Integration method for ride sharing and advertising

Abstract

A transportation assistance method operated via a software application wherein the present invention integrates with exclusive channel partners to provide customers affordable transportation. The method is designed to connect passengers and drivers with a user-friendly graphical interface and provides a plurality of transportation assistance options. The method includes a monthly subscription fee and a credit earning system that allows customers to accumulate credit to be exchanged for transportation as well as goods and services from exclusive channel partners. The transportation assistance method includes a step of providing an ability for a customer to transmit an alert signal to various entities during providing of ride for a customer. Customers are provided options to carpool from a same origin to destination. The software application integrates with social media platforms and utilizes a language translator for effecting communication between a driver and a customer.

Description

1 INTEGRATION METHOD FOR RIDE SHARING AND ADVERTISING FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to software applications, more specifically but not by way of limitation, a software application that facilitates a method of integrating advertising channel partners and ride sharing services wherein the present invention provides advantages such as but not limited to affordable fees, carpooling, discount programs and incentive programs for participates. BACKGROUND

[0002] In today’s fast-paced digital era, ride-sharing apps have revolutionized urban mobility, providing convenient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly transportation solutions. As this industry continues to expand, integrating exclusive advertising partnerships into ride-sharing platforms can yield substantial advantages. A ride-sharing app that collaborates with exclusive advertising partners can unlock significant additional revenue. By offering advertisers a direct channel to engage with a highly mobile and diverse audience, the app can monetize its platform beyond ride fares. Exclusive advertising agreements allow the app to command premium prices for ad placements, particularly if it offers targeted campaigns based on user demographics and geolocations. These funds can be reinvested into the platform, facilitating app development, subsidizing user discounts, or improving driver compensation, thereby enhancing the overall user experience.

[0003] Exclusive advertising partnerships can enable the delivery of curated, relevant advertisements that align with users' interests. For example, riders traveling to a shopping district could receive promotions for nearby stores or restaurants, enhancing their journey with tailored suggestions. By ensuring that advertisements are non-intrusive and value-adding, the app can maintain user satisfaction while increasing engagement with promotional content. This CA 3303307 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-27 2 personalized approach benefits users by presenting them with opportunities they might not have otherwise discovered. For advertisers, collaborating exclusively with a ride-sharing app offers unparalleled access to a captive audience. During transit, riders often have downtime, making them more receptive to engaging with promotional content. Furthermore, ride-sharing apps collect valuable data on user preferences, travel patterns, and behaviors. By partnering exclusively, advertisers can leverage this data to refine their campaigns, ensuring higher relevance and effectiveness. This targeted approach maximizes return on investment for advertisers, making the partnership mutually beneficial.

[0004] An exclusive advertising model can also support broader societal goals. By promoting eco-friendly products, local businesses, or public service initiatives, the ride-sharing app can encourage sustainable behaviors and community engagement. For instance, partnerships with companies that promote green energy solutions or public health campaigns could amplify important messages to a wide audience. This alignment between corporate and social objectives strengthens the app’s brand image and fosters trust among its users. In a crowded marketplace, innovation and differentiation are key to success. By establishing exclusive advertising collaborations, a ride-sharing app can create a unique value proposition that sets it apart from competitors. These partnerships can also serve as a barrier to entry for new competitors, as the exclusivity of premium advertisers limits their opportunities to engage with the same audience. Furthermore, the integration of value-adding advertisements reinforces the app’s reputation as a forward-thinking, user-centric platform.

[0005] The integration of exclusive advertising partnerships within a ride-sharing app represents a strategic evolution that benefits all stakeholders. By diversifying revenue streams, enhancing user experience, offering targeted opportunities for advertisers, and contributing to societal well-being, such collaborations position the app for long-term success. As the ride-sharing industry continues to innovate, embracing mutually beneficial partnerships will not only ensure growth but also create a more dynamic and enriching experience for users worldwide. CA 3303307 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-27 3

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a software application that facilitates a method of integrating advertising channel partners and ride sharing services wherein the present invention provides advantages such as but not limited to affordable fees, carpooling, discount programs and incentive programs for participates. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] It is the object of the present invention to provide a method of procuring a ride share between a certified driver and at least one individual wherein the present invention utilizes advertising channel partners.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a software application that provides cost effective transportation for an individual wherein the advertising channel partners are exclusive to the software application.

[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide a method of procuring a ride share between a certified driver and at least one individual wherein the present invention facilitates carpooling between a plurality of individuals.

[0010] Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a software application that provides cost effective transportation for an individual wherein the present invention provides discounted fares for students and senior citizens.

[0011] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of procuring a ride share between a certified driver and at least one individual wherein the present invention further includes an incentive program for frequent users.

[0012] An additional object of the present invention is to provide a software application that provides cost effective transportation for an individual wherein the commission fee for the certified driver is either a fixed rate or percentage based.

[0013] Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a method of procuring a ride share between a certified driver and at least one individual wherein the software application of the present invention has integrated thereinto an ability for a rider to transmit a safety alert signal during the ride with an interface icon in the software application. CA 3303307 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-27 4

[0014] To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein:

[0016] Figure 1 is a flowchart of the process of the customer panel of the present invention; and

[0017] Figure 2 is a flowchart of the process of the driver panel of the present invention; and

[0018] Figure 3 is a flowchart of the process of the administrator panel of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a transportation assistance method 100 constructed according to the principles of the present invention.

[0020] An embodiment of the present invention is discussed herein with reference to the figures submitted herewith. Those skilled in the art will understand that the detailed description herein with respect to these figures is for explanatory purposes and that it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that alternative embodiments are plausible. By way of example but not by way of limitation, those having skill in the art in light of the present teachings of the present invention will recognize a plurality of alternate and suitable approaches dependent upon the needs of the particular application to implement the CA 3303307 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-27 5 functionality of any given detail described herein, beyond that of the particular implementation choices in the embodiment described herein. Various modifications and embodiments are within the scope of the present invention.

[0021] It is to be further understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular methodology, materials, uses and applications described herein, as these may vary. Furthermore, it is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. It must be noted that as used herein and in the claims, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” include the plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “an element” is a reference to one or more elements and includes equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. All conjunctions used are to be understood in the most inclusive sense possible. Thus, the word “or” should be understood as having the definition of a logical “or” rather than that of a logical “exclusive or” unless the context clearly necessitates otherwise. Structures described herein are to be understood also to refer to functional equivalents of such structures. Language that may be construed to express approximation should be so understood unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0022] References to “one embodiment”, “an embodiment”, “exemplary embodiments”, and the like may indicate that the embodiment(s) of the invention so described may include a particular feature, structure or characteristic, but not every embodiment necessarily includes the particular feature, structure or characteristic.

[0023] Referring in particular to the Figures submitted herewith, the transportation assistance method 100 is operated via a software application wherein the software application is operable on remote computing devices such as but not limited to smartphones. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the software application provides a graphical interface facilitating the process discussed herein. While the process is presented and discussed in an order herein, it should be understood within the scope of the present invention CA 3303307 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-27 6 that the order could be altered and steps of the process could be skipped or eliminated and be within the scope of the present invention.

[0024] Referring in particular to Figure 1 submitted herewith, subsequent downloading of the software application of the present invention, step 101 the customer will login into the software application utilizing the graphical user interface having conventional command icons. In step 103, the user will register with the present invention wherein during the registration process demographic and contact information of the customer is entered and retained in the software. Step 105, the customer is presented the option to establish session validity wherein ensuing logging into the software application the session will maintain validity for thirty days and the customer will not be requested to enter login credentials again. In step 107, the customer has access to their ride history wherein the complete details of each ride purchased including but not limited to origin, destination and fee are provided. Step 109, during transportation by a driver, the customer can access the geolocation in real-time and further transmit that data to other entities. In step 111, the customer is presented with an interface to facilitate payment management for rides procured utilizing the present invention. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the payment management can include but is not limited to credit cards or other forms of digital payment.

[0025] Step 113, ensuing ride completion the customer can provide a rating of the driver and the experience therewith wherein the driver rating is visible to other users of the transportation assistance method 100. In step 115, a customer is presented with a booking type selection when procuring a transportation assistance request. Alternate types of booking can be ordered wherein the booking types include but are not limited booking a ride request for the customer wherein the need is immediate, booking a ride request for another person or a full rental. Step 117, the client has order fulfillment of the type of ride reserved with the software application. In step 119, during execution of the transportation assistance, the customer can transmit an alert signal wherein a distress signal is transmitted to either law enforcement or a designated third party. Step 121, the CA 3303307 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-27 7 customer has an option to share the transportation assistance wherein the customer can share the ride from a same origin in route to the same destination. The ride sharing can be between two or more customers and it should be understood within the scope of the present invention that the payment for the ride can be divided amongst all customers in the carpool. Step 123, at various intervals during utilization of the present invention, the software application will transmit a notification. Notifications can include but are not limited to arrival at a destination, booking confirmation and service updates.

[0026] Referring now to Figure 2 submitted herewith, the process for a driver interface and utilization of the present invention is outlined therein. As with the customer process, the order of the steps presented herein do not provide a limitation as to the actual order to execution. In step 201, the driver will register within the software application to apply to enlist therewith to provide transportation services. Step 203, the operator of the present invention will perform security clearance and other necessary authentication procedures to include but not limited to criminal background and driving record. Once cleared the driver can then make themselves available for providing transportation assistance. In step 205, the driver has access to view the ride history for all of the rides provided. This can include but is not limited to customer information and fees collected. Step 207, the driver can interface with the software application to perform profile management. In the driver profile the driver provides information regarding the vehicle utilized, personal photo and other relevant parameters. In step 209, the driver can receive notifications. The notifications for a driver can include a variety data but a primary notification is a request for transportation assistance.

[0027] Step 211, the driver enters their status in the software application. The driver can select available or not available wherein upon being in available status the driver can receive notifications for requests for transportation assistance. In step 213, the driver will receive a notification for a ride request(transportation assistance) and acknowledge receipt thereof and initiate the process for providing transportation assistance to the requesting customer. Step 215, the driver can CA 3303307 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-27 8 access ride history for all rides provided wherein the ride history includes full details such as route, payment and client. The driver can further access their earning instantly after completion of the trip. A transaction fee is deducted for immediate access to the earned fee by the operator of the present invention. In step 217, the driver can access a full earnings report wherein the report provides details about all revenue earned by the driver. Step 219, the driver and / or operator can provide advertising channel partner discounts to the clients during the transportation request. The discounts can be for goods or services and are exclusive to the present invention wherein the providers have a contractual agreement with the operator of the present invention. The discounts are typically offered during delivery of the transportation assistance but can occur on alternate occasions.

[0028] Referring now to Figure 3 submitted herewith, the process for the administrator is outlined therein. Step 301, the master administrator is assigned and presented a dashboard wherein the master administrator can create new users and review all statistical data. In step 303, the dashboard provides data and manipulation thereof such as but not limited to vehicles, users, subscription data and partnership discounts. Step 305, the master administrator can access and edit the user list wherein the user list is comprised of all customers, their information and includes alert signal recipients. In step 307, a carpool user list is available for review wherein the list provides all details of users utilizing the carpool function. In step 309, the master administrator can review and edit as required the insurance for the drivers as well as the operator. Step 311, the master administrator can access and edit the vehicle information for each driver wherein information such as type, insurance or other parameters can be updated. In step 313, the master administrator accesses and updates the rate log. The rate log is utilized in the operational algorithm and provides calculation of the rate for the transportation assistance provided. The rate can be but is not limited to a flat fee, rate per kilometer or a commission based.

[0029] Step 315, the master administrator can access and analyze the subscription data for all users wherein the customers can be enrolled in different subscriptions CA 3303307 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-27 9 and alternate rates can be applied thereto. In step 317, the payment structure can be determined and assigned for each driver. The transportation assistance method 100 provides a payment structure that is assigned to each driver wherein the payment structure can be either a fixed fee or a percentage basis. Step 319, the rules for earning and utilizing coins are input into the system. The transportation assistance method 100 utilizes a coin wherein the coin has a predetermined value and can be utilized to either compensate the drivers or be exchanged with the advertising channel partners. It should be understood within the scope of the present invention that coins are accumulated credits having a financial value wherein the coins are exchanged for transportation or goods from an advertising channel partner. The transportation assistance method 100 provides subscription plans wherein the plans facilitate the accumulation of coins to be utilized for transportation and / or goods and services. In step 321, the master administrator provides alert management wherein all alert request history can be reviewed. Step 323, the master administrator has access to full reporting of all activity within the software application and can execute data analysis thereon.

[0030] In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. CA 3303307 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-27

Claims

10 WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A transportation assistance method that is configured to connection customers and drivers wherein the transportation assistance method comprises the steps of: downloading a software application, wherein the software application is downloaded to a plurality of remote computing devices; registering a multitude of customers, wherein the multitude of customers enter personal data into the software application; registering a multitude of drivers, wherein said multitude of drivers register to provide transportation assistance to said customers; authenticating said multitude of drivers, wherein an operator of the transportation assistance method performs background checks of the multitude of drivers; logging into the software application, wherein at least one of the customers logs into the software application; establishing a session validity, wherein the at least one customer has a login session validated for a defined time period; establishing relationships with advertising channel partners, wherein the operator of the transportation assistance method forms relationships with exclusive providers of goods and services for the customers’ creating a coin, wherein said coin is configured to establish a value for use in exchange for transportation assistance, said coin configured to accumulate value; requesting assistance for transportation, wherein said at least one of the customers utilizes the software application to request transportation assistance; receiving the request for transportation assistance, wherein one of the drivers receives and accepts the request for transportation assistance; delivering transportation assistance, wherein the at least one customer is transported from an origin to a destination; CA 3303307 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-27 11 paying the driver, wherein the driver receives compensation for the transportation assistance.

2. The transportation assistance method as recited in claim 1, and further including a step of transmitting an alert signal, wherein the customer transmits an alert signal during receipt of transportation assistance.

3. The transportation assistance method as recited in claim 2, and further including a step of requesting a carpool, wherein two or more of said multitude of customers request a shared ride to a same destination.

4. The transportation assistance method as recited in claim 3, and further including a step of offering a discount to a customer during execution of transportation assistance.

5. The transportation assistance method as recited in claim 4, and further including a step of offering a subscription service, wherein the operator of the transportation assistance method utilizes exclusive advertising channel partners for delivery of discounted goods and services.

6. The transportation assistance method as recited in claim 5, and further including a step of monitoring insurance status of vehicles, wherein the vehicles are operated by the multitude of drivers.

7. The transportation assistance method as recited in claim 6, and further including a step of accumulating value for the coin, wherein the value increases with payment of a subscription or for transportation assistance.

8. The transportation assistance method as recited in claim 7, and further including a step of redeeming at least a portion of the value of the coin, wherein the CA 3303307 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-27 12 redemption is in exchange for a transportation assistance or a good from the advertising channel partner.

9. The transportation assistance method as recited in claim 8, and further including a step of providing a language selection, wherein the software application utilizes a language translator for effecting communication between a driver and a customer.

10. The transportation assistance method as recited in claim 9, and further including a step of transmitting a notification, wherein the notification includes data pertaining to a transportation request.

11. The transportation assistance method as recited in claim 10, and further including a step of establishing a rate log, wherein the rate log details amounts required for types transportation assistance.

12. The transportation assistance method as recited in claim 11, and further including a step of managing a fee payment to the multitude of drivers, wherein the fee payment is either a flat fee or a percentage of revenue.

13. The transportation assistance method as recited in claim 12, and further including a step of accessing ride earning instantly after completion of the transportation assistance, wherein the driver can access the earnings instantly after delivery of transportation assistance. CA 3303307 Date reçue / Received date 2026-02-27