Patent ID: 8706542
Filing Date: 2014-04-22
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method of allocating a location-related order to one of a plurality of mobile agents, said method being carried out by an ordering server programmed to carry out the steps of the method, which comprise: a) maintaining a current order record identifying a first location and first time at which each agent is expected to become free to fulfill a new order; b) maintaining a prioritized listing of locations including both scheduled locations which an agent is currently due to visit and unscheduled locations which said agent is not currently due to visit, with locations in said listing being prioritized to rank both the scheduled and unscheduled locations for said agent according to availability of the agent to reach each location after said first time, said availability having been calculated for each location irrespective of whether or not said agent is currently due to visit a particular location in said listing; c) receiving said location-based order and recording the location and time at which said order is to be fulfilled; d) determining from said prioritized listing of locations a suitable agent to fulfill said order; and e) allocating said order to said suitable agent.