`
`( 12 ) United States Patent
`Demisse
`
`THE MARMITTATU DUTTAMENTO
`( 10 ) Patent No . :
`US 9 , 892 , 637 B2
`( 45 ) Date of Patent :
`Feb . 13 , 2018
`
`US009892637B2
`
`( 72 )
`
`( * ) Notice :
`
`( 54 ) VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM
`( 71 ) Applicant : RideShare Displays , Inc . , Fairfield , NJ
`( US )
`Inventor : Dereje M . Demisse , Los Angeles , CA
`( US )
`( 73 ) Assignee : RIDESHARE DISPLAYS , INC . ,
`Fairfield , NJ ( US )
`Subject to any disclaimer , the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U . S . C . 154 ( b ) by 0 days .
`( 21 ) Appl . No . : 14 / 723 , 049
`( 22 ) Filed :
`May 27 , 2015
`( 65 )
`Prior Publication Data
`( 65 )
`US 2015 / 0348408 A1 Dec . 3 , 2015
`Related U . S . Application Data
`( 60 ) Provisional application No . 62 / 004 , 753 , filed on May
`29 , 2014 .
`Int . Ci .
`G08G 1 / 00
`GO8G 1 / 017
`U . S . CI .
`CPC . .
`
`( 51 )
`
`( 52 )
`
`( 2006 . 01 )
`( 2006 . 01 )
`GO8G 1 / 017 ( 2013 . 01 )
`
`( 58 ) Field of Classification Search
`??? CPC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
`. . . . . . . . . . . . . GOSG 1 / 017
`USPC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 340 / 425 . 5 , 426 . 1 , 539 . 1
`See application file for complete search history .
`References Cited
`U . S . PATENT DOCUMENTS
`1 / 2005 Berquist . . . . . . . . . . . . GO9F 21 / 04
`2005 / 0012598 A1 *
`340 / 425 . 5
`
`( 56 )
`
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner — Daryl Pope
`( 74 ) Attorney , Agent , or Firm — Welsh Flaxman & Gitler
`LLC
`( 57 )
`ABSTRACT
`A vehicle identification system includes one or more dis
`plays associated with a vehicle , a transceiver , and a control
`ler communicatively coupled to the transceiver . The one or
`more displays are located to be visible from an exterior of
`the vehicle . The controller is adapted to generate a first
`signal to be transmitted by the transceiver to
`a mobile
`communication device associated with a driver of the
`vehicle when it is determined that the vehicle is within a
`predetermined distance of a specific location . The mobile
`communication device associated with the driver is adapted
`to generate a second signal to be transmitted to the one or
`more displays . The second signal represents an indicator .
`20 Claims , 4 Drawing Sheets
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`Case 1:20-cv-01629-UNA Document 1-1 Filed 11/30/20 Page 4 of 9 PageID #: 42
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`Feb . 13 , 2018
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`Sheet 4 of 4
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`US 9 , 892 , 637 B2
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`Case 1:20-cv-01629-UNA Document 1-1 Filed 11/30/20 Page 5 of 9 PageID #: 43
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`US 9 , 892 , 637 B2
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`VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM
`
`CROSS - REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`The present application claims priority to , and the benefit
`of , U . S . Provisional Application Ser . No . 62 / 004 , 753
`entitled “ VEHICLE IDENTIFYING SYSTEM , ” filed on
`May 29 , 2014 , the disclosure of which is herein incorporated
`by reference in its entirety .
`
`STATEMENT RE : FEDERALLY SPONSORED
`RESEARCH / DEVELOPMENT
`Not Applicable
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`controller is adapted to generate a first signal to be trans
`mitted by the transceiver to a mobile communication device
`associated with a driver of the vehicle when it is determined
`that the vehicle is within a predetermined distance of a
`5 specific location . The mobile communication device asso
`ciated with the driver is adapted to generate a second signal
`to be transmitted to the one or more displays . The second
`signal represents an indicator .
`According to another aspect of the present disclosure , a
`10 method of identifying a vehicle dispatched to a location of
`a user having requested a ride from a transportation service
`is provided . The method includes : when it is determined that
`the vehicle is within a predetermined distance of the location
`of the user , generating a notification signal to a mobile
`15 communication device associated with the driver ; generat
`ing an indicatory signal representing an indicator in response
`to receiving the notification signal ; and displaying , on a
`display associated with the vehicle , the indicator based on
`Technical Field
`the notification signal . The display is located to be visible on
`The present disclosure relates generally to a system and 20 the exterior of the vehicle . The method also includes :
`method for vehicle identification . More particularly , the
`displaying the indicator on a mobile communication device
`present invention relates to a system adapted to provide an
`associated with the user ; and identifying the vehicle based
`indicator on a mobile communication device of a user
`on appearance of a match , by visual observation of the user ,
`having requested a ride service to allow the user to identify
`between the indicator being displayed on the mobile com
`a vehicle prior to boarding the vehicle .
`25 munication device associated with the user and the indicator
`Related Art
`being displayed on the display associated with the vehicle .
`The rapid technological advances in the Internet , mobile
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`communications technologies , and social networking have
`opened up opportunities for tech - enabled transportation ser
`Objects and features of the presently - disclosed systems
`vices that provide on - demand individual transportation . In
`one ride - hailing model , drivers and riders use mobile phones
`and methods for vehicle identification will become apparent
`connected to a web service to arrange rides . Before riding
`to those of ordinary skill in the art when descriptions of
`with UBER , for example , customers are required to create
`various embodiments thereof are read with reference to the
`an account with their personal and payment information , and
`accompanying drawings , of which :
`rides can only be requested through the application .
`FIG . 1A is a diagrammatic illustration of a system for
`To varying degrees , on - demand transportation service
`vehicle identification in accordance with an embodiment of
`providers employ ideas from social networking , reputation
`the present disclosure ;
`systems , and Global Positioning System ( GPS ) tracking to
`FIG . 1B is a diagrammatic illustration of a system for
`provide service . Although these companies may appear to be
`vehicle identification in accordance with another embodi
`taxi companies to riders , they are actually dispatching ser - 40 ment of the present disclosure ;
`FIG . 2 is schematic illustration of the system for vehicle
`vices which serve both riders and drivers .
`Technology - enabled transportation services , such as
`identification of FIG . 1A servicing multiple riders in accor
`UBER and LYFT , may help to improve the public ' s trans -
`dance with an embodiment of the present disclosure ; and
`portation options . Expanding the availability of on - demand
`FIG . 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method of identifying
`transportation modes and technology - enabled tools may 45 a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present
`give more people the freedom to live " car - free ” or “ car -
`disclosure .
`light ” lifestyles — avoiding the cost of owning , insuring ,
`maintaining and garaging a private vehicle .
`There are numerous barriers that have prevented people
`from using non - driving modes of transportation . Public 50
`transportation use , for example , is often limited by percep -
`tions of personal security in public transportation travel .
`Rider safety is fundamental to the continued success of
`transportation services , but driver safety has also become an
`issue .
`A continuing need exists for systems and methods adapted
`for use by transportation services to ensure rider and driver
`security .
`
`Hereinafter , embodiments of a system and method for
`vehicle identification are described with reference to the
`accompanying drawings . Like reference numerals may refer
`to similar or identical elements throughout the description of
`the figures .
`This description may use the phrases “ in an embodiment . "
`“ in embodiments , ” “ in some embodiments , ” or “ in other
`embodiments , ” which may each refer to one or more of the
`same or different embodiments in accordance with the
`present disclosure .
`60 As used herein , the term " controller ” may include any
`BRIEF SUMMARY
`type of computing device , computational circuit , or any type
`of processor or processing circuit capable of executing a
`According to an aspect of the present disclosure , a vehicle
`series of instructions that are stored in a memory associated
`identification system is provided . The vehicle identification
`with the controller . As it is used herein , " mobile communi
`system includes one or more displays associated with a
`vehicle , a transceiver , and a controller communicatively 65 cation device " generally refers to any portable wireless
`coupled to the transceiver . The one or more displays are
`device . In one instance , the mobile communication device
`located to be visible from an exterior of the vehicle . The
`has one or more processors and memory capability .
`
`30
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`35
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`55
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`4
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
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`and / or a mobile communication device 140 associated with
`Examples of mobile communication devices include , with
`the user P . For example , the transceiver 120 may consist of
`out limitation , cellular ( cell ) and mobile telephones , smart
`satellites instead of land - based cell towers .
`mobile telephones , mobile e - mail devices , digital personal
`The vehicle identification system 10 may be adapted to
`assistants , etc .
`Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide a 5 generate one or more signals representing an indicator ,
`vehicle identification system adapted to provide an indicator
`which may be displayable as a " code ” ( e . g . , a text string or
`on a mobile communication device of a user having
`an alphanumeric string ) , an icon , or other identifier , on the
`requested a ride service to allow the user to identify a vehicle
`display 130 and on a mobile communication device 140
`prior to boarding the vehicle . Various embodiments of the
`associated with the user P to enable the user P to identify the
`presently - disclosed vehicle identification systems are 10 vehicle that he / she has requested for a ride service . Although
`adapted to provide a notification signal for activating a
`one display 130 is shown associated with a passenger side
`driver ' s mobile communication device to generate a signal
`rear window 21 of the motor vehicle 20 , it is to be under
`representing an indicator , whereby the indicator is displayed
`stood that one or more displays 130 may be mounted on or
`on a display visible from the exterior of the vehicle . The
`otherwise associated with the front windshield , rear shield ,
`indicator may additionally , or alternatively , be displayed on 15 passenger side front window , passenger side rear window ,
`a display associated with an article of clothing ( e . g . , coat or
`driver side rear window , and / or driver side front window of
`hat ) worn by the driver and / or displayed on a remote
`the ride - service vehicle . Those skilled in the art will readily
`hand - held display device ( e . g . , tablet computer ) held by the
`appreciate that the display may be disposed on other areas of
`driver . The presently - disclosed vehicle identification sys -
`the vehicle , e . g . , door and body panels . Display 130 may be
`tems and methods for vehicle identification may be used in
`20 operatively connected to a receiver . As described in more
`coordination with services that use mobile fleets of vehicles
`detail below , the vehicle identification system 10 may be
`or personnel in a variety of scenarios . Vehicle identification
`adapted to generate a first signal that is transmitted via the
`systems and methods described herein may be used in
`transceiver 120 to a mobile communication device 150
`combination with chauffeured driving services , such as taxi
`associated with the driver , wherein , in response to receiving
`cab providers , car sharing and car services ( e . g . , UBER , 25 the first signal , an application on the mobile communication
`LYFT , FLYWHEEL ) , limo services , shuttles ( e . g . , airport
`device 150 associated with the driver D generates a second
`operated shuttle buses , door - to - door shuttles ) , police dis -
`signal 17 representing an indicator 111 that is transmitted to
`patch , package delivery services ( e . g . , UPS , FEDEX , cou -
`the display 130 .
`riers , drones ) , and / or mobile military units . Vehicle
`It is to be understood that the dashed lines indicative of
`identification systems and methods described herein may be 30 wireless links between various components of the vehicle
`implemented , in whole or in part , as an application running
`identification system 10 shown in FIG . 1A and the vehicle
`as a standalone program or may be embedded into third -
`identification system 11 shown in FIG . 1B are merely
`party applications , e . g . , UBER , LYFT , etc . Embodiments of
`illustrative and non - limiting examples of wireless connec
`the presently - disclosed vehicle identification system can be
`tions , and that vehicle identification system embodiments of
`implemented as software , hardware , firmware or any com - 35 the present disclosure may utilize many different configu
`bination thereof . Where a component is implemented as
`rations of wireless connections , some with additional , fewer ,
`software , it can be implemented as a standalone program ,
`or different links than depicted in FIGS . 1A and 1B . For
`but can also be implemented in other ways , for example as
`example , in some embodiments , the display 130 may be
`part of a larger program , as a plurality of separate programs ,
`adapted to establish a wireless connection with a mobile
`as a kernel loadable module , as one or more device drivers 40 communication device 140 associated with the user P .
`or as one or more statically or dynamically linked libraries .
`A signal from a mobile communication device 140 of a
`Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that where the
`user P may be provided to a taxi cab service , in order to have
`presently - disclosed vehicle identification system is imple -
`a taxi driver D dispatched to the location of the user P . A
`mented in whole or in part in software , the software com -
`signal from a user ' s mobile communication device 140 may
`ponents thereof may be stored on computer readable media 45 be provided to a car service , e . g . , the UBER service , in order
`as computer program products . Any form of computer
`to have a driver from the service dispatched to the location
`readable medium may be used in this context , such as
`of the user P . Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate
`magnetic or optical storage media . Additionally , software
`that various different transportation services , e . g . , UBER ,
`portions of the present invention may be instantiated ( for
`LYFT , limos and any other kind of ride service , may be
`example as object code or executable images ) within the 50 requested by the user P . Once a ride service has been
`memory of any programmable computing device .
`requested by the user P , a request may be sent to the user P
`FIG . 1A shows a vehicle identification system 10 in
`to download an application to the user ' s mobile communi
`accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure .
`cation device 140 . The application may be adapted to
`The vehicle identification system 10 includes a controller
`receive an indicatory signal and display an indicator , as
`110 , a transceiver 120 , and one or more displays associated 55 described in more detail below , and may provide other
`with a motor vehicle 20 . In the illustrative embodiment
`functionality , e . g . , a panic button for sending to law enforce
`shown in FIG . 1A , a first display 130 is associated with a
`ment and / or emergency services providers information
`passenger side rear window 21 of a motor vehicle 20 , and a
`related to the mobile communication device 140 including
`second display 131 is associated with the front windshield of
`its location , information about the user Passociated with the
`the motor vehicle 20 . In some embodiments , the controller 60 mobile communication device 140 , and / or information
`110 may be a computer network controller or a server . In
`recorded by the mobile communication device 140 during
`some embodiments , the controller 110 is communicatively
`and subsequent to the time the panic button is activated . It
`coupled to the transceiver 120 . The transceiver 120 may
`is to be understood that although various components are
`consist of one or more cell phone towers of a tower network .
`illustrated and described above as separate entities , each
`It is to be understood that the transceiver 120 may be any 65 illustrated component represents a collection of functional
`device capable of wireless communication with a mobile
`ities which can be implemented as software , hardware ,
`communication device 150 associated with the driver D
`firmware or any combination of these .
`
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`15
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`on . Preferably , the code would not be duplicated in the same
`The controller 110 may generate a first signal ( also
`pickup location . In some embodiments , when the driver D
`referred to herein as a “ notification signal " ) that is trans -
`turns on the fare meter , the code ( or other indicator ) is
`mitted via the transceiver 120 to the mobile communication
`deleted . If there is a need for the driver D to pick up another
`device 150 associated with the driver D . In some embodi -
`5 person , when the driver D approaches the second location
`ments , the vehicle identification system 10 is adapted to
`( or third location , etc . ) , the vehicle identification system 10
`generate a notification signal once the vehicle 20 approaches
`may generate another notification signal . Alternatively , the
`the pickup location , e . g . , within a predetermined distance
`vehicle identification system 10 may be adapted to allow the
`based on GPS location . Preferably , the predetermined dis -
`driver to enter a command on the driver ' s mobile commu
`tance is a suitable distance to provide the user P an oppor -
`tunity to view the display 130 as the vehicle 20 approaches 10 nication device 150 so that another code ( or other indicator )
`the pickup location . In an embodiment , the predetermined
`can be generated for the next rider who is going to share the
`distance is approximately one quarter mile from the pickup
`same vehicle . In some embodiments , the vehicle identifica
`location . In other embodiments , the vehicle identification
`tion system 10 may be adapted to allow the user P who
`system 10 may be adapted to generate a notification signal
`originally requested the ride service that was picked up at the
`once the vehicle 20 arrives at the pickup location .
`first location to text the code , or otherwise send the indicator ,
`In some embodiments , in response to receiving the noti -
`to another person who is going to share the ride .
`fication signal , an application on the mobile communication
`It is to be understood that multiple drivers and vehicles
`device 150 associated with the driver D generates a second
`may be dispatched to the same or different locations , e . g . ,
`signal 17 ( also referred to herein as an “ indicatory signal ” )
`concurrently or sequentially , and the vehicle identification
`representing an indicator . The indicatory signal 17 transmit - 20 system 10 ( and / or the vehicle identification system 11 ) may
`ted by the mobile communication device 150 may be
`generate any number of notification signals . In an illustrative
`received by the display 130 and / or a receiver operatively
`embodiment of the vehicle identification system 10 shown in
`associated therewith . Responsive to receiving the indicatory
`FIG . 3 , four ride service requests VEHICLE REQUEST - A ,
`signal 17 , the display 130 displays the indicator 111 . The
`VEHICLE REQUEST - B , VEHICLE REQUEST - C , and
`indicatory signal 17 representative of indicator 111 trans - 25 VEHICLE REQUEST - D are received from four users ( also
`mitted by the driver ' s mobile communication device 150
`referred to herein as “ riders ” ) for pickup . The controller 110
`may additionally , or alternatively , be received by the mobile
`generates four different notification signals , NOTIFICA
`communication device 140 associated with the user P . In
`TION - A , NOTIFICATION - B , NOTIFICATION - C , and
`some embodiments , as shown for example in FIG . 1A , a
`NOTIFICATION - D , to be transmitted by the transceiver 120
`second indicatory signal 19 representative of the indicator 30 to a first DRIVER ' S MOBILE DEVICE 150A , a second
`111 is transmitted by the driver ' s mobile communication
`DRIVER ' S MOBILE DEVICE 150B , a third DRIVER ' S
`device 150 to the mobile communication device 140 asso -
`MOBILE DEVICE 150C , and a
`fourth DRIVER ' S
`ciated with the user P . Responsive to receiving the indicatory
`MOBILE DEVICE 150D , respectively .
`signal 19 , the mobile communication device 140 displays
`As seen in FIG . 2 , in response to receiving the NOTIFI
`35 CATION - A the first DRIVER ' S MOBILE DEVICE 150A
`the indicator 111 .
`FIG . 1B shows a vehicle identification system 11 in
`transmits an indicatory signal CODE - A to the DISPLAY
`PANEL 130A , in response to receiving the NOTIFICA
`accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure .
`The vehicle identification system 11 is similar to the vehicle
`TION - B the second DRIVER ' S MOBILE DEVICE 150B
`identification system 10 shown in FIG . 1A , except for the
`transmits an indicatory signal CODE - B to the DISPLAY
`configuration of the wireless links . As seen in FIG . 1B , 40 PANEL 130B , in response to receiving the NOTIFICA
`vehicle identification system 11 is adapted to generate an
`TION - C the third DRIVER ' S MOBILE DEVICE 150C
`indicatory signal 14 to be transmitted to the mobile com -
`transmits an indicatory signal CODE - C to the DISPLAY
`munication device 140 associated with the user P and a
`PANEL 130C , and in response to receiving the NOTIFICA
`notification signal 15 to be transmitted to the mobile com
`TION - D the fourth DRIVER ' S MOBILE DEVICE 150D
`munication device 150 associated with the driver D . In this 45 transmits an indicatory signal CODE - D to the DISPLAY
`embodiment , the driver ' s mobile communication device 150
`PANEL 130D .
`does not communicate with the user ' s mobile communica -
`In some embodiments , wherein the vehicle identification
`tion device 140 , being an accommodation for users who
`system 10 is utilized , the first RIDER ' S MOBILE DEVICE
`prefer to communicate directly with the dispatching service ,
`140A may receive the indicatory signal CODE - A from the
`rather than the driver D .
`50 first DRIVER ' S MOBILE DEVICE 150A , the second RID
`In an illustrative example wherein a dispatched vehicle 20
`ER ’ S MOBILE DEVICE 140B may receive the indicatory
`arrives at the pickup location and waits for the user P who
`signal CODE - B from the second DRIVER ' S MOBILE
`requested the ride service , the vehicle 20 may be parked by
`DEVICE 150B , the third RIDER ’ S MOBILE DEVICE
`itself or parked among other similar and / or not similar
`140C may receive the indicatory signal CODE - C from the
`vehicles . When the user P who requested the ride service 55 third DRIVER ' S MOBILE DEVICE 150C , and the fourth
`approaches the pickup area , in order to locate his / her ride the
`RIDER ' S MOBILE DEVICE 140D may receive the indica
`user P need only visually observe a vehicle 20 with the
`tory signal CODE - D from the fourth DRIVER ' S MOBILE
`display 130 displaying the indicator 111 that is a match to the
`DEVICE 150D . In other embodiments , wherein the vehicle
`indicator 111 ( e . g . , A22 shown in FIGS . 1A and 1B ) being
`identification system 11 is utilized , an indicatory signal to
`displayed on the user ' s mobile communication device 140 . 60 the rider ' s mobile communication device may be generated
`Once the user P has identified the vehicle 20 , the user P may
`by the controller 110 .
`be requested to show the indicator 111 displayed on his / her
`FIG . 3 shows a flowchart illustrating a method of iden
`mobile communication device 140 to the driver D , e . g . , to
`tifying a vehicle being dispatched to a location of a user
`allow the driver D to verify that he / she is picking up the
`having requested a ride from a transportation service in
`person who actually requested the ride service .
`65 accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure .
`In some embodiments , the indicator 111 may be a " code "
`At block 310 , when it is determined that the vehicle 20 is
`such as an alphanumeric string , e . g . , A22 , B11 , C44 , and so
`within a predetermined distance of the location of the user
`
`Case 1:20-cv-01629-UNA Document 1-1 Filed 11/30/20 Page 8 of 9 PageID #: 46
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`US 9 , 892 , 637 B2
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`when it is determined that the vehicle is within a prede
`P , a notification signal 15 is generated to a mobile commu
`termined distance of the location of the user , generating
`nication device 150 associated with the driver D .
`a notification signal to a mobile communication device
`At block 320 , an indicatory signal 17 representing an
`associated with the driver ;
`indicator 111 is generated in response to receiving the
`generating an indicatory signal representing an indicator
`notification signal 15 .
`in response to receiving the notification signal ;
`At block 330 , an indicator 111 based on the indicatory
`displaying , on a display associated with the vehicle , the
`signal 17 is displayed on a display 130 associated with the
`indicator based on the notification signal , the display
`vehicle 20 . The display 130 , 131 is located to be visible on
`being located to be visible on the exterior of the
`the exterior of the vehicle 20 .
`vehicle ;
`At block 340 , the indicator 111 is displayed on a mobile 10
`displaying the indicator on a mobile communication
`communication device 140 associated with the user P .
`device associated with the user ; and
`At block 350 , the vehicle 20 is identified based on
`identifying the vehicle based on appearance of a match ,
`appearance of a match , by visual observation of the user P ,
`by visual observation of the user , between the indicator
`between the indicator 111 being displayed on the mobile
`being displayed on the mobile communication device
`communication device 140 associated with the user P and 15
`associated with the user and the indicator being dis
`the indicator 111 being displayed on the display 130 , 131
`played on the display associated with the vehicle .
`associated with the vehicle 20 .
`10 . The method of claim
`9 , wherein the displaying the
`Although embodiments have been described in detail with
`indicator on a mobile communication device associated with
`the user includes receiving an indicatory signal from the
`reference to the accompanying drawings for the purpose of
`illustration and description , it is to be understood that the 20 mobile communication device associated with the driver .
`disclosed systems and processes are not to be construed as
`11 . The method of claim
`9 , wherein the displaying the
`limited thereby . It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill
`indicator on a mobile communication device associated with
`in the art that various modifications to the foregoing embodi
`the user includes receiving an indicatory signal from a
`ments may be made without departing from the scope of the
`controller associated with the transportation service .
`disclosure .
`12 . The method of claim 9 , wherein the indicator is an
`alphanumeric string .
`What is claimed is :
`13 . A vehicle identification system , comprising :
`1 . A vehicle identification system , comprising :
`at least one display associated with a vehicle , wherein the
`at least one display associated with a vehicle , wherein the
`at least one display is located to be visible from an
`at least one display is located to be visible from an 30
`exterior of the vehicle ;
`30
`exterior of the vehicle ;
`a transceiver ;
`a transceiver ; a