US 7840427

Here's a concise summary of US Patent 7,840,427 based on the provided text and an examination of its claims:

US Patent 7,840,427B2 Summary

• Title: Shared transport system and service network
• Assignee: Carma Technology Ltd.
• Inventors: Sean O'Sullivan
• Filing Date: February 12, 2008 (Application number US12/069,656)
• Issue Date: November 23, 2010
• Abstract: The patent describes a network system that matches the supply and demand for transportation services by integrating unused transportation capacity (e.g., empty seats in vehicles) with a real-time allocation and matching service. This service allows individuals and goods to conveniently hire available capacity, offering attractive pricing, quick response times, improved information, and trusted security. The system includes an electronic registry of available transport capacity (vehicle locations and spare capacity), an electronic registry of transportation demand from individuals, and a central processing unit to match vehicles with individuals.

Plain-Language Overview of Independent Claims:

US Patent 7,840,427B2 contains three independent claims:

1. Claim 1 (System for Matching Transport Capacity and Demand): This claim describes a computer-implemented system for an ad-hoc shared transport network. The system includes:

   • An electronic registry that stores information about available transport capacity, such as the location and spare capacity of multiple vehicles, and their routes (referred to as "Supply Routes"). This information is determined automatically by a navigation device in each vehicle.
   • An electronic registry that stores transportation demands, including pick-up and drop-off points (referred to as "Demand Routes") from multiple individuals. This information is submitted via personal communication devices.
   • A central processing unit (matching engine) that connects to both registries. Its function is to match at least one vehicle's transport capacity with at least one individual's transport demand. The system also automatically determines and registers the vehicle's destination and capacity.
   • A display for transport users that shows, in near real-time, the available transport capacity on maps, timetables, or other visual representations. The display provides confidence to users that they can get from one location to another.
   • A security system that vets and rates both drivers and riders based on their behavior, thereby making the shared transport network more trustworthy.
   • A communication system that allows drivers and riders to contact each other without revealing their personal phone numbers or full names.
   • A payment processing system for billing riders and paying drivers.
   • A system to confirm pick-up and delivery of transport services through continuous coordinated proximity verification between a driver's and a rider's device.
   • An external indicator on the transport vehicle that visually identifies the vehicle's route to a rider as it approaches a pick-up point.

2. Claim 16 (Method for Matching Transport Capacity and Demand): This claim describes a method for operating an ad-hoc shared transport system. It involves:

   • Automatically determining and registering available transport capacity of multiple vehicles, including their locations, directions, and available seating (Supply Routes), using a navigation device in each vehicle.
   • Receiving transportation demand requests from multiple individuals (Demand Routes) via their personal communication devices, including desired pick-up and drop-off points.
   • Matching available transport capacity with transport demands using a computing system.
   • Displaying real-time and predicted transport capacity to users, including estimated waiting times and travel times, to build user confidence.
   • Operating a security system to verify and rate drivers and riders based on their behavior and reliability.
   • Enabling communication between drivers and riders without revealing personal contact information.
   • Processing payments for transport services.
   • Verifying service delivery by confirming the continuous coordinated proximity between a driver's device and a rider's device.
   • Signaling the arrival of a matched vehicle at a pick-up point using a distinctive, externally visible indicator on the vehicle.

3. Claim 26 (System for Automated Determination and Registration of Transport Capacity): This claim outlines a system focused on the automated handling of transport capacity within an ad-hoc shared transport network. The system includes:

   • A navigation system in each vehicle that automatically determines the vehicle's location, direction, and destination.
   • A communications system that registers this information as "Supply Route" data with a central marketplace system.
   • A software layer (Driver Software Interface) that automatically registers the vehicle's destination and capacity, and continually updates this information.
   • A matching engine within the central marketplace that uses this Supply Route data to match with Demand Routes from riders.
   • A display system that provides real-time information to both riders and drivers about available transport options, including predicted capacity based on historical data.
   • A security system that rates drivers and riders.
   • A communication system that allows anonymous contact between drivers and riders.
   • A payment processing system.
   • A continuous coordinated proximity verification system for pick-up and delivery.
   • An external visual indicator on the vehicle for identification by riders.

CAFC 2026 Dockets:

As of April 26, 2026, a search for CAFC dockets specifically for US7840427 did not return any direct case filings in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit for the year 2026.

However, the Google Patents information for US7840427B2 notes ongoing litigation:

• A PTAB (Patent Trial and Appeal Board) case, IPR2026-00305, was filed and is pending.
• A US case was filed in the Texas Eastern District Court, case number 2:25-cv-00029.
• First worldwide family litigation was filed, details accessible via Darts-ip.

While the PTAB and District Court cases are not CAFC dockets themselves, they represent active litigation concerning this patent. An IPR proceeding at the PTAB can sometimes lead to an appeal at the CAFC.