Computerized apparatus and methods for transfer between locations
DCFirst Claim
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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, andutilize biometric fingerprint data relating to the user to enable access to one or more data sources.
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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.
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Citations
112 Claims
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1. Personal electronic apparatus adapted for transport service provision, the apparatus comprising:
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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; andwherein 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. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A mobile apparatus, comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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17. A mobile user apparatus, comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. Non-transitory computer readable storage apparatus configured for use in a mobile electronic apparatus, the mobile electronic apparatus comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46)
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47. Non-transitory computer readable storage apparatus configured for use in a mobile electronic apparatus, the mobile electronic apparatus comprising:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56)
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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:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63)
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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:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75)
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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:
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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. - View Dependent Claims (77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83)
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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;
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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; andcausing transmission of the generated electronic mail or electronic message addressed to the user. - View Dependent Claims (85, 86, 87)
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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:
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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; andcausing 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; andsaid 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.
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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:
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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; andcausing transmission of the generated second electronic mail or electronic message to the user. - View Dependent Claims (90, 91, 92)
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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:
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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; andcause transmission of the generated respective second electronic mail or electronic message to the respective user.
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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:
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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; andcausing 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. - View Dependent Claims (95)
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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:
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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; andcause transmission of the generated respective second electronic mail or electronic message to the respective user.
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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:
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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; anda step for causing transmission of the generated second electronic mail or electronic message to the user. - View Dependent Claims (98, 99, 100)
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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:
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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; andcause transmission of the generated respective second electronic mail or electronic message to the respective user. - View Dependent Claims (102, 103, 104)
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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:
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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; andcause transmission of the generated respective second electronic mail or electronic message to the respective user.
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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:
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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.
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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:
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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; andcausing transmission of the generated electronic mail or electronic messages to their respective users. - View Dependent Claims (108, 109)
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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:
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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; andcausing transmission of the generated electronic mail or electronic messages to their respective users. - View Dependent Claims (111, 112)
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Specification