Method and apparatus for processing orders from customers in a mobile environment
US6026375A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 5, 1997 |
| Grant date | Feb 15, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 5, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06Q30/0635
- WIPO fieldIT methods for management
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and system that enables service providers to receive an order from a mobile customer, receive customer location information from a location determination system, and schedule the completion of the customer's order to coincide with the customer's arrival at a local facility able to satisfy the customer's order. In one embodiment, the mobile customer is associated with a tracking device connected to a mobile location determination system that determines the customer's location, which is then given to the service provider. The service provider uses the customer's location to determine a local facility that can satisfy the customer's order. The service provider transmits the order to the local facility and schedules the fulfillment of the order to coincide with the customer's arrival at the local facility. To further expedite the order, customers may pay electronically for the service in advance. The service provider also may maintain a database of customer transactions that can be used to determine customer preferences.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.