US 8244594

Here's a concise summary of US Patent 8,244,594:

Title: Method for remote acquisition and delivery of goods

Assignee: CONSUMERON LLC

Inventors: Mark B. Barron, Michael Hays

Filing Date: 2010-02-24

Issue Date: 2012-08-14

Abstract: A system and method for remote acquisition and delivery of goods includes a server in communication with customer computers, such as through a user interface via the internet. The server can store customer information including billing information, and may include a real-time video processor. A mobile delivery system in communication with the server includes an energy efficient vehicle, a real-time video device, a global positioning system, a communication device and a printer. In use, a customer communicates with a mobile delivery agent via the real-time video device and the communication device to remotely acquire a product. Once acquired, the delivery agent delivers the product to a designated delivery location. The real-time video device can be utilized during the entire transaction. The system preferably includes a processor for optimizing system efficiencies, including selecting a delivery agent based on the product, pick-up location and delivery site.

Independent Claims Overview:

• Claim 1: This claim describes a method for remote acquisition and delivery. It involves deploying multiple delivery agents, each with a mobile system comprising a real-time video device, GPS, and communication device. The method includes receiving a customer's request for goods, obtaining information about delivery agents' locations and availability, selecting an agent, deploying that agent to the goods' location, electronically transferring an image of the goods to the customer using the video device, acquiring the goods, and delivering them to the customer's chosen site.

• Claim 13: This independent claim also describes a method for remote acquisition and delivery of goods, similar to Claim 1 in its initial deployment of delivery agents with mobile systems (real-time video, communication, and GPS devices). The key distinction is that after receiving a customer's acquisition request, the system calculates which delivery agent can most efficiently fulfill the request. This calculation is based on the goods' location, the delivery agent's current GPS-determined location, and the customer's delivery site. The chosen agent is then deployed based on this efficiency calculation. The subsequent steps of electronically transferring an image, acquiring the goods, and delivering them remain the same as in Claim 1.

Litigation Note:
The patent family is currently involved in litigation, including an IPR case (IPR2022-01356) filed at the PTAB, a US case filed in the Delaware District Court (1:21-cv-01147), and a US case filed in the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit (24-1703).