WO2002013117A1

WO2002013117A1 - Methods and systems for optimizing and enriching services involving the delivery of physical goods or passengers

Info

Publication number: WO2002013117A1
Application number: PCT/US2001/041620
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul De Jong
Original assignee: Paul De Jong
Priority date: 2000-08-08
Filing date: 2001-08-08
Publication date: 2002-02-14
Also published as: AU2001283548A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and method of matching a client (31) with a provider (32), utilizing communication and information technology to optimize and enrich services involving the delivery of physical goods, services, and/or passengers by means of an intermediary system. In a specific embodiment, the intermediary system may initiate a telecommunications connection between the client (31) and the provider (32), which may be anonymous.

Description

METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR OPTIMIZING AND ENRICHING SERVICES INVOLVING THE DELIVERY OF PHYSICAL GOODS OR PASSENGERS

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to the application of communication and information technology to optimizing and enriching services involving the delivery of physical goods, services, and or passengers.

The delivery of mobile physical services, such as, for example, the transportation of passengers or the delivery of goods, is a large and important industry worldwide. In these industries, connecting a potential client with the optimal provider for their needs is a critical part of providing the services; however, the effort involved on the consumer's part in finding the best provider may be a stumbling block to obtaining service. A prime example of this barrier is in the taxicab industry in which the potential passenger has only a limited ability to locate a nearby vehicle. This lack of visibility leads to wasted time and effort in obtaining taxi service. Couriers, messengers, delivery services (i.e., pizza, etc.), "handymen," plumbers, security personnel, and other mobile service providers may often encounter a similar problem when attempting to expand their customer base.

The arrangement and execution of transactions between potential clients and providers in these industries may be greatly enhanced and enriched by the appropriate application of wireless and information technology. In addition to improving the speed and quality of the initial connection, it is also possible to enrich the interaction by providing services that enhance the value of the interaction for both the client and the provider.

Most mobile physical service provider companies operate with a central dispatch that customers may call to arrange for or to schedule service. One disadvantage of this approach is the lack of a direct connection between the potential customer ("the client") and the individual who will actually provide the service ("the provider"). The lack of direct communication greatly limits information from being exchanged between the client and the provider that could enhance the quality of the provided service.

A second disadvantage is that dispatches typically cover only a single company's providers. In general, the dispatches represent only a fraction of the providers who may be available to serve the customer in question. A client may make calls to multiple dispatches to obtain better service, but this still does not assure that the client will find the optimal provider because of the dynamic nature of the business.

A third disadvantage is that significant expense may be associated with a central dispatch system. This expense comes from the cost of the dispatch's human operators and resources that are duplicated between companies, such as radios and fleet tracking systems. Software dispatch systems, using data manually entered by the client to assign providers to clients, have been proposed and, in some cases, implemented. However, these systems only solve the issue related to the expense of maintaining separate dispatch systems and do not address the other issues. Many mobile service providers carry mobile telephones, allowing clients to contact them directly; however, the probability of a single service provider being available at any given time is much more limited than if all appropriate service providers were available for such contact. Some companies may provide services such as wireless connectivity and workforce management to companies in order to coordinate their service providers; however, this approach faces the same limitations as the central dispatch model. Other approaches to obtaining mobile services, such as hailing taxis, may also be limited in their probability of obtaining optimal service.

The ability to connect two people via Internet-controlled telephony, which may be either telephony via the Internet or web-initiated calling, using a phone-to-phone dialing service, WAP initiated calling, or other software initiated voice connections, has been known for some time. Some companies use internet telephony services for websites, which allow customers to establish phone connections with businesses by clicking on links on webpages. These services, however, do not establish phone connections between the potential clients and the providers of the service. In addition, they lack many of the features, such as automatic provider-client matching and location-based connections, that could facilitate the delivery of mobile physical services.

Some companies offer wireless systems for automatic location tracking of vehicles and physical goods, as well as wireless messaging. They also offer software that allows the display of maps on WAP devices, which could be useful for the delivery of physical services. However, theses systems are directed at intracompany applications and still do not extend beyond the central dispatch model and its limitations. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the method of matching a client requesting goods or services with a provider that provides the goods or services by means of an intermediary system. In a specific embodiment, the intermediary system may initiate a telecommunications connection between the client and the selected provider. In a further embodiment, the connection between the client and the selected provider may be anonymous.

In a specific embodiment, the client may provide a request for service to the intermediary system. Specifically, the information corresponding to the request may be obtained from the client via the client's communication device, from the client's telecommunication device itself, or from the client's telecommunications service provider. In a specific embodiment, the information required for requesting service may include the client's telephone number, a departure point, a destination, a service requested to be provided, the time when the service is requested to be provided, and the number of persons or items for which the service is requested. hi a specific embodiment, the intermediary system may then examine databases containing preference information for each client and usage tracking data for each client. Specifically, the preference information may include a client's name, e-mail address, and smoking preference, lists of preferred service providers, vehicle types, payment methods, languages spoken by the client, and personal interests of the client, and whether the client may be willing to share the service with other clients. In a specific embodiment, the usage tracking information may include previous departure points and destinations for the client, the average amount the client may have paid for the service to be provided, the frequency the client has requested the service to be provided, the frequency with which the client has paid for the service to be provided, and a client rating determined by previous providers. Specifically, the rating may be computed by allowing each provider to assign 1, 0, or -1 points to a client as a representation of the relationship that existed between the two parties when the service was provided.

In a specific embodiment, the intermediary system may require that each client provide authentication information that matches a previously defined client authentication record. The authentication information may comprise, for example, an identification code entered into the client's telecommunication device and transmitted to the intermediary system, a unique device signature transmitted by the telecommunication device to the intermediary system, or caller identification information transmitted from a telecommunications service client to the intermediary system. In a specific embodiment, the verification process may include comparing an alphanumeric code to the authentication record or accessing voice, signature, fingerprint, or photo recognition systems. In a specific embodiment, the intermediary system may then examine requests to provide a service from one or more providers. Specifically, the information corresponding to a request may be obtained from a provider via the provider's communication device, from the provider's telecommunication device itself, or from the provider's telecommunications service provider. In a specific embodiment, the information required for requesting to provide a service may include the provider's telephone number, location, and service provided and the time when the provider is available to provide the requested service.

In a specific embodiment, the intermediary system may then examine databases containing preference information for each provider and usage tracking data for each provider. Specifically, the preference information may include a provider's name, affiliated company, e-mail address, vehicle type and capacity, and smoking preference, lists of payment methods and languages spoken by the provider, and whether the provider may be willing to provide the service for more than one client at a time. In a specific embodiment, the usage tracking information may include the average fee charged for providing the requested service, the average time required to perform the requested service, and a provider rating determined by previous clients. Specifically, the rating may be computed by allowing each client to assign 1, 0, or -1 points to a provider as a representation of the relationship that existed between the two parties when the service was provided.

In a specific embodiment, the intermediary system may require that each provider provide authentication information that matches a previously defined provider authentication record. Specifically, the authentication information may comprise an identification code entered into the provider's telecommunication device and transmitted to the intermediary system, a unique device signature transmitted by the telecommunication device to the intermediary system, or caller identification information transmitted from a telecommunications service provider to the intermediary system. In a specific embodiment, the verification process may include comparing an alphanumeric code to the authentication record or accessing voice, signature, fingerprint, or photo recognition systems. In a specific embodiment, the intermediary system may then match a client with a provider based upon the client's request for service, preferences, and usage tracking information and the provider's request to provide a service, preferences and usage tracking information. Specifically, the intermediary system may prioritize the client's preferences and location, compare the client's preferences and location with the provider's preferences and location, and determine the provider who most closely matches the client's preferences and location. In another embodiment, the intermediary system may transmit a list of providers who most closely meet the client's preferences and location to the client. The client may then select a provider from the list of providers and transmit the selected provider's identification to the intermediary system.

Fees may be charged by the intermediary system to the client for matching the client with a provider and to the provider for being matched to the client. The client may also be charged a fee for paying the provider for the provided service through the intermediary system. Additionally, usage tracking information for clients and providers may be aggregated for sale or distribution to third parties.

The present invention further relates to the method of matching a provider requesting to provide a service with a client requesting a service by means of an intermediary system. In a specific embodiment, the intermediary system may initiate a telecommunications connection between the provider and the selected client. In a further embodiment, the connection between the provider and the selected client may be anonymous.

In a specific embodiment, the provider may, for example, transmit a request to provide a service to the intermediary system. Specifically, the information corresponding to the request may be obtained from the provider via the provider's communication device, from the provider's telecommunication device itself, or from the provider's telecorrrmunications service provider. In a specific embodiment, the information required for requesting to provide a service may include the provider's telephone number, location, and service provided and the time when the provider is available to provide the requested service.

In a specific embodiment, multiple unrelated service providers may be accessible to the client via the client's telecommunication device simultaneously. These multiple unrelated service providers are viewable through multiple focals which may be part of a cellular telephone display. In a specific example, the ETA (estimated arrival time) of a taxi may be displayed on the client's telecommunication device, while the client is provided with some other service such as ordering movie tickets or accessing another focal. Subsequently, when the taxi approaches, the display is interrupted, and the focal related to the taxi rises to the top or becomes the primary focus of the display.

In a specific embodiment, the intermediary system may then examine requests for service from one or more clients. Specifically, the information corresponding to a request may be obtained from a client via the client's communication device, from the client's telecommunication device itself, or from the client's telecommunications service provider. In a specific embodiment, the information required for requesting a service may include the client's telephone number, location, and service provided and the time when the client is available to provide the requested service.

In a specific embodiment, a hold avoidance procedure may be implemented when a client attempts to contact a specific company or service provider. If the service provider is busy with another call or client, the client's call is placed in a software or holding queue so that the client can perform other tasks or duties instead of spending time on hold waiting for a connection or transaction. When the service provider is ready to speak to the client, the system automatically dials the client's number or otherwise alerts the client that the service provider is ready. In addition, the call-back or alert may be sent immediately after the client has attempted to contact the service provider or just prior to the service provider being ready to answer the client's call, so as to respond as quickly as possible to a client, thereby eliminating needless waiting or confusion caused by lack of communication.

In a specific embodiment, the intermediary system may then match the provider with a client based upon the provider's request for service, preferences, and usage tracking information and the client's request to provide a service, preferences and usage tracking information. The intermediary system may, for example, prioritize the provider's preferences and location, compare the provider's preferences and location with the client's preferences and location, and determine the client who most closely matches the provider's preferences and location. In another embodiment, the intermediary system may transmit a list of clients who most closely meet the provider's preferences and location to the provider. The provider may then select a client from the list of clients and transmit the selected client's identification to the intermediary system.

Fees may be charged by the intermediary system to the provider for matching the provider with a client and to the client for being matched to the provider. The client may also be charged a fee for paying the provider for the provided service through the intermediary system. Additionally, usage tracking information for clients and providers may be aggregated for sale or distribution to third parties.

The present invention further relates to a computer system that may be used to match clients and providers. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the computer system may be comprised of a processor, a memory, and a computer process. More specifically, the computer process may comprise an authenticator that authenticates clients and providers, and a matcher that matches clients with providers. In a specific embodiment, the matcher may comprise obtainers that may obtain requests for service from clients and requests to provide a service from providers, retrievers that may retrieve client and provider preferences and usage tracking data, and a matcher that may use the information from the obtainers and retrievers to match a client with a provider.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the computer process may comprise a billing system that may charge clients and providers for accessing the computer process. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the computer process may comprise an obtainer that may obtain information from third parties and transmit the information to clients and providers.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the computer process may comprise databases, means to store information into databases, and means to retrieve information from databases. Specifically, the databases may be used to store and retrieve information pertaining to preferences and usage tracking data. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the computer process may comprise a means for establishing a telecommunication connection between a client's telecommunication device and a provider's telecommunication device. In a further specific embodiment of the invention, the client's or service provider's location may be automatically obtained using a location device. The location device may be part of the telecommunications device. Alternatively, the location device may be a separate device designed to receive location information. Alternatively, the location device may be part of a vehicle or some other device. In a specific embodiment, the location device may transmit the location information to a network or to a device such as a telecommunication device. Alternatively, the location device may be read manually and it's information communicated to a telecommunications device. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the objects, advantages and principles of the invention.

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a computer system that may be used to practice an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the components that may comprise the intermediary system that may constitute an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the interaction between a client or a provider, that may constitute an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow diagram for a multi-focal system and process of an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following definitions are not meant to be limiting in nature and serve to provide a clearer understanding of certain aspects of the present invention. Definitions:

Client - A client is an entity that uses the invention to request that a service be performed for their benefit.

Provider - A provider is an entity that provides a service for a client.

Focal - A focal coordinates the matching of a client and a provider for a specific service to be provided by determining that the intermediary system completes the required elements of the service. Authenticator - A device, program, or process used to authenticate a received signal, code, or transmission by comparing the received signal, code, or transmission with a stored value.

Matcher - A device, program, or process that assigns one or more entities to a requesting party based upon criteria provided by the requesting party, the matcher, a list of potentially assignable entities, or other sources. Short Messaging Service Device — Short Messaging Service ("SMS") devices are wireless devices that receive and transmit, in the case of 2-way SMS devices, alphanumeric messages.

Telecommunication Device — An Internet-based or telephone-based device that is used to send and receive messages to and from remote locations. Examples may include landline telephones, desktop computers, personal digital assistants ("PDAs"), mobile telephones, laptop computers, pagers, one-way SMS devices, and two-way SMS devices.

Location Device — A device that can determine its geographic location and communicate that information. The location device may be the same device as the telecommunication device, a separate device designed to communicate location information, or part of some other device such as a vehicle or a dispatch system such as used in taxi or shipping industries, or a PDA, or other device.

Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of the present invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or like parts.

The present invention embodies systems and methods for allowing the optimal matching between clients requesting services and providers of those services. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary computer system that may be modified in accordance with the principles of the present invention. The exemplary computer system comprises a computer subsystem on which the present invention may reside.

One or more user interface devices 11, such as a terminal, a keyboard, and a monitor, are connected to a computer 12, such as a main frame computer, a minicomputer, a microcomputer, or a server. The computer 12 may include a mass-storage memory device and other memories 13, and also other input or output devices 14.

Clients and providers may access the intermediary system by using devices that may connect either with the Internet or the telephone system. These devices may include mobile telephones, portable or desktop computers, landline telephones, PDAs, pagers, and one-way or two-way SMS devices. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the identity of the user may be authenticated and a unique transaction identity may be created. This transaction identity may be used to track the transaction by using a combination of unique information that may be obtained from the contacting device or its associated network and may include a transmitted ID code, a unique device signature, or caller ID information obtained from the local telephone company. The user may be required to enter a personal identification number or code to verify the identity of the person using the equipment. This authentication process may be used to connect the identity of a client or a provider with the client's or the provider's registered identity in the intermediary system's database, which may contain data relevant to the user. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, this identification process may require minimal interaction from a client or a provider. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the intermediary system may use an authentication device, which may include an alphanumeric matching or voice, signature, fingerprint, or photo recognition system, to verify a party's identity. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, if a client or a provider does not have a registered identity, the client or the provider may be required to provide information so that the client or the provider may be registered with the intermediary system. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, a client or a provider may be allowed to access the intermediary system as a "guest" that may have an unregistered identity, limited preference information, and reduced functionality. hi a specific embodiment of the present invention, the client may transmit a request for service. This request may include telephone numbers, a departure location, and a destination location for the client, a service the client is requesting to be performed, a time when the service is requested, and a number of persons and/or items that will receive the requested service.

In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the intermediary system may use the present or future location of clients and providers to assist in matching clients with providers. The locations of a client and a provider may be required for the completion of most physical transactions. The intermediary system may obtain the locations of clients and providers automatically from external sources. These sources may include obtaining the information from a wireless network if the contacting device is a mobile telephone, pager, wireless modem, or wireless PDA. Alternatively, the source may include obtaining a fixed location for landline telephones or desktop computers. This information may be obtained by entering the contacting device's telephone number or Internet Protocol address into a reverse directory system or other listing. If location information is not available directly, a client or a provider may provide his location to the intermediary system by orally or manually entering the location into his contacting device or by indicating his location on a map which may be generated on the contacting device's screen. A client or a provider may provide location information by other means that may include selecting from a list of previously entered locations for the client or the provider that may be stored in the intermediary system's database, or directly entering cross streets, a street address, a zip code, a phone number, or GPS coordinates. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, if the intermediary system determines that a fixed-line device is requesting access to the system, the location of the fixed-line device may be stored in a database in the intermediary system so that the location may be used for subsequent accesses from the fixed-line device. In some cases, location information that may be available in an automated fashion may not be sufficiently accurate. If the information is not sufficiently accurate, the intermediary system may use the automated information to suggest providers and services from the client's local area. The intermediary system may then allow the client to provide additional information so that the system may better identify the client's location for subsequent service.

As mentioned, the invention may include for example, a location device which may be the same device as the telecommunication device, a device that is part of a vehicle or dispatch system used to communicate a location, or a PDA, etc. If the location device and the communication device are separate devices, they may need to communicate to each other locally or through their networks as to their respective changes in status. Alternately, the respective devices may need to be identified by the intermediary as belonging to the same provider or client and have the intermediary determine the status of one device based on the status of the other.

The device may use satellite based location information, tower based location information or a combination of both. The device may transmit the location information to a network, which may be separate from the network that the telecommunications device transmits through. Alternatively, location information may be obtained from ancillary information, such as the tower location of the tower or towers the device is communicating with. Alternatively, the location information may need to be read and manually transcribed to a communications device. Alternatively, the device may have a fixed location, in which case its location may be stored in a database. Once its location is identified, its location may be looked up in said database. Alternatively, said database may be a reverse directory or a listing service.

The location device may be able to be activated and deactivated or notify the system that it is available for service, by some other means such as for example, information transmission. This information may be used to determine when a provider is available to provide service, a client who is waiting for a service, a client who is being provided with a service, or the status of the service being provided to the client (i.e., starting, finishing, etc.). The location device may indicate availability status by pushing a button, selecting an option, by providing the status information in an auditory manner, or by some other means indicating the change in status. This status change may be automatically determined by some other event, such as the payment of a fare, delivery of goods or service, or termination of service.

In a specific embodiment, the location device may indicate whether it is standing still or in motion. The device may give directional or vector information, which may be used to determine the availability to provide service or if service is being received. In some cases, location information that may be available in an automated fashion may not be sufficiently accurate. If the information is not sufficiently accurate, the intermediary system may use the automated information to suggest providers and services from the client's local area. The intermediary system may then allow the client to provide additional information so that the system may better identify the client's location for subsequent service. For some services, location information other than the current location of a client may be needed. In these cases, the physical location of a client and a contacting device may not be relevant to the transaction. Examples of instances in which this may occur may include arranging for transportation in the future, arranging for transportation for parties in remote locations, or arranging for deliveries between remote locations. For these services, the required remote location information may be provided orally or manually as described above. The client may indicate his or her location on a map that may be dynamically generated on the contacting device's screen based on the client's identity, the client's preferences, or other information provided by the client.

A provider may supply information to the intermediary system allowing the system to connect the provider with an appropriate client. This may include information about when a provider is available for service, which may include notification concerning whether the provider is occupied or available or a calendar indicating times when the provider may be available in the future. Other provided information may include preferences or limitations in reference to which types of clients the provider may wish to be connected. The provider may limit acceptable clients by location or destination, type of service, type of passenger(s) or cargo to be transported, languages spoken, or any other criterion relevant to the provider. The provider may express the limitation on location or destination either in an absolute form or in a relative form based on the current or future position of the provider.

Each provider in the system may have a mobile device capable of transmitting and receiving voice, images, video, text, or data to and from the intermediary system. The device may be a mobile telephone, a portable computer with a wireless modem, a PDA with a wireless modem, or a radio transmitter/receiver. The intermediary system may use this device to obtain the current location of the service provider. In some cases, the device may provide velocity vector information that the intermediary system may use to predict the near- term future location of the provider. The provider may specify the current location and the projected future location of the provider to the intermediary system in order to aid the system in scheduling future services. This information may be critical to determining the best connections between clients and providers. If this location information cannot be obtained automatically from the provider's mobile device, the provider may indicate current or future position either orally, manually, or on a map that may be generated on the mobile device's screen based on the provider's identity, the provider's preferences, or other information provided by the provider.

The intermediary system may function in real time to find matches between clients requesting a service and providers available to provide that service. In doing so, the intermediary system may use clients' and providers' location information in association with other information which may include a client's or a provider's preferences. A client's preference information, which may be stored by either the intermediary system or the client's device, may include such information as the client's name, e-mail address, Internet Protocol address for a telecommunication device, preferred providers, preferred vehicle types, preferred payment method, preferred companies, languages spoken, personal interests, and preference for smoking or non-smoking transport. The client's preference information may additionally include whether the client may be willing to share the service with other clients. In addition to preference information, client history may be used to maximize the probability of satisfactory service. For a client, this information may include destinations and departure points previously used, frequency of use of the service and payment for the use of service, and an average amount that the client has paid for previous uses of the service. The client may be rated by providers who compare the client's interaction with other clients. In a specific embodiment, the rating system may allow the provider to assign +1, 0, or -1 for a positive, neutral, and negative experience with the client, respectively. The client may then be assigned a rating comprised of the sum of all ratings assigned by prior providers.

In determining whether a provider and a client may be matched, the intermediary system uses a request to provide a service from the provider as well as a provider's preference and usage tracking information. A provider's request to provide a service to the intermediary system may include a location, a telephone number, a service to be provided, and a time when the provider may be available. A provider's preference information may be stored in a database accessible by the intermediary system and may include the provider's name, company affiliation, e-mail address, Internet Protocol address, vehicle type, vehicle capacity, preferred payment methods, smoking preference, and languages spoken. In addition, the provider may state whether a service may be provided for more than one client contemporaneously. A provider's usage tracking information may be stored in a database accessible by the intermediary system and may include a provider's average fee charged for a service, an average time to complete a service, and a rating determined by previous clients serviced by the provider. In a specific embodiment, the rating system may allow the client to assign +1, 0, or —1 for a positive, neutral, and negative experience with the provider, respectively. The provider may then be assigned a rating comprised of the sum of all ratings assigned by prior clients.

Furthermore, the intermediary system may use statistical information about the success of connecting clients and providers with certain preference profiles to influence which clients and providers may be recommended for connection. The intermediary system may include the probability of service execution, satisfaction ratings of both parties, and tips as factors in its determination of which client to match with a provider, or vice versa. A further consideration may be whether the client or provider in question is a subscriber to the overall service or to any associated services. The matching service may provide this information to the clients and providers in a number of ways. One approach may be to provide information (location, time the service is required, etc.) regarding clients who may be requesting service to providers who may be available for service at the time the clients request the service. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the location of clients requesting service may be presented on a dynamically generated map. A client requesting service may then be provided with a list of providers capable of fulfilling the service requirements. This list may be ordered by proximity or by some other parameter or combination of parameters available to the system, such as the system's best estimate of the likelihood of satisfactory service. Alternatively, the available providers may be represented on a dynamically generated map. The client may then choose a provider and request a direct connection with that provider.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the intermediary system may provide information about providers who may be available to provide a service at the time when a client may request for a service to be provided. A provider may then be presented with a list, or a map showing the locations, of clients who may choose to do business with the provider. This list may be ordered by proximity or by some other parameter or combination of parameters. A provider may then select a client from the list and request a direct connection with that client.

When a direct connection is requested between the two parties, the intermediary system may verify that both parties agree to the connection. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, if both parties agree to contact each other, the system may arrange an anonymous direct contact between the client and the provider. In another embodiment of the present invention, the intermediary system may establish the direct connection automatically. This anonymity may protect either party from undesired future contact with the other party, which could otherwise limit the attractiveness of the connection service.

In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the intermediary system may charge one or both parties a fee for providing the direct connection between the parties. This fee may be based on a per-connection, per-client, or subscription basis.

In the specific embodiment of the present invention, different means may be employed to anonymously connect a client with a provider. Voice contact may be accomplished by methods that may include caller ID blocking, Internet telephony, intermediary initiated calling (so that control of the dialer by the Internet is not required), or web-initiated calling. In each of these methods, the client may not know the provider's telephone number, and vice versa. Anonymity may also be achieved through text messages or through a combination of voice and text messaging, which may include speech synthesis of text messages or a voice recognition system that may convert voice messages to text messages for a text-based device on the other end of the communication link. Other sorts of direct communication such as the transmission of images and video during a teleconference may also be used. If either party chooses to transmit additional identification information, which may include the party's name, phone number, address, or identification code in the system, the intermediary system may allow them to do so. The intermediary system may charge a fee to the client, provider, or both for the establishment of this connection.

After direct communication is established between the client and the provider, the two parties may decide whether the transaction may take place. If the two parties do not agree to transact, the intermediary system may identify the next-best provider and attempt to arrange direct contact as discussed above. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the intermediary system may follow this algorithm until a provider and a client agree to transact, the client elects to terminate any attempt to transact, or the list of providers is extinguished and/or the client is transferred to a call center.

If both parties agree to transact, the intermediary system may enrich this transaction by providing information useful to the efficient execution of the service. This information may include the estimated arrival time of the provider, the estimated cost of the service, traffic conditions, or directions to or from a pick-up or drop-off point. In the preferred embodiment, the estimated arrival time of the provider may be based on the live positional and velocity data of the provider. The system may also provide information to the client about services that the client may select during or after the transaction. An example of such a service may be a payment service that functions through the system. Because both the client and the provider may be authenticated through the system, the payment service may be a secure transaction. If the client has a mobile device that may include a mobile telephone, modem-equipped computer, or PDA that may connect wirelessly to the system, the payment may be made at any time during the transaction. The payment may include a tip for the provider in an amount chosen by the client through the interface of the client's telecommunication device. The record of the payment may be stored in the database of the intermediary system. Other details of the transaction known to the system may also be stored, which may allow either party to review the transaction. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, when two parties agree to enter into a transaction, the intermediary system may charge one or both parties a fee for allowing the parties to use the intermediary system to complete the transaction. This fee may be based on a per-connection, per-client, or subscription basis. Proximity information may be used to alert the client of the approach of the provider.

For example, information regarding the distance separating the two parties or the approximate time of arrival of the provider may be transmitted to one or both parties. This information may be used to ease the scheduling difficulties associated with bringing two parties into physical proximity, one party to a particular location, or one party into contact with physical goods for execution of the service. This alert message allows the client to prepare for the pending arrival of the provider. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, an alert message may signal the client when the provider passes within a predefined distance of the destination, which may be the location of the client. For example, a client arranging taxi service may be provided with information allowing the client to exit a building immediately after the arrival of a provider outside. As another example, a client arranging for a person or packages at a remote location to be picked up may ensure that the person or packages may be ready when the provider arrives.

Alternatively, transmission of this alert may be over-ridden and the provider may control the transmission of this alert if the provider determines that the location or contact information is inaccurate. Specifically, when sequential clients in the same general location are accessing the provider simultaneously (such as is the case with a delivery service), the provider may provide notification of the impending arrival of the provider to the client's location or notification to the next client following completion of service. In addition, the time interval between transmitting the notification between the provider and client may be tracked in order to enable a client, provider, or intermediary to track this information and improve the notification of clients as well as the prediction of times or services to future clients by this or other providers. The provider may cancel or delay this notification in future applications having similar consequences, or alternatively, enable the client and or provider to block these notifications. The provider may also receive such a notices from the intermediary system.

Proximity information may also be used to determine other information, such as initiation time of the service, duration of the service, progress of the service, status of the service, and termination time of the service. This information may be used in determining fee estimates, distance traveled, and to enhance or track other services used during the service period. Tracking services used during the service period may be used to determine when incentive rewards may be given to a provider or when such information may be offered to a provider. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the provider may only be rewarded for a referral when the client and provider are in close proximity. The intermediary system may store this information in tracking logs for the client and the provider so that the system may keep accurate track of services rendered and received. This may include actual fare information, service duration, distance estimates, origination of service location information, and termination of service location information.

In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the intermediary system may select information and services to provide to the client on the basis of the client's location, preference information stored in the system, destination, or the path to be traveled. For example, a taxi passenger may want to know about businesses near the pick-up or drop-off point or may desire to have a service executed in advance so that the results will be ready upon arrival. The service to be executed in advance may include the making and/or delivery of items such as food, drink, or documents. The client may be informed of the potential for receiving these services, which may be provided by companies other than the one that controls the intermediary system, through advertisements that the system may display on the client's mobile device. As a further example, the intermediary system may provide relevant information about the client's surroundings based on the client's current location. The intermediary system may also prompt the provider to recommend services to the client when the two parties are in contact. If the client partakes of these services, the intermediary system may provide a reward to the provider. The advertisements and information may be provided to the client through a text, voice, video, or graphical interface.

For delivery and transport services, the intermediary system may provide a number of benefits if the client enters the destination or drop-off point into the system. For example, as described above, the intermediary system may use destination information to provide useful information and focused advertising to the client and the provider. For the provider, the system may use the current position with destination information to provide optimal route suggestions. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the intermediary system may take traffic and other road conditions into account when determining the route to transmit to the provider. Furthermore, the intermediary system may provide an estimate for the time of arrival to both the provider and the client.

After the transaction has completed, the destination may be entered into a transaction record that may be provided to either party. Either the client or the provider may enter the destination information into the intermediary system. This information may be entered through the devices the parties may use to contact the system. In a specific embodiment of the current invention, if neither party enters the destination, but the intermediary system has access to the provider's or the client's location, the system may identify the location of the destination when the parties have reached the destination. This may be performed by an indication from either the provider or the client, which may include a button press or the pronouncement of a command into a voice interface. A further example of identifying a completed transaction may include an indication for closing of the current transaction, payment of the current transaction, or an indication that the provider has become available for new service. Yet another example may be an indication of when the user and provider are no longer in proximity of one another.

At the conclusion of a transaction, the intermediary system may record relevant information about the transaction in a database. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, this information may include the time for completion of the service, the date of the service, the identities of the client and the provider, the departure location of the service, the destination of the service, the cost of the transaction, the tip paid by the client, advertisements displayed, services requested, and information provided. The intermediary system may then provide a complete history of every transaction within a given time period to a provider or a client. The information that this process may generate may allow provider companies to engage in sophisticated business planning and modeling and may provide outside agencies, companies, and organizations with useful data and feedback on relevant markets, industries, services, and goods. The aggregation of this data may be sold for a fee to a third party entity. This fee may include a one-time, per-transaction, per-client, or subscription based charge.

The preferred embodiment of the specific invention for the intermediary system may have nine internal components, as shown in FIG. 2. The intermediary system may run a number of "focals," which coordinate the delivery of multiple services simultaneously, and may communicate with other systems to provide a variety of services. The central control for the intermediary system may be contained in the Business Logic component 21. This component may coordinate the activity of the other component blocks and may execute top- level business models. The Authentication 22, Matching 23, Preferences 24, Usage Tracking 25, and Billing 26 components may control various processes required to operate the system. The intermediary system performs the majority of its communication with external sources, which may include the Internet, wireless communication links, or landlines, and routes the incoming information in the Formatting and Routing component 27. The Content 28 and Customer Service 29 components may also have connections to external data sources. The Content component may access external sources for the purpose of gathering information that may be displayed to clients and providers. The Customer Service component may use external sources to communicate with clients, providers, and service technicians.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the Authentication component 22 may authenticate the identity of a party accessing the intermediary system. This component may also register new clients and providers. After a party has been registered, the Authentication component may signal the Business Logic component to create a new account for the party.

The Business Logic component 21 may determine which functions the other components may need to perform. The component may instruct other internal components to perform their functions via an internal message passing system. If a new focal is added to the system, the Business Logic component may be modified to perform the operations associated with that focal.

The Business Logic component may also incorporate a database that may store the current state of every client, provider, and transaction in the overall system. Current state information may include the account identification information for authenticated parties, the current location for authenticated parties, the current velocity vector for authenticated parties, the availability status for providers, active services in the system, and the progress of current transactions. This information may be received from the Formatting and Routing component 27 or the Authentication component 22. The Business Logic component may transmit information to the Formatting and Routing component if the information is requested externally. The Preferences component 24 may be used to store and retrieve a party's preferences in a database. A client's preferences may include the client's name, the client's electronic mailing address, the client's smoking preference, a list of preferred service providers for a particular service, a preferred vehicle type for a given service, a preferred payment method for a given service, a list of languages understood by the client, a list of personal interests of said client, and whether the client may be willing to share the service with other clients. A provider's preferences may include the provider's name, the company represented by the provider, the provider's electronic mailing address, the make of the provider's vehicle, the capacity of the provider's vehicle, the provider's preferred payment method, whether the provider is willing to simultaneously provide the service for more than one client, the provider's smoking preference, and a list of languages understood by the provider. A client or a provider may change this information through a device used to contact the system. The Usage Tracking component 25 may be used to store and retrieve information regarding transactions between clients and providers. Usage tracking information may be used for a variety of functions, which may include determining billing information, optimizing matching methods, evaluating system efficiency, and documenting system usage by clients and providers. The information may be collated automatically or manually. Client usage tracking information may include a list of destinations to which the client has traveled, a list of departure points from which the client has initiated service, an average amount the client has paid for a given service, a frequency with which the client requests a given service, a frequency with which said client has promptly paid for a given service, and a client rating determined by previous service providers. Provider usage tracking information may include an average fee charged for providing a given service, an average time required to perform a given service, and a provider rating determined by previous clients.

The Matching component 23 may use information from the Preferences 24, Usage Tracldng 25, and Business Logic 22 components in order to perform the matching of clients with providers. In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the Matching component may return a list of the best possible matches between clients requesting service and providers capable of providing the service the clients are requesting to the Formatting and Routing component 27. In another embodiment of the present invention, the Matching component may provide the best possible matching between a client and a provider for a given client or provider. The performance of the matching process may include using fuzzy logic techniques, neural networks, or rules-based decision making. The establishment of a direct connection between a client and a provider may include using a third party Internet- controlled telephony company, a third party messaging service, or voice, video, text, or data connections established through the Formatting and Routing component.

The Formatting and Routing component may process and route outputs from other components. The component may then combine these outputs with content from the Content component 28 to make output suitable for the device on which the output may be displayed and may use the output to determine what content to use from the Content component's database. The Formatting and Routing component also may receive input from sources that may include clients 31, providers 32, wireless networks 33, and internet telephone providers 34, as shown in FIG. 3. The Formatting and Routing component may then reformat the inputted data for use by the proper components and may route the formatted data to those components.

The Content component 28 may obtain information, which may include location information, maps, stock quotes, and weather reports, from external sources. The component may then provide the information to the Formatting and Routing component for transmission. The Content component may also store templates or other data, may obtain information from other component in the intermediary system and store that information in a database.

The Billing component 26 may handle all financial transactions with external entities. The Billing component may have dedicated links to external, third party transaction enablers or the component may operate through the Formatting and Routing component. If a client or provider encounters a problem that cannot be solved by the automated system, the client or provider may contact the Customer Service component 29. The Customer Service component may comprise entities that may solve problems using a more extensive interface to the system than clients or providers may normally use.

In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the Business Logic 21, Authentication 22, Matching 23, Preferences 24, Usage Tracking 25, Billing 26, and Content 28 components may be implemented in the ava programming language using Java classes, which may include Enterprise Java Bean classes. These components may access databases through an interface such as SQL/JDBC. The databases may include relational databases, object databases, XML databases, or any other kind of combination of databases that would be appropriate for a specific implementation of a particular component. In another embodiment of the present invention, the components may be programmed in C, C++, or other programming languages, and may use Microsoft COM, CORBA, Remote Method Invocation, XML-based messaging, or other messaging or linking systems for communication between programs.

In a specific embodiment of the present invention, the Formatting and Routing component 27 may use XML-based content pieces and a proprietary XML-compliant markup language to assemble output. The component may also use dynamic content tools, which may include JSP or PHP, for the same purpose. It may provide output in formats that may include HTML, WML, HDML, automated voice output (voice synth), video and animation, or proprietary connections enabling maps.

FIG. 3 shows how the Formatting and Routing component 27 interacts with clients 31, providers 32, wireless networks 33, and internet telephone providers 34.

FIG. 4 represents the flow of multiple services which may be viewable on a client's telecommunication or similar device through, for example, a cellular phone display, or other device having a viewable screen or CRT. A company 41 may provide several services represented by focals 44-46. These services may be unrelated, yet provided by the same company, and accessible to a client using the system. These services (focals) are viewable on the client's device either simultaneously, or individually depending, for example, on the importance of each service. For example, the client may request taxi service, and while waiting for the taxi, may attempt to order movie tickets or dinner while he is waiting. Focals related to movie tickets and/or dinner can be displayed and manipulated by the client, while a focal for taxi service exists in the foreground. Subsequently, when the taxi approaches, the client's view may be interrupted by the focal related to taxi service, in order to communicate ■ to the client that the taxi has arrived. Departure points 47-55 represent the interruption or intersection of one vertical service by another service. Third parties 42, which may provide additional services 43 not provided by a selected company 41, may also be included as focals in order to better serve the diverse needs of clients.

The invention has been described in detail with particular reference to a preferred embodiment thereof. However, it will be appreciated that those skilled in the art, upon consideration of this disclosure may make variations and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A method for an intermediary to match a client with a provider comprising: obtaining a client's request for service; obtaining one or more providers' requests to provide a service; matching said client with a provider; and providing a means for communicating between said client and said provider.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said step of providing a means for communicating between said client and said provider comprises: initiating a telecommunication connection between a client's telecommunication device and a provider's telecommunication device.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein said telecommunication connection between a client's telecommunication device and a provider's telecommunication device comprises: an anonymous telecommunication connection between said client's telecommunication device and said provider's telecommunication device.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein said anonymous telecommunication connection between said client's telecommunication device and said provider's telecornmunication device comprises one or more of the group consisting of: blocking a caller identification system on said client's telecommunication device; blocking a caller identification system on said provider's telecommunication device; blocking the display of an electronic mailing address for said client; and blocking the display of an electronic mailing address for said provider.

5. The method of claim 2, further comprising using said intermediary to initiate said connection between said client's telecommunication device and said provider's telecommunication device.

6. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of providing a call-back alert to the client to indicate that said provider is ready to provide said service.

7. The method of claim 2, wherein said client's telecommunication device comprises one or more of the group consisting of: a mobile telephone; a personal digital assistant; a portable computer; a desktop computer; a landline telephone; a pager; a one-way short messaging service device; and a two-way short messaging service device.

8. The method of claim 2, wherein said provider's telecommunication device comprises one or more of the group consisting of: a mobile telephone; a personal digital assistant; a portable computer; a desktop computer; a landline telephone; a pager; a one-way short messaging service device; and a two-way short messaging service device.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of obtaining a client's request for service comprises one or more of the following: obtaining said client's request for service by means of a client's telecommunication device; obtaining information regarding said client's request for service from said client's telecommunication device; and obtaining information regarding said client's request for service from said client's telecommunication service provider;

10. The method of claim 1 , further comprising determining a location of said client via a location device.

11. The method of claim 1 , further comprising determining a location of said provider via a location device.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein said client's request for service comprises one or more of the following: a telephone number for said client; a starting location for said client; a destination location for said client; a service to be provided for said client; a time when said service is requested to be performed; a number of persons to receive said service; and a number of items to receive said service.

13. The method of claim 1, after said step of obtaining a client's request for service, further comprising the step of: retrieving a client's preferences from a database.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein said client's preferences comprise one or more of the following: a name for said client; an electronic mailing address for said client; an Internet Protocol address for a client's telecommunication device; a list of preferred service providers for said service; a preferred vehicle type for said service; a preferred payment method for said service; a willingness to share said service with other clients; a smoking preference of said client; a list of languages spoken by said client; privacy preferences for said client; a list of qualitative preferences of said client; and a list of personal interests of said client.

15. The method of claim 1, after said step of obtaining a client's request for service, further comprising the step of: retrieving a client's usage-tracking information from a database.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein said client's usage-tracking information comprises one or more of the following: a list of destination sites that said client has previously used; a list of departure points that said client has previously used; an average amount said client has previously paid for said service; a frequency with which said client requests said service; a frequency with which said client has previously paid for said service; and a rating of said client as determined by previous service providers.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein said rating of said client as determined by previous service providers comprises: entering a value for a provider's overall satisfaction with said client during said service; and summing all values received for said client.

18. The method of claim 1, before said step of obtaining a client's request for service, further comprising the step of: authenticating said client.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein said step of authenticating said client comprises: obtaining authentication information; and verifying said authentication matches an authentication record for said client.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein said authentication information comprises one or more of the following: an identification code transmitted by said client; a unique device signature transmitted by a client's telecommunication device; and caller identification information received from a telecommunications service provider.

21. The method of claim 19, wherein said step of verifying said authentication matches an authentication record for said client comprises verifying by means of one or more of the following: a voice recognition system; a signature recognition system; a fingerprint recognition system; a photo recognition system; and an alphanumeric matching system.

22. The method of claim 1, after said step of obtaining a client's request for service, further comprising the step of: authenticating said client's request for service.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein said step of authenticating said client's request for service comprises: obtaining authentication information; and verifying said authentication matches a client's authentication record.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein said authentication information comprises one or more of the following: an identification code transmitted by said client; a unique device signature transmitted by a client's telecommunication device; and caller identification information transmitted by a telecommunications service provider.

25. The method of claim 23, wherein said step of verifying said authentication matches said client's authentication record comprises verifying by means of one or more of the following: a voice recognition system; a signature recognition system; a fingerprint recognition system; a photo recognition system; and an alphanumeric matching system.

26. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of obtaining one or more providers' requests to provide a service comprises one or more of the following: obtaining said one or more providers' requests to provide a service by means of each provider's telecommunication devices; obtaining information regarding said one or more providers' requests to provide a service from each provider's telecommunication device; and obtaining information regarding said one or more providers' requests to provide a service from each provider's telecommunications service provider.

27. The method of claim 1, wherein said one or more providers' requests to provide a service comprise one or more of the following: a location for each of said one or more providers; a telephone number for each of said one or more providers; a service to be provided by each of said one or more providers; and a time when each of said one or more providers is available to provide said service.

28. The method of claim 1, after said step of obtaining requests for said service to be provided from one or more providers, further comprising the step of: retrieving said one or more providers' preferences from a database.

29. The method of claim 28, wherein said one or more providers' preferences comprise one or more of the following: a name for each of said one or more providers; a company represented by each of said one or more providers; an electronic mailing address for each of said one or more providers; an Internet Protocol address for a telecommunication device for each of said one or more providers; a vehicle type used by each of said one or more providers; capacities for the vehicles used by each of said one or more providers; preferred payment methods for each of said one or more providers; willingness to simultaneously provide said service for more than one client for each of said one or more providers; a smoking preference for each of said one or more providers; privacy preferences for each of said one or more providers; a list of qualitative features of each of said one or more providers; and a list of languages spoken by each of said one or more providers.

30. The method of claim 1, after said step of obtaining requests for said service to be provided from one or more providers, further comprising the step of: retrieving said one or more providers' usage-tracking information from a database.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein said one or more providers' usage-tracking information comprises one or more of the following: an average fee charged for providing said service by each of said one or more providers; an average gratuity for providing said service by each of said one or more providers; an average time required to perform said service by each of said one or more providers; and a rating as determined by previous clients for each of said one or more providers.

32. The method of claim 31 , wherein said rating as determined by previous clients for each of said one or more providers comprises: entering a value for a client's overall satisfaction with a provider during said service; and summing all values received for said provider.

33. The method of claim 1, before said step of obtaining said one or more providers' requests for said service to be provided, further comprising the step of: authenticating each of said one or more providers.

34. The method of claim 33, wherein said step of authenticating each of said one or more providers comprises one or more of the following: obtaining authentication information; and verifying said authentication matches an authentication record for each of said one or more providers.

35. The method of claim 34, wherein said authentication information comprises one or more of the following: an identification code transmitted by a provider; a unique device signature transmitted by a provider's telecommunication device; and caller identification information transmitted by a telecommunications service provider.

36. The method of claim 34, wherein said step of verifying said authentication matches an authentication record for each of one or more providers comprises verifying by means of one or more of the following: a voice recognition system; a signature recognition system; a fingerprint recognition system; a photo recognition system; and an alphanumeric matching system.

37. The method of claim 1, after said step of obtaining requests for said service to be provided from one or more providers, further comprising the step of: authenticating each of said one or more providers' requests for said service to be provided.

38. The method of claim 37, wherein said step of authenticating each of said one or more providers' requests for said service to be provided comprises one or more of the following: obtaining authentication information; and verifying said authentication matches an authentication record for each of said one or more providers.

39. The method of claim 38, wherein said authentication information comprises one or more of the following: an identification code transmitted by a provider; a unique device signature transmitted by a provider's telecommunication device; and caller identification information received from a telecommunications service provider.

40. The method of claim 38, wherein said step of verifying said authentication matches an authentication record for each of said one or more providers comprises verifying by means of one or more of the following: a voice recognition system; a signature recognition system; a fingerprint recognition system; a photo recognition system; and an alphanumeric matching system.

41. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of matching said client with a provider comprises matching said client with said provider based upon one or more of the following: said client's request for service; said client's preferences; said client's usage-tracking information; said one or more providers' requests to provide a service; said one or more providers' preferences; and said one or more providers' usage-tracking information.

42. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of matching said client with a provider comprises: prioritizing said client's preferences; comparing said client's preferences with said one or more providers' preferences; and deteπnining a provider from said one or more providers whose preferences most closely match said preferences for said client.

43. The method of claim 1, wherein said step of matching said client with a provider comprises: prioritizing said client's preferences; comparing said client's preferences with said one or more providers' preferences; and determining a list of providers from said one or more providers whose preferences most closely match said client's preferences. transmitting said list of providers to said client from said intermediary; and receiving a selected provider from said client by said intermediary.

44. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of: assessing a fee from said client payable to said intermediary for matching said client with said provider.

45. The method of claim 44, wherein said step of assessing a fee from said client payable to said intermediary for matching said client with said provider comprises one or more of the following: a per-transaction fee; a service upgrade fee; a per-client fee; and a subscription- based fee.

46. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of: assessing a fee from said client payable to said provider for providing said service.

47. The method of claim 46, wherein said step of assessing a fee from said client payable to said provider for providing said service comprises: receiving the amount of said fee from said provider by said intermediary; transmitting the amount of said fee from said intermediary to said client; receiving an affirmation for payment from said client by said intermediary; debiting a client account; crediting a provider account; and transmitting an affirmation for payment from said intermediary to said provider.

48. The method of claim 47 further comprising the step of adding an additional amount to said fee by said client for said provider.

49. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of: assessing a fee from said provider payable to said intermediary for matching said provider with said client.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein said step of assessing a fee from said provider payable to said intermediary for matching said provider with said client comprises one or more of the following: a per-transaction fee; a service upgrade fee; a per-client fee; and a subscription-based fee.

51. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of: storing said client's usage-tracking information in a database.

52. The method of claim 51 further comprising the step of: retrieving aggregate client usage-tracking information from said database for use in profiling the use of said service.

53. The method of claim 52 further comprising the step of: providing said aggregate client usage-tracking information to a third party for a fee.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein said providing said aggregate client usage-tracking information to a third party for a fee comprises one or more of the following: a one-time fee; a per-transaction fee; a per-client fee; and a subscription-based fee.

55. The method of claim 1 further comprising the step of: storing a provider's usage-tracking information in a database accessible by said intermediary.

56. The method of claim 55 further comprising the step of: retrieving aggregate provider usage-tracking information from said database for use in profiling the use of said service.

57. The method of claim 56 further comprising the step of: providing said aggregate provider usage-tracking information to a third party for a fee.

58. The method of claim 57, wherein said providing said aggregate provider usage- tracking information to a third party for a fee comprises one or more of the following: a onetime fee; a per-transaction fee; a per-client fee; and a subscription-based fee.

59. The method of claim 2, further comprising: providing multiple unrelated service providers simultaneously to the client via the client's telecommunication device.

60. A method for an intermediary to match a provider with a client comprising: obtaining a provider's request to provide a service; obtaining one or more clients' requests for service; matching said provider with a client; and providing a means for communicating between said provider and said client.

61. The method of claim 60, wherein said step of providing a means for communicating between said provider and said client comprises: initiating a telecommumcation connection between a provider's telecommunication device and a client's telecommunication device.

62. The method of claim 61, further comprising using said intermediary to initiate a connection between said client's telecommunication device and said provider's telecommunication device.

63. The method of claim 61, further comprising the step of providing a call-back alert to the client to indicate that said provider is ready to provide said service.

64. The method of claim 62, wherein said telecommunication connection between a provider's telecommunication device and a client's telecommunication device comprises: an anonymous telecommunication connection between said provider's telecommunication device and said client's telecommunication device.

65. The method of claim 64, wherein said anonymous telecommunication connection between said provider's telecommunication device and said client's telecommunication device comprises one or more of the group consisting of: blocking a caller identification system on said provider's telecommunication device; blocking a caller identification system on said client's telecommunication device; blocking the display of an electronic mailing address for said provider; and blocking the display of an electronic mailing address for said client.

66. The method of claim 61, wherein said client's telecommunication device comprises one or more of the group consisting of: a mobile telephone; a personal digital assistant; a portable computer; a desktop computer; a landline telephone; a pager; a one-way short messaging service device; and a two-way short messaging service device.

67. The method of claim 61 , wherein said provider' s telecommumcation device comprises one or more of the group consisting of: a mobile telephone; a personal digital assistant; a portable computer; a desktop computer; a landline telephone; a pager; a one-way short messaging service device; and a two-way short messaging service device.

68. The method of claim 60, wherein said step of obtaining a provider's request to provide a service comprises one or more of the following: obtaining said provider's request to provide a service by means of a provider's telecommunication device; obtaining information regarding said request to provide a service from said provider's telecommunication device; and obtaining information regarding said request to provide a service from said provider's telecommunication service provider.

69. The method of claim 60, further comprising determining a location of said client via a location device.

70. The method of claim 60, further comprising determining a location of said provider via a location device.

71. The method of claim 60, wherein said provider' s request to provide a service comprises one or more of the following: a location for said provider; a telephone number for said provider; a service to be provided by said provider; and a time when said provider is available to provide said service.

72. The method of claim 60, after said step of obtaining a request to provide a service from said provider, further comprising the step of: retrieving preferences of said provider from a database.

73. The method of claim 72, wherein preferences of said provider comprise one or more of the following: a name for said provider; a company represented by said provider; an electronic mailing address for said provider; an Internet Protocol address for a provider's telecommunication device; a vehicle type used by said provider; a capacity for the vehicle used by said provider; a preferred payment method for said provider; willingness to simultaneously provide said service for more than one client for said provider; a smoking preference for said provider; a list of qualitative features of said provider; and a list of languages spoken by said provider.

74. The method of claim 60, after said step of obtaining a request to provide a service from said provider, further comprising the step of: retrieving usage-tracking information of said provider from a database.

75. The method of claim 74, wherein usage-tracking information of a provider comprises one or more of the following: an average fee charged for providing said service by said provider; an average gratuity received by said provider; an average time required to perform said service by said provider; and a rating as determined by previous clients for said provider.

76. The method of claim 75, wherein said rating as determined by previous clients for said provider comprises: entering a value for a client's overall satisfaction with said provider during said service; and summing all values received for said provider.

77. The method of claim 60, before said step of obtaining a provider's request to provider a service, further comprising the step of: authenticating said provider.

78. The method of claim 77, wherein said step of authenticating said provider comprises: obtaining authentication information; and verifying said authentication matches a provider's authentication record.

79. The method of claim 77, wherein said authentication information comprises one or more of the following: an identification code transmitted by said provider; a unique device signature transmitted by a provider's telecornmunication device; and caller identification information transmitted by a telecommunications service provider.

80. The method of claim 78, wherein said step of verifying said authentication matches a provider's authentication record comprises verifying by means of one or more of the following: a voice recognition system; a signature recognition system; a fingerprint recognition system; a photo recognition system; and an alphanumeric matching system.

81. The method of claim 60, after said step of obtaining a request to provide a service from said provider, further comprising the step of: authenticating said provider's request to provide a service.

82. The method of claim 81, wherein said step of authenticating said provider's request to provide a service comprises: obtaining authentication information; and verifying said authentication matches a provider's authentication record.

83. The method of claim 82, wherein said authentication information comprises one or more of the following: an identification code transmitted by said provider; a unique device signature transmitted by a provider's telecommunication device; and caller identification infonnation transmitted by a telecommunications service provider.

84. The method of claim 82, wherein said step of verifying said authentication matches said provider's authentication record comprises verifying by means of one or more of the following: a voice recognition system; a signature recognition system; a fingerprint recognition system; a photo recognition system; and an alphanumeric matching system.

85. The method of claim 60, wherein said step of obtaining one or more clients' requests for service comprises one or more of the following: obtaining one or more clients' requests for service by means of telecommunication devices; obtaining information regarding said requests for service from each client's telecommunication device; and obtaining information regarding said requests for service from each client's telecommunication service provider.

86. The method of claim 60, wherein said one or more clients' requests for service comprises one or more of the following: a telephone number for each of said one or more clients; a starting location for each of said one or more clients; a destination location for each of said one or more clients; a service to be provided for each of said one or more clients; a time when each of said one or more clients requests for said service to be performed; a number of persons to receive said service for each request; and a number of items to receive said service for each request.

87. The method of claim 60, after said step of obtaining one or more clients' requests for said service, further comprising the step of: retrieving said one or more clients' preferences from a database.

88. The method of claim 87, wherein said one or more clients' preferences comprise one or more of the following: a name for each of said one or more clients; an electronic mailing address for each of said one or more clients; an Internet Protocol address for a telecommunication device for each of said one or more clients; a list of preferred service providers for said service for each of said one or more clients; a preferred vehicle type for said service for each of said one or more clients; a preferred payment method for said service for each of said one or more clients; a willingness to share said service with other clients for each of said one or more clients; a smoking preference of each of said one or more clients; a list of languages spoken by each of said one or more clients; a privacy preference for each of said one or more clients; a list of qualitative preferences of each of said one or more clients; and a list of personal interests of each of said one or more clients.

89. The method of claim 60, after said step of obtaining one or more clients' requests for said service, further comprising the step of: retrieving said one or more clients' usage-tracking information from a database.

90. The method of claim 89, wherein said one or more clients' usage-tracking information comprises one or more of the following: a list of destination sites that each of said one or more clients has previously used; a list of departure points that each of said one or more clients has previously used; an average amount that each of said one or more clients has previously paid for said service; a frequency with which each of said one or more clients requests said service; a frequency with which each of said one or more clients has previously paid for said service; and a rating for each of said one or more clients as detennined by previous service providers.

91. The method of claim 90, wherein said rating for each of said one or more clients as determined by previous service providers comprises: entering a value for a provider's overall satisfaction with a client during said service; and summing all values received for said client.

92. The method of claim 60, before said step of obtaining said one or more clients' requests for service, further comprising the step of: authenticating each of said one or more clients.

93. The method of claim 92, wherein said step of authenticating each of said one or more clients comprises one or more of the following: obtaining authentication information; and verifying said authentication matches an authentication record for each of said one or more clients.

94. The method of claim 93, wherein said authentication information comprises one or more of the following: an identification code transmitted by said client; a unique device signature transmitted by a client's telecommunication device; and caller identification information transmitted by a telecommunications service provider.

95. The method of claim 93, wherein said step of verifying said authentication matches an authentication record for each of one or more clients comprises verifying by means of one or more of the following: a voice recognition system; a signature recognition system; a fingerprint recognition system; a photo recognition system; and an alphanumeric matching system.

96. The method of claim 60, after said step of obtaining one or more clients' requests for said service, further comprising the step of: authenticating each of said one or more clients' requests for said service.

97. The method of claim 96, wherein said step of authenticating each of said one or more clients' requests for said service comprises one or more of the following: obtaining authentication information; and verifying said authentication matches an authentication record for each of said one or more clients.

98. The method of claim 97, wherein said authentication information comprises one or more of the following: an identification code transmitted by said client; a unique device signature transmitted by a client's telecommunication device; and caller identification information transmitted by a telecommunications service provider.

99. The method of claim 97, wherein said step of verifying said authentication matches an authentication record for each of said one or more clients comprises verifying by means of one or more of the following: a voice recognition system; a signature recognition system; a fingerprint recognition system; a photo recognition system; and an alphanumeric matching system.

100. The method of claim 60, wherein said step of matching said provider with a client comprises matching said provider with said client based upon one or more of the following: said provider's request to provider said service; said provider's preferences; said provider's usage-tracking information; said one or more clients' requests for said service; said one or more clients' preferences; and said one or more clients' usage-tracking information.

101. The method of claim 60, wherein said step of matching said provider with a client comprises: prioritizing said provider's preferences; comparing said provider's preferences with said one or more clients' preferences; and determining a client from said one or more clients whose preferences most closely match said provider's preferences.

102. The method of claim 60, wherein said step of matching said provider with a client comprises: prioritizing said provider's preferences; comparing said provider's preferences with said one or more clients' preferences; determimng a list of clients from said one or more clients whose preferences most closely match said provider's preferences, transmitting said list of clients to said provider from said intermediary; and receiving a selected client from said provider by said intermediary.

103. The method of claim 60 further comprising the step of: assessing a fee from said client payable to said intermediary for matching said client with said provider.

104. The method of claim 103, wherein said step of assessing a fee from said client payable to said intermediary for matching said client with said provider comprises one or more of the following: a per-transaction fee; a service upgrade fee; a per-client fee; and a subscription-based fee.

105. The method of claim 60 further comprising the step of: assessing a fee from said client payable to said provider for providing said service.

106. The method of claim 105, wherein said step of assessing a fee from said client payable to said provider for providing said service comprises: receiving the amount of said fee from said provider by said intermediary; transmitting the amount of said fee from said intermediary to said client; receiving an affirmation for payment from said client by said intermediary; debiting a client account; crediting a provider account; and transmitting an affirmation for payment from said intermediary to said provider.

107. The method of claim 106 further comprising the step of adding an additional amount to said fee by said client for said provider.

108. The method of claim 60 further comprising the step of: assessing a fee from said provider payable to said intermediary for matching said provider with said client.

109. The method of claim 108, wherein said step of assessing a fee from said provider payable to said intermediary for matching said provider with said client comprises one or more of the following: a per-transaction fee; a service upgrade fee; a per-client fee; and a subscription-based fee.

110. The method of claim 60 further comprising the step of: storing a client's usage-tracking information in a database.

111. The method of claim 110 further comprising the step of: retrieving aggregate client usage-tracking information from said database for use in profiling the use of said service.

112. The method of claim 111 further comprising the step of: providing said aggregate client usage-tracking information to a third party for a fee.

113. The method of claim 112, wherein said providing said aggregate client usage-tracking information to a third party for a fee comprises one or more of the following: a one-time fee; a per-transaction fee; a per-client fee; and a subscription-based fee.

114. The method of claim 60 further comprising the step of: storing said provider's usage-tracking information in a database accessible by said intermediary.

115. The method of claim 114 further comprising the step of: retrieving aggregate provider usage-tracking information from said database for use in profiling the use of said service.

116. The method of claim 115 further comprising the step of: providing said aggregate provider usage-tracking information to a third party for a fee.

117. The method of claim 116, wherein said providing said aggregate provider usage-tracking information to a third party for a fee comprises one or more of the following: a one-time fee; a per-transaction fee; a per-client fee; and a subscription-based fee.

118. The method of claim 61 , further comprising: providing information regarding multiple unrelated service providers simultaneously to the client via the client's telecommunication device.

119. A computer system for matching a provider with a client comprising: a computer processor; a memory which is operatively coupled to the computer processor; a computer process stored in said memory which executes in the computer processor and which comprises: an authenticator configured to authenticate said client and said provider; and a matcher configured to match said client with said provider.

120. The computer system of claim 119, wherein said matcher configured to match said client with said provider comprises: an obtainer configured to obtain a request to provide a service from said client; a retriever configured to retrieve preferences for said client from a database; a retriever configured to retrieve usage-tracking information for said client from a database; an obtainer configured to obtain request to provide a service from said provider; a retriever configured to retrieve preferences for said provider from a database; a retriever configured to retrieve usage-tracking information for said provider from a database; and a matcher configured to match a client with a provider based upon said request to provide a service from said client, said preferences for said client, said usage-tracking information for said client, said request to provide a service from said provider, said preferences for said provider, and said usage-tracking information for said provider.

121. The computer system of claim 119 further comprising : a billing system configured to bill said client and said provider.

122. The computer system of claim 119 further comprising: an obtainer configured to obtain information from third parties; and a transmitter configured to fransmit said information obtained from said tliird parties to said client and said provider.

123. The computer system of claim 119 further comprising : a storer configured to store data in a database; and a retriever configured to retrieve data from a database.

124. The computer system of claim 119 further comprising: a provider configured to provide a means for communicating between said client and said provider.

125. The computer system of claim 119 further comprising: a location device for tracking a location of either said client or said service provider.

126. The computer system of claim 119 further comprising: a means for hold avoidance.