Abstract: This disclosure describes a transportation matching system that manages the allocation of transportation providers by training and utilizing multiple machine-learning models to identify, allocate, and serve specific transportation providers with customized opportunities to relocate the transportation providers between geocoded areas in a geocoded region. For instance, the transportation matching system trains and utilizes an incremental provider model, a provider allocation model, and personalized provider behavioral models as well as a customized provider interface generator to satisfy anticipated transportation requests and improve transportation matching within a geocoded region.

Abstract: Disclosed in some examples are methods, systems, machine readable mediums that provide a network-based joint investment platform that enforces agreed-upon decision rules on jointly managed investments and provides collaboration and decision-making support tools for joint managers to make decisions about taking actions related to one or more jointly-managed assets. The platform may provide for configuring a plurality of decision rules that identify which managers can take which actions and under what conditions. The joint investment platform may enforce the decision rules by requesting any specified approvals according to the decision rules. Once those rules are satisfied, the joint investment platform may execute the requested actions. If the required approvals are not obtained, or the rules provide no path to approval, the action may not be executed.

Abstract: A global trade and SESG management system includes a processor in electronic communication with at least one data repository having product data stored thereon. The processor is configured to generate an electronic data record (EDR) corresponding to a product and store the EDR in memory associated with the processor. The EDR includes: a record identifier; summary data representative of one or more attributes of the product; and an electronic pointer identifying the location of the product data on the data repository. The processor is further configured to determine a regulatory categorization for the product and a confidence value for the regulatory categorization. The regulatory categorization is determined from at least one of the summary data or the product data. The confidence value is indicative of a probability that the determined regulatory categorization is a most optimal categorization.

Abstract: A delivery route planning system can include a computing device configured to obtain order delivery data that includes information characterizing delivery locations and delivery time windows associated with a first plurality of orders and to determine a delivery plan based on the order delivery data. The computing device can be further configured to identify recyclable time in the delivery time and to obtain supplemental order delivery data that includes information characterizing supplemental orders characterizing delivery locations and delivery time windows associated a second plurality of orders. The computing system can add one or more supplemental order deliveries from the second plurality of orders to the delivery plan based on the recyclable time, the supplemental order delivery data and at least one predetermined delivery constraint.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for detecting key words provided by ancillary devices and acquiring virtual objects based on the detected key words. This may be accomplished by a system displaying an augmented reality view to a user and detecting a received message. The system can determine whether a portion of the message corresponds to an augmented reality object. In response to detecting that the portion of the message corresponds to the augmented reality object, the system can display the augmented reality object in the augmented reality view in a first format. The first format can be based on the environment around the user.

Abstract: A system for evaluating a measure of appropriateness of additive manufacturing (AM) to manufacture a vehicle part of a vehicle is provided. The system includes a plurality of data source importers to import a plurality of datasets from a plurality of data sources to a data collection system with a composite dataset including data of the plurality of datasets. The system also includes a dataset manager system (DMS) to manage the data collection system. The system further includes a client application coupled to the DMS. The client application receives a user request for the measure of appropriateness of AM to manufacture the vehicle part of the vehicle during a lifecycle of the vehicle. In response to the user request, the client application produces the measure of appropriateness using an evaluation of a plurality of assessments on the data retrieved from the composite dataset.

Abstract: Systems and methods for facilitating aerial vehicle services are provided. A service entity system can obtain multi-modal transportation services data indicative of a plurality of anticipated aerial transportation service. The service entity system can obtain vehicle attributes associated vehicle(s) of an aerial vehicle provider and determine an expected performance of the vehicle(s) based on the vehicle attributes and the anticipated aerial transportation services. The service entity system can generate an aerial vehicle service request that requests access to the vehicle(s) for providing aerial transportation services for the service entity based on the expected performance of the vehicle(s). A vehicle provider system can obtain a number of different aerial vehicle service requests from a number of different service entities.

Abstract: One or more information maps are obtained by an agricultural work machine. The one or more information maps map one or more agricultural characteristic values at different geographic locations of a field. An in-situ sensor on the agricultural work machine senses an agricultural characteristic as the agricultural work machine moves through the field. A predictive map generator generates a predictive map that predicts a predictive agricultural characteristic at different locations in the field based on a relationship between the values in the one or more information maps and the agricultural characteristic sensed by the in-situ sensor. The predictive map can be output and used in automated machine control.

Abstract: Methods that provide dynamic index management for a set of computing storage resources are disclosed herein. One method includes collecting, by a processor, a set of current performance data for a set of storage resources storing data and implementing a set of indexes for the data stored on the set of storage resources based on an optimized performance predicted for the set of storage resources based on the collected set of current performance data and a set of predicted performance data that identifies the set of indexes. Also disclosed herein are apparatus, systems, and computer program products that can include, perform, and/or implement the methods for providing dynamic index management for a set of computing storage resources.

Abstract: A system can receive a transport request from a computing device of a requesting user, where the transport request indicates a service location. The system can determines a preliminary route for the transport request, and select an autonomous vehicle from a fleet of autonomous vehicles operating in the given area to service the transport request based on determining that the selected autonomous vehicle is capable of traversing the preliminary route without intervention.

Abstract: A pre-staged or in-person provided order is received from a customer location. Order details are sent to a fulfillment terminal and items associated with the order are prepared or collected. The items are loaded into an autonomous device. The autonomous device plans a route from its current location to the customer location and the autonomous device navigates from its current location to the customer location using the route. The customer is verified at the autonomous device and a secure bin is unlocked by the autonomous device. The customer removes the items associated with the order from the unlocked secure bin, and the autonomous device navigates back to its original location within an enterprise.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a computer-implemented method, comprises receiving transaction data for a plurality of transactions; identifying, from transaction data for a particular transaction of the plurality of transactions, an associated project of the particular transaction and project parameters of the associated project; performing, based on the transaction data for the particular transaction and the project parameters of the associated project, a risk assessment of the associated project of the particular transaction; performing an action in response to the risk assessment, the action comprising at least one of: generating a digital alert to a buyer and/or supplier account; preventing completion of the particular transaction; preventing access to private data; anonymizing private data; or creating a hold on the associated project to prevent completion of one or other associated transactions.

Abstract: A method includes generating a defined access clean room in a provider database account, as well as installing, in a consumer account, an application instance that implements the defined access clean room. The method also includes sharing, by the provider database account, source provider data with the defined access clean room, where the sharing makes the source provider data accessible to the consumer database account via the application instance. The method further includes sharing, by the provider database account, a query template with the consumer database account via the application instance. Additionally, the method includes receiving a query generated by the consumer database account based on the query template, validating that the query is consistent with the query template, responsively generating query results by executing the query, as well as storing the query results in the consumer database account.

Abstract: Techniques for generating geographical units that can be used to generate delivery routes are described herein. Geospatial vector data and barrier geospatial vector data for a geographical area may be obtained. Seed points for one or more portions of the geographical area may be determined based at least in part on historical delivery volume for the geographical area. A plurality of polygons that represent the geographical area may be determined based at least in part on an algorithm that uses the seed points, the geospatial vector data, and the barrier geospatial vector data. Coordinates for a geographical unit of a plurality of geographical units that divide the geographical area may be determined based at least in part on the plurality of polygons and a polygon-to-polygon barrier aware drive time matrix that identifies a calculated cost for traveling from one polygon to another polygon using barriers identified in the barrier geospatial vector data.

Abstract: Techniques for workforce management in a task assignment system are disclosed. In one particular embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for workforce management in a task assignment system comprising: determining, by at least one computer processor configured to operate in the task assignment system, a first efficiency level of a first task assignment strategy for a first number of agents to be employed in the task assignment system; determining, by the at least one computer processor, a second efficiency level of a second task assignment strategy for a second number of agents to be employed in the task assignment system; comparing, by the at least one computer processor, the first and second efficiency levels; and selecting, by the at least one computer processor, one of the first and second numbers of agents having the higher of the first and second efficiency levels.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for evenly distributing the loading of material in a loading container of a transport vehicle (e.g., articulated dump truck) by a work machine (e.g., excavator). At least one sensor mounted on the work machine generates data corresponding to at least a portion of the loading container. The captured data is processed to determine a current profile of material loaded in the loading container, wherein output signals are generated corresponding to a difference between the current profile and a predetermined target profile for the material loaded in the loading container. In certain embodiments, the output signals are used to assist an operator of the work machine with manual loading via an onboard display unit and superposed images associated with the current and/or target profiles. In other embodiments, the output signals automatically control at least part of the loading process.

Abstract: A leasing AI platform receives a message pertaining to leasing a real estate unit, generates a token matrix representing at least a portion of the message, and provide the token matrix as an input to a trained machine learning model. An output of the trained machine learning model comprises an indication of a first category associated with the at least the portion of the message. The leasing AI platform identifies one or more actions associated with the first category, the actions pertaining to leasing the real estate unit, and automatically executes the one or more actions without human involvement in response to receiving the message.

Abstract: Provided herein is a construct computing system including a construct computing device including a processor in communication with at least one memory device. The processor is programmed to: (i) receive construction data associated with a construction project, wherein the construction data includes scheduling data, budgeting data, and drawing data, (ii) store, in the memory, the construction data, (iii) generate a schedule and a budget for the construction project based upon the construction data, (iv) receive, from a user computing device, input associated with the construction data, wherein the input includes a modification to at least one of the scheduling data, the budgeting data, and the drawings, and (v) modify at least one of the schedule, the budget, and the drawings based upon the input.

Abstract: A subtask assignment system for assisting groups of workers to complete a task more efficiently. The task may comprise a physical assembly task of an object. The physical assembly task comprises a plurality of subtasks that must each be completed to complete the physical assembly task. The subtask assignment system may include an assignment server connected to a plurality of user devices via a network, each user device being operated by a particular worker. The assignment server may execute an assignment engine that receives inputs describing the overall task and group of workers, generates a task model representing the task based on the inputs, populates a parameters table based on the inputs, and automatically determines subtask assignments for the group of workers based on the task model and the parameters table. The assignment server determines an optimal subtask to assign to each worker based on the parameters.

Abstract: A vehicle dispatch service boarding location determination method uses a vehicle dispatch information data server and a terminal to determine a boarding location for a dispatched vehicle based on a vehicle dispatch request from the terminal. When there is a vehicle dispatch request, position information of a vehicle dispatch request point is acquired. Boarding location candidates present in a periphery of the vehicle dispatch request point are calculated based on the position information point and map information. A boarding location recognition difficulty, which is a difficulty for the user in recognizing the boarding location candidate as a boarding location, is calculated for each of the boarding location candidates. A boarding location candidate for which the boarding location recognition difficulty is low among the boarding location candidates is determined as the boarding location where the user will be picked up by the dispatched vehicle.

Abstract: The invention is directed towards an apparatus and method for generating an action validation protocol. A processor is configured to receiver user data relating to an action datum. The processor is configured to select an action datum validator. The action datum is transmitted to the action datum validator where an action datum label is selected. Once an action datum validator selects an action label, the action is further categorized. If the action datum has not been completed, it will be sent back to the action datum identifier.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and computer program product for generating a schedule for project. Modules are selected from a collection of modules. A module in the collection of modules has a group of milestones. A set of backoffs is selected for a set of the modules. A backoff in the set of modules for the module in the set of modules points to a milestone in another module in the modules. Dates are determined for the milestones based on time periods for the milestones, the set of backoffs, and a reference date for the project to form the schedule for the project.

Abstract: The disclosed technology provides solutions for improving passenger drop-off functions implemented by an autonomous vehicle (AV). In some implementations, a process of the disclosed technology can include steps for collecting environmental data about an environment around an autonomous vehicle, wherein the environmental data comprises data pertaining to a roadway navigated by the autonomous vehicle, processing the environmental data to generate an area grid comprising a plurality of grid sections, and associating, based on the environmental data, one or more features with each of the plurality of grid sections. Systems and machine-readable media are also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a software tool that facilitates coordination between various parties that are involved in the process of rectifying a problem identified in a combined three-dimensional model file. In one implementation, the software tool may cause a computing device to (a) receive an indication requesting creation of a coordination issue that relates to a portion of a rendered three-dimensional view of a construction project, (b) in response to the receipt of the indication, create a data set defining the coordination issue, the data set including (i) a representation of the portion of the rendered three-dimensional view, and (ii) data indicating an assignee of the coordination issue, and (c) cause an indication of the coordination issue to be presented to a client station associated with the assignee.

Abstract: A system for a delivery service includes a server having delivery information on a delivery, drone information on a drone to be used for the delivery, and vehicle information on a vehicle that the drone is to board. The server is configured to control the drone through the delivery information, the drone information, and the vehicle information to board and travel on the vehicle, to pick up a package to be delivered or to depart the vehicle to deliver the package to a delivery destination.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a method for remotely managing a cleaning quality for an indoor location being cleaned. The method includes accessing a training dataset including a plurality of plot points and associated signal strengths of a predefined signal received from a fixed network device, where at least one plot point is preselected based on a predefined cleaning attribute associated with a physical spot corresponding to the at least one plot point; receiving the predefined signal at a position in the indoor location from the fixed network device, where the received signal has a second signal strength and the position is determined proximate to the plot point based on the second signal strength and each of the signal strengths; and calculating a cumulative duration spent at the determined position based on a predefined cleaning schedule to assess the cleaning quality for the physical spot.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to fleet route optimization. Conventional methods for fleet route optimization have limited capability in managing and controlling transport of material from geographically spread out suppliers to the door-step of the customer in an efficient manner in real-time. The disclosed method includes optimization at two levels. At the first level and initial optimized route is obtained for the fleet by clustering the target locations into multiple clusters and obtaining heuristic on each cluster by using a weightage matrix. The initial set of optimized routes are examined in real time, and based on said examination, the routes are optimized (second level optimization) to provide a final set of optimized routes. The disclosed method and system thus facilitate in creating routes dynamically, monitor it through the application, and dynamically change and/or alter the routes based on new order and/or execution challenges.

Abstract: A method for staffing a commercial vehicle with a driver includes sending to a server, by a dispatch computing device associated with a job dispatcher, a job order to staff a commercial vehicle with a driver. The method includes receiving, from a driver computing device associated with the driver, an identification of the driver and one or more driver qualifications. The method includes verifying, by the server, the one or more driver qualifications in response to receiving the identification of the driver and the one or more driver qualifications. The method includes receiving, from the driver computing device, a request to be assigned to the job order. The method includes assigning, by the dispatch computing device, the job order to the driver by accepting the request received from the driver computing device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for drone air traffic control include, in an air traffic control system configured to manage Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) flight in a plurality of geographic regions, wherein the air traffic control system has one or more servers configured to manage each geographic region predetermined based on a geographic boundary, communicating to one or more UAVs via one or more wireless networks, wherein the one or more UAVs are configured to maintain their flight in the plurality of geographic regions based on coverage of or connectivity to the one or more wireless networks; obtaining data related to the one or more UAVs, wherein the data includes flight operational data, flight plan data, and sensor data related to obstructions and other UAVs; analyzing and storing the data for each geographic region; and managing flight of the one or more UAVs in corresponding geographic regions based on the data.

Abstract: In an analysis processing device for performing analysis on body displacements of passengers in a vehicle, a calculation unit is configured to calculate seated and standing positions of the passengers based on recognition data. A period determination unit is configured to determine an analysis period of the vehicle according to a function that changes the analysis period depending on the seated and standing positions of the passengers.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to determining credits for projects. In an example, a computer-implemented method includes: receiving a request from a requester for credit for participation in a project for production of a hardware or a software product; requesting verification from a creditor that the requester participated in the project by using an artificial intelligence (AI) determination engine to determine if the request includes enough data regarding the project and the creditor to proceed with processing the request; in response to verification of credit from the creditor, acknowledging the credit in a credit handling system comprising a hardware storage retrieval device configured to allow access to the acknowledgment of credit by users other than the requester and the creditor; and in response to the creditor not verifying the request, informing the requestor that the request has been denied.

Abstract: Aspects described herein relate to a flexible order fulfillment management system that utilizes predefined fulfillment workflows including common business processes. By utilizing predefined workflows including common business processes, the order fulfillment management system is able to drive store-based fulfillment programs efficiently as multiple fulfillment workflows may utilize the same common business processes and a single fulfillment management system may operate workflows in parallel. In addition, such an order fulfillment management system may also be more easily adapted for different retail store environments as the system allows a designer to easily create or modify a fulfillment workflow by selecting predefined common business processes or creating any additional custom business processes.

Abstract: A computer-controlled diagnostic network system. The system includes diagnostic devices and diagnostician devices located at different locations in a distributed secured network. The system includes a computer-controlled central blockchain server for storing and processing details obtained from the diagnostic devices and the diagnostician devices. The computer-controlled central blockchain server is communicatively coupled to a data extraction device for retrieving a plurality of computer-executable files stored at discrete distributed locations associated with one or more users of the distributed secured network. The computer-controlled central blockchain server is communicatively coupled to a blockchain device to process blockchain tasks through blockchain-enabled and computer-controlled software and hardware tools. The computer-controlled central blockchain server is located at a location remote from the locations of the diagnostic devices and the diagnostician devices.

Abstract: A sales and marketing assistance system using predictive analytics is provided for assisting sales by leveraging predictive analytics. The sales and marketing assistance system using predictive analytics may include a database, data warehouse, parse component, analytic component, insight component, dashboard component, mapping component, contact management component, review management component, campaign component, and messaging component. A method for assisting sales by leveraging predictive analytics using the sales and marketing assistance system using predictive analytics is also provided.

Abstract: A system includes one or more processors located remote from a plurality of containers configured to store recyclable material. The one or more processors are configured to receive image data generated by an imaging device positioned to have a field of view of an interior of a first container of the containers. The image data depicts the recyclable material within the first container. The one or more processors receive one or more weight measurements of the first container with the recyclable material therein and determine one or more characteristics of the recyclable material within the first container based on at least one of the image data or the one or more weight measurements. The one or more processors schedule a pickup date for the first container based on the one or more characteristics of the recyclable material that are determined.

Abstract: The present application discloses an improved transportation matching system, and corresponding methods and computer-readable media. According to disclosed embodiments, a transportation matching system receives session information from a requestor computing device in response to one or more session events. The system utilizes the received session information to determine a likelihood that the associated session on the requestor computing device will result in a transportation request. If the determined likelihood is above a threshold amount, the system generates an upfront dispatch that matches the associated session to a provider computing device. The system then reserves the provider computing device and generates a predicted dispatch for the reserved provider computing device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods related to robot services, related systems, and readable storage media. According to some embodiments of the present disclosure, there is provided a method, including: acquiring images of an area to be served, wherein the area to be served includes serviceable grids obtained by performing equal-area grid division on the area to be served; performing pedestrian recognition on the images to acquire pedestrian heat of each serviceable grid within the preset time period; and marking a serviceable grid with the pedestrian heat exceeding a preset threshold and serviceable grids within a preset range centered on it as grids to be served, obtaining a sub-area to be served composed of the grids to be served.

Abstract: A graphical user interface (GUI) for a sponsor portal system includes a first display area that persistently displays a list of a plurality of tabs and a second display area. When the GUI is executed by a computing device of a sponsor of the plurality of sponsors, the second display area is dynamically updatable to display a scrollable list of customers of the sponsor, a list of vendors approved by the sponsor, and a list of active offers. In response to selection of an active offer, the GUI is configured to display a draft offer message and an approval control. In response to selection of the approval control, the sponsor engine is configured to transmit an interactive graphic to mobile computing devices, the interactive graphic configured to communicate information to the mobile computing devices for display on a screen of limited size.

Abstract: Computationally implemented methods and systems that are designed for receiving one or more first directives that direct a transportation vehicle unit to transport a first end user; receiving, while the transportation vehicle unit is en route to or is transporting the first end user, one or more second directives that direct the transportation vehicle unit to transport a second end user while transporting the first end user, the transportation vehicle unit having been determined to be able to accommodate transport of the second end user while transporting the first end user; and verifying that compliance with the one or more second directives will not conflict with one or more obligations to transport the first end user by the transportation vehicle unit. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text.

Abstract: One or more information maps are obtained by an agricultural work machine. The one or more information maps map one or more agricultural characteristic values at different geographic locations of a field. An in-situ sensor on the agricultural work machine senses an agricultural characteristic as the agricultural work machine moves through the field. A predictive map generator generates a predictive map that predicts a predictive agricultural characteristic at different locations in the field based on a relationship between the values in the one or more information maps and the agricultural characteristic sensed by the in-situ sensor. The predictive map can be output and used in automated machine control.

Abstract: A fleet management system coordinates multiple autonomous vehicles (AVs) to transport a group of passengers from one location to another. A single user can submit a request to the fleet management system to provide a ride for the group, the request specifying the number of passengers and the pickup location. The fleet management system determines a number of AVs to transport the group based on the number passengers, and dispatches this number of AVs to the pickup location. The AVs pick up the passengers at the pickup location, drive the passengers to a destination, and drop the passengers off at the destination.

Abstract: Methods that provide dynamic index management for a set of computing storage resources are disclosed herein. One method includes collecting, by a processor, a set of current performance data for a set of storage resources storing data and implementing a set of indexes for the data stored on the set of storage resources based on an optimized performance predicted for the set of storage resources based on the collected set of current performance data and a set of predicted performance data that identifies the set of indexes. Also disclosed herein are apparatus, systems, and computer program products that can include, perform, and/or implement the methods for providing dynamic index management for a set of computing storage resources.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to utilizing paid time off. In one example, the systems and methods described herein may provide an infrastructure to repurpose paid time off into other uses, such as cash, travel, bill payments, and the like.

Abstract: A leasing AI platform receives a message pertaining to leasing a real estate unit, generates a token matrix representing at least a portion of the message, and provide the token matrix as an input to a trained machine learning model. An output of the trained machine learning model comprises an indication of a first category associated with the at least the portion of the message. The leasing AI platform identifies one or more actions associated with the first category, the actions pertaining to leasing the real estate unit, and automatically executes the one or more actions without human involvement in response to receiving the message.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for intelligently managing software development. In one example, a method for managing software development, includes receiving, by a computing system, a request to review source code written by a first developer, determining, by the computing system, a software skill set for the source code review, selecting, by the computing system, one or more selected source code reviewers from the pool of source code reviewers based on the software skill set and respective reputation scores for a pool of source code reviewers, assigning, by the computing system, one or more portions of the source code for code review to each of the selected source code reviewers, and determining, by the computing system, a consensus verification output on the code review based on review input from a majority of the selected source code reviewers.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for path management. Consistent with disclosed embodiments, path management system may be configured to perform a series of operations for real time path analysis. The embodiments may determine a user location based on received location data, and then determine a user path based on a sequence of user locations. The embodiments may calculate a path map based on user locations, and then determine one or more of a user density map and a user velocity map based on the path map. The embodiments may determine regions of the user density maps and user velocity maps, and provide instructions to one or more of an environment and a user device. The embodiments may provide guidance to a user of user of the path management system, and/or instructions to change a status of a service location; or modify a product layout or fixture arrangement.

Abstract: A method for preemptive control planning can include: optionally determining a graph that defines dependencies between behaviors; executing an execution plan for an executing behavior; generating a set of predictions with the executing behavior; propagating the set of predictions to child behaviors of the executing behavior; determining child execution plans and child predictions with the child behaviors; repeating the above for descendant behaviors of each child behavior; determining a realized world state associated with completion of the execution plan; and executing a child execution plan associated with a world state prediction matching the realized world state.

Abstract: In some embodiments, apparatuses and methods are provided herein useful to creating a crowdsourced delivery plan. In some embodiments, a system for creating a crowdsourced delivery plan for a package comprises a certification system configured to receive, from a retailer, an indication of items included in the package, determine, based on the indication of items included in the package, a set of requirements, and transmit, to a plurality of portable devices, information regarding the delivery, each of the plurality of portable devices configured to receive, from the certification system, the information regarding the delivery, transmit, to the certification system, an acceptance of the delivery, wherein only ones of the plurality of portable devices associated with delivery agents meeting the set of requirements is capable of acceptance of the delivery, receive, in response to the transmission of the acceptance, an authorization, and present, at a pickup point, the authorization.

Abstract: A computing system can receive input data specifying a destination location for a requesting user and determine a guaranteed upfront cost for transporting the requesting user to the specified destination location. The system can cause the computing device of the requesting user to display a ride service selection interface comprising a graphic feature indicating the guaranteed upfront cost for the specified transport option. Based on a user selection of the graphic feature, the computing system can select a driver from the one or more available drivers based, at least in part, on a proximity of the selected driver to the current location of the requesting user, and determine a rendezvous point at which the requesting user can rendezvous with the selected driver.

Abstract: A user terminal is provided with a chat function for transmitting and receiving a message between a user and a registered chatting partner. The user terminal includes a control unit which allows the user, while the user is in a vehicle, to transmit and receive a message to and from a predetermined chatting partner associated with the vehicle.