Patent Publication Number: US-2011078182-A1

Title: Systems and methods for generating a list of vehicles and for providing instructions for loading storage space

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for generating a list of vehicles and for providing instructions for loading storage space. 
     BACKGROUND 
     In many instances, users have a number of objects that need to be loaded into vehicle storage space but cannot figure out how the objects need to be arranged to fit in the storage space. In other instances, the users need to find a vehicle or container in which the objects can be suitably loaded. Each of these activities is increasingly difficult where the objects are irregularly shaped. What is needed are systems and methods for facilitating each of these activities. 
     SUMMARY 
     The various embodiments of the present disclosure overcome the shortcomings of the prior art by providing systems and methods for generating an optimized list of vehicles and for providing instructions for loading storage space. The systems and methods described herein can be used to facilitate purchasing or renting a vehicle, purchasing or renting an auxiliary storage container, and loading a vehicle or auxiliary storage container. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, a computer-implemented method for providing instructions for loading objects into a vehicle includes, at a central application server, generating a list of objects to be loaded into the vehicle, retrieving dimensional data associated with each object in the list, retrieving dimensional data for storage space associated with the vehicle, determining an arrangement in which objects in the list can be loaded into the storage space, and communicating to the user communication device instructions for loading the objects into the storage space to achieve the arrangement. Generating a list of objects to be loaded into the vehicle includes receiving an object characteristic from a communication device associated with a user where the user communication device is separate from the central application server, communicating to the user communication device an object search result associated with the object characteristic, receiving from the user a selection of an object search result, and including the selected object search result in the list. 
     According to an exemplary embodiment, a computer-implemented method for generating an optimized list of vehicles includes, at a central application server, generating a list of objects to be loaded into a vehicle, retrieving dimensional data associated with each object in the list, retrieving dimensional data for storage space associated with each vehicle identified in an initial list of vehicles, determining which of the vehicles in the initial list have storage space that is suitable for loading with the objects in an arrangement, and generating the optimized list from at least one suitable vehicle. Generating a list of objects to be loaded into a vehicle includes receiving an object characteristic from a communication device associated with a user where the user communication device is separate from the central application server, communicating to the user communication device an object search result associated with the object characteristic, receiving from the user a selection of an object search result, and including the selected object search result in the list. 
     The foregoing has broadly outlined some of the aspects and features of the present disclosure, which should be construed to be merely illustrative of various potential applications. Other beneficial results can be obtained by applying the disclosed information in a different manner or by combining various aspects of the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, other aspects and a more comprehensive understanding may be obtained by referring to the detailed description of the exemplary embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in addition to the scope defined by the claims. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a schematic illustration of a system, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 2 and 3  are diagrams of methods performed by the system of  FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
         FIGS. 4 ,  5 , and  7  are illustrations of a communication device of the system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 6  is an illustration of a group of objects. 
         FIGS. 8-12  are illustrations of objects and a storage space of a vehicle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     As required, detailed embodiments are disclosed herein. It must be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary and that other embodiments in various and alternative forms, and combinations thereof, are within the scope of the teachings of the disclosure. As used herein, the word “exemplary” is used expansively to refer to embodiments that serve as illustrations, specimens, models, or patterns. The figures are not necessarily to scale and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular components. In other instances, well-known components, systems, materials, or methods being known to those of ordinary skill in the art have not been described in detail in order to avoid obscuring the present disclosure. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art. 
     Exemplary systems and methods described herein are configured to provide information to help a user select a vehicle or other container with storage space that can be loaded with a group of objects. Further, exemplary systems and methods described herein are configured to provide instructions for loading storage space with a group of objects. The systems and methods described herein can be used to facilitate purchasing or renting a vehicle, purchasing or renting an auxiliary storage container, and loading a vehicle when traveling with luggage or when moving. 
     As used herein, the term “storage space” is used to generally describe storage space associated with a vehicle or other container and includes one or more compartments or areas in which objects can be loaded. Exemplary storage space of a vehicle includes spaces and compartments that are integral to a vehicle (trunk, glove box, truck bed, hatch space, passenger compartments, and the like) and spaces and compartments of auxiliary containers (trailer, roof-top carrier, and the like) that attach to or are associated with a vehicle. For purposes of teaching, the systems and methods are described with respect to the trunk of a vehicle although the systems and methods are similarly applicable to other storage space including any of, or any combination of, spaces and compartments described above. Further, beyond vehicle applications the disclosed systems and methods are applicable to other structures with storage space such as the auxiliary containers by themselves. 
     One advantage of the systems and methods described herein is that the user does not have to enter dimensional information or dimensional data associated with an object or storage space. Rather than requiring the user to specify the dimensions of such objects or storage space, the systems and methods described herein are configured to locate, access, and retrieve dimensional data of objects and storage space. For example, the user can simply search for an object or vehicle with an associated storage space and the system will locate, access, and retrieve the dimensional data. Thus, with the systems and methods described herein, the user can easily and conveniently obtain the dimensional details of such objects or storage space even where objects or storage space are irregularly shaped. Otherwise, dimensional details of irregularly shaped objects and storage space are relatively complicated and difficult to enter or obtain. Complex dimensional details may be expressed best as dimensional data generated with a computer aided drafting (CAD) software application. In general, dimensional data for irregularly shaped objects or storage space can be stored as CAD files, stereolithography files, voxelization files, combinations thereof, and the like. 
     For purposes of teaching, an irregular shape is that which cannot have its shape approximated simply by specifying a few basic dimensions such as height, width, length, radius, diameter, and the like. Regular shapes include boxes, cuboids, cones, pyramids, cylinders, etc. Further, irregularly shaped objects and storage spaces can include those with dimensions that do not vary predictably along a dimension of the object or storage space, such as objects and storage spaces having convex regions, concave regions, holes, combinations thereof, and the like. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , an exemplary system  10  is configured to perform a method of generating a list of objects and a list of one or more vehicles into which the objects can be loaded. The system  10  is also configured to perform a method of generating and delivering instructions for loading the objects into storage space of a particular vehicle. Certain of the elements of the illustrated system  10  are remotely located with respect to one another. The illustrated system  10  includes an application server  20 , databases  30 ,  32 , and communication devices  40 ,  42  with user interfaces. The illustrated databases  30 ,  32  and communication devices  40 ,  42  are connected to the application server  20  via the internet  50 , via an intranet, or via a direct connection. 
     The illustrated system  10  is provided for purposes of teaching exemplary methods associated with  FIGS. 2 and 3  and described in further detail below. The illustrated system  10  can be modified, for example, according to the following: the number and types of connections between the elements can be modified, the number and types of elements can be modified, the function of each element can be modified, combinations thereof, and the like. 
     Generally described, the application server  20  is configured to receive user input from the communication devices  40 ,  42  through the user interfaces, to retrieve dimensional data from the databases  30 ,  32 , to optimize the loading of one or more vehicles according to dimensional data, to generate instructions for loading a vehicle, and to optimize a list of candidate vehicles. To accomplish these and other functions, the application server  20  includes software modules  60 ,  62 ,  64 ,  66 ,  68 . For example, programming languages such as C, C++, C#, Java, JavaScript, Peri, PHP, Python, Ruby, and SQL can be used to write the software modules. The inputting software module  60  is configured to receive input though the communication devices  40 ,  42  and to transmit output to the communication devices  40 ,  42 . The retrieving software module  62  is configured to access and retrieve dimensional data from databases  30 ,  32 . The outputting software module  64  is configured to process dimensional data according to an algorithm and to transform the results of the algorithm into information that is useful to a user. To transform the results of the algorithm, the outputting software module  64  includes the optimizing software module  66  that generates an optimized list of vehicles and the instructing software module  68  that generates instructions for loading a vehicle. 
     The local database  30  is a resource that is directly connected to the application server  20  and stores data that is central to the system  10 . The remote database  32  is an example of one of multiple resources that is not necessarily affiliated with the application server  20  but is connected or accessible to the application server  20  via the Internet  50 . For example, the remote database  32  stores data on a third party website or a merchant website. As used herein, the term “database” includes, but is not limited to data sources, data stored on hard drives, websites, remote servers, other sources of information that are accessible through the internet, combinations thereof, and the like. The system  10  is configured to determine the best resource to search for a particular type of object or vehicle. 
     Communication devices can include a personal computer, a hand-held mobile communication device, a smart phone, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), a laptop computer, a vehicle computer, a vehicle communication device, combinations thereof, and the like. A vehicle communication device such as those used with OnStar® and the like can provide automatic communication whereas other communication devices are user operated. According to exemplary embodiments described herein, a user can view and submit data through the user interface of the communication device  40 ,  42  which accesses a website produced by the application server  20 . For example, the communication device  40 ,  42  is configured with a web browser that can load the website produced by the application server  20 . In alternative embodiments, a graphical user interface (GUI) may be provided as part of an application at least partially local to the communication device  40 ,  42 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , an exemplary method  100  that is performed by the system  10  is described. The method  100  includes an input step  110  performed by the software modules  60 ,  62 , a processing step  120  performed by the outputting software module  64 , and an output step  130  performed by the software modules  60 ,  64 . The input step  110 , the processing step  120 , and the output step  130  are now described in detail. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the input step  110  includes a number of exemplary substeps for receiving user inputs and retrieving dimensional data for each of a group of objects  410  and for storage space  402  of one or more vehicles  400  (see objects  410  illustrated in  FIG. 6  and trunk  402  of vehicle  400  illustrated in  FIG. 8 ). Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , according to a step  200 , the inputting software module  60  receives user inputs. Through a website  1000  on the communication device  40 , the inputting software module  60  prompts the user to identify one of the objects  410 . Specifically, the inputting software module  60  displays a text entry box  1004  into which a user enters one or more object characteristics  1002  that identify an object  410 . Characteristics or identifiers of an object or vehicle include names, associated keywords, tags, categories, Universal Product Code (UPC) bar codes, brands, models, makes, sizes, classes, types, sources (store, rental agency, location, dealer, maker, and the like), vehicle identification numbers (VIN), OnStar® addresses, IP addresses, authentication credentials (user login, private/public keys, and the like), combinations thereof, and the like. Characteristics can be alternatively indicated by checking boxes, clicking successively refined icons, selecting from dropdown menus, combinations thereof, and the like. Referring momentarily to  FIG. 4 , the user submits the entered object characteristics  1002  by clicking a submit button  1005  and the inputting software module  60  receives the object characteristics  1002 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 3 , according to a step  202 , the inputting software module  60  confirms that the object characteristics  1002  are sufficient for retrieving object search results  1006  and then transfers the object characteristics  1002  to the retrieving software module  62 . According to steps  204 ,  206 , the retrieving software module  62  determines whether the descriptions of the object search results  1006  can be found in the local database  30  or if the object search results  1006  must be retrieved from partner resources or unaffiliated but freely accessible resources represented by the remote database  32 . The system  10  is configured to access resources in order of any of a predetermined preference, reliability, cost, download speed, efficiency, combinations thereof, and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the retrieving software module  62  accesses and retrieves object search results  1006  from database  30  and, if necessary, additionally accesses and retrieves object search results  1006  from database  32 . The retrieving software module  62  searches and retrieves object search results  1006  such as names, descriptions, and images that are associated with the object characteristics  1002  and that are sufficient to identify dimensional data  1020 . As such, object search results  1006  identify objects in a specific manner and each object search result  1006  is linked to specific dimensional data  1020 , as described in further detail below. 
     The retrieving software module  62  is configured to search external resources such as database  32  with techniques including searching resources for keywords, dimensions, and file extensions. The order for searching the external resources can be ranked based on probability of finding the data in the resource. The resources to be searched may be determined with a ranking algorithm, predetermined, random, determined based on past results, combinations thereof, and the like. The search history can be saved to make previous search results easy to find again and retrieved data can be stored by the system  10  and linked to the search history. Each of these steps makes return visits to the system  10  by the user or other users more efficient. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 5 , according to steps  208 ,  210 , the retrieving software module  62  transfers the object search results  1006  to the inputting software module  60  and the inputting software module  60  displays the object search results  1006  on a web page  1008  on the communication device  40 . According to a step  212 , inputting software module  60  prompts the user to narrow or confirm the object search results  1006  and adds the selected object search result  1010  to a cart  1012  or otherwise stores or flags the selected object search result  1010 . Object search results  1006  may be one search result if the user input was specific enough, in which case the user merely confirms that the retrieving software module  62  retrieved the correct object search result  1006  corresponding to an object  410 . 
     At a decision step  214 , the inputting software module  60  prompts the user to confirm that the selected object search results  1010  in the cart  1012  represent the group of objects  410 . In other words, the software module  60  prompts the user to confirm that all of the objects  410  have been identified to the system  10 . If not, according to a step  216 , the inputting software module  60  prompts the user to identify another object beginning with the step  200 . If so, the user clicks a submit button  1014  to confirm that the inputting software module  60  has received all the selected object search results  1010 . 
     The inputting software module  60  prompts the user to identify the state of the objects  410 . For example, the state of the objects can be packaged, unpackaged, assembled, unassembled, and the like. For any such objects  410 , the dimensional data  1020  retrieved for the associated selected object search result  1010  will reflect the state. 
     According to a step  218 , the inputting software module  60  makes available the selected object search result  1010  to the retrieving software module  62 . The retrieving software module  62  determines if the dimensional data of the selected object search result  1010  can be found in the local database  30  or the remote database  32 . According to steps  220 ,  222  the retrieving software module  62  searches the appropriate database  30 ,  32  and retrieves dimensional data  1020  corresponding to each of the selected object search result  1010 . 
     Once selected object search results  1010  are identified and dimensional data  1020  is retrieved (or being retrieved), the user may limit the universe of vehicles that are to be considered by the system  10 . For example, the universe of vehicles can be limited to the user&#39;s vehicle or vehicles, vehicles with a certain brand or type (SUV, minivan, etc.), vehicles that a rental company offers, availability of rental vehicles, vehicles with a certain passenger capacity, combinations thereof, and the like. 
     According to an exemplary method, the inputting software module  60  prompts the user to create a list that includes one or more vehicles  400 . The list of vehicles is created in substantially the same manner in which the list of objects was created according to the substeps of the input step  110  illustrated in  FIG. 3 . Element numbers that represent vehicle data moving through the input step  110  begin with a “2” as opposed to the element numbers that represent object data moving through the input step  110  which begin with “1”. For clarity, the vehicle data element numbers are not illustrated for the input step  110 . Rather, each vehicle data element number can be associated with a corresponding object data element number. For example, vehicle characteristics  2002  can be associated with object characteristics  1002 . 
     Again referring to  FIG. 3  and  FIG. 5 , according to the step  200 , the inputting software module  60  prompts the user to enter one or more vehicle characteristics  2002  that identify a vehicle  400  into the text entry box  1004  of the website  1000 . The inputting software module  60  receives the vehicle characteristics  2002  as the user submits the vehicle characteristics  2002  by clicking the submit button  1005 . According to the step  202 , the inputting software module  60  determines whether the vehicle characteristics  2002  are sufficient to retrieve vehicle search results  2006  and, if so, transfers the vehicle characteristics  2002  to the retrieving software module  62 . Each of the vehicle search results  2006  represents a vehicle  400  and is linked to dimensional data  2020  for the storage space  402  of the vehicle  400 . According to steps  204 ,  206 , based on the vehicle characteristics  2002 , the retrieving software module  62  determines where vehicle search results  2006  that match the vehicle characteristics  2002  can be found and searches and retrieves the vehicle search results  2006  from the corresponding databases  30 ,  32 . 
     According to the steps  208 ,  210 , the retrieving software module  62  transfers the vehicle search results  2006  to the inputting software module  60  and the inputting software module  60  displays the vehicle search results  2006  to the user through the communication device  40 . According to the step  212 , the inputting software module  60  prompts the user to select from the vehicle search results  2006  and the inputting software module  60  adds a selected vehicle search result  2010  to the cart  1012  or otherwise stores or flags the selected vehicle search result  2010 . At decision step  214 , the inputting software module  60  prompts the user to decide if each desired vehicle  400  is represented by a selected vehicle search result  2010  in the cart  1012 . If not, according to the step  216 , the inputting software module  60  prompts the user to repeat the vehicle identification process beginning with step  200 . If so, the inputting software module  60  prompts the user to submit the selected vehicle search results  2010  in the cart  1012  by clicking the submit button  1014 . 
     According to a step  218 , the inputting software module  60  transfers the selected vehicle search results  2010  to the retrieving software module  62 . According to the steps  220 ,  222 , the retrieving software module  62  determines where the dimensional data  2020  associated with each selected vehicle search result  2010  can be found and retrieves the dimensional data  2020  from the corresponding database  30 ,  32 . 
     As mentioned previously, the dimensional data  2020  is that of the storage space  402  of the selected vehicle search result  2010 . In certain cases, vehicles  400  have a storage space  402  that includes multiple spaces or compartments or have a storage space  402  that can be configured into different shapes and volumes. Here, dimensional data for each space, compartment, and configuration associated with a selected vehicle search result  2010  is retrieved. A user can be prompted to select one or more spaces, compartments, and configurations to define the storage space  402  of a vehicle  400 . In sum, storage space of the vehicle  400  can be considered the compilation of spaces and compartments selected by the user. 
     In alternative embodiments, the user is not prompted to create the list of vehicles. Rather, the list of vehicles is predetermined and stored in the database  30 ,  32 . Referring to  FIG. 3 , at step  218 , once the user clicks the submit button  1014  to submit selected object search results  1010  to the retrieving software module  62 , the inputting software module  60  is configured to initiate instructions  2008  that instruct the retrieving software module  62  to access and retrieve the list of vehicles  2010  from the database  30 ,  32  according to steps  224 ,  226 . The dimensional data  2020  for the list of vehicles  2010  is then retrieved as in steps  220 ,  222 . This embodiment is applicable, for example, where a list of vehicles  2010  is available through and provided by a certain rental car company. The user can be prompted to narrow the list of vehicles  2010  retrieved by the retrieving software module  62  according to various criteria prior to retrieving dimensional data  2020  according to steps  220 ,  222 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , once dimensional data  1020 ,  2020  for a group of objects  410  and for vehicles  400  have been collected according to the input step  110 , the dimensional data  1020 ,  2020  is processed according to the processing step  120 . Referring to  FIG. 3 , according to a step  300 , the dimensional data  1020 ,  2020  is transferred to the outputting software module  64  by the retrieving software module  62 . During the processing step  120 , the outputting software module  64  analyzes the dimensional data  1020 ,  2020  of the objects  410  and of the storage spaces  402  according to an exemplary algorithm, which may be programmed into outputting software module  64 . In general, the algorithm determines whether it is possible and how to optimally load the group of objects  410  into the storage space  402  of each vehicle  400 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 3 ,  6 , and  8 - 12 , according to a step  500  where the dimensional data  1020 ,  2020  is combined according to an exemplary algorithm, a storage space  402  of a vehicle  400  is selected, each object  410  is given a randomly generated orientation (the coordinate axes XYZ of the object  410  relative to the coordinate axes XYZ of the storage space  402 ), and each object  410  is virtually loaded into the selected storage space  402  according to a randomly generated order. In this embodiment, the order that the objects  410  are loaded into the storage space  402  corresponds to the positions of the objects  410  in the storage space  402  as the objects  410  are loaded according to a bottom-left-back progression. The bottom-left-back position of the storage space  402  is substantially at the origin of the associated coordinate axis shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     At a decision step  502 , the dimensions of the resulting arrangement of the group of objects  410  is compared to the dimensions of the storage space  402 . If the dimensions of the resulting arrangement of the group of objects  410  fits within the dimensions of the storage space  402  or otherwise doesn&#39;t interfere with the boundaries of the storage space  402 , the arrangement of objects  410  is accepted and the corresponding arrangement information  1030  (order, position, orientation, and the like) is stored by the outputting software module  64  according to a step  504 . If the dimensions of the resulting arrangement of the group of objects  410  does not fit within the dimensions of the storage space  402  or otherwise interferes with the boundaries of the storage space  402 , the arrangement of the group of objects  410  is rejected by the outputting software module  64  according to a step  506 . In the illustrated embodiment, this process can be repeated according to a step  508  with other randomly generated arrangements. 
     As used herein, the process of “determining an arrangement” is considered to be determining at least one arrangement. 
     Where an acceptable arrangement of the group of objects  410  is not found for the storage space  402 , the algorithm is configured to automatically repeat this process with a subset of the group of objects  410  beginning at step  500 . According to one embodiment, the user is prompted to remove one or more objects  410  from consideration. Alternatively or additionally, the user is prompted to add a compartment or space to the current storage space  402 . 
     The algorithm may factor in other data corresponding to each object  410  such as the weight data, compressibility data, fragility data, stability data, combinations thereof and the like. Such data can be used in optimizing randomly generated arrangements of objects  410  or in limiting the position, orientation, or location of certain objects  410 . Arrangements can also be optimized for efficiency or compactness. 
     According to a decision step  510 , a step  512  is performed after the step  508  is performed for a certain number of iterations and at least one acceptable arrangement has been found. The step  512  gathers the information saved at step  504  and proceeds toward a next step where the information is organized so as to be useful to the user. 
     Alternatively, step  512  can be performed once an acceptable arrangement of objects  410  is found, proceeding without completing all iterations. Here, step  508  is performed at decision step  510  until an acceptable arrangement of objects  410  is found. 
     A cycle or set of iterations is performed for storage space  402  of each vehicle  400 . 
     According to an exemplary optimization method, an optimal arrangement of objects  410  is found by using arrangement information  1030  from previously found acceptable arrangements of objects  410  to facilitate selecting the next random orientation, sequence, and/or loading of the objects  410  into the storage space  402 . For example, arrangement information  1030  from preferred arrangements (according to a certain preference rule) can be used to converge to tightly packed arrangements of objects  410 . Here, arrangements of objects  410  with higher preference are made to be more likely to be selected when generating subsequent arrangements of objects  410 . For such a method, each step  508  can include gathering arrangement information  1030 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , in the output step  130 , the results of the processing step  120  are transformed or organized and output to the user. For purposes of teaching, the illustrated output step  130  includes a decision step  514  where the user is prompted to make a decision as to what information is desired. However, in certain embodiments, the desired output information is known or predetermined and the decision step  514  can be omitted along with one of the methods of information organization described in further detail below. 
     An exemplary method that is performed by the instructing software module  68  is now described. For purposes of teaching, the method is described with respect to a single vehicle  400 . According to a step  600 , the user is prompted by the inputting software module  60  to select the file or output format of the instructions or the hardware with which the instructions will be accessed. For example, the user may select a personal computer with the instructions in text, html, .doc, or .pdf, audio, image, video formats, or other formats associated with software of particular hardware or communications devices. The instructing software module  68  generates loading instructions  1040  for loading the storage space  402  of the vehicle  400 . The loading instructions are in the desired format and based on the arrangement information  1030 , including the orientation, location, and order associated with an accepted or optimal arrangement of objects  410 . Where multiple acceptable arrangements are found, the arrangements can be compared at step  600  to determine an optimal arrangement of objects  410  before generating the loading instructions  1040 . 
     In the illustrated embodiment, the loading instructions  1040  are transferred to the inputting software module  60 , according to a step  602 , which then communicates the instructions to the user through the communication device  40 , according to a step  604  and illustrated in  FIG. 7 . 
     An exemplary method that is performed by the optimizing software module  66  is now described. The exemplary method is described with respect to a plurality of vehicles  400 . According to a step  700 , the optimizing software module  66  compiles and optimizes a list of vehicles  1050  for which an accepted arrangement of the group of objects  410  has been found. The optimizing software module  66  is configured to optimize the list of vehicles  1050 , for example, according to various user preferences and to list the vehicles  400  in order from most optimal to least optimal. 
     The optimized list of vehicles  1050  is transferred to the inputting software module  60 , according to a step  702 , which then displays the list of vehicles  1050  for a user through the communication device  40 , according to a step  704 . According to steps  706 ,  708 , the user can select one of the vehicles  400  from the list of vehicles  1050  and get instructions for loading the group of objects  410  in the storage space  402  of the selected vehicle  1060  beginning with the step  600  of the exemplary method described above. 
     For purposes of illustration, exemplary applications of the systems and methods are described. According to a first exemplary application where a user desires to load a vehicle  400  with a group of objects  410 , the user identifies both the vehicle  400  and the objects  410  to the system  10  through the communication device  40  as described above. The desired output is instructions  1040  in html format. Accordingly, the output to the communication device  40  is a web page displaying loading instructions  1040  for loading the vehicle  400 . The loading instructions  1040  can also include steps for configuring the storage space  402  of the vehicle  400 , where applicable. For example, a seat may have to be removed or reconfigured. 
     Here, the loading instructions  1040  include written instructions accompanied by visual representations of the written instructions. In alternative embodiments, the loading instructions  1040  include a pictorial or movie representation of the loading instructions that may be viewed as a virtual three dimensional representation on the communication device  40 . 
     In the exemplary application, the loading instructions  1040  are printed and taken with the user to the vehicle  400 . Alternatively, the loading instructions  1040  may be saved to an attached mobile device or sent to and displayed on a mobile device with an Internet, cellular, or other wireless connection. Such mobile devices include OnStar®, eNav®, GPS devices, digital cameras, cell phones, smart phones, iPOD®s, PDAs, and the like. 
     According to a second exemplary application, a user desires to receive loading instructions  1040  through a vehicle communication device  42  with operator service (such as OnStar®). In this case, the vehicle  400  to be loaded is the vehicle  400  that is equipped with the vehicle communication device  42 . Through the vehicle communication device  42 , the user tells the operator what objects  410  are desired to be loaded into the vehicle  400 . The operator identifies the objects to the system  10  through the communication device  40 , as previously described, and the vehicle communication device  42  automatically identifies the vehicle  400  to the system  10 . The system  10  generates loading instructions  1040  and outputs the loading instructions  1040  in a format that can be communicated by the vehicle communication device  42 . For example, the loading instructions  1040  can be delivered to a driver information center, to the navigation (NAV) screen, or to a monitor in the vehicle  400 . The format of the loading instructions  1040  can be text, a three dimensional visual of loaded objects  410 , a three dimensional exploded visual of loaded objects  410 , or a three dimensional movie depicting the loading of the objects  410 . Alternatively, the loading instructions  1040  can be verbalized by the operator. 
     According to a third exemplary application, a user desires to find a rental vehicle or a new vehicle  400  in which a group of objects  410  can be loaded. The user identifies the objects  410  to the system  10 . The rental vehicles or new vehicles  400  in consideration can be pulled from a database  30 ,  32  or supplied by the user through the communication device  40 , as described above. The output of the system  10  is a list of vehicles  1050  that are capable of being loaded with the group of objects  410 . The user can search or narrow the list of vehicles  1050  according to certain preferences and make a selection from the list of vehicles  1050 . Making a selection can involve getting additional information, making a purchase, and making a rental reservation. 
     The above-described embodiments are merely exemplary illustrations of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Variations, modifications, and combinations may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims. All such variations, modifications, and combinations are included herein by the scope of this disclosure and the following claims.