System and procedure for providing rides through shared ride services

Abstract

System (10) for providing journeys (F) through shared ride services (FD), wherein the system (10) comprises: a platform (12) designed to manage user data (ND) assigned to the respective users (N) of the shared ride services (FD), the platform (12) comprising a processing unit (14) designed to process the user data (ND) assigned to a given user (N) in order to suggest a ride (F) to the given user (N) and / or create a ride (F) for the given user (N), the system (10) is further configured to depending on the user data (ND) assigned to the user (N) in question, to selectively merge the user (N) in question with other users (N) and / or to avoid merging the user (N) in question with other users (N), the processing unit (14) being further equipped to: from the user data (ND) to determine at least one marker (M) for each user (N), wherein the at least one marker (M) indicates a compatibility of a given user (N) with at least one other user (N) and / or a preference of a given user (N). to compare at least one marker (M) assigned to the user (N) with the trips (F) and / or the markers (M) of the other users (N), whereby, in case of a match, a suggestion for a trip (F) is triggered and / or another user (N) is suggested as a passenger, wherein the platform (12) of the system (10) further comprises an interface (17) through which users (N) can interact with the system (10), characterized by the fact that In the event that a match is determined, a first user (A) can send a request to a second user (B) via the platform (12) of the system (10), or that, in the event that a match is determined, the processing unit (14) is set up to suggest the journey (F) from the first user (A) to the second user (B), who can then send a request to the first user (A) via the platform (12) of the system (10).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a system for providing rides through shared ride services, wherein the system comprises: a platform configured to manage user data assigned to the respective users of the shared ride services, wherein the platform comprises a processing unit configured to process the user data assigned to a particular user in order to suggest a ride to the particular user and / or create a ride for the particular user.

[0002] A system for operating a user of a ride-sharing service is known from the publication DE 10 2017 112 000 A1.

[0003] A system relating to one or more ride-sharing opportunities is known from US Patent 9,904,900 B2. Each vehicle includes a mobile driver device to receive a ride-sharing request from one or more passengers.

[0004] Document US 2019 / 0 096 251 A1 describes a network system that connects supply and demand for transportation services by integrating unused transportation capacity with a real-time allocation and matching service.

[0005] Shared ride services such as ride-sharing, ride-hailing, and / or ride-pooling are well-known. With these services, a user can request, create, and / or book a ride, for example, via an app from the respective provider. In the case of ride-pooling, a computer-based algorithm is used to automatically create carpools between users with similar destinations. In this way, users share the ride and the fare as efficiently as possible. Currently, however, these services only check routes and their commonalities for compatibility in order to then create a combination of offers for the user. These offers are presented to users at a discounted price, provided they agree to accept a detour and, usually, additional effort.The decisive criteria here are the timing of the request for the desired transport service and the possibility of combining the routes. The preferences and interests of individual users are not taken into account. In the case of ride-pooling, for example, social contacts and interests play no role in the matching of users for a ride, in addition to the existing criteria of a shared time and agreed-upon route.

[0006] EP 3 454 263 A1 describes a system for providing and organizing services that can be performed during a journey using a means of transport (e.g., an autonomous vehicle). Based on journey or timetable profiles and digital task lists, the system automatically determines suitable services for upcoming journeys. Depending on the journey duration, route, and calendar or to-do list entries, suggested services—such as passenger assistance, catering, cosmetics, consulting, or medical services—are assigned to the user. The vehicles can be flexibly equipped for various applications using modular, service-specific cabins.

[0007] German patent DE 10 2019 113 089 A1 describes a multi-user vehicle navigation system that uses individual sensors and controllers to collect and analyze location data from multiple users. This data is used to generate aggregation information, such as the number of users at specific locations. This information is used to guide vehicles to specific destinations, with destination selection based on user density. The system also offers personalized destination suggestions based on user profiles, past behavior patterns, and current gatherings. It can incorporate profiles from external sources, such as social networks, to optimize carpool composition and improve the driving experience. Users have the option to select or decline rides with other users to ensure a more pleasant driving experience.The system also helps avoid overcrowding or empty spaces by providing information on the occupancy of destinations and making suggestions based on user preferences. Machine learning is used to continuously optimize the suggestions and assignments.

[0008] German Patent Application DE 10 2019 126 357 A1 describes a system and procedure for managing and personalizing journeys for passengers in various modes of transport, such as cars, buses, or trains, particularly in shared vehicles (e.g., ride-sharing). The system recognizes when a customer requests a ride or is already in the vehicle and, provided they are not busy, actively asks about their preferences (e.g., climate control, music, seat, desired route). The collected information is used to update the customer profile and to adjust the vehicle's characteristics (e.g., temperature, audio, route, intermediate stops) individually or by consensus with other passengers. The preferences can also be used to group customers with similar interests for rides.

[0009] The object underlying the invention is seen as taking into account the interests and preferences of users when suggesting trips or when creating trips through shared ride services.

[0010] This problem is solved by a system for providing rides through shared ride services with the features of claim 1 and by a method with the features of claim 12. Advantageous embodiments with expedient further developments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0011] The proposed system for providing rides through shared ride services comprises: a platform designed to manage user data assigned to individual users of the shared ride services; a processing unit designed to process the user data assigned to a given user in order to suggest a ride to that user and / or create a ride for that user; and the system is further designed to selectively match that user with other users and / or prevent matching that user with other users, depending on the user data assigned to that user.

[0012] By selectively matching or preventing matches with other users, a user-specific environment is provided in the proposed or created ride. For example, the user can be specifically matched with friends or other users with similar interests. This saves costs through shared ride use and also facilitates improved social interaction.

[0013] User data management encompasses all possible processes related to user data, including, in particular, data collection. This includes the ability to manage and accumulate new user data as well as user data from existing records.

[0014] In this context, the platform can be connected to, or is linked to, at least one social network and / or at least one data source. This can further improve the quality of the suggestions, as linking to social networks and / or other data sources allows for the collection and consideration of additional user data associated with the respective users during processing. Examples of other data sources include: cookies, personalized advertising, Google AdWords, specific user search queries, and / or similar.

[0015] Furthermore, the platform may include a data matching unit designed to determine the user data assigned to the respective users from at least one social network and / or at least one data source.

[0016] The platform may also include a database designed to store user data determined by the data matching unit. This database enables rapid access to user data, which can be stored for extended periods. Furthermore, the database allows for multidimensional search queries, thus accelerating the processing of user data.

[0017] According to the invention, the platform has an interface designed to interact with users. Through this interface, a user can transmit further user data to the platform, submit a ride request, send a ride invitation to another user, create a ride, and / or perform similar actions.

[0018] The interface allows user data entered by a user to be transferred to the data synchronization unit. This enables the user to continuously update their data and make it available to the system.

[0019] The user data assigned to the respective users may contain information about the users' social contacts, interests, travel destinations, activities, travel times, and / or availability periods.

[0020] The database can also be configured to store journeys made through shared ride services, as well as the users assigned to those journeys, categorizing them as current, past, and upcoming. This allows access to all journeys available through shared ride services.

[0021] According to the invention, the processing unit is configured to determine at least one marker for each user from the user data, wherein the at least one marker indicates a compatibility of a given user with at least one other user and / or a preference of a given user. This compatibility can relate to the interests, social contacts, activities, and / or similar characteristics of the given user. The at least one marker can therefore be a measure of the extent to which these characteristics correspond with those of the other user. Furthermore, a preference of the given user can relate to a specific travel destination, a specific travel period, and / or availability periods. The at least one marker is thus a general concept and encompasses the criteria described above.

[0022] According to the invention, the processing unit is further configured to compare the at least one marker assigned to the user with the trips and / or the markers of other users, whereby, in the event of a match, a trip suggestion is triggered and / or another user is suggested as a passenger. This enables targeted matching of users. By comparing the at least one marker, for example, trips with users with similar markers can be identified and suggested. Furthermore, when creating a trip, another user, such as a friend or acquaintance, can be suggested as a passenger. Likewise, users whose destination, interests, and / or similar characteristics match those of the user can also be suggested as passengers.

[0023] The agreement described here refers specifically to an agreement that may lie within a tolerance range. For example, agreement can be said to exist if a correspondingly calculated agreement value lies within an agreement interval of 70-100%. The term agreement, therefore, does not necessarily imply identity (100% agreement), but rather a sufficient or high degree of agreement.

[0024] The processing unit is further configured to suggest another user as a passenger when creating a trip, based on at least one marker assigned to the user, provided there are still free seats available. This allows for the suggestion of other users with similar preferences, interests, destinations, travel dates, and / or other characteristics as passengers if a planned trip is not fully booked. This enables optimal use of the trip and saves costs.

[0025] In this context, the processing unit is also configured to send a suggestion to another user to participate in the ride, depending on that user's marker. For example, this could allow family, acquaintances, and / or friends of the user planning the ride to be notified.

[0026] The platform can be a cloud platform that includes software and hardware-based components.

[0027] Shared transportation services may include ride-hailing services, ride-sharing services, and / or ride-pooling services.

[0028] The above task is also solved by a procedure for providing rides through shared ride services, the procedure comprising the following steps: Collection of user data assigned to the respective users of the shared ride services; Processing user data associated with a particular user; and Suggesting a trip for the user in question and / or creating a trip for the user in question, whereby Depending on the user data assigned to the user in question, the user in question is specifically merged with other users and / or a merging of the user in question with other users is avoided, the procedure further includes the following steps: after the trip has been completed, receiving and processing a trip rating from the user in question; and Adjusting the user data of the user in question.

[0029] This allows the user data of the user in question to be continuously updated, thus improving the quality of the suggestions. The update can be performed by the user themselves or by the processing unit.

[0030] Furthermore, the procedure may include a step to connect to at least one social network and / or at least one data source.

[0031] The method comprises a step according to the invention for determining at least one marker from the user data for each user, wherein the at least one marker indicates a compatibility of a user in question with at least one other user and / or a preference of a user in question.

[0032] By the inventive step of comparing the at least one marker assigned to the user with journeys and / or the markers of other users, a suggestion for a journey can be triggered if there is a match and / or another user can be suggested as a passenger.

[0033] Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of embodiments with reference to the figures. These show: Fig. 1 a simplified and schematic representation of an embodiment of a system for providing rides through shared ride services; Fig. 2 a simplified and schematic representation of the principle of an embodiment of a platform in interaction with users of the system; Fig. 3 a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for providing rides through shared ride services.

[0034] In Fig. Figure 1 is a simplified and schematic representation of an embodiment of a system 10 for providing rides F through shared ride services FD. The system 10 can be a standalone system or a system that can integrate with, or is integrated into, existing systems, such as shared ride services FD. The system 10 has a platform 12, which is formed from software and hardware-based components. In the Fig. The example shown is a cloud platform. However, this is not a limitation. The systems, networks, and / or similar entities associated with the shared ride-hailing services (FD) can be, as shown in Fig. The system shown in Figure 1 and described above is integrated into Platform 12. Platform 12 manages user data ND, which is assigned to users N of the shared ride-hailing services FD. Management here generally includes the processing and use of user data, in particular the acquisition of new user data ND and the acquisition of user data ND from existing datasets. Platform 12 also comprises a processing unit 14, a data reconciliation unit 16, a database 18, and an interface 17, which are described in detail below.

[0035] The processing unit 14 processes the user data ND, which is assigned to a relevant user N, in order to suggest a trip F to him or / and to create a trip F for him.

[0036] Depending on the user data ND assigned to the user N in question, the system either selectively matches the user N with other users N or avoids matching them with other users N. This allows for a customized environment when selecting or creating a trip F for the user N. The user N is actively matched with other users N and can, for example, make new contacts.

[0037] Platform 12 can be connected to or associated with at least one social network 20 and / or at least one data source. Fig. Figure 1 illustrates two social networks 20 as purely examples, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or similar. The social networks 20 are connected to the platform 12 via the data matching unit 16, which in Fig. 1 is represented by the corresponding arrows. The use of social networks 20 is particularly advantageous because many users N use them to store contacts, interests, preferences, and / or similar information. The data source (not in Fig. 1 shown), which includes, for example, cookies, personalized advertising, Google Add Words, a publicly accessible website of a user N, and / or similar, can provide additional user data ND and complement the user data ND from the social networks 20.

[0038] The data matching unit 16 can then determine the user data ND, which is assigned to the respective users N, from at least one social network 20 and / or at least one data source. For this purpose, software-based algorithms can be used, for example, that search for the latest entries of users N.

[0039] The platform 12 can further have an interface 17 through which users N can interact with the system 10. In one embodiment, additional user data ND can be transmitted to the platform 12 via the interface 17. This user data ND is then provided to the data synchronization unit 16, as indicated by the arrow in Fig. Figure 1 is shown. This allows a user N to continuously update their data or add new data and store it directly in system 10.

[0040] Similarly, requests for specific trips F and / or invitations to specific trips F can be forwarded via interface 17. For example, a user N can send a private message to an acquaintance and invite them on a trip F. In this context, a user N can also decline a request and / or an invitation to a trip F. In another example, a user N can also indicate via interface 17 if they do not wish to be contacted and / or do not wish to disclose their user data ND, or only partially disclose it.

[0041] Furthermore, the system 10 can provide a user N with access to at least one social network 20 and / or at least one data source via interface 17.

[0042] The user data ND determined by the data matching unit 16 can then be stored in database 18, as indicated by the corresponding arrow in Fig. 1 is shown.

[0043] The user data ND, which is assigned to the respective users N, may contain information about users N's social contacts, interests, travel destinations, activities, travel times, and / or availability periods. However, this is not limited, and further information such as users' age, health status, and / or similar data may also be included in the user data ND.

[0044] Database 18 can also store journeys F of the shared ride services FD and user data ND of the users N assigned to the journeys F. The data matching unit 16 determines the relevant information for the journeys F provided by the shared ride services FD and the user data ND of the users N assigned to the journeys F, and transmits this information to database 18. This is described in Fig. 1 is also illustrated by the arrow. The journeys F can show current journeys, past journeys, and upcoming journeys.

[0045] Furthermore, processing unit 14 can determine at least one marker M for each user N from the user data ND. The at least one marker M, in Fig. As shown in Figure 1 in conjunction with the processing unit 18, the marker M can indicate the compatibility of a user N with at least one other user N and / or a preference of a user N. In one embodiment, the marker M can specify a compatibility score that measures the extent to which the characteristics, such as interests, activities, and / or similar attributes, of the user N in question coincide with those of another user N. The preferences of the user in question can be indicated by the marker M in the form of travel destination, availability period, smoking status, non-smoking status, and similar attributes. Furthermore, the at least one marker M can also take into account a prioritization and / or weighting of certain characteristics by the user N in question. For example, the user N in question can specify a particular activity as a preference via the interface 17.

[0046] Processing unit 14 can compare at least one marker M assigned to user N with the trips F and / or the markers M of other users N. If a match is found, a suggestion for a trip F can be triggered and / or another user N can be suggested as a passenger. For example, if the marker M falls within a predefined match range, such as 70-100%, a suggestion can be triggered. However, this is not a limiting factor, and further tolerance ranges are possible. In one example, the match range can be lowered if the marker M indicates a preference for a specific route and the social interests of the user N in question play a subordinate role. In another example, the match range can be raised if a specific activity and / or event is prioritized in the marker.As described above, the user N can directly define a prioritization via interface 17. The processing unit 14 can then specifically search for the prioritized marker M.

[0047] In one embodiment of the invention, a user N, for example user A, can transmit a request to create a trip F to the platform 12 using an app running on a mobile device. This is in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 illustrated. Fig. Figure 2 presents a simplified and schematic diagram of an embodiment of platform 12 in conjunction with users N of system 10. The processing unit 14 of platform 12 determines user A's marker M from the assigned user data ND, which, for example, indicates a specific football stadium as a travel destination. This marker M, which, in conjunction with the processing in Fig. The user A, as shown in section 2, is compared with those of the other users N. If a match is found, according to the invention, another user N, for example user B, whose marker indicates football as an interest and attending a football match in the stadium as an activity, can be suggested as a passenger. User A can then send an invitation to the trip F to user B, which is indicated by the corresponding arrows in the diagram. Fig. Figure 2 is illustrated. According to the invention, the processing unit 14 can directly suggest the trip F from user A to user B, who can then send a request to user A. This is indicated by the dashed arrows in Figure 2. Fig. Figure 2 illustrates this. For example, user A can plan a trip to a music event. The marker M assigned to user A can specify a particular music genre or band. Other users N with the same interests and / or destination can be suggested as fellow travelers. Thus, users N can be specifically connected with each other through system 10. It is also possible to specifically avoid contact. For example, if user A is a fan of a particular football club, a connection with user B, who is a fan of a different football club, can be avoided.

[0048] In one example, user A can be matched with user B if both have indicated "Single" as a preference in their respective markers M. In another example, user A can specify a time frame for a particular arrival or departure, for instance, if user A is planning a trip F to an appointment in the city. User A can then be offered a trip F that is scheduled earlier, which is less convenient for user A's plan, but matches user A with user B, who shares similar interests. This allows for an optimal trade-off between appointment time and convenience.

[0049] Furthermore, depending on at least one marker M assigned to user N, processing unit 14 can suggest another user N as a passenger to user N when creating trip F, provided there are still free seats available. This allows trip F to be used optimally.

[0050] Processing unit 14 can also send a suggestion to participate in a trip F to another user N, depending on the marker M of that other user N. In one embodiment, user B can be automatically notified when friends or acquaintances are planning a trip F. For example, this can be displayed via a pop-up menu on user B's mobile device. User B can then send a request to participate or book the trip F.

[0051] As described above, Platform 12 can be a cloud platform with software and hardware-based components. A server platform, or something similar, is also possible.

[0052] Shared transportation services (FD) can include ride-hailing, ride-sharing, and / or ride-pooling services. Integration of these systems is also possible.

[0053] In Fig.Figure 3 shows a flowchart of a procedure 100 for the provision of journeys F by shared ride services FD.

[0054] In step S110, user data ND is recorded, which is assigned to the respective users N of the shared ride services FD. This is done by the data matching unit 14 of platform 12 of system 10.

[0055] In step S120, the user data N assigned to a given user N is processed. This processing is carried out by the processing unit 14 described above.

[0056] In step S140, a trip F is proposed for the relevant user N and / or a trip F is created for the relevant user N.

[0057] Depending on the user data ND assigned to the user N in question, the user N in question is specifically merged with other users N and / or a merging of the user N in question with other users N is avoided.

[0058] After the journey F has been carried out, in step S126 an evaluation of the journey F is processed by the processing unit 14, which the user N in question transmits to the system 10, for example via the interface 17, and is received by it.

[0059] The user data ND of the user N in question is then adjusted in step S 128.

[0060] In one example, users A and B, who indicated small talk as their preference, can be paired for a ride F. However, user B was too talkative, so user A can now actively or passively adjust their preferences via the rating or processing unit 14. The processing unit can then provide the adjusted user data ND to database 18 for storage.

[0061] The process then proceeds again to step S110, step 100.

[0062] This can also involve the use of machine learning methods and procedures employing artificial intelligence. For example, this self-learning artificial intelligence makes it possible to create and update a favorites list of trips and / or passengers for each user. This further improves the quality of the suggestions.

[0063] Furthermore, the method can include a step S112 for connecting to at least one social network 20 and / or at least one data source. This allows access, via the data matching unit 16, to the user data ND stored in the at least one social network 20 and / or in the at least one data source.

[0064] In step S122, at least one marker M is determined from the user data ND for each user N. This marker M can indicate compatibility between a given user N and at least one other user N, and / or a preference of a given user N. The corresponding markers M are determined by processing unit 14. In step S124, a comparison can then be made between the at least one marker M assigned to user N and trips F, and / or the markers M of the other users. This is also performed by processing unit 14. If a match is found, a suggestion F for a trip F can be triggered, and / or another user N can be suggested as a passenger.

Claims

[1] System (10) for providing journeys (F) through shared ride services (FD), wherein the system (10) comprises: a platform (12) designed to manage user data (ND) assigned to the respective users (N) of the shared ride services (FD), the platform (12) comprising a processing unit (14) designed to process the user data (ND) assigned to a given user (N) in order to suggest a ride (F) to the given user (N) and / or create a ride (F) for the given user (N), the system (10) is further configured to depending on the user data (ND) assigned to the user (N) in question, to selectively merge the user (N) in question with other users (N) and / or to avoid merging the user (N) in question with other users (N), the processing unit (14) being further equipped to: from the user data (ND) to determine at least one marker (M) for each user (N), wherein the at least one marker (M) indicates a compatibility of a given user (N) with at least one other user (N) and / or a preference of a given user (N). to compare at least one marker (M) assigned to the user (N) with the trips (F) and / or the markers (M) of the other users (N), whereby, in case of a match, a suggestion for a trip (F) is triggered and / or another user (N) is suggested as a passenger, wherein the platform (12) of the system (10) further comprises an interface (17) through which users (N) can interact with the system (10), characterized by , that In the event that a match is determined, a first user (A) can send a request to a second user (B) via the platform (12) of the system (10), or that, in the event that a match is determined, the processing unit (14) is set up to suggest the journey (F) from the first user (A) to the second user (B), who can then send a request to the first user (A) via the platform (12) of the system (10). [2] System (10) according to claim 1, characterized by that the platform (12) is connectable to or associated with at least one social network (20) and / or at least one data source. [3] System (10) according to claim 2, characterized by, that the platform (12) further includes a data matching unit (16) which is set up to determine the user data (ND) assigned to the respective users (N) from the at least one social network (20) and / or the at least one data source. [4] System (10) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the interface (17) is further equipped to transmit user data (ND) entered by a user (N) to the data matching unit (16). [5] System (10) according to claim 5, characterized by that the interface (17) is further configured to provide a user (N) with access to at least one social network (20) and / or at least one data source. [6] System (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized by , that the platform (12) further includes a database (18) which is set up to store the user data (ND) determined by the data matching unit (16). [7] System (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the user data (ND) assigned to the respective users (N) contains information about the users' (N) social contacts, users' (N) interests, users' (N) travel destinations, users' (N) activities, users' (N) travel times, and / or users' (N) availability periods. [8] System (10) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by , that the database (18) is further set up to store journeys (F) of the shared ride services (FD) and the users (N) assigned to the journeys (F), wherein the journeys (F) include current journeys, past journeys and upcoming journeys. [9] System (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the processing unit (14) is further configured to suggest to the user (N) as a passenger, depending on the at least one marker (M) assigned to the user (N), when creating the journey (F), if there are still free seats available. [10] System (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the platform (12) is a cloud platform that has software and hardware-based components. [11] System (10) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that the shared ride services (FD) include ride-hailing services, ride-sharing services, and / or ride-pooling services. [12] Method (100) for providing journeys (F) through shared ride services (FD), wherein the method (100) comprises the steps: Managing (S110) user data (ND) assigned to the respective users (N) of the shared ride services (FD); Processing (S120) the user data (ND) that is assigned to a user (N) in question; and Suggesting (S140) a trip (F) for the user in question (N) and / or creating a trip (F) for the user in question (N), where Depending on the user data (ND) assigned to the user (N) in question, the user (N) in question is specifically merged with other users (N) and / or a merging of the user (N) in question with other users (N) is avoided, wherein the procedure (100) further comprises the steps: Determine (S122) at least one marker (M) from the user data (ND) for each user (N), wherein the at least one marker (M) indicates a compatibility of a given user (N) with at least one other user (N) and / or a preference of a given user (N). Comparing (S124) the at least one marker (M) assigned to the user (N) with the journeys (F) and / or the markers (M) of the other users (N), whereby, if there is a match, a suggestion for a journey (F) is triggered and / or another user (N) is suggested as a passenger, characterized by , that In the event that a match is determined, a first user (A) can send a request to a second user (B) via a platform (12) of a system (10), or that, in the event that a match is determined, a processing unit (14) of the system (10) suggests the ride (F) from the first user (A) to the second user (B), who can then send a request to the first user (A) via the platform (12) of the system (10); and after the journey has been carried out (F), obtaining and processing (S126) an evaluation of the journey (F) by the user concerned (N); and adapting (S128) the user data (ND) of the user concerned (N). [13] Method (100) according to claim 12, further comprising connecting (S112) to at least one social network (20) and / or at least one data source.

Images