EXHIBIT 1003
`
`

`
`Illlllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll
`
`
`US 20ll02l8933Al
`
`(19)
`
`United States
`
`(12) Patent Application Publication (10) Pub. No.: US 2011/0218933 A1
`Hunsaker et al.
`(43) Pub. Date:
`Sep. 8, 2011
`
`Publication Classification
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2006.01)
`G06Q 10/00
`(2006.01)
`G01C 21/00
`(52) U.S.Cl. ...................................................... .. 705/338
`(57)
`ABSTRACT
`
`A computer system for managing zmd operating a mobile
`storage business includes a centralized database that stores
`route information for a plurality of drivers and routes. A
`mobile computer device can be used by a driver or mobile
`storage representative to communicate with tl1e database. The
`device can be used to display route information relating to the
`delivery or pickup of a portable storage container and to
`transmit to the database the signature of the customer, com-
`ments relating to the task, images relating to the task and
`location associated with the container identifier. The mobile
`computer device includes a scanner for capturing the con-
`tainer identification and a global positioning system capabil-
`ity for capturing the location associated with the container
`and the location of the mobile computer device.
`
`204
`
`Loo-Itdwtioplivou
`mluvsvwidtwkvi-iteMd'K
`\-Ou.vt=-asunn.-wavoao-‘ml-.A
`mm
`
`IIa<»;ut¢aV/«run ...u».r..-nu
`
`a is-,..1«-.m
`rsiv.-tsinnvmmnudueli
`ummmm
`XI-uvnnvtw 1.,
`uu=.«-mm.‘
`an-....m.x-;
`avlauuzvcu. v:
`ummm.
`sna-«uwun
`>«-.¢.m..L-1.
`s-vow-«ta-.¢o~a .1
`
`....-mu.»
`
`(54) METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING
`MOBILE STORAGE
`
`(76)
`
`Inventors:
`
`Theodore Thomas Hunsaker,
`Avondale, AZ (US); Christopher
`George Bierman, Thatcher, AZ
`(US); Daysha Donelson-Myers,
`Laveen, AZ (US); Michael David
`Gallagher, Scottsdale, AZ (US)
`
`(21) Appl. No.:
`
`13/042,360
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Mar. 7, 2011
`
`Related U.S. Application Data
`
`(60) Provisional application No. 61/310,829, filed on Mar.
`5, 2010.
`
`IE!
`U-HAUL v......a,.m...........
`
`
`U-Box potable storage 81 moving pods
`‘lcaovrxuoorwecew-q‘J5o<s youum-caumum
`nwtmww-mu-auuvmioyau.-«nu»
`°‘"““'°"-
`Omwvam Om.
`mm mm
`
`mg
`
`} 104
`
`108
`
`
`
`Euy. \=9nve:I3emloldhs
`
`am we mun mun
`
`LvuL Nnsoml msmaaornl
`
`-
`
`
`l(
`
`‘nun -
`
`

`
`B2
`
`1.1A3
`
`9_da
`
`m3uan%numbVN
`
`3n_0
`
`Hm
`
`uwa..3m..=um
`
`Eofiomaufiz
`
`
`
`Enumoumaow3:.E.<.
`
`aim
`
`oa
`
`om
`
`\|]‘'/w
`
`mmmnflmo
`
`om
`
`U E
`
`I...o..w._,_...u.W,_I
`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 8, 2011 Sheet 1 of 30
`
`m$_u..§>
`
`b_>_uua:=oU
`
`.330hum
`
`uouuaom
`
`:o_~au=nE<
`
`aumd—II3:0NN
`
`
`
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 8, 2011 Sheet 2 of 30
`
`US 2011/0218933 A1
`
`50
`
`I/'\\
`
`54
`‘
`/“J
`. ,_ ..___- — - -[1MuHip!e Users~~—~--——-«-—-——:~————~~«f\§3;%‘°::3r :\/>-—-1
`\/ 56 I
`If Multiple Users and Routes
`”
`/1,‘
`
`'“‘”""’
`'
`Valid Logzn-._.~_...I
`~——
`—— -7 —— ——~
`These options are used for contacllng the cuslcmer and arriving
`at their home, but not (or actually compksling me dellvetylplckup.
`
`lfmurlipie Routes
`——-~-
`~
`
`Cali Customerif
`
`‘
`/§eIectRou\t;‘\
`«'\\ (°p“mBD/ /\
`\‘
`'
`
`'
`i
`.
`
`
`
`\ Customer ,
`\\
`7"’
`\p<f\_
`
`60
`
`_
`Z This option is used tor completing lhe scheduled
`"“\~—~g deliverylplckup item. taking pictures. making notes.
`:
`collecting a signature and scanning the box(es).
`
`/
`
`
`\
`/"
`\..-...
`,/ Comment \-
`\\Managemen£/
`
`
`
`FIG. 2
`
`_._ _ _ \
`.
`:/A Star!
`.'\«__________/
`
`..-..——lnvalld Logln—~
`58
`
`“ML
`Load
`Customers
`
`*1
`}
`I
`;
`
`
`
`~————————
`
`;;
`
`
`"'f““§f°
`09
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 8, 2011 Sheet 3 of 30
`
`US 2011/0218933 A1
`
`
`
`
`
`_uco:«c..8c.,._mco:mz"M304
`
`2:
`
`
`
`
`
`Mwfiefiw.9%N4afiofium€828mmmmmm
`
`sum9.
`
`:83?.E0
`
`
`
`..u.l;.W..h_vmwm.~s:;,Os~».
`
`Vo
`
`H
`
`2:Samw......,canan2?.
`
`.“so»mmémjkmémm§.:.n.an”,.§a.3»
`
`
`
`«Sockwc~.._,_u....o
`
`
`
`Eu._m..£vv.5mms2_m.«m,a,méuwm5.3,E.
`
`
`
`muonm£>oEMmmfioummfimtoaxomi
`
`
`
`
`
`.$s&8as?ES93_..E.,.......»J
`
`
`
`.m,.m..§.m£._2§..,2.2
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`
`
`.muoimErmam9%.r..Oa..mE.mmEOI
`
`SE38233,_xdmm:30%mm>:mEmm“Emu
`
`mm.w..m2...Emm».0=mW9255:
`
`
`
`2..£80.Mom‘:
`
`msasS9...
`
`
`
`
`
`mcownobfiéou.301.
`
`S
`
`900
`
`«up
`
`4|.
`
`0
`
`US 2011/0218933 A1
`
`
`
`
`
`rmvm..8.._E0839;.1;.mo..,u,.:umxcmfiem
`
`1H.
`
`allu0,
`
`
`
`..,.2“mum..=.o9u.£S»3gm.mwxombn
`
`
`
`.x....£6.._wzoowuwnNi._u.5oo~.:maxom..:v
`
`
`
`%8:9.aoofiwm3”Qsoa_m.:3.om.nm
`
`..anmufix4we8°N2.
`
`
`
`
`
`WEwfiummkEnowawn«_..3won;wuxomé~
`
`Em
`
`
`
`3fin....§0L»....mGun.29..
`
`7.324
`
`Aw
`
`......§.
`
`.,..mu..w£e..:3=
`
`)5n.37c9.ucv.n.i:........<u
`
`£5xomé
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 8, 2011 Sheet 5 of 30
`
`US 2011/0218933 A1
`
`$5Logan9%as:355a
`
`e:
`
`
`
`
`
`.w<..mceoga.2ocm.3ancfifima.9w£$.22.......o..».3:0xemordEmmfinamBe.»um$xom.3noQ96...m§
`
`
`sum:.65:08Vmaunwocwman..53,"mE.v~oE:ucnmEnno_mE.:.30»oxfl.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`$2:.+..
`
`.Aw
`
`aGE
`
`
`
`
`
`N4N4.x_:o9E.6»mcouao_.Cw>__mQm:\
`
`%S9.,3$353.
`
`
`
`mafiaozumfismanmcnnwfimw.fin~25,$52
`
`
`
`waxomfi«O82:52mfincmSc
`
`..
`
`___....:oN.:JlaI.____.NS
`
`6.
`
`.n..!
`
`:3
`
`
`
`.mH....@m,
`
`
`
`.¢%a%_pa...a
`
`
`
`N4xEwo..EOwN452003.»..m>OEXOm..D
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 8, 2011 Sheet 6 of 30
`
`US 2011/0218933 A1
`
`
`
`madam»:98.
`
`3.3m
`
`8mm5,
`
`
`
`o2..2._w5623:.mam.“6»
`
`>98wfifiocmma
`
`
`
`mug.;~.§9.:ém.miEgon.9anm3£m_$5x.m<omumamuh,oommx
`
`.,.-.,(
`
`_§_.:3Bows0
`
`
`
`3......E...3w.:....$,...s:....uzw:mm.s....E.w.
`
`£3caninowam._u%Em:..,.“,
`
`$53».,msfizw
`
`
`
`.wEm...=2.5.5@.u_..§,:.mEmzxwvxufiw.,r..w
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Sn...m..>...W55M50«N2..mm.naE_:3..tréoouaoup...
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 8, 2011 Sheet 7 of 30
`
`US 2011/0218933 A1
`
`
`
`
`
`.33:mm§._.m£omw....E=3.9.:am8.m_$
`
`we‘,
`
`M&so...u9._w
`
`
`
`§..O..$m50%oflmmmomEomflu...
`
`figsE3
`
`an”
`
`
`
`
`
`m..,w»._u:_nmamfi.n....&S§a9
`
`
`
`uma.53EatmEH_w...oc._w..E:3ans:65%,__u
`
`
`
`taumcfiqonmSP...
`
`£3.30»2.nunuwxom.:r
`
`«.2
`
`
`
`xomfi.8$0283vou:uEEooom
`
`9:5,."
`
`mmeamm
`
`am§a£vEm.(..w.
`
`.vgm.“.5....
`
`353N...
`
`88$3895
`
`
`
`_..n:uz.:a_anuEm.m..m.__o.\_my.an$6:4
`
`SmcomwxmwI.
`
`
`
`M83Naflu.fin
`
`MW.wman53“«us
`
`atwo93.4.
`
`.(...%n_
`
`mwfim
`
`32:323.4.
`
`w:.i.....l1.I.1!3..la..!Aou_E8w:oH
`
`
`
`
`
`..8...§E$5.:in3°::3»J3:???
`
`mGE
`
`seaM.
`
`$..:$c.H,«Wn%
`
`S8
`
`
`
`
`
`.3.1....i..,;.9.......r.,fix/.....u<u_.u\..u€,“:1»,».5...n6,,_\\nvfir...>:...4n:fi>u6...w.>1.?;.>,..
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`03:108fleC
`
`US 2011/0218933 A1
`
`..sD...Vmw_>.%p._unF..EE3.529.33E55
`
`00......
`
`9:5.35....::..c35
`
`£5msam
`
`
`
`
`
`..u..9.3.N9n.ncuaEaEm.%3ac..E..».a_9“Dd.whsmm9wm\S.cwwan,i.§,_a._a.,....%2
`
`
`
`
`
`.¢vou_Smo_9».:m82...aa..&3«,
`
`
`
`aSea.5acmufiunmacfm
`
`
`
`.m3._c._#.._..fiE_::E2a
`
`
`
`
`:.F..,.cV.,fi:....:IX‘.
`
`
`H.3:.«Q2600.$m_.:a:<
`
`
`
`
`
`Egan:waoau¢EK2
`
`
`
`
`
`omE.En.ou.w%§va..m$_..5428553PR32¢::.«
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`.95uum.2owns.25._,....
`
`uzoxumcu
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`...E=32o.mE2»findm.,~..§aE.33»l—
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 8, 2011 Sheet 9 of 30
`
`US 2011/0218933 A1
`
`8.3amnou26223
`
`52¢.20‘M3a.aum..m
`
`
`
`w..m_a.w.ub...n_.m_EwW92...E00
`
`V
`
`3
`
`
`
`
`
`au..cu.n.(.«uE.9.m:UES...,:mdEoU
`
`$903I...
`
`......c££
`
`e.wE
`
`N:
`
`
`
`Emfifiam.$U._0
`
`.23»U3xufiasnommama3.«59:.
`
`
`38$9.,amfimuxomém.5.»
`
`3.5of398scan
`
`m.8S$mis3335
`
`
`
`.33E8no...maven>5
`
`
`
`mamafix:,.:m._..Ew_§m:3:xofiEam..::aSn5wcxiim9:....m.w
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 8, 2011 Sheet 10 of 30
`
`US 2011/0218933 A1
`
`E
`
`.H_..m.,..uI.3ma:..c.91.;3....
`
`5.3...
`
`
`
`$01E>0u2.mfianzotqmmfimamNmcm>OE
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`.,5o»u,fimgoxm..__>§na:c.._oE3m3ac;
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`m.._.._..nZ:3nanmanner"M...
`
`mas.macCm$.98GEN53%
`
`
`
`£95“mammsiuma.3
`
`mcmcmumos
`
`mrE._Q3
`
`
`
`am:rcouno»
`
`mm:amcan9.32.66mmmucoam._
`
`
`
`_..§..E.«En:$3mam.Enema30.6:6»/écm:m..$.....“ww.fl5.690....o...M3:33:“aummu.3mmcmfi.53;oh
`
`
`
`
`
`.590530%.msx00"wEcmwm
`
`Hugo
`
`$:_.oo..ma.W:..!x.I6|:..I¥...¢L
`
`.
`
`.
`
`H.362:U20H.
`
`
`
`
`
`Em:m,:82...:3
`
`
`
`Jo».ficnoouwwmfiowmmuseum5.m.».m_.mM
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`‘Kx
`
`meaasmm5>o_._.§2:3.comc_&_fi\uH\.
`
`.1am.
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 8, 2011 Sheet 11 of 30
`
`US 2011/0218933 A1
`
`M
`
`EN
`
`
`
`...._.mc.o.xo.2_mzs._.u.ms.w_m.8
`
`
`
`H...flu..._3_,_o_mflnun.“.
`
`
`
`_..{mamm.»zg_.._oi..ormH:aEo.%mEfiv;
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`=ma;§x,i.ii.._.
`
`
`..uo§Ew.§..i_.nm_$.§&mm. .._.w.,sB.22am.
`
`
`
`in.owflwxanm.Ex:.:25
`
`
`
`
`
`2tax
`
`
`~.u.._..»._.._...$.......H.;...xi..m
`
`Ums§.§.,_o.._e.§m.._,;«mun
`.....QMNmum
`
`
`.H..=.—+MbWWmm._..3t_>
`
`
`H.wEm>.m_mLoo
`
`
`8...M.EN
`
`mE<_._.__.a..mac.r_w>_._D
`24Sum“we:tflmEmcam
`
`
`swanEmma§.:w_.£\vmunxmxmBang
`«maRR-E.E5anew..
`"8...
`
`
`omooiqcam:49%"Ewan...nu
`
`
`
`
`4%..;.X.520am:tones.
`gag?“me:newmm....
`
`
`
`.w«cam«mam«ooumnewmmmm-mmmGm3mEEmm.
`
` uomzcoo265©mN
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`M.H......gm:...,qmmmmzmmuxamm3.3?
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 8, 2011 Sheet 12 of 30
`
`US 2011/0218933 A1
`
`S.UHm
`
`m.mvHh
`
`Sm
`
`
`
`NewEDD.___SD£m..A
`
`mgmm...
`
`cmmbmmcora
`
`
`
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`00
`
`m.S
`
`0B
`
`0
`
`US 2011/0218933 A1
`
`Em
`
`Em
`
`W8%
`
`138m,3%2
`
`m.68
`
`a£9.
`
`aamm
`
`gm
`
`wmm2damIdun
`
`
`

`
`P
`
`.mMRMUPH.mM.mwAW
`
`eS
`
`D...
`
`11102
`
`HBuflS
`
`0
`
`US 2011/0218933 Al
`
`MSm
`
`nmum
`
`8,Sm
`
`
`3&14_3..1.
`
`$.¢..¢.3_ummm....new0Nmm
`
`
`mam
`
`98
`
`2dB
`
`

`
`m
`
`..uPH.mmmPm
`
`H.mmm..D
`
`n..&
`
`m2&.
`
`Mam:8
`
`93m
`
`n
`
`.mmen
`
`US 2011/0218933 A1
`
`mSm
`
`mam
`
`98
`
`mmcmvfimEdam
`
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 8, 2011 Sheet 16 of 30
`
`US 2011/0218933 A1
`
`3.UH.m
`
`Em
`
`3.UFm
`
`Sm
`
`Em
`
`Nbm
`
`
`
`..§_$.a2,_CE...m.8$3Amg?
`
`
`
`.,_..n«mEEau...v...u._.m.Hm.___m_:._.Hbm
`
`
`

`
`aP
`
`._uPmmMA
`
`..D
`
`H.m
`
`aM
`
`0B
`
`US 2011/0218933 A1
`
`mFawn
`
`mEm
`
`..m.Nam
`
`umwgmufiwummmmm._
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`RM,Sam2%.i§.:.,.L.a.,.§$u._.w...Jvwm
`
`
`mE..._«lmm.I.xGu:._.«mwm
`
`S.3»...
`
`mémm3%
`
`
`
`M:.UHm
`
`

`
`taP
`
`..DuPn.m4|.a.mmm
`
`n.mm
`
`S
`
`ooa
`
`m
`
`S
`
`4|.6
`
`0
`
`US 2011/0218933 A1
`
`mcan3...
`
`.h.N.m
`
`
`
`."Man;ufiEmum.3..£amwanw.Sm
`
`2Sum
`
`1mam
`
`Man
`
`
`
`B.".8mam&.m§pa0z....w,.ms_mfimanagem£..Im.Ew..wbm.m...wvmB«mm
`
`
`
`
`
`am...
`
`Sdfm3.UHm
`
`om...
`
`wen
`
`
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 8, 2011 Sheet 19 of 30
`
`US 2011/0218933 A1
`
`8
`
`2;
`
`Na.953GE
`
`
`
`_£..:.a:aflcm
`
`
`Sun.aflmumi:E,.2.S.
`..v£._ou“_=E.m
`
`Ev.
`
`u$a.§.n1_.io_um.cw
`
`
`
`.x.:_.._..nfin..Ncv
`
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 8, 2011 Sheet 20 of 30
`
`US 2011/0218933 Al
`
`9%
`
`on
`
`
`
`:o_umun._._Efimau,
`
`min.MW
`
`
`
`~52:__E_«.m....5
`
`z..EE.:t.E$.L
`
`aaufi
`
`mzmmam.,W.Eum:-mfifim
`
`
`
`ME-ufifia.uE....am-mmcmfi
`
`
`
`-...tazwm-
`
`
`
`Em_m._mmm__....QEomum-8.5%
`
`
`
`an:,_E=...,wmmfifi-.§.<a,..M
`
`aafimuagmuumfim
`
`.-.:..,§....uG
`
`.9.
`
`«Nduh
`
`mmGE
`
`34
`
`
`
`dm.mEm.“mflzuu..5.a._,_:_.._-an
`
`mum.m.Umm.Eu.5.__.:-:-£95....
`
`x.,..Z;...:1
`
`
`
`...._m,,....._-EEKm.&m,,...a-mfimm%om§:,.m..nm%meum...-mfiam.SE__u,.._:m
`
`
`
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 8, 2011 Sheet 21 of 30
`
`US 2011/0218933 A1
`
`2%
`
`.5
`
`an
`
`mm
`
`
`
`INF_mfl_u_a_ua..muumafiaaww
`
`Em..u_u:_
`
`
`.1.no:0awn.3..“n.,....P.n«tnu_2._Uaan3.3nrw,on:
`
`
`
`fie...Euocoonmu33.2...?.aFnfiufiunomfl
`En...“Runsviammzmzfim5.2+«.523awn:
`
`
`(tramsumo
`
`Ea.9.3
`
`2,",ma“.
`
`
`
`
`
`#5__....:_,.y,.....§.£5....w.§....."..._:x...£zuhmradwvuum
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`£5.w.u..£édun"inn".3HR...u£mu59.“_.u......:n...s
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`n.Ebuseu§.u._.fi.E.u_.,h...n_.u.§nF.nu
`
`
`
`f.u_.vuuum..»van;3..fibfiwfiwmBrfiucno
`
`
`
`.»...au...aoam....Lu.uo..ananusnuiE;.Eu32...E...__...§.
`
`.n.._u...._
`
`8.9:mm.UHm
`
`#2..
`
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 8, 2011 Sheet 22 of 30
`
`US 2011/0218933 Al
`
`9%
`
`hmdim
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 8, 2011 Sheet 23 of 30
`
`US 2011/0218933 A1
`
`’ %Plaéasle
`
`Load Truizk
`
`454
`
` Unload. Truck
`
`456
`
`
`
` Mave A Box
`
`
`
`FIG. 28
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 8, 2011 Sheet 24 of 30
`
`US 2011/0218933 A1
`
`FIG. 29
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 8, 2011 Sheet 25 of 30
`
`US 2011/0218933 A1
`
`
`
`Scan a box to be loaded on the Truck:
`
`462
`
`[:1
`Loaded on Truck
`
`To Lead
`
`o0o013—466a
`
`
`
`
`464
`
`FIG. 30
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 8, 2011 Sheet 26 of 30
`
`US 2011/0218933 A1
`
`
`
`_ £2:
`Scan 3 bi)>< to b loaded on thé Trck:
`
`
`
`Loaded on Truck
`
`464
`
`
`
`000012-——466a
`000013—— 466b
`
`462
`
`
`
`FIG. 31
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 8, 2011 Sheet 27 of 30
`
`US 2011/0218933 A1
`
` ,.,arehm.e
`
`.
`
`Scan a box to unioad and select a
`location in the warehouse.
`
`{:2
`To Unload:
`Unleaded:
`
`474
`
`
`
`472
`
`
`0oo012—-~—-466a
`000013——-—-~ 466b
`
`FIG. 32
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 8, 2011 Sheet 28 of 30
`
`US 2011/0218933 A1
`
`
`
`Where are you placing the box?
`AA000SA._____ 466C
`
`432
`
`Scan or Select
`
`484
`
`Select a Column:
`
`FIG. 33
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 8, 2011 Sheet 29 of 30
`
`US 2011/0218933 A1
`
`490
`
`Q
`
`waraefhouse A
`
`the box
`
`adorns
`
`F???’
` 492
`
`
`
`FIG. 34
`
`

`
`Patent Application Publication
`
`Sep. 8, 2011 Sheet 30 of 30
`
`US 2011/0218933 A1
`
`
`
`Scan the box
`
`Result: l}-Box AAOOOSA successfuliéy updated‘
`
`nuaru
`
`
`
`
`
`FIG. 35
`
`

`
`US 201 l/0218933 Al
`
`Sep. 8, 2011
`
`METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANAGING
`MOBILE STORAGE
`
`RELATED APPLICATION
`
`[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provi-
`sional Application No. 61/310,829,
`filed Mar. 5, 2010,
`entitled “Method and Apparatus for Managing Mobile Stor-
`age,” which is incorporated herein by reference.
`
`COPYRIGHT NOTIFICATION
`
`Portions of this patent application include materials
`[0002]
`that are subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner
`has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
`the patent document itself, or of the patent application as it
`appears in the files ofthe United States Patent and Trademark
`Oflice, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever
`in such included copyrighted materials.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`[0003] This invention relates to methods and systems for
`managing and providing moving storage services. More par-
`ticularly, it relates to a method and system for managing and
`providing such services involving portable storage contain-
`ers.
`
`[0004] A number of companies provide mobile or portable
`self-storage services, including delivery, pick-up and storage
`of portable storage containers. In such a mobile self-storage
`business, personnel are required to manage customer orders
`for portable storage containers, process transactions regard-
`ing such containers, schedule and perform the delivery of the
`portable containers to customers, schedule and perform the
`pick-up of such containers from customers and arrange for
`and perform storage and movement of the portable contain-
`ers.
`
`It is an object of the present invention to provide a
`[0005]
`method and system for to facilitate the operation of such a
`mobile self-storage business.
`[0006] Additional objects and advantages of the invention
`will be set forth in the description that follows, and in part will
`be apparent from the description, or may be leamed by prac-
`tice oftlie invention. The objects and advantages ofthe inven-
`tion may be reali7ed and obtained by means ofthe instrumen-
`talities and combinations pointed out in the appended claims.
`
`SUMIVLARY
`
`To achieve the foregoing objects, and in accordance
`[0007]
`with the purposes of the invention as embodied and broadly
`described in this document, there is provided a method and
`system for managing and providing mobile storage services.
`The method includes using a mobile computer device to
`display delivery vehicle driver route information relating to
`the delivery or pickup of a portable storage container. The
`route information can include: contact infonnation associated
`with a customer on the route, including a customer address for
`delivery of the storage container; a task associated with the
`customer; a task status associated with customer; and map
`information including information showing the location of
`the customer address. The method also can include: using the
`mobile computer device to display for the customer contract
`information related to the task; using the mobile device to
`capture a signature of the customer to acknowledge the cus-
`to1ner’s agreement to the displayed contract infomiation;
`using the mobile device to capture comments relating to the
`
`task; using the mobile device to capture images related to the
`task; using the mobile device to capture a container identifier
`associated with the portable storage container; and using the
`mobile device to capture a location associated with the con-
`tainer identifier.
`[0008] According to one aspect ofthe invention, the mobile
`computer device is used to transmit to a centralized database
`the signature of the customer, the comments relating to the
`task, the images relating to the task, and the location associ-
`ated with the container identifier. The centralized database
`can store route information for a plurality of drivers and a
`plurality of routes.
`[0009] According to another aspect of the invention, the
`mobile computer device includes a barcode scanner for cap-
`turing the container identifier and a global positioning system
`capability for capturing the location associated with the con-
`tainer and the location ofthe mobile computer device.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`[0010] The accompanying drawings, which are incorpo-
`rated in and constitute a part ofthe specification, illustrate the
`presently preferred methods and embodiments of the inven-
`tion and, together with the general description given above
`and the detailed description of the preferred methods and
`embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of
`the invention.
`
`FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram of a preferred
`[0011]
`computer system and a network for practicing the present
`invention, including a self-storage management computer
`system and mobile computer devices.
`[0012]
`FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the functionality
`of a mobile storage computer application program stored on
`the mobile computer device and its interaction with a self-
`storage management application program, according to the
`present invention.
`[0013]
`FIG. 3 shows an exemplary screen display of an
`information page ofa website according to the present inven-
`tion, which page provides infomiation on portable storage
`containers and services that customers can order via the web-
`site.
`
`FIG. 4 shows an exemplary screen display of a res-
`[0014]
`ervations page of the website, which customers can use to
`request reservations for portable storage containers and ser-
`vices according to the invention.
`[0015]
`FIG. 5 shows an exemplary screen display ofa shop-
`ping cart page ofthe website, showing a customer’s requested
`reservation for delivery of a portable storage container.
`[0016]
`FIG. 6 shows an exemplary screen display of a
`checkout page of the website, showing a summary of a cus-
`tomer’s order for delivery of a portable storage container.
`[0017]
`FIG. 7 shows an exemplary screen display ofa Sign-
`In page of the website, through which a customer can sign in
`to the website to view, change or cancel an existing order.
`[0018]
`FIG. 8 shows an exemplary screen display of a
`Scheduling interface for use by a system administrator or
`dispatcher in scheduling and managing delivery and pickup
`ofportable storage containers according to the present inven-
`tion.
`
`FIG. 9 shows an exemplaryApplications Menu page
`[0019]
`displayed on the screen of the mobile computer device, from
`which a driver or mobile storage representative can launch a
`mobile storage application program according to the present
`invention.
`
`

`
`US 2011/0218933 A1
`
`Sep. 8, 2011
`
`FIG. 10 shows an exemplary Login page displayed
`[0020]
`on the screen of the mobile computer device.
`[0021]
`FIG. 11 shows an exemplary Login page displayed
`on the screen of the mobile computer device for user login
`when the user can do so in different capacities with different
`authorizations.
`
`FIG. 12 shows an exemplary Customer Main page
`[0022]
`displayed on the screen of the mobile computer device and
`showing scheduled deliveries and pickups for a selected route
`of a driver who is logged into the device.
`[0023]
`FIG. 13 shows an exemplary Customer Details page
`displayed on the screen of the mobile computer device for
`accessing options for completing a scheduled delivery or
`pickup, taking photographs, making notes, obtaining the cus-
`tomer’s signature and scanning barcode identifiers on por-
`table storage containers.
`[0024]
`FIG. 14 shows an exemplary Customer Acknowl-
`edgment page displayed on the screen ofthe mobile computer
`device, showing contract terms and conditions for the cus-
`tomer to review and acknowledge.
`[0025]
`FIG. 15 shows an exemplary Signature page dis-
`played on the screen of the mobile computer device for
`obtaining a customer’s signature.
`[0026]
`FIG. 16 shows an exemplary Comments page dis-
`played on the screen of the mobile computer device for enter-
`ing and viewing comments regarding a customer’s transac-
`tion.
`
`FIG. 17 shows an exemplary Images page displayed
`[0027]
`on the screen ofthe mobile computer device for taking digital
`images relating to a transaction.
`[0028]
`FIG. 18 shows the Images page of FIG. 17 display-
`ing stored images that have been taken with the mobile com-
`puter device.
`[0029]
`FIG. 19 shows an exemplary Customer Details page
`displayed on the screen of the mobile computer device with
`all transaction comments, signatures, and images completed.
`[0030]
`FIG. 20 shows an exemplary Enter/Scan Box No.
`page displayed on the screen of the mobile computer device
`for capturing a storage container identifier.
`[0031]
`FIG. 21 shows an exemplary Menu page displayed
`on the screen of the mobile computer device.
`[0032]
`FIG. 22 shows an exemplary Drop a Box page dis-
`played on the screen of the mobile computer device for track-
`ing the delivery a portable storage container to a non-cus-
`tomcr location.
`
`FIG. 23 shows an exemplary Select Location page
`[0033]
`displayed on the screen of the mobile computer device for
`selecting a location from a list of stored locations.
`[0034]
`FIG. 24 shows an exemplary Custom Location page
`displayed on the screen of the mobile computer device for
`inputting information about a location that is not included in
`the list of stored locations.
`
`FIG. 25 shows an exemplary Select a Route page
`[0035]
`displayed on the screen of the mobile computer device for
`selecting one ofmultiple routes scheduled for a given delivery
`driver for a given day.
`[0036]
`FIG. 26 shows an exemplary Accident Reporting
`page 440 displayed on the screen of the mobile computer
`device for reporting incidents involving portable storage con-
`tainers or delivery vehicles.
`[0037]
`FIG. 27 shows an exemplary Route Map page dis-
`played on the screen of the mobile computer device showing
`a map of a driver’s route in the current day’s schedule.
`
`FIG. 28 shows an exemplary Warehouse Menu page
`[0038]
`displayed on the screen of the mobile computer device for
`facilitating the tracking, loading, unloading and moving of
`portable storage containers at a storage warehouse.
`[0039]
`FIG. 29 shows an exemplary Scan Box to Be Loaded
`page displayed on the screen of the mobile computer device
`for capturing and displaying identifiers of portable storage
`containers to be loaded on a truck.
`
`FIGS. 30-31 show displays of the Scan Box to Be
`[0040]
`Loaded page illustrating its use as the portable storage con-
`tainer is loaded on the truck.
`
`FIG. 32 shows an exemplary Scan Box to Unload
`[0041]
`page displayed on the screen of the mobile computer device
`for capturing and displaying identifiers of a portable storage
`containers to be unloaded from a truck.
`
`FIG. 33 shows an exemplary Warehouse Location
`[0042]
`page displayed on the screen of the mobile computer device
`for capturing the warehouse location of a portable storage
`containers unloaded from a truck.
`
`FIG. 34 shows an exemplary Scan Box page dis-
`[0043]
`played on the screen of the mobile computer device for track-
`ing the movement of a portable storage container within a
`warehouse.
`
`FIG. 35 shows an exemplary Successful Move page
`[0044]
`displayed on the screen of the mobile computer device for
`notifying a user after a container has been moved that the
`warehouse space inventory information has been successfully
`updated.
`
`DESCRIPTION
`
`[0045] Reference will now be made in more detail to pres-
`ently preferred embodiments of the invention. While the
`invention is described more fully with reference to these
`examples, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to
`the specific details, representative devices, and illustrative
`examples shown and described. Rather, the description which
`follows is to be understood as a broad, teaching disclosure
`directed to persons of ordinary skill in the appropriate arts,
`and not as limiting upon the invention.
`[0046] According to the present invention, a mobile com-
`puter device is used as part of a computer network to help
`manage and operate a mobile storage business. The mobile
`computer device can be used by a driver or mobile storage
`representative during his or her daily routine to communicate
`with a self-storage management computer system that is also
`part of the network. 'Ihe self—storage management system
`provides portable storage personnel with access to tools and
`information that facilitate tracking and management of cus-
`tomer reservations and orders for portable storage containers,
`scheduling and performing delivery of portable containers to
`customers and pick-up of such containers from customers,
`and tracking the movement and storage of portable storage
`containers (including their movement within a storage ware-
`house) in addition to other tasks that were previously either
`not available to such personnel or were far more difficult to
`accomplish. The mobile computer device provides function-
`ality for accessing delivery route and task information, locat-
`ing and interacting with customers, obtaining customer
`acknowledgments and signatures, recording comments relat-
`ing to a transaction, capturing digital images relating to a
`
`

`
`US 2011/0218933 A1
`
`Sep. 8, 2011
`
`transaction, capturing storage container identifiers, and cap-
`turing and tracking location information for portable storage
`containers.
`
`Computer Network System
`
`FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred computer network sys-
`[0047]
`tem 10 for practicing the present invention. The computer
`network system 10 includes a self-storage management com-
`puter system 16, which stores and processes the information
`described below for managing orders for portable storage
`containers, processing transactions regarding such contain-
`ers, scheduling and performing the delivery of the portable
`containers to customers, scheduling and perform the pick-up
`of such containers from customers and arranging for and
`perform storage and movement of the portable containers,
`such as within a storage warehouse. Mobile users 12——in-
`eluding mobile storage representatives or drivers who pick up
`and deliver portable self-storage containers——can access and
`communicate with the mobile storage management computer
`system 16 via mobile computer devices 11a, 11b and 11mm,
`(where nnn refers to any number of users and user devices)
`coupled to the mobile storage mzmagement computer system
`1 6 via a computer network 20, such as the Internet, or by other
`suitable communications means. In addition, in a presently
`preferred embodiment, mobile storage customers 13a-13mm
`can submit reservation requests or orders for portable storage
`containers via vendor computers 15a—15mm coupled to the
`computer system 16 via the computer network 20. In a pre-
`ferred embodiment ofthe invention, the computer network 20
`comprises the Internet. Upon reading this specification, those
`skilled in the art will understand that, tuider appropriate cir-
`cumstances, considering issues such as developments in corn-
`puter hardware, software and connectivity, etc., other net-
`work configurations and devices also may suffice.
`[0048]
`Still referring to FIG. 1, the self-storage reservation
`and management computer system 16 includes a central pro-
`cessing unit (CPU) 21 for processing data and program
`instructions. The mobile storage computer system 16 also
`includes input and output devices, as is well known in the art.
`For example, the self—storage reservation and management
`computer system 16 preferably includes a display screen or
`monitor 22, a keyboard 24, a mouse 26, a printer (not shown),
`etc. The self-storage reservation and management computer
`system 16 further includes data storage and memory devices,
`as are known in the art, for storing a database 30. The database
`30 is used to store customer data, delivery and pickup sched-
`uling data and other mobile storage data required by the
`mobile storage application ofthe mobile computer device 11
`to provide the functionality described below. Preferably, the
`database 30 is a relational database, as is well known in the
`art. A mobile storage management application program 32 is
`operable with the database 30 and the mobile computer
`device 11 to provide the functionality described below. In a
`presently preferred embodiment, the self-storage manage-
`ment application program 32 is written using Active Server
`Pages (ASP) server—side scripting technology and t.he NET
`software framework, marketed by Microsoft Corporation of
`Redmond, Wash. The database 30 is implemented using the
`SQI, Server database management system, both also mar-
`keted by Microsoft Corporation. Upon reading this specifi-
`cation, those skilled iii the art will understand that, under
`appropriate circumstances, considering issues such as devel-
`opments in computer hardware, software and connectivity,
`
`etc., other operating systems, programming languages and
`database management systems can be used.
`[0049] The mobile computer device 11 can store and run
`application programs, including a mobile storage application
`40, which communicates with the self—storage reservation
`and management computer system 16 as described below. In
`a preferred embodiment, the mobile computer device 11 also
`includes a global positioning system (GPS) program 42, a bar
`code scanner 44, a digital camera 46, wireless comiectivity 48
`and a mobile telephone 50. One suitable mobile computer
`device, which includes all of these features, is the MC75 3G
`Worldwide Enterprise Digital Assistant device marketed by
`Motorola, Inc. of Schaumberg, Ill. Application programs for
`this device can be written in the C# programming language
`using Microsoft Windows Mobile development tools such as
`those in the Microsoft Visual Studio development environ-
`ment. In a preferred embodiment, the mobile computer device
`11 stores and runs the mobile storage application program 40,
`which includes functionality for communicating with the
`storage management application program 32 and the database
`30.
`
`Operation of the System
`
`FIG. 2 illustrates the functionality of the mobile
`[0050]
`computer device 11 and its interaction with the self—storage
`management computer system 16, according to the present
`invention. Once a mobile device user 12, such as a driver or
`mobile storage representative, has been set up as an autho-
`rized user in the self—storage management computer system
`1 6, the user can start the mobile storage computer application
`40 on the mobile computer device 1 1 (step 50) and login to the
`system using his or her credentials (e.g., username and pass-
`word). If the user can log into the self—storage management
`computer system 16 in different capacities with different
`authorizations, eg. as a driver or as a developer, the user must
`select the desired login authorization (step 54). If a user is
`assigned multiple delivery routes for a given day, the user
`must select the desired route for viewing (step 56).
`[0051] After the self—storage management computer sys-
`tem 16 validates the login (step 52) and any authorization and
`route options are selected (steps 54 and 56), the mobile com-
`puter device 11 accesses information stored in the database 30
`that is associated with the logged-in user, including stored
`information relating to customers and tasks associated with
`one the selected route assigned to the logged-in user. The
`storage management application program 31 downloads this
`information to the mobile computer device 11 for display on
`that device (step 58). The mobile device user 12 can then
`select a customer (step 60) and perform various functions
`with the mobile computer device 11 to assist with locating
`and communicating with that customer, including display a
`map showing the location ofthe customer’s address (step 62),
`displaying directions from the current location to the custom-
`er’s address (step 64) or calling the customer using the mobile
`telephone 50 of the mobile computer device 11 (step 66).
`[0052]
`Still referring to FIG. 2, the mobile device user 12
`can select a Details function (step 68) to access more detailed
`information for customers and tasks on the selected route.
`The user also is able to access a Signature function (step 72)
`for collecting the customer’s signature (step 74), a Comments
`function (step 76) for viewing and adding comments related
`to the transaction with a the customer (steps 78 and 80), an
`Images function (step 82) for taking and storing digital
`images related to the customer transaction, and a Call Cus-
`
`

`
`US 2011/0218933 Al
`
`Sep. 8, 2011
`
`tomer function (step 88) for contacting the customer usi