Patent ID: 12211111

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

FIG.2is a functional block diagram of an in-store wireless communication system100to enable the communications between a customer110using a wireless communication device115and a wireless communication server120. The communication session starts with the registration of the customer110and the wireless communication device115. The registration process most commonly takes place when the customer110first enters a store125. Once the registration process is completed, a communication link between the wireless communication server120and the customer110using the wireless communication device is established. The wireless communication server120of a store is provided to send different messages to the communication device115to provide different information to the customer110. The wireless communication server120can further detect the location of the customer110when the customer is walking and shopping at different places in the store125. Therefore, the wireless communication server110is enabled to send messages to the customer110through the wireless communication link with the communication device115messages that are relevant to locations near the customer at the time during the transmission of the messages.

The wireless communication system may be implemented with existing cellular communication systems and wireless local area network (LAN) systems. In one embodiment, the invention is a portable communication system that combines the advantages of wide-area cellular coverage with the low cost of Wireless Fidelity (WiFi) Internet telephones. Advantages of the invention include the ability for portable wireless devices to communicate with the wireless communication server via both cellular and WiFi by the least expensive means possible. The result is a cost-effective wireless telecommunications network.

FIG.3is a flowchart for illustrating the steps enabled by the wireless communication system shown inFIG.2to achieve time-savings and for the store to provide enhanced services to a customer110using the wireless communication device115. The process starts (step200) with the customer110registers with the wireless communication server120to establish a communication session (step205). The registration step205may take place automatically. Automatic registration may happen under the circumstance that the customer110carries a wireless communication device such as a cellular phone. Furthermore, the presence of a customer as the cellular phone user in the store is automatically detected by the wireless communication server120and recognized as a registered user. The registration may take place through a process where a customer110checks out a wireless communication device115provided by the store125. Once a customer checks out a wireless communication device115, the identification of the customer110and the device115is registered in the wireless communication server120of the store. Alternately, the customer110as a user of cellular phone115that is not automatically detected by the wireless communication server120because the cellular phone115is not recognized by the wireless communication server as a user. The customer can also go through a check-in registration process if the cellular phone115or any type of wireless communication device carried by the customer110can be linked to the wireless communication server120for sending and receiving messages.

Once the customer110and the wireless communication device115are registered with the wireless communication server130, the customer can start the shopping processes. In the meantime, soon as the customer110has an estimated time before the shopping is completed, the customer has an option to send a message to the wireless communication server120to indicate an estimated checkout time (step210). Immediately following the wireless communication server120receives a message from the customer110for an estimated checkout time, the wireless communication server120starts a monitoring process to continuously check a “readiness for check” state for each of the checkout stations (step215).FIG.2shows the distribution of the checkout stations130-1to130-6distributed at different locations in the store125. The wireless communication server120further monitors the location of the customer110in the store125(step220). Five or ten minutes before the estimated checkout time of the customer110, the wireless communication server120sends a message to the wireless communication device115(step225). The message notifies the customer110where are the checkout stations near the location of the customer110and an estimated ready to checkout time for each of these checkout stations130-1to130-6. Based on the “readiness to checkout” information for these checkout stations, the customer110then sends a confirmation message back to the communication server120to select a checkout station to check out according to the location and readiness information of these checkout stations130-1to130-6(step230). Then the customer110takes the items to buy and the wireless communication device115to the selected checkout station to process a payment and checkout process (step235). If the wireless communication device115is provided by the store, then the device115is returned (Step240).

In addition to the checkout messages, the wireless communication server120can also send other messages, such as special sales or product promotion, to the customer110. Since the wireless communication server120can monitor the location of the customer110, these messages may be sent at a specific time when the customer is near the locations of these special sales or product promotion. In addition to a function of sending and receiving messages to and from the wireless communication server120, the wireless communication device115may also have a scanning function to scan the bar code of a product or alternately a radio frequency identification (RFID) number. A cellular phone with a camera can easily take a picture of the products with the bar codes shown on these products. The wireless communication device115then sends the bar code or RFID numbers to the wireless communication server120. The checkout stations130-1to130-6receive the bar code or RFID numbers and process these data to prepare for the customer110to checkout from any one of these checkout stations. A checkout station can achieve faster and smoother checkout process with these data available in advance. Additional service may be available to the customer110by allowing the customer to order the products by sending these bar code or RFID numbers to the wireless communication server120indicating for picking up at the time of checkout. Message exchanges between the customer110and the wireless communication server120can then carryout to arrange the checkout time and checkout location. The customer110does not have to carry the items to purchase when roaming to different locations of the store125.

In an alternate preferred embodiment, a store can issue to issue to each member a designated wireless communication device115with or without charging a fee to function like a membership card. The wireless communication device115then becomes a dedicated device for use in the store125.

According toFIGS.2and3, and above descriptions this invention discloses a wireless communication system in a shopping area that includes a wireless communication server for receiving a message from a customer for registering a wireless communication device used by the customer for sending message to and receiving message from the wireless communication server related to ongoing situations and transactions to be carried out in the shopping area. In a preferred embodiment, the wireless communication system further includes a plurality of checkout stations for processing a checkout transaction for the customer wherein the wireless communication server further monitoring a processing state of the checkout stations for sending message to the wireless communication device to notify the customer of a checkout station and approximate time for the customer to checkout. In a preferred embodiment, the wireless communication server further monitors a location of the customer in the shopping area for sending messages to the wireless communication device to notify the customer of an ongoing situation in the shopping area near the location of the customer. In a preferred embodiment, the wireless communication server is provided with a function to automatically detect a presence of the customer through detecting an initial presence of the wireless communication device in the shopping area and to automatically register the customer in the wireless communication server for sending message to and receiving message from the wireless communication device related to the ongoing situations and transactions to be carried out in the shopping area. In a preferred embodiment, the wireless communication system further includes at least a shopping-area dedicated wireless communication device available to the customer to register with the wireless communication server and to use the shopping-area dedicated wireless communication device for sending message to and receiving message from the wireless communication server related to ongoing situations and transactions to be carried out in the shopping area. In a preferred embodiment, the wireless communication server further store at least a data of a customer as member for using a membership wireless communication device in the shopping area. In a preferred embodiment, the wireless communication system further includes at least a customer-owned wireless communication device for registering with the wireless communication server for sending message to and receiving message from the wireless communication server related to ongoing situations and transactions to be carried out in the shopping area. In a preferred embodiment, the wireless communication server further receives and processes a customer estimated checkout time for monitoring the ongoing situation in the shopping area for sending a message to the wireless communication device to notify the customer a designated location and time for the customer to check out. In a preferred embodiment, the wireless communication device further includes a product identification code scanner for scanning a product identification code as a purchase item.

The wireless communication server further receives and processes the product identification code transmitted from the wireless communication device to prepare a checkout process for the purchase item. In a preferred embodiment, the wireless communication device further includes a product identification code scanner for scanning a product identification code as a purchase item to pickup at checkout. The wireless communication server further receives and processes the product identification code transmitted from the wireless communication device to prepare a checkout process with the purchase item ready for pickup. Alternately, the purchase items as included in the messages sent from the wireless communication device by a customer to the wireless communication server may indicate that the purchase item is for home delivery and the checkout station is prepared to process the checkout of the customer for a home delivery process of the purchase items.

FIG.4illustrates the processing steps to allow an airline passenger to register with an airline to prepare for checking in luggage and person with the airline to board a specific airplane. InFIG.2, instead of a store125, the building125now represents an airport terminal and the checkout stations now represent airline check-in counters130-1to130-6. In one embodiment, the process starts (step250) a passenger110enters into an airline terminal building125(step255). The passenger110checks out a “wireless passenger check-in device”115by using an airline ticket, a reservation “locator ID” or any other numbers or codes recognized by an airline wireless checking server120(step260). The passenger110then uses the wireless checking device115to enter information related to the checking process (step265). The information may include a number of bags to be checked, passport and visa number, etc. The wireless check-in device115may include a scanner to scan an image of the passport and visa if necessary and the bags to be checking in. The passenger checking in device115sends the passenger information and data to the airline wireless checking-in server120(step270). In the meantime, the airline wireless checking-in server120monitor the progress of different checking in stations130-1to130-6to determine an approximate “ready to check in” time for the passenger110(step275). The airline wireless checking in server120then sends the approximate “ready to check in” time to the passenger110via the wireless checking in device115(step280). Once the passenger110receives this estimated “ready to check in” time, the passenger is not restricted to wait in line before one of the checking in stations. The passenger has total freedom of movement either within the airport terminal125, or even beyond the airport terminal if there are sufficient time for the passenger to move outside of the terminal and come back within certain time before the “ready to check in” time (step285). At a specific time, the airline wireless checking-in server120sends messages to the passenger110to provide a notification for the passenger to go to a designated checking in station at a particular time (step290). Meanwhile, the airline wireless checking-in server120sends the passenger's checking-in related information and data to the designated checking-in station to expedite the checking process (step295) before the processing is ended (step300).

In an alternate embodiment, the regular cellular phone or any mobile communication devices, such as a network connected personal digital assistance (PDA) may also be used to communicate with the airline wireless checking-in server120. In a different embodiment, the passenger may pre-register with the airline wireless checking-in server120the passenger's approximate arrival time to an airport terminal and the number of the wireless communication device used by the passenger110. In this pre-registration process, the passenger may also send the checking-in related information to the airline server120. According to the data and information, the airline server can communicate with the passenger110via the wireless communication device115to provide notification about time and the designated checking-in station for the passenger to check in at approximately a time slot. The passenger110as a customer does not have to wait in line before a check-in station for the airline personnel to handle the check in process on a checking in station.

According toFIGS.2and4, this invention discloses a wireless communication system in an airport area. The wireless communication system includes a wireless communication server for receiving a message from a passenger for registering a wireless communication device used by the passenger for sending message to and receiving message from the wireless communication server related to ongoing situations and passenger checking in processes to be carried out in the airport area.

Specifically, the wireless communication system in the airport further includes a plurality of airline check-in counters for handling a passenger check in process of the passenger. The wireless communication server further monitors a processing state of the airline check in counter for sending message to the wireless communication device to notify the passenger of a check in counter and an approximate time for the passenger to check in at the check in counter.

As an embodiment for carrying out the process functions of this invention, a computer network is illustrated inFIG.5. The computer network includes a geographically distributed collection of nodes interconnected by communication links and segments for transporting data between these end nodes. For example, such nodes may include personal computers and workstations, or other devices, such as various kinds of detectors and sensors, etc. There are wide verities of networks that may include local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs). Computer communication networks many include other types of networks, such as personal area networks (PANs), field area networks (FANs), neighborhood area networks (NANs).

As shown inFIG.5, typical nodes or devices implemented at different levels of network are interconnected by various methods of communications as described above. The interconnection links may be wireless or wired connections configured with interconnections of routers, or different types of links depending on distance, operational status, locations, connectivity, and signal strengths, etc.

Specifically, the network as that illustrated inFIG.5includes three layers of networks. The first layer of network is the airport network, e.g., a Local Area Network (LAN)310connected through a local link to a second layer, e.g., a wide area network (WAN)320for establishing communication links through Internet with a cloud layer of network330. As further described below, a client passenger taking a flight in an airplane350may link through the cloud network330and the WAN Internet320to communicate with an airport network LAN310to establish a Passenger to Service (P-to-S) communication link.

FIG.6shows a schematic block diagram of a general and typical computing device400that can be implemented in one or more embodiments described in the invention such as any device or node that is illustrated inFIG.5. As shown inFIG.6, the device400may comprise one or more network interfaces410that may include wired, wireless, cellular, PLC, etc. Typically, the device further comprises at least one processor420, and a memory440interconnected by a system bus450, as well as a power supply460such as battery or power outlet plug-in, etc. The network interface may be implemented as circuits for receiving and transmitting signals or devices for communicating data over links, either wired or wireless links, coupled to the networks as that shown inFIG.5. For carrying out functional processes of this invention, executable programs and data are stored in the memory440that may include one or several storage devices and addressable by the processor420and may also be addressable by the network interface410. The memory440stores software programs and data structures associated with the functional processes described in this invention below. The processor420implemented in this invention may also include hardware elements or logic that is adapted for executing the software programs and manipulating the data structures445. The processor further executes the operating system442resides in the memory440to operate and manage the computing device400including steps of functionally organizing the device by, among other things, invoking operations in support of software processes and/or services executing on the device. These software processes and/or services may comprise a modular process480to carry out prediction and preparation functions as illustrated inFIG.8andFIG.9, and further described below. As further described below the typical computing device as shown may presented in different nodes in different layers of the computer networks shown inFIG.5wherein the data structures and functional processes necessary to complete the arrival-ready preparation of services as that requested by a client-passenger are flexibly achieved.

FIG.7shows a map of an exemplary airport map. As shown in the map, the airport has several terminal buildings, and each terminal building has many gates. Each gate has an airplane parking space and walkways for passengers to board onto and leave off the airplane parks on the parking space. As shown inFIG.7A-1, a passenger client PC-1arriving at a connecting airport, is walking from an arriving gate AC to a departing gate DC through path Path-1. According toFIGS.5,6,7this invention discloses an apparatus that includes: one or more network interfaces to communicate within a passenger-client PC-1to service provider (P2S) network. The apparatus includes a processor420(or a modular processor480) coupled to the network interfaces and adapted to execute one or more processer. The apparatus further includes a memory440configured to store a process executable by the processor420, the process when executed operable to: a) receive an arrival-ready service request from a passenger-client PS-1; b) collect a travel information of the passenger client from the arrival service request, c) predict a flight arrival time to a connecting airport of the passenger client; d) determine an optimal walking route of the client-passenger between an arriving gate AC, and a connecting gate CG of a next flight of the client-passenger in the connecting airport; e) determine from the optimal walking route having one or more selectable stores SS for purchasing service-items from the one or more selected stores as that requested by the client passenger; and f) predict a time of arrival of the client-passenger to the one or more selected stores SS based on the travel information for preparing the service-items for arrival-ready pickup by the client passenger.

According toFIGS.5,6,7, and,FIG.8as described below, this invention discloses an apparatus that includes: one or more network interfaces to communicate within a traveler-client PC-1to service provider (T2S) network. The apparatus includes a processor420(or a modular processor480) coupled to the network interfaces and adapted to execute one or more processer. The apparatus further includes a memory440configured to store a process executable by the processor420, the process when executed operable to: a) receive an arrival-ready service request from a traveler-client TC (Step510); b) collect a travel information of the traveler-client from the arrival service request (Step520), c) predict an arrival time to a designated area DA of the traveler-client TC (Step530); d) determine an optimal route of the traveler client in the designated area to a designated arriving location DAL in the designated area AC(Step540); e) determine from the optimal route having one or more selectable stores SS for purchasing service-items from the one or more selected stores as that requested by the client passenger; (Step550) and f) predict a time of arrival of the client-passenger to the one or more selected stores SS based on the travel information for preparing the service-items for arrival-ready pickup by the traveler passenger(Step560).

In a preferred embodiment, this invention discloses a method and apparatus that carries out steps like that shown inFIG.8in an airport shown inFIG.7. According toFIGS.5,6and7, this invention discloses an apparatus that includes: one or more network interfaces to communicate within a passenger-client PC-1to service provider (P2S) network. The apparatus includes a processor420(or a modular processor480) coupled to the network interfaces and adapted to execute one or more processer. The apparatus further includes a memory440configured to store a process executable by the processor420, the process when executed operable to: 1) receive an arrival service request from a client passenger PS-2; 2) collect travel information of the client-passenger from the arrival service request and predicting a time of the arrival of the client-passenger to a designated location in a destination airport, such as the a luggage area LA, as that designated by the client passenger; and 3) order and prepare requested arrival-ready items according to the arrival-ready request before the time of arrival to get ready for providing the arrival ready service items to the client-passenger at the designated location, such as the a luggage area LA, in the destination airport.

In another preferred embodiment, this invention discloses a method and apparatus that carries out steps like that shown inFIG.8in an arriving city with city map shown inFIG.7. The preferred embodiment discloses a method and apparatus that includes: one or more network interfaces to communicate within a passenger-client PC-1to service provider (P2S) network. The apparatus includes a processor420(or a modular processor480) coupled to the network interfaces and adapted to execute one or more processer. The apparatus further includes a memory440configured to store a process executable by the processor420, the process when executed operable to 1) receive an arrival service request from a client passenger PS-3; 2) collect travel information of the client-passenger from the arrival service request and predict a time of the arrival of the client-passenger PS-3to a designated location in a destination airport DA of the client passenger; and 3) purchase the requested arrival-ready items according to the arrival-ready request before the time of arrival to a designated location DL in a city of the final destination terminal at predicted location and time.

In another preferred embodiment, this invention discloses a method and apparatus that carries out steps like that shown inFIG.8in departing airport in a departing city with airport terminal map shown inFIG.7. The preferred embodiment discloses a method and apparatus that includes: one or more network interfaces to communicate within a passenger-client PC-1to service provider (P2S) network. The apparatus includes a processor420(or a modular processor480) coupled to the network interfaces and adapted to execute one or more processer. The apparatus further includes a memory440configured to store a process executable by the processor420, the process when executed operable to 1) receive an arrival service request from a departing client passenger PC-4; 2) collect travel information of the client-passenger from the arrival service request and predicting a time of the arrival of the client-passenger PC-4to a designated location in a departure airport of the client passenger; 3) determin an optimal walking route of the client-passenger between an entry safety checkpoint and a departure gate of the client-passenger in the departure airport; 4) determine from the optimal walking route having one or more selectable stores for purchasing service-items from the one or more selected stores as that requested by the client passenger; 5) predict a time of arrival of the client-passenger to the one or more selected stores based on the travel information for preparing the service-items for arrival-ready pickup by the client passenger PS-4

In a preferred embodiment, this invention discloses a method that comprises steps of: 1) receiving, by a prediction-and-service agent process in a network, an arrival-ready service request from a client passenger; 2) collecting, by the prediction-and-service agent, travel information of the client-passenger from the arrival service request and predicting a flight arrival time to a connecting airport of the client passenger; 3) determining, by the prediction and service agent process, an optimal walking route of the client-passenger between an arriving gate and a connecting gate of a next flight of the client-passenger in the connecting airport; 4) determining, by the prediction and service agent process, from the optimal walking route having one or more selectable stores for purchasing service-items from the one or more selected stores as that requested by the client passenger; 5) predicting, by the prediction and service agent process, a time of arrival of the client-passenger to the one or more selected stores based on the travel information for preparing the service-items for arrival-ready pickup by the client passenger.

In a preferred embodiment, this invention discloses a method that comprises steps of: 1) receiving, by a prediction and service agent process in a network, an arrival service request from a client passenger; 2) collecting, by the prediction and service agent, travel information of the client-passenger from the arrival service request and predicting a time of the arrival of the client-passenger to a designated location in a destination airport of the client passenger; and 3) ordering and preparing, by the prediction and service agent, requested arrival-ready items according to the arrival-ready request before the time of arrival to get ready for providing the arrival ready service items to the client-passenger at the designated location in the destination airport.

In a preferred embodiment, this invention discloses a method that comprises steps of 1) receiving, by a prediction and service agent process in a network, an arrival service request from a client passenger; 2) collecting, by the prediction and service agent, travel information of the client-passenger from the arrival service request and predicting a time of the arrival of the client-passenger to a designated location in a destination airport of the client passenger; and 3) purchasing, packaging and delivering, by the prediction and service agent, requested arrival-ready items according to the arrival-ready request before the time of arrival to a designated location in a city of the final destination terminal at predicted location and time.

For a departing passenger client who arrives at the airport according to a departing flight schedule and he or she can request a service package ready for pickup at the airport upon arrival-tied to the flight departure schedule and terminal and gate for departure and may be the orders for the requested items are from the restrictive areas inside the entry gates.

To a departure terminal-restrictive access area with predicting walkways in the airport terminals toward the departing gate and pickup stuffs at predicted location and time) In a preferred embodiment, this invention discloses a method that comprises steps of: 1) receiving, by a prediction and service agent process in a network, an arrival service request from a client passenger;

2) collecting, by the prediction and service agent, travel information of the client-passenger from the arrival service request and predicting a time of the arrival of the client-passenger to a designated location in a departure airport of the client passenger; 3) determining, by the prediction and service agent process, an optimal walking route of the client-passenger between an entry safety checkpoint and a departure gate of the client-passenger in the departure airport; 4) determining, by the prediction and service agent process, from the optimal walking route having one or more selectable stores for purchasing service-items from the one or more selected stores as that requested by the client passenger; 5) predicting, by the prediction and service agent process, a time of arrival of the client-passenger to the one or more selected stores based on the travel information for preparing the service-items for arrival-ready pickup by the client passenger.

This invention also discloses an arrival ready request preparation in a shopping mall or a high way rest area. In a preferred embodiment, this invention further discloses a method that includes steps of (1) collecting, by a prediction agent process in a network, travel information of a vehicle and an arrival-ready service request for the vehicle; (2) determining, by the prediction agent process, a profile of the vehicle, the profile indicative of one or more services resource requirements for riders of the vehicle according the arrival-ready service request for the vehicle; (3) predicting, by the prediction agent process, a path of the vehicle based on the travel information; (4) determining, by the prediction agent process, a resource providing location to provide the arrival-ready service request along the predicted path having one or more service resources corresponding to the one or more real-time resource requirements of the vehicle, wherein the next resource node is a stationary node in the network, along the predicted path that participates with one or more vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2CS) processes executing on the vehicle; (5) predicting, by the prediction agent process, a time of arrival of the vehicle being within range of the next resources stations, e.g., a shopping mall or a highway rest area or a fast food restaurant, based on the travel information; and (6) informing, by the prediction agent process, the next resource providing station according to the arrival ready service request transmitted from the vehicle and the predicted time of arrival,(7) the informing causing the resource providing station to prepared and be ready for the one or more real-time arrival-ready service request service requirements for the vehicle for the predicted time of arrival.

According toFIGS.5,6,7, and,FIG.9as described below, this invention discloses an apparatus that includes: one or more network interfaces to communicate within a traveler-client PC-1to service provider (T2S) network. The apparatus includes a processor420(or a modular processor480) coupled to the network interfaces and adapted to execute one or more processer. The apparatus further includes a memory440configured to store a process executable by the processor420, the process when executed operable to: a) receive an arrival-ready service request from a traveler-client TC (Step610); b) collect a travel information of the traveler-client from the arrival service request (Step620), c) predict an arrival time to a designated area DA of the traveler-client TC (Step630); d) estimate required length of time to prepare the requested service-items according to the service request and determine a latest time for allowing change request to change the service request (step640); e) check if a change request is received from the client passenger (step650) followed by checking if the time limit for processing a change request is over; (Step660) and change the AR-request with updated service items according to the revised request received (step670) f) if the time limit has not reached, keep on waiting to determine if a new service-item change request is received (step660); otherwise, if the time limit for processing the change request is reached, preparing service-items for arrival-ready pickup by the client passenger at the designate pickup location (step680), g) the process proceeds with a process of waiting for a receipt confirmation sent from the passenger-client (step690) and send a receipt confirmation message to assure the arrival-ready service-request is completed (step700) and process is ended (step710).

In a preferred embodiment, this invention discloses a method and apparatus that carries out steps like that shown in the flowchart as shown inFIG.9. A passenger or a traveler-client who may arrive in an airport as shown inFIG.7or arrive at a city and plan to go to a designated location in a designated city. The designated location may be a front lobby of a designated hotel or a residence. According to 5, 6, and 9 this invention discloses apparatus that includes one or more network interfaces to communicate with a passenger-client PC-1to service provider to service provider (P2S) network. The apparatus includes a processor420(or a modular processor480) coupled to the network interfaces and adapted to execute one or more processer. The apparatus further includes a memory440configured to store a process executable by the processor420, the process when executed operable to: 1) receive an arrival service request from a client passenger PS-2; 2) collect travel information of the client-passenger from the arrival service request and predicting a time of the arrival of the client-passenger to a designated location in a destination area, such as the a luggage area LA, as that designated by the client passenger or a hotel front desk; 3) order and prepare requested arrival-ready items according to the arrival-ready request before the time of arrival to get ready for providing the arrival ready service items to the client-passenger at the designated location, such as the a luggage area LA, in the destination airport; and 4) receive a receipt-confirmation from the passenger-client to confirm the arrival-ready service request is fully accomplished. In another preferred embodiment, the process when executed operable to further receive service-items change request and to check if a latest allowable time for changing the request service-items is reached when the service request is received before ordering and preparing the service-requested items according to a latest change request of the service-items.

In a preferred embodiment, this invention discloses an apparatus, comprising: one or more network interfaces to communicate within a passenger-client to service provider (P2S) network; a processor coupled to the network interfaces and adapted to execute one or more processes; and a memory configured to store a process executable by the processor, the process when executed operable to: a) receive an arrival-ready service request from a passenger-client; b) collect a travel information of the passenger client from the arrival service request, c) predict a flight arrival time to an airport of the passenger client; d) estimate a time of arrival of the client-passenger from an arriving gate to a pickup location as designated in the arrival-ready service request in the airport; and e) receiving a change request from the passenger-client for changing the arrival-ready service-items; and f) check if an allowable-time for allowing change-request is expired and if the allowable-time is expired, purchase service-items as that requested by the client passenger in the arrival-ready service request for arrival-ready pickup at the designated pickup location by the client passenger at the designated pickup location, f) receive a receipt-confirmation from the passenger-client.

In a preferred embodiment, this invention discloses method, comprising:a) receiving, by a prediction-and-service process in a network, an arrival-ready service request from a passenger-client; b) collecting, by the prediction-and-service agent process, travel information of the passenger client from the arrival service request and predicting a flight arrival time to an_airport of the passenger client;c) estimating a time of arrival of the client-passenger from an arriving gate to a pickup location as designated in the arrival-ready service request in the airport; and d) purchasing and packaging the service-items as that requested by the client passenger in the arrival-ready service request for arrival-ready pickup at the designated pickup location by the client passenger and e) sending a receipt-confirmation to the prediction and service process.

This invention also discloses an arrival ready request preparation in a shopping mall or a highway rest area. In a preferred embodiment, this invention further discloses a method that includes steps of (1) collecting, by a prediction agent process in a network, travel information of a vehicle and an arrival-ready service request for the vehicle; (2) determining, by the prediction agent process, a profile of the vehicle, the profile indicative of one or more services resource requirements for riders of the vehicle according the arrival-ready service request for the vehicle; (3) predicting, by the prediction agent process, a path of the vehicle based on the travel information; (4) determining, by the prediction agent process, a resource providing location to provide the arrival-ready service request along the predicted path having one or more service resources corresponding to the one or more real-time resource requirements of the vehicle, wherein the next resource node is a stationary node in the network, along the predicted path that participates with one or more vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2CS) processes executing on the vehicle; (5) predicting, by the prediction agent process, a time of arrival of the vehicle being within range of the next resources stations, e.g., a shopping mall or a highway rest area or a fast food restaurant, based on the travel information; and (6) informing, by the prediction agent process, the next resource providing station according to the arrival ready service request transmitted from the vehicle and the predicted time of arrival,(7) the informing causing the resource providing station to prepared and be ready for the one or more real-time arrival-ready service request service requirements for the vehicle for the predicted time of arrival.

The foregoing description has been directed to specific embodiments. It will be apparent, however, that other variations and modifications may be made to the described embodiments, with the attainment of some or all their advantages. For instance, it is expressly contemplated that the components and/or elements described herein can be implemented as software being stored on a tangible (non-transitory) computer-readable medium, e.g., disks/CDs/RAM/EEPROM/etc., having program instructions executing on a computer, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. Accordingly, this description is to be taken only by way of example and not to otherwise limit the scope of the embodiments herein. Therefore, it is the object of the appended claims to cover all such variations and modifications as come within the true spirit and scope of the embodiments herein.

Although the present invention has been described in terms of the presently preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that such disclosure is not to be interpreted as limiting. Various alternations and modifications will no doubt become apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the above disclosure. Accordingly, it is intended that the appended claims be interpreted as covering all alternations and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.