Method and apparatus for mobile pickup stations

• US 20040177008A1
• Filed: 03/10/2004
• Published: 09/09/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/08/2000
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Ping Yang
• Original Assignee: Ping Yang
• Inventors: Yang, Ping
• Application Number:
  US10/798,965
• Publication Number:
  US 20040177008A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/26
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0601 Electronic shopping [e-shopping]

Abstract

A method and system for scheduling delivery and delivery of products to buyers. The products include user ordered meals. A Mobile Pickup Station (MPS) server is placed within a computer network and receives product shipping instructions from buyers or third party sellers. The MPS server determines optimal pickup points using buyer commuting information and buyer delivery requests. A portable kiosk or locker station, enclosing buyers'"'"' purchases within individually lockable lockers, is placed at a pickup point chosen by the buyers. The buyers use access codes, such as a product ID and password, to unlock the lockers and receive their purchases.

Claims

1. A method for scheduling and delivery of a product to a buyer along the buyer'"'"'s commuting route, comprising:

receiving route information from a buyer by the server;

selecting from a plurality of pickup points a pickup point based on the route information; and

dispatching a mobile pickup station to the pickup point by the server, the mobile pickup station containing a product ordered.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein selecting a pickup point further comprises:

receiving a channel width from the buyer by the server;

calculating a channel area using the channel width and the route information by the server;

determining by the server a set of pickup points from the plurality of pickup points based on the channel area;

selecting from the set of pickup points a pickup point.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pickup points is determined using an approximate buyer route concentration based on route usage.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving a plurality of routes from a plurality of buyers by the server; and

determining by the server the plurality of pickup points based on the plurality of routes.

5. The method of claim 1, further comprising:

receiving a specification of a plurality of preferred products by the server; and

ordering the product for the buyer by the server using the specification.

6. The specification in claim 5 includes occurrence rate for each of the plurality of preferred products ordered.

7. The specification in claim 5 includes a price limitation on each of the products ordered.

8. The specification in claim 5 includes a spending limitation on products ordered over a period of time determining by the user.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising reminding the buyer via email that a product delivery is scheduled at the pickup point.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising reminding the buyer telephonically that a product delivery is scheduled at the pickup point.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein:

the mobile pickup station includes a plurality of lockers for containing products, each of the plurality of lockers having a unique access code; and

giving the buyer an access code for a locker containing the buyer'"'"'s product,

each of the plurality of lockers having an electronically actuated lock;

a controller electrically coupled to each of the electronically actuated locks, the controller having means for storing a plurality of access codes associated with the lockers; and

a keypad electrically coupled to the controller whereby a buyer enters an access code to unlock an associated locker.

12. A method of claim 1 wherein the seller includes a third party seller.

13. A method for scheduling and delivery of a product to a buyer, comprising:

receiving at least one area identifier from a buyer by the server;

selecting from a plurality of pickup points a pickup point based on the area identifier; and

dispatching a mobile pickup station to the pickup point by the server, the mobile pickup station containing a product ordered.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the area identifier includes address and a channel width.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the area identifier includes phone number.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein area identifier includes zip code.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the area identifier includes city name.

18. The method of claim 13, wherein the area identifier includes landmark.

19. The method of claim 13, wherein the plurality of pickup points is determined using an approximate buyer route concentration based on route usage.

20. The method of claim 13, further comprising:

receiving a specification of a plurality of preferred products by the server;

and ordering the product for the buyer by the server using the specifications.

21. The specifications in claim 20 includes an occurrence rate for each of the plurality of preferred products ordered.

22. The specifications in claim 20 includes a price limitation on each of the products ordered.

23. The specifications in claim 20 includes a spending limitation on products ordered over a period of time determining by the user.

24. The method of claim 13, further comprising reminding the buyer via email that a product delivery is scheduled at the pickup point.

25. The method of claim 13, further comprising reminding the buyer telephonically that a product delivery is scheduled at the pickup point.

26. A method of claim 13 wherein the seller includes a third party seller.

27. A method of displaying to a buyer stores where a product may be purchased, comprising:

receiving route information from the buyer by the server;

receiving channel width from the buyer by the server;

calculating a channel area using the channel width and the route information by the server and

displaying a set of stores to a buyer from a plurality of stores based on the route and channel width.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising:

receiving a second channel width from the buyer by the server;

calculating a channel area using the channel width and the route information by the server;

displaying a set of stores to a buyer from a plurality of stores based on the route information and the second channel width in the event the first channel width does not result satisfactory stores to the buyer.

29. A method of determining for a buyer a store where a product may be purchased, comprising:

receiving product information from a buyer by the server;

receiving route information from the buyer by the server, the route information including a route and channel width; and

selecting a set of stores from a plurality of stores based on the product information and the route information.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein selecting the set of stores comprises:

providing a store database, the store database containing location and product information for each of the plurality of stores;

using the route and channel width to calculate a channel area by the server; and

searching the store database by the server for a set of stores carrying the product wherein each store in the set of stores is located within the channel area.

31. A method for scheduling and delivery of a product to a buyer along the buyer'"'"'s commuting route, comprising:

receiving route information from a buyer by the server;

selecting from a plurality of fixed pickup stations a fixed pickup station based on the route information; and

delivering a product ordered by the buyer to the fixed pickup station by the server.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein selecting a fixed pickup station further comprises:

receiving a channel width from the buyer by the server;

calculating a channel area using the channel width and the route information by the server;

determining by the server a set of fixed pickup stations from the plurality of fixed pickup stations based on the channel area;

selecting from the set of fixed pickup stations a fixed pickup station.

33. The method of claim 31, wherein the plurality of pickup stations is determined using an approximate buyer route concentration based on route usage.

34. The method of claim 31, further comprising:

receiving a plurality of routes from a plurality of buyers by the server; and

determining by the server the plurality of pickup points based on the plurality of routes.

35. The method of claim 31, further comprising:

receiving a specification of a plurality of preferred products by the server; and

ordering the product for the buyer by the server using the specification.

36. The specification in claim 35 includes a occurrence rate for each of the plurality of preferred products ordered.

37. The specification in claim 35 includes a price limitation on each of the products ordered.

38. The specification in claim 35 includes a spending limitation on products ordered over a period of time determining by the user.

39. A method of claim 31 wherein the seller includes a third party seller.

40. The method of claim 31, further comprising reminding the buyer via email that a product delivery is scheduled at the fixed pickup station.

41. The method of claim 31, further comprising reminding the buyer telephonically that a product delivery is scheduled at the fixed pickup station.

42. The method of claim 31, wherein:

the fixed pickup station includes a plurality of lockers for containing products, each of the plurality of lockers having a unique access code; and

giving the buyer an access code for a locker containing the buyer'"'"'s product, the locker selected from the plurality of lockers.

43. A method for scheduling and delivery of a product to a buyer, comprising:

receiving at least one area identifier from a buyer by the server;

selecting from a plurality of fixed pickup stations a fixed pickup station based on the area identifier and

delivering a product ordered by the buyer to the fixed pickup station by the server.

44. The method of claim 43, wherein the area identifier includes address and a channel width.

45. The method of claim 43, wherein the area identifier includes phone number.

46. The method of claim 43, wherein the area identifier includes zip code.

47. The method of claim 43, wherein the area identifier includes city name.

48. The method of claim 43, wherein the area identifier includes landmark.

49. The method of claim 43, wherein the plurality of pickup points is determined using an approximate buyer route concentration based on route usage.

50. The method of claim 43, further comprising:

receiving a specification of a plurality of preferred products by the server;

and ordering the product for the buyer by the server using the specification.

51. The specification in claim 50 includes a occurrence rate for each of the plurality of preferred products ordered.

52. The specification in claim 50 includes a price limitation on each of the products ordered.

53. The specification in claim 50 includes a spending limitation on products ordered over a period of time determining by the user.

54. The method of claim 43, further comprising reminding the buyer via email that a product delivery is scheduled at the pickup point.

55. The method of claim 43, further comprising reminding the buyer telephonically that a product delivery is scheduled at the pickup point.

56. A method of claim 43 wherein the seller includes a third party seller.

57. A method for scheduling and delivery of a product to a buyer along the buyer'"'"'s commuting route, comprising:

receiving route information from a buyer by the server;

receiving a channel width from the buyer by the server;

calculating by the server a channel area using by the server the channel width and the route information;

determining by the server a set of pickup points from a plurality of pickup points based on the channel area;

selecting from the set of pickup points a pickup point; and

dispatching by the server a mobile pickup station to the pickup point, the mobile pickup station containing a product ordered by the buyer.

58. The method of claim 57, wherein the plurality of pickup points is determined using an approximate buyer route concentration based on route usage.

59. The method of claim 57, further comprising:

receiving a plurality of routes from a plurality of buyers by the server; and

determining by the server the plurality of pickup points based on the plurality of routes.

60. A data processing system adapted to schedule and deliver a product to a buyer along the buyer'"'"'s commuting route, comprising:

a processor; and

a memory operably coupled to the processor and having program instructions stored therein, the processor being operable to execute the program instructions, the program instructions including;

receiving route information from a buyer by the system;

selecting from a plurality of pickup points a pickup point based on the route information; and

dispatching by the system a mobile pickup station to the pickup point, the mobile pickup station containing a product ordered by the buyer.

61. The data processing system of claim 60, wherein the program instructions for selecting a pickup point further include:

receiving a channel width from the buyer by the system;

calculating by the system a channel area using the channel width and the route information;

determining by the system a set of pickup points from the plurality of pickup points based on the channel area;

selecting from the set of pickup points a pickup point.

62. The data processing system of claim 60, the program instructions further including determining the plurality of pickup points using an approximate buyer route concentration based on route usage.

63. The data processing system of claim 60, the program instructions further including:

receiving a plurality of routes from a plurality of buyers by the system; and

determining by the system the plurality of pickup points based on the plurality of routes.

64. The data processing system of claim 60, the program instructions further including:

receiving by the system a specification of a plurality of preferred products;

and ordering by the system the product for the buyer using the specification.

65. The specification in claim 64 includes a occurrence rate for each of the plurality of preferred products ordered.

66. The specification in claim 64 includes a price limitation on each of the products ordered.

67. The specification in claim 64 includes a spending limitation on products ordered over a period of time determining by the user.

68. A data processing system adapted to schedule and deliver a product to a buyer of claim 60 where a seller includes a third party seller.

69. The data processing system of claim 60, the program instructions further including reminding the buyer via email that a product delivery is scheduled at the pickup point.

70. The data processing system of claim 60, the program instructions further including reminding the buyer telephonically that a product delivery is scheduled at the pickup point.

71. The data processing system of claim 60, the program instructions further including:

the mobile pickup station includes a plurality of lockers for containing products, each of the plurality of lockers having a unique access code; and

giving the buyer an access code for a locker containing the buyer'"'"'s product,

each of the plurality of lockers having an electronically actuated lock;

a controller electrically coupled to each of the electronically actuated locks, the controller having means for storing a plurality of access codes associated with the lockers; and

a keypad electrically coupled to the controller whereby a buyer enters an access code to unlock an associated locker.

72. A data processing system adapted to schedule and deliver a product to a buyer, comprising:

a processor; and

a memory operably coupled to the processor and having program instructions stored therein, the processor being operable to execute the program instructions, the program instructions including;

receiving at least one area identifier from a buyer by the system;

selecting from a plurality of pickup points a pickup point based on the area identifier information; and

dispatching by the system a mobile pickup station to the pickup point, the mobile pickup station containing a product ordered by the buyer.

73. The data processing system of claim 72, where in area identifier includes address and a channel width.

74. The data processing system of claim 72, wherein the area identifier is zip code.

75. The data processing system of claim 72, the area identifier is phone number.

76. The data processing system of claim 72, the area identifier is city name.

77. The data processing system of claim 72, the area identifier is landmark.

78. The data processing system of claim 72, the program instructions further including determining the plurality of pickup points using an approximate buyer route concentration based on route usage.

79. The data processing system of claim 72, the program instructions further including:

receiving by the system a specification of a plurality of preferred products;

and ordering by the system the product for the buyer using the specification.

80. The specification in claim 79 includes occurrence rate for each of the plurality of preferred products ordered.

81. The specification in claims 79 includes a price limitation on each of the products ordered.

82. The specification in claims 79 includes a spending limitation on products ordered over a period of time determining by the user.

83. A data processing system adapted to schedule and deliver a product to a buyer of claim 72 where a seller includes a third party seller.

84. The data processing system of claim 72, the program instructions further including reminding the buyer via email that a product delivery is scheduled at the pickup point.

85. The data processing system of claim 72, the program instructions further including reminding the buyer telephonically that a product delivery is scheduled at the pickup point.

86. A data processing system adapted to display to a buyer stores where a product may be purchased, comprising:

a processor; and

a memory operably coupled to the processor and having program instructions stored therein, the processor being operable to execute the program instructions, the program instructions including;

receiving route information from the buyer by the server;

receiving channel width from the buyer by the server;

calculating a channel area using the channel width and the route information by the server and

displaying a set of stores to a buyer from a plurality of stores based on the route and channel.

87. The data processing system of claim 86, further comprising:

receiving a second channel width from the buyer by the server;

calculating a channel area using the channel width and the route information by the server;

displaying a set of stores to a buyer from a plurality of stores based on the route information and the second channel width in the event the first channel width does not result satisfactory stores to the buyer.

88. A data processing system adapted to determine for a buyer a store where a product may be purchased along the buyer'"'"'s commuting route, comprising:

a processor; and

a memory operably coupled to the processor and having program instructions stored therein, the processor being operable to execute the program instructions, the program instructions including;

receiving product information from a buyer by the system;

receiving by the system route information from the buyer, the route information including a route and channel width; and

selecting a set of stores from a plurality of stores based on the product information and the route information.

89. The data processing system of claim 88, wherein the program instructions for selecting the set of stores include:

accessing by the system a store database containing location and product information for each of the plurality of stores using the route and channel width to calculate a channel area; and

searching by the system the store database for a set of stores carrying the product wherein each store in the set of stores is located within the channel area.

90. A data processing system adapted to schedule and deliver a product to a buyer along the buyer'"'"'s commuting route, comprising:

a processor; and

a memory operably coupled to the processor and having program instructions stored therein, the processor being operable to execute the program instructions, the program instructions including;

receiving route information from a buyer by the system;

selecting from a plurality of fixed pickup stations a fixed pickup station based on the route information; and

delivering by the system a product ordered by the buyer to the fixed pickup station by the system.

91. The data processing system of claim 90, wherein the program instructions for selecting a pickup station further include:

receiving a channel width from the buyer by the system;

calculating by the system a channel area using the channel width and the route information;

determining by the system a set of fixed pickup stations from the plurality of fixed pickup stations based on the channel area;

selecting from the set of fixed pickup stations a fixed pickup station.

92. The data processing system of claim 90, the program instructions further including determining the plurality of pickup stations using an approximate buyer route concentration based on route usage.

93. The data processing system of claim 90, the program instructions further including:

receiving a plurality of routes from a plurality of buyers by the system; and

determining by the system the plurality of fixed pickup stations based on the plurality of routes.

94. The data processing system of claim 90, the program instructions further including:

receiving by the system specifications of a plurality of preferred products;

and ordering by the system the product for the buyer using the specifications.

95. The specification in claim 94 includes an occurrence rate for each of the plurality of preferred products ordered.

96. The specification in claim 94 includes a price limitation on each of the products ordered.

97. The specification in claim 94 includes a spending limitation on products ordered over a period of time determining by the user.

98. A data processing system adapted to schedule and deliver a product to a buyer of claim 90 where a seller includes a third party seller.

99. The data processing system of claim 90, the program instructions further including:

the fixed pickup stations includes a plurality of lockers for containing products, each of the plurality of lockers having a unique access code; and

giving the buyer an access code for a locker containing the buyer'"'"'s product,

each of the plurality of lockers having an electronically actuated lock;

a controller electrically coupled to each of the electronically actuated locks, the controller having means for storing a plurality of access codes associated with the lockers; and

a keypad electrically coupled to the controller whereby a buyer enters an access code to unlock an associated locker.

100. A data processing system adapted to schedule and deliver a product to a buyer, comprising:

a processor; and

a memory operably coupled to the processor and having program instructions stored therein, the processor being operable to execute the program instructions, the program instructions including;

receiving at least one area identifier from a buyer by the system;

selecting from a plurality of fixed pickup stations a fixed pickup station based on the area identifier information; and

delivering a product ordered by the buyer to the fixed pick up station by the server.

101. The data processing system of claim 100, where in area identifier includes address and channel width.

102. The data processing system of claim 100, wherein the area identifier includes zip code.

103. The data processing system of claim 100, the route information includes phone number.

104. The data processing system of claim 100, the route information includes city name.

105. The data processing system of claim 100, the route information includes landmark.

106. The data processing system of claim 100, the program instructions further including determining the plurality of pickup stations using an approximate buyer route concentration based on route usage.

107. The data processing system of claim 100, the program instructions further including:

receiving by the system a specification of a plurality of preferred products;

and ordering by the system the product for the buyer using the specification.

108. The specification in claim 107 includes occurrence rate for each of the plurality of preferred products ordered.

109. The specification in claim 107 includes a price limitation on each of the products ordered.

110. The specification in claim 107 includes a spending limitation on products ordered over a period of time determining by the user.

111. A data processing system adapted to schedule and deliver a product to a buyer of claim 100 where a seller includes a third party seller.

112. The data processing system of claim 100, the program instructions further including reminding the buyer via email that a product delivery is scheduled at the pickup station.

113. The data processing system of claim 100, the program instructions further including reminding the buyer telephonically that a product delivery is scheduled at the pickup station.

114. A method of selecting a product by a buyer accessing a server via a communications network, the method comprising:

receiving by the server from the buyer via the communications network a specification for preferred products;

generating by the server a set of preferred products using the specification and product category; and

displaying by the server to the buyer via the communications network the set of preferred products.

115. The method of claim 114, wherein the specification including a plurality pf product features preferred by the buyer.

116. The method of claim 114, wherein the specification including a limitation on the price of a preferred product.

117. The method of claim 114, wherein the specification including a limitation on the price of preferred products ordered over a period of time specified by the user.

118. A method of purchasing a product by a buyer accessing a server via a communications network, the method comprising:

receiving by the server from the buyer via the communications network a specification for preferred products;

receiving by the server from the buyer via the communications network a date;

selecting by the server the product using the specification; and

ordering the product on the date by the server for the buyer.

119. The method of claim 118, wherein the specification including a limitation on the price of a preferred product.

120. The method of claim 118, wherein the specification including a limitation on the price of preferred products ordered over a period of time specified by the user.

121. The method of claim 118, wherein the specification includes a plurality of product features preferred by the buyer.

122. The method of claim 118, further comprising:

receiving an occurrence rate for a specified product from the buyer by the server; and

wherein selecting by the server the product further comprises using the occurrence rate for the specified product.

123. A computer implemented method of delivering a meal to a buyer, comprising:

selecting a pickup point;

selecting a pick up time for the meal by the buyer;

transporting to the pickup point the ingredients for the meal in a mobile pickup station by the server;

the mobile pickup station including food storage equipment for delivery to the buyer at the pickup time.

124. The method of claim 123, wherein selecting a pickup point further includes:

receiving route information from the buyer by the server;

selecting by the server a plurality of pickup points based on the route information.

selecting a pickup point from the plurality of pickup points.

125. The method of claim 124, wherein selecting a pickup point further includes:

receiving a channel width from the buyer by the server;

calculating a channel area using the channel width and the route information by the server;

determining a set of pickup points from the plurality of pickup points based on the channel area by the server; and

selecting from the set of pickup points a pickup point.

126. The method of claim 125, wherein the channel width is specified as a distance from a route generated from the route information.

127. The method of claim 125, wherein the channel width is specified as a buyer preferred traveling time from a route generated from the route information.

128. The method of claim 125, wherein the channel width is specified as a traveling distance along roadways from a route generated from the route information.

129. The method of claim 123, wherein selecting a pickup point further includes:

receiving at least one area identifier from the buyer by the server.

Selecting from a plurality of pickup points a pickup point based on the area identifier

130. The method of claim 129, wherein the area identifier includes zip code.

131. The method of claim 129, wherein the area identifier includes city name.

132. The method of claim 129, wherein the area identifier includes telephone number.

133. The method of claim 129, wherein the area identifier includes landmark.

134. The method of claim 123, further comprising:

compiling buyer arrival times by the server;

generating a meal preparation schedule using the compiled buyer arrival times by the server; and

preparing the meal in accordance with the meal preparation schedule by the server.

135. A computer implemented method of delivering a meal to a buyer, comprising:

selecting a pickup point;

selecting a pick up time for the meal by the buyer;

transporting to the pickup point the ingredients for the meal in a mobile pickup station by the server;

the mobile pickup station including food preparation equipment and preparing by the server the meal at the pickup point for delivery to the buyer at the pickup time.

136. The method of claim 135, wherein selecting a pickup point further includes:

receiving route information from the buyer by the server;

selecting by the server a plurality of pickup points based on the route information electing a pickup point from the plurality of pickup points.

137. The method of claim 136, wherein selecting a pickup point further includes:

receiving a channel width from the buyer by the server;

calculating a channel area using the channel width and the route information by the server;

determining a set of pickup points from the plurality of pickup points based on the channel area by the server; and

selecting from the set of pickup points a pickup point.

138. The method of claim 137, wherein the channel width is specified as a distance from a route generated from the route information.

139. The method of claim 137, wherein the channel width is specified as a buyer preferred traveling time from a route generated from the route information.

140. The method of claim 137, wherein the channel width is specified as a traveling distance along roadways from a route generated from the route information.

141. The method of claim 135, wherein selecting a pickup point further includes:

receiving at least one area identifier from the buyer by the server;

selecting from a plurality of pickup points a pickup point based on the area identifier.

142. The method of claim 141, wherein the area identifier includes zip code.

143. The method of claim 141, wherein the area identifier includes city name.

144. The method of claim 141, wherein the area identifier includes telephone number.

145. The method of claim 141, wherein the area identifier includes landmark.

146. The method of claim 135, further comprising:

compiling buyer arrival times by the server;

generating a meal preparation schedule using the compiled buyer arrival times by the server; and

preparing the meal in accordance with the meal preparation schedule by the server.

147. A computer implemented method for scheduling and delivery of a product to a buyer along the buyer'"'"'s commuting route, comprising:

receiving route information from the buyer;

receiving a channel width from the buyer;

calculating a channel area using the channel width and the route information by the server;

determining a set of pickup points from the plurality of pickup points based on the channel area by the server;

selecting from the set of pickup points a pickup point; and

dispatching a mobile pickup station to the pickup point by the server, the mobile pickup station containing the product for the buyer.

148. The method of claim 147, wherein the channel width is specified as a distance from a route generated from the route information.

149. The method of claim 147, wherein the channel width is specified as a buyer preferred traveling time from a route generated from the route information.

150. The method of claim 147, wherein the channel width is specified as a traveling distance along roadways from a route generated from the route information.

151. A data processing system for delivering a meal to a buyer, comprising:

a processor; and

a memory coupled to the processor, the memory having program instructions executable by the process stored therein, the program instructions including;

selecting a pickup point;

selecting a pick up time for the cooked meal by the buyer;

transporting to the pickup point the ingredients for the meal in a mobile pickup station by the system, the mobile pickup station including food storage equipment for delivery to the buyer at the pickup time by the system.

152. The data processing system of claim 151, wherein the program instructions for selecting a pickup point further include:

receiving route information from the buyer by the system;

selecting a plurality of pickup points by the system based on the route information.

selecting a pickup point from the plurality of pickup points.

153. The data processing system of claim 152, wherein the program instructions for selecting a pickup point further include:

receiving a channel width from the buyer by the system;

calculating a channel area using the channel width and the route information by the system;

determining a set of pickup points from the plurality of pickup points based on the channel area by the system; and

selecting from the set of pickup points a pickup point.

154. The data processing system of claim 153, wherein the channel width is specified as a distance from a route generated from the route information.

155. The data processing system of claim 153, wherein the channel width is specified as a buyer preferred traveling time from a route generated from the route information.

156. The data processing system of claim 153, wherein the channel width is specified as a traveling distance along roadways from a route generated from the route information.

157. The data processing system of claim 151, wherein the program instructions for selecting a pickup point further include:

receiving at least one area identifier from the buyer by the system;

selecting from a plurality of pickup points a pickup point based on the area identifier.

158. The data processing system of claim 157, wherein the area identifier includes zip code.

159. The data processing system of claim 157, wherein the area identifier includes city name.

160. The data processing system of claim 157, wherein the area identifier includes telephone number.

161. The data processing system of claim 157, wherein the area identifier includes landmark.

162. The data processing system of claim 151, further comprising:

compiling buyer arrival times by the system;

generating a meal preparation schedule using the compiled buyer arrival times by the system; and

preparing the meal in accordance with the meal preparation schedule by the system.

163. A data processing system for delivering a meal to a buyer, comprising:

a processor; and

a memory coupled to the processor, the memory having program instructions executable by the process stored therein, the program instructions including;

selecting a pickup point;

selecting a pick up time for the cooked meal by the buyer;

transporting to the pickup point the ingredients for the meal in a mobile pickup station by the system, the mobile pickup station including food preparation equipment; and

preparing the meal at the pickup point for delivery to the buyer at the pickup time by the system.

164. The data processing system of claim 163, wherein the program instructions for selecting a pickup point further include:

receiving route information from the buyer by the system;

selecting a plurality of pickup points by the system based on the route information.

selecting a pickup point from the plurality of pickup points.

165. The data processing system of claim 164, wherein the program instructions for selecting a pickup point further include:

receiving a channel width from the buyer by the server;

calculating a channel area using the channel width and the route information by the server;

determining a set of pickup points from the plurality of pickup points based on the channel area by the server; and

selecting from the set of pickup points a pickup point.

166. The data processing system of claim 165, wherein the channel width is specified as a distance from a route generated from the route information.

167. The data processing system of claim 165, wherein the channel width is specified as a buyer preferred traveling time from a route generated from the route information.

168. The data processing system of claim 165, wherein the channel width is specified as a traveling distance along roadways from a route generated from the route information.

169. The data processing system of claim 163, wherein the program instructions for selecting a pickup point further include:

receiving at least one area identifier from the buyer by the system;

selecting from a plurality of pickup points a pickup point based on the area identifier.

170. The data processing system of claim 169, wherein the area identifier includes zip code.

171. The data processing system of claim 169, wherein the area identifier includes city name.

172. The data processing system of claim 169, wherein the area identifier includes telephone number.

173. The data processing system of claim 169, wherein the area identifier includes landmark.

174. The data processing system of claim 163, further comprising:

compiling buyer arrival times by the server;

generating a meal preparation schedule using the compiled buyer arrival times by the server; and

preparing the meal in accordance with the meal preparation schedule by the server.

175. A data processing system for scheduling and delivery of a product to a buyer along the buyer'"'"'s commuting route, comprising:

a processor; and

a memory coupled to the processor, the memory having program instructions executable by the process stored therein, the program instructions including;

receiving route information from the buyer by the system;

receiving a channel width from the buyer by the system;

calculating a channel area using the channel width and the route information by the system;

determining a set of pickup points from the plurality of pickup points based on the channel area by the system;

selecting from the set of pickup points a pickup point; and

dispatching a mobile pickup station to the pickup point by the system, the mobile pickup station containing the product for the buyer.

176. The data processing system of claim 175, wherein the channel width is specified as a distance from a route generated from the route information.

177. The data processing system of claim 175, wherein the channel width is specified as a buyer preferred traveling time from a route generated from the route information.

178. The data processing system of claim 175, wherein the channel width is specified as a traveling distance along roadways from a route generated from the route information.