the timer generated on the timer interface and displayed for the customer. The timer on the timer interface will generally display the elapsed or remaining time at all times where the actual delivery time (T) is greater than zero until the predetermined period of time has elapsed. In other words, whether the time counts up or down, the timer will be displayed on the timer interface for the customer to view starting from the order submission time established by the central server processing system up until the predetermined period of time has ended or until the delivery has been completed.

[0029] The timer will remain active preferably until the location of the ordered goods, as tracked by the vehicle location system tracking the delivery vehicle tasked with delivering the ordered goods arrives at the delivery location provided. Typically, a GPS system or a similar location system will be used in order to track the location of the delivery vehicle tasked with delivering the ordered goods. The submission of the order will typically lock the delivery location and once the delivery location is locked, the system will then typically compare the real time location of the delivery vehicle tasked with delivering the ordered goods with the delivery location, and once the two locations match one another (there may be provision for some small discrepancy in the location (depending upon the accuracy of the location system used) then the system will deem that the delivery location has been reached by the delivery vehicle tasked with delivering the ordered goods and the timer will be stopped.

[0030] Once the timer has stopped, and the actual delivery time established, the actual delivery time (T) can then be compared with the predetermined period of time Tp). The system will then operate according to very basic rules, preferably as follows: • If T is less than Tp, then the ordered goods have been delivered within the predetermined time period and a confirmation interface will typically be generated and displayed on the customer personal computing device confirming this fact. This may be considered a “successful delivery”. • If T is greater than Tp, then the ordered goods have been delivered outside the predetermined time period and a confirmation interface will typically be generated and displayed on the customer personal computing device confirming this fact. This may be considered a “non-compliant delivery”.

[0031] There if the delivery is considered by the system following the comparison to be a non-compliant delivery, and preferably, further action is taken by the system. If the delivery is considered non-compliant, then the system of the present invention will include an apology on the confirmation interface generated and displayed on the customer personal computing device. The system of the present invention will also typically forward the details of the customer and/or order to a voucher generation subsystem to enable the use of that information to generate an apology voucher. The apology voucher will typically be generated electronically and delivered electronically to the personal computing device of the customer. Normally, the customer will maintain an online profile including contact information and particularly, including a unique identifier of a personal computing device associated with the customer and the generated voucher will normally be delivered to the personal computing device as identified. The voucher will typically be generated and automatically dispatched by the central server processing system. The voucher will preferably be an electronic voucher and will be created and dispatched to the customer electronically. The voucher can provide any discount or deal to the customer and according to a most preferred form, the voucher will typically be generated based on information gathered from the order which was a part of the non-compliant delivery.

[0032] The system of the present invention may levy a charge on the customer in order to opt into the system. Generally the charge is relatively small and according to a particularly preferred embodiment, a $3 charge is used. The offer to opt in is preferably only made if the delivery matches one or more of the qualifying criteria and the central server processing system will typically electronically compare the information from the order to one or more of the qualifying criteria and if the central server processing system finds that the order satisfies the required one or more qualifying criteria, then an offer interface is produced and generated on the personal computing device of the customer and if the central server processing system finds that the order does not satisfy the required one or more qualifying criteria then no offer interface is produced and generated and the order will simply be processed according to the normal online ordering interfaces.

[0033] Once the offer for inclusion in the tracking system of the present invention is made and accepted by the customer, typically through interaction with the compliant software on the personal computing device of the customer, and the order is processed according to the system including the establishment of an order submission time. If the offer is accepted then the timer is typically initialised from the order submission time and then maintained for a comparison of actual delivery time as calculated from order submission time to actual delivery time (preferably through a confluence of the real-time location of the delivery vehicle tasked with delivering the ordered goods and the delivery location) with the predetermined period of time and action accordingly.

[0034] The system of the present invention may include or be based upon a subsystem for real-time or near real time monitoring of the food delivery vehicle, the system including a vehicle mounted device associated with each food delivery vehicle, a central server processing system; a) the vehicle mounted device including i. at least one location receiver to obtain location data indicative of a location of the delivery vehicle in real time or near real time, ii. a wireless communication module to transfer information relating to the location data and iii. at least one electrical connection assembly to connect the vehicle mounted device to a power supply system of the food delivery vehicle; at least one identification tool associated with the vehicle mounted device to uniquely identify the vehicle mounted device within the system, b) the central server processing system to receive the location data from each vehicle mounted device and based on the location data, to transfer information relating to the real time or near real time location of each vehicle to the main system to allow comparison of the location of the food delivery vehicle to the delivery location.

[0035] The subsystem is directed toward real-time monitoring of food delivery vehicles and the deliveries being delivered. The subsystem is preferably based on interaction with an automated vehicle location system which may or may not be a proprietary system owned by third party.

[0036] It is preferred that the subsystem locate the food delivery vehicles through the vehicle mounted device in real time on near real-time. It is particularly preferred that the vehicle mounted device allow the location of the delivery vehicle based on information collected on a second by second basis and also vector data to compile and analyse vehicle behaviour. The collected information may be sent as collected or a packet of information collected over a period, preferably a short period, may be sent periodically. Due to the second by second data and vector data, the automated vehicle location system is typically able to give not only the location of the delivery vehicles and but also the direction of travel of the vehicle and the speed of the vehicle due to the availability of the data used.

[0037] The subsystem includes multiple parts that operate together to track the location of the delivery vehicle through the vehicle mounted device.

[0038] The subsystem preferably includes a vehicle mounted device associated with each food delivery vehicle. The vehicle mounted device may be mounted temporarily to the food delivery vehicle or permanently.

[0039] The vehicle mounted device includes at least one location receiver to obtain location data indicative of a location of the delivery vehicle in real time. As mentioned above, second by second and vector data is normally provided and this will allow the location and direction of travel of the vehicle to be determined substantially in real time or near real-time, limited only by the processing ability and connectivity of the system.

[0040] The at least one location receiver will typically interact with a location network to determine the location of the location receiver and thereby, determine the location of the vehicle. In a particularly preferred form, the at least one location receiver will be a GPS receiver.

[0041] Preferably, the location is determined as close as possible to real time. This is particularly powerful when based on second by second or breadcrumb data, as it allows the tracking of location precisely and preferably dynamically over time rather than prior art systems which only collect location data at particular time steps which can be separated by five or more seconds. Those systems give no feedback as to what has occurred between the time steps and also are incapable of measuring the time with the required precision. In contrast, a second by second data feed allows capture of information on a second by second basis. The data collected is typically position or location data but due to the second by second data, this also allows the calculation of speed and direction based on the data.

[0042] The vehicle mounted device also preferably includes a wireless communications module to transfer information relating to the location data. The wireless communication module preferably transfers the information to the central server processing system of the present invention. The wireless communication module may be integrated with the location receiver or be separate thereto. Where separated, typically, the wireless communication module and the location receiver are provided in the same housing. This typically allows the wireless communication module and location receiver to draw power from the same source although this is not strictly necessary.

[0043] The wireless communication module can operate based on any wireless system, for example, cell phone networks, radio networks, data networks and the like. Most commonly, the location is determined using GPS, and the wireless communications module is based on SMS, GPRS, a satellite or terrestrial radio from the vehicle to a radio receiver. GSM is the most common services applied, because of the low data rate needed for automated vehicle location, and the low cost and near-ubiquitous nature of these networks. The low bandwidth requirements also allow for satellite technology to receive telemetry data at a moderately higher cost, but across a global coverage area and into very remote locations not covered well by terrestrial radio or public carriers.

[0044] The wireless communications module will typically have a hard wired connection to the power source and any interconnections with the location receiver but one or more wireless communications pathways from the wireless communications module.

[0045] The vehicle mounted device also preferably includes at least one electrical connection assembly to connect the vehicle mounted device to a power supply system of the delivery vehicle. This preferably allows the delivery vehicle to provide the operating power to the vehicle mounted device and the components thereof. Typically, a hard wired connection is provided between the power supply system of the delivery vehicle and the vehicle mounted device. Normally, a cable or similar with an appropriate adapter, attaches to or accesses the vehicle power system. One or more battery devices or systems may be provided in the vehicle mounted device in order to prevent complete power down of the vehicle mounted device and/or components.

[0046] Preferably, particularly in the temporary delivery vehicle embodiment, all of the components are typically mounted in a housing with one electrical connection to the housing in order to power the components therein.

[0047] The subsystem also preferably includes at least one identification tool associated with the vehicle mounted device to uniquely identify the vehicle mounted device within the system. As mentioned above, the identification tool may be attached to the vehicle mounted device, or alternatively, can be provided separately to the vehicle mounted device, but associated with the vehicle mounted device.

[0048] Any type of identification tool can be used and the configuration will typically depend upon the type of vehicle mounted device. The identification tool can be or include a barcode device, a radio frequency identification chip or tag or other type of device which has or is associated with, a unique identification code or similar to uniquely identify the tool and thereby the vehicle mounted device, within the system. The identification tool will preferably allow information collected in relation to one vehicle mounted device to be identified as being associated with or collected from that particular vehicle mounted device. The identification tool or information in relation to the identification tool can be machine readable.

[0049] The identification tool is used to identify the vehicle mounted device and through the vehicle mounted device, the delivery vehicle. The identification tool will normally allow permanent identification of the particular vehicle mounted device with which it is associated.

[0050] As mentioned above, the identification tool is typically attached to the vehicle mounted device or a part thereof.

[0051] The system of the present invention also includes a central server processing system and the central server processing system will typically operate a software subsystem to receive the location data from each of vehicle mounted devices and based on the location data, to transfer information relating to the real-time location of each vehicle to the main system. The central server processing system is normally remotely located from the respective vehicle mounted devices. The central server processing system is typically associated with an automatic vehicle location system which provides information to the central server processing system. Preferably, this system is not an event activated tracking system but an automated vehicle location system based on the provision of second by second location data provided from the at least one location receiver of each vehicle mounted device. The central server processing system therefore preferably includes management functionality in addition to the automatic vehicle location system functionality (which is may simply adopt from an external system) allowing a company to manage a fleet of vehicles each of which is associated with a particular home base.

[0052] The automatic vehicle location system may be operated or administered by a system administrator which is separate to the operator of the delivery vehicle. Normally, the automatic vehicle location algorithm is located on a server or web platform and the location information is used by the automatic vehicle location system and the server or web platform then transmits information relating to the real-time location of each vehicle to the main system. Therefore, the automatic vehicle location system which is a part of or is accessed by the central server processing system is typically a “fat client” undertaking information processing and storage by or on a computer network or server and then provides that information to the central server processing system of the present invention.

[0053] The central server processing system may interact with other components of the system to transfer information to and/or receive information from other components of the system.

[0054] As mentioned above, the automatic vehicle location system may be external to the particular food delivery company and the food delivery company simply accesses the automatic vehicle location system via the central server processing system. Communication between the delivery company via the central server processing system and the automatic vehicle location system may be via middleware.

[0055] As mentioned above, the central server processing system in association with the automatic vehicle location system is typically responsible for determining the location of the vehicles within the system. The bulk of the processing and storage of information will therefore preferably take place in the central server processing system and/or automatic vehicle location system.

[0056] Information is typically accessed within the system through the central server processing system. Queries are generally submitted to the central server processing system and databases storing the information are typically accessed via the central server processing system as required or as pursuant to a request. Preferably, the particular operation of the automatic vehicle location system does not form a part of the present invention which is more directed towards the use of the information to solve the technical problem or more efficient measurement of the predetermined time period in the most transparent way between the different parties, namely the customer and the food delivery company.

[0057] Each of the vehicles within the system may have a unique profile which will typically be stored in a database associated with the system. The system administrator, manager or store manager will normally have the ability to approve profiles.

[0058] As mentioned above, the system for real-time monitoring of vehicles will preferably integrate with a delivery management system. It is also preferred that the system for real-time monitoring of vehicles will integrate with an online ordering system provided by a company providing the products to be delivered. In particular, a portion of the information from the system for real-time monitoring of vehicles may be provided to an online ordering system in order to allow a customer to receive real-time updates about the location of their order during the delivery process.

[0059] According to a preferred form, an interface is typically produced based on information from the system for real-time monitoring of vehicles to show the location of the delivery relative to the customer or delivery point once the delivery has moved within a particular separation distance from the customer or delivery point. This will allow a user to identify how far away the delivery actually is in order to prepare for the delivery. According to the most preferred form, when on multiple delivery runs, the information provided will typically be for the particular customer’s delivery only, and not the entire run.

[0060] A middleware software application may be provided that allows external access to the central server processing system on a tablet or smartphone for example. Preferably, this middleware application will allow a store manager or franchisee for example to access the management portion of the system which is also accessed from the home base workstation.

[0061] In a particularly preferred form, a software application is provided with embedded functionality allowing the production of a location interface showing the delivery. Normally, the embedded functionality will be a part of a whole of concept online order and delivery tracking system. This functionality will typically operate as an extension of the system for real-time monitoring of vehicles of the present invention and information gathered from the system for real-time monitoring of vehicles will typically be provided to the whole of concept online order and delivery tracking system. This will typically be a web-based system with one or more downloadable software applications which can be downloaded to a customer personal computing device such as a smart phone or tablet for example.

[0062] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0063] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0064] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [0065] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of hardware forming part of a system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of an offer interface generated and displayed on a personal computing device of a customer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] Figure 3 is a schematic illustration of a tracking interface generated and displayed on a personal computing device of a customer according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with illustrated operational parameters.

[0068] Figure 4 is a schematic illustration of a timing interface generated and displayed on a personal computing device of a customer when the predetermined period countdown reaches zero according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] Figure 5 is a schematic illustration of the different types of online ordering user flows according to aspects of the present invention.

[0070] Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of the operation of the controlling algorithm according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0071] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, a tracking system for monitoring the delivery of ordered goods amongst parties through use of an electronic real-time location system is provided.

[0072] The tracking system 10 of the embodiment illustrated schematically in Figure 1 includes a vehicle mounted device 11 associated with each delivery vehicle 12, and a central server processing system located on a central server 13. The vehicle mounted device 11 of the preferred embodiment includes a location receiver to obtain location data indicative of a location of the vehicle in real time or near real time generally through access to a location system, the most common of which is a satellite 14 based GPS system, a wireless communication module to transfer information relating to the location data and at least one power supply system to power the vehicle mounted device 11. The tracking system 10 also includes an identification tool associated with the vehicle mounted device 11 to uniquely identify the vehicle mounted device 11 and information flowing to and from the vehicle mounted device 11 within the system. The tracking system 10 also includes a central server processing system located on a central server 13 to receive the location data from each vehicle mounted device 11 and based on the location data, to track the real time or near real time location of each delivery vehicle 12 and accordingly track the location of the ordered goods being delivered by each delivery vehicle 12.

[0073] As illustrated schematically in Figure 1, the central server 13 receives an electronic order for one or more ordered goods to be delivered to a delivery location. The electronic order will normally be placed by a customer via a customer personal computing device 15 operating compliant software for sending information to the central server 13 via a wireless communications pathway represented in the Figures generically using a cloud 16. Submission of the electronic order by a customer via the customer personal computing device 15 operating compliant software triggers initialisation of a timer to time the period between the submission of the electronic order to the central server 13 and the arrival of the ordered goods at the delivery location as ascertained utilising the real time or near real time location of the delivery vehicle 12 tasked with delivery of the ordered goods.

[0074] The system allows monitoring of the delivery time, generally starting from the submission of the order to the system, to provide the customer who has placed the order with real time feedback as to the elapsed time and to enable the production and delivery of an apology voucher of the delivery is not within a predetermined period.

[0075] The tracking system of the preferred embodiment is directed toward tracking a food delivery vehicle 12 with an order on board using a location system to determine when the delivery vehicle 12 has arrived at the delivery location. Once the delivery vehicle 12 reaches the delivery location as determined by the real-time tracking of the delivery vehicle location and for example determined by a comparison of the delivery vehicle location with the delivery location, the timer will normally be stopped. At this time, a comparison of the time taken from submission of the order to actual delivery can be compared with the predetermined time allowed for the delivery and action taken based on the results of the comparison.

[0076] For example, if the time taken is greater than the predetermined time allowed, then the system will determine that there has been non-compliance with the deadline and an apology voucher for example can be produced and delivered electronically, preferably automatically to the customer’s personal computing device 15 for their later use. In this way, if the time taken for the delivery is greater than the predetermined time allowed, then the customer will be incentivised to remain loyal to the food delivery company through the production and electronic delivery, preferably automatically, of the apology voucher.

[0077] If the time taken from the submission of the order to delivery is less then the predetermined time allowed, then this will typically be confirmed with the customer and there will normally be no production and delivery of an apology voucher.

[0078] In this way, a delivery company can offer a delivery guarantee of say 20 minutes or 30 minutes, to incentivise or attract customers who know that if they opt into the guarantee, that their ordered food will either be delivered within the guaranteed period (the predetermined time allowed) and if not, that they will receive an apology voucher.

[0079] The operation of the delivery guarantee of the preferred embodiment is preferably triggered by a customer opting in to receive their ordered goods within the guaranteed period (particular predetermined time) referred to herein as a guaranteed delivery time. Typically, the customer will opt into the operation of the system prior to submission of their order. Normally, the customer will provide or enter salient details about the desired delivery location and the desired goods and provided that the delivery location, the order and other basic parameters satisfy pre-conditions, then the system will produce and display or cause to be produced and displayed on the personal computing device 15 of the customer, an offer interface offering the customer the ability to opt into the guaranteed delivery time.

[0080] According to a preferred embodiment, the operation of the present invention is only available for delivery of ordered goods that satisfy basic parameters. The basic parameters will typically include any one or more of the following: • the distance of the delivery (the separation distance between the delivery location and the dispatch store location 19, usually a road distance rather than a straight line distance); • the size of the order (for example, large orders may not be able to be filled within the particular guaranteed delivery time and therefore a maximum order size may be provided as a basic parameter, in the context of a pizza delivery for example, the size of the order will typically be fewer than 10 pizzas for example and a minimum order size may be required in order to make the delivery cost feasible); • order placed online using an online ordering system; • the order is placed for a delivery to take place as soon as possible; • the dispatch store 19 filling the order has opted into the system; • that delivery staff and vehicles are available; and • the current level of activity in the store filling the order (providing a guaranteed delivery time at peak times is less likely to be satisfied then at lull times).

[0081] The system of the present invention is typically associated with an online ordering system. The advantage of integrating with an online ordering system is that information can be provided from the online ordering system electronically into the tracking system. This will allow information, for example, the delivery address, to be easily and quickly transfer between the systems electronically. Preferably, the tracking system of the present invention is provided in the same server environment as the online ordering system, and preferably, the central server processing system of the present invention will operate all aspects of the system including the tracking system, the online ordering system and delivery management system.

[0082] The system will typically receive input data from the customer’s order information entered (prior to submission of the order) and calculate a delivery estimate, in real time. The delivery estimate will typically include the preparation time, the cooking time and an estimated delivery time. The system of the present invention may access traffic data format data from a traffic or map data provider in order to ascertain an estimated delivery time.

[0083] Generally, if the calculated estimated delivery time is less then the predetermined time, then the system may produce an offer interface, one example of which is illustrated in Figure 2 and cause the display of the offer interface on the personal computing device 15 of the customer allowing the customer the ability to request the guaranteed delivery within the guaranteed delivery time, which in the case of the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, is 20 minutes and an opt in fee of $3 is levied on the customer. In the calculation of the estimated delivery time, one or more of the basic parameters identified above may be taken into account as an adjustment to the calculated estimated delivery time.

[0084] The central server processing system including the central server and a primary tracking system software application operating on the central server will typically receive an electronic order which is produced and submitted by a customer, using a personal computing device 13 operating software compliant with the primary tracking system software application operating on the central server (to allow communication between them) in order to create and submit an order for goods to the central server 13. The central server processing system will typically analyse the order for information within the order in order to compare the information provided within the order to the one or more of the basic qualifying parameters. The central server processing system will then typically calculate an estimated delivery time in order to compare to the predetermined time period. The central server processing system will therefore typically electronically recognise the salient information from the electronic order submitted by the customer for comparison to the qualifying parameters and for use in the calculation of the estimated delivery time.

[0085] As mentioned above, utilisation or integration with an online ordering system will mean that the information provided in the order will typically always be entered in the same manner making recognition of the information far simpler for the central server processing system.

[0086] The central server processing system will typically establish an order submission time. The order submission time may be different to the particular time at which the customer submits the order but preferably, there will be substantially no difference between the time that the customer submits the order electronically using their personal computing device and the order submission time established by the central server processing system. Where the central server processing system order submission time differs from the particular moment of submission by the customer, the order submission time will be the time that the central server processing system ascribes to each order.

[0087] The order submission time, once established by the central server processing system will typically be confirmed to the customer electronically by the central server processing system utilising communication pathways to communicate the order submission time to the compliant software operating on the customer’s personal computing device 15. Normally, the central server processing system will cause a confirmation interface to be generated and displayed on the customer’s personal computing device 15 so that the customer can see that the timer has been initialised. An example of the confirmation interface 17 is shown in Figure 3.

[0088] Initialisation of the timer will preferably cause the generation and display of the timer/confirmation interface with a clock or counter 18 for example showing the time remaining or the elapsed time on the customer’s personal computing device 15. The clock or counter 18 preferably keeps time according to a central clock maintained electronically on the central server processing system with instructions and updates transmitted to the customer personal computing device 15 in order to update the time displayed on the interface 17 on the customer’s personal computing device 15.

[0089] The predetermined period of time will typically be set by system administrator. Any length of time can be used for example 30 minutes, 20 minutes, 15 minutes and the like. Normally, the predetermined period of time will be set according to the location in which the dispatch store 19 is located. For example, a dispatch store 19 location in an urban area will normally be more congested with traffic and therefore the predetermined period of time may be a little longer then in a more remote or rural area where the predetermined period of time can be shorter.

[0090] Preferably, the time will operate in minutes and seconds, and preferably down to 1/100 of a second increment as illustrated in Figure 3. Normally, the increments will be shown on the clock or counter 18 generated on the timer interface and displayed for the customer. The clock or counter 18on the timer interface will generally display the remaining time at all times where the actual delivery time (T) is greater than zero until the predetermined period of time has elapsed.

[0091] The clock or counter 18 will remain active until the location of the ordered goods, as tracked by the vehicle location system tracking the delivery vehicle 12 tasked with delivering the ordered goods arrives at the delivery location provided. Typically, a GPS system or a similar location system will be used in order to track the location of the delivery vehicle 12 tasked with delivering the ordered goods. The submission of the order will typically lock the delivery location and once the delivery location is locked, the system will then typically compare the real time location of the delivery vehicle 12 tasked with delivering the ordered goods with the delivery location, and once the two locations match one another (there may be provision for some small discrepancy in the location (depending upon the accuracy of the location system used) then the system will deem that the delivery location has been reached by the delivery vehicle 12 tasked with delivering the ordered goods and the timer will be stopped.

[0092] Once the timer has stopped, and the actual delivery time established, the actual delivery time (T) can then be compared with the predetermined period of time Tp). The system will then operate according to very basic rules, preferably as follows: • If T is less than Tp, then the ordered goods have been delivered within the predetermined time period and a confirmation interface 20 such as that shown in Figure 3, will typically be generated and displayed on the customer personal computing device confirming this fact. This may be considered a “successful delivery”. • If T is greater than Tp, then the ordered goods have been delivered outside the predetermined time period and a confirmation interface will typically be generated and displayed on the customer personal computing device confirming this fact. This may be considered a “non-compliant delivery”.

[0093] There if the delivery is considered by the system following the comparison to be a non-compliant delivery, and preferably, further action is taken by the system. If the delivery is considered non-compliant, then the system will cause an apology on the confirmation interface 21 to be generated and displayed on the customer personal computing device 15, an example of which is illustrated in Figure 4. The system of the present invention will also typically forward the details of the customer and/or order to a voucher generation subsystem to enable the use of that information to generate an apology voucher. The apology voucher will typically be generated electronically and delivered electronically to the personal computing device of the customer. Normally, the customer will maintain an online profile including contact information and particularly, including a unique identifier of a personal computing device associated with the customer and the generated voucher will normally be delivered to the personal computing device as identified. The voucher will typically be generated and automatically dispatched by the central server processing system. The voucher will preferably be an electronic voucher and will be created and dispatched to the customer electronically. The voucher can provide any discount or deal to the customer and according to a most preferred form, the voucher will typically be generated based on information gathered from the order which was a part of the non-compliant delivery. In the confirmation interface 21 illustrated in Figure 4, the email address to which the electronic voucher will be dispatched is also identified on the interface 21.

[0094] The system of the present invention may levy a charge on the customer in order to opt into the system. Generally the charge is relatively small and according to a particularly preferred embodiment, a $3 charge is used. The offer to opt in is preferably only made if the delivery matches one or more of the qualifying criteria and the central server processing system will typically electronically compare the information from the order to one or more of the qualifying criteria and if the central server processing system finds that the order satisfies the required one or more qualifying criteria, then an offer interface is produced and generated on the personal computing device of the customer and if the central server processing system finds that the order does not satisfy the required one or more qualifying criteria then no offer interface is produced and generated and the order will simply be processed according to the normal online ordering interfaces.

[0095] Once the offer for inclusion in the tracking system of the present invention is made and accepted by the customer, typically through interaction with the compliant software on the personal computing device 15 of the customer, and the order is processed according to the system including the establishment of an order submission time. If the offer is accepted then the timer is typically initialised from the order submission time and then maintained for a comparison of actual delivery time as calculated from order submission time to actual delivery time (preferably through a confluence of the real-time location of the delivery vehicle tasked with delivering the ordered goods and the delivery location) with the predetermined period of time and action accordingly.

[0096] The system of the present invention may include or be based upon a subsystem for real-time or near real time monitoring of the food delivery vehicle, the system including a vehicle mounted device 11 associated with each food delivery vehicle 12, a central server processing system; a) the vehicle mounted device 11 including i. at least one location receiver to obtain location data indicative of a location of the delivery vehicle in real time or near real time, ii. a wireless communication module to transfer information relating to the location data and iii. at least one electrical connection assembly to connect the vehicle mounted device 11 to a power supply system of the food delivery vehicle 12; at least one identification tool associated with the vehicle mounted device to uniquely identify the vehicle mounted device 11 within the system, b) the central server processing system to receive the location data from each vehicle mounted device 11 and based on the location data, to transfer information relating to the real time or near real time location of each vehicle 12 to the main system to allow comparison of the location of the food delivery vehicle 12 to the delivery location, normally the customer location (a third party location could be used but is less preferred).

[0097] The subsystem is directed toward real-time monitoring of food delivery vehicles and the deliveries being delivered. The subsystem is preferably based on interaction with an automated vehicle location system which may or may not be a proprietary system owned by third party.

[0100] It is preferred that the subsystem locate the food delivery vehicles through the vehicle mounted device in real time on near real-time. It is particularly preferred that the vehicle mounted device allow the location of the delivery vehicle based on information collected on a second by second basis and also vector data to compile and analyse vehicle behaviour. The collected information may be sent as collected or a packet of information collected over a period, preferably a short period, may be sent periodically. Due to the second by second data and vector data, the automated vehicle location system is typically able to give not only the location of the delivery vehicles and but also the direction of travel of the vehicle and the speed of the vehicle due to the availability of the data used.

[0101] The subsystem includes multiple parts that operate together to track the location of the delivery vehicle through the vehicle mounted device.

[0102] The subsystem preferably includes a vehicle mounted device associated with each food delivery vehicle. The vehicle mounted device may be mounted temporarily to the food delivery vehicle or permanently.

[0103] The vehicle mounted device includes at least one location receiver to obtain location data indicative of a location of the delivery vehicle in real time. As mentioned above, second by second and vector data is normally provided and this will allow the location and direction of travel of the vehicle to be determined substantially in real time or near real-time, limited only by the processing ability and connectivity of the system.

[0104] The at least one location receiver will typically interact with a location network to determine the location of the location receiver and thereby, determine the location of the vehicle. In a particularly preferred form, the at least one location receiver will be a GPS receiver.

[0105] Preferably, the location is determined as close as possible to real time. This is particularly powerful when based on second by second or breadcrumb data, as it allows the tracking of location precisely and preferably dynamically over time rather than prior art systems which only collect location data at particular time steps which can be separated by five or more seconds. Those systems give no feedback as to what has occurred between the time steps and also are incapable of measuring the time with the required precision. In contrast, a second by second data feed allows capture of information on a second by second basis. The data collected is typically position or location data but due to the second by second data, this also allows the calculation of speed and direction based on the data.

[0106] The vehicle mounted device also preferably includes a wireless communications module to transfer information relating to the location data. The wireless communication module preferably transfers the information to the central server processing system of the present invention. The wireless communication module may be integrated with the location receiver or be separate thereto. Where separated, typically, the wireless communication module and the location receiver are provided in the same housing. This typically allows the wireless communication module and location receiver to draw power from the same source although this is not strictly necessary.

[0107] The wireless communication module can operate based on any wireless system, for example, cell phone networks, radio networks, data networks and the like. Most commonly, the location is determined using GPS, and the wireless communications module is based on SMS, GPRS, a satellite or terrestrial radio from the vehicle to a radio receiver. GSM is the most common services applied, because of the low data rate needed for automated vehicle location, and the low cost and near-ubiquitous nature of these networks. The low bandwidth requirements also allow for satellite technology to receive telemetry data at a moderately higher cost, but across a global coverage area and into very remote locations not covered well by terrestrial radio or public carriers.

[0108] The wireless communications module will typically have a hard wired connection to the power source and any interconnections with the location receiver but one or more wireless communications pathways from the wireless communications module.

[0109] The vehicle mounted device also preferably includes at least one electrical connection assembly to connect the vehicle mounted device to a power supply system of the delivery vehicle. This preferably allows the delivery vehicle to provide the operating power to the vehicle mounted device and the components thereof. Typically, a hard wired connection is provided between the power supply system of the delivery vehicle and the vehicle mounted device. Normally, a cable or similar with an appropriate adapter, attaches to or accesses the vehicle power system. One or more battery devices or systems may be provided in the vehicle mounted device in order to prevent complete power down of the vehicle mounted device and/or components.

[0110] Preferably, particularly in the temporary delivery vehicle embodiment, all of the components are typically mounted in a housing with one electrical connection to the housing in order to power the components therein.

[0111] The subsystem also preferably includes at least one identification tool associated with the vehicle mounted device to uniquely identify the vehicle mounted device within the system. As mentioned above, the identification tool may be attached to the vehicle mounted device, or alternatively, can be provided separately to the vehicle mounted device, but associated with the vehicle mounted device.

[0112] Any type of identification tool can be used and the configuration will typically depend upon the type of vehicle mounted device. The identification tool can be or include a barcode device, a radio frequency identification chip or tag or other type of device which has or is associated with, a unique identification code or similar to uniquely identify the tool and thereby the vehicle mounted device, within the system. The identification tool will preferably allow information collected in relation to one vehicle mounted device to be identified as being associated with or collected from that particular vehicle mounted device. The identification tool or information in relation to the identification tool can be machine readable.

[0113] The identification tool is used to identify the vehicle mounted device and through the vehicle mounted device, the delivery vehicle. The identification tool will normally allow permanent identification of the particular vehicle mounted device with which it is associated.

[0114] As mentioned above, the identification tool is typically attached to the vehicle mounted device or a part thereof.

[0115] The system of the present invention also includes a central server processing system and the central server processing system will typically operate a software subsystem to receive the location data from each of vehicle mounted devices and based on the location data, to transfer information relating to the real-time location of each vehicle to the main system. The central server processing system is normally remotely located from the respective vehicle mounted devices. The central server processing system is typically associated with an automatic vehicle location system which provides information to the central server processing system. Preferably, this system is not an event activated tracking system but an automated vehicle location system based on the provision of second by second location data provided from the at least one location receiver of each vehicle mounted device. The central server processing system therefore preferably includes management functionality in addition to the automatic vehicle location system functionality (which is may simply adopt from an external system) allowing a company to manage a fleet of vehicles each of which is associated with a particular home base.

[0116] The automatic vehicle location system may be operated or administered by a system administrator which is separate to the operator of the delivery vehicle. Normally, the automatic vehicle location algorithm is located on a server or web platform and the location information is used by the automatic vehicle location system and the server or web platform then transmits information relating to the real-time location of each vehicle to the main system. Therefore, the automatic vehicle location system which is a part of or is accessed by the central server processing system is typically a “fat client” undertaking information processing and storage by or on a computer network or server and then provides that information to the central server processing system of the present invention.

[0117] The central server processing system may interact with other components of the system to transfer information to and/or receive information from other components of the system.

[0118] As mentioned above, the automatic vehicle location system may be external to the particular food delivery company and the food delivery company simply accesses the automatic vehicle location system via the central server processing system. Communication between the delivery company via the central server processing system and the automatic vehicle location system may be via middleware.

[0119] As mentioned above, the central server processing system in association with the automatic vehicle location system is typically responsible for determining the location of the vehicles within the system. The bulk of the processing and storage of information will therefore preferably take place in the central server processing system and/or automatic vehicle location system.

[0120] Information is typically accessed within the system through the central server processing system. Queries are generally submitted to the central server processing system and databases storing the information are typically accessed via the central server processing system as required or as pursuant to a request. Preferably, the particular operation of the automatic vehicle location system does not form a part of the present invention which is more directed towards the use of the information to solve the technical problem or more efficient measurement of the predetermined time period in the most transparent way between the different parties, namely the customer and the food delivery company.

[0121] Each of the vehicles within the system may have a unique profile which will typically be stored in a database associated with the system. The system administrator, manager or store manager will normally have the ability to approve profiles.

[0122] As mentioned above, the system for real-time monitoring of vehicles will preferably integrate with a delivery management system. It is also preferred that the system for real-time monitoring of vehicles will integrate with an online ordering system provided by a company providing the products to be delivered. In particular, a portion of the information from the system for real-time monitoring of vehicles may be provided to an online ordering system in order to allow a customer to receive real-time updates about the location of their order during the delivery process.

[0123] According to a preferred form, an interface is typically produced based on information from the system for real-time monitoring of vehicles to show the location of the delivery relative to the customer or delivery point once the delivery has moved within a particular separation distance from the customer or delivery point. This will allow a user to identify how far away the delivery actually is in order to prepare for the delivery. According to the most preferred form, when on multiple delivery runs, the information provided will typically be for the particular customer’s delivery only, and not the entire run.

[0124] A middleware software application may be provided that allows external access to the central server processing system on a tablet or smartphone for example. Preferably, this middleware application will allow a store manager or franchisee for example to access the management portion of the system which is also accessed from the home base workstation.

[0125] In a particularly preferred form, a software application is provided with embedded functionality allowing the production of a location interface showing the delivery. Normally, the embedded functionality will be a part of a whole of concept online order and delivery tracking system. This functionality will typically operate as an extension of the system for real-time monitoring of vehicles of the present invention and information gathered from the system for real-time monitoring of vehicles will typically be provided to the whole of concept online order and delivery tracking system. This will typically be a web-based system with one or more downloadable software applications which can be downloaded to a customer personal computing device such as a smart phone or tablet for example.

[0126] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0127] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0128] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A tracking system for monitoring the delivery of ordered goods amongst parties through use of an electronic real-time location system, the tracking system including a vehicle mounted device associated with each delivery vehicle, and a central server processing system, the vehicle mounted device including i. at least one location receiver to obtain location data indicative of a location of the vehicle in real time or near real time, ii. a wireless communication module to transfer information relating to the location data and iii. at least one power supply system to power the vehicle mounted device; iv. at least one identification tool associated with the vehicle mounted device to uniquely identify the vehicle mounted device within the system, a central server processing system to receive the location data from each vehicle mounted device and based on the location data, to track the real time or near real time location of each vehicle and accordingly track the location of the ordered goods being delivered by each delivery vehicle, the central server processing system also receiving an electronic order for one or more ordered goods to be delivered to a delivery location, the electronic order placed by a customer via a customer personal computing device operating compliant software for sending information to the central server processing system wherein submission of the electronic order by a customer via the customer personal computing device operating compliant software triggers initialisation of a timer to time the period between the submission of the electronic order to the central server processing system and the arrival of the ordered goods at the location of the delivery location as ascertained utilising the real time or near real time location of the delivery vehicle tasked with delivery of the ordered goods.

2. A tracking system as claimed in claim 1 directed toward tracking a food delivery vehicle with an order on board, using a location system to determine when the delivery vehicle has arrived at the delivery location, determined by real-time tracking of the vehicle location determined by a comparison of the delivery vehicle location with the delivery location, at which time the timer will normally be stopped and a comparison of time taken from submission of the order to delivery is undertaken with the predetermined time allowed for the delivery and action taken based on the results of the comparison.

3. A tracking system as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein further associated with an online ordering system.

4. A tracking system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the operation of the system is triggered by a customer opting in to receive their ordered goods within a particular predetermined guaranteed delivery time.

5. A tracking system as claimed in claim 3 wherein the customer provides salient details about a desired delivery location and desired goods through the online ordering system and provided that the desired delivery location and the desired goods satisfy compliance parameters, the system causes production and display, on a personal computing device of the customer, an offer interface allowing the customer to opt in to receive their ordered goods within a particular predetermined guaranteed delivery time.

6. A tracking system as claimed in claim 5 wherein the system of the present invention receives input data from a customer’s order information entered prior to submission of the order and calculates a delivery time estimate in real time and tests if the calculated estimated delivery time estimate is less than the predetermined time, and if so the system causes production of the offer interface and display the offer interface on the personal computing device of the customer.

7. A tracking system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the central server processing system receives an electronic order which is produced and submitted by a customer, using a personal computing device operating compliant software in order to create and submit an order for goods to the central server processing system, the central server processing system analyses the electronic order for information within the electronic order in order to compare the information provided within the electronic order to calculate an estimated delivery time in order to compare to the predetermined time period.

8. A tracking system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the central server processing system causes a confirmation interface to be generated and displayed on the customer’s personal computing device so that the customer can see that the timer has been initialised.

9. A tracking system as claimed in claim 8 wherein initialisation of the timer causes generation and display of a timer interface on the customer’s personal computing device.

10. A tracking system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the timer interface shows time remaining.

11. A tracking system as claimed in claim 9 wherein the timer interface shows elapsed time.

12. A tracking system as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the timer on the timer interface is displayed at all times where an actual delivery time (T) is greater than zero until the predetermined period of time has elapsed.

13. A tracking system as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12 wherein the timer remains active on the timer interface until a location of the ordered goods, as tracked by the vehicle mounted device of the delivery vehicle tasked with delivering the ordered goods arrives at the delivery location provided.

14. A tracking system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein submission of an electronic order locks a delivery location and once the delivery location is locked, the system then compares a real time location of the delivery vehicle tasked with delivering the ordered goods with the delivery location, and once the real time location of the delivery vehicle tasked with delivering the ordered goods and the delivery location substantially match one another, then the system will deem that the delivery location has been reached by the delivery vehicle tasked with delivering the ordered goods and the timer is stopped.

15. A tracking system as claimed in claim 14 wherein once the timer has stopped, and an actual delivery time established, the actual delivery time T can then be compared with the predetermined period of time, Tp, and if T is less than Tp, then the ordered goods are deemed to have been delivered within the predetermined time period, a confirmation interface is generated and displayed on the customer personal computing device confirming this.

16. A tracking system as claimed in claim 14 or claim 15 wherein once the timer has stopped, and an actual delivery time established, the actual delivery time T can then be compared with the predetermined period of time, Tp, and if T is greater than Tp, then the ordered goods are deemed to have been delivered outside the predetermined time period, a confirmation interface is generated and displayed on the customer personal computing device confirming this fact.

17. A tracking system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further including a subsystem for real-time or near real time monitoring of the food delivery vehicle, the system including a vehicle mounted device associated with each food delivery vehicle, a central server processing system; a) the vehicle mounted device including i. at least one location receiver to obtain location data indicative of a location of the delivery vehicle in real time or near real time, ii. a wireless communication module to transfer information relating to the location data and iii. at least one electrical connection assembly to connect the vehicle mounted device to a power supply system of the food delivery vehicle; at least one identification tool associated with the vehicle mounted device to uniquely identify the vehicle mounted device within the system, b) the central server processing system to receive the location data from each vehicle mounted device and based on the location data, to transfer information relating to the real time or near real time location of each vehicle to the main system to allow comparison of the location of the food delivery vehicle to the delivery location.

18. A tracking system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims including a system for realtime monitoring of vehicles integrated with a delivery management system and an online ordering system provided by a company providing the products to be delivered.

19. A central server processing system for monitoring the delivery of ordered goods amongst parties through use of an electronic real-time location system, the central server processing system to receive location data from at least one vehicle mounted device mounted to at least one delivery vehicle and based on the location data, to track the real time or near real time location of each delivery vehicle and accordingly track the location of the ordered goods being delivered by each delivery vehicle, the central server processing system also receiving an electronic order for one or more ordered goods to be delivered to a delivery location, the electronic order placed by a customer via a customer personal computing device operating compliant software for sending information to the central server processing system wherein submission of the electronic order by a customer via the customer personal computing device operating compliant software triggers initialisation of a timer to time the period between the submission of the electronic order to the central server processing system and the arrival of the ordered goods at the location of the delivery location as ascertained utilising the real time or near real time location of the delivery vehicle tasked with delivery of the ordered goods.

20. A central server processing system as claimed in claim 2 including the vehicle mounted device associated with each delivery vehicle, and a central server processing system, the vehicle mounted device including: i. at least one location receiver to obtain location data indicative of a location of the vehicle in real time or near real time, ii. a wireless communication module to transfer information relating to the location data and iii. at least one power supply system to power the vehicle mounted device; iv. at least one identification tool associated with the vehicle mounted device to uniquely identify the vehicle mounted device within the system.

21. A customer personal computing device operating compliant software for sending information to a central server processing system, the customer submitting an electronic order for one or more ordered goods to be delivered to a delivery location, submission of the electronic order by a customer via the customer personal computing device operating compliant software triggering initialisation of a timer to time the period between the submission of the electronic order to the central server processing system and the arrival of the ordered goods at the location of the delivery location as ascertained utilising real time or near real time location of a delivery vehicle tasked with delivery of the ordered goods based on the central server processing system receiving location data from at least one vehicle mounted device mounted to at least one delivery vehicle and based on the location data, to track the real time or near real time location of each delivery vehicle and the time being displayed to the customer on the customer personal computing device by the compliant software.

22. A customer personal computing device operating compliant software as claimed in claim 4 including the vehicle mounted device associated with each delivery vehicle, and a central server processing system, the vehicle mounted device including: i. at least one location receiver to obtain location data indicative of a location of the vehicle in real time or near real time, ii. a wireless communication module to transfer information relating to the location data and iii. at least one power supply system to power the vehicle mounted device; iv. at least one identification tool associated with the vehicle mounted device to uniquely identify the vehicle mounted device within the system.