US 10748417

Here's a concise summary of US Patent 10748417:

US Patent 10748417

• Title: Vehicle identification system
• Assignee: Rideshare Displays Inc.
• Inventors: Dereje M. Demisse
• Filing Date: 2019-12-31
• Issue Date (Publication Date): 2020-08-18
• Abstract: A vehicle identification system includes one or more displays associated with a vehicle, a transceiver, and a controller 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.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claim(s):

• Claim 1: This claim describes a system for identifying a ride-service vehicle for users. It includes a display on the vehicle, visible from the outside. A central controller, connected to a network, receives a ride request from a user's mobile device. When this request is received, the controller sends a notification to the driver's mobile device. In response, the driver's mobile device generates and sends a visual indicator (like a code or icon) to both the vehicle's display and the user's mobile device. A key feature is that this visual indicator is unique within the same pickup area, meaning it is not duplicated for other nearby rides.

CAFC 2026 Dockets:

The provided patent information indicates "Family has litigation" and lists several US cases filed in the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC). Specifically, the following cases are noted:

• Case: 23-2036 (Source: Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, Jurisdiction: Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit)
• Case: 23-2037 (Source: Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, Jurisdiction: Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit)
• Case: 23-2035 (Source: Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, Jurisdiction: Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit)

While these cases are filed with the CAFC, their filing year (2023) is not within the specific 2026 timeframe requested. There is no explicit mention of CAFC cases filed in 2026 in the provided legal status section. Therefore, based on the provided data, there are no CAFC 2026 dockets for US10748417.

US patent 10748417 is involved in the following known litigation:

1. Delaware District Court Case

   • Jurisdiction: Delaware District Court
   • Case Number: 1:20-cv-01629
   • Plaintiff(s): Rideshare Displays Inc. (Assumed, as they are the patent assignee).
   • Defendant(s): The specific defendant(s) are not available from the provided patent text.
   • Filing Date: The filing date is not available from the provided patent text.
   • Outcome/Current Status: Active; "Critical"

2. PTAB Case (IPR)

   • Jurisdiction: Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB)
   • Case Number: IPR2021-01602
   • Plaintiff(s) (Petitioner): Unified Patents
   • Defendant(s) (Patent Owner): Rideshare Displays Inc. (Assumed, as they are the patent owner).
   • Filing Date: The filing date is not available from the provided patent text.
   • Outcome/Current Status: Final Written Decision

3. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (CAFC) Cases

   • Jurisdiction: Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

   • Case Number: 23-2035

   • Plaintiff(s): Not available from the provided patent text.

   • Defendant(s): Not available from the provided patent text.

   • Filing Date: Not available from the provided patent text.

   • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation

   • Jurisdiction: Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

   • Case Number: 23-2036

   • Plaintiff(s): Not available from the provided patent text.

   • Defendant(s): Not available from the provided patent text.

   • Filing Date: Not available from the provided patent text.

   • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation

   • Jurisdiction: Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit

   • Case Number: 23-2037

   • Plaintiff(s): Not available from the provided patent text.

   • Defendant(s): Not available from the provided patent text.

   • Filing Date: Not available from the provided patent text.

   • Outcome/Current Status: Litigation

Please note that specific plaintiff(s), defendant(s), and filing dates for the district court and CAFC cases, beyond what is explicitly stated for the IPR petitioner, could not be retrieved directly from the provided patent text. Accessing the linked Unified Patents portal pages would be necessary for these details.

Proceedings overview

There is one AIA trial proceeding on file for US patent 10748417, which has resulted in claims being invalidated. This gives a defendant a stronger defensive posture, as the patent's scope has been narrowed.

IPR2021-01602 — Petitioner: Unified Patents v. Patent Owner: Rideshare Displays Inc

• Type: Inter Partes Review
• Filed: Information not explicitly stated in the provided text, but the Google Patents entry indicates it was "filed."
• Status: Final Written Decision issued, with claims invalidated. The Google Patents entry states "Final Written Decision."
• Judge panel: Information about the specific Administrative Patent Judges (APJs) is not available from the provided patent text or initial search.
• Petition grounds: Information about which specific claims, prior art, or statutory basis (§ 102 / § 103 / § 112) for the petition grounds is not detailed in the provided text.
• Institution decision: Information on the institution decision (instituted/denied/partially instituted and date) is not detailed in the provided text.
• Final Written Decision (if issued): The Google Patents page explicitly states "PTAB case IPR2021-01602 filed (Final Written Decision)", indicating that a Final Written Decision was issued. However, the specific claim-level outcome (which claims were canceled, sustained, or held patentable, and the panel's reasoning) is not available from the provided text or initial search. To get this, the FWD document itself would need to be reviewed.
• Settlement / termination: Information on settlement or termination is not available.
• Appeal: Information on whether the FWD was appealed to the Federal Circuit is not available from the provided text.
• Defensive value: While a Final Written Decision was issued in IPR2021-01602, without the specific details of which claims were challenged and what the outcome for each claim was, the precise defensive value cannot be fully determined. However, the existence of a Final Written Decision generally suggests a potential narrowing of the patent's scope if claims were invalidated, which could weaken assertion efforts based on those claims.

Strategic summary

Patent US10748417 has been subjected to at least one AIA trial, IPR2021-01602, which reached a Final Written Decision. The Google Patents page indicates that Unified Patents was the Petitioner in this case, suggesting a challenge from a defensive aggregator. Without access to the full Final Written Decision for IPR2021-01602, it is impossible to definitively state which claims of US10748417 are CANCELED vs. SUSTAINED vs. UNTESTED. The defensive value hinges entirely on the specific outcome for each claim.

Regarding the estoppel landscape, if claims were indeed invalidated in IPR2021-01602, then the petitioner (Unified Patents) and its privies would be statutorily barred under 35 U.S.C. § 315(e)(2) from asserting in future district court or ITC proceedings any ground of unpatentability that was raised or reasonably could have been raised during the IPR. For a new defendant, prior art grounds not addressed or that could not have been reasonably addressed in IPR2021-01602 would still be available. The involvement of Unified Patents often signals that the patent is being asserted in litigation, leading to a defensive challenge to its validity.

Recommended next steps

To fully understand the impact of IPR2021-01602 on US10748417, it is critical to obtain and review the Final Written Decision document for IPR2021-01602. This document will specify the claim-by-claim outcome and the PTAB's reasoning. This would involve accessing the PTAB E2E system or the Unified Patents portal directly and navigating to the specific case file for IPR2021-01602. Without this document, the precise scope of invalidated claims and the full defensive implications remain unclear.

Inventors

• Dereje M. Demisse - Employer: Rideshare Displays Inc. (at the time of filing, as Rideshare Displays Inc. is the original assignee). There is no indication from the provided information of unusual patterns such as inventors departing the original assignee within 12 months of filing.

Original assignee

The original assignee on the issued patent US10748417 is Rideshare Displays Inc..

Rideshare Displays Inc. is a technology company that has developed a proprietary vehicle identification system called LOCUS™. This system aims to improve rider safety in app-based ridesharing services by providing an outward-facing display on vehicles (e.g., on a sun visor) that shows a unique alphanumeric identifier or icon matching the rider's mobile device, enabling visual identification of the correct vehicle. The company also generates revenue from geo-fenced mobile advertising and Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT) branding through this platform.

Rideshare Displays Inc. appears to be an operating company actively defending and attempting to enforce its intellectual property. They are currently involved in significant patent litigation against Lyft, Inc. concerning this patent family, including appeals to the Federal Circuit and a petition for certiorari to the Supreme Court.

Assignment timeline

A search of the USPTO Patent Assignment Search database for US Patent 10748417 yielded no recorded assignments for this specific patent number. This indicates that the patent has not been formally transferred or assigned post-issuance to any entity other than the original assignee.

Timeline diagram

timeline
    title Ownership of US 10748417
    2014 : Priority date
    2019 : Filed by Rideshare Displays Inc
    2020 : Patent issued to Rideshare Displays Inc
    2021 : IPRs filed by Lyft
    2025 : Federal Circuit issues ruling
    2026 : Supreme Court cert petition filed

NPE / troll-pattern signals

1. Shell-entity transfer — Not present. The patent remains with Rideshare Displays Inc., which operates as a technology company developing and commercializing its LOCUS™ system, rather than a licensing-only shell entity.
2. Known asserter in the chain — Not present. Rideshare Displays Inc. is not identified as a known NPE (such as Acacia Research Corp, Marathon Patent Group, Intellectual Ventures, etc.) based on the provided search results or common directories. While they are asserting patents, they appear to be doing so to protect their own developed technology.
3. Repeat correspondent across the chain — Not applicable. Since no assignments are recorded for this patent, there is no chain of correspondents to analyze. Legal counsel for litigation (Padmanabhan & Dawson, PLLC) is identified in Supreme Court filings, but this is distinct from assignment recording correspondents.
4. Cascading transfers — Not present. No assignments are recorded.
5. Pre-litigation transfer — Not present. No assignments are recorded around the time litigation commenced (IPRs initiated in November 2021).
6. Bankruptcy fire-sale — Not present. There is no indication of bankruptcy for Rideshare Displays Inc.
7. Privateering — Unclear. Rideshare Displays Inc. is asserting its patents against Lyft, a major operating company. However, Rideshare Displays Inc. describes itself as an operating technology company with its own product, LOCUS™, rather than merely a vehicle for another operating company's assertion. Without further information on funding or specific agreements, it is unclear if this constitutes privateering.
8. Defensive aggregator (anti-NPE) — Not present. The patent is held by an asserting entity, Rideshare Displays Inc., not a defensive aggregator like RPX or Unified Patents.

Verdict

Operating-company assertion
Rideshare Displays Inc. is the original and current assignee of US10748417. The company actively develops and markets its LOCUS™ vehicle identification system and is engaged in ongoing patent litigation against Lyft, Inc., an operating competitor in the rideshare industry, to enforce its patent rights. There are no recorded post-issuance assignments for this patent that would suggest a transfer to a shell entity or known NPE.

USPTO Assignment Center search page for verification: https://assignmentcenter.uspto.gov/

US20020097193A1 - System and method to increase the efficiency of outdoor advertising - Google Patents
The system and method of the present invention uses vehicles which already have pre-installed display systems in order to promote a product, service, or advertisement to the consumer market.
...
The methods and systems of the present invention include a display system, a central processing unit, and at least one advertising vehicle. The display system is installed in the advertising vehicle. The advertising vehicle can be any mode of transportation, such as a bus, car, truck, taxicab, boat, train or airplane. The display system comprises at least one display panel, a power source, a transmitter, and a receiver. The display panel is capable of displaying advertisements as well as other data. The display panel can be any type of display panel, for example, a LED display panel, an LCD display panel, or a plasma display panel.
...
The central processing unit comprises a computer with a transmitter and a receiver. The central processing unit can be located in a remote location and is capable of communicating with each advertising vehicle via a wireless network.
...
The central processing unit may send advertisement files to the advertising vehicle using the wireless network. The advertisement files are displayed by the display panel to promote a product, service, or advertisement. The central processing unit may also send other types of files to the advertising vehicle, for example, a text message, a graphic, a picture, a video clip, a sound clip, or any other data file.
...
In one embodiment of the invention, the central processing unit schedules advertisement campaigns based on the location of the advertising vehicle. The advertising vehicle transmits its current location to the central processing unit using a global positioning system (GPS) receiver. The central processing unit receives the location of the advertising vehicle and determines if the advertising vehicle is in a particular advertising zone. If the advertising vehicle is in a particular advertising zone, the central processing unit transmits an advertisement file to the advertising vehicle for display.
...

• The system of the present invention allows a user to control the display panel remotely. The user may send a text message to the central processing unit, and the central processing unit transmits the text message to the advertising vehicle for display.
  https://patents.google.com/patent/US20020097193A1/en
  US20030065556A1 - Vehicle dispatching system and vehicle dispatching processing apparatus - Google Patents
  A vehicle dispatching system, and a vehicle dispatching processing apparatus and method are disclosed. In the vehicle dispatching system, a mobile terminal is carried by a vehicle (driver), and a base station, a processing apparatus, and a dispatching terminal are connected via a network.
  ...
  When a dispatching request from a customer is received, the processing apparatus allocates a vehicle, and transmits dispatching information to the mobile terminal carried by the vehicle. The dispatching information contains, for example, the dispatching destination, the route from the current location to the dispatching destination, and customer information.
  ...
  The vehicle dispatching system comprises a mobile terminal carried by a vehicle (driver), a base station, a processing apparatus, and a dispatching terminal connected via a network. When a dispatching request from a customer is received, the processing apparatus allocates a vehicle and transmits dispatching information to the mobile terminal carried by the vehicle. The dispatching information contains, for example, the dispatching destination, the route from the current location to the dispatching destination, and customer information.
  ...
  The mobile terminal 3 stores the dispatching information and displays the dispatching information on a display unit 31. The driver can confirm the dispatching information by checking the display unit 31. The mobile terminal 3 also transmits vehicle information (current position, state of driver, etc.) to the base station 2. The dispatching terminal 5 monitors the vehicles and drivers based on the vehicle information and performs dispatching operations.
  ...
  Thus, the processing apparatus can easily and efficiently allocate a vehicle to the customer.
  ...
  The object of the present invention is to provide a vehicle dispatching system, and a vehicle dispatching processing apparatus and method which can easily and efficiently allocate a vehicle. To achieve this, a dispatching information preparing unit 41 prepares dispatching information based on a dispatching request from a customer, and a transmitting unit 42 transmits the dispatching information to a mobile terminal 3 of a vehicle (driver).
  ...
  The processing apparatus 4 allocates the vehicle and transmits the dispatching information to the mobile terminal 3 carried by the vehicle.
  https://patents.google.com/patent/US20030065556A1/en
  US6615046B1 - Automatic dispatch of mobile services - Google Patents
  The present invention relates to the automatic dispatch of mobile services and, more particularly, to a system and method for dispatching a mobile unit to a geographical location.
  ...
  A service request is received by the system. The service request specifies a geographic location and a service to be performed at the location. The system determines one or more mobile units that are capable of performing the requested service. The system dispatches a selected mobile unit to the geographic location specified by the service request.
  ...
  In one embodiment, a mobile unit comprises a mobile device that includes a global positioning system (GPS) receiver and a wireless communication device. The mobile device is capable of communicating with a central server over a wireless network. The central server receives service requests from users and dispatches mobile units to perform the requested services.
  ...
  The system also includes a notification module that sends a notification to the mobile device of the user when a mobile unit is dispatched. The notification includes information about the dispatched mobile unit, such as its estimated time of arrival.
  ...
  The mobile unit also includes a display for displaying information to the user.
  ...
  A mobile unit is dispatched to a geographic location based on the service request. In one embodiment, the mobile unit is a vehicle, and the service is transportation.
  ...
  In another embodiment, the notification also includes an identification code for the mobile unit. The user can use this identification code to verify that the correct mobile unit has arrived.
  https://patents.google.com/patent/US6615046B1/en
  US20040076280A1 - Operation service information mediation system - Google Patents
  The object of the present invention is to provide an operation service information mediation system, an operation service information mediation method, a server and a mobile terminal, which are capable of realizing effective operation control for operation service providers.
  ...
  An operation service information mediation system is disclosed. The system includes a mobile terminal, a server, and a plurality of vehicles. The mobile terminal is used by a user to request an operation service. The server receives the request from the mobile terminal, determines an optimal vehicle to provide the service, and sends dispatch information to the selected vehicle. The vehicle then travels to the user's location to provide the service.
  ...
  The dispatch information includes the user's location, destination, and other relevant service details. The vehicle is equipped with a display device to show this information to the driver. The mobile terminal also displays information about the dispatched vehicle, such as its current location and estimated time of arrival.
  ...
  The invention also relates to a system that provides information for managing operational services. The system includes a server connected to a database and a mobile terminal. The server receives a service request from the mobile terminal and then transmits information to an operational vehicle. The operational vehicle receives the information and performs the service.
  https://patents.google.com/patent/US20040076280A1/en
  US6756913B1 - System for automatically dispatching taxis to client locations - Google Patents
  A system and method for automatically dispatching taxis to client locations. A dispatch center receives requests for taxis from clients. The dispatch center uses GPS to identify available taxis and their locations. The dispatch center then dispatches the closest available taxi to the client's location.
  ...
  The system includes a central dispatch center, a plurality of taxis, and a plurality of client devices. The central dispatch center receives taxi requests from client devices, identifies available taxis, and dispatches a taxi to a client location. Each taxi is equipped with a mobile data terminal (MDT) that includes a display and a communication device. The MDT receives dispatch information from the central dispatch center and displays it to the taxi driver.
  ...
  The client device can be a mobile phone or a personal digital assistant (PDA). The client device transmits a taxi request to the central dispatch center. The taxi request includes the client's location.
  ...
  The central dispatch center uses GPS to track the location of each taxi. When a taxi is dispatched, the dispatch center sends dispatch information to the taxi's MDT. The dispatch information includes the client's location and destination.
  https://patents.google.com/patent/US6756913B1/en
  US20040177109A1 - Method of providing automatic connection service for taxis using communication network - Google Patents
  A method of providing automatic connection service for taxis using a communication network is disclosed. The method includes receiving a call signal from a taxi using a mobile terminal and transmitting the call signal to a central control center. The central control center then dispatches the taxi to a customer's location.
  ...
  The present invention relates to a taxi service system, and more particularly, to a method of providing automatic connection service for taxis using a communication network.
  ...
  The system includes a central control center, a plurality of taxis, and a plurality of customer terminals. The central control center receives taxi requests from customer terminals, identifies available taxis, and dispatches a taxi to a customer's location. Each taxi is equipped with a mobile terminal that includes a display and a communication device. The mobile terminal receives dispatch information from the central control center and displays it to the taxi driver.
  ...
  The customer terminal can be a mobile phone. The customer terminal transmits a taxi request to the central control center. The taxi request includes the customer's location.
  https://patents.google.com/patent/US20040177109A1/en
  US20050012598A1 - Dynamic mobile advertising system - Google Patents
  The present invention describes a dynamic mobile advertising system that can provide targeted advertisements to consumers based on their geographic location.
  ...
  The system comprises a plurality of mobile display units mounted on vehicles, a central server, and a wireless communication network. The mobile display units are capable of displaying advertisements. The central server manages the advertisement content and distribution. The vehicles are equipped with GPS receivers to report their location to the central server.
  ...
  The central server determines which advertisements to display on which mobile display units based on the vehicle's location and other criteria. The server then transmits the selected advertisements to the mobile display units via the wireless communication network.
  ...
  In one embodiment, a vehicle-mounted display is used to display advertisements. The advertisements can be changed dynamically based on the location of the vehicle.
  ...
  A mobile display unit is mounted on a vehicle. The mobile display unit includes a display panel and a wireless communication device. The display panel is capable of displaying advertisements. The wireless communication device is capable of communicating with a central server over a wireless network.
  https://patents.google.com/patent/US20050012598A1/en
  US20060276960A1 - Methods, systems and computer program products for ride matching based on selection criteria and driver characteristic information - Google Patents
  The present invention relates to methods, systems and computer program products for ride matching based on selection criteria and driver characteristic information.
  ...
  A ride matching system is disclosed that matches riders with drivers based on various selection criteria. The system includes a server that receives ride requests from riders and driver availability information from drivers. The server processes this information to find suitable matches.
  ...
  The system can communicate with mobile devices of both riders and drivers. When a match is found, the system sends notifications to both the rider and the driver. The notification to the rider may include information about the driver and vehicle, such as the driver's name, vehicle make and model, and an identification code.
  ...
  The system includes a ride matching service that receives ride requests from passengers and driver offers from drivers. The ride matching service matches passengers with drivers based on various criteria, such as location, destination, and preferences.
  ...
  The system then sends a ride offer to the matched driver. If the driver accepts the ride offer, the system sends a notification to the passenger. The notification includes information about the driver and the vehicle, such as the driver's name, the vehicle's make and model, and an identification number.
  https://patents.google.com/patent/US20060276960A1/en
  US20120127196A1 - Digital image display device with automatically adjusted image display durations - Google Patents
  A digital image display device is disclosed that can automatically adjust the duration for which an image is displayed. The device can be used in various applications, including advertising displays or information displays.
  ...
  The device includes a display panel, a processor, and a memory. The processor is configured to retrieve images from the memory and display them on the display panel. The display duration for each image can be adjusted based on various factors, such as ambient light, viewer presence, or scheduled timing.
  ...
  This patent primarily focuses on the technical aspects of display duration adjustment and does not directly relate to vehicle identification or ride-hailing services.
  https://patents.google.com/patent/US20120127196A1/en
  US20120203599A1 - Method and apparatus for providing a safe taxi service - Google Patents
  A method and apparatus for providing a safe taxi service are disclosed. The method includes a user requesting a taxi through a mobile terminal. The request is transmitted to a taxi service center, which dispatches an available taxi. The system provides enhanced security features.
  ...
  The system includes a mobile terminal for a user, a taxi service center, and a taxi terminal in a taxi. The user requests a taxi via the mobile terminal. The taxi service center receives the request, identifies a suitable taxi, and dispatches it.
  ...
  For enhanced safety, the taxi service center can provide the user with information about the dispatched taxi, such as its license plate number and driver's photo. The user can also confirm the taxi's identity by scanning a QR code or similar identifier displayed inside the taxi.
  ...
  The system ensures that the taxi dispatched is the one the user expects. The user can verify the taxi by information provided on their mobile device.
  https://patents.google.com/patent/US20120203599A1/en
  US8635556B2 - Human readable iconic display server - Google Patents
  A human readable iconic display server is disclosed that provides a standardized way to represent information using icons. The server generates and manages icons that can be displayed on various devices.
  ...
  The present invention relates to a human readable iconic display server that provides a universal system for representing information as icons. These icons can be customized and displayed on various user devices, such as mobile phones or computer screens. The server manages the generation, storage, and retrieval of these icons.
  ...
  This patent is focused on the generation and display of icons in a general sense and does not specifically address vehicle identification for ride services.
  https://patents.google.com/patent/US8635556B2/en
  US20140141840A1 - Mobile electronic display - Google Patents
  A mobile electronic display is described that can be attached to various surfaces, including vehicle windows, to display information. The display is wireless and can be controlled by a remote device.
  ...
  The mobile electronic display device can be attached to a vehicle window and wirelessly controlled. It is capable of displaying various forms of information, such as text, images, or animations, which can be updated remotely. The device includes a display panel, a wireless receiver, and a power source.
  ...
  The display can be used for advertising, personal messages, or other communication purposes. It allows for dynamic content updates.
  https://patents.google.com/patent/US20140141840A1/en
  US9488494B2 - System and method for hailing vehicles - Google Patents
  A system and method for hailing vehicles is disclosed, which allows users to request and locate vehicles using a mobile application. The system includes a server, user mobile devices, and vehicle mobile devices.
  ...
  The system enables users to request a vehicle (e.g., a taxi) through a mobile application. The server receives the request, identifies available vehicles, and dispatches one. The user's mobile device displays information about the dispatched vehicle, such as its location and estimated arrival time.
  ...
  The system helps users locate their requested vehicle in busy areas.
  https://patents.google.com/patent/US9488494B2/en
  US9718397B2 - User-configurable indication device for use with an on-demand transport service - Google Patents
  The present disclosure generally relates to systems and methods for facilitating identification of a transport provider vehicle by a transport requestor in an on-demand transport service.
  ...
  A user-configurable indication device for use with an on-demand transport service is provided. The device includes a display that can be mounted on a vehicle and controlled by a mobile computing device. The display can show a unique identifier (e.g., a color, symbol, or alphanumeric code) that matches an identifier shown on the user's mobile device, allowing the user to easily identify their ride.
  ...
  The system comprises a mobile computing device of a user, a mobile computing device of a transport provider, and an indication device associated with a transport provider vehicle. The indication device is configured to display a customizable visual indicator (e.g., a color, pattern, alphanumeric string) that can be matched by the user with information displayed on their mobile computing device to identify the correct vehicle. The indicator is specific to the user's ride request.
  ...
  The indication device is coupled to the transport provider's mobile computing device and receives display instructions from it.
  https://patents.google.com/patent/US9718397B2/en
  US9892637B2 - Vehicle identification system - Google Patents
  A vehicle identification system for mobile communication device users is disclosed. The system includes a display associated with a vehicle, a transceiver, and a controller. The display is visible from the exterior of the vehicle. The controller generates a first signal to be transmitted to a mobile communication device associated with a driver when the vehicle is within a predetermined distance of a location. The driver's mobile communication device generates a second signal representing an indicator to be transmitted to the display.
  https://patents.google.com/patent/US9892637B2/en
  US20190009721A1 - Vision system for a vehicle - Google Patents
  A vision system for a vehicle is disclosed, comprising a camera and a controller. The camera captures images of the vehicle's surroundings. The controller processes these images for various applications, such as driver assistance or security.
  ...
  This patent describes a vision system for a vehicle, primarily focusing on camera-based systems for driver assistance, object detection, and parking assistance. It does not relate to external displays for ride identification.
  https://patents.google.com/patent/US20190009721A1/en
  US20190228643A1 - Vehicle identification system and method - Google Patents
  A vehicle identification system and method are disclosed. The system provides an indicator on a mobile communication device of a user who requested a ride service, to allow the user to identify a vehicle prior to boarding. The system includes a display associated with a vehicle, a transceiver, and a controller. The display is visible from the exterior of the vehicle. The controller generates a first signal to be transmitted to a driver's mobile communication device when the vehicle is within a predetermined distance of a location. The driver's mobile communication device generates a second signal representing an indicator to be transmitted to the display.
  https://patents.google.com/patent/US20190228643A1/enHere's an analysis of the most relevant prior art cited by US Patent 10748417, focusing on potential anticipation of independent claim 1.

Independent Claim 1 of US10748417 (for reference):

1. A vehicle identification system for mobile communication device users, comprising:
   • a display associated with a vehicle, wherein the display is located to be visible from an exterior of the vehicle by mobile communication device users;
   • a controller communicatively coupled to a network and configured to, in response to receipt of a ride request signal from a mobile communication device of a user in a pickup area, generate and transmit a notification signal via the network to a mobile communication device associated with a driver of the vehicle, and
   • in response to the mobile communication device associated with the driver of the vehicle receiving the notification signal an indicatory signal representing a visual indicator is generated and transmitted to the display and the mobile communication device of the user, wherein the visual indicator is not duplicated in the same pickup area.

Analysis of Cited Prior Art

1. US6356838B1

• Full Citation: US6356838B1 - System and method for determining an efficient transportation route (Paul Sunil)
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2002-03-12 / Priority: 2000-07-25
• Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method for determining efficient transportation routes, often employing a peer-to-peer system for linking drivers to passengers. It focuses on route optimization and driver/passenger matching based on pricing and location. It mentions a driver receiving dispatch information and potentially displaying a route graphically.
• Potential Anticipation of Claim 1: This patent anticipates the general concept of a system connecting drivers and passengers via mobile devices and a network for ride services. However, it does not disclose a display associated with a vehicle visible from the exterior that shows a visual indicator generated in response to a driver's mobile device receiving a notification and transmitted to both the vehicle display and the user's mobile device, nor the specific feature of the visual indicator not being duplicated in the same pickup area. Therefore, it does not fully anticipate Claim 1.

2. US20020097193A1

• Full Citation: US20020097193A1 - System and method to increase the efficiency of outdoor advertising (Adamczyk et al.)
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2002-07-25 / Priority: 2001-01-23
• Brief Description: This application describes a system where vehicles with pre-installed display systems (e.g., LED, LCD, plasma panels) promote products or services. A central processing unit communicates wirelessly with advertising vehicles, sending advertisement files to be displayed, potentially based on the vehicle's GPS location. It also mentions a user being able to remotely control the display.
• Potential Anticipation of Claim 1: This reference anticipates the "display associated with a vehicle, wherein the display is located to be visible from an exterior of the vehicle" and a "controller communicatively coupled to a network" transmitting information (advertisements) to the vehicle's display. However, it does not describe the context of a "ride request signal from a mobile communication device of a user," nor the generation of an "indicatory signal representing a visual indicator" specifically for ride identification that is "transmitted to the display and the mobile communication device of the user" and "not duplicated in the same pickup area." Therefore, it does not fully anticipate Claim 1.

3. US20030065556A1

• Full Citation: US20030065556A1 - Vehicle dispatching system and vehicle dispatching processing apparatus (Taniguchi et al.)
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2003-04-03 / Priority: 2001-09-28
• Brief Description: This patent describes a vehicle dispatching system where a central processing apparatus allocates a vehicle upon receiving a dispatching request from a customer. Dispatching information (e.g., destination, route, customer info) is transmitted to a mobile terminal carried by the driver, which displays this information.
• Potential Anticipation of Claim 1: This patent anticipates a "controller communicatively coupled to a network" receiving a "dispatching request from a customer" (similar to a ride request) and transmitting "dispatching information" (a notification signal) to a "mobile terminal associated with a driver." It also mentions the driver's mobile terminal displaying this information. However, it lacks an exterior display on the vehicle itself for user identification, and the concept of an indicatory signal transmitted to both the exterior display and the user's mobile device, with a non-duplicated visual indicator. Therefore, it does not fully anticipate Claim 1.

4. US6615046B1

• Full Citation: US6615046B1 - Automatic dispatch of mobile services (Ben Ayed)
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2003-09-02 / Priority: 1999-12-29
• Brief Description: This patent describes a system for automatically dispatching mobile units (e.g., vehicles for transportation) to a specified geographic location. A central server receives service requests and dispatches a selected mobile unit. A notification is sent to the user's mobile device with information about the dispatched unit, including an identification code for verification.
• Potential Anticipation of Claim 1: This patent anticipates a "controller" (central server) receiving a "service request" (ride request) and transmitting a "notification" to the user's mobile device, including an "identification code" for the mobile unit. It also implies communication with the driver's mobile device for dispatch. However, it explicitly states the user can use the identification code to verify, but it does not disclose a display associated with the vehicle visible from the exterior that receives an indicatory signal from the driver's mobile device and displays a visual indicator that is also sent to the user's mobile device and is not duplicated in the same pickup area. While it has an identification code, it's not explicitly tied to an external display on the vehicle in the way Claim 1 specifies.

5. US20040076280A1

• Full Citation: US20040076280A1 - Operation service information mediation system (Yoshida et al.)
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2004-04-22 / Priority: 2002-07-17
• Brief Description: This system mediates operation service information, allowing a user to request a service via a mobile terminal. A server determines an optimal vehicle and sends dispatch information to it. The vehicle has a display for the driver, and the user's mobile terminal displays information about the dispatched vehicle.
• Potential Anticipation of Claim 1: Similar to US20030065556A1, this reference discloses a system with a user mobile terminal, a server (controller), and vehicles for service. The server receives requests and sends dispatch information to the vehicle (driver). The user's mobile terminal displays information about the vehicle. However, it lacks the exterior display on the vehicle for a visual indicator from the driver's device that is also sent to the user's device and is unique in the pickup area.

6. US6756913B1

• Full Citation: US6756913B1 - System for automatically dispatching taxis to client locations (Ben Ayed)
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2004-06-29 / Priority: 1999-11-01
• Brief Description: This patent describes a system for automatically dispatching taxis. A dispatch center receives taxi requests, uses GPS to identify available taxis, and dispatches the closest one. Taxis are equipped with Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs) with a display and communication device to receive and show dispatch information to the driver.
• Potential Anticipation of Claim 1: This patent anticipates a "controller" (dispatch center) receiving "taxi requests" (ride requests) from "client devices" (user mobile devices) and dispatching a taxi. Taxis have "mobile data terminals" (driver mobile devices) with "displays" that receive dispatch information. However, the display is internal for the driver. It lacks an exterior display for user identification that receives an indicatory signal from the driver's mobile device which is also sent to the user's mobile device and is not duplicated.

7. US20040177109A1

• Full Citation: US20040177109A1 - Method of providing automatic connection service for taxis using communication network (Lee Jae-Wook)
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2004-09-09 / Priority: 2001-06-18
• Brief Description: This application describes a taxi service system where a central control center dispatches taxis based on user requests from mobile terminals. Taxis have mobile terminals to display dispatch information to the driver.
• Potential Anticipation of Claim 1: Similar to previous dispatch systems, this discloses a central controller, user mobile devices for requests, and driver mobile terminals for dispatch information. It shares the same limitations regarding an external vehicle display for shared user/driver indicator and the uniqueness of the indicator.

8. US20050012598A1

• Full Citation: US20050012598A1 - Dynamic mobile advertising system (Berquist Steven Earl)
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2005-01-20 / Priority: 2003-07-09
• Brief Description: This patent describes a dynamic mobile advertising system where mobile display units on vehicles show targeted advertisements based on geographic location. A central server manages content and uses GPS to report vehicle location, sending selected advertisements to the displays.
• Potential Anticipation of Claim 1: Similar to US20020097193A1, this reference anticipates the "display associated with a vehicle, wherein the display is located to be visible from an exterior of the vehicle" and a "controller communicatively coupled to a network" for sending information (advertisements) to the display. However, it does not describe the specific ride-hailing context, the notification signal to the driver's device, the generation of an indicatory signal from the driver's device to both displays, or the non-duplication aspect of the indicator for ride identification.

9. US20060276960A1

• Full Citation: US20060276960A1 - Methods, systems and computer program products for ride matching based on selection criteria and driver characteristic information (Adamczyk Maria)
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2006-12-07 / Priority: 2003-06-24
• Brief Description: This application describes a ride-matching system where a server receives ride requests from riders and driver availability information. It matches them based on various criteria and sends notifications to both rider and driver. The rider's notification may include driver and vehicle information, such as an identification code for verification.
• Potential Anticipation of Claim 1: This patent anticipates the "controller" receiving "ride request signal from a mobile communication device of a user" and sending a "notification signal via the network to a mobile communication device associated with a driver." It also mentions sending information to the rider, including an "identification code" for verification. However, it does not disclose an exterior display on the vehicle that receives an indicatory signal from the driver's mobile device, nor the explicit transmission of the same visual indicator to both the external vehicle display and the user's mobile device with the non-duplication feature.

10. US20120127196A1

• Full Citation: US20120127196A1 - Digital image display device with automatically adjusted image display durations (Landry Lawrence B)
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2012-05-24 / Priority: 2010-11-18
• Brief Description: This patent describes a digital image display device that can automatically adjust the duration for which an image is displayed, typically for advertising or information displays. It focuses on the technical aspects of display duration adjustment.
• Potential Anticipation of Claim 1: This patent is a generic display technology patent. It does not disclose any elements related to ride-hailing, vehicle identification, or the specific communication flows described in Claim 1 of US10748417. It would only potentially be prior art for the "display associated with a vehicle" in a very broad sense, but not for the specific functionalities.

11. US20120203599A1

• Full Citation: US20120203599A1 - Method and apparatus for providing a safe taxi service ([[Samsung Electronics Co.](/litigations/by-defendant/Samsung%20Electronics%20Co.), Ltd.](/litigations/by-plaintiff/Samsung%20Electronics%20Co.%2C%20Ltd.))
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2012-08-09 / Priority: 2011-02-08
• Brief Description: This application describes a system for providing a safe taxi service, where a user requests a taxi via a mobile terminal. The taxi service center dispatches a taxi and provides information to the user (e.g., license plate, driver photo) for verification. It mentions the user confirming the taxi's identity by scanning a QR code or similar identifier displayed inside the taxi.
• Potential Anticipation of Claim 1: This patent anticipates many aspects of a ride-hailing service, including user request via mobile device, dispatch by a central system, and providing information to the user for verification. The concept of an identifier (QR code) for verification is present. However, the identifier is described as inside the taxi, not on an exterior display. It also does not explicitly detail the generation of an indicatory signal from the driver's mobile device transmitted to both an exterior vehicle display and the user's device, nor the non-duplication feature of the visual indicator in the same pickup area.

12. US8635556B2

• Full Citation: US8635556B2 - Human readable iconic display server (Alcatel Lucent)
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2014-01-21 / Priority: 2010-11-30
• Brief Description: This patent describes a human-readable iconic display server that provides a standardized way to represent information using icons, which can be generated and managed and displayed on various devices.
• Potential Anticipation of Claim 1: This patent is a generic technology for displaying icons. It does not relate to vehicle identification, ride services, or the specific communication and display mechanisms described in Claim 1 of US10748417. It might be relevant for the type of visual indicator (icon), but not the system context.

13. US20140141840A1

• Full Citation: US20140141840A1 - Mobile electronic display (Pereira Jr. Paulo Jorge Caldas)
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2014-05-22 / Priority: 2012-11-20
• Brief Description: This application describes a mobile electronic display that can be attached to various surfaces, including vehicle windows, to display information. It is wireless and can be controlled remotely to show text, images, or animations for advertising or personal messages.
• Potential Anticipation of Claim 1: This patent clearly anticipates the "display associated with a vehicle, wherein the display is located to be visible from an exterior of the vehicle." It also describes remote control for displaying information. However, it does not describe the specific ride-hailing system, the role of a controller receiving ride requests, the generation of a notification to a driver's mobile device, the driver's device generating an indicatory signal to both the vehicle display and the user's mobile device, or the non-duplication of the visual indicator in the pickup area.

14. US9488494B2

• Full Citation: US9488494B2 - System and method for hailing vehicles (Flatiron Apps LLC)
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2016-11-08 / Priority: 2012-07-31
• Brief Description: This patent describes a system and method for hailing vehicles using a mobile application. A server receives user requests, identifies vehicles, and dispatches one. The user's mobile device displays information about the dispatched vehicle.
• Potential Anticipation of Claim 1: This patent describes a ride-hailing system with user requests, server dispatch, and user mobile devices displaying vehicle information. It lacks the exterior vehicle display that is part of a reciprocal signaling loop with the driver's mobile device and the user's mobile device for a unique, non-duplicated visual indicator.

15. US9718397B2

• Full Citation: US9718397B2 - User-configurable indication device for use with an on-demand transport service (Uber Technologies, Inc.)

• Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2017-08-01 / Priority: 2014-05-16

• Brief Description: This patent describes a user-configurable indication device for on-demand transport services. It includes a display mounted on a vehicle that shows a unique identifier (e.g., color, symbol, alphanumeric code) matching an identifier on the user's mobile device, enabling the user to identify their ride. The indication device is controlled by the transport provider's mobile computing device.

• Potential Anticipation of Claim 1: This is highly relevant prior art. It discloses:

  • A "display associated with a vehicle...visible from an exterior."
  • For "on-demand transport service" (ride request).
  • Displaying a "unique identifier" (visual indicator) that matches an identifier on the "user's mobile device."
  • The "indication device is coupled to the transport provider's mobile computing device and receives display instructions from it." This implies the driver's mobile device (transport provider's mobile computing device) generates or causes the display of the indicator.
  • The identifier is "specific to the user's ride request," which implies non-duplication for different requests.

  The main difference is whether the controller (central server) transmits a notification signal to the driver's mobile device in response to a ride request, and in response to the driver's mobile device receiving that notification, an indicatory signal is generated and transmitted to the display AND the user's mobile device. While the patent states the driver's device controls the vehicle display and the identifier matches the user's device, the explicit chain of "controller -> driver's device notification -> driver's device generates indicatory signal -> to vehicle display AND user's device" and the explicit "visual indicator is not duplicated in the same pickup area" as phrased in Claim 1 might be distinguishable. However, the core concept of an external display for ride matching via a unique identifier matching the user's device, driven by the driver's device, is strongly anticipated. This patent strongly anticipates many elements of Claim 1 and could potentially render it obvious, if not fully anticipated, depending on the interpretation of the specific signaling pathway and the "not duplicated" clause.

16. US9892637B2

• Full Citation: US9892637B2 - Vehicle identification system (Rideshare Displays, Inc.)

• Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2018-02-13 / Priority: 2014-05-29

• Brief Description: This patent describes a vehicle identification system with a display on a vehicle visible from the exterior. A controller transmits a first signal to a driver's mobile device when the vehicle is near a location. The driver's mobile device then generates a second signal (indicator) for the vehicle display.

• Potential Anticipation of Claim 1: This patent is a direct family member (same assignee, same priority date as US10748417's priority date of 2014-05-29) and its abstract is strikingly similar to the abstract of US10748417. It covers almost all elements:

  • "display associated with a vehicle, wherein the display is located to be visible from an exterior of the vehicle by mobile communication device users"
  • "controller communicatively coupled to a network"
  • "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" (equivalent to "in response to receipt of a ride request signal...generate and transmit a notification signal")
  • "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." (equivalent to "in response to the mobile communication device associated with the driver...receiving the notification signal an indicatory signal representing a visual indicator is generated and transmitted to the display")

  The key missing explicit element from just the abstract of US9892637B2 compared to Claim 1 of US10748417 is "and transmitted to...the mobile communication device of the user, wherein the visual indicator is not duplicated in the same pickup area." However, as it's a family member with the same priority date and highly similar description, it is likely that the full text or other claims of US9892637B2 disclose these aspects, or they are inherent to the described system. Given its relation and very similar abstract, it highly anticipates or is a direct precursor to Claim 1. It is critical to note that US9892637B2 shares the same priority date (2014-05-29) as US10748417. This means it may be prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(2) (prior art by another's prior patent) or prior art under 35 U.S.C. § 102(a)(1) if it was published before the critical date of US10748417 (which is not the case as 10748417's effective filing date based on its priority application 62/004,753 is May 29, 2014, and 9892637B2 was published in 2018). Given the common priority date and assignee, it is more likely this is related art in the same patent family, and often claims in such family patents are drafted to carve around each other. However, if any claim of US9892637B2 literally includes all elements of Claim 1 of US10748417, it would be anticipatory under certain scenarios, though more often family members are used for obviousness challenges (35 U.S.C. § 103). For direct anticipation, the claims of US9892637B2 would need to be identical or broader than Claim 1 of US10748417.

17. US20190009721A1

• Full Citation: US20190009721A1 - Vision system for a vehicle (Magna Electronics Inc.)
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2019-01-10 / Priority: 2000-03-02
• Brief Description: This application describes a vehicle vision system, primarily focusing on camera-based systems for driver assistance and security. It captures and processes images of the surroundings.
• Potential Anticipation of Claim 1: This patent is completely unrelated to external displays for vehicle identification in the context of ride-hailing services. It does not anticipate any specific elements of Claim 1.

18. US20190228643A1

• Full Citation: US20190228643A1 - Vehicle identification system and method (Rideshare Displays, Inc.)
• Publication/Filing Date: Publication: 2019-07-25 / Priority: 2014-05-29
• Brief Description: This application describes a vehicle identification system providing an indicator on a user's mobile device to identify a ride-service vehicle. It includes a vehicle display visible from the exterior, a transceiver, and a controller. The controller sends a signal to the driver's mobile device when the vehicle is near, and the driver's device generates an indicator for the vehicle display.
• Potential Anticipation of Claim 1: This patent is another family member, also sharing the 2014-05-29 priority date with US10748417. Its abstract is nearly identical to US10748417's abstract and US9892637B2's abstract. It covers all the core elements of Claim 1 except for the explicit mention of the indicatory signal being sent to both the vehicle display and the user's mobile device, and the "not duplicated in the same pickup area" clause in the abstract. As with US9892637B2, it highly anticipates or is a direct precursor to Claim 1 due to being a family member with the same priority date.

Most Relevant Prior Art for Anticipation:

Based on this analysis, US9718397B2 (Uber Technologies, Inc.) and the family members US9892637B2 (Rideshare Displays, Inc.) and US20190228643A1 (Rideshare Displays, Inc.) are the most relevant.

• US9718397B2 strongly anticipates many elements of Claim 1, particularly the external vehicle display with a unique identifier matching the user's device, driven by the driver's device, in the context of an on-demand transport service. The specific signaling path details would need a closer claim-by-claim comparison.
• US9892637B2 and US20190228643A1 are particularly relevant as they are within the same patent family and share the same priority date as US10748417. If their claims are broad enough to cover all elements of Claim 1 of US10748417, they could be anticipatory. However, given they are family members, it's more common for claims to be drawn to cover different aspects or to have subtle distinctions to avoid self-anticipation. For a true 35 U.S.C. § 102 anticipation, the claims of the cited patent would need to literally contain all elements of US10748417's Claim 1. Without a full claim comparison, it's difficult to definitively state anticipation, but they certainly describe highly similar systems.

The distinct element highlighted in Claim 1 of US10748417 that might differentiate it from some prior art (especially non-family members) is: "an indicatory signal representing a visual indicator is generated and transmitted to the display and the mobile communication device of the user, wherein the visual indicator is not duplicated in the same pickup area." The simultaneous transmission to both the vehicle display and the user's mobile device, and the explicit non-duplication in the same pickup area, are key distinguishing features that would need to be absent from prior art for Claim 1 to be novel.

An obviousness analysis under 35 U.S.C. § 103 for US Patent 10748417, based on the provided prior art, suggests that the independent claims, specifically Claim 1, would likely have been obvious to a person having ordinary skill in the art (POSITA) at the time of the invention.

The primary prior art reference for this analysis is US9718397B2, titled "User-configurable indication device for use with an on-demand transport service," assigned to Uber Technologies, Inc. (hereafter, "Uber '397 patent"). This patent has a priority date of 2014-05-16, which predates the 2014-05-29 priority date of US10748417, making it valid prior art.

Analysis of Claim 1 against the Uber '397 patent:

Claim 1 of US10748417 describes a vehicle identification system comprising:

1. A display associated with a vehicle, visible from an exterior. The Uber '397 patent explicitly discloses an "indication device mounted to a vehicle and configured to communicate information to a user device." This device is "displayed to passengers outside the vehicle" and can be a "light-emitting device on a dashboard" or "window-mounted devices," making it visible from the exterior.
2. A controller communicatively coupled to a network. The Uber '397 patent describes a "server" (controller) and a "network" as integral components of its on-demand transport service system.
3. The controller configured to, in response to receipt of a ride request signal from a mobile communication device of a user in a pickup area. The Uber '397 patent clearly teaches users "requesting on-demand transportation services using their respective user computing devices."
4. Generate and transmit a notification signal via the network to a mobile communication device associated with a driver of the vehicle. The Uber '397 patent states that the "server can identify a driver computing device associated with a transportation service provider and transmit the request to the driver computing device." This transmission serves as a notification signal to the driver.
5. In response to the mobile communication device associated with the driver of the vehicle receiving the notification signal an indicatory signal representing a visual indicator is generated and transmitted to the display and the mobile communication device of the user. This is the most detailed aspect of Claim 1. The Uber '397 patent teaches that in response to the request, "the driver computing device can generate the information" (visual indicator). It also states that "the driver computing device can provide the information to the indication device for display on the indication device" (the vehicle's exterior display). Furthermore, it teaches that "the information can be transmitted to the user computing device for display on the user computing device," and "the information can be displayed on both the indication device and the user computing device" to enable the user to identify the correct vehicle.
6. Wherein the visual indicator is not duplicated in the same pickup area. The Uber '397 patent teaches that "the information can be a unique alphanumeric code that is generated for each ride request." A unique code for each request would inherently not be duplicated within the same pickup area for different active rides.

Missing Element and Motivation to Combine:

The only potential difference between Claim 1 of US10748417 and the Uber '397 patent lies in the explicit pathway for the indicatory signal to reach the user's mobile communication device. While the Uber '397 patent states that the information (visual indicator) is displayed on both the vehicle's indication device (fed by the driver's device) and the user's mobile device, it does not explicitly state that the driver's mobile device directly transmits the indicatory signal to the user's mobile communication device. The Uber '397 patent implies the server mediates the transmission of information to the user's device, or at least allows for it.

However, a person having ordinary skill in the art (POSITA) in May 2014 would have been motivated to implement direct, local communication of the indicatory signal from the driver's mobile device to the user's mobile device for several reasons:

• Improved Efficiency and Reduced Latency: For users and drivers in close proximity within a pickup area, routing the identification signal through a central server could introduce unnecessary latency and increase server load. Direct device-to-device communication (e.g., using technologies like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi Direct, which were common in mobile devices by 2014) would allow for quicker and more direct verification.
• Enhanced Robustness and Reliability: Direct local communication offers an alternative, and potentially more robust, communication channel in environments where cellular network coverage might be weak or intermittent (e.g., crowded urban areas, underground parking garages), thereby improving the reliability of the vehicle identification process.

Given that the Uber '397 patent already teaches that the driver's device can generate the unique identification information and provides it to the vehicle's external display, and that this same information needs to be simultaneously displayed on the user's device for comparison, it would have been an obvious design choice for a POSITA to enable the driver's mobile device to directly transmit this information to the user's mobile device using readily available short-range wireless communication technologies. This would serve to optimize the user experience by providing a more immediate and reliable identification mechanism.

Therefore, the combination of the teachings in US9718397B2 with the common knowledge of a POSITA regarding local mobile communication methods would render Claim 1 of US10748417 obvious.