Method for checking a transport journey of a user, and electronic transport information system and computer program

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for checking a transport journey (1) of a user (3), wherein - the transport journey (1) is carried out along a route (5) from a starting point (6) in the direction of a destination (4) using a vehicle (7) belonging to the user (3), - an evaluation unit (9) is used to determine a target arrival time at the destination (4) on the basis of the route (5), - an actual arrival time is determined on the basis of a current position (13) of the vehicle (7), - the target arrival time is compared with the actual arrival time, - an alternative transport journey (11) using a transport means (12) that is an alternative to the vehicle (7) and can be used to reach the destination (4) is determined on the basis of the comparison and the position (13), and - the alternative transport journey (11) is offered to the user (3) for selection using an electronic output unit (14). The invention also relates to an electronic transport information system (2) and to a computer program.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Method for checking a user's transport journey, as well as electronic transport information system and computer program

[0003] The invention relates to a method for checking a transport journey of a vehicle, wherein the transport journey is carried out along a route from a starting point toward a destination with a user's vehicle. An electronic evaluation unit determines a target arrival time at the destination based on the route.

[0004] Furthermore, the invention relates to an electronic transport information system with an evaluation unit.

[0005] Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program. For example, US 2019 / 0 056233 A1 discloses a travel planning system with which trips can be planned for multiple people and multiple travel days. Customer preferences can be taken into account during the planning process.

[0006] US 2020 / 0 191 587 A1 discloses a route planning system. This system allows a route to be planned in such a way that, for example, the vehicle can be parked at the end of the planned route. Various parameters regarding the route and the parking availability at the destination can be taken into account.

[0007] Furthermore, US 2014 / 0 012 498 A1 discloses a travel planning program for travel planning.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to monitor, in particular to plan, a transport journey of a user so that the user can reach a desired destination in a time-efficient and / or cost-efficient manner.

[0009] This object is achieved by a method, an electronic transport information system, and a computer program according to the independent patent claims. Useful developments emerge from the dependent patent claims. One aspect of the invention relates to a method for checking a user's transport journey, wherein

[0010] - In particular, the transport journey along a route from a starting point to a destination is carried out with a vehicle belonging to the user,

[0011] - In particular, an electronic evaluation unit is used to determine a target arrival time at the destination based on the route,

[0012] - In particular, depending on the current position of the vehicle during the transport journey, an actual arrival time is determined by the evaluation unit,

[0013] - In particular, the evaluation unit compares the target arrival time with the actual arrival time,

[0014] - In particular, depending on the comparison carried out and the current position of the vehicle, an alternative transport journey with an alternative means of transport to the user's vehicle, with which the destination can be reached depending on the current position of the vehicle, is determined by the evaluation unit, and

[0015] - In particular, the alternative transport journey using the alternative means of transport is offered to the user for selection using an electronic output unit.

[0016] The proposed method allows a user's transport journey to be better monitored and, in particular, planned, since the arrival time is continuously monitored. Consequently, it can be ensured that the user arrives at the destination at the desired or planned arrival time. This makes it possible to reach the destination efficiently, since, in particular, a constant check of the transport journey is carried out. For this purpose, a target arrival time and an actual arrival time at the destination are determined so that a target-actual comparison can be carried out. This makes it possible to determine if there are deviations between the target and actual arrival times. The system can therefore determine if there is a deviation and, in particular, if the destination cannot be reached at the desired target arrival time.

[0017] If the system determines that the target time at the destination, i.e., the desired time of arrival at the destination using the transport journey, cannot be achieved, the system can determine one or more alternatives. This involves determining or calculating an alternative means of transport based primarily on the respective or current position of the vehicle along the route. The alternative means of transport is a different means of transport or vehicle than the user's vehicle. In one example, by reviewing the transport journey, it can be determined that the destination cannot be reached at the target arrival time by continuing with the user's vehicle.An alternative means of transport, such as a ride-sharing service, local transport, long-distance transport, a coach, or another means of passenger transport, can then be used. The current position of the vehicle is taken into account, allowing the user to transfer to the alternative means of transport.

[0018] The determined alternative transport route using the alternative means of transport can initially be offered or displayed to the user for selection on an electronic output device, such as a mobile device or an in-vehicle infotainment system. This provides the user with information that, on the one hand, the destination cannot be reached on time if they continue driving with their vehicle, and that, with at least one of the suggested alternative transport routes or an alternative means of transport, the destination can be reached at the desired target time or arrival time.

[0019] For example, the transport journey can be planned before the journey is carried out using an electronic system, such as an electronic transport information system or a navigation system. In this case, the electronic evaluation unit can, for example, calculate a planned or theoretical arrival time, i.e., the target arrival time, at the destination based on the routes and / or traffic data or other information.

[0020] At the start of the transport journey with the vehicle, which may be at least partially autonomous, fully autonomous, or manually operated, a calculation or check of the arrival time to be met based on the current status, i.e., the actual arrival time, can be continuously performed from the current position of the vehicle and / or from a section of the route still to be traveled. A wide variety of information can be taken into account here.

[0021] For example, when determining the alternative transport journey with the alternative means of transport, a reservation can be made on the system side so that the user actually has the option of actually being able to use the alternative means of transport when selecting or accepting this alternative transport journey with the alternative means of transport.

[0022] For example, the proposed method may be a computer-implemented method.

[0023] In one embodiment, it is provided that, depending on the current position and the route, a transfer point at which the user can transfer to the alternative means of transport is determined by the evaluation unit. In addition, a parking option for the user's vehicle can be determined at the transfer point. Consequently, the user can be provided with such an alternative compared to continuing the journey with their vehicle, which is time-efficient and convenient for the user. On the system side, a transfer point or stopping point located in the immediate vicinity of the current position can be provided in advance, before the user selects the alternative transport journey with the alternative means of transport, depending on the current position of the vehicle.If the user now selects the alternative means of transport to complete the remaining section of the route or the rest of the route to the destination, the evaluation unit can search for a suitable transfer point and make it available to the user. In addition to the time aspect and the distance from the current position, so that the user does not have to drive forever to this transfer point, the aspect that the user can park their vehicle at or in the area of ​​the transfer point can also be taken into account. This means that in addition to the position or directions to the transfer point where the user can transfer from their vehicle to the alternative means of transport, the user can also be selected and offered a parking space, for example for their vehicle.This makes it easier and more straightforward for the user to switch from their vehicle to the alternative means of transport, making the transfer or change of means of transport more user-friendly.

[0024] For example, with regard to parking options, a parking space can already be reserved by the evaluation unit, for example in a parking garage or a parking area.

[0025] In one exemplary embodiment, it is provided that a current position of the alternative means of transport and / or a route of the alternative means of transport and / or potential stopping positions of the alternative means of transport and / or a distance between the vehicle and the alternative means of transport are additionally taken into account when determining the transfer point. This allows the vehicle's own route of the transport journey to be coordinated, in particular dynamically, with a current and / or future route of the alternative means of transport. Thus, the transfer point, i.e., the location at which the user changes from the vehicle to the alternative means of transport, can be determined depending on the situation.A changing, particularly dynamic, route of the alternative means of transport, as may occur in a ride-hailing service or an autonomous shuttle service, can be improved by the present invention by performing dynamic planning for the change of the user of the vehicle to the alternative means of transport.

[0026] In addition to or instead of this, the vehicle's route and the route of the alternative means of transport can be coordinated. This can provide a convenient transfer option. It can also help ensure that the destination is reached on time.

[0027] This allows for flexible transfers from the vehicle to the alternative means of transport.

[0028] In addition, a potential stopping point(s) for the alternative means of transport can be predicted and taken into account when determining the transfer point. For this purpose, an area around the alternative means of transport can be defined for the respective current or future position of the alternative means of transport within which stopping options are conceivable.

[0029] Furthermore, it is conceivable to continuously monitor how long the alternative means of transport takes to reach the transfer point. This can be taken into account when planning or rescheduling the alternative transport journey.

[0030] Optionally, suitable parking options at a potential transfer point can be determined based on the route of the user's own vehicle. This information can be transmitted to a transportation provider, such as a ride-hailing service, so that the provider can provide feedback regarding an estimated arrival time at the parking option and the estimated arrival time at the destination. This allows the overall journey to be optimized by optimizing the route of the user's own vehicle, the transfer point, and the route of the alternative means of transportation, such as a ride-hailing vehicle.

[0031] For example, based on the vehicle's position and possible parking options, a search can be conducted for a suitable transfer point. Additionally, a query regarding the arrival time at a parking location and an estimated travel time can be submitted to the system. A transportation provider, such as a ride-hailing provider, can then navigate a suitable vehicle to the transfer point as an alternative means of transportation.

[0032] Depending on the situation, optimization can be achieved either by considering the position and route of the alternative means of transport or by choosing the most advantageous transfer option.

[0033] In one embodiment, it is further provided that before the transfer point is reached, the availability of the alternative means of transport for the alternative journey is determined. If the alternative means of transport is not available, another alternative means of transport and / or another alternative journey is determined and / or the journey with the vehicle is continued towards the destination. With the help of the evaluation unit and in particular with the transport information system, a continuous review or assessment of the journey with the vehicle and also of the alternative journey with the alternative means of transport is carried out. Through this dynamic review, it can be determined at an early stage that the alternative means of transport is not available due to unforeseeable situations, such as accidents or a defective means of transport.The user can then either be offered another alternative means of transport to choose from, or the user can be advised to continue the original journey with the vehicle due to the unavailability or malfunction of the alternative means of transport. As the vehicle continues its journey, the arrival time can be continuously checked, and if an efficient alternative means of transport is found, this can again be offered to the user for selection.

[0034] This constant checking ensures that there are no major delays and / or detours and that the user, for example, does not wait in vain at the transfer point for the next means of transport that is not available due to current circumstances.

[0035] In one embodiment, it is provided that a result of the comparison carried out, in particular a target / actual comparison, is compared with a predetermined threshold value by the evaluation unit, wherein, if the threshold value is exceeded, the alternative transport journey or the alternative means of transport is determined. This has the advantage that an alternative to the transport journey with the vehicle is also sought and offered which provides an actual time, cost and / or energy saving for the user. If, for example, a time saving of less than 5 minutes, in particular less than 10 minutes or in the range of seconds, were determined by the evaluation unit with the help of the alternative means of transport for the alternative transport journey, this alternative would not be as attractive for the user with regard to a necessary transfer and a change of means of transport.Accordingly, the comparison of the target and actual arrival times is intelligently evaluated by taking predefined thresholds or limits into account. These can be determined by the system itself or specified by the user. For example, a time threshold can be specified, which determines the time difference or deviation between the target and actual arrival times at which an alternative is actually determined and offered to the user.

[0036] In addition to or instead of the vehicle, a cost saving associated with switching from the vehicle to another or alternative means of transport can also be considered as a threshold or assessment. For example, this could consider the fuel consumption and thus the fuel costs the user would incur if they continued to travel by vehicle compared to switching to public transport such as a train or bus.

[0037] The system thus analyzes the result by comparing the desired and the current arrival time. Furthermore, other aspects or differences between the initial journey by vehicle and the onward journey by alternative means of transport can be compared. An alternative should then be offered to the user if this is particularly efficient in terms of saving time and / or costs. In one embodiment, the evaluation unit checks whether a parking space is available for the user's vehicle at the destination at the target arrival time, and the verified availability of the parking space is taken into account when determining the alternative transport journey.This can be used to introduce an additional criterion to decide whether the vehicle journey should be diverted or switched to an alternative means of transport. If the system determines that there is no parking available at the destination according to the current schedule, i.e. no parking space, or that there are only parking spaces far away from the destination, this would have a negative impact on the user actually reaching the destination, because despite reaching the destination, the user would need additional time to find a parking space. Accordingly, the evaluation unit can check whether at least one parking space is available in the immediate vicinity of the destination and whether this can be reserved, for example. If this is the case, the vehicle journey can be continued or continued.If, on the other hand, it is determined that no parking is available, this would have a negative impact on the user's time, so this is used to search for an alternative means of transport for an alternative journey and to offer this to the user.

[0038] To check the parking option, for example, map data, navigation data, traffic cameras, traffic data, data from external information sources, data from parking providers and / or other information relating to the parking option may be taken into account.

[0039] In one embodiment, the evaluation unit determines the actual arrival time based on historical and / or current traffic data and / or a current traffic situation in the vicinity of the destination and / or information from other road users. For this purpose, data and / or information from external information sources can be provided or transmitted to the evaluation unit. It is also conceivable for the evaluation unit or the transport information system to retrieve or access such information and / or data automatically or independently.Using this information or data, it can be determined that, for example, an accident along the route, a traffic jam along the route, construction work along the route, and / or heavy traffic along the route may result in a delay in reaching the destination. This can then be used to determine or search for an alternative transport route using the alternative route.

[0040] Using historical traffic data, it can be determined, for example, that a particular section of the route to a destination is prone to traffic jams at certain times, such as during rush hour or holiday season. Furthermore, the current traffic situation in the area surrounding the destination can be analyzed or reviewed, as this can also provide information about whether the user can obtain or find parking at the destination.

[0041] Alternatively or additionally, the evaluation unit determines the alternative transport route based on information from at least one transport provider. If, based on current circumstances, the system determines that it would be advantageous to switch to the alternative means of transport for the alternative transport route, the evaluation unit, in particular the transport information system, can use information from the transport provider for the alternative transport route to plan the alternative transport route.

[0042] For example, the transportation provider may be a local public transport (LPT) provider, a Mobility-as-a-Service (MAA) provider, a ride-hailing provider, a car-sharing provider, or another transportation provider. The transportation provider may provide information such as costs, ticket prices, travel times, stops, seat occupancy, times for transferring to such an alternative means of transport, and / or other information regarding the user's transportation with the alternative means of transport. This information can then be analyzed or evaluated by the evaluation unit to determine whether it would be advantageous, for cost and / or time reasons, for the user to switch from their vehicle to this alternative means of transport.This allows an efficient alternative transport route to be determined for the user.

[0043] Furthermore, if, for example, several alternative transport routes are available, the evaluation unit can compare or contrast the various transport providers and the alternative transport routes based on the respective information from the transport provider. Consequently, an alternative transport route suitable for the user and the respective situation can be searched for or determined and offered to the user.

[0044] In one embodiment, the evaluation unit books the alternative means of transport for the user immediately after the user has selected the alternative transport journey. In addition, a navigation route can be determined from the current position of the vehicle to a position of the alternative means of transport. This means that changing or switching from the vehicle to the alternative means of transport can be provided or offered to the user in a particularly simple and time-efficient manner. To ensure that the user can actually use the alternative means of transport, a reservation or booking can be made on the system side either in advance or when selecting the alternative means of transport, so that the user can actually take or use the alternative transport journey.In this case, a corresponding electronic booking confirmation or reservation confirmation can be sent to the user, for example on a mobile device of the user.

[0045] Furthermore, upon confirmation of the alternative means of transport, the vehicle or the user can be navigated to a transfer point of the alternative means of transport depending on the current position of the vehicle.

[0046] A further aspect of the invention relates to a computer program which can be loaded directly into a memory of a control device of an electronic transport information system according to the previous aspect, with program means for carrying out the steps of the method according to the previous aspect or an advantageous development thereof when the program is executed by a control device of the electronic transport information system.

[0047] For applications or application situations that may arise during the method and which are not explicitly described here, it can be provided that, according to the method, an error message and / or a request to enter user feedback is output and / or a default setting and / or a predetermined initial state is set. The invention also includes a control device. The control device can have a data processing device or a processor device that is configured to carry out an embodiment of the method according to the invention. For this purpose, the processor device can have at least one microprocessor and / or at least one microcontroller and / or at least one FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) and / or at least one DSP (Digital Signal Processor).Furthermore, the processor device can comprise program code configured to implement the embodiment of the method according to the invention when executed by the processor device. The program code can be stored in a data memory of the processor device. The processor circuit of the processor device can comprise, for example, at least one circuit board and / or at least one SoC (System on Chip).

[0048] As a further solution, the invention also encompasses a computer-readable storage medium comprising program code which, when executed by a processor circuit of a computer or computer network, causes the processor circuit or computer network to carry out an embodiment of the method according to the invention. The storage medium can, for example, be provided at least partially as a non-volatile data memory (e.g. as a flash memory and / or as an SSD - solid state drive) and / or at least partially as a volatile data memory (e.g. as a RAM - random access memory). The storage medium can be arranged in the processor circuit in its data memory. However, the storage medium can also be operated, for example, as a so-called app store server on the Internet. The computer or computer network can provide a processor circuit with at least one microprocessor.The program code may be provided as binary code or assembler and / or as source code of a programming language (e.g. C) and / or as a program script (e.g. Python).

[0049] An evaluation unit or computing unit can be understood, in particular, as a data processing device that contains a processing circuit. The computing unit can therefore, in particular, process data to perform computing operations. This may also include operations for performing indexed access to a data structure, for example, a look-up table (LUT).

[0050] The invention also includes further developments of the electronic transport information system according to the invention and the computer program according to the invention that have features already described in connection with the further developments of the method according to the invention. For this reason, the corresponding further developments of the electronic transport information system according to the invention and the computer program according to the invention are not described again here.

[0051] The invention also includes combinations of the features of the described embodiments.

[0052] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below. Shown are:

[0053] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary process for planning and, in particular, for checking a user's transport journey to a destination;

[0054] Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of the transport journey from a starting point to a destination using a transport information system.

[0055] The exemplary embodiments explained below are preferred exemplary embodiments of the invention. In the exemplary embodiments, the described components each represent individual, independently considered features of the invention, which also further develop the invention independently of one another and are thus also to be considered as components of the invention, either individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described exemplary embodiments can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described.

[0056] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0057] Fig. 1 shows an exemplary process or an exemplary embodiment of the method according to the invention for reviewing a transport journey 1 or the operation of an electronic transport information system 2 (see Fig. 2). With the aid of this transport information system 2, the transport journey 1 can be reviewed, administered, managed, monitored, planned, and / or generated.

[0058] With the transportation information system 2, and in particular with the aid of the method according to the invention, it is possible to reduce traffic volume, which is generally high in cities, and consequently also to alleviate the typically tense parking situation. Thus, a user 3 of the transportation trip 1 (see Fig. 2) in particular can be provided with a simple transportation option and, for example, a simpler parking search, so that the user can avoid a time-consuming and stressful parking search.

[0059] For example, the transportation information system 2 can intelligently link private transportation, public transportation, and / or innovative mobility-as-a-service offerings such as ride-hailing or ride-pooling. Thus, the proposed invention can link individual transportation, i.e., one's own travel behavior, with local public transportation and / or MaaS or TaaS offerings. In the above-mentioned

[0060] When choosing transport options, there's often the problem of having to use different booking portals, create separate accounts, store payment methods, and manage transfers. The Transportation Information System 2 can help with this.

[0061] With the help of the Transport Information System 2, an integrated use of individual transport with autonomous or manually operated vehicles, with local public transport and MaaS offers can be carried out or provided, taking into account travel time and planned arrival times, cost optimization, optimization of the transfer situation, navigation during the transfer situation, booking of the offer, confirmation of the offer.

[0062] In a first step S1, for example, a destination 4 (cf. Fig. 2) to be reached for the transport trip 1 can be made available or provided to the transport information system 2 as user input. The transport trip 1 can be carried out along a route 5 (cf. Fig. 2) from a starting point 6 (cf. Fig. 2) in the direction of the destination 4 using a vehicle 7 (cf. Fig. 2) of the user 3. In this case, the transport trip 1 can be carried out manually, partially autonomously, or fully autonomously using the vehicle 7. The destination 4 can be entered in the vehicle 7 or using a mobile device 8 (cf. Fig. 2), such as a smartphone or a tablet. The input can also be made using web applications or on a web portal. The input can be made as written input or using voice recognition.Furthermore, the travel time, i.e., the desired time and / or date, can be provided to the transport information system 2. Furthermore, a stay time at the destination 4 can be provided to the system 2. Step S1 can occur, in particular, prior to a possible transport trip or immediately before the start of the transport trip 1.

[0063] In an exemplary second step S2, an estimated arrival time at the destination 4 can be calculated. This can be done, for example, by an evaluation unit 9 (see Fig. 2) of the transportation information system 2. In particular, the arrival time or the estimated time of arrival (ETA) can be referred to as the target arrival time at the destination 4.

[0064] This target arrival time can be compared with the actual arrival time. The target arrival time can be calculated before the start of transport trip 1 based on route 5. The actual arrival time can be calculated using current and historical traffic data, such as estimated travel times.

[0065] In an optional third step S3, during the travel journey or transport journey 1, it can be determined, for example, whether a parking space 10 (see Fig. 2) or a parking option is available at the destination 4. For this purpose, the transport information system 2 can be used to search for the parking space 10. For this purpose, the transport information system 2 can be guided by swarm data. Thus, for example, the transport information system 2 has swarm intelligence. The swarm data can be a wide variety of data and / or information from a wide variety of road users, particularly in the area of ​​the destination 4.

[0066] Furthermore, the parking space 10 can be determined using camera-based detection of free parking spaces, such as at the side of the road. System 2 can use traffic data from traffic cameras or other detection systems, particularly in the area of ​​destination 4. Furthermore, historical data on parking space availability, occupancy information from parking garages, and swarm intelligence for camera-based detection of the display board for free parking spaces in parking garages or parking areas can be used to determine or verify parking availability. Image recognition or image analysis can be used in particular here. Based on other vehicles, particularly in the vicinity of destination 4, environmental information from these other vehicles, detected, for example, using car-to-car communication or other communication channels, can be made available to the transportation information system 2.Furthermore, cost information can be retrieved based on historical data, publicly available data, such as public parking rates. This can also be taken into account when searching for parking space 10 or a parking option, since, for example, user 3 can specify that parking space 10 may not exceed a certain cost limit. For example, a CRAWLER-based query of parking garage operator websites can provide additional data to transportation information system 2. The information or calculated information regarding the parking situation can be fed into the route planning of route 5, for example for a navigation system, and corresponding routes with regard to destination 4 and parking space 10 can also be provided. This data can be used, for example, to make a more precise prediction of the actual arrival time.This can be updated continuously during transport trip 1.

[0067] In an optional fourth step S4, a time and / or cost optimization or a time and / or cost estimation of the transport trip 1 can be performed. This can take into account, on the one hand, the estimated arrival time at the destination 4 and the information regarding the cost of a parking space, the parking situation, the existing route section still to be traveled, and / or other information regarding the transport trip 1 and, above all, the destination 4. For example, a comparison of the target arrival time, including the theoretical arrival time, with the actual arrival time can be performed. Thus, it can be checked or determined whether, for example, a delay or a time lag exists.

[0068] If, during the review or during the time and cost optimization, it is determined that the arrival at destination 4 has a time delay which, for example, exceeds specified limits or exceeds a cost framework with regard to reaching destination 4 and / or parking costs, the system can, for example, search for alternative offers.

[0069] For this purpose, a comparison of alternative offers can be carried out in an optional fifth step S5. In this case, alternative transport journeys using alternative means of transport to vehicle 1, such as local public transport or long-distance transport, can be determined using the alternative offers. In this case, transport offers from local public transport can be requested via the transport information system 2. Furthermore, ride-sharing offers or ride-hailing offers can be requested. Other transport modes can also be requested. In this case, price information, departure times and the arrival locations or destinations are requested for the respective alternative offers. Furthermore, in the event that such an alternative offer is taken up, corresponding transfer options from vehicle 7 to this alternative offer can be requested here.

[0070] The requests for alternative offers in the fifth step S5 can either be carried out after step S3, in which parking options are searched for and their costs analyzed. Another possibility is that steps S3 and S5 are carried out synchronously or simultaneously, so that, in addition to the checking, alternatives can already be searched for, in order to be able to offer an alternative to user 3 as quickly as possible if needed.

[0071] In the aforementioned fourth step S4, in which time and cost optimization can be performed, time and cost optimization can be performed, taking into account steps S3 and S5, using additional transport modes, such as public transport, ride-hailing systems, and / or ride-pooling systems. Here, the transportation information system 2 calculates alternative combinations of route, travel time, and travel costs using the other transport modes. System 2 uses automated interfaces, such as those provided by public transport operators, or uses a CRAWLER-based query of the planning portals of the providers of alternative transport options. The travel information, such as departure time and travel duration, is supplemented with cost information as well as the current parking or stopping situation.

[0072] In an optional sixth step S6, an alternative offer can be calculated. In particular, a delta of the costs of the car journey with the vehicle 7 and for using other modes of transport can be calculated. In particular, depending on the comparison in terms of costs and in particular the comparison between the target arrival time and the actual arrival time, an alternative transport journey 11 (cf. Fig. 2) using an alternative means of transport 12 (cf. Fig. 2) is determined. The current position 13 (cf. Fig. 2) of the vehicle 7 can always be taken into account, so that no major delays or detours can occur. Thus, a cost delta and / or a time delta between the use of the own vehicle 7 and the use of the alternative means of transport 12 can be calculated.

[0073] Based on the information and / or data already described in a variety of ways, one or more alternative offers, such as the alternative transport journey 11, can be presented or offered to the user 3. This alternative transport journey 11, for example, which can be undertaken by rail, train, or ride-sharing, can be offered to the user 3 for selection via an electronic output unit 14 (see Fig. 2). For example, the output is provided via the electronic output unit 14 as the mobile terminal 8 of the user 3. The output can also be provided on an infotainment system as the electronic output unit 13 in the vehicle 7.

[0074] In an optional seventh step S7, the user can decide whether to use the suggested alternative means of transport 12 for the remaining route 5 to destination 4. If not, user 3 can again specify to search for another alternative means of transport. User s can also decide to continue the remaining route to destination 4 using transport trip 1 with their vehicle 7.

[0075] If user 3 confirms the alternative transportation trip 11, a booking or reservation of the alternative transportation trip 11 with the alternative means of transportation 12 can be made in an optional eighth step S8. This can primarily be done automatically or in an automated manner in the background by the evaluation unit 9, for example. For example, a public transport ticket can be booked or a ride-hailing offer can be booked or reserved for user 3.

[0076] In an optional ninth step S9, a transfer point 15 (cf. Fig. 2) or a stopping point or a parking space can be determined for changing from the vehicle 7 to the alternative means of transport 12. For this purpose, the current position 13 of the vehicle 7 and the currently available route of route 5 are taken into account, so that the transfer point 15 to the alternative means of transport 12 can be kept as efficient and simple as possible for the user 3. Furthermore, the distance still to be covered starting from the transfer point 15 or the remaining route of route 5 still to be covered can be calculated. In addition, the transport information system 2 can continuously calculate the current arrival time or actual arrival time at the destination 4. For this purpose, both the movement with the vehicle 7 and the movement with the additional means of transport 12 can be taken into account as a reference.In particular, immediately before reaching the transfer point 15 or before participating in or using the alternative means of transport 12, it can be checked whether the alternative transport trip 11 can still be carried out. For example, it can be checked whether there is still sufficient time, starting from the current position 13 of the vehicle 7, to be able to transfer to the additional means of transport 12 in time. If this is no longer possible, a continuous search for further alternative transport options can be carried out and again offered to the user 3.

[0077] When the user 3 has now reached the transfer point 15, a handover to a mobile device of the user 3 can take place, for example in an optional tenth step S10, i.e. upon arrival at the transfer point between the vehicle and the means of transport 12.

[0078] In a subsequent optional eleventh step S11, the user 3 can be navigated from the transfer point 15 to the means of transport 12, in particular by means of their mobile device. In particular, a parking option or parking space can be provided to the user 3 beforehand at the transfer point 15. From this parking space, the user 3 can in turn be navigated to the means of transport 12. In this case, the user 3 can also be provided with precise information about the means of transport 12, such as the precise route from the parking space to the platform of an S-Bahn (urban train) train, real-time information on the arrival of the S-Bahn (urban train), and the direction of the train. In an optional twelfth step S12, relevant information about the journey, such as journey duration and estimated arrival time as well as disembarkation point, can be presented or output to the user 3 upon execution of the alternative transport journey 11.Upon arrival at the desired exit point, should this not correspond to the destination 4, the user 3 can again be provided with navigation information or navigation data from this exit point to the desired destination 4 in an optional thirteenth step S13.

[0079] With the transportation information system 2 according to the invention, a wide variety of passenger transportation services or providers can be intelligently brought together by continuously checking the transportation journey 1 for alternatives. With the help of the transportation information system 2, a wide variety of travel planning and booking portals from a wide variety of providers or different modes of transport can be compared. Furthermore, a navigation system can store "points of interest," such as park and ride parking spaces, which can be used for transferring to public transport. This can be taken into account when providing the transfer point 15.

[0080] In particular, the present invention describes a system with the aid of the transportation information system 2 that enables the customer of a vehicle or autonomous vehicle to combine or optimize their arrival at the destination 4 by combining the vehicle 7 with other modes of transport, such as public transport or ride-hailing or ride-pooling services. It accompanies the customer from the planning of the trip or transport journey 1 to arrival at the destination 4 and automatically handles the booking of tickets, compares these with the costs of the vehicle 7, and thus creates time and cost optimization. Dynamic adaptation and optimization take place based on the real-time situation during the transport journey 11 or the subsequent alternative transport journey 11.

[0081] In particular, with the aid of the transport information system 2, a dynamic replanning of a transport trip 11 that has already begun can be carried out. For this purpose, the current parking situation at the destination 4 can be continuously queried in order to determine the actual arrival time more precisely. Time and cost optimization can be improved by querying alternative offers. The search for a parking space can take a certain amount of time, so this can be solved with the aid of the present invention, and time can be optimized by using alternative offers. Thus, the customer or user 3 saves time by recommending the alternative transport trip 11, in particular when no parking spaces are available at the destination 4 and when using the other means of transport 12 is faster or more efficient.To this end, system 2 uses combinations of various data or input variables to comprehensively and continuously reassess the situation in order to react accordingly. For example, an automated booking of the corresponding means of transport 12 can be performed. Furthermore, with the help of artificial intelligence, such as a neural network, a continuous learning process or improvement of the transport information system 2 can be achieved. For example, machine learning units can be used for this purpose. List of reference symbols.

[0082] Transport trip

[0083] Transport information system users

[0084] Destination

[0085] route

[0086] Starting point

[0087] Vehicle mobile device

[0088] Evaluation unit Parking option Alternative transport journey Alternative means of transport Current position of the vehicle Electronic output unit Transfer point

[0089] S13 first to thirteenth step

Claims

Patent claims 1. A method for checking a transport journey (1) of a user (3), wherein - the transport journey (1) is carried out along a route (5) from a starting point (6) towards a destination (4) with a vehicle (7) of the user (3), - with an electronic evaluation unit (9) a target arrival time at the destination (4) is determined on the basis of the route (5), characterized in that - depending on a current position (13) of the vehicle (7) during the transport journey (1), an actual arrival time is determined by the evaluation unit (9), - the evaluation unit (9) compares the target arrival time with the actual arrival time, - depending on the comparison carried out and on the current position (13) of the vehicle (7), an alternative transport journey (11) with a means of transport (12) alternative to the vehicle (7) of the user (3), with which the destination (4) can be reached depending on the current position (13) of the vehicle (7), is determined by the evaluation unit (9), and - the alternative transport journey (11) with the alternative means of transport (12) is offered to the user 3) for selection using an electronic output unit (14).

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that depending on the current position (13) and the route (5), a transfer point (15) at which the user (3) can transfer to the alternative means of transport (12) is determined by the evaluation unit (9), in particular a parking possibility at the transfer point (15) for the vehicle (7) of the user (3) is determined.

3. Method according to claim 2, characterized in that a current position of the alternative means of transport (12) and / or a route of a route of the alternative means of transport (12) and / or of potential stopping positions of the alternative means of transport (12) and / or a distance between the vehicle (7) and the alternative means of transport (12) are additionally taken into account when determining the transfer point (15), in particular the route (5) of the vehicle (7) and a route of the alternative means of transport (12) are coordinated with one another.

4. Method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that before the transfer point (15) is immediately reached, an availability of the alternative means of transport (12) of the alternative transport journey (11) is determined, and if the alternative means of transport (12) is not available, a further alternative means of transport and / or a further alternative transport journey is determined and / or the transport journey (1) is continued with the vehicle (7) in the direction of the destination (4).

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a result of the comparison carried out, in particular a target-actual comparison, is compared with a predetermined threshold value by the evaluation unit (9), wherein the alternative transport journey (11) is determined if the threshold value is exceeded.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an availability of a parking space (10) for the vehicle (7) of the user (3) at the destination (4) at the actual arrival time is checked by the evaluation unit (9), wherein the checked availability of the parking space (10) is taken into account when determining the alternative transport journey (11).

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the evaluation unit (9) determines the actual arrival time on the basis of historical and / or current traffic data, and / or a current traffic situation in the vicinity of the destination (4), and / or information from other road users, in particular the evaluation unit (9) on the basis of information at least one transport provider determines the alternative transport journey (11).

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that immediately after selection of the alternative transport journey (11) by the user (3), the alternative means of transport (12) is booked for the user (3) by the evaluation unit (9), in particular a navigation route is determined from the current position (13) of the vehicle (7) to a position of the alternative means of transport (12).

9. Electronic transport information system (2) with an evaluation unit (9), wherein the electronic transport information system (2) is designed to carry out a method according to one of claims 1 to 8.

10. A computer program which can be loaded directly into a memory of a control device of an electronic transport information system (2) according to claim 9, with program means for carrying out the steps of the method according to one of claims 1 to 8 when the program is executed in the control device of the electronic transport information system (2).

Images