Computerized apparatus and methods for transfer between locations

• US 9,396,450 B2
• Filed: 03/09/2015
• Issued: 07/19/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 12/17/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: West View Research LLC
• Original Assignee: West View Research LLC
• Inventors: Gazdzinski, Mark J., Gazdzinski, Robert F.
• Primary Examiner(s): Kim, Ahshik
• Application Number:
  US14/642,594
• Publication Number:
  US 20150242768A1
• Time in Patent Office: 498 Days
• Field of Search: 235/383, 235/384, 235/375, 235/472.01
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: G04G 21/025 for measuring physiological data
• CPC Class Codes: G04G 21/04 using radio waves radio-controlled time-pieces G04R
• CPC Class Codes: G04G 21/06 using voice
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/07762 the adhering arrangement making the record carrier wearable, e.g. having the form of a ring, watch, glove or bracelet record carriers for insertion in the human body for medical purposes A61B90/00; record carriers adapted for attachment to animals A01K11/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10297 arrangements for handling protocols designed for non-contact record carriers such as RFIDs NFCs, e.g. ISO/IEC 14443 and 18092 cryptographic protocols H04L9/00; network security protocols H04L63/00; real-time communication protocols in data switching networks H04L65/00; network protocols for data switching network services H04L67/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10366 the interrogation device being adapted for miscellaneous applications
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10425 the interrogation device being arranged for interrogation of record carriers passing by the interrogation device
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/02 Reservations, e.g. for tickets, services or events
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/083 Shipping
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/0832 Special goods or special handling procedures, e.g. handling of hazardous or fragile goods
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/0833 Tracking
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/14 specially adapted for billing systems
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/18 involving self-service terminals [SST], vending machines, kiosks or multimedia terminals
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/204 comprising interface for record bearing medium or carrier for electronic funds transfer or payment credit
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/32 using wireless devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/327 Short range or proximity payments by means of M-devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/3278 RFID or NFC payments by means of M-devices
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/363 with the personal data of a user
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/405 Establishing or using transaction specific rules
• CPC Class Codes: G07B 17/00193 : Constructional details of apparatus in a franking system
• CPC Class Codes: G07B 17/00314 : Communication within apparatus, personal computer [PC] system, or server, e.g. between printhead and central unit in a franking machine
• CPC Class Codes: G07B 2017/00225 : Vending machine or POS (Point Of Sale) apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: G07B 2017/00322 : Communication between components/modules/parts, e.g. printer, printhead, keyboard, conveyor or central unit
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/0014 : for vending, access and use of specific services not covered anywhere else in G07F17/00 meter-controlled dispensing of liquid, gas or electricity G07F15/00
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/10 : for means for safe-keeping of property, left temporarily, e.g. by fastening the property
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 17/13 : the containers being a postal pick-up locker
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 9/0235 : the arrangements being full-front touchscreens
• CPC Class Codes: G07G 1/009 : the reader being an RFID reader
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0876 : based on the identity of the terminal or configuration, e.g. MAC address, hardware or software configuration or device fingerprint
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/102 : Entity profiles
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 : Services making use of location information
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/80 : Services using short range communication, e.g. near-field communication [NFC], radio-frequency identification [RFID] or low energy communication

Abstract

A computerized apparatus, computer readable apparatus, network apparatus, and methods useful for causing provision of transport-related or delivery-related services. In one embodiment, the apparatus is a mobile user-operated apparatus having at least one input device enabled to receive user-specific input, and a wireless interface to interface with a receiver to cause transmission of one or more messages to an electronic network proxy for one or more third party service entities, the one or messages enabling the provision of the desired services to the user of the mobile apparatus.

Claims

1. Personal electronic apparatus adapted for transport service provision, the apparatus comprising:

a processor;

a display device in data communication with the processor;

a first radio frequency interface in data communication with the processor;

a user interface configured to receive a selection of a desired transport service from a user and generate at least one signal relating thereto; and

an assisted global positioning system (A-GPS) receiver in data communication with the processor and configured to generate data related to a current location of said personal electronic apparatus;

memory in data communication with said processor; and

a software process stored at least partly within said memory and operative to run on said processor, said software process configured to when executed;

encode and enable transmission of at least one message, said at least one message being based at least on said at least one signal related to said selection of said desired service and said data related to said current location of said personal electronic apparatus;

wherein said at least one message is configured to;

(i) substantially automatically cause instantiation of a secure network communications session with a remote server over an untrusted internetwork, the remote server acting as an electronic agent or proxy for at least one third party transport service entity; and

(ii) subsequent to said instantiation of the secure session, enable provision by one of the at least one third party service entities of at least a portion of said desired transport service for said user at said current location; and

wherein said personal electronic apparatus is further configured to;

encode and transmit user-specific data comprising information that uniquely identifies an account of said user and enables payment by the user for the provided service from a credit or debit account of the user, and

utilize biometric fingerprint data relating to the user to enable access to one or more data sources.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said personal electronic apparatus comprises a wireless-enabled mobile electronic device comprising a wireless interface via which at least said transmission of said message can be accomplished.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a short-range wireless interface compliant with an radio frequency identification (RFID)-related technology standard, the short-range wireless interface in data communication with the processor and configured to transfer the user-specific data from the personal electronic apparatus to a corresponding radio-frequency interrogator apparatus.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the software process is further configured to receive user-specific information that comprises information uniquely identifying the user.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the information uniquely identifying the user comprises at least an account number, and password or personal identification number (PIN) data.

6. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein:

the user-specific information comprises biometric information of the user, the biometric information selected from the group further consisting of;

(i) fingerprint data, (ii) facial data; and

(iii) voice data; and

the user-specific information is used to authenticate access to at least payment information relating to a credit or debit card account of the user.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said software process comprises an application program having a transportation-related functional aspect, the application program having been downloaded onto the personal electronic apparatus via a cellular-based or Wi-Fi (IEEE Std. 802.11)-based wireless interface of the personal electronic apparatus.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said personal electronic apparatus comprises a handheld electronic device, said device, and said first radio frequency interface comprises a Wi-Fi (IEEE Std. 802.11) compliant interface configured to transmit said message.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a cellular telephony and data interface over which said message may be transmitted.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said personal electronic apparatus comprises a cellular-enabled smart-phone, and said desired service comprises movement of a transportation modality to said current location.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the smart-phone is further configured to conduct a purchase transaction enabled by a financial institution.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said user interface comprises a touch screen interface configured to display at least one soft function key, said at least one soft function key enabling said transmission of said message to said third party without further user intervention.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said movement of a transportation modality to said current location comprises movement by the transportation modality to deliver an item carried on the transportation modality which the user wishes to obtain.

14. A mobile apparatus, comprising:

a processor;

a display device;

a wireless interface in data communication with the processor;

memory in data communication with said processor;

an assisted global positioning system (A-GPS) apparatus configured to generate information related to at least one location of said mobile apparatus using an assist from an entity external to the mobile apparatus;

a user interface configured to receive an input from a user causing the apparatus to store the generated information related to the at least one location; and

a software process operative to run on said processor, said process comprising a plurality of instructions which are configured to, when executed, encode and transmit a message via the wireless interface, said message being based at least in part on said stored information;

wherein said message causes provision of a service by a third party at the at least one location;

wherein said software process comprises a transport-themed application computer program that has been previously downloaded to the mobile apparatus;

wherein said user interface comprises a touch screen interface configured to display at least one soft function key associated with a function of the transport-themed application computer program, said at least one soft function key enabling said transmission of said message to said third party via an electronic network agent or proxy and without further user intervention; and

wherein said apparatus is further configured to encode and transmit user-specific data comprising information that uniquely identifies said user to said third party, the user-specific data further comprising information that enables payment by the user for the provided service from a credit or debit account of the user, the credit or debit account comprising data maintained in a network-based database so as to obviate the user from having to enter or transmit at least a portion of the maintained data, access to the credit or debit account data in the database performed at least in part by the electronic network agent or proxy.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein said user interface configured to receive an input from a user causing the apparatus to store the generated information related to at least one location comprises a user interface configured to receive multiple inputs from the user, and store respective ones of multiple locations for later use by the user, the user interface configured to display information on the display device allowing the user to select at least one of the stored multiple locations.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein said transport-themed application computer program is rendered in a Java-based program language.

17. A mobile user apparatus, comprising:

a data processing apparatus;

a display device in data communication with the data processing apparatus;

a wireless interface in data communication with the data processing apparatus;

storage apparatus in data communication with said processing apparatus;

an assisted global positioning system (A-GPS) apparatus configured to generate location data; and

a software process operative to run on said processor, said process comprising a plurality of instructions which are configured to, when executed;

receive a message from a computerized device via the wireless interface, the message comprising location information relevant to a user of the computerized device;

store at least a portion of the location information; and

encode and transmit a second message, said second message being based at least in part on said stored information and causing provision of a service by a third party at least partly at the location specified by the location information; and

wherein;

said display device comprises a touch screen interface, and said apparatus is configured to display at least one soft function key on the display device, said at least one soft function key enabling said transmission of said second message to said third party without further user intervention;

said apparatus is further configured to encode and transmit user-specific data comprising information that uniquely identifies said user to said third party, said transmitted user-specific data further comprises information that enables payment by the user for the provided service from a pre-existing credit or debit account of the user, the pre-existing account accessible by the third party or its proxy; and

wherein said software process is further configured to receive, via a user interface of the mobile user apparatus, an input from the user causing the apparatus to store at least an address associated with the generated location data, the user interface configured to receive multiple inputs from the user, and store respective ones of multiple addresses associated with multiple different ones of A-GPS-generated location data for later use by the user, the user interface configured to display information on the display device allowing the user to select at least one of the stored multiple addresses.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said location information relevant to a user of the computerized device comprises a fixed address associated with either a home or workplace of the user of the computerized device.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein said service comprises delivery by said third party of one or more items, the one or more items originating from a distribution center.

20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the mobile user apparatus is configured to employ both (i) physical layer security and (ii) protocol level security, for at least the second message.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the physical layer security comprises security provided for an air interface of the wireless interface, and the protocol level security comprises use of a secure sockets layer (SSL) protocol.

22. Non-transitory computer readable storage apparatus configured for use in a mobile electronic apparatus, the mobile electronic apparatus comprising:

a processor;

a display device in data communication with the processor;

a first radio frequency interface in data communication with the processor;

a user interface configured to receive a selection of a desired service from a user and generate at least one signal relating thereto; and

an assisted global positioning system (A-GPS) receiver in data communication with the processor and configured to generate data related to a current location of said mobile electronic apparatus;

wherein the non-transitory computer readable storage apparatus is in data communication with said processor and comprises at least one computer program stored therein, the at least one computer program operative to run on said processor, said at least one computer program comprising a plurality of instructions which are configured to, when executed;

encode at least one message, said at least one message being based at least on said at least one signal related to said selection of said desired service and said data related to said current location of said mobile electronic apparatus;

wherein said at least one message is configured to cause, when transmitted, provision by a third party of said desired service for said user at least at said current location, and further includes information relating to an account of the user, the information relating to the account of the user further enabling payment for the desired service from a pre-existing credit or debit card of the user; and

wherein said at least one message enables generation of a respective one of an electronic mail or electronic message to at least one respective third party previously designated by the respective user, the generated electronic mail or message comprising information relating to at least an estimated time of completion of the respective transport-related service provided to the user, the previously designated third party being neither the user or a provider of the desired service, the generation of the respective one of an electronic mail or electronic message being caused at least in part by a remote networked server receiving the transmitted at least one message.

23. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 22, wherein said mobile electronic device is configured to perform said transmission via the first radio frequency interface substantially automatically upon receipt of said at least one signal.

24. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 23, wherein said first radio frequency interface comprises a wireless interface utilizing an OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexed) protocol, the wireless interface utilizing said OFDM protocol to mitigate interference with other radio frequency communications devices.

25. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 24, wherein said first radio frequency interface comprises a Wi-Fi (IEEE Std. 802.11) compliant interface.

26. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 22, wherein said mobile electronic apparatus comprises a cellular-enabled smart-phone, and said desired service comprises movement of a transportation modality to said current location by said third party.

27. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 26, wherein said user interface comprises a capacitive touch screen interface configured to display at least one soft function key, said at least one soft function key configured to, when selected, cause said transmission of said at least one message to an electronic proxy agent of said third party without further user intervention.

28. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 22, wherein said at least one computer program is further configured to encode user-specific data comprising information that uniquely identifies said user to the third party or a proxy thereof.

29. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 28, wherein said desired service comprises movement of a transportation modality to said current location in order to deliver one or more chattel for the user.

30. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 29, wherein said chattel is selected from the group consisting of:

(i) a liquefied substance in a container;

(ii) one or more tools; and

(iii) one or more car key apparatus.

31. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 29, wherein the transportation modality comprises a shipping agent or service with whom the third party has previously shipped the one or more chattel.

32. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 22, wherein said at least one computer program comprises a client portion of a distributed application, the distributed application having a plurality of client portions and at least one server portion, the at least one server portion configured to communicate with each of the plurality of client portions via the Internet and a universal resource locator (URL) supplied by the third party.

33. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 22, wherein the at least one computer program comprises at least one transportation-related application computer program configured to run thereon, the at least one transportation-related application computer program having been downloaded to the non-transitory computer-readable apparatus of the mobile electronic apparatus after manufacture of the mobile electronic apparatus, the at least one transportation-related application computer program having been rendered in a Java-based programming language.

34. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 33, wherein the account of the user comprises a previously established transport-related account with the third party or its proxy.

35. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 33, wherein said user interface comprises a capacitive touch screen interface configured to display at least one soft function key, said at least one soft function key causing, when activated by said user, said transmission of said message without further user intervention, said transmission comprising transmission to a universal resource locator (URL) supplied by the transportation-related application computer program, said URL associated with or controlled by a second party acting as a proxy or agent for the third party, the third party actually performing the desired service.

36. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 22, wherein said first radio frequency interface comprises an OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexed)-based data interface, and the mobile electronic apparatus further comprises a Wi-Fi (IEEE Std. 802.11) compliant OFDM interface;

and

wherein the at least one program is configured to enable transmission of the message over either the first radio frequency interface or the Wi-Fi compliant interface.

37. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 22, wherein said mobile electronic device comprises a smartphone capable of utilizing Java-based application programs, and further comprises a short-range radio frequency interface in data communication with the at least one computer program, the short-range interface disposed within the mobile electronic device at the time of manufacture of the mobile electronic device, the at least one computer program configured to cause the short-range interface to exchange data with an external radio frequency device, the data relating to the account of the user, the exchange of data enabling consummation of a purchase transaction.

38. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 37, wherein the purchase transaction comprises a point-of-sale (POS) transaction for a good or service.

39. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 22, wherein said at least one computer program is further configured to encode said at least one message such that said desired service is simultaneously provided to two or more users for at least a portion thereof, said simultaneous provision of the at least portion of the desired service to two or more users comprises use of the same transportation modality for provision of the service.

40. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 39, wherein said use of the same transportation modality for provision of the service provides an economic benefit to at least one of:

(i) the third party, or, (ii) one or more others.

41. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 22, wherein said at least one computer program is configured to receive an electronic message comprising information relating to the performance of the desired service, the electronic message comprising the information generated by a remote server acting as a proxy for the third party.

42. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 41, wherein said information relating to the performance of the desired service comprises:

(i) a date and time the service was performed, (ii) information indicating the current location; and

(iii) information indicating a payment method, the indicated payment method comprising one of the pre-existing credit or debit card of the user.

43. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 42, wherein said information relating to the performance of the desired service further comprises a destination location.

44. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 22, wherein said at least one computer program is configured to receive an electronic message comprising information relating to the performance of the desired service, said information relating to the performance of the desired service comprises an estimated future time of completion of the desired service.

45. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 22, wherein:

said transmission of said message comprises transmission via at least the first radio frequency interface and an Internet to a remote server; and

said at least one computer program is further configured to cause instantiation of at least one user interface element on a display device of a personal electronic device of another user also in wireless communication with the network server.

46. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 45, wherein said at least one computer program comprises a transportation service-related application computer program rendered in an object-oriented programming language, and said personal electronic device of said another user comprises a transportation service-related application computer program, and the at least one user interface element comprises a window or other display element by which the another user can initiate or authorize at least a portion of the desired service.

47. Non-transitory computer readable storage apparatus configured for use in a mobile electronic apparatus, the mobile electronic apparatus comprising:

digital processor apparatus;

a capacitive touch screen input and display device in data communication with the digital processor apparatus;

a first radio frequency interface in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, the first radio interface comprising a cellular interface;

a second radio frequency interface in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, the second radio interface comprising an interface compliant with an IEEE 802.11 Standard; and

a global positioning system (GPS) wireless receiver in data communication with the digital processor apparatus and configured to generate data related to a current location of said mobile electronic apparatus;

wherein the non-transitory computer readable storage apparatus is in data communication with said digital processor apparatus and comprises at least one computer program stored therein, the at least one computer program operative to run on said digital processor apparatus, said at least one computer program comprising a plurality of instructions which are configured to, when executed on the digital processor apparatus;

generate a user interface element via the capacitive touch screen input and display device, the user interface element configured to receive, via the capacitive touch screen input and display device, a selection of a desired service from a user of the mobile electronic device, and generate at least one signal relating to said selection;

based at least on the at least one signal, substantially automatically encode at least a first message to an internetwork server, said at least first message configured to enable provision by a third party of said desired service for said user at said current location, said at least first message being based at least on said data related to said current location of said mobile electronic apparatus and being uniquely associated with a user account of the user, the user account maintained on the internetwork server and having at least one of debit card or credit card account information associated therewith and available as a payment source for the desired service;

cause authentication of at least the internetwork server;

cause establishment of a session between the mobile electronic apparatus and the internetwork server; and

cause wireless transmission of the at least first message to the server at least via at least one of the first radio frequency interface or the second radio frequency interface, the at least first message being transmittable over either the first radio frequency interface or the second radio frequency interface; and

wherein the at least one computer program enables the user to cause provision of the desired service at the current location without the user having to know or remember a specific address thereof or name associated therewith; and

wherein said first radio frequency interface and said second radio frequency interface are each configured to perform said wireless transmission via a plurality of radio frequency carriers, and via a plurality of different time periods, so as to at least mitigate interference with other radio frequency communications devices utilizing a same frequency band.

48. The non-transitory computer readable storage apparatus of claim 47, wherein:

the first radio frequency interface comprises a wireless interface utilizing an OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexed) protocol;

the mobile electronic apparatus comprises a smartphone, and further comprises a Bluetooth-compliant wireless interface in data communication with the data processor apparatus, and wherein the at least one computer program is further configured to exchange data with another mobile electronic device via the Bluetooth-compliant wireless interface, the exchanged data relating at least in part to the desired service, the desired service related to transportation or delivery.

49. The non-transitory computer readable storage apparatus of claim 47, wherein the mobile electronic apparatus further comprises a short-range wireless interface compliant with at least one radio frequency identification (RFID) standard, the short-range wireless interface in data communication with the data processor apparatus, and wherein the at least one computer program is further configured to communicate financial account-related data with an electronic device via at least the short-range wireless interface, the account-related data being useful to pay at least in part for at least one of a good or service.

50. The non-transitory computer readable storage apparatus of claim 47, wherein the mobile electronic apparatus further comprises a short-range wireless interface compliant with at least one radio frequency identification (RFID) standard, the short-range wireless interface in data communication with the data processor apparatus, and wherein the at least one computer program is further configured to communicate financial account-related data with an electronic device via at least the short-range wireless interface, the account-related data being used to pay at least in part for the desired service.

51. The non-transitory computer readable storage apparatus of claim 47, wherein the at least one computer program is further configured to utilize a secure sockets layer (SSL) protocol for at least one of the authentication of the server and/or the establishment of the session.

52. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 47, wherein said at least one computer program is further configured to encode said at least one first message such that said desired service is simultaneously provided to two or more users, said simultaneous provision of the desired to two or more users comprises use of the same transportation modality for provision of the service so as to provides an economic benefit to at least one of:

(i) the third party, or (ii) one or more others.

53. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 47, wherein said at least one computer program is further configured to receive an electronic message comprising a plurality of information relating to the performance of the desired service, the plurality of information relating to the performance of the desired service comprising information indicating:

(i) a date and time the service was performed, (ii) at least one of the current location or a destination location; and

(iii) a payment method.

54. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 53, wherein said at least one computer program is further configured to receive an electronic message comprising an estimated time of completion of the desired service.

55. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 53, wherein said at least one computer program is further configured to receive photographic data relating to the performance of the desired service, the photographic data enabling the user to verify at least one aspect of the performance of the desired service upon arrival of a transportation service entity at the current location, the photographic data generated prior to said arrival.

56. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 47, wherein said transmission via a plurality of radio frequency carrier frequencies comprises modulating data onto at least a portion of said radio frequency carriers using binary phase shift keying (BPSK) modulation.

57. Non-transitory computer readable storage apparatus configured for use in a mobile electronic apparatus for provision of one or more services based on location, the mobile electronic apparatus comprising:

a digital processor;

a display device in data communication with the digital processor;

a first radio frequency interface in data communication with the digital processor;

a user interface configured to receive a selection of a desired service from a user; and

an assisted global positioning system (A-GPS) receiver in data communication with the digital processor and configured to generate at least information related to a current location of said mobile electronic apparatus;

wherein the non-transitory computer readable storage apparatus is in data communication with said digital processor and comprises at least one computer program stored therein, the at least one computer program operative to run on said digital processor, said at least one computer program comprising a plurality of instructions which are configured to, when executed;

receive a user input relating to a second location where the user desires to obtain the desired service, the second location different from the current location;

encode at least one message, said at least one message being based at least on said second location and said selection of a desired service; and

cause transmission of said at least one message to a network server via at least the first radio frequency interface, the network server maintaining an account associated with the user including prepaid financial account information enabling payment for the desired service by the network server or its proxy; and

wherein said message is configured to cause notification of a third party that said desired service is to be performed for at least said user at said second location;

wherein said at least one computer program is further configured to cause storage of data relating to said performance by said third party of the desired service on the network server in association with the account of the user; and

wherein said at least one computer program is configured to receive data from the network server, the data comprising imagery data relating to at least one aspect of provision of the desired service, the imagery data displayable on the display device by the at least one computer program and enabling the user to authenticate or verify the at least one aspect of the desired service.

58. The non-transitory computer readable storage apparatus of claim 57, wherein at least the encoding of the message is based on a plurality of geographic coordinates associated with the second location, the plurality of geographic coordinates determined by the at least one computer program based at least on data generated by the A-GPS receiver.

59. The non-transitory computer readable storage apparatus of claim 58, wherein:

the display device comprises a capacitive touch screen input and display device in data communication with the digital processor;

the user interface comprises computerized logic configured to generate a user interface element via the capacitive touch screen input and display device, the user interface element configured to receive, via the capacitive touch screen input and display device, the user input relating to the second location.

60. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 59, wherein said at least one computer program is further configured to receive an electronic message comprising a plurality of information relating to the performance of the desired service, the plurality of information relating to the performance of the desired service comprising:

(i) a date and time the service was performed, (ii) at least one of the current location or a destination location; and

(iii) a payment method.

61. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 60, wherein said at least one computer program is further configured to receive an electronic message comprising an estimated time of provision of the desired service.

62. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 60, wherein said at least one computer program is further configured to cause instantiation of at least one user interface element on a display device of a personal electronic device of another user also in wireless communication with the network server.

63. The non-transitory computer-readable storage apparatus of claim 62, wherein said at least one computer program comprises a transportation service-related application computer program, and said personal electronic device of said another user comprises a transportation service-related application computer program, and the at least one user interface element comprises a window or other display element by which the another user can initiate or authorize at least a portion of the desired service.

64. A method of providing a transport-related service for a user of a mobile electronic device, the mobile electronic device having a digital processor apparatus, a wireless interface in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, a storage device in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, the storage device having at least one transport service-related application computer program disposed thereon, the at least one transport service-related application configured to be executed on at least the digital processor apparatus, an assisted global positioning system (A-GPS) receiver capable of generating location data, an input device in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, and a display device in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, the method comprising:

conducting at least a portion of an authentication process, the authentication process comprising at least one of;

(i) authentication of the mobile electronic device by a network server apparatus or a proxy of the network server apparatus; and

/or (ii) authentication of the network server apparatus or the proxy by the mobile electronic device;

receiving from the mobile electronic device and at a network server, the network server acting as an electronic proxy for at least one third party transportation service, one or more electronic messages, the one or more messages collectively comprising at least;

(i) information relating to a then-current location of the mobile electronic device;

(ii) data uniquely indicative of the user or an account associated therewith; and

(iii) a desired transport-related service to be provided at the then-current location, the one or more messages having been generated at least in part by the transport service-related application computer program;

based at least on the one or more messages, facilitating provision of the desired transport-related service at the then-current location by a third party transportation service, the facilitating provision comprising causing generation and transmission of an electronic message to at least the third party transportation service;

wherein the transport service-related application program further comprises logic configured to enable the user to pay for the desired service using the mobile electronic device and previously supplied credit card data of the user, the previously supplied credit card data retained in a secure data repository in data communication with and accessible by the network server; and

the method further comprises the network server causing payment for the desired service using at least the previously supplied credit card data retained in the secure data repository.

65. The method of claim 64, wherein the desired transport-related service comprises movement of a transportation modality to the then-current location.

66. The method of claim 65, wherein the desired transport-related service further comprises either pickup or drop-off of an item by the transportation modality at the then-current location, the item comprising an item disposed within a shipping container or package.

67. The method of claim 65, wherein the information relating to the then-current location comprises data relating to geographic coordinates, the coordinates obtained based at least in part on location data provided by the A-GPS receiver.

68. The method of claim 64, wherein the information relating to the then-current location comprises geographic coordinates, the coordinates obtained based at least in part on location data provided by the A-GPS receiver.

69. The method of claim 68, further comprising providing the transport service-related application computer program for download to the mobile electronic device and storage on the storage device, the transport service-related application computer program having been rendered in a Java-based computer programming language and being configured to enable establishment of a secure sockets layer (SSL) session with the network server for conducting at least a portion of the authentication process.

70. The method of claim 69, further comprising:

subsequent to said causing provision, generating an electronic mail or message to the user, the generated mail or message comprising at least;

(i) a date and time the transportation-related service was performed, (ii) at least one of the then-current location or another location; and

(iii) a payment method; and

causing transmission of the generated electronic mail or message to the user.

71. The method of claim 70, further comprising:

subsequent to said causing provision, generating an electronic mail or message to a third party who is not the user, the generated mail or message comprising at least an estimated time of completion of the transportation-related service; and

causing transmission of the generated electronic mail or message to the third party.

72. The method of claim 69, wherein the conducting at least a portion of an authentication process comprises performing both of:

(i) authentication of the mobile electronic device by a network server apparatus or a proxy of the network server apparatus; and

(ii) authentication of the network server apparatus or the proxy by the mobile electronic device, according to a common mutual authentication protocol, the common mutual authentication protocol based at least in part on one or more encryption keys and transfer of one or more random numbers.

73. The method of claim 64, further comprising:

(i) identifying, based at least on an at least portion of first information generated by the A-GPS receiver and at least a portion of second information generated by an A-GPS receiver of another mobile electronic device relating to a then-current location of that another mobile electronic device, at least one economy associated with provision of respective transportation-related services for the user of the mobile electronic device and a user of the another mobile device;

(ii) enabling a third party transportation service entity to move to both of the respective then-current locations for the provision of the transportation-related services requested by each of the users; and

wherein a cost associated with the payment for each of the respective transportation-related services being less than that if separate third party transportation service entities were utilized to provide the respective transportation-related services.

74. The method of claim 69, wherein said receiving at a network server comprises receiving at a server portion of a distributed application having the server portion and a plurality of client portions, at least one of the plurality of client portion being part of the transport services-related application computer program.

75. The method of claim 68, wherein:

said transport services-related computer program is further configured to encode said one or more messages so that said desired service can simultaneously be provided to two or more users, said simultaneous provision of the desired to two or more users comprises use of the same transportation modality for provision of the service so as to provides an economic benefit to at least one of;

(i) the third party, or (ii) one or more others; and

said one or more messages are configured to cause instantiation of at least one user interface element on a display device of a personal electronic device of another user also in wireless communication with the network server, the at least one user interface element comprising a window or other display element by which the another user can initiate or authorize at least a portion of the simultaneous transport-related service.

76. A method of dynamically providing a location-based transport-related service for a user of a mobile electronic device such that the user does not have to know an address or zip code of a location where they desire the service to be performed, the mobile electronic device having a digital processor apparatus, a wireless interface in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, a storage device in data communication with the digital processor apparatus and having at least one application computer program disposed thereon, the at least one application program configured to be executed on at least the digital processor apparatus, an assisted global positioning system (A-GPS) receiver capable of generating location data based at least in part on an assist from an external entity, and a touch screen input and display device in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, the method comprising:

receiving from a user of the mobile electronic device a selection of a location at which at least a portion of the transportation-related service is desired to be provided, the selection of the location comprising selection of a previously stored address via a single touch of a display of the touch screen input and display device, the previously stored address being one of a plurality of previously stored addresses and based on at least location data coordinates previously generated by the A-GPS receiver and a prior user input via the touch screen input and display device, the location data relating to a prior location of the mobile electronic device, both the prior user input and the selection received by the at least one application computer program;

based at least on the receiving of the selection;

(a) creating a secure session between the remote networked server and the mobile electronic device via at least an untrusted internetwork;

(b) conducting at least a portion of an authentication process, the authentication process configured to authenticate at least one of;

(i) the remote networked server to the mobile electronic device, and

(ii) the mobile electronic device to the remote networked server;

the authentication process comprising at least use of an encryption key, and a random number value (RAND) generated by at least one of the remote networked server and the mobile electronic device; and

(c) substantially automatically generating one or more messages comprising at least;

(i) information relating to the selected location; and

(ii) data uniquely indicative of the user or an account associated therewith; and

causing transmission of the one or more messages from the mobile electronic device to the remote networked server via at least the wireless interface and an interposed internetwork and as part of the created secure session, the transmission of the one or more messages configured to instigate provision of the transport-related service at the location by a third party transportation service.

77. The method of claim 76, wherein the conducting at least a portion of an authentication process comprises performing both of:

(i) authentication of the mobile electronic device by a network server apparatus or a proxy of the network server apparatus; and

(ii) authentication of the network server apparatus or the proxy by the mobile electronic device, according to a common mutual authentication protocol, the common mutual authentication protocol based at least in part on the encryption key and random number value.

78. The method of claim 76, wherein the at least one application computer program comprises a transport service-related application computer program for download to the mobile electronic device and storage on the storage device, the transport service-related application computer program having been rendered in a Java-based computer programming language and being configured to enable establishment of a secure sockets layer (SSL) session with a remote network server, the transport service-related application program comprising logic configured to enable the user to pay for the desired transport-related service using the mobile electronic device and previously supplied prepaid account data of the user, a least a portion of the previously supplied prepaid account data retained in a secure data repository in data communication with the remote network server.

79. The method of claim 76, further comprising:

receiving via the at least one application computer program an electronic message from a remote networked server, the electronic message comprising at least information relating to;

(i) a date and time the transportation-related service was performed, (ii) at least one of the then-current location or another location; and

(iii) a payment method.

80. The method of claim 79, further comprising causing, via the at least one application computer program, receipt of photographic imagery of an actual item to be delivered at the then-current location via the transportation-related service, the photographic imagery taken upon deposit of the item by a sender with a provider of the service and enabling the user to verify proper performance of the service.

81. The method of claim 76, further comprising receiving via said at least one application computer program data comprising an estimated time of completion of the desired service, the data issued by the remote network server.

82. The method of claim 81, wherein said one or more generated messages are configured such that said transport-related service is at least in part simultaneously provided to two or more users, said simultaneous provision of the desired to two or more users comprises use of the same transportation modality for provision of the service so as to economize on transportation costs.

83. The method of claim 76, further comprising causing, via at least said at least one application computer program, instantiation of at least one user interface element on a display device of a personal electronic device of another user also in wireless communication with the remote networked server, the at least one user interface element comprising a window or other display element by which the another user can initiate or authorize at least a portion of the transportation-related service.

84. A method of adaptively providing a transportation-related service for a user of a type of mobile electronic device such that the user does not need to either (i) know an address, or (ii) enter textual data via a user interface for an address, for where the service is to be rendered, the mobile electronic device having a digital processor apparatus, a network interface in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, a storage device in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, the storage device capable of storing thereon at least one application computer program, a global positioning system (GPS) receiver capable of generating location data, and a capacitive touch screen input device and display device in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, the mobile electronic device further comprising a transportation services-related application computer program configured for use on the type of mobile electronic device, the transportation services-related application computer program having been previously downloaded to the mobile electronic device;

conducting an authentication process comprising;

using a network server to authenticate said transportation services-related application computer program running on a mobile electronic device of the type; and

using said network server to enable authentication of said server by said transportation services-related application computer program running on the mobile electronic device;

subsequent to said conducting said authentication process, receiving from the mobile electronic device at the network server, one or more electronic messages, the one or more messages collectively comprising at least;

(i) information relating to a then-current location of the mobile electronic device, the information based at least in part on location data generated by the GPS receiver and selected by the user via an input on the capacitive touch screen input and display device, the input indicative of the user'"'"'s desire for provision of the transportation-related service at the then-current location; and

(ii) data uniquely indicative of the user or an account associated therewith, the one or more messages having been generated at least in part by the transportation service-related application computer program;

based at least on the one or more messages, causing provision of the desired transportation-related service at the then-current location by a third party transportation service, the desired transportation-related service comprising movement of a land-based transportation modality to the then-current location, the causing provision comprising both (i) causing generation and transmission of an electronic message to at least the third party transportation service, the network server acting as an electronic proxy for the third party transportation service; and

(ii) causing transmission of photographic imagery data relating to at least one aspect of provision of the desired service, the imagery data configured to enable the user to authenticate or verify the at least one aspect of the desired service upon arrival of the transportation modality at the then-current location;

accessing, based at least one the data uniquely indicative of the user or an account associated therewith, financial payment source data of the user, the accessing the financial payment source data of the user comprising accessing a secure repository of credit card data, the repository in data communication with the network server, the secure repository comprising at least credit card data previously supplied by the user;

utilizing the financial payment source data to cause payment for the desired transportation-related service;

subsequently generating an electronic mail or message to the user, the generated mail or message comprising at least information relating to;

(i) a date and time the transportation-related service was performed, (ii) at least one of the then-current location or another location; and

(iii) a payment method; and

causing transmission of the generated electronic mail or electronic message addressed to the user.

85. The method of claim 84, wherein:

said transportation services-related application computer program is further configured to receive an electronic message comprising an estimated time of completion of the desired service; and

said one or more electronic messages are configured such that said transportation-related service is at least in part simultaneously provided to two or more users, said simultaneous provision of the desired to two or more users comprises use of the same land-based transportation modality for provision of the service so as to economize on transportation costs.

86. The method of claim 85, wherein said one or more electronic messages are configured to cause instantiation of at least one user interface element on a display device of a personal electronic device of another user also in wireless communication with the network server, the at least one user interface element comprising a window or other display element by which the another user can initiate or authorize at least a portion of the desired transportation-related service provided via the same land-based modality.

87. The method of claim 86, wherein said conducting an authentication process comprises at least the network server using a challenge-based approach utilizing at least one RAND (random) value.

88. A method of adaptively providing a transportation-related service for a user of a type of mobile electronic device such that the user does not need to know an address for where the service is to be rendered, the mobile electronic device having a digital processor means, a means for network interface in data communication with the digital processor means, a means for data storage in data communication with the digital processor means, the means for data storage capable of storing thereon at least one application computer program, an assisted global positioning system (A-GPS) receiver capable of generating location data, an operating system compatible with Java based application computer programs, and a capacitive touch-screen input and display device means in data communication with the digital processor means, the method comprising:

providing a transportation services-related application computer program means configured for use on at least one mobile electronic device of the type, the transportation services-related application computer program means comprising an application computer program means rendered at least in part in a Java-compatible object-oriented programming language and configured to be downloadable to mobile electronic devices of the type;

at a later time from said providing, participating in an authentication process comprising at least said transportation services-related application computer program means running on the mobile electronic device authenticating a network server using at least an encryption key and a random number value, the network server acting as an electronic proxy for one or more third-party transportation services;

enabling establishment of a communications session between the network server and the transportation services-related application computer program means, the session established over at least an untrusted internetwork means utilizing a transport layer protocol and an network layer protocol;

receiving from the mobile electronic device at the network server and as part of the established session, one or more electronic messages, the one or more messages collectively comprising at least;

(i) information relating to a then-current location of the mobile electronic device, the information based at least in part on location data generated by the A-GPS receiver; and

(ii) data uniquely indicative of the user or an account associated therewith, the one or more messages having been generated at least in part by the transportation service-related application computer program means pursuant to the user'"'"'s desire for the transportation-related service, at least a portion of the one or more messages having been secured by the at least one transportation service-related application computer program means according to a protocol-layer security process associated therewith;

based at least on the one or more messages, enabling provision of the desired transportation-related service at least at the then-current location by a third party transportation service, the desired transportation-related service comprising movement of a land-based transportation modality means to the then-current location;

accessing, based at least one the data uniquely indicative of the user or an account associated therewith, financial payment source data of the user, the accessing the financial payment source data of the user comprising accessing a secure repository of credit card data, the repository in data communication with the network server, the secure repository comprising at least credit card data previously supplied by the user;

utilizing the financial payment source data to cause payment for the desired transportation-related service;

subsequently causing generation of an electronic mail or message to the user, the generated mail or message comprising at least;

(i) a date and time the transportation-related service was performed, (ii) at least one of the then-current location or another location; and

(iii) a payment method; and

causing transmission of the generated electronic mail or electronic message to the user; and

further wherein;

said transportation services-related application computer program is further configured to receive an electronic message comprising an estimated time of completion of the desired service;

said one or more electronic messages are configured such that said transportation-related service is at least in part simultaneously provided to two or more users, said simultaneous provision of the desired to two or more users comprises use of the same land-based transportation modality means for provision of the service, said use of the same transportation modality means for provision of the service provides an economic benefit to at least one of;

(i) the third party service, or, (ii) one or more others; and

said one or more electronic messages are configured to cause instantiation of at least one user interface element on a display device of a personal electronic device of another user also in communication with the network server, the at least one user interface element comprising a window or other display element means by which the another user can initiate or authorize at least a portion of the desired transportation-related service provided via the same land-based modality means.

89. A method of adaptively providing a transport-related service for a user of a type of Wi-Fi enabled smartphone, such that the user does not need to know an address for where the service is to be rendered, the Wi-Fi-enabled smartphone comprising a digital processor apparatus, a W-Fi-compliant network interface in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, a storage device in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, the storage device capable of storing thereon at least one application computer program, an assisted global positioning system (A-GPS) receiver capable of generating location data, and an input device and display device each in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, the smartphone comprising a transport service-themed application computer program configured for use on a smartphone of the type, the method comprising:

authenticating, using at least a network server apparatus, the transport service-themed application computer program via at least one session-based encryption key;

establishing a data communications session between the network server apparatus and the transport service-themed application computer program operative on the smartphone of the user, the communications session utilizing at least the network interface and an interposed internetwork for communication of data, the network server apparatus acting as an electronic proxy for one or more third-party transport services;

at a later time, receiving from the smartphone of the user, and at the network server apparatus, one or more electronic messages, the one or more messages having been transmitted via at least the network interface, at least one of the one or more messages comprising information relating to a then-current location of the smartphone, the information based at least in part on location data generated by the A-GPS receiver, the then-current location having been affirmatively selected by the user for provision of the transport-related service via the input device, the one or more messages having been generated at least in part by the transport service-themed application computer program, at least a portion of the one or more electronic messages having been secured according to a protocol-layer security process associated with at least the session;

based at least on the one or more messages, causing transmission enabling provision of the desired transport-related service at least at the then-current location by a third party transport service, the transport-related service comprising movement of a land-based transport modality of the third party transport service to the then-current location;

providing the user, before provision of the transport-related service and via electronic transmission accessible by the smartphone, photographic data enabling verification by the user of the compliance of at least one aspect of the transport-related service provided by the third party transport service;

accessing credit card-related data previously supplied by the user and designated by the user as a payment source to cause payment for the transport-related service;

generating a first electronic mail or electronic message to at least one third party designated by the user, the generated first mail or message comprising information relating to at least an estimated time of completion of the transport-related service;

causing transmission of the generated first electronic mail or electronic message to the at least one third party;

subsequently generating a second electronic mail or electronic message to the user, the generated second mail or message comprising at least;

(i) a date and time the transport-related service was performed, (ii) at least one of the then-current location or another location; and

(iii) the payment source; and

causing transmission of the generated second electronic mail or electronic message to the user.

90. The method of claim 89, wherein the method further comprises:

receiving at the network server apparatus a message initiated by the user of the Wi-Fi-enabled smartphone via the transport service-themed application computer program, the message intended ultimately for another user of another smartphone in data communication with the network server apparatus, the message intended to cause the another user to take an action related to the provision of the transport-related service; and

based at least on the message initiated by the user of the Wi-Fi-enabled smartphone, causing automatic instantiation of a window or display element on the another smartphone of the another user, the window or display element prompting the another user to take the action.

91. The method of claim 90, wherein the method further comprises:

receiving at the network server apparatus a message initiated by the another user of the another smartphone, the message in response to the prompting of the another user to take the action relating to the provision of the transport-related service; and

based at least on the received message initiated by the another user, enable said causing provision of the desired service; and

wherein the receiving at the network server apparatus a message initiated by the user of the Wi-Fi-enabled smartphone via the transport service-themed application computer program, the message intended ultimately for another user of another smartphone in data communication with the network server apparatus, and the receiving at the network server apparatus a message initiated by the another user of the another smartphone, the message in response to the prompting of the another user to take the action relating to the provision of the transport-related service, are each performed prior to the causing provision of the transport-related service.

92. The method of claim 90, wherein the transport service-themed application computer program comprises an application computer program rendered in an object-oriented programming language, and the automatic instantiation of a window or display element on the another cellular-enabled smartphone of the another user comprises instantiation of a display element in a corresponding transport service-themed object-oriented application computer program operative to run on the another Wi-Fi enabled smartphone.

93. Computerized network apparatus configured for adaptively providing a transport-related service for respective ones of a plurality of users of respective wireless-enabled smartphones from a substantially centralized location, such that none of the plurality of users (i) need to know an address for where their respective service is to be rendered, and (ii) need make a voice call or other voice-based communication to obtain the desired service, the wireless-enabled smartphones each comprising a digital processor apparatus, a wireless interface in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, a storage device in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, the storage device capable of storing thereon at least one application computer program, an assisted Global Positioning System (A-GPS)-based positioning system capable of generating location data, and an input device and display device each in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, the computerized network apparatus comprising:

a network server apparatus in data communication with an untrusted data internetwork operating according to a Transport Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP), the network server apparatus comprising a server computer program, the server program configured to execute on the network server apparatus and communicate via at least the data internetwork with a plurality of client programs disposed on respective ones of the wireless-enabled smartphones and operative to execute on the respective digital processor apparatus thereof, the client programs each comprising a transport service-themed application computer program written in an object-oriented programming language; and

a network interface in data communication with the network server apparatus and configured to interface with the untrusted internetwork;

wherein the network server apparatus with server program is configured to act as an electronic proxy for a plurality of third party transportation services, the network server apparatus further configured to;

authenticate to each of the smartphones via at least one encryption key;

subsequent to said authentication, enable establishment of a plurality of respective secure data communications sessions between the network server apparatus and respective ones of the transport service-themed application computer programs operative on the wireless-enabled smartphones of the respective plurality of users, the communications sessions each utilizing at least the respective smartphone'"'"'s wireless interface, and the untrusted data internetwork for communication of data;

at respective ones of later times, receive from the respective wireless-enabled smartphones via the network interface, one or more electronic messages, the one or more messages having been transmitted via at least the respective smartphone'"'"'s wireless interface, at least one of the one or more messages comprising information relating to a then-current location of the respective wireless-enabled smartphone, the information based at least in part on location data generated by the A-GPS-based positioning system of that smartphone, the then-current location having been affirmatively selected by the respective user of that smartphone for provision of the transport-related service for the respective user via the respective input device, the one or more messages having been generated at least in part by the transport service-themed application computer program of that smartphone, at least a portion of the one or more electronic messages having been secured according to a protocol-layer security process associated with at least the secure session associated with that smartphone;

based at least on the one or more messages, cause transmission of respective electronic messages to respective ones of the plurality of third party services, the respective electronic messages configured to cause provision of the respective desired transport-related service at least at the respective one of the then-current location by a third party transport service, the respective transport-related service comprising movement of a land-based transport modality of the third party transport service to the respective then-current location, the causation of provision enabled by the network server apparatus, the server apparatus further configured to enable provision of respective imagery data relating to at least one aspect of provision of the respective desired service to the respective smartphone, the imagery data enabling the user to authenticate the at least one aspect of the provision of the desired service when the transport modality arrives at the respective then-current location via visual means;

cause access of credit card-related data previously supplied by the respective user and designated by the respective user as a payment source to cause payment for the respective transport-related service;

cause generation of a respective one of a first electronic mail or electronic message to at least one respective third party designated by the respective user, the generated first mail or message comprising information relating to at least an estimated time of completion of the respective transport-related service;

cause transmission of the generated respective first electronic mail or electronic message to the at least one respective third party;

subsequently cause generation of a respective one of a second electronic mail or electronic message to the user, the generated second mail or message comprising at least;

(i) a date and time the respective transport-related service was performed, (ii) at least one of the respect then-current location or another location; and

(iii) the respective payment source; and

cause transmission of the generated respective second electronic mail or electronic message to the respective user.

94. A method utilized by an electronic proxy agent for one or more third-party transportation service entities, the method to cause substantially automated provision of a transportation-related service for a user of a type of mobile electronic device, the mobile electronic device having a digital processor apparatus, a wireless interface in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, a storage device in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, the storage device capable of storing thereon at least one application computer program, a radio-frequency-based positioning system capable of generating location data, and an input device and display device each in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, the method enabling the user to obtain the transportation-related service without knowing an address for where the transportation-related service is to be rendered, and without conducting a voice communication with any of the one or more third-party transportation service entities, the method comprising:

participating in an authentication process and establishment of a secure socket layer (SSL) secure communication session between the electronic proxy agent and mobile electronic device, the authentication process at least authenticating the electronic proxy agent to the mobile electronic device;

receiving from the mobile electronic device, via the established secure communications session between the electronic proxy agent and the mobile electronic device, one or more electronic messages, the one or more messages collectively comprising at least;

(i) information relating to a then-current location of the mobile electronic device, the information based at least in part on location data generated by the positioning system; and

(ii) data uniquely indicative of the user or an account associated with the user, the one or more messages having been generated at least in part by a transportation service-related application computer program operative on the mobile electronic device, the one or more messages configured for transmission to the electronic proxy agent and being generated in response to an input of the user;

using the electronic proxy agent to, based at least on the one or more received messages, cause transmission of respective electronic messages to respective ones of the plurality of third party transportation service entities, the respective electronic messages configured to facilitate provision of the transportation-related service at the then-current location by one of the one or more third-party transportation service entities, the transportation-related service comprising movement of a land-based transportation modality of the one service entity to the then-current location;

generate an electronic message comprising information relating to an estimated future time of completion of the transportation-related service;

transmit the electronic message comprising information relating to an estimated future time of completion of the transportation-related service to the mobile electronic device;

generate an additional electronic message comprising information relating to an estimated future time of completion of the transportation-related service;

transmit the additional electronic message comprising information relating to an estimated future time of completion of the transportation-related service to one or more third parties who are not the user of the mobile electronic device;

using the electronic proxy agent to cause access of, based at least one the data uniquely indicative of the user or an account associated with the user, financial payment source data of the user, the access of the financial payment source data of the user comprising accessing a secure repository of credit card data, the repository in data communication with the electronic proxy agent, the secure repository comprising at least credit card data previously supplied by the user for storage therein;

utilizing the accessed financial payment source data to cause payment for at least a portion of the transportation-related service;

subsequently generating an electronic mail or message addressed to the user, the generated mail or message comprising at least;

(i) a date and time the transportation-related service was performed, (ii) a location; and

(iii) information indicative of a credit card associated with the credit card data; and

causing transmission of the generated electronic mail or electronic message to the user via a mail or message server, such that the user can selectively view the generated mail or message at a later time if desired by accessing the mail or message server.

95. The method of claim 94, wherein the method further comprises causing, by way of the electronic proxy agent and based at least in part on a communication initiated from the transportation-related service application computer program, instantiation of a display element on a display device of a mobile electronic device of a second user in data communication with the proxy agent, the display element instigating the second user to provide an input causing an action relating to the transportation-related service.

96. Apparatus configured for adaptively providing a transport-related service for respective ones of a plurality of users of respective cellular-enabled smartphones from a substantially centralized location, such that none of the plurality of users (i) need to know an address for where their respective service is to be rendered, and (ii) need make a voice call or other voice-based communication to obtain the desired service, the cellular-enabled smartphones each comprising a means for digital processing, a means for wireless interface in data communication with the means for digital processing, a storage device in data communication with the means for digital processing, the storage device capable of storing thereon at least one application computer program, a radio frequency-based positioning means capable of generating location data, and an input device and display device each in data communication with the means for digital processing, the apparatus comprising:

a network server apparatus in data communication with a data internetwork, the network server apparatus configured to act as an automated electronic proxy for at least a plurality of third party transport services and comprising a server portion of a client-server computer program, the server portion configured to execute on the server apparatus and communicate via at least the data internetwork with a plurality of client portions disposed on respective ones of the cellular-enabled smartphones and operative to execute on the respective means for digital processing thereof; and

a plurality of client portions of the client-server computer program, the client portions disposed on the respective ones of the cellular-enabled smartphones, the client portions each comprising a transport service-themed application computer program written in a Java programming language;

wherein the server portion and the client portions are, as applicable, configured to, when executed;

cause authentication of each of the smartphones via at least one encryption key-based process and which includes exchange of at least one random number value (RAND) between each of the smartphones and the network server apparatus;

subsequent to said authentication, enable establishment of a plurality of respective data communications sessions between the network server apparatus and respective ones of the transport service-themed application computer programs operative on the cellular-enabled smartphones of the respective plurality of users, the communications sessions each utilizing at least the respective smartphone'"'"'s means for wireless interface, and the data internetwork for communication of data;

at respective ones of later times, transmit from the respective cellular-enabled smartphones, and receive at the network server apparatus, one or more electronic messages, the one or more messages transmitted via at least the respective smartphone'"'"'s means for wireless interface, at least one of the one or more messages comprising information relating to a then-current location of the respective cellular-enabled smartphone, the information based at least in part on location data generated by the positioning system of that smartphone, the then-current location having been affirmatively selected by the respective user of that smartphone for provision of the transport-related service for the respective user via the respective input device, the one or more messages having been generated at least in part by the transport service-themed application computer program of that smartphone, at least a portion of the one or more electronic messages having been secured according to a protocol-layer security process associated with at least the session associated with that smartphone;

based at least on the one or more messages, cause provision of the respective desired transport-related service at least at the respective one of the then-current location by a third party transport service, the respective transport-related service comprising;

(i) movement of a land-based transport modality of the third party transport service to the respective then-current location, the causation of provision enabled by the network server apparatus; and

(ii) causing transmission of respective imagery data relating to at least one aspect of provision of the respective desired service, the imagery data transmitted to the respective user and enabling that user to visually verify the at least one aspect of the provision of the respective desired service when the transport modality arrives at the respective then-current location;

access credit card-related data previously supplied by the respective user and designated by the respective user as a payment source to cause payment for the respective transport-related service;

generate a respective one of a first electronic mail or electronic message to at least one respective third party designated by the respective user, the generated first mail or message comprising information relating to at least an estimated time of completion of the respective transport-related service;

cause transmission of the generated respective first electronic mail or electronic message to the at least one respective third party;

subsequently generate a respective one of a second electronic mail or electronic message to the user, the generated second mail or message comprising at least;

(i) a date and time the respective transport-related service was performed, (ii) at least one of the respect then-current location or another location; and

(iii) the respective payment source; and

cause transmission of the generated respective second electronic mail or electronic message to the respective user.

97. A method of adaptively providing a transport-related service for a user of a type of cellular-enabled smartphone, such that the user does not need to know an address for where the service is to be rendered, the cellular-enabled smartphone comprising a digital processor apparatus, a wireless interface in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, a storage device in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, the storage device capable of storing thereon at least one application computer program, an assisted global positioning system (A-GPS) receiver capable of generating location data, and a touch-screen input device and display device each in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, the method comprising:

a step for providing a transport service-themed application computer program configured for use on at least one cellular-enabled smartphone of the type;

a step for electronically authenticating, using at least a network server, the transport service-themed application computer program via at least first cryptographic information;

a step for enabling electronic authenticating, using at least the cellular-enabled smartphone and the transport service-themed application computer program, the network server via at least second cryptographic information;

a step for, pursuant to completion of said steps for electronically authenticating and enabling, establishing a secure data communications session between a network server apparatus and the transport service-themed application computer program operative on the cellular-enabled smartphone of the user, the communications session utilizing at least the wireless interface and an interposed internetwork for communication of data, the network server apparatus operative as an electronic proxy for a plurality of third party transport services;

a step for receiving from the cellular-enabled smartphone of the user, and at the network server apparatus, one or more electronic messages, the one or more messages having been transmitted via at least the wireless interface, at least one of the one or more messages comprising information relating to a then-current location of the cellular-enabled smartphone, the information based at least in part on location data generated by the A-GPS receiver, the then-current location having been affirmatively selected by the user for provision of the transport-related service via a touch on a touch-sensitive screen of the input device, the one or more messages having been generated at least in part by the transport service-themed application computer program, at least a portion of the one or more electronic messages having been secured according to a protocol-layer security process associated with at least the session;

a step for, based at least on the one or more messages, enabling provision of the desired transport-related service at least at the then-current location by a third party transport service, the transport-related service comprising movement of a land-based transport modality of the third party transport service to the then-current location;

a step for generating an electronic message comprising data relating to an estimated future time of completion of the transport-related service;

a step for causing transmitting of the electronic message comprising data relating to an estimated future time of completion of the transport-related service to the cellular enabled smartphone;

a step for accessing credit card-related data previously supplied by the user and designated by the user as a payment source to cause payment for the transport-related service;

a step for generating a first electronic mail or electronic message to at least one third party previously designated by the user and whose information is stored at least at the network server apparatus or a data storage location in data communication therewith, the generated first mail or message comprising information relating to at least an estimated time of completion of the transport-related service;

a step for causing transmission of the generated first electronic mail or electronic message to the at least one third party;

a step for subsequently generating a second electronic mail or electronic message to the user, the generated second mail or message comprising at least;

(i) a date and time the transport-related service was performed, (ii) at least one of the then-current location or another location; and

(iii) the payment source; and

a step for causing transmission of the generated second electronic mail or electronic message to the user.

98. The method of claim 97, wherein the method further comprises:

receiving at the network server apparatus a message initiated by the user of the cellular-enabled smartphone via the transport service-themed application computer program, the message intended ultimately for another user of another cellular-enabled smartphone in data communication with the network server apparatus, the message intended to cause the another user to take an action related to the provision of the transport-related service; and

based at least on the message initiated by the user of the cellular-enabled smartphone, causing automatic instantiation of a window or display element on the another cellular-enabled smartphone of the another user, the window or display element prompting the another user to take the action.

99. The method of claim 98, wherein the method further comprises:

receiving at the network server apparatus a message initiated by the another user of the another cellular-enabled smartphone, the message in response to the prompting of the another user to take the action relating to the provision of the transport-related service; and

based at least on the received message initiated by the another user, enable said causing provision of the desired service; and

wherein the receiving at the network server apparatus a message initiated by the user of the cellular-enabled smartphone via the transport service-themed application computer program, the message intended ultimately for another user of another cellular-enabled smartphone in data communication with the network server apparatus, and the receiving at the network server apparatus a message initiated by the another user of the another cellular-enabled smartphone, the message in response to the prompting of the another user to take the action relating to the provision of the transport-related service, are each performed prior to the causing provision of the transport-related service.

100. The method of claim 98, wherein the transport service-themed application computer program comprises an application computer program rendered in an object-oriented programming language, and the automatic instantiation of a window or display element on the another cellular-enabled smartphone of the another user comprises instantiation of a display element in a corresponding transport service-themed object-oriented application computer program operative to run on the another cellular enabled smartphone.

101. Electronic network proxy apparatus configured for adaptively causing providing a transport-related service for respective ones of a plurality of users of respective cellular-enabled smartphones from a substantially centralized location, such that none of the plurality of users (i) need to know an address for where their respective service is to be rendered, and (ii) need make a voice call or other voice-based communication to obtain the desired service, the cellular-enabled smartphones each comprising a digital processor apparatus, a wireless interface in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, a storage device in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, the storage device capable of storing thereon at least one application computer program, a radio frequency-based positioning system capable of generating location data, and a touch screen input and display device in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

a network server apparatus in data communication with an untrusted data internetwork, the network server apparatus comprising a server portion of a client-server computer program, the server portion configured to execute on the server apparatus and communicate via at least the data internetwork with a plurality of client portions of the client-server computer program disposed on respective ones of the cellular-enabled smartphones and operative to execute on the respective digital processor apparatus thereof, the client portions each comprising a transport service-themed application computer program written in a Java programming language;

wherein the server portion is configured to, when executed;

enable establishment of a plurality of respective secure data communications sessions between the network server apparatus and respective ones of the transport service-themed application computer programs operative on the cellular-enabled smartphones of the respective plurality of users, the communications sessions each utilizing at least the respective smartphone'"'"'s wireless interface, and the data internetwork for communication of data, the server portion further configured to establish each of the secure communications sessions via a single touch input initiated by a user via a soft function key of the application computer program of the respective user'"'"'s smartphone, the secure communications sessions further comprising at least substantially automated authentication of the respective smartphone caused by the network server apparatus prior to the transfer of at least portions of user-specific data;

at respective ones of later times, receive at the network server apparatus, one or more electronic messages, the one or more messages having been transmitted via at least the respective smartphone'"'"'s wireless interface, at least one of the one or more messages comprising information relating to a then-current location of the respective cellular-enabled smartphone, the information based at least in part on location data generated by the positioning system of that smartphone, the then-current location having been affirmatively selected by the respective user of that smartphone for provision of the transport-related service for the respective user via the respective input device, the one or more messages having been generated at least in part by the transport service-themed application computer program of that smartphone, at least a portion of the one or more electronic messages having been secured according to a protocol-layer encryption process associated with at least the session associated with that smartphone;

based at least on the one or more messages, cause provision of the respective desired transport-related service at least at the respective one of the then-current location by a third party transport service, the respective transport-related service comprising (i) movement of a land-based transport modality of the third party transport service to the respective then-current location, the causation of provision enabled by the network server apparatus; and

(ii) causing transmission of imagery data relating to at least one aspect of provision of the desired service, the imagery data enabling the user to visually authenticate the at least one aspect of the provision of the desired service when the transport modality arrives at the respective then-current location;

access credit card-related data previously supplied by the respective user and designated by the respective user as a payment source to cause payment for the respective transport-related service;

generate a respective one of a first electronic mail or electronic message to at least one respective third party designated by the respective user, the generated first mail or message comprising information relating to at least an estimated time of completion of the respective transport-related service;

cause transmission of the generated respective first electronic mail or electronic message to the at least one respective third party;

subsequently generate a respective one of a second electronic mail or electronic message to the user, the generated second mail or message comprising at least;

(i) a date and time the respective transport-related service was performed, (ii) at least one of the respect then-current location or another location; and

(iii) the respective payment source; and

cause transmission of the generated respective second electronic mail or electronic message to the respective user.

102. The apparatus of claim 101, wherein the network server apparatus is further configured to:

receive a message initiated by at least one user of a cellular-enabled smartphone via their respective transport service-themed application computer program, the message intended ultimately for another user of another of the cellular-enabled smartphones in data communication with the network server apparatus, the message intended to cause the another user to take an action related to the provision of the transport-related service; and

based at least on the message initiated by the user of the cellular-enabled smartphone, cause automatic instantiation of a window or display element on the another cellular-enabled smartphone of the another user, the window or display element prompting the another user to take the action.

103. The apparatus of claim 102, wherein the network server apparatus is further configured to:

receive at the network server apparatus a message initiated by the another user of the another cellular-enabled smartphone, the message in response to the prompting of the another user to take the action relating to the provision of the transport-related service; and

based at least on the received message initiated by the another user, enable said causation of provision of the desired service; and

wherein the receipt at the network server apparatus of the message initiated by the user of the cellular-enabled smartphone via the transport service-themed application computer program, the message intended ultimately for another user of another cellular-enabled smartphone in data communication with the network server apparatus, and the receipt at the network server apparatus of the message initiated by the another user of the another cellular-enabled smartphone, the message in response to the prompting of the another user to take the action relating to the provision of the transport-related service, are each performed prior to the causation of provision of the transport-related service.

104. The method of claim 102, wherein the transport service-themed application computer programs each comprise an application computer program rendered in an object-oriented programming language, and the automatic instantiation of a window or display element on the another cellular-enabled smartphone of the another user comprises instantiation of a display element in a corresponding transport service-themed object-oriented application computer program operative to run on the another cellular enabled smartphone.

105. Apparatus configured for adaptively causing provision of a delivery-related service for respective ones of a plurality of users of respective cellular-enabled smartphones, the causing provision being performed from a substantially centralized location, such that none of the plurality of users (i) need to manually enter alphanumeric characters associated with an address for where their respective service is to be rendered, or (ii) need make a voice call or other voice-based communication to obtain the desired delivery service, the cellular-enabled smartphones each comprising a digital processor apparatus, a wireless interface in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, a storage device in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, the storage device capable of storing thereon at least one application computer program, a radio frequency-based positioning system capable of generating location data, and a touch screen input and display device in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

a network server apparatus in data communication with a data internetwork, the network server apparatus comprising a server portion of a client-server computer program, the server portion configured to execute on the server apparatus and communicate via at least the data internetwork with a plurality of client portions of the client-server computer program disposed on respective ones of the cellular-enabled smartphones and operative to execute on the respective digital processor apparatus thereof, the client portions each comprising a delivery service-themed application computer program written in a Java programming language;

wherein the server portion is configured to, when executed;

enable establishment of a plurality of respective data communications sessions between the network server apparatus and respective ones of the delivery service-themed application computer programs operative on the cellular-enabled smartphones of the respective plurality of users, the communications sessions each utilizing at least the respective smartphone'"'"'s wireless interface, and the data internetwork for communication of data, the server portion further configured to establish each of the communications sessions via a single touch input initiated by a user via a soft function key of the application computer program of the respective user'"'"'s smartphone, the communications sessions further comprising at least substantially automated authentication of the respective smartphone caused by the network server apparatus prior to the transfer of at least portions of user-specific data;

at respective ones of later times, receive at the network server apparatus, one or more electronic messages, the one or more messages having been transmitted via at least the respective smartphone'"'"'s wireless interface, at least one of the one or more messages comprising information relating to a then-current location of the respective cellular-enabled smartphone, the information based at least in part on location data generated by the positioning system of that smartphone, the then-current location having been affirmatively selected by the respective user of that smartphone for provision of the delivery-related service for the respective user via the respective input device, the one or more messages having been generated at least in part by the delivery service-themed application computer program of that smartphone, at least a portion of the one or more electronic messages having been secured according to a protocol-layer security process associated with at least the session associated with that smartphone;

based at least on the one or more messages, cause provision of the respective desired delivery-related service at least at the respective one of the then-current location by a third party transport service, the respective delivery-related service comprising (i) movement of a land-based transport modality of the third party transport service to the respective then-current location with an item, the causation of provision enabled by the network server apparatus; and

(ii) causing transmission of data relating to at least one physical aspect of the item, the data relating to at least one physical aspect of the item enabling the user to authenticate the at least one aspect of the item when the transport modality arrives at the respective then-current location;

access credit card-related data previously supplied by the respective user and designated by the respective user as a payment source to cause payment for the respective delivery-related service;

generate a respective one of a first electronic mail or electronic message to at least one respective third party who is not the respective user, the generated first mail or message comprising information relating to at least an estimated time of completion of the respective delivery-related service;

cause transmission of the generated respective first electronic mail or electronic message to the at least one respective third party;

subsequently generate a respective one of a second electronic mail or electronic message to the user, the generated second mail or message comprising at least;

(i) a date and time the respective delivery-related service was performed, (ii) at least one of the respect then-current location or another location; and

(iii) the respective payment source; and

cause transmission of the generated respective second electronic mail or electronic message to the respective user.

106. Apparatus configured for adaptively providing a delivery service for respective ones of a plurality of users of respective cellular-enabled smartphones, such that none of the plurality of users need make a voice call or other voice-based communication to obtain the desired delivery service, the cellular-enabled smartphones each comprising a digital processor apparatus, a wireless interface in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, a storage device in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, the storage device capable of storing thereon at least one application computer program, a positioning system capable of generating location data, and a touch screen input and display device in data communication with the digital processor apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

a network server apparatus in data communication with an untrusted data internetwork, the network server apparatus comprising a server portion of a client-server computer program, the server portion configured to execute on the server apparatus and communicate via at least the data internetwork with a plurality of client portions of the client-server computer program disposed on respective ones of the cellular-enabled smartphones and operative to execute on the respective digital processor apparatus thereof, the client portions each comprising a delivery service-themed application computer program written in an object-oriented programming language;

wherein the server portion is configured to, when executed;

enable establishment of a plurality of respective secure data communications sessions between the network server apparatus and respective ones of the delivery service-themed application computer programs operative on the cellular-enabled smartphones of the respective plurality of users, the secure communications sessions each utilizing at least the respective smartphone'"'"'s wireless interface, and the untrusted data internetwork for communication of data, the server portion further configured to enable establishment each of the communications sessions via a single touch input initiated by a user via a soft function key of the application computer program of the respective user'"'"'s smartphone, the communications sessions further comprising at least substantially automated authentication of the server portion by the respective smartphone prior to the transfer of at least portions of user-specific data;

receive at the network server apparatus, one or more electronic messages, the one or more messages having been transmitted via at least the respective smartphone'"'"'s wireless interface, at least one of the one or more messages comprising information relating to a then-current location of the respective user, the information based at least in part on location data generated by the positioning system of that smartphone, the then-current location having been affirmatively selected by the respective user of that smartphone for provision of the delivery-related service for the respective user via the respective input device, the one or more messages having been generated at least in part by the delivery service-themed application computer program of that smartphone, at least a portion of the one or more electronic messages having been secured according to a protocol-layer security process associated with at least the session associated with that smartphone;

based at least on the one or more messages, enable provision of the respective desired delivery-related service at least at the respective one of the then-current location by a third party transport service, the respective delivery-related service comprising (i) movement of a land-based transport modality of the third party transport service to the respective then-current location with a designated item, the enablement of provision performed at least in part by the network server apparatus; and

(ii) causing transmission of data relating to at least one physical aspect of the item, the data relating to at least one physical aspect of the item enabling the user to verify the at least one aspect of the item when the transport modality arrives at the respective then-current location;

access credit card-related data previously supplied by the respective user and designated by the respective user as a payment source to cause payment for the respective delivery-related service;

generate and transmit first data to at least one respective third party who is not the respective user, the generated and transmitted first data comprising information relating to at least an estimated time of completion of the respective delivery-related service; and

subsequently generate and transmit second data to at least the respective user, the generated and transmitted second data comprising information relating to at least an estimated time of completion of the respective delivery-related service.

107. A server-based method for adaptively providing a transportation service for respective ones of a plurality of users of respective mobile devices, the transportation service for the respective ones of the users provided by respective ones of transportation service entities, the service entities each in data communication with a network-based substantially automated electronic proxy agent, the method comprising:

enabling computer application programs of each of the respective mobile devices to authenticate a network server associated with the electronic proxy agent, the authentication occurring over at least an untrusted internetwork, the internetwork utilizing Transport Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP) protocols and with which both the server and the respective mobile device are in data communication, the authentication using an encryption-key and random number (RAND)-based authentication protocol;

establishing a secure communications session with each of the respective mobile devices at least via its computer application program;

as part of said respective sessions, receiving a plurality of encrypted data packets from the respective mobile devices, the respective plurality of encrypted data packets comprising respective user-specific data including (i) information relating to an account of the user of the respective mobile device, (ii) information generated by a positioning system of the respective mobile device and relating to a current location thereof, (iii) payment source data associated with a network-based debit or credit account of the user which is accessible by the electronic proxy agent, and (iv) data indicative of a user selection of one of at least two options, the at least two options each comprising a different combination of (a) latency of performance of the transportation service, and (b) cost for the provision of the transport service, the plurality of encrypted packets of each of the respective mobile devices having been generated at least in part based on a user input received by the respective computer application program, the input designating the respective current location as either a source or destination of the respective transportation service, the input generated by the respective user having activated a soft function key on their mobile device that is in communication with their respective computer application program, and without the respective user having to know an address associated with their current location;

decrypting at least portions of the respective encrypted data packets so as to extract at least portions of the respective (i) information relating to an account of the user of the respective mobile device, (ii) information generated by a positioning system of the respective mobile device and relating to a current location thereof, (iii) payment source data; and

(iv) user option selection data;

enabling, based at least on the extracted at least portion of information generated by a positioning system of the respective mobile device and relating to a current location thereof, at least one of the transportation service entities to move to the respective current location for provision of the respective transportation service;

causing transmission of data to respective ones of the mobile devices, the transmitted data comprising data indicative of the respective estimated time of arrival of the respective at least one transportation service entity at the respective current location;

accessing based at least on the respective extracted payment source data, a respective credit or debit account of the respective user so as to pay for the respective transportation service;

after completion of the respective transportation services, generating respective electronic mail or electronic message to each of the respective users, the generated mail or message comprising at least;

(i) a date and time the respective transportation service was performed, (ii) data indicating at least the respective current location; and

(iii) the respective payment source accessed; and

causing transmission of the generated electronic mail or electronic messages to their respective users.

108. The method of claim 107, wherein the data indicative of a user selection of one of at least two options, the at least two options each comprising a different combination of (a) latency of performance of the transportation service, and (b) cost for the provision of the transport service, comprise:

1) a first option with a first latency and a first cost; and

     2) a second option with a higher latency than said first latency, and a lower cost than said first cost.

109. The method of claim 108, wherein the enabling, based at least on the extracted at least portion of information generated by a positioning system of the respective mobile device and relating to a current location thereof, at least one of the transportation service entities to move to the respective current location for provision of the respective transportation service, comprises enabling, based at least on the extracted at least portion of information generated by a positioning system of the respective mobile device and relating to a current location thereof and the extracted at least portion of data indicative of a user selection, the at least ones of the transportation service entities to move to the respective current location for provision of the respective transportation service consistent with the user'"'"'s selected one of the at least two options.

110. A server-based method for adaptively providing a transportation service for respective ones of at least two users of respective mobile devices, the transportation service for the respective ones of the at least two users provided by respective ones of transportation service entities, the service entities each in data communication with a network-based substantially automated electronic proxy agent, the method comprising:

enabling computer application programs of each of the respective mobile devices to authenticate a network server associated with the electronic proxy agent, the authentication occurring over at least an untrusted internetwork, the internetwork utilizing Transport Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP) protocols and with which both the server and the respective mobile device are in data communication, the authentication using an encryption-key and random number (RAND)-based authentication protocol;

establishing a secure communications session with each of the respective mobile devices at least via its computer application program;

as part of said respective sessions, receiving a plurality of encrypted data packets from the respective mobile devices, the respective plurality of encrypted data packets comprising respective user-specific data including (i) information relating to an account of the user of the respective mobile device, (ii) information generated by a positioning system of the respective mobile device and relating to a current location thereof, and (iii) payment source data associated with a network-based debit or credit account of the user which is accessible by the electronic proxy agent, the plurality of encrypted packets of each of the respective mobile devices having been generated at least in part based on a user input received by the respective computer application program, the input designating the respective current location as either a source or destination of the respective transportation service, the input generated by the respective user having activated a soft function key on their mobile device that is in communication with their respective computer application program, and without the respective user having to know an address associated with their current location;

decrypting at least portions of the respective encrypted data packets so as to extract at least portions of the respective (i) information relating to an account of the user of the respective mobile device, (ii) information generated by a positioning system of the respective mobile device and relating to a current location thereof, and (iii) payment source data;

identifying, based at least on the extracted at least portion of information generated by a positioning system of the respective mobile device and relating to a respective current location thereof for each of the at least two users, at least one economy associated with provision of the respective transportation services of the at least two users;

enabling a transportation service entity to move to the respective current locations of both the at least two users for the provision of the transportation services requested by each;

causing transmission of data to respective ones of the mobile devices, the transmitted data comprising data indicative of the respective estimated time of arrival of the at least one transportation service entity at the respective current location;

accessing based at least on the respective extracted payment source data, a respective credit or debit account of the respective user so as to pay for the respective transportation service, a cost associated with said payment for each of the respective transportation services being less than that if different respective transportation service entities were utilized to provide the respective transportation services provided by the enabled transportation service entity;

after completion of the respective transportation services, generating respective electronic mail or electronic message to each of the respective users, the generated mail or message comprising at least;

(i) a date and time the respective transportation service was performed, (ii) data indicating at least the respective current location; and

(iii) the respective payment source accessed; and

causing transmission of the generated electronic mail or electronic messages to their respective users.

111. The method of claim 110, wherein the identifying, based at least on the extracted at least portion of information generated by a positioning system of the respective mobile device and relating to a respective current location thereof for each of the at least two users, at least one economy associated with provision of the respective transportation services of the at least two users, comprises identifying a common geographic region or area associated with at least the current locations of the at least two users.

112. The method of claim 111, wherein the identifying the common geographic region facilitates the enabled transportation service entity to perform the provision of the transportation services requested by each of the at least two users for the costs paid by each of the at least two users.