Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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COMPUTERIZED APPLICATIONS FOR COORDINATING DELIVERY DATA WITH
MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICES
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
The present disclosure is generally related to computerized applications for
coordinating
delivery data with mobile computing devices
BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
The need for the collection and/or delivery of goods, materials, and refuse is
ever
increasing in today's consumer-driven society. In particular, the need for the
disposal of
unwanted items, such as trash and garbage (generally referred to herein as
'refuse') is continually
increasing with the growing construction of new buildings and the renovation
of existing
structures. Customarily, construction debris, demolition debris, and unwanted
building materials
are disposed of using large dumpsters. These dumpsters are placed at the
construction site and
over the course of the construction project, workers put these refuse
materials in the dumpster.
When the dumpster is full, a waste collection company picks up the dumpster
and disposes of the
contents. Variations on this system include the use of smaller dumpsters or
fabric-based refuse
collection containers which can be purchased at a store, filled with refuse at
a construction site,
and removed by a disposal company. While these dumpsters are useful in many
large-scale
construction projects, smaller projects are often too small to make the use of
a large dumpster
economically justifiable, since getting a dumpster often costs in excess of
$300 Similarly,
homeowners handling do-it-yourself (DIY) projects cannot justify the costs of
a dumpster
relative to the scale of smaller projects.
To avoid the expense, demolition and construction refuse at smaller
construction sites is
often bagged in plastic trash bags which are then driven to a landfill by the
homeowner or by a
site worker, such as an employee of a construction company or builder.
However, the time it
takes for the site workers to dispose of the bagged refuse can be inefficient
and negatively affect
the bottom line of the project. Furthermore, for construction projects that a
homeowner handles
themselves, the homeowner may not be knowledgeable about how or where to
dispose of certain
refuse, nor may they have a suitable vehicle for transporting the refuse to a
disposal site. DIYers
may be forced to rent a vehicle to dispose of refuse, the costs of which,
while typically less than
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renting a dumpster, can still be high. Moreover, in any situation where refuse
needs to be
disposed of, the disposing party often needs to wait until someone can pick up
the refuse which
means the refuse may need to sit curbside until it is picked up. This can
cause unsightly
appearances to the neighborhood and can create hazardous situations where
potentially
dangerous refuse is left accessible to children or animals in the
neighborhood.
A similar situation occurs with some homeowners and DIYers who have difficulty
getting building materials and supplies from stores to their home. Unless the
homeowner owns a
vehicle capable of carrying larger or heavy building materials, such as
lumber, the homeowner
must rely on someone with a vehicle capable of carrying the materials. In some
cases, the
homeowner may be able to rent a vehicle to carry the goods, but the costs of
the rental can easily
exceed $50 for just 1 hour of use of the vehicle. For a homeowner wanting to
tackle a project at
his or her home, one of the biggest hurdles he or she may face is the
logistics of simply getting
the building materials to their home.
Thus, a heretofore unaddressed need exists in the industry to address the
aforementioned
deficiencies and inadequacies.
SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a system for managing the
collection and
delivery of goods using mobile computing devices. Briefly described, in
architecture, one
embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented as follows. Systems
and methods
of managing the collection and delivery of goods using mobile computing
devices included a
management system hosted on a server receiving a request from a first user
through an
application on a computing device for a pick-up of an item from a first
location. A second user
capable of fulfilling the pick-up request is identified. Details of the pick-
up request are
transmitted to an application on a second user computing device, wherein a
visual map of the
first location is displayed on the user computing device. Weight and/or
dimensions of the item is
uploaded to the application of the second user computing device. Delivery of
the item to a
second location is validated through at least one code identifier, wherein the
code identifier is
transmitted from the management system to the first user computing device.
The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing methods of managing the
collection and delivery of refuse goods using mobile computing devices. In
this regard, one
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embodiment of such a method, among others, can be broadly summarized by the
following steps:
receiving, on a collection and delivery management system hosted on a
centralized server, a
request from a first user through an application on a first user computing
device for a pick-up of
at least one refuse item from a first location; identifying at least one
second user of the collection
and delivery management system capable of fulfilling the pick-up request,
wherein the at least
one second user is identified from a group of possible second users having a
vehicle sized to
carry the at least one refuse item; transmitting details of the pick-up
request to an application on
a second user computing device of the identified at least one second user,
wherein a visual map
of the first location is displayed on a user interface of the second user
computing device;
uploading information about the at least one refuse item from the first user
to the application of
the second user computing device, wherein the information includes at least
one of: a weight of
the at least one refuse item, a dimension of the at least one refuse item, a
material of the at least
one refuse item, a condition of the at least one refuse item, or a state of
the at least one refuse
item; delivering, by the second user, the at least one refuse item to a second
location, the second
location being a way station, having facilities for disposal of the at least
one refuse item, wherein
way station is selected from a database of possible way stations, wherein
selection of the way
station from the database of possible way stations is determined based on at
least one material
accepted by the way station, wherein the at least one refuse item is within
the at least one
material accepted; and upon delivery of the at least one refuse item from the
first location to the
way station by the at least one second user, validating delivery of the at
least one refuse item by
the first user computing device through at least one code identifier, wherein
the at least one code
identifier is transmitted from the collection and delivery management system
to the first user
computing device.
The present disclosure can also be viewed as providing a system of managing
the
collection and delivery of goods using mobile computing devices. Briefly
described, in
architecture, one embodiment of the system, among others, can be implemented
as follows. A
collection and delivery management system is hosted on a centralized server,
wherein a request
is received from a first user through an application on a first user computing
device for a pick-up
of at least one item from a first location. At least one second user of the
collection and delivery
management system is identified as being capable of fulfilling the pick-up
request. An
application is iunning on a second user computing device, wherein details of
the pick-up request
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are transmitted to the application of the identified at least one second user,
wherein a visual map
of the first location is displayed on a user interface of the second user
computing device, wherein
information about the at least one item is uploaded from the first user to the
application of the
second user computing device, wherein the information includes weight and/or
dimensions of the
at least one item. At least one validation code identifier is provided,
wherein upon delivery of the
at least one item from the first location to a second location by the at least
one second user,
delivery of the at least one item is validated by the first user computing
device through the at
least one code identifier, wherein the at least one code identifier is
transmitted from the
collection and delivery management system to the first user computing device.
Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure
will be or
become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following
drawings and
detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems,
methods, features, and
advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the
present disclosure, and
be protected by the accompanying claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with reference to the
following
drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale,
emphasis instead being
placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure.
Moreover, in the
drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the
several views.
FIG. 1 is a diagram describing a platform of the collection and delivery
management
system, in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment of the present
disclosure.
FIG. 2 is a diagram describing a public domain block of the platform of the
collection
and delivery management system, in accordance with the first exemplary
embodiment of the
present disclosure.
FIG. 3 is a diagram describing domain components of the platform of the
collection and
delivery management system, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment
of the present
disclosure.
FIG. 4 is a diagram describing databases of the platform of the collection and
delivery
management system, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment of the
present
disclosure.
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FIG. 5 is a diagram describing 3rd party services of the platform of the
collection and
delivery management system, in accordance with the first exemplary embodiment
of the present
disclosure.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the process of becoming a driver for the
platform of the
collection and delivery management system, in accordance with the first
exemplary embodiment
of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 7A-7C are a diagram illustrating process and computing architecture of
the
platform of the collection and delivery management system, in accordance with
the first
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 8-9 are diagrams illustrating the process of becoming drivers for the
platform of
the collection and delivery management system, in accordance with the first
exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the process of creating jobs with the
platform of the
collection and delivery management system, in accordance with the first
exemplary embodiment
of the present disclosure.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the process of creating jobs using a coupon
with the
platform of the collection and delivery management system, in accordance with
the first
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. -12 is a diagram illustrating the process of creating jobs with a
promotion with the
platform of the collection and delivery management system, in accordance with
the first
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the process of creating jobs with stores
with the platform
of the collection and delivery management system, in accordance with the first
exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the process of uploading item data with the
platform of
the collection and delivery management system, in accordance with the first
exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating the process of address selection with the
platform of the
collection and delivery management system, in accordance with the first
exemplary embodiment
of the present disclosure.
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FIG. 16A-B are diagrams illustrating the process of payment with the platform
of the
collection and delivery management system, in accordance with the first
exemplary embodiment
of the present disclosure.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating the process of selection service with the
platform of the
collection and delivery management system, in accordance with the first
exemplary embodiment
of the present disclosure.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the process of applying a coupon during
payment with
the platform of the collection and delivery management system, in accordance
with the first
exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating way station architecture and database with
the platform
of the collection and delivery management system, in accordance with the first
exemplary
embodiment of the present disclosure.
FIGS. 20-34 are images of user interfaces and diagrams of way station
identification,
selection, and management within the collection and delivery management
system, in accordance
with the first exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
To overcome the aforementioned deficiencies within the refuse collection
industry and
with the delivery of building materials and other goods by individuals who do
not have vehicles
capable of transporting such materials, the subject disclosure is directed to
a system and method
for collection and delivery of goods which utilizes modern wireless and
computing technology to
facilitate the management, collection, and delivery of goods. Specifically,
with the advent of
mobile computing devices with wireless communication, it is now possible to
coordinate the
efforts of discrete individuals to fulfill tasks customarily handled by
organized, cohesive groups.
From a waste collection perspective, using such a system allows for those in
need of having
refuse removed from their house or construction site to coordinate such a task
efficiently and
conveniently. From a goods delivery standpoint, this system can allow those in
need of having
goods delivered to a specific location to coordinate such delivery by other
individuals with
capable vehicles. Moreover, such an effort can be achieved at a relatively low
cost compared to
the conventional methods. For example, the costs of disposing of refuse, such
as ordering a
dumpstel or removing bags of refuse, or the costs ofienting a delivery truck
and delivering
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building materials or other items can be substantially lowered with the system
of management,
collection, and delivery described herein.
Accordingly, the subject disclosure, in general overview, is directed to a
method, system,
and apparatus for coordinating the management, collection, and delivery of
items, such as refuse
items, but also other items which need to be delivered The system utilizes a
mobile application
(app) that offers convenient collection and delivery service which can be used
by corporate users
and individual users. For example, the system may be used easily by building
and renovation
construction contractors, but also applicable to homeowners and other
individuals who require
assistance with removing refuse, The system further utilizes independent
individuals who own
vehicles which are capable of collecting and delivering goods, such as pick-up
trucks or similar
vehicles. The mobile application allows people who are in need of collection
and delivery to
request the assistance of those who are capable of picking up and delivering
the goods. The
system may include and be facilitated, at least in part, by a software
application which is
operable on mobile computing devices of the users and which interfaces with a
central API. The
end result is a system which harnesses the potential of individual truck
owners who can assist
with the collection and delivery of goods for individuals in need of
assistance, all of which is
managed through an easy to use, convenient, efficient, and cost-effective
management system.
The system may be implemented using a computer-implemented platform which is
built
and programmed to control interfacing between the various aspects of the
system. Accordingly,
the platform is an information technology (IT) solution consisting of various
IT components and
services, enabling users to interact with each other in different optimal ways
to make the system
function and produce satisfactory results for the users. The platform may be
implemented as an
application, which is run on a mobile computing device, such as a smart phone,
or a website
which is accessible through the Internet. An application may be a mobile
application for iOS or
Android mobile operating system, which allows users to utilize the platform
anytime. Easy and
friendly interface allowing to quickly create or accept jobs and get loads
delivered fulfilling a
consumer's needs. The website may be one or more web applications provided by
the platform.
There are several components of platform which are exposed as a website, among
them are the
user portal, the admin portal, a permissions management portal, a pro portal
and several
informative sites including general company and services information.
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In accordance with this disclosure, a user may be any person or entity in the
platform,
including a human person or system account, who has the ability to interact
with the system. For
example, the user could be created by other users (e.g. users with
administrative roles) during
registration in the system. Users of the system may generally be understood as
being either a
consumer or a driver. A consumer is a user of the system who has a need to
deliver a load.
Generally, the consumer is a real person registered using the platform.
Consumers create the jobs
for the drivers to fulfill their requirements of the delivery need. Consumers
pay for the delivery
job through the platform. A driver is a user who owns the vehicle and/or
trailer and is able to
accept and fulfil consumer created jobs. Drivers must be able to pick up or
deliver a variety of
items, anything from new in-store purchases to used items from a consumer's
home or business
to online purchase or stores. Drivers may also need to haul junk and debris to
the landfill or
reusable items to donation centers depending on the load category. Drivers
must meet certain
criteria, e.g., be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license as
well as car insurance and
registration of a vehicle that also has a driver's name associated with it.
Valid car registration and
insurance are likewise required for trailers. Every user is able to sign up to
be a driver and the
platform includes all required processes for these purposes. The driver is
responsible for loading
and unloading the load. Each driver may be issued a netspend paycard, which is
used to access
money earned by the driver. Paycards are also immediately loaded with the
estimated fees
associated with an accepted driver's job, which allows to cover the tolls,
fees, and landfill costs.
As noted, the driver must have a vehicle and/or trailer for carrying a load. A
vehicle may
be understood as any type of the following: motorcycle, passenger vehicle,
van, SUV, truck, box
truck, or any type of vehicle that is in good appearance and safe operating
condition meeting the
laws of the Department of Motor Vehicles. The type of vehicle the driver owns
may affect the
types of j obs the driver can be assigned to by the platform. The driver may
also have a trailer,
which is owned or rented, and which may act to increase the delivery capacity
of the load. The
trailer can be rented on a short term basis with proof of contract and valid
permission for
commercial use. The trailer must be registered, and the contract must be in
the name of the driver
as associated with the driver account, and also be listed on the driver's
personal insurance.
The job may be any type of delivery request from the consumer using the
platform. The
job may contain a list of loads to be delivered with their exact sizes and
weights. Paid jobs are
ready to be accepted by drivers through the platform. The platform
automatically displays jobs to
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the drivers with matching haul capabilities calculated based on vehicle
parameters. A job is
complete when loads are delivered by the driver and it is confirmed by the
consumer. In many
cases, the job may be to deliver a load between two locations, identified
herein as point A and
point B. For example, point A may be a pick-up location of delivery starting
point, where loads
have to be picked up by the driver. Consumers may define delivery starting
points by using the
platform. The load may be delivered to point B, which is the delivery end
point. Consumers may
define delivery end points easily by using the platform, or in some cases, the
platform defines the
delivery end point, e.g., when the load is to be disposed of and the consumer
does not need to
decide which landfill or way station the load is delivered to. A way station
is a place having a
location which is added into the platform by an administrator of the platform.
This location is
later used for one of the platform key features - automatic closest matching
delivery location for
junk or debris types of loads.
The load may be one or many physical items that have to be delivered from
point A to
point B. The load could be any physical size or weight. Using the platform,
the consumer is
required to submit the weights and sizes of the items to be picked up or
delivered, and the
platform calculates what size vehicle is required, as well as any additional
special equipment
and/or helpers needed, and matches these requirements with an available
driver. The platform
takes all the information from the order request to match the load based on
certain criteria, such
as the size, weight, and images of the items listed in the job, the most
appropriate driver and
vehicle available, the location of the driver closest to the pick-up and
delivery locations, whether
or not a helper is required.
The platform may operate in several unique geographical areas, which are
defined as
areas of operation. For example, the platform operates in the United States,
and each state is
considered as a unique area of operation. The platform allows it to be
configured and maintained
independently. Administrators could also configure specific map zones in each
State and manage
them separately, e.g. only allowing certain city areas to be operational by
the platform.
In use, the system, as implemented by the platform, allows consumers to have
loads
delivered from point A to point B using a driver's help. The platform provides
all required
services in-between the consumer and the driver to solve a consumer's problem
quickly and in
the most convenient way and time. The process starts when the consumer needs
to deliver a load
which cannot be delivered by him or herself. The consume' opens the platform,
such as through
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a mobile application or through a website, and creates a delivery request. The
platform receives
this information and analyzes the location of the consumer and driver, the
size and/or weight of
the load, etc. The platform then provides the consumer a price and issues a
job to the driver after
payment by the consumer. When payment is received, the job becomes visible to
the drivers
which fit the job requirements and they could accept the job. By accepting the
job, the driver is
required to pick up items from point A and deliver them to point B. During
that period, the
consumer may track where his load currently is in transit using information
provided by the
driver's application CPS data. When the load is delivered to point B, the
consumer confirms
delivery is complete, which ends the job. The driver gets a certain amount
paid to him on his
paycard and is now eligible to use this money. The platform acts as an
interfacing system which
controls the money flows and collects service fees for the delivery. The
platform may have a
flexible configuration on the rules on how these fees are calculated.
While the system and platform through which it is implemented has been
described in
general detail, specific details about parts, portions, modules, and
functionality of the system are
described below.
The platform is described relative to FIG. 1. As shown, the platform, which
may be
referred to herein as a system, may include multiple components which allows
it to provide
services between consumers and drivers to deliver loads, as described herein.
Components of the
platform include hardware and software components which are hosted on
dedicated servers with
the appropriate maintenance as well as critical services hosted in a cloud
computing network,
which allows the platform to fulfill 99.9% services uptime requirements The
components of the
platform are created using an IT architecture and technologies which allow for
easy maintenance
and upgrades. As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of the platform is
implemented in diagram
100, which has a public domain 110 having mobile applications 112 for
accessing and using the
system via a smart phone or mobile device, a web portal 114 for accessing the
system using a
desktop or laptop computing device, and an information website portal 116 for
providing
information to the user concerning the system. A secure domain 120 includes
components used
to conform the platfoun such as APIs 122, platform services 124, automation
services 126, and
various databases 128 for storing data. The platform also has a 3"d party
domain 130 which can
be used by 3rd party services, as needed.
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The public domain 110 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 2. As shown, the
details of the
public domain 110 are provided within the mobile apps service 112, the web
portals service 114,
and the information websites service 116. The mobile apps service 112 may
include interfacing
components for any type of mobile computing device, including those operating
on iOS or
Android, or another operating system. The web portals service 114 includes an
account portal, a
secure portal, an admin portal, a command portal, a consumer support portal,
and a PRO portal.
The information websites services 116 includes a platform web (identified
under the commercial
brand name 'llaultail'), a drivers web, a bags web, and a squad web.
A microservice architecture allows the platform to be flexible and robust.
Microservices
use APIs and communication protocols to interact with each other, but they
don't rely on each
other otherwise. This architecture allows IT teams to develop, maintain, and
deploy each
microservice independently, which increases service stability and
maintainability, and allows for
quicker updates and modifications to the system. FIG. 3 is a diagram 120
showing the domain
components within the platform's web portals 114 microservice architecture. As
shown in FIG.
3, the APIs 122 may include public APIs and private APIs, which provide a
portal, API
authentication, a wallet feature, mobile API feature, media service,
notification service, barcode
service, and news. The platform services 124 may include corresponding
services to each of the
API feeds in the API 122 block. The automation services 126 may provide
various automation of
the system, including user validation automation service, backup automation
service, GPS
tracking automation service, file storage service, and mail manager service.
Many of the services
use databases, and there are several databases used across the solution.
Depending on the
platform needs, databases use different stability and access architecture and
approaches. FIG. 4
illustrates a diagram of an example of the databases 128 used within the
platform. The databases
may have a master- slave relationship, and slash or be arranged in a cluster
architecture. In one
example, the databases may include databases 128 for the main platform,
ledger, media service,
file storage, support tickets, GPS history, and barcode.
It is noted that some databases use replication, some use duplication, others
are less
important and just have an automated backup. There are also other types of
storage used within
the platform which are host machine disks and backup storage. The host machine
disks and
storage may include a variety of options depending on deployment, including
those which are
known in the art, and therefore not described herein. FIG. 5 illustrates a
detailed diagram of
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some components of the 3rd party services 130 block, including external
services which are
integrated into the platform using 3rd party APIs and communication
interfaces. As shown in
FIG. 5, there are three main groups of services. (1) payment processing and
handling services,
(2) communication services and (3) various validation services. 3rd party
services are
compositely integrated with platform secure domain services to provide
optimization to certain
workflows.
There are several components in the platform which are used to make the system
functional, which is primarily constructed from a combination of websites and
mobile apps.
Mobile applications are designed for use by the consumers and drivers to
enable these
users to coordinate the pick-up and delivery of items between locations.
Currently there are two
main platforms supported: iOS and Android which allows the system to cover the
most part of
the mobile market. Mobile applications are part of the recurrent update cycle
and capable to
force users to upgrade the application on the platform version changes. These
have the most
functionality and cover all the required workflows described in this document.
Mobile
applications are key parts of the platform as these enable users to easily and
quickly access the
services provided by the system. As an alternative to using an app, a user can
also access the
system through a website. Different websites may be used for different types
of users or other
people accessing the system. For example, these different websites may include
a main landing
page, a page for drivers, a page for branding, a user portal, a portal for PRO
users, an account
management page, and an administrative page, among others.
The system may be used by the users to provide various services, as
coordinated through
the platform. These services may include.
- Courier service. The courier service allows consumer urgent
deliveries to be handled.
Consumers can have a local courier, who is available to him on-demand, deliver
his
packages locally. Couriers can be scheduled in advance. They can be at the
pickup
location at a time of the consumer's choosing, including evenings and
weekends. The
platform will connect the consumer with local, on-demand couriers. Items will
be
delivered the same-day by local shipping and courier experts. Consumers can
arrange this
courier service using the platform app with the tap of a few buttons on the
iPhone or
Android to hire a delivery professional who will courier their items. The
courier service
may be ideal for important documents, same-day local letter or mail, a last-
minute gift, a
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forgotten item, small parcels, packages, retail purchases, or banker's boxes,
among other
items.
- Online delivery ¨ The platform has an online delivery service which
allows buying and
selling online easier than is conventionally available. While services like
Craigslist,
Offerup and Letgo make it easy to arrange a sale, meeting the seller or buyer
is not
always as easy, due to logistics, security concerns, etc. That is where the
platform's
online delivery service comes in. The platform is able to deliver a consumer's
items to a
buyer, or even deliver it from the seller to a consumer.
- Store pickup ¨ A consumer's retail purchases can be delivered, on-demand.
In case a
consumer demands fast delivery from retailers, whether buying online or buying
in a
brick and mortar store, a driver using the system can go to any retailer to
pick up the
consumer's item and deliver them to the consumer. Consumers are not limited by
the size
of their vehicle. They can buy a big screen TV, or the overstuffed couch, or
even
construction supplies and use the platform to deliver it. The platform covers
retail
delivery service from any retailers' in store pickup, curbside car service,
drive thru
loading, etc. This service may be beneficial for consumers who are purchasing
boxed
items, furniture, appliances, gardening supplies, construction supplies, or
any other large
item.
- Storage moves- A consumer is able to move items into storage or out of
storage. The
platform will help them to pick up and deliver their items, both large and
small to and/or
from their storage unit.
- Bagged construction debris - Consumers are able to purchase bags for
construction debris
which they can then fill with junk or debris and arrange for pickup through
the platform.
The consumers may be able to receive discounts when using bags which are
manufactured by associated partners of the platform, whereby a user can
utilize a UPC
code or similar proof of purchase to enable a discount from the platform.
Additionally,
the system may utilize special trucks and drivers that could haul junk and
debris.
- Landfill and dump items, junk and debris ¨ The platform provides a
service to haul junk
and refuse for a consumer, and ensure that those items are disposed of
properly.
Consumers can place the refuse in bags, or otherwise have it available for
pick-up. This
service may be ideal for items such as trash, refuse, and garbage items, such
as old
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bedding, damaged electronics and furniture, old appliances, green yard waste,
construction waste and debris, including raw materials (concrete, dirt, etc.)
and building
supplies, recycled materials, car parts, and others.
As noted previously, the users of the system are generally the consumer and
the driver.
The roles of the consumer and driver, along with their obligations and
responsibilities, are
described in more detail herein. The consumer's role is to describe the need
of delivery in a form
of request through the platform which then will be transformed to a job by the
platform. The
consumer may access the platform through a mobile application or web site and
use the interface
presented by the platform to submit the information for job creation. For
example, the consumer
will specify details of the load items it needs to deliver, such as the type
of items, the quantity,
the weight, the dimensions, or other characteristics of the items. Consumers
must provide access
to the items for the drivers, such that the drivers can pick up the items. The
driver's main role is
to fulfil the consumer's need in delivering items. The driver defines his
capability for picking up
the load by describing his vehicle parameters. These submissions are checked
by the
administration of the platform. Checks and validation is part of becoming a
driver process which
is described below.
There are several types of drivers which the platform supports, including a
standard
driver, a lead driver, and a pro driver. The standard driver (or "driver" as
described herein), is a
default first level driver which any user may apply to be. A lead driver may
be assigned to
specific regions or geographic locations. Each region has lead drivers who
assist with finding
jobs and performing in-store functions. Being a lead driver also requires the
user to be "on call"
in the event that the platform is unable to match a driver with a submitted
job request under the
service window time-frames. While a standard driver performs local pick-up or
delivery for a
single consumer in distances up to about 20 miles, a pro driver can do
multiple in-line deliveries
and/or haul longer distances and do backloads picked up by the leaderboard.
To become a driver, a user must initiate the process on the platform, which
includes
providing information to the platform. The administrative personnel of the
platform then
reviews, validates, and confirms the user's ability to become a driver. FIG. 6
illustrates a
diagram 600 which outlines the process for becoming a standard driver. A user
may first
download the application in the Android or Apple store and goes to the main
menu and clicks the
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button that says 'Driver'. There, the platform prompts the user to supply
information to qualify
him to be reviewed for approval. Generally, this information includes:
- Over the age of 18 and have a valid state-issued ID
- Be authorized to work in the U.S.
- Must be available in the area applying to work
- Have the proper size vehicle for the work being done; SUV, Pickup Truck
or Cargo van
- An iPhone or Android capable of running the latest app
- A valid driver's license
- Able to pass 3rd party screening of background and driving record
- Current Auto insurance in your name registered for the vehicle applying to
us.
- Ability to lift and carry objects of up to 75 pounds
- No felonies or violent misdemeanors in the past 7 years
- A reliable and 5 star attitude
As the platform operates in different areas of operation, there might be
different rules to the
applicants. Detailed rules for each area could be found on one of the web
sites, such that the user
can review the rules to ensure they comply with them. After submission of the
application and
providing the needed information, the administration of the platform may
perform a background
check of the driver in the following areas:
- Person background check
- Vehicle information check
- Registration information check
- Insurance checks
Upon successful checks, the system issues a Netspend Paycard to the driver and
invites the driver
to the secondary screening interview. When the checks and screening interview
are successful,
the user becomes a standard driver and may now accept jobs.
A detailed diagram of the process and the computing architecture and/or
processing
which handles specific functions thereof is shown in diagram 700 in FIGS. 7A-
7C. As can be
seen in FIG. 7A, a user can sign in using the mobile app. An authorization
token is
communicated to the authorization API, where authorization is determined to be
false or true and
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a corresponding protocol action is taken. For a user that has logged in
successfully, the user may
fill out an application, the values of which are checked, and that application
may be submitted
for processing within the system. Next, as shown in FIG. 7B, applications may
be loaded. The
process includes an application check for a user which includes a background
check, such as
through a checkr API request, a vehicle information check, and registration
check, and an
insurance check. These validations are needed to ensure a user can participate
in the system, and
the results are stored as being either successful or not. As shown in FIG. 7C,
applications are
loaded from the database and displayed within an administrative portal.
Confirmational approval
may then be completed which updates any user status within the database. If
successful, the user
is informed, and a push message is sent to the user through the mobile
application.
FIG. 8 illustrates a diagram 800 which outlines the process for becoming a
lead driver
and FIG. 9 illustrates a diagram 900 which outlines the process for becoming a
pro driver. As
shown in FIG. 8, once the driver applies, the system is contacted, the user's
profile is reviewed
and if successful, the user is given access to the system as a driver. And, in
FIG. 9, pro drivers
are generally given an invitation, and their qualifications and certifications
are reviewed prior to
them attaining the status of a pro driver. Generally speaking, lead drivers
have the opportunity to
get more difficult jobs and therefore earn more money. Pro drivers are
assigned by invitation
only and require additional qualifications, including certifications with the
Department of
Transportation. The platform's administration may offer the best drivers, in
terms of
responsibility, the option to become a pro driver. These drivers will be
offered additional
qualification tests to be passed and asked for additional certifications. Pro
driver status gives the
driver an opportunity to do multiple in-line deliveries and/or haul longer
distances and do
backloads picked up by the leaderboard and as result earn more money.
Once a user is approved as a driver, the driver has the ability to accept jobs
which are
populated in the platform. Jobs appear in the driver's section of the platform
and they are filtered
by the driver's characteristics and capabilities, for example, the driver's
location, the amount of
items a driver can carrying in their vehicle, the amount of weight a driver
can lift, etc. Jobs are
never assigned to a driver whose vehicle parameters do not fit the job
request. The driver may
accept or ignore the job. When the job is accepted by a driver it disappears
from acceptable job
lists, thus preventing duplicative jobs being listed.
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The administration of the platform has an active role throughout the service
process. For
example, the administrative role of the platform is to control the system
behavior and all
interactions between the consumer and the driver through the platfoim. There
are different levels
of administrators in the platform. Access to certain platform administrative
areas may be
assigned or removed by a super administrator, who serves as a lead
administrator. The super
administrator is an administrator with full access to the system. In most
cases this is a system
account which should not be used by users. A super administrator account is
available in terms
of system maintenance and in some cases automation operations
The interface between the drivers, the consumer, and the administrator are the
jobs,
which, in general terms, are created by the administrator based on the
information provided by
the consumer, and which are provided for drivers to accept. Jobs describe what
item or items
have to be delivered, to where and when, among other parameters. Depending on
types of jobs,
jobs may have a different creation processes. For example, in some situations,
jobs may be
created only by consumers. This process is described in diagram 1000, as shown
in FIG. 10. As
can be seen in FIG. 10, a job is created by an individual seeking to use the
system for deliveries
or other actions. The user may apply a coupon or promotion, select any
ancillary services, select
the date of service, and determine whether the job should be expedited. If the
job is a new or
retail service various additional information is collected by the system, such
as the store or the
pickup location. When the service is for picking up items at a store, the user
may upload a receipt
which visually displays the items or their identifying information, such as a
product identifier, a
UPC code, a barcode, a model number, or a serial number, or similar
identifier. The system can
use an image capture technique to review the visual image of the receipt and
automatically
determine the type of product that needs to be moved, the quantity of products
that need to be
moved, in any relevant description. The drop off or delivery address is then
populated within the
system, a summary of the job is generated for user confirmation and collect
payment. When a job
is for picking up items at a non-store address, the user may input data about
the product to be
delivered or picked up manually, including identifying the type of product,
the quantity, the
weight, or any particular materials within the product. Again, a summary is
created for the user
to confirm the job and provide payment.
Naturally, the process for job creation may include many other aspects and
processes. For
example, the job creation process may start from the user clicking a button on
the platform
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interface for creating a new job. The first option for the user is to apply a
coupon. FIG. 11
illustrates a diagram 1100 which shows the job creation process and
application of a coupon. As
can be seen, when a user applies a coupon, a coupon check is performed with
the platforms
database. A result is provided either showing at the coupon was applied
successfully or not
applied successfully. Similarly, FIG. 12 illustrates a diagram 1200 which
shows a detailed
diagram of the job creation process with application of a promotion. As can be
seen, a user may
upload an image with their phone or other computing device, and the image may
be stored and
processed within the platform. Often, the image is stored in duplicative
databases. If the
promotion is accepted the user is notified, and if the promotion is not
accepted the user is given
an error message. Accepted promotions are then applied to the job. These two
diagrams illustrate
the steps for applying a coupon which the user has, or for using a promotion
code when first
creating a job.
The next step in the job creation process is to select job parameters,
including the service
type, time frame, the tier, a store selection, if applicable, and uploading a
receipt, if applicable.
The inclusion of a store selection and uploading a receipt may be applicable
if the user's job is to
have the driver pick up an item or items from a store, such as a home
improvement store, and
have it delivered to a desired location. In this situation, the store
selection and the receipt upload
may be used to provide information to the platform or pre-populate criteria of
the job. For
example, the receipt upload will identify the items, such as by UPC code,
which can then be used
to identify weight and dimensions of the item. Diagram 1300 in FIG. 13
illustrates the job
creation process with regards to stores. As shown FIG. 13, the user uses their
mobile app or the
website to select service, select a date of service, select a tier of the
service, and then upload a
receipt of their purchase from the store. The image is uploaded to the system
and various
information is determined, including the store and its address, which may be
populated from a
list of stores saved on the database.
The consumer then is prompted to provide details of the item or items he needs
to
transport. If the details of the item(s) cannot be achieved through other
avenues, such as a
receipt, the consumer is required to provide item photos, sizes and
approximate weight, so the
platform may further match the best driver for these items added. Diagram 1400
in FIG. 14
illustrates this process. As shown the user can manually added item with the
mobile app or the
web site, and/or they can upload an image of the product, or of the receipt.
The user may then
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provide item parameters, such as weight, size, dimension, or material, among
other parameters,
and the item is saved within the database.
After items are added, it's time for picking up the address of the destination
delivery.
Consumers may select from a list of previously saved addresses or create new
ones. Diagram
1500 in FIG. 15 illustrates this process. For instance, the user may select
the pickup address from
a list of addresses saved within the system. A user can select one of these
default addresses, or
the user can enter a new entry and search for new address. An address check
service is used to
determine if the address is legitimate, and that service may use prefilled
data within the users
screen on the mobile application or website.
Once the delivery destination is determined, the next step is to process
payment.
Processing payment is a complex process, but the platform's microservice
architecture is very
easy to connect payment service providers. This process is described in
diagram 1600 in FIGS.
16A-B. As shown, the user may review and pay through the mobile app or web
site. The mobile
API may determine the job total which is stored within the database and that
amount is displayed
to the user, along with applying any discount. The user then submits payment,
the payment
transaction is initiated. The system creates a transaction within the wallet
which is saved within
the Ledger, and the secure payment request is submitted to the payment
processing block.
Continuing, as shown in FIG. 16B the payment processing lock either provides
an indication of
success or failure of the transaction. A failed transaction is given a
transaction ID and an error
code which is communicated back to the user to display the error. For a
transaction that is
successful the transaction is updated within the Ledger and then payment is
completed by
confirming with the user that the payment was successful It is noted that the
platform can accept
payment via a variety of different methods, including credit card, ACH, or
other forms of
payment. The platform never stores any credit card related data, and that the
platform follows
PCI DSS security standards.
Once payment is confirmed, the next step is service selection. Service
selection is a part
of the job creation process, which is generally described in diagram 1700
shown in FIG. 17. As
shown, a service is first selected. This may include pick up or delivery
items, or pick up of junk,
debris, or refuse. There are several job types the consumers are able to
create. These include new
retail pickup, courier delivery, used moving of items, junk and debris pickup,
and donation
drops. For the pickup of items, selection may be divided into items that are
new and from retail
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stores, or items that are used. The size of the item is considered in the
system as well. Based on
the job type and its automated description within the platform, the right
sized vehicle for
transportation is selected. For example, a job requiring movement of a large
appliance, such as a
refrigerator must be assigned to a truck or van which is capable of hauling an
item of that size
and weight. Similarly, a job which requires the removal of larger items, such
as concrete rubble
debris, may require the use of a vehicle with a dump body. The vehicles may
include any type,
and are generally classified into a 6-tier vehicle system, which is
coordinated with the proper
amount of human labor required to satisfy the load and/or any identified
conditions or
prearranged requests. For example, a job moving a heavy appliance may require
two or more
individuals (a driver and a helper) The selection of the vehicle and the human
labor is based on
the type of j ob and the proximity of the pickup and delivery location(s).
Jobs for new items are classified as not having prior use and new for consumer
use, if
from a direct retail outlet or a big box distribution hub. Within business to
consumer use, of the
two categories (new smaller items or new larger items), big and bulky items
are selected and
defined through the order process in the app, accompanied by some proof of
purchase, order
number and/or receipt allowing the driver to retrieve. For business to
business and business to
consumer use, new items may be identified by bill of lading and allows
commercial multi-inline
drops, from warehouse to store or warehouse to consumers with electronic proof
of delivery.
Jobs for used items are based on two categories: either courier sized
deliveries or mid-to-
large items (including big and bulky transport). Several additional or add-on
services can
accompany used items, such as white glove service, assembly/disassembly or the
range of time,
taking longer than that of just a pickup and drop-off. Business to business
and business to
consumer are treated the same with this class of job, with a 'to' and 'from'
destination
accounting for any circumstances, the sensitivity to time and any additional
labor required.
Junk, debris and donation jobs are identified by the non-hazardous items
looking to be
disposed of. If items are able to be repurposed and allowed, the items will be
mitigated for
donation drop if not previously recommended. If the load is a mixed load for
landfill and
donation, they are treated as two separate jobs as they go to two different
locations. Calculation
of cost attributable to multi jobs compared to single job is taken into
account. All jobs for waste
disposal are directed to certified way stations and centers from a unique
database within the
platform, which confirms the cost, rank, rate, conditions, Limes of operation
and locality, such
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that the items within the load can be matched to the appropriate location. All
debris jobs have
confirmation of the actions required by the driver and vehicle based on geo-
fenced criteria being
satisfied in the application in order to proceed and/or conclude a job.
With job assignment, all jobs may be assigned by the platform administration.
Special
interface is available to the administrator where he can easily match required
available active
drivers and assign the job to one of them. The driver will see the new job
notification in the app
and be able to accept the job.
The system may use a contactless pin code system to create a delivery where
the driver
and consumer are distanced from each other. To confirm delivery and release
the delivered
items, the consumer provides a PIN code generated by the platform to a driver
to complete the
delivery. This allows for the delivery to be completed in the event that the
consumer is not
around. The PIN code might be taken as a kind of electronic signature, or
other identifying
information which can only be received from the consumer.
The system may use coupons which are created by the administrator. There may
be
several options of how these coupons could be created. For example, there are
generally two
types of coupons the administrator is able to use while creating:
:1.ype = Descri pti oft
..................... . ........... .....
............. .....
Percentage Percentage would affect Job total amount value
Fixed Amount Fixed amount allows to just apply this value as discount to the
total
Job price
There is a possibility to fix the coupon to a specific driver or consumer
accounts, which allows
not only to create public advertisement scenarios, but also provide specific
users more tools to
advertise the platform within their own campaign. For example, drivers may get
their own
coupon, which will work only with this specific driver allowing the driver to
give a discount for
his delivery. Coupon activity could be limited within a certain selected
timeframe as well as by
the number of uses of the coupons. Diagram 1800 in FIG. 18 provides an
illustration of the
process for applying a coupon during job creation. Specifically, a consumer
applies a coupon
within the platform by navigating to "PICKUP & DELIVER MY ITEMS" section of
the
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application. The consumer then clicks "Create" on the bottom left corner of
the application,
clicks apply coupon and enters the coupon string of code. The consumer then
proceeds to
scheduling the job and paying for the job. If a coupon is applied and
accepted, the discount will
be applied to the total amount.
Similar to coupons, the system may offer promotion, which is a discount that
consumers
are able to get in case there is some discount campaign running with partners.
For example, the
promotion feature may be used with the co-branded construction debris bag
(branded as
'Haultail' bags), which allows bag buyers to get a promotion discount on the
delivery. To get the
discount, consumers need to add photos of the receipts buying these Haultail
bags.
In addition to coupons and promotions, it is possible for consumers to give
drivers tips.
Consumers may be required to provide ratings to drivers upon completion of the
job, but they
can also tip the drivers after the job is completed. This opportunity
motivates drivers to work
professionally and more responsibly. There is no fee that the platform takes
from the tip amount,
even though it's still transferred through platform. Tips are transferred in
full amount to the
driver.
A key aspect for ensuring successful functionality of the system is the
management of
locations and endpoints for items which do not have a consumer-identified
delivery location.
These may include items which are disposed of or are to be donated. In these
situations, the
consumer simply wants the items to be gone; they're usually not concerned with
how and where
they're disposed of Thus, automatic delivery location for these items is one
of the key features
of the platform, since it removes the need for the consumer to find a delivery
location for their
items, such that during the job creation process, the consumer does not need
to worry about the
nearest landfill location which matches his type of load. This process is
automatically
accomplished by the platform as described herein.
The system identifies the delivery location for items to be disposed of,
recycled, or
otherwise delivered to a place without the consumer's input as 'way stations.'
Way stations may
include dumps, recycling centers, landfills, donation centers, or other places
where items can be
disposed of The platform has a way station database with a list of way
stations along with
relevant characteristics and/or criteria of those way stations. Way stations
are added and defined
by the platform's administration. The platform may identify a way station as a
location on the
map with eel tain specific parameters. Diagram 1900 of FIG. 19 provides a
graphical diagram of
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the way station architecture and database. Way stations are generally owned by
certain
companies which are in the business of accepting refuse, and therefore, they
could have different
parameters and classification from one another, such as requirements for
accepting items,
material types accepted, locations, working schedules, or others. For example,
as illustrated in
FIG. 19, a way station may be categorized by a company that owns it, a
location, a type of way
station, the fee at the weigh station charges, requirements of the way
station, material types that
the way station accepts, working days at the way station, or other special
days. Further, the
requirements and material type make further be identified by certain
parameters, such as the
specific fees charged or the materials accepted.
Classifying the way stations is an important aspect of the way station
database. There are
several different types of way stations in the platform, which the computer
process is specific to
identifying, classifying and segmenting any and all goods to the appropriate
processing center.
For example, the way station may be classified by type, e.g., transfer
station, compost center,
recycling center, incinerator, convenience center, landfill, or other. Each of
these types may be
given a description of the entity operating the way station, e.g.,
municipality or private, and be
assigned other criteria. This criterion may include hours of operation, costs
for disposal of
specific items, payment methods, and others. The platform may diversify the
types of way
stations as shown by diagram 2000 in FIG. 20.
The location of a way station is also an important attribute to the platform,
such that
efficient delivery and disposal of the items can be achieved. Location
parameters, including
latitude and longitude, of the way station can be used to indicate the exact
point on the map,
which is later used in the matching algorithm calculation. Diagram 2100 in
FIG. 21 provides an
illustration of the interface of the platform for identifying a way station on
a map. As well as
location, another important parameter for matching a job to a way station is
the working hours of
the way station. During the initial way station setup within the platform,
usual working hours are
predefined. These can be overridden by the platform administration, including
adding special
days such as holidays. An example of the working hours interface of the
platform is shown by
diagram 2200 in FIG. 22.
The materials which are accepted by the way station also need to be accounted
for. Some
way stations may accept all forms of refuse, whereas others may have
restrictions on what is or is
not accepted. The way station database of the platform contains different
delivery matelials, their
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types and defined fees for each of the types. These materials and types are
managed by the
platform's administration and used as acceptable way station items, which may
have specific
unique fee configuration. This is an important part of the platform, as these
are one of the
parameters used to identify the type of the way station which could accept
items from the
consumer as well as participating in the final price calculation algorithm.
Diagram 2300 in FIG.
23 provides an exemplary interface of the acceptable materials type for a way
station, and
diagram 2400 in FIG. 24 provides an example of the interface for adding or
removing a material
to the way station database.
Some way stations may have flat fee requirements, where a truckload of refuse
can be
disposed of for a set, flat price. These flat fee requirements are reflected
in the platform and can
be an important part of the pricing calculation for the job, if defined. The
tipping fee is by default
determined by the material type, the number of bags and the tipping fee
overrides. If a fee is
defined, it will be used to calculate the amount of tipping fee that this way
station is getting
regardless of other variables. FIG. 25 has a diagram 2500 which is an example
of the flat fee for
tipping used by the platform. As shown, there may be three different amount
measurements for
the tipping fee, which could be set at per ton, per cubic yard, or per item.
Other measurements
for the tipping fee may include per truck load.
Another aspect of the platform, which interfaces with the way station
database, is the
requirement to define certain specific elements that a driver should have or
have to follow to
approach a way station. For example, requirements may include the need for a
permit, the
payment of a fee, the use of specific safety gear, or others. Some of these
requirements may or
may not have a specific monetary fee assigned, whereas others may have
logistical requirements,
such as the need to cover or tarp a load. Requirements also participate in the
final service price
calculation. An example of the requirements aspect of the platform is shown by
diagram 2600 in
FIG. 26.
To ensure that the delivery of items to a way station is efficient, the way
station database
may interface with a matching process to the job, the consumer, and/or the
driver. The platform
may be able to match the closest driver along with the closest way station
according to all job
parameters and calculating the final price in real time or near-real time.
This is a key feature of
the database, since it allows for a dynamic and adaptable delivery location
(to a way station)
based on dynamic parameters, such as the pick-up location, the type of items
to be disposed of,
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and the driver's location. Generally, the platform will default to the
shortest route for having the
driver dispose of the items. FIG. 27 is an image 2700 of the routing process
to a way station.
Way station matching may be a part of the job creation process. Its algorithm,
taking in
account material types, is depicted in diagram 2800 in FIG. 28, and a code
representation of the
process for way station matching is shown below:
public static function matchWaystation($validated)
$state = $validated[¨stateid'];
/7 OnLy wh.tne wpi 'tartpt-ZipcF)d.:
$startpoint = $validatedrstartpoint') ?? null;
$startpointZipcode = $validatedrstartpointZipcode'] ?? null;
$materialTypeIds = [];
foreach (valiciateCjobCont8ntitems'1 as Sitem)
if (lempty(SitenrwasteMatels'])) $rnateriaiTypeids =
arr'ay_merge(ViaterialiyaeIds3
Sitemi¨wasteMateriaIsW;
$waystation self;:getBestWaystationMatch($startpoint,
$startpointZiacode, $state,
$materialTypeids);
return
'w3ystation: .. Swaystation,
];
private static function getBestWaystatienMatch($startpoint,
$startpointziacode, int $stateid,
ar.ray $rulterialTypids)
// Ru nerby
$al1Accesib1eWayst3tions = State::findOrFail($stateid)->waystations()
->selea.DistanLe(SsLartpoint)
->isActive()
->where(function ($query) use ($materiaiTypeIds) I
/./ Ctick mo-f:erU.s ,:i<covaKe ofi
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IF Oempty($materiaiTypeIds)) (
icorech ($materialTypIds as $materialTypeTd)
$query->whereHasterialTypej function ('kluary) use ($materialTypeid)
$query->whe;,e('material_types,id', laaterialTypeid);
1);
1)
->having'diEtance', '<=', 10000)
-)orderBy('dlstar;ce', 'asc')
->limit(S)
Caicte dt]i-tane 1-or oJ. J<if
Swaystations collectUal/Accesibleirlaystations)->map(function
($waystation) use
($startpoint)
$waystation->distance = Map::direcnistance($startpoint, '1,laystation->address-
>coordinates());
return $waystation;
})->filter(-Function ($waystation)
/ iLyw7.;.th dtsJn;:e
return $waystation-Aistance h. null;
1);
//' Setecr rhÃ,
return Swaystations->sort3W:iistnce')->values()->first()1
The platform has a management interface which provides a management overview
and
associated tools for handling various processes of the system. FIG. 29 is an
image 2900 of one
example of the management interface, which shows way station maps along with
associated data
for a certain operational area. As shown, the administrator of the platform
can have an overview
on a map which can be used to identify and manage way station details, their
types, companies
they are assigned to, requirements, materials and their types and, of course,
pricing and fees.
With regards to pricing and fees, the platform may have a pricing management
and
configuration module which automatically prices jobs for consumers. In one
example, there may
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be 6 tiers available for each operation area. Each tier may be subject to
certain parameters, from
which total price will be calculated for a standard driver. In one example,
these parameters may
include:
- Base Price
- Mile Price
- Time Price
- Expedited hour limitation
- Insurance flat fee
- Driver flat fee percentage
- Repeat discount percentage
- Minimum miles
- Minimum time
- Service charge
There may be other and/or additional settings for other drivers, such as lead
or Pro drivers. The
platform calculates the final price for the delivery automatically, based on
the parameters above,
as well as other aspects, as needed, e.g. coupons or promotions.
FIG. 30 is diagram 3000 showing an example of an interface of the platform
showing the
general delivery tiers which are applied by default to the operating areas.
Diagram 3100 in FIG.
31 provides an example of how the tiers of FIG. 30 which can be redefined by
administration of
the platform as needed. FIG. 32 is diagram 3200 which provides an example of
the interface of
the platform which shows pricing areas Pricing areas can be defined along with
general state
pricing. Administrators could override state prices for certain defined areas.
The diagram 3300 in
FIG. 33 illustrates default configuration pricing for the way stations. These
values can be
overridden from the respective areas of the administration tool within a
specific way station.
FIG. 34 illustrates a diagram 3400 showing one example of how the platform
calculates pricing.
As shown, the platform may calculate the final price automatically including
parameters
described relative to FIGS. 30-33. It may also calculate and apply delivery
distance
measurements of the job request as well as time.
Exemplary code snippets for the various processes described herein is shown
below:
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Calculating additional distance parameters according to locations, driving
duration and
traffic conditions:
public function setDistances($distanceMatrix = null)
if 0SdistanceMatrix)
$distanceMatrix Map::distanceMatrix($this->startpeintAddness-
>coordinates(), $this-
>endpointAddress->coordinates(), strtotime($this->scheWAledTime));
$this->distance ceil($distanceMatrix->distance);
$this->cluration ((int)($clistancMatrix->duration / 60) 4. 1) * 60;
$this->durationinTraffic ((int)($distanceMatrix-AurationInTraffic /
60) + 1) * 60;
Fiax !Eixwd x'U.e5,fiF.,z;;.=
if ($this->distance > 15)
$durationInCi.ty = ceil(15 / 30 * 60)
$theRestD1stanceDuration = (($this->distance 15) / $this-)distance) *
$this-
AurationInTreffic;
$commonD,Jration - $durationinCity + $theRestDistnnceD,Jration;
if ($commonDuration > this->duratIonInTraffic) Phis->durat.:EonInTrafflc
$commonDuration;
1 else
$durationinCity ceil($this->distance / 30 * 60) * 60;
if (SdurationinCity > $this->durationInTraffic) $this->durationinTraffic =
$durationinCity;
Calculating delivery costs by a location, where every Area of Operation has
its own settings for
the prices. The platform algorithm applies these settings for calculating
preliminary job cost:
public function delivenyPricesByCoordinut_s()
$lat = $this->stantpointAddress->latitude
$1ng = $thisi->startpaintAddress->1.ongitude;
$this--:sgtar,tpointAddresste;
$state->load([
'Runes' -> functilm($query) use (FJiat, $1ng) {
$query->has( 'deliveryPric)
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>where( '<:, $lat)
->where( 'Etna at' $:tat)
->where('startirig' '<'õ $1ng)
- >where( endLng õ ' $1ng)
->where(' isAct
- >orderEly( priority', 'cle!x.'
'zone3deliveryPrices'õ
' zone!>.zoneLeads',
1);
$deliveryPrices = $state->deliveryPrices;
$delive.ryPr:iceZoneName = $state->name;
if ($state->zones->count())
$zone = $state-zones->first();
(empty($zone-AeliveryPrices)) f
$deliveryPrices =$zone->deliveryPrices;
$deliveryPriceZoneName = $state->name.'õ '.$zone->name;
1
$this->statE,Zor,e-Id $zone->id;
$deliveryLocationZoneName = $state->name.', ',$zone->name;
// r.ry dicose ;fl%er epen;.i=
if (!$this->tierid) $this->setIlobTiorByItemsSize();
$deliveryPrices $doliveryPric,Ps->whore( vehiciTierId', $this-
>tiorId)->first();
if ($deliveyPrices)
$deliver'yPrices->deliveryPr'iceloneName - $deliveryPriceZoneName;
$deliveryPrices->deliveryLocationZoneNme = $deliveryLocationZoneName ?? null;
return $deliveryPrices;
Determining job tier by item sizes, where each job tier is matched along with
the consumer's
item sizes.
public function set:gobTirByItemsSize()
{
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if ( this->items->count())
cf.ih he witt tier:i. 1
if (in_array($this->jobSubTypeid, [6, 7])) 4._
// then fflf-.1.i.P 7E0.' 1
Squantity = 0;
Sweiet - 0;
if ($this->items->count())
foreach ($this->iteiHs as ,item)
$quantity +. $itm-)quantity;
$weight f. fitem->weight: * $item->quantitv;
if ($quafttity <= 10 FA $weight <= 150) $this->tierId = 1;
else $this->tierid = 2;
) else 1
if ($this->items->count())
$maxSizes . new \stdClass0;
SmaxSizes->maxlieight = 0;
$eaxSis->inaxWidth . 0;
$maxSizes-maxLength = 0;
$max5'izes->maxWeight . 0;
foreach ($this->items as Sitem)
if ($item->height > $maxSizes->maxHeight) SmaxSizes->maxHeight
if ($item->width >$maxSizes->maxWidth) $axSizes->maxWidtil = $item->width;
if ($item->lenth $maxSizes->maxLength) $r. $item-
>lerigth;
$maxSizes->maxWeight += Sitem->weight * $itern->quantity;
$deliveryTier . DeiiveryTier;:where( 'maxHeight:j ').', $maxSizes->maxHeight)
->whereaxWidth', '>=', $maxSizes->mayWidth)
$mAkizes->mangth)
->whereCmaxWeight'5 '>=', SmaxSizes->maxi-Jeight)
}
$this->tierid $deliveryTier->id ?? 41;
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if (this->tierld $this- tierid . 2;
if ($this->isDisposai() EA $this->tierid < 4) $thig->tierid = 4;
One key aspect of the platform is the ability to automatically calculate a
delivery distance
and determine a pricing calculation based on that distance. The system may use
an algorithm
which receives geolocation data from the way station database and from the
consumer's initial
input of information, and then calculates a distance between the two points.
The platform may
also calculate the time it should take for delivery, along with other relevant
information, such as
traffic, detours, etc. An example of the code containing the algorithm for
pricing calculation is
shown herein:
public function calculijobCotDetaili_;()
// ccCL ft?,?-tc:k for pott:i!.
$calculationDetails = [];
$deliveryPrices = $this->dliveryPricesByCoordintes();
TjobTotal = 0;
if (!ampty($deliveryPrices->basePrice)) {
SjobTotal = $deliverVPices->basePrice;
$calculadonDetails[i =[
=> "Cias nr=ice',
'amour:t' => (float)number_formatUdelivryPrices->basePrice, 2,
=> $deliveryPrices-r,delivaq'priceZoneName,
'iouitionSt;iteZonoNamEi' => TdenveryPr,ices-)&liAinryLocionZonName,
I;
if (Tdeliverpnices->milePrice)
if (!empty(Sdeliverpr.ices->minMil;A) && lithis->distance < $deliveryPrices-
>minMils)
Stilis->distance - $deliveryPrices->minMiles;
(empty($delliverpricen->min'flmc)& $this->duration < $delivoryPrices-)minTime
* 60)
$this-Aurauion =$deliveryPrice->minTi!ne
(emptyW4elivenyPrizes->minTime) && $thi5->duratioranTraf9c < T:deli-veryPrices-
>minTie
* 50)
$this-AurationInTraffic = Sdeliveryrrices->minTiffle * 60;
$jobTotn1 $dnlivervP!,ir.Q.5->milrica $this->distancc2;
$calculationDetails] =
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'3moJnt' -> (iloat)numberjormat(($deliveryPrices->miThPrice * $this-Aistance),
2,
1;
pe:
if ($this->durationInTraffic)
/./er to
$durationInThaffic $this->durationinTraffic / 50;
if (Ithis->duratioilThaffic % 60 > 0) $durationInTraffic +- 1;
$jc_)biotal += $dplivp_ryPrici2s->timPric2 $duratinTriTraffiL;
tcalculationDetails[] = [
=> PrcA f. timq
'aw;urs:' => (float)number_format(($deliveryPrices->tieRriLe
$durationPiTraffic), 2,
$jobTotal += $d:.?liveryPrici?s->sLrvici?Chorg;
$calculationDetaiisp =
'Sqrv1c4.,1 charge',
'amourtk: => (float)numbenjormat($deliveryPdces->serviceCharge, 2,
];
else {
\filuminate\Suv:ort\Facades\Log:rdebue
"v1\rio¶,
- '4deliveryPrices->vehicleTirTd.
sta't:e - ',$this-YstartpointAddress->state->id,
if ($this->isDispc.s.al()) (
Swaystation - i.->wvtio null;
if ($waystation)
m:sterloL; frf;w:
$materi31sArray
foraach ($this->items as $item) f
-Foreach (itPm->wasteMaterials as $wasteMaerial) (
if (iisset($natenialsArnay[TmasteMatPHaL>id])) (
$matrialsArray[$wasteMaterial->id] = [];
$materiaisArray[$wasteMaterial->idjrweightl =
$material = Swaystation->matcridrrypes-?where( id', $wastcM3terial->id)-
>first();
$matarialsArray[$wastarial->idgml = $matrial-)piforTon ??
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$matrialsArray[SwasteMaerial->idlOccrj = $material->pivot-
>ePerCubicYard 0 0;
$materialsArray[$wasteMateriA.->A][3rCLibar'W] $m3ter.il->pivot-
>feePerCubicYard ?? e;
tmateri.alsAPray[$wasteM3teral-iid]['feEPeriteml - ?? 0;
$materialsArray[$wastematerial->All'fil =
//. ft!r
If ($waystation->tippingeePer == 1 && !$materialsArray[$wasteMaterial-
>idaPerionl) {
$materialTyrDe - MaterialTypn;:where( id', $wateMatal->id)->first();
if ($matrialType) 1,mairialsArray[$wasteMatrial->id][- ePF3nTonl =
$r:12uria1Type-
AefaultFeePerTon;
if ($waysuition->tippingFeePer == 2 SA $fftilerialsArrayr$wasteMaterial-
AdleePerCubiYardl) {
$materialType . Materipn:twhereyid', $wateMatrtal->id)->first();
if ($matErialType) $materialsArray[SwasteMateriai->ideePc3nCu!-yivi'j =
$materialType->defaultFeePerCubi.c.var,d;
1
if ($waystation->tipir)gFeePer == Et& P$materialsArrayl$wasteMaterial-
Ad]['i'eaPeritem'D {
$materialTyle = Materi;?.1Type;:where( id', $wasteMatial->id)->first();
if ($material.Type) $materialsArray[$wasteMateriald]E'fec:Per-iteml =
$materialType-
AefaultFi-2ePeritem;
)
$materia:IsArray[laasteMaterial->id][ 'ight'] 4= (float)$item->weight *
(int)$item-
>quantity;
$waystationTippingFe = e;
foreach ($materialsArray as $material)
I f ($waystation->tippingEeaPer ,,,,, 1) {
$weight = (int)($materialigr;t'l 2000 + 1;
T:waystat:LonTrippingFee Sweight $materia1r..i'eeerioni;
$calcuiationDetailsi] = E
'name' => ft:e (..$materialflnamel. ') C.$weight.'
'amount' => (float)number_formag($weight * $materialPfaE,ParTonl), 2,
1;
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elseif ($waystation->tippingeePer -= 2) [
$voluive= (int)($material['wWipt] / 2CIW: * 1.'3) + I; (Y 1 -
$waystationTiopingFee += $volume * $material['i'eePenei;biYard'i;
$calculationDetails[] = [
'name' -> 'Wayetel:ion fee U.$materiairnamel. ') C.$volume.' *
'.$material[ fo?PerCun:ieVat,cr].')'õ
'amcunt => (float)number_format(($volume * $materia1rfeePerCubicY,:wd1), 2,
'.', "),
3;
1
($waystation->flatEee)
$waystationTippingFe $waytation->flatFee;
$calculationDetails[] = [
=> 'Wey:ita'.:1x)ri fist Fe.',
amount: -> (float)number_format($waystation-Fee, 2,
1;
$matePialsArray[:1:0talWaystatioriTipping.ee'll = $waystationlipingee;
$mininumTippingFee= DisposalCalc..ilation::where('key',
'MINIMUM.:EIPPIN6_FEE')->first()-
>value ??
14' ($minimumTip7ingFee > $waystationrippingFee)
144ayst3tionJippingFee = $minimumTippingree
$calculationDetailsp = [
'name' => 'Waystatin minimm tIppring fee',
'am:Junt' => (float)number_format4minimumTippingee, 2,
I;
$.1nTot31 r= $waystatiolTipp:ileee;
return
'joblotal' => $joblotal,
'calculationDetails' => kalculationDetails,
.wawitatioc,TIppileft' => $w3ystationTippingFee ?? 0,
I;
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It should be noted that any process descriptions or blocks in flow charts
should be
understood as representing modules, segments, portions of code, functions, or
steps that include
one or more instructions for implementing specific logical functions in the
process, and alternate
implementations are included within the scope of the present disclosure in
which functions may
be executed out of order from that shown or discussed, including substantially
concurrently or in
reverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would be understood
by those
reasonably skilled in the art of the present disclosure.
It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present
disclosure,
particularly, any "preferred" embodiments, are merely possible examples of
implementations,
merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the
disclosure. Many variations
and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) of the
disclosure without
departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All
such modifications
and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this
disclosure and the
present disclosure and protected by the following claims.
CA 03183875 2022- 12- 21
