Device, computer program product, signal sequence, means of transport and method for assisting a user in finding a suitable passenger

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a device, a computer program product, a signal sequence, a means of transportation, and a method for assisting a user of a means of transportation in finding a suitable passenger. In particular, the present invention relates to avoiding unnecessary data traffic and unnecessary user interactions.

[0002] DE 10 2012 218 507 A1 shows an architecture of a ride-sharing service in which logic is arranged on a computer processor in a vehicle. The method comprises determining a route for a driver of the vehicle and accessing user preferences of the driver, wherein the user preferences comprise characteristics of a ride-sharing event and prospective passengers. The method also comprises comparing user preferences with information provided by persons seeking transportation, each of the persons providing a request for transportation. The logic further provides for identifying qualified candidates for the ride-sharing event from the comparison by determining a threshold level of characteristics corresponding to information provided by the persons.In response to the driver receiving a selection of a qualified candidate from the qualified candidates, the method includes transmitting a communication to the selected qualified candidate accepting the request. XP047397348 shows a peer-to-peer shared ride system that allows users to find ad-hoc rides by negotiating directly with nearby hosts via radio-based communication.

[0003] Online ride-hailing services such as Uber and Gett have been very popular for some time now, offering many users transparent information about the driver, price, and availability (e.g., driver location, driver ratings, arrival time, etc.). Because ride-hailing services are essentially based on the passenger's desired route, as is the case with traditional taxi rides, there is potential for optimization in terms of the economics and ecology of such ride-hailing services.

[0004] It is an object of the present invention to satisfy the need identified above.

[0005] The problem identified above is solved according to the invention by means of a method for assisting a user of a means of transport in finding a suitable passenger. The user can be the driver or at least a passenger of the means of transport. The passenger can be a prospective passenger known or previously unknown to the user. In a first step, a ride request from the passenger or potential passenger is received by the user or the user's means of transport or a communications terminal of the user. The ride request includes a definition of a starting position and a destination position of a desired route for the passenger. However, the ride request does not have to be received directly by the user or the means of transport. It can also be received first via a stationary server, where it is first filtered.For example, the ride request can be filtered based on predefined references defined on the server by the potential ride-sharing providers or users of means of transport. In a second step, the ride request is automatically compared with a predefined or predicted route of the means of transport. This step can take place on the stationary server, on a user terminal of the user, or on an evaluation unit of the user's means of transport. In other words, the order of receiving the ride request and automatically matching the ride request is reversible. If the matching takes place on a stationary server, the ride request can be forwarded to the user if and only if predefined references apply to the ride request, which the user has defined to categorize a ride request as "interesting."If the references categorize the ride request as uninteresting for the user, the data communication requirement ("traffic") for transmitting the ride request to the user / means of transport can be omitted. If the ride request is always forwarded to the user, their communication device, or their means of transport and evaluated there, it is always ensured that the most current references stored in the means of transport are always used to compare the ride request with the predefined or predicted route of the means of transport. Depending on the result of the comparison, a decision is finally made automatically based on an existing reference as to whether or not the ride request will be submitted to the user.In other words, the server, the means of transportation, or the user's communication terminal can decide whether the user should be bothered with the ride-sharing request at all. This can increase the acceptance of a method according to the invention among users of means of transportation, thus increasing the number of participating users and passengers.

[0006] The subclaims show preferred developments of the invention.

[0007] The predefined reference can, for example, include a definition of a maximum detour acceptable to the user. In other words, the distance, additional travel time, etc., the user must travel to pick up a passenger can be automatically determined. These expenses can, for example, be defined in relation to a cost contribution to be paid by the potential passenger. In other words, the detour can, for example, be set in relation to the total distance from the starting point to the destination. If the predefined reference defines additional exclusion criteria (e.g., omitting toll roads, ferry connections, poor road conditions, etc.), these circumstances can also be taken into account when automatically comparing the ride request with the predefined route.

[0008] The detour that the user has to take due to a potential ride with a passenger is made up of the detour that they have to take due to the start position compared to their predefined / predicted route and the detour that they have to take due to the destination position compared to their predefined / predicted route. Both detours are taken at different times and can therefore have different influences on the total travel time and / or the total travel costs. For example, it can be sensible to travel a stretch of road between the start position and the destination position (e.g. a motorway journey) as early as possible, as an increase in traffic density is to be expected over time. Accordingly, a decrease in traffic density can also be expected over time. This can lead to a different assessment of the detour based on the start position or the destination position.Based on the destination position relative to the predefined route, it may be appropriate. Especially if traffic development over time, transport options, or the accessibility of sections (ferry connections, toll roads, night-time driving bans, etc.) are taken into account, a different assessment of the route based on the starting position versus a detour based on the destination position may be appropriate.

[0009] Preferably, in response to the user determining acceptance of the ride-sharing request or automatically by the user's terminal / means of transport, a route calculation can be initiated from the current position of the means of transport to the starting position (e.g., based on current traffic conditions). At a minimum, a route or different routes, a time until arrival at the starting position, or similar can be calculated. Optionally, route guidance can be offered or even started automatically. This eliminates the need for the user to interact to initiate route calculation / guidance.

[0010] The reference by which the user compares / evaluates the ride request before receiving a corresponding notification can be defined depending on various parameters. For example, the length of the predefined route (as described above) can be taken into account by comparing the length of the detour or the expected cost contribution by the passenger with the length of the already planned route. Alternatively or additionally, a calendar date (e.g., a weekday, a public holiday, a weekend) and, alternatively or additionally, a time of day or a period of day can determine whether the driver is willing to make the detour to pick up or drop off the passenger. For example, the driver may be less willing to accept detours on a weekday than on weekends / public holidays.In addition, the occupancy of the means of transport (how many passengers does the driver already have?) can automatically determine the driver's willingness to accept detours. Optionally, the current configuration of the means of transport (e.g., trailer towing, roof box mounted, etc.) can also be automatically detected and defined as a reference parameter. If a means of transport or a system / app account is suitable for submitting ride requests, each potential user (e.g., the owner of the means of transport and their spouse) can define different references. The user's identity can, for example, be determined sensorily (e.g., using a radio key, a user device carried on board, or similar) and used to compare and decide on the ride request.

[0011] The user can be further supported by starting a route calculation from the starting position to the destination position in response to the automatic detection of arrival at the starting position. In other words, the user can accept the ride request simply by arriving at a starting position. To save the user from having to enter a navigation destination (destination position), the destination position received with the ride request can be defined as the new route destination, and route guidance to the destination position can be initiated (if necessary, after prior confirmation by the user).

[0012] Similarly, if the vehicle's arrival at the destination is automatically determined, an automatic route calculation can be initiated to continue the predefined / predicted route that the user intended to take regardless of the ride request. In other words, the user is guided back to the predefined route via the fastest route after dropping off the passenger at the destination.

[0013] For example, the ride request can further include a desired departure time from the starting location and / or a categorization of the passenger. The desired departure time from the starting location can, for example, be defined as less important (± three hours) or important (± 15 minutes). Accordingly, the reference can determine the user's willingness to travel their predefined route a little earlier or a little later. As is well known, categories of the passenger (male / female, smoker / non-smoker, pet owner, etc.) can determine whether the ride request is submitted to the user or not.

[0014] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a device is proposed for assisting a user of a means of transportation in finding a suitable passenger. The device comprises a data input (e.g., an antenna, a bus subscriber, or similar), via which ride requests and, if applicable, position information of the means of transportation / the user / the potential passenger can be determined. An evaluation unit (e.g., a programmable process, an electronic control unit, or similar) is provided to receive a ride request via the data input, which includes a definition of a desired starting position and a desired destination position.

[0015] The ride request can additionally include a desired time for departure from the starting position and / or a categorization of the requesting potential passenger. The evaluation unit is configured to automatically compare the ride request with a predefined or predicted route of the means of transport and, depending on the result of the comparison and based on a predefined reference, to automatically decide whether or not to submit the ride request to the user. In other words, it can be avoided that the user is confronted with ride requests that are of no interest to them. In other words, the device according to the invention is configured to implement the features, feature combinations, and the resulting advantages of the method according to the invention in a corresponding manner in such a way that, to avoid repetition, reference is made to the above explanations.

[0016] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a computer program product is proposed which comprises instructions which, when executed on a programmable evaluation unit of a device according to the second aspect of the invention, cause the evaluation unit to execute the steps of a method according to the first aspect of the invention. The computer program product can be configured, for example, as a data storage device, in particular as a CD, DVD, Blu-ray disc, flash memory, RAM / ROM, or the like.

[0017] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a signal sequence representing instructions is proposed which, when executed on a programmable evaluation unit of a device according to the second aspect of the invention, cause the evaluation unit to execute the steps of a method according to the first aspect of the invention. The signal sequence protects the core idea of ​​the present invention even in the case where the instructions required to execute the method steps are located on a data memory outside the scope of the present claims.

[0018] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a means of transportation (e.g., a car, van, truck, motorcycle, aircraft, and / or watercraft) is proposed, which comprises a device according to the second aspect of the invention. The device can, in particular, be permanently installed in the means of transportation. In other words, it can be permanently integrated into the energy and / or information network of the means of transportation. In particular, it can share hardware components with an on-board navigation system. With regard to the means of transportation, reference is also made to the above statements with regard to the features, combinations of features, and advantages.

[0019] Aspects of the present invention are mentioned below in illustrative combinations, without having a restrictive character.

[0020] For a vehicle infotainment system according to the invention, dynamic ride service integration is proposed. A separate query asks the driver whether and how often they would like to receive requests to pick up additional passengers to a destination nearby or along their route under predetermined conditions. In one embodiment of the invention, the system uses the acceptances and rejections to identify the days, times, and routes on which the driver is willing to pick up additional passengers. It is also conceivable for the driver to select the appropriate parameters using manual presets.

[0021] The vehicle infotainment system is connected to the portal of a vehicle manufacturer (or a ride-sharing service operator). The portal thus knows the location of all connected / registered vehicles. If a destination has been entered for a navigation system, or if a likely destination is known in conjunction with a current position, this is transmitted to the portal. Alternatively, data from a predictive navigation system is provided. Predictive navigation can also run in the backend. If necessary, this can be offered to the customer as an optional (paid) service.

[0022] A second user / passenger in need of transportation now submits a request to the transportation service (portal) stating that they would like to travel from location X to location Y (either now or at a predefined later time). The portal then searches for drivers and vehicles located (online) in the area, willing to provide transportation, and whose preferences match the request.

[0023] For example, a user can specify how often and when they offer ride services, and what detours and / or delays they are willing to accept. If no drivers are available who are willing to provide the ride, a corresponding notification is sent back to the requester and / or the request is forwarded to another service (possibly via a commission), e.g., an Uber / Gett service, a taxi dispatch center, or similar.

[0024] For example, a driver / user is on a route to their own destination A (predefined route). The infotainment system knows the destination (possibly data from predictive navigation) and the number of other people in the vehicle (determined by sensors) via the vehicle sensors or data input from the driver. Furthermore, additional data may be available from the appointment calendar of the driver and / or other vehicle occupants.

[0025] For example, the driver can have pre-set that they are only available to provide transport if they are alone in the vehicle, the detour is less than ten kilometers or the detour time is less than 30 minutes, a minimum distance of 10 km has been requested by the passenger, a time window between 7:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on weekdays is not exceeded, and they are not en route to a destination XYZ. If an appointment is pre-defined (e.g. determined from the user's personal calendar), they can define a minimum time (e.g. three minutes) by which the new arrival time at the venue must be before the start of the appointment. Provided the user's preference is not violated, the user will now receive a query in the infotainment system asking whether they are actually currently willing to transport passengers. If the driver confirms the request, the next step is to ask whether they would like to transport a person from location X to Y.Additionally, the following can be displayed: . 1. Passenger's pick-up location, passenger's destination 2. Passenger's photo and their rating from previous trips 3. Detour: x kilometers, estimated delay 4. Arrival time at location X 5. Arrival time at location Y 6. Ride-sharing price in euros 7. Do you want to accept the ride? Yes / No.

[0026] If the driver accepts the trip, the relevant data is transferred to the requester, who may have to confirm the payment details again within a short period of time. Upon acceptance of the trip, the infotainment system automatically activates the navigation or changes an existing navigation process and displays the corresponding screen.

[0027] Payment details can be determined from the desired route, the detour, or a combination of both. The service provider retains a commission for arranging the service.

[0028] With this suggestion, the driver is traveling to a personal destination and dynamically receives a transportation request, with the driver's navigation system data and predictive route data being incorporated into the selection of the request. The driver and the requester must register with the corresponding service in advance and provide, for example, their contact details, payment information (e.g., credit card details, PayPal details), driver's license details, vehicle details, etc. Drivers, vehicles, and passengers can also be rated using a rating system already known from the state of the art.

[0029] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a means of transport according to the invention with an embodiment of a device according to the invention during an execution of a method according to the invention for assisting a user in finding a suitable passenger; Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of a course of a predefined route of a user as well as a starting position and a destination position of a potential passenger; and Figure 3 shows a flowchart illustrating steps of an embodiment of a method according to the invention for assisting a user in finding a suitable passenger.

[0030] Figure 1shows a passenger car 10 as a means of transportation, in which a user 1 has a device according to the invention comprising a touchscreen 8, an electronic control unit 9, and a data storage device 11 connected to the electronic control unit 9 for information technology purposes. The touchscreen 8 serves to input and output information that is or has been processed by the electronic control unit 9. The data storage device 11 is configured to provide instructions for executing a method according to the invention as well as predefined references.In terms of information technology, an antenna 7 is also connected to the electronic control unit 9 as a data input, via which the passenger car 10 can determine its own position and receive ride requests from a potential passenger (not shown). These requests are compared with the predefined references of the user 1 by means of a stationary server 13 and, if necessary, sent to the passenger car 10 via a transmission mast 12. The ego position of the passenger car 10 is determined using satellites 16 (only one shown). A smartphone 14 as the communication terminal of the user 1 is alternatively or additionally configured to carry out the steps according to the method. The components "touchscreen", "evaluation unit", "data storage", and "antenna" are so obviously essential components of a modern smartphone 14 that a detailed description of them is unnecessary.

[0031] Figure 2shows a course of a predefined route 5 between a current location of user 1 or a means of transport 10 and a final destination position 6 assigned to the predefined route 5. At a starting position 3 there is a passenger 2 who wishes to be transported to a destination position 4. The route leading from the starting position 3 to the destination position runs predominantly along the predefined route 5, which user 1 intends to take anyway. In order to pick up passenger 2 at the starting position 3, user 1 must take a detour 15 to the starting position 3, where they pick up passenger 2 and then travel part of the predefined route 5 and another detour 15 to the destination position 4. There they drop off passenger 2 and travel another detour 15 back to the predefined route 5 and finally to the final destination position 6.

[0032] Figure 3shows a flowchart illustrating steps of a method for assisting a user of a means of transport in finding a suitable passenger. In step 100, a ride request comprising a definition of a starting position and a destination position is received on a server. Subsequently, in step 200, the ride request is automatically compared with a predefined, predicted route of the means of transport. In step 300, a detour resulting from the starting position in relation to the predefined route is evaluated. In addition, in step 400, a detour resulting from the destination position in relation to the predefined route is evaluated. In step 500, a decision is automatically made based on a predefined reference as to whether the ride request will be submitted to the user or not.If the predefined reference evaluates the ride request as being of interest to the user and the user decides to accept the ride request, acceptance of the ride request by the user is determined in step 600 (in response to user interaction or automatically), and in response thereto, a route calculation to determine the required travel time for the route and route guidance to the starting position is started in step 700. Arrival at the starting position is automatically determined in step 800, and in response thereto, a route calculation from the starting position to the destination position is started in step 900.

[0033] The passenger and the user travel this route together. In step 1000, arrival at the destination position is automatically determined, and in response, a route calculation is started to continue the predefined route to a final destination position in step 1100.

[0034] The present invention represents a more economical and ecological possibility for shared use of a means of transport than previous ride-hailing services (Uber, Gett, etc.). List of reference symbols

[0035] 1User 2Passenger 3Starting position 4Destination position 5Predefined route 6Final destination position (of the predefined route) 7Antenna 8Touchscreen 9Electronic control unit 10Car 11Data storage device 12Transmission mast 13Stationary server 14Smartphone 15Detour 16Satellite 100 - 1100Procedure steps

Claims

1. Method for assisting a user (1) of a means of transport (10) in finding a suitable passenger (2), comprising the steps of: - receiving (100) a ride request comprising a definition of a starting position (3) and of a target position (4), - automatically comparing (200) the ride request with a predefined route (5) of the means of transport (10) on a stationary evaluation unit (13) before receiving the ride request by the means of transport (10) and, depending on a result of the comparison, - automatically deciding (500) on the basis of a reference predefined by the user (1) on the stationary evaluation unit (13) whether the ride request is submitted to the user (1) or not, wherein if the reference categorizes the ride request as being of no interest to the user (1), the ride request is not sent to the means of transport (10).

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein the predefined reference comprises a definition of a maximum detour (15) accepted by the user (1).

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising - evaluating (300) a detour (15) which arises due to the starting position (3) with respect to the predefined route (5) and / or - evaluating (400) a detour (15) which arises due to the target position (4) with respect to the predefined route (5).

4. Method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: - determining (600) an acceptance of the ride request and, in response thereto, - starting (700) a route calculation to the starting position (3).

5. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the reference is defined depending on - a length of the predefined route (5) and / or - a date and / or - a time of day and / or - an occupation of the means of transport (10) and / or - a vehicle configuration and / or - an identity of the user (1) of the means of transport (10).

6. Method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising - automatically determining (800) an arrival at the starting position (3) and, in response thereto, - starting (900) a route calculation from the starting position (3) to the target position (4).

7. Method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising - automatically determining (1000) an arrival at the target position (4) and, in response thereto, - starting (1100) a route calculation to continue the predefined route (5).

8. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the ride request further comprises a desired time for departure from the starting position (3) and / or a categorization of the character of the passenger (2).

9. Device for assisting a user (1) of a means of transport (10) in finding a suitable passenger (2), comprising: - a data input (12), and - a stationary evaluation unit (13), wherein - the data input (12) is configured to receive a ride request comprising a definition of a starting position (3) and of a target position (4), and - the evaluation unit (13) is configured - to automatically compare the ride request with a predefined route (5) of the means of transport (10) and, depending on a result of the comparison, - to automatically decide on the basis of a reference predefined by the user (1) whether the ride request is submitted to the user (1) or not, and, if the reference categorizes the ride request as being of no interest to the user (1), not to send the ride request to the means of transport (10).

10. Device according to claim 9, which is configured to carry out a method according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 8.

11. Computer program product comprising instructions which, when carried out on a programmable evaluation unit (9) of a device according to one of claims 9 or 10, prompt the evaluation unit (9) to carry out the steps of a method according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 8.

12. Signal sequence representing instructions which, when carried out on a programmable evaluation unit (9) of a device according to one of claims 9 or 10, prompt the evaluation unit (9) to carry out the steps of a method according to any of the preceding claims 1 to 8.

13. Means of transport comprising a device according to claim 9 or 10.